Lovely Antique Double Sided Decorative Motif Carving "Sampler" Signed Upton the archer though it is rather hard

though it is rather hard to make out

likely early 20th century

I'll never pass by an antique Burmese lacquer betel box if I can afford it--which increasingly I can't

I'm always rather amazed by the colors of mallards to begin with

Lovely Antique Double Sided Decorative Motif Carving "Sampler" Signed Upton the archer though it is rather hardNeedlepoint samplers, darning samplers, penmanship samplers and carving samplers too! I presume this block of wood, with a variety of carved motifs on both sides, was made for practice, perhaps in advance of a specific project, though perhaps more just a showcase of skills. Better in hand and equally good on both sides I think, with a really nice warm dry patina to the wood. Signed (incised) UPTON along the top edge on one side. Early 20th century I