This evocative pair of early American wooden dice exemplifies the quiet beauty of utilitarian objects shaped by long use. Hand-carved from solid hardwood, each die displays deeply recessed pips and softly rounded edges, the result of decades of handling and wear. The surface retains a rich, untouched patina with subtle variations in color and texture that speak to age, authenticity, and repeated use.
Unlike later factory-made examples, these dice were individually fashioned, their slight irregularities lending a distinctly human quality. Objects of this type were commonly associated with taverns, gaming tables, and informal social settings in 18th and early 19th century America, where such pieces were used until worn smooth and familiar.
Today, early wooden dice survive far less frequently than their bone or ivory counterparts, particularly in matched pairs. Their bold, graphic form and sculptural presence make them highly appealing to collectors of early Americana, folk art, and primitive objects alike.
Dimensions:
Each die measures approximately 3 inches square.
Condition:
Very good antique condition, with pronounced surface wear consistent with age and use. Softened edges, surface abrasions, and darkened patina throughout; no repairs or restorations.
Provenance:
From a private Virginia collection