I found this special box in Great Barrington, Ma, and think the wonderful Scherenschnitte cut paper decoupage on the lid is either New England or Pennsylvania in origin, and likely dates to the mid 19th century. There may be some loss but not a lot; among the finely cut images are swans swimming and a variety of other birds, including an eagle with spread wings holding either a snake or banner in its beak. At the center, surrounded by figures with birds perched on their hands and more birds carrying wreaths, is what looks to be a funerary urn with weeping willow overhead, together with a cemetery about making me think perhaps this box once held momentos of a deceased loved one, or ones. I have never seen another quite like it, and find the combination of intricacy and subtly quite exquisite.

12 1/2” x 8” d x 4 14” t . Photos do this no justice; it has quite a wonderful presence, with its age and the care taken in the individual paper cuttings quite palpable. Very good antique condition, with one small repair to a split at one hinge, visible just from the back and stable now.