An antique Swedish stäva, a staved wooden container with a lid, inscribed Anno 1783 on the lid.
The round container is built from wooden staves bound with split-branch hoops, with two carved ears rising from the rim. The lid is made in two halves: a fixed bar between the ears, inscribed with the date, and a hinged half that opens on a wooden pin. A bentwood handle arches over the top for carrying. Containers like this were used on Swedish farms to store and carry butter, food and other provisions.
The container is painted deep blue with hand-painted folk flowers in yellow, red, white and green, a large daisy-like flower on the body, a flowering vine around the upper band and a star flower with white dotted scrolls on the lid. The hoops, ears and handle are painted in ochre.
The painted decoration is bright and well preserved, and it may have been refreshed at a later date.
Measurements: height approx. 20–25 cm (7.9–9.8 in), diameter approx. 22 cm (8.7 in).
Condition: antique condition with wear consistent with age and use. A crack across the hinged lid, gaps between some hoops and staves, paint losses on the hoops, ears and handle. Please see all photos for details.
Ships from Sweden. US orders are shipped with duties and taxes prepaid.
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