Artist/Maker Unidentified maker

Butter print

1800-1825

Place made, probablyUnited States, North America

Wood

Overall: 4 3/4 x 7 x 3 1/2 in. ( 12.1 x 17.8 x 8.9 cm )

Purchased from Elie Nadelman

1937.1568

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 print with baluster handle and semi-circular base carved with a cross-hatched heart between leaves.

ClassificationsHOUSEHOLD TOOLS & EQUIPMENT

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