Based in stunning Speyside, Moray, Scotland, we (Mr & Mrs W) are passionate about quality antique items with great design and evident craft, predominantly from the 18th, 19th and early 20th century.
In particular, we enjoy period items reflecting the beautiful design and aesthetic changes from the decorative arts, from circa 1850 - 1960. Including the Aesthetic Movement, Art Nouveau, Arts & Crafts Movement (In particular of Scottish origin), Modernism, Art Deco and Streamlining. We also enjoy the great craft and quality construction in folk art and vernacular items from across Europe. In particular, Scandinavian decorative items from the 18th and 19th Century. We enjoy being analytical in our approach and supporting our stock with background research, provenance and history through researching the items, the period, designers and retailers.
We often hunt the country from our Scottish location, but routinely search from Lancashire and Yorkshire as well as buying trips further afield to supply items online. We also like to take on items that particularly interest us from earlier periods, dependent on our fascination for an object.
We are always learning, and happy to share knowledge gained, so please do get in touch. Thanks for viewing our selection of stock, we are always pleased to see items pass through our hands to new owners and homes as antiques remain a great green recyclable purchase!
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Scandinavian / Swedish 'Folk Art' Bridal / dowry chest, rosmålning heart & love bird decoration c.1780
REF: 2084 - 291220 / LA329196
£545
€637
$686
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Certified DealerApproved item197 sales by dealerFree Delivery
Certified DealerApproved item197 sales by dealerFree Delivery
Description
For sale is beautiful small Swedish 'Folk Art' bridal / dowry chest (writing box shape) from the last quarter of the 18th Century. This bridal gift/love token or dowry with original blue-black paint has some of the best quality rosmålning decoration we have seen from this period on a small table box. The painter shows clear evidence of some considerable skill and expertise in the planning of the heart shaped wreath and bird.
- A beautiful small sloping pine box with bevelled base edge and lid raised on small turned feet.
- The box background colour is a beautiful faded blue-black characteristic most probably from the Hälsingland region of Sweden from 1770-1800.
- The lid has a most beautiful heart shaped wreath as a design motif to the sloping lid encapsulating a bird clasping a small twig/branch. The symbolism is evident from a period when dowry gifts were highly valued and showcased a significant investment and commitment as part of the celebration.
- After the marriage pledge had been made, men often gifted betrothal boxes like these to their fiancées containing gifts like gloves, a shawl or a hymnal. Similar boxes are represented in the Nordic Museum.
- The front frieze / panel has rosmålning decoration to either side of the lock iron strapwork. The side panels are also painted with rosmålning, one side remains but the other has worn.
- The box has an internal raised shelf for writing implements and ink as evidenced by the marks within.
- Original ironwork hinges with internal decoration, strapwork and lock escutcheon (no lock mechanism or key).
- Wear and tear throughout which is to be expected for a box of circa 240+ years from the Gustavian era. It remains in solid working condition with beautiful original paint.
A decorative age-worn love token from 18th Century, rural Sweden.
measurements
Height:
19 cm
Width:
23 cm
Length:
29 cm
measurements
declaration
W&W Antiques has clarified that the Scandinavian / Swedish 'Folk Art' Bridal / dowry chest, rosmålning heart & love bird decoration c.1780 (LA329196) is genuinely of the period declared with the date/period of manufacture being 1780
declaration
condition
condition
Please consider the photographs and description as a great record of the condition of this antique item. The chest is in original paint and decoration, age-worn with knocks and marks, evidence of old woodworm to some surfaces but remains solid and well built.
This Scandinavian / Swedish 'Folk Art' Bridal / dowry chest, rosmålning heart & love bird decoration c.1780 is located in Moray (Elginshire), United Kingdom