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
$4,077.21per set
£3,033.03per set
€3,400per set
CA$5,583.09per set
A$6,207.64per set
CHF 3,241.29per set
MX$75,562.09per set
NOK 41,357.41per set
SEK 38,749.91per set
DKK 25,882.32per set
Shipping
Retrieving quote...The 1stDibs Promise:
Authenticity Guarantee,
Money-Back Guarantee,
24-Hour Cancellation
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
Platinum Seller
Premium sellers with a 4.7+ rating and 24-hour response times
1stDibs seller since 2024
107 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: 8 hours
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Barcelona, Spain
- Return Policy
Authenticity Guarantee
In the unlikely event there’s an issue with an item’s authenticity, contact us within 1 year for a full refund. DetailsMoney-Back Guarantee
If your item is not as described, is damaged in transit, or does not arrive, contact us within 7 days for a full refund. Details24-Hour Cancellation
You have a 24-hour grace period in which to reconsider your purchase, with no questions asked.Vetted Professional Sellers
Our world-class sellers must adhere to strict standards for service and quality, maintaining the integrity of our listings.Price-Match Guarantee
If you find that a seller listed the same item for a lower price elsewhere, we’ll match it.Trusted Global Delivery
Our best-in-class carrier network provides specialized shipping options worldwide, including custom delivery.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
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
Set of 14 Traditional Spanish Christmas Figures, circa 1950
Located in Barcelona, ES
Set of 14 traditional Spanish Christmas figures. Made out of metal. Manufactured in Spain, circa 1950. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preservin...
Category
Vintage 1950s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Toys
Materials
Metal
Vintage Traditional Catalan Hand-Painted Wooden Figures
Located in Barcelona, ES
Mid-20th century hand-painted traditional Catalan figures made of wood. Made in Barcelona, Spain. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a be...
Category
20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Busts
Materials
Wood
Vintage Hand-Painted Wooden Figure, circa 1960
Located in Barcelona, ES
Mid-20th century hand-painted traditional figure made of wood.
Made in Barcelona, Spain.
In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful p...
Category
Vintage 1960s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Set of 5 Mid Century Modern "Kokeshi" Dolls
Located in Barcelona, ES
Japanese dolls called Kokeshi of the early 20th century. Provenance from the northern Japan. Set of 5. Measures: 25.5 x 7 cm 30.5 x 9 cm 30.5 x 8.5 cm 46 x 12 cm 30.5 x ...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Edo Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Wood
$1,978 / item
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
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
Swedish Dala horses and rooster by Olsson, Swedish folk art, 1960s
By Nils Olsson
Located in Delft, NL
Swedish Dala horses and rooster by Olsson, Swedish folk art, 1960s
The Dala Horse and Rooster is a traditional carved, painted wooden statue and was mainly used as a toy for childre...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Pine
More Ways To Browse
Helping Hand
Scandinavian Childrens Furniture
Rustic Horse
Swedish Wood Carving
Horse Soldier
Vintage Horse Charm
Swedish Heart
Soldier On Horse
Horse Wood Carving
Vintage Tokens
Folk Art Soldier
Wooden Soldiers
Folk Art Wooden Horse
Soldier Doll
Vintage Wooden Soldier
Wooden Horse Swedish
Vintage Wooden Horse Toy
Vintage Wooden Toy Soldier