Ølbolle - Norwegian Ale Bowls with Rosemaling

                                                                                                                                           Years ago, I picked up these two late 19th-mid 20th century Norwegian dragon-style kjenge or ale bowls (ølbolle), the older pieces were usually made with horse heads, as well as similar bird form pieces called ale hens (ølhøne).  This size was intended for use as drinking cups, and often floated in larger ale bowls until used by the men to dip out their beer, they were usually used for weddings and other important ceremonies or gatherings.The blue one measures approximately 9" long, with a 4" wide bowl, and the red one is 10½" long (including tongue), 3¾" wide bowl.  They're often decorated with traditional Norwegian floral painting (rosemaling), but also left unpainted to show the intricate carving.  These two pieces were most likely made as souvenir items and one of them still retains its old paper label. 

A 1901 travel book on Norway discusses wood-carvings and shows some examples, including an ale bowl:

There's an absolutely gorgeous antique large ale bowl at the Erikson Gallery.  There are also a number of carvers working in the traditional styles, I'm particularly drawn to the work of Howard Sherpe of Westby, WI (click on link at lower left of page to see more of his work), and of the Norsk Wood Works in Barronett, WI - and check out the family's beautiful Norwegian Fjord Horses (starting 17 pics down are details of a wonderful carved sleigh).  Rosemaling is also done by many artists, Rhoda Fritsch of Aurora, IL has a great website with her work, and information on the different regional styles.

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