Scandinavian oval lidded bentwood box
Scandinavian oval lidded bentwood box, decorated with "IHD" and painted red. The box is crafted in the traditional bentwood style, the lid opens by gently flexing the long tines to allow enough room to lift the lid which swivels to the side, the tension which otherwise keeps the lid firmly in place. Mid 19th century.
Traditional Scandinavian tine boxes (pronounced teen-ah) originated in Norway and examples have been found in the remains of Viking ships as early as 840 A.D. These boxes come in all shapes and sizes and were usually used for storing valuable possessions, grains, meat, or anything that needed to be secured. They were often made as gifts and could be plain or highly decorated with carving and/or rosemal painted decoration, and were sometimes referred to as a 'Bride’s Box' if delicately carved or painted to show affection.
Size: 4 h x 7.75 w x 3.75 d
M21397
