Early nineteenth century scratch carved box in the form of a book

Early nineteenth century scratch carved box in the form of a book.

I believe this charming piece of naive folk art was hand carved at the beginning of the nineteenth century, though it may be considerably older, since “Book” boxes are well documented in the seventeenth century and as a design carried on until well into the nineteenth. This is a particularly well carved example with a sliding lid. It has the date 1864 inscribed inside, though I do not believe this to have anything to do with the year of its production. The box has a particularly good colour and patination.

This fine scratch carved box is 9.5cm long, 5cm wide and stands 2.2cm high. (Measurements approximate). It is in excellent condition, showing only light wear appropriate to its age and some shrinkage of the wood, making the lid a little loose. It has no damage and no restoration.