Scandinavian / Norwegian 'Folk Art' Baroque / Acanthus Carved Tine Box c.1910

For sale is an exquisitely carved acanthus leaf Norwegian tine box in the baroque style from the end of the 19th / start of 20th Century (c.1886-1920). The tine box is from the Gudbrandsdalen valley district of Norway, the home of acanthus carving*.  - A beautiful tine box of great quality acanthus tendril carving.  Relief acanthus carving on a tooled background covers the entire exterior.  The tine box is highly decorative and has every part of the visible surfaces having been skilfully carved. - The body of the oval box looks to have been largely carved from the same piece of birch wood.  The ornately carved and warm / rich coloured lid fits well between feathered upright wood wings that act as retaining springs.  - The upper edge/rim to the oval tine has a chevron border as decoration and the sides extend to a flat base.  - The time alone to carve Norwegian tine boxes of this nature and of this quality must have been a considerable investment for a highly skilled craftsperson. - The tine box has beautiful patina from use and wear in particular to the elegant lid with a carved handle which is carved continuously with the lid. - The carving in all of the external panel surfaces, upright struts, handle and extensions is of clear quality throughout. - **The thistle-like acanthus plant grows naturally in the Mediterranean. First appearing as architectural ornamentation in ancient Greece and during the Roman period. The acanthus motif resurfaced during the Baroque period (1650-1650). The Baroque-style acanthus leaf motif became established on the coast of Norway around 1700.  It soon moved inland to farming regions where woodcarvers, as well as painters, fell in love with the acanthus leaf.  Much of the carving on smaller objects was done on a hobby basis.  Small tine boxes like these were designed for storage of valued trinkets and as keepsakes, often bought or commissioned as gifts. In Gudbrandsdal and surrounding regions, acanthus style ornamentation was especially popular. ***It is called both krullskurd and Dølaskurd "scroll carving". - The antique Norwegian folk art tine box remains in great solid antique condition in a wonderful warm colour with a strong rich patina. Ready to provide decorative and quality antique storage. Ref: *Hauglid, R. (Ed), (1977) Native Art of Norway. **Vesterheim, The National Norwegian-American Museum & Heritage Center. ***Amrud, J. (1992) Ornamental woodcarving in the Norwegian tradition. ****The images at the end showing two tine boxes together is for scale and context only, this listing is for the single lighter/warm coloured one only. If you are interested in multiple items, get in touch regarding combined shipping.