Danish 'Folk Art' Horse handle mangle board, chip carved BPD c.1820

Code: 10272

Dimensions:

For sale is a beautiful Danish 'Folk Art' mangle board with carved horse handle, chip carved decoration and original black and red paint from circa 1810-1830.

- Beautiful patina to this Danish mangle board with the carved initials BPD (beneath the horses dipped head) for the female recipient of the love token from a potential husband.  Essentially a courtship gift offered by the man to his potential bride prior to the acceptance of marriage.
- These Scandinavian/Northern European domestic tools were used to press or smooth laundry and remove folds after washing. The mangle board was a single piece of carved wood (predominantly oak, beech or pine), used with a large rolling pin around which the damp material was rolled. 
- This Danish board has an attractive well carved horse handle with beautiful patina (from a right handed woman), with well carved head, ears, mouth and nostrils, into an elegant arched neck and mane.
- The symbolism of the horse in Scandinavian countries stems from as early as Paganism and witchcraft to the Vikings. The horse itself was considered as a status symbol and highly valued property in Scandinavian households. Often utilised as a traditional gift for any kind of key life occasion such as marriage.
- The board has been decorated with a simple, naive chip carved pattern of rosette and simple geometric shapes with stylised floral decoration.
- Black/dark painted board background with bevelled red edges and chip carving.
- Honest condition with wear and signs of use throughout over its c.175+ years, some woodworm during its lifetime, but remains in solid condition.
- Solid construction made of Northern European hardwood most likely beech (or oak).

A beautiful Danish 'folk art' antique created with love in the first half of the 19th Century with a combination of utility, function and decorative design.

*The last three photographs show a second Danish horse mangle board  that W&W Antiques also have available for sale for context/size/design comparison. Please contact us if you are interested in multiple items.

Free delivery in the mainland UK as priced. International buyers are welcome, but please contact us prior to payment to confirm the additional packaging, insurance and shipping costs by way of acceptance to your country. Purchaser responsible for local import tariffs/fees.  If you are interested in multiple items, please contact us for combined postage.