You may have noticed a recent addition to our inventory, a Norwegian Karelian Birch Lion Peg Tankard circa 1770. This is a very unique item which is all made from Karelian Birch, a type of tree that grows in the region between Norway and Russia. The grain of the wood is very similar to bird's eye maple, which is prized in furniture making. By examining the bottom of the tankard, which you can see in the photos, it is carved from the body of a tree. The lid is also wooden and carved with the depiction of a lion. The thumb lift for the lid is also a full bodied lion as are the feet. These were used in various ceremonies in Norway and passed down through families, often used at weddings and other feasts.

The reason this is so special other than the rarity and age of the piece, is that this tankard is the subject of an oil painting by Paul Gaugin that hangs in the Art Institute of Chicago's Impressionist wing. The painting, completed in 1880 by Gaugin, features what appears to be the exact image of this lion peg tankard along with a metal pitcher. The way he depicts the woodgrain of the Karelian birch with his brushstrokes is amazing. If you click on this item in the Antique Inventory, you will see the photos of the tankard along with a few photos of Gaugin's painting.

Tankards of this age and size (1.8L) often sell for $2,500-$3,500. Our price on this wonderful, rare piece of history is $1,995 including free shipping.

Here is the outstanding Karelian Birch Norweigan Lion Peg Tankard circa 1770 and below is the painting by Gaugin from 1880