c1900 Book Facade with Glass Decanter and Tumblers

Description

A book facade, made to appear as a book from 1572, but actually a cleverly disguised box containing five small glass tumblers and a glass decanter. This book facade seems to be made from paper boards covered in cloth, and then a layer of papier-mâché, which has then been painted. The spine has been painted to appear like leather, with four raised bands. The front board contains raised decorations and the painted date '1572'. A fake seal made from wood, and tied to a cloth ribbon, is attached to the bottom edge. A board to the inside of the book facade displays a reproduction of a painting, perhaps depicting Paul the Apostle. Neatly contained inside the book facade are five small glass tumblers and a small glass decanter with a glass stopper, with wooden apparatus to keep them held in place. Lacking the sixth glass tumbler. Undated.