Plumes and Crayons 19th C. French Lacquered Pen and Pencil Box large bowl "If a barrel of beer

"If a barrel of beer be sufficient to let a family of 7 persons 12 days

I'm not sure what this treen canister was made to hold

I believe this piece is a fairly early Creative Playthings design

*Among the events at the first Party of Life

Plumes and Crayons 19th C. French Lacquered Pen and Pencil Box large bowl "If a barrel of beerThis box is enough to make me want to start writing with a fountain penso lovely and transportive, and right in keeping with my obsession with 19th century penmanship! Mid 19th century I I believe, definitely French, and made of papier mache lacquered black with gold, deep red and rose colored details. Three compartments inside for pencils, pens, and nibs, and a long piano hinge to the lid. Super. 8 7 8 x 2 1 4 x 1 3 16 t and in very good