1906 Artist Signed Porcelain Match Box Holder / Ashtray

Charming hand-painted match holder and ashtray signed and dated by the artist, "M. B. Knowlton, 1906". It is believed to be the work of well-known artist, Maud Briggs Knowlton, (1870-1956) who began her carrier as a china painter, later became a recognized watercolorist, and one of the first females to serve as Director of a major American art museum. There is an excellent article on her life and work, dated 6/25/19, in the publication, Antiques & the Arts Weekly. and another in the Autumn 2019 issue of Antiques & Fine Art magazine.

This piece features on one face a Dutch girl in traditional clothing standing canal-side with the scene continuing round the sides to the other face showing a windmill along the same waterway. The quality of the painted images is exquisite.

Dimensions:  5.5ʺD × 3.5ʺH.

Excellent condition -- vibrant colors, no chips, no crazing, no cracks. The photo has some shadows and irregularities in the green base that are photographic reflections not actual flaws in the piece.

Free local pickup; otherwise shipped via economical parcel delivery.