Chest with five painted and studded iron bands; painted blue with organic designs between bands; large c-shaped handles; key has circular top element with teardrop shape with small hole extending from shaft; key in key cabinet MS

Chest, 1777

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On View in Gallery 304expand_more

This chest was made to commemorate the marriage of the artist’s daughter Sirid to Ola Iverson Lo. Ornate feather-like patterns frame each of Sirid’s initials, SIDQ—for Sirid Ivar’s Datter Quallen (Kvalen)—and the date, 1777. A dowry chest such as this would have been filled with clothing, linens, and valuables. In 1858, Sirid’s descendants brought the chest with them when they emigrated from Norway to Wisconsin.

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Kvalen, Norwegian Chest (#874)
Details
Title
Chest
Artist Life
Norwegian (dates unknown)
Role
Maker
Accession Number
99.93a,b
Curator Approved

This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

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Chest with five painted and studded iron bands; painted blue with organic designs between bands; large c-shaped handles; key has circular top element with teardrop shape with small hole extending from shaft; key in key cabinet MS