Hand-painted Qajar Lacquer Box with Chaugun (Polo) Players paint decorated I'm always on the lookout

I'm always on the lookout for object that might inspire creativity

I’d put a hook on the back and hang it on the wall

reveal so much about the times--in this case with the penmanship phrases seeming to reflect the Second Great Awakening

but even better when housed in this great looking old slide top box with "Stencil Outfit" stenciled on the lid

Hand-painted Qajar Lacquer Box with Chaugun (Polo) Players paint decorated I'm always on the lookoutSo many lovely boxes in the world. This one is Persian, and I believe specifically Qajar period (1789 to 1925), late 19th c. or so I believe. Hand painted on lacquered papier mache, one might first think the painting on the lid depicts a battle scene, but in fact these men on horseback are playing "Chaugan," more commonly known as polo, which is believe to have originated in ancient Persia thousands of years ago; look closely and you can see they hold