-Frogs at Play- mechanical bank c. 1950s

This tin mechanical bank, “Frogs at Play”, its maker unknown, presents a whimsical tableau of amphibian amusement, rendered with bright, flat colors on a rectangular structure. The vibrant greens, oranges and blues evoke a playful, storybook quality. The composition divides the bank into distinct visual fields. On one side, a frog serenades by the waterside, while the front features another frog ascending a ladder, towards a coin slot. This design underscores a narrative structure, suggesting both leisure and goal-oriented activity, linking play with the accumulation of wealth. The artist uses line and color to create a sense of depth, albeit in a stylized manner. The contrast between the static background and the dynamic, three-dimensional frog adds a layer of visual interest. Ultimately, the bank's appeal lies in its ability to merge aesthetic enjoyment with functionality, revealing how even the most mundane objects can be imbued with narrative and symbolic meaning.