Antique Norwegian Hand Painted Wooden Sendingskurv Sending Basket 19th Century

Listing: 1 x Hand painted, Norwegian wooden sending basket / sendingskurv, circa 19th century.

Condition: Used, vintage condition. No original packaging, no instructions. There is surface wear and paint wear, there is fading to the paint details and to the lettering. The wooden structure is hand made and the painting is hand painted.One of the top edges to the item is slightly slanted and more loose than the other three sides. The item is still structurally together, the age of the item is apparent in the design, and surface wear. From smoke-free and pet free premises.

Description: Original Hand-Painted Norwegian Folk Art Basket with Fraktur Inscription

A wonderful and authentic 19th-century Norwegian Sendingskurv (sending basket), retaining its original painted decoration, bent iron handle, and hand-lettered inscription in early Danish-Norwegian Fraktur script.

These baskets were traditionally used to carry gifts, cakes, bread and produce between farms for weddings, christenings, church gatherings and festive occasions. Surviving examples with their original paint and inscriptions are becoming increasingly difficult to find.

Constructed in hand-worked softwood with pierced side rails, mitred corners and an original forged iron swing handle. The interior retains charming polychrome folk-art decoration of stylised flowers, berries and foliage, painted on a white ground. The rim carries a continuous hand-painted inscription in Gothic script, which appears to include the word "Kiærlighed" (Love), together with what may be a personal or farm name, although the full inscription has not yet been deciphered.

The basket displays excellent honest wear consistent with age, with no evidence of modern overpainting or restoration. The untouched patina greatly enhances its authenticity and collector appeal.

The inscription is believed to be written in early Danish-Norwegian Fraktur and appears to include the word "Kiærlighed" ("Love"). Further research may identify the complete inscription and original owner, adding additional historical interest.

Colours: Gold, white / cream, multi-coloured. 

Material: Wood, metal nails.

Approximate date

Circa 1835–1865

Origin

Norway (possibly Western Norway / Hardanger or surrounding districts)

Construction

Norwegian painted domestic antiques have become increasingly desirable among collectors of Scandinavian folk art. Sendingskurver combine practical rural craftsmanship with decorative rosemaling-inspired painting and are considerably less common than painted ale bowls, tines and marriage boxes.

Collectors particularly value examples that retain: original paint, original handle, hand-painted inscriptions, untouched surfaces, floral interior decoration. This example possesses all of those characteristics.

Size of Basket – Length: 25.3 cm  Width: 25.5 cm  Height: 18.5 cm

Weight of Basket: 350 grams, before postal packaging.

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