Antique Swiss Folk Art Carved Wooden Butter Mold With Cow Motif

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A beautifully carved antique Swiss wooden butter mold featuring a pastoral cow motif framed within a scalloped oval medallion. The … Read more A beautifully carved antique Swiss wooden butter mold featuring a pastoral cow motif framed within a scalloped oval medallion. The central relief carving shows a standing cow beside stylized alpine foliage, executed in a naïve, hand-carved folk art style that gives the piece warmth and character. The radiating fluted border around the oval creates a sunburst effect, adding strong sculptural presence and visual depth. Constructed from solid wood with a rich honey-brown patina, the mold opens in two halves and retains its original simple metal hook closure. The underside shows early construction details, nail holes, and metal hanging brackets consistent with utilitarian kitchen tools that later transitioned into decorative wall pieces. Originally used to press decorative designs into farm butter, molds like this were common in 19th-century Alpine dairy regions of Switzerland, where carved butter stamps were part of traditional farmhouse production and seasonal celebrations. Today it reads as sculptural European folk art — perfect for a kitchen wall, farmhouse interior, or layered antique vignette. Measures 9.75” long, 7” deep, and 2.75” tall.

Authentic antique condition with age-appropriate wear. Surface shows natural patina, darkened spots, tool marks, and minor wood movement consistent with age and use. Metal closure shows oxidation. No structural breaks noted. See less