Noah's Ark

Carved and painted Noah's Ark, made in Germany for the American market, circa 1880.  The ark looks like a barge with a house on top.  The sides of the house have elaborately painted arch windows with small panes.  Surrounding the windows are columns and arches which rest on a block foundation.  The painted windows are on a wood panel which slides to the right allowing access to an empty cavity where the animals and figures were once stored.  The arch has a painted roof simulating shingles and on one side there is a painted bird.  There are 135 carved and painted figures.  Most of the figures are in pairs which include zebras, monkeys, birds, elephants and even insects, etc.  There are five carved and painted figures of people which include Noah and his family.  The ark and figures are displayed on a backboard with shelves and a zigzag ramp displaying the figures as though they are marching towards the ark.  The detail of the ark and the individual figures are of a higher quality and have more decorative elements than many of the Noah's Arks from the same era. (FA-830)