-Toy Blocks- nesting set of four still bank c. late 19th century

This charming nested set of four still banks was crafted by an anonymous artist, presenting a playful blend of education and design. The boxes feature birds and verses, creating a tactile, visual poem. The formal structure of the nesting set is intriguing; each cube fits neatly inside the other, a study in dimensional relationships and hierarchical scale. Notice the flat, graphic style of the illustrations that wrap around each box. The use of color is muted, dominated by earthy tones that evoke a sense of nostalgia. The typography complements the design, contributing to a sense of order. The visual and textual elements coalesce to form a semiotic system, where each bird, verse, and the very act of saving become signifiers. Together, the components do not simply represent childhood innocence, but construct it. The nesting set offers a tangible representation of the cultural values instilled in children, inviting us to consider how play shapes identity.