Terrific Old Cream Painted Ball in Cage Whimsy with Finial penguin box for all of the reasons

for all of the reasons this wonderful--Victorian era I believe--reverse glass painting captures

The figure to me has a bit of the feel of Adam in the Garden of Eden

I've looked and looked

painted on linen gauze

though possibly 1887) at bottom

Terrific Old Cream Painted Ball in Cage Whimsy with Finial penguin box for all of the reasonsThis is definitely among my favorite whimsies I've had in the shop wonderful form with tiered finial the topper of which almost feels like a fisted hand softened with age and wear; terrific old cream colored paint, and just a great presence. Late 19th early 20th century I believe, with some paint loss, which I think just makes it better. 4 7 8" t x 1 1 2".