-Disappearing Coin Money Box- still bank c. 1850

This still bank box, of unknown date, was crafted by an anonymous artist. Its square form, rendered in stained wood, presents a study in simple geometry and material presence. The box is divided into two distinct registers, an upper section with a protruding drawer, and a lower section with a smooth surface. The wood grain, visible through the stain, adds texture and depth. This formal division creates a sense of order, yet the imperfect craftsmanship introduces a human element, hinting at the object's functional purpose. Considered structurally, this bank challenges notions of value and security. The "disappearing coin" element suggests an engagement with semiotics, where the visible and tangible are questioned. The object becomes a signifier of economic anxieties, reflecting broader societal themes of wealth and ephemerality. It destabilizes the presumed stability associated with money, prompting reflection on its fluid and transient nature.