Very Large 18th Century Carved Burr Wood Ceremonial Lion Peg Tankard Norway

Description

Heading : Large carved burr birch wood ceremonial lion peg tankard Norway 
Date : 18th century
Period : George III
Origin : Norway
Decoration : Carved lion finial & lid. carved lion feet. Nordic carving to handle
Size :  Height 26cm. base 18cm. max width 25.5cm
Condition : Excellent. natural shrinkage cracks above feet
Restoration : Professionally cleaned and polished
Weight : 1354 grams 

Known as a ‘Lion peg’ tankard due to the carved detail and method of construction. this tankard would have been produced purely for ceremonial purposes. commonly weddings.  The main body is turned from a single piece of burr birch wood and incorporates three carved lion feet.  The domed lid. also turned from one piece of wood. has a stylised lion carved over the top and a carved lion thumb plate attached.  The C-shaped handle is attached internally by wooden pegs and is decorated with a Nordic foliate design.

Examples of this size are very rare and the internal capacity is around six pints.