Items Similar to Set of 5 Handpainted Swedish Traditional Dala Horse Toys
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 19
Set of 5 Handpainted Swedish Traditional Dala Horse Toys
$2,432.71per set
$4,054.51per set40% Off
£1,801.32per set
£3,002.19per set40% Off
€2,040per set
€3,400per set40% Off
CA$3,360.13per set
CA$5,600.22per set40% Off
A$3,598.70per set
A$5,997.84per set40% Off
CHF 1,934.64per set
CHF 3,224.40per set40% Off
MX$43,708.36per set
MX$72,847.26per set40% Off
NOK 24,445.10per set
NOK 40,741.83per set40% Off
SEK 22,381.30per set
SEK 37,302.17per set40% Off
DKK 15,547.38per set
DKK 25,912.30per set40% Off
About the Item
Set of 5 Handpainted Swedish Traditional Dala Horse Toys – Designed by Nils Olsson, Sweden, Circa 1960
Experience the timeless charm of Sweden with this set of five handpainted traditional Dala horse toys, designed by the renowned Nils Olsson, circa 1960. These exquisite wooden figures are a testament to Swedish craftsmanship and represent a rich cultural heritage that dates back centuries. The Dala horse, or "Dalahäst," is one of Sweden's most iconic symbols, and this set beautifully encapsulates the spirit of Swedish folk art and tradition.
Each horse in this set is crafted from wood and adorned with vibrant hand-painted details, maintaining the original condition with minor wear that reflects its age and past use. The stunning patina only adds to the unique character of these charming toys, making them a prized addition for collectors or anyone with an appreciation for Scandinavian history.
The Dala horse story dates back to the early 18th century in the Dalarna region of central Sweden. It is said that during the winter of 1716, Swedish soldiers, far from home and seeking shelter, began carving wooden animals to pass the long, harsh nights. Among the many figures they created, the horse became the most prominent symbol of luck and strength. The Dala horse became so beloved that it was adopted as Sweden’s national toy, symbolizing not only good fortune but also resilience, loyalty, and wisdom.
Crafted from simple wooden scraps by local tradesmen, the Dala horse embodies Sweden's national heritage and rustic culture. The horse was more than just a toy; it represented a vital part of everyday life for many Swedes. For farmers in the Dalarna region, the horse was a symbol of strength, dignity, and a helping hand on the farm, providing transportation to mills, churches, and fields. For many who could not afford a real horse, carving one from wood became a way to create their "dream" horse, and these figures were often given as gifts or tokens of gratitude.
This set of five Dala horses is not just a collection of toys; it’s a piece of Swedish history, each horse carrying with it the legacy of a beloved tradition. The craftsmanship and care that went into each figure makes this set a unique and meaningful addition to any home or collection.
Materials:
Wood
Dimensions (each):
50 cm H x 49 cm W x 13 cm D
42 cm H x 40 cm W x 11 cm D
38 cm H x 36 cm W x 10 cm D (x2)
34 cm H x 34 cm W x 10 cm D
The Dala horse continues to hold a warm and sentimental place in the hearts of many Scandinavians. Even today, it symbolizes strength, faithfulness, and dignity, and is a beautiful reflection of Swedish cultural pride. Bring a piece of Sweden’s rich heritage into your home with this rare and charming set of handpainted Dala horses.
Let me know if you'd like any adjustments or additional information!
- Creator:Nils Olsson (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 19.3 in (49 cm)Width: 19.69 in (50 cm)Depth: 5.12 in (13 cm)
- Sold As:Set of 5
- Style:Folk Art (In the Style Of)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:Circa 1960
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Barcelona, ES
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU9677244138012
About the Seller
5.0
Gold Seller
Premium sellers maintaining a 4.3+ rating and 24-hour response times
1stDibs seller since 2024
161 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: 6 hours
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Barcelona, Spain
- Return Policy
More From This Seller
View AllSet of 4 Swedish Folk Wooden Dala Horse Toys, circa 1960
By Nils Olsson
Located in Barcelona, ES
Set of 4 hand-painted Swedish wooden traditional Dala horse toy. Designed by Nils Olsson in Sweden, circa 1960. Materials: Wood In original condition, with minor wear consist...
Category
Vintage 1960s Swedish Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Wood
$1,756 Sale Price / item
40% Off
Swedish Folk Wooden Dala Pig Toy, circa 1960
By Nils Olsson
Located in Barcelona, ES
Handpainted Swedish wooden traditional Dala pig toy. Designed by Nils Olsson in Sweden, circa 1960. Materials: Wood In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age...
