Sensitive Old Low Relief Carving of World Wise Looking Woman French drawing which was used on items

which was used on items imported by Ebeling & Reuss of Philadelphia—combining the E and R of Ebeling and Reuss with “Philia” of Philadelphia

I'm more or less certain the set is 19th century German

which is about the right size to hold a rolled up note to self for safekeeping

and seem in generally good structural condition

Wijk aan Zee and Zandvoort

Sensitive Old Low Relief Carving of World Wise Looking Woman French drawing which was used on itemsI read this figure as a woman, and what first came to my mind when I saw it was Willa Cather's My Antonia, or perhaps a character from Steinbeck, persevering with grace and determination through one trial after another. She looks a bit weary for sure, but to me like quite a force, and I find this carving beautifully tender and nuanced and honest of the sort that might offer a feeling of kinship when things feel pretty tough! 6 13 16" x 5 1 8" x 7 8"