A Fine and Rare Florally Decorated Ceremonial Lion Peg Tankard

Solid Hand Carved and Turned Burr Birchwood
With Exceptional Carved Floral and Foliate Motifs to the Body
Lion Carved Details to the Lid, Finial and Four Recumbent Lion Feet
Branded with the Initials 'TM' to Underside

Norwegian c. 1770

9.75” high x 10” deep
7.25” in diameter

Ref: 34/47

An exceptionally fine and unusual eighteenth century Norwegian ceremonial Tankard, hewn, turned and carved from solid burr Birchwood. This example benefits from finely detailed foliate and florally carved details all over the body and well executed Lion Carved lid, finial and feet. Made for use in Wedding Ceremonies and other festive occasions, these tankards were made as loving cups, to be passed along the table for each person to drink their draft and toast the health of the Bridal couple and on other ceremonial and festive occasions. This example is branded with the maker’s or owner’s initials “IM” to the underside and was certainly made to special commission as it has such comprehensive and fine quality carved decoration, most pieces from this school have plain cylindrical bodies. Generally in good original condition, there is evidence of use and scars and bruising commensurate with age and function.

Literature: Per Gjaerdner, “Norske Drikkekar Ar Tre”, Published by Universitetsforlaget 1974, Page 413, Fig. 734.


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