Butter print

1825-1875

Place made, possiblyUnited States

Place made, possiblyEurope

Wood

Overall: 5 3/4 x 3 3/4 in. ( 14.6 x 9.5 cm )

Purchased from Elie Nadelman, 1937

INV.7581

This object was once part of the folk art collection of Elie Nadelman (1882-1946), the avant-garde sculptor. From 1924 to 1934, Nadelman's collection was displayed in his Museum of Folk Arts, located in the Riverdale section of the Bronx. The Historical Society purchased Nadelman's entire collection in 1937. Butter prints were commonly used by European and American dairy farmers during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. The designs impressed onto butter pats or pounds both beautified a dining table and carried the imprimatur of a farm of known quality. Popular designs included both decorative and patriotic motifs, such as flowers and eagles, as well as names and initials.

DescriptionTurned treenware butter mold composed of a baluster handle attached to a circular base with a stylized tree and initials "S.I.E." carved into the underside.

MarkingsNadelman MPFA label affixed to mold written in ink "2467 / Am"

ClassificationsHOUSEHOLD TOOLS & EQUIPMENT

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