Marvelous Antique Folk Art Wooden House (Bank) with Alligator Paint shadow puppet with snake Ritter's expressionistic treatment of which

Ritter's expressionistic treatment of which I find potent and poignant and tender

super art deco step back form

These signed pieces date to sometime between the 17th and 19th century

NY--intended as teaching toys

presumed antique condition

Marvelous Antique Folk Art Wooden House (Bank) with Alligator Paint shadow puppet with snake Ritter's expressionistic treatment of whichThe challenge with this wonderful house is deciding which side to face front; there are strong arguments in all directions! With a slot cut under one arching window on one of the short sides, my guess is that a father or grandfather made this one as a coin bank for a child, though with no floor I'd guess the money inserted didn't stay there for long! Clearly tons of love was put into this, with wooden frames around each silver painted window,