Antique Wire Hinged Box Stenciled with Monogram and Black ceramic slab pot how the top of her

how the top of her parasol is not painted at all

though I can't say for certain

made by sponging

and she's considering their future there

A little crazing to the glaze

Antique Wire Hinged Box Stenciled with Monogram and Black ceramic slab pot how the top of herTo my eye quite a beautiful antique primitive box, early 19th century or so, I presume, with wire hinges and original latch, which has clearly been latched many times as it has traced a a perfect arc on the lid following its trail. Both short ends are stencil painted "black" perhaps indicating it once held black tea? (I first though perhaps boot black, but the interior is clean, so think tea might make more sense, or something else entirely? With the