Many of these old turned and painted wooden apples--made in Japan for the Western market-- housed roulette style horse racing games and the like, which these two may have, but both now are empty. I have found early examples of these that date to the late 19th century and I believe the larger of the two, which is unmarked, may be that old--it is the real stunner of this pair (though both are lovely). The smaller is marked Japan on the interior and I might guess 1920s-30s though I am not completely certain. The smaller nests nicely inside the larger, though who would ever want to hide these!? Terrific gifts for the apple of one's eye--or one's favorite teacher!
Larger measures 3 3/4" tall x 3 1/2" in diameter. Smaller measures 2 3/4" tall x 2 5/8" in diameter. Both are in very good condition, with minor scuffs and dings here and there and a bit of paint loss on the underside of the red apple. Sold as a pair.
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