Category
Vintage 1960s Swedish Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Wood
$307 Sale Price
53% Off
Set of 5 Antique Spanish Foam Dolls, circa 1980
Located in Barcelona, ES
Antique hand made Spanish foam doll. Manufactured circa 1980 in Spain. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina. Ma...
Category
Vintage 1980s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Toys
Materials
Foam
$479 Sale Price / item
71% Off
Wooden Dachshund Pull Toy on Wheels, Circa 1940
Located in Barcelona, ES
Wooden Dachshund Pull Toy on Wheels, Circa 1940
Charming vintage wooden dachshund pull toy on wheels, made circa 1940. This delightful piece captures the spirit of early 20th-centur...
Category
Vintage 1940s Spanish Bauhaus Animal Sculptures
Materials
Wood
$511 Sale Price
40% Off
Hand Painted Wood Japanese Traditional Kokeshi Doll
Located in Barcelona, ES
Japanese doll called Kokeshi of the early 20th century. Provenance from the northern Japan. Dolls shapes and patterns are particular to a certain area and are classified under elev...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Edo Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Wood
$321 Sale Price
40% Off
Mid-20th Century Lacquered Wooden Architectural Construction Set, Spain
Located in Barcelona, ES
This rare mid-20th-century architectural construction set, crafted in Spain, is a nostalgic piece that showcases the charm of traditional wooden toys. The set features lacquered wood...
Category
Vintage 1950s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Toys and Dolls
Materials
Wood
$354 Sale Price
40% Off
You May Also Like
Set of 5 Swedish Folk Wooden Dala Horse Toys, circa 1960
By Nils Olsson
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Set of 5 handpainted Swedish wooden traditional Dala horse toy.
Designed by Nils Olsson in Sweden, circa 1960.
Materials:
Wood
In original condition, with...
Category
Vintage 1960s Swedish Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Wood
$3,309 Sale Price / set
25% Off
Collection of Four Vintage Swedish Dala Horses by Nils Olsson, Sweden Folk Art
By Nils Olsson
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This offer is for a collection of four Swedish Dala Horses by Nils Olsson. These are hand carved painted wood. The larger one is approximate 6 3/4" high, 6 3/8" wide and 1 7/8" deep....
Category
Vintage 1970s Swedish Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Wood, Paint
Collection of Eighteen Vintage Swedish Dala Horses Nils Olsson, Sweden Folk Art
By Nils Olsson
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This offer is for a collection of eighteen Swedish Dala horses by Nils Olsson. These are hand carved painted wood. The largest one is approximate 16...
Category
Vintage 1970s Swedish Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Wood, Paint
Nils Olsson Swedish Mid-Century Graduated Set Hand Painted Wooden Horses
By Nils Olsson
Located in Bishop
s Stortford, Hertfordshire
A very stylish and typically Scandinavian Swedish mid-century hand painted graduated set of carved wooden horse figures by Nils Olsson and dating from around 1950. The figures are each similarly carved standing from a very miniature example to a very large horse. They are simply carved with shaped heads and raised ears and each is hand painted with a patterned saddle and harness and simple facial styling, The saddle is painted with a stylized floral design in tones of blue, black, orange and yellow against an off-white ground with with green/blue edging with the straps similarly decorated and painted against a bright orange ground. The miniature variant has a slightly different coloring and patterning due to the limitations of its size but is an original part of the set. The second largest horse is painted with initials G.E.B. and the three mid-sized horses all retain their original makers paper labels for Nils Olsson. The miniature horse measures...
Category
Vintage 1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Collection of Nine Vintage Swedish Dala Horses by Nils Olsson, Sweden Folk Art
By Nils Olsson
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This offer is for a collection of nine Swedish Dala Horses by Nils Olsson. These are hand carved painted wood. The largest one is approximate 10 1/2...
Category
Vintage 1970s Swedish Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Wood, Paint
Set of Two Dala Horses from Sweden
Located in Hannover, DE
This lovely pair of horses is a perfect example of classic Swedish craftsmanship. The beautiful Nordic colors will take your breath away, just like the vivid shades you've seen in th...
Category
Vintage 1970s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Animal Sculptures
Materials
Wood, Paint
$335 / set
More Ways To Browse
Vintage Tokens
Doll Display
Mid Century Rocking Horse
Vintage German Tin
Antique Paper Dolls
French Automaton
Spanish Vintage Dolls
Hand Truck
Vintage Cast Iron Banks
Antique Cast Iron Bank
Antique Paper Toys
Toy China
Vintage Toys 1930s
Antique German Porcelain Dolls
Doll House Furniture
German Tin Toys
Metal Trucks
Penny Bank