Handsome Antique Cricket Stool in Black Paint 1930s Russian stacking toy but very pretty

but very pretty

of a relatively rare small size

with a great deal of effort invested in decorative carving on the long sides--cross hatching on one and a more complex pattern of chip carving on the other

dried peppers

Handsome Antique Cricket Stool in Black Paint 1930s Russian stacking toy but very prettyTwo antique stools this week, which make it a good week in my book; good old primitive stools seem to have become more and more precious, and no great mystery why! Found in MA, 2nd half 19th c. I believe, nice clean lines, and old black painted surface that makes it feel as well suited to serve as a pedestal for contemporary things as for folky old ones. Infinitely useful. 11 1 8 x 7 3 4 x 7 1 8 tall and in good condition, solid and sturdy, and heavy