An early wooden footed nut bowl in original as-descended surface.
Constructed of lathe turned ash wood. The body is turned of wonderfully grown white ash wood and elaborately turned conforming to stylistic design of its time. A gentle upturned lip crowning a generously sized and bulbous body is indicative of 18th c. turnings. The addition of a prominent and triple stepped turned base reinforces its age.
The underside bears witness to several small holes for which this nut bowl was attached to a foundation. Shoplifting and theft by the end of the 18th c. had become increasingly widespread. The practice of nailing pieces of value to tables or counters became reasonably common. This nut bowl endured that practice and was likely nailed to the top of a table for theft prevention.
Remains in overall good condition with minor shrinkage being expected of age and retains superb surface characteristics. Displays boldly with excellent color and visual representation of history. 
Virginia origin. Ca. 1780-1820. 6"W.