Antique Robert (Mouseman) Thompson Folk Art Oak Pin Tray MOUSE Ashtray

Beautiful antique handcrafted ashtray featuring the iconic Robert Thompson mouse in its adorable little glory. Measures: L4.1" x W3.1" x H1.75" (at mouse's head) Small brass plate pictured will also be included. Will be packaged with care to ensure safe journey to its new home. History of Robert Thompson: Robert Thompson (1876-1955) also known as 'Mousey' Thompson, was a British furniture maker. He was born and lived in Kilburn, North Yorkshire, England, where he set up a business manufacturing oak furniture, which featured a carved mouse on almost every piece. It is claimed that the mouse motif came about accidentally in 1919 following a conversation about "being as poor as a church mouse", which took place between Thompson and one of his colleagues during the carving of a cornice for a screen. This chance remark led to him carving a mouse and this remained part of his work from this point onwards.