Fairy Box Appraisal

Hand-Tooled Leather Fairy Trinket Box

This is a hand-tooled leather trinket box or small storage container, characterized by its unique curved, almost kidney-bean or elliptical shape when viewed from above. The primary material appears to be dyed leather, possibly vegetable-tanned, which has been artfully tooled and painted. The dominant color of the leather body is a deep, rich purple or plum hue. The lid of the box features a prominent, colorful illustration of a seated fairy or sprite. The fairy has flowing orange hair, a light-colored complexion, and is depicted wearing a vibrant, multi-toned dress or drapery that transitions from orange to yellow. Her butterfly-like wings show a similar gradient of warm colors, from orange to yellow. The tooling defines the fairy's outline and internal details, giving it a relief-like quality. The colors applied to the fairy appear to be dyes or paints that have soaked into the leather, creating a permanent design. The construction suggests a solid, possibly wooden, core veneered or covered in leather, or it could be formed entirely from hardened, shaped leather. The bottom edge features a sliding drawer mechanism, evidenced by the small, spherical, blue-grey knob used to pull it open. The surface of the leather itself exhibits a smooth, slightly glossy finish, indicating a protective sealant has been applied. There are no immediately visible major condition issues such as cracks, significant scratches, or peeling, though minor surface wear consistent with handling might be present upon closer inspection. The craftsmanship appears to be of good quality, with careful attention to detail in the tooling and coloring. The style points towards a fantasy or whimsical art aesthetic, likely contemporary or early 21st century, given the vibrancy of the dyes and the clean execution.