An antique Swedish lägel, a staved wooden flask traditionally used to carry ale, water or milk out to the fields, dated 1828.
The teardrop-shaped flask is built from wooden staves bound with split-branch hoops painted black. A pewter spout sits on top, and a hand-forged iron bail handle is fitted to the sides for carrying. The whole surface is painted in a decorative wood-grain technique, ådring, typical of Swedish rural painting. One flat side shows a basket of acanthus leaves and flowers in cream, rust and green. The other side has acanthus scrolls framing an unpainted panel with a blue border, carved with the initials DP and the date 1828.
The painted surface has a glossy finish, and the decoration may have been refreshed or varnished at a later date.
Measurements: height 27 cm (10.6 in), width 24 cm (9.4 in), depth 14 cm (5.5 in).
Condition: antique condition with wear consistent with age and use. There are vertical cracks and small gaps between staves on the sides and the painted panels, paint losses on the hoops and edges, and the remains of an old stopper inside the spout. The flask is not watertight and is sold for decorative use only. Please see all photos for details.
Ships from Sweden. US orders are shipped with duties and taxes prepaid.
