Charmer of a Old Folk Art Box with Carved Cat on Top and Figures at Corners mid-century modern I can't get enough of

I can't get enough of these old painted wooden cutouts--I just love the combination of graphic silhouette and weathered surface

and what a great tree I think it is

with small chips the marble along one edge and one corner as documented

Great old red paint on the lid

I'd guess it was used a cigarette case

Charmer of a Old Folk Art Box with Carved Cat on Top and Figures at Corners mid-century modern I can't get enough ofThe cat (lioness?) carved atop this box sold me on it at once, then I noticed the carved figural columns at the front corners icing on top! (or icing on the corners, as the case may be!) As folky as it gets, total delight. Looks like there was once an escutcheon plate over the keyhole at front, long gone, as is the key that might have locked it, but seems this lounging feline is poised to pounce on an intruder as needed! American, c. 1920s 40s I would