Hutch still bank c. early 20th century

This "Hutch still bank", was made of wood, by an anonymous artist at an unknown date. It is currently located at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. The whole piece is so tactile and has a great patina, but the first thing that grabs me is the faux lattice-work on the cabinet doors. These decorative shapes remind me of the art of someone like Paul Klee, in their construction of geometric forms. It's like the maker was trying to create a fancy facade, but with basic materials and techniques. The flags painted on the glass behind the lattice, are really charming and they show a playful disregard for the rules of perspective. I can imagine the artist carefully carving each element, probably without formal training, but with a clear vision. This feels like folk art, in the best way. The use of thin paint layers, mostly in the brown and red range, creates a warmth. But it's the little imperfections and asymmetries, that give the object its real character. It's like a conversation between the maker and the materials, that embraces accident and improvisation.