Painted Box Appraisal

Hand-Painted Floral Wooden Lidded Box by Shulco

This is a hand-painted wooden lidded box, featuring a rounded, shallow form. The primary material appears to be a light-colored wood, possibly a type of pine or a similar light hardwood, given its visible grain patterns and yellowish hue. The construction consists of a separate base and a lid. The lid is adorned with a vibrant floral pattern, hand-painted in shades of blue, purple, pink, and green, depicting what appear to be pansies or similar blossoms with dark centers and lighter petals. The painting exhibits a folk art style, with visible brushstrokes indicating its handmade nature. A small, rounded wooden knob serves as the finial for the lid, coordinating with the natural wood tone of the box. The body of the box and the underside of the lid show natural wood tones with slight variations in color due to the wood grain. There are no visible chips or major damages, suggesting good to excellent overall condition, as noted by the user. The surface has a subtle sheen, likely from a protective finish, which also contributes to its smooth appearance. The 'He ho A Mano' inscription, meaning 'Hecho a Mano' or 'Made by Hand' in Spanish, further emphasizes its artisanal origin. The signature 'Shulco' indicates a specific artist, which is a valuable detail for identification and provenance. Given the description of 'Mexican pottery' from the user, it is possible this piece, while appearing to be wood, is actually a type of highly polished and painted gourd or a ceramic piece made to mimic wood, though the visible grain strongly suggests wood. The style of painting and the 'Hecho a Mano' inscription are consistent with traditional Mexican folk art, suggesting an origin from Mexico and a likely mid-to-late 20th-century or early 21st-century production period. The quality of craftsmanship is good, with clear execution of the painted design and well-fitting components.