-School- still bank c. mid 20th century

This School Still Bank was made by the U.S. Metal Toy MFG. Co. out of painted metal. It looks like it was made using transfer-printing and the mechanical reproduction gives it a slightly uncanny feel. The bold red is really striking, combined with the dark green it almost feels Christmassy. What I notice is the way the snow has been rendered, blobby and irregular, it’s so playful and innocent. It's the kind of direct and unfussy application you see in folk art. There’s something really appealing about how the texture contrasts with the flat, printed surface. It reminds me a little of the work of Red Grooms, who also uses bright colors and simple forms to create a sense of childlike wonder. Ultimately, this little metal bank isn’t trying to trick you into thinking it's real, it revels in its own artificiality, and that’s what makes it so charming.