Blue Decorated Dala Horse 5"

This wonderful Dala horse measures 5", and is a glossy blue. It's hand-carved and painted in Nusnas, Sweden, one of the few places left that make these, by Grannas A. Olsson. There's an authentication sticker on it. Please note that although the photo shows four Dala horses, this auction is only for the second largest one (second from left). Each of the artists who hand-paint these use their own style, colors, and flourishes (within certain standards), so every horse is unique.  

Did you know that today at least 9 people are involved in the making of one horse?

The Dala horse can be traced back to Swedish lumberjack cabins as early as the 17th century. The earliest historical reference to Dala horses is 1624. The lumberjacks would relax by carving figures from odd pieces of wood. The popular choice was a horse. These were taken home to the children of the villages, where they became much-treasured toys. These wooden horses originally came from the Mora villages of Vattnas, Rise, Bergkarias, and Nusnas. The horse represented a creature of great value, a tower of strength in helping the family. A faithful friend who drew loads through the forest in the winter, worked in the fields and meadows in spring and summer, and carried equipment up to the delightful summer pastures and adjoining chalets. It also provided transportation between villages and parishes, and and trips to the mill and market. Children really enjoyed their company - they could ride bareback, and many children at a time could ride the broad, strong back at the same time. During the 19th century, it became the custom to paint the wooden horses with richly colored flower patterns like the Dala paintings that adorned their furniture and interior walls. Tinkers, who traveled about the country selling products of the cottage industry, such as baskets, grinding stones, and wooden casks, often took Dala horses to add to their collection of goods. The Dala horses were sometimes even used as payment for board and lodging.

Own a little of your own proud Scandinavian heritage, and hand this down as an heirloom.