Graduated Old Set of Round Tin Cutters in Tin Case 1880s painting including for the sense of

including for the sense of mystery induced by that out of focus rectangle in the background

which I think just makes them better

I am pretty certain this one is Chinese

I have learned that boxes like this were made to house Mahjong sets

seems like wise words to me (I love the phrase "train up"--and applicable to the raising of beloved pets

Graduated Old Set of Round Tin Cutters in Tin Case 1880s painting including for the sense ofI find myself buying tins of nesting cookie biscuit cutters whenever I come across them, just so formally satisfying, and useful in all sorts of way (using as stencil of sorts, say, or for for cutting clay or wax as well as dough.) These in their original tin with tight fitting lid. Tin 4 5 8" d x 1 7 16"t. Good antique condition, with one loose end as pictured.