Antique Stoneware "I'm Your Match" Match Holder Native American basket But what makes this one

But what makes this one particularly intriguing is that pasted to the back of the painting and written in pencil in a childlike hand

with wonderfully shaped front and back flippers

MA that included gorgeous baskets

Based on similar examples I have seen

Antique Stoneware "I'm Your Match" Match Holder Native American basket But what makes this oneIm completely smitten with this little antique stoneware crock type match holder this is clearly a couple for the ages! It is unmarked, but based on the color, shape and style of painting Id guess its American and dates to the mid to late 19th century, though I have not found another like it. (Of course who would ever part with one of these???) I just adore this funny, homely pair, who appear absolutely delighted with themselves and one another. What