Blind Old Wooden Cutout Folk Art Dog 19th century engraved book woven with wool on wool

woven with wool on wool I believe

including at the Art Institute of Chicago

On the underside of the pocket its maker carved their initials and the year

The box measures 7" diameter and 3" tall overall

and the sides are joined by tiny brass nails

Blind Old Wooden Cutout Folk Art Dog 19th century engraved book woven with wool on woolWhat a strange one! I have to think perhaps abandoned before completion, or made by someone who had an unusual perspective on where a dogs eye might go! Whatever the case, I really love the rather surrealistic result. 12 inches tall, 3 4" thick, painted essentially the same on both sides, and in perfectly aged condition, with assorted scuffs and scrapes all to the good. And with a handy eye hook at top for hanging.