Norwegian Burlwood Tankard dated 1707

Description

A tankard in solid birch burl, having a tapered body with especially thin hand carved walls, on integral feet, with a looped handle surmounted by an elaborate wooden hinge bearing a recumbent lion, a lifting lid with carved decoration, and the date of 1707 inscribed on the underside.  Wonderful burl figuring and patina.  Originally a Scandinavian chieftain’s ceremonial drinking vessel.  Now a piece of sculptural folk art.