LATE 18TH/EARLY 19TH CENTURY

This characteristically Norwegian cupboard or dresser is of a design known to have been made in Hallingdal, a mountainous area of southern central Norway and a virtually identical, if somewhat larger unpainted example is held in the Bergens Museum, Norway. (see J.S. Stewart, The Folk Arts of Norway), p.84. Made in one piece, the highly decorative top has shallow shelves to hold small domestic utensils, with the upper one having a face-board with oval 'tablets' with scenes painted on them, now faded. The frieze board below the cornice also has decorative tablets cut into it, which also contained painted scenes but are now very faded. The sides of the shelves have curious cusp like devices which suggest a use, perhaps to hold a rail, but may be decorative. The top of the dresser is sloping, perhaps to fit under the eaves of the house. The lower section is convex shaped to the front, and has a large upper drawer with a central iron handle. The commodious cupboard with a single central door was used to hold food and kitchen utensils. Overall, the cupboard is painted yellow with blue edging. Other regional cupboards of this design have 'rosemaling' or decorative rose painting or are intricately carved and combine Gothic design influence, renaissance panelling and rococo floral designs.