Box 1775 - 1820

This painted box was made in Pennsylvania by Christian Selzer, sometime between 1777 and 1800. Boxes such as this one were often made for young women, to hold precious personal items. Selzer was part of a vibrant community of artisans in Pennsylvania, which was home to a diverse population of German immigrants. These immigrants brought with them a rich tradition of folk art. The motifs on the box feature potted tulips. Floral designs were common and often reflected the cultural aesthetics and values of the community. Boxes like this one represent more than mere storage. They can tell us about women's roles, the importance of community, and the blending of cultural traditions in early America. The painted tulips, while decorative, root the box in the lives, hopes, and experiences of the women who owned them.