Brown Monkey on Tree Stump Porcelain Limoges Box

Perched on top of an old tree stump, a brown monkey takes a breather and seems to survey the room from his post. The whole scene is a hand-painted porcelain Limoges box, shaped and finished by hand in Limoges, France.

Monkey Business on a Stump

Part of the fun here is the pairing of a lively animal with such a plain, sturdy seat. The stump gives the piece its base, and the monkey sitting on top turns a simple woodland shape into a small character study. Because the color is brushed on by hand, each finished box carries its own slight differences.

Swinging Into the Jungle Shelf

• Hand-painted porcelain from Limoges, France
• A natural member of a monkey, jungle or zoo animal grouping
• Looks right next to elephant, giraffe and parrot pieces

A Grin for the Bookcase

Give it to the friend who has always been called a little monkey, a zookeeper or safari traveler, or anyone born in the Year of the Monkey. It also suits a birthday for someone who spends weekends at the zoo with a camera.

At eye level on a bookcase or curio shelf, the monkey has a way of catching the attention of guests, who tend to pick it up for a closer look. Set it among books on travel or wildlife and it becomes a quiet conversation starter in a study or den.