VESTERHEIM NORWEGIAN AMERICAN MUSEUM – Vesterheim Benefit Auction
Auction Ends: Oct 26, 2025 09:00 PM CDT

Scandinavian Folk Art

Hovedvandsæg or Luktevannshus

Item Number
103
Estimated Value
325 USD
Sold
240 USD to ca77abb01
Number of Bids
10  -  Bid History

Ask a question about this item.

Item Description

Handcrafted Norwegian love. In the late 17th and 18th centuries in Norway, when a young man fancied a woman to be his bride he would present her with a Hovedvandsæg or Luktevannshus - a spice or “perfume” box that she would carry all her life. It would contain smelling salts and perhaps other scents. A suitor would personalize it by pricking the silver with her initials. This example was given to "D.K.". D.K. added her braided hair, another symbol of love. The metal is 925 silver and the beautiful braided “string” was tested as being hair. Thus, a beautiful reminder of love between two young people over 125 years ago or more.

Included with the Hovedvandsæg is a glass heart plate in blues and purples made by artist Christine Tuve Burris.

A Hardanger heart and Hardanger doily, created by Lorraine, a 93 year old Minnesota farmer and homemaker completes the set. Lorraine has been creating Hardanger embroidery for at least 35 years.

 

Item Special Note

If this item needs to be shipped, the winning bidder is responsible for all shipping and handling expenses.

Donated By:

Christine Tuve Burris