Norwegian Traditions

Playing a Hardanger fiddle, nineteenth century
WHS CF 32918

Otto Rindlisbacher playing a Hardanger violin at the Buckhorn Tavern, Rice Lake, Wisconsin
Photo courtesy of James P. Leary

Rosemaling, the folk tradition of painting functional objects with colorful floral designs, began in Norway around 1750. Typically, everyday household items such as this kitchen knife holder were painted with common rosemaling motifs such as s-scrolls, c-scrolls, and acanthus leaves.