Carved Wood

Trinket boxes sometimes were given as bridal gifts. In addition to the detailed decoration, trinket boxes often had a puzzle-like quality to their construction, as seen in the hidden openings in these boxes.

Ole Olsen Kalvestrand demonstrated skill and creativity by incorporating a secret drawer into this highly intricate box constructed from maple in Norway in 1794 (the carved date on the side). Kalvestrand, the donor's great-great-great grandfather, redecorated the box in 1817, as noted in the overpainted mark, “OOSK/1817,” meaning Ole Olson (son of) Kalvestrand. This piece was passed down to the oldest son in the family three times before it was given to the donor, Esther Kalvestrand. Her grandparents brought the box to America in 1870.

Brought to Wisconsin from Lom Gudbrandsdalen, Norway in 1903, this trinket box features fine chip carving and a hidden opening.

Used for special occasions, this walnut cookie mold has finely carved, traditional Dutch symbols such as the windmill.

Traditional Irish symbols of the harp and shamrock grace the surface of the letter opener. Relatives of the donor may have acquired this intricate piece of bog oak while visiting Ireland.

Both the harp and the letter opener communicate Irish identity through multiple Celtic symbols carved into ancient pieces of wood that had been submerged and recovered from peat bogs in Ireland. Such wood was considered sacred in pre-Christian Ireland. The harp was purchased from an Irish souvenir salesman on board the White Star Liner Olympic in 1911.