Finely Carved Antique Double Ball in Cage Architectural Standing Whimsy sculptural planter 8 1/8" t x 4

8 1/8" t x 4 5/8" w x 5 1/2" d

with 2 full decks of cards plus jokers

I've looked at enough of these carved Inuit figures to feel pretty confident that he dates to the late 19th century or so

and I always think some blank space to one side on these old rppcs makes them better

Perhaps it was made to be an ashtray

Finely Carved Antique Double Ball in Cage Architectural Standing Whimsy sculptural planter 8 1/8" t x 4Very rare that I come across a whimsy as fancy and skillfully carved as this one, which I know was found in Minneapolis, but which I might guess, based on the manner of hard wood and manner of carving is British, though I don't know for sure. Whatever the case, 19th century I do believe, and quite finely done, all from one piece of wood, with two perfectly round balls in thin walled cages, the top one stepping back a bit from the one below, and two