Swedish Dala Horse – Handcrafted & Hand-Painted in Nusnäs, Sweden

- Height: 15 cm
- Width (front to tail): 14.5 cm

- Excellent - This Dala horse is in excellent vintage condition, with vibrant paintwork and only minor wear consistent with age.
- The hand-painted details remain crisp and lively, adding to its unique character.

1. A Heritage of Craftsmanship
The Dala horse (Dalahäst) traces its origins back to the 17th century, when woodworkers in the forests of Dalarna carved small horses as children’s toys during the long Nordic winters. By the 19th century, these humble carvings evolved into symbolic tokens of good luck and Swedish identity.

Each village in Dalarna developed its own distinct painting styles and colour schemes, but it was in Nusnäs that the now-iconic red Dala horse with intricate kurbits decorations became the most recognised. The red pigment used to paint these horses was originally derived from the Falun copper mines, one of Sweden’s most famous historical sites.

The Dala horse gained international fame in 1939, when a giant version was displayed at the New York World’s Fair, introducing Swedish folk art to a global audience. Today, authentic Dala horses are still hand-carved and painted in Nusnäs, using the same traditional methods that have been passed down through generations.

2. Modern Production
Today, most Dala horses are still handmade in Nusnäs, Sweden, following a meticulous process that preserves their traditional craftsmanship:

- Carving – The horses are cut from locally sourced pinewood and shaped by skilled artisans.
Sanding – The rough edges are carefully smoothed to ensure a clean surface.
- Base Coating – Each horse is painted in a solid color, with red being the most common.
- Hand-Painting – The intricate kurbits floral and leaf motifs are applied using freehand brushwork, making every piece unique.
- Lacquering – A protective varnish is added to enhance durability and maintain the vibrant colors.

The largest Dala horse in the world can be found in Avesta, Sweden. This monumental structure, standing 13 meters tall, is a testament to the cultural significance of these wooden horses and their enduring legacy as a national symbol of Sweden.

3. Handcrafted Tradition & Authenticity
- Handmade in Nusnäs, Sweden – Carved from locally sourced pine wood, this Dala horse is crafted in the same workshops that have been making them for centuries.
- Traditional Kurbits Design – The swirling leaf and floral motifs, painted in vivid colours, reflect the distinctive Swedish folk art style that originated in the 18th century.
- Authenticity Marked – A golden foil sticker on the underside certifies its origin, ensuring its status as a genuine, traditional Swedish Dala horse.
- Symbol of Good Luck – Historically, these horses were given as tokens of prosperity, protection, and strength.

Today, they remain cherished keepsakes representing Swedish heritage.

4. Uses & Versatility
- A charming decorative piece for Scandinavian, Nordic, or folk art-inspired interiors.
- A thoughtful gift for collectors, travellers, or those who appreciate European craftsmanship.
- A symbolic keepsake representing Swedish culture and good fortune.