American Folk Art Carved and Lacquered Wood Lidded Tobacco Box, c. 1970

This American folk art lidded tobacco box is crafted from carved and lacquered wood. Measuring approximately 5.625 inches in height and 6.75 inches in diameter, the object exhibits an organic, rounded form decorated with intricate carvings across every surface.

The aesthetic is whimsical, featuring textured, carved relief patterns that encompass both text and pictorial elements. The box features the incised inscription "let your troubles end in smoke" circling the body. Additional design details include a carved monogram on the top lid reading "ABC" and a signature incised on the underside of the base reading "CDEM." The piece showcases a dark, rich finish typical of lacquered wood objects of its period, with a tactile surface that highlights the artisanal hand-carving techniques employed in its creation.

Its construction allows it to function as a container, historically utilized for tobacco storage, reflecting the stylized folk art sensibilities prevalent in the United States during the 1970s.