Harlequin Patterned, Hand-painted, Lined Antique Wooden Box with Handwritten Inscription 19th c watercolor She won't quite stand steady

She won't quite stand steady on her own but a bit of wax under her feet would do it

with a great patina and wonderfully

Better in person

though I am really not sure about the drawing

Harlequin Patterned, Hand-painted, Lined Antique Wooden Box with Handwritten Inscription 19th c watercolor She won't quite stand steadyA whole lot of love and care went into the creation of this little box, from the harlequin patterning on all four sides (carved then painted rather than inlaid), to the roses and vines painted on the lid, to the turning arm with arrow pointer that would have (it no longer holds tension) made it open like a puzzle box, to the pretty fabric lining on the interior. And, finally, a handwritten inscription on the underside: "Forget me not forget me never