Antique Wire Hinged Box Stenciled with Monogram and Black ceramic slab pot and repaired cracks to one

and repaired cracks to one area on one side of the exterior

how the top of her parasol is not painted at all

Figures measure approx 2" t

it is clear that a photographer's mat once overlaid this just framing the face and upper body of the child

Antique Wire Hinged Box Stenciled with Monogram and Black ceramic slab pot and repaired cracks to oneTo my eye quite a beautiful antique primitive box, early 19th century or so, I presume, with wire hinges and original latch, which has clearly been latched many times as it has traced a a perfect arc on the lid following its trail. Both short ends are stencil painted "black" perhaps indicating it once held black tea? (I first though perhaps boot black, but the interior is clean, so think tea might make more sense, or something else entirely? With the