-Pocket Watch- still bank c. 20th century

This is a still bank, or child's money box, made to look like a gold pocket watch by an anonymous maker. What strikes me first is the surface, it’s shiny, worn, and inviting to touch. The gold makes it precious, but the damage suggests it has been used and loved. When I look closely, the details reveal themselves. The surface of the watch is covered with an ornate design of swirling leaves. The artist has captured the essence of organic forms, transforming them into something both decorative and pleasing. The leaves seem to grow and evolve across the surface, creating a dynamic sense of movement. The blank space at the center of this decoration brings a curious focal point; perhaps this is where the owner’s initials may have gone? The piece reminds me of the work of Joseph Cornell who also found value in small, everyday objects. Like Cornell, this anonymous artist transforms the mundane into something extraordinary, prompting us to find beauty in the most unexpected places.