20
02
2009
SVEN NILSON MORIN:
Born(1747-1813) in Gnosjo, Smaland. From the information that has been gathered, we believe that this clock dates between 1810 and 1830 and was created by Sven Morin and his half brother Jon Nilsson, a skilled watch and clock mechanism maker whose talents complemented Svens carving and wood crafting skills perfectly. Sven Morin was an extremely skilled artist and won a number of medals for his paintings and carvings throughout his career. He is reputed at one point to have received a commission from the Swedish nobility to carve a royal cradle as a gift for the King, which he completed with a small catch. 
We speculate that his talent for carving and desire to see the grandeur of the royal palace inspired him to carve this cradle in 365 finely fitted pieces which he then sent unassembled to the nobles. When it came time to present the gift to the King, the nobles were at a loss to assemble it and sent for him to do the job. The King was so impressed by the workmanship of the cradle and at the deftness with which Sven assembled it that he later recommended him to the Royal Academy, a gesture that was accepted graciously. 
A few of the details that make this Mora clock special to me, as a dealer/collector, are the finely carved organic decorations on the base (original paint), the exaggerated smooth and sensual lines of the body, the fact that it retains its original yellow wash paint, the classic ‘bun style’ crown decoration and of course the profile of the creator, Sven Nilsson Morin. (I would like to acknowledge and thank a current descendent of Sven Nilson Morin, Betty Moren of Alberta, Canada, for supplying us with much of this information.Upon immigration to Canada, Betty’s last name got changed to Moren).
24
07
2008
What do we know about Mora clocks?
Well, we know they were made, at least the clock works, in a town called Mora in the district or province of 
Dalarna, Sweden. We know that they were made as early as the 18th century and that the shapes that are in demand now, the figure eight and the curvaceous female forms, were produced more in the early 19th century. It seems that each province in Sweden used roughly the same internal clock works and a similar set of patterns for their body types, but each came up with a somewhat different variation on the shape or form. While there was little deviation from the standard figure eight or female shapes, there were some that were very thin and tall (northern Sweden) and some wide and overly shapely. These beautiful clocks, quickly becoming a hot commodity on the market today, were sought after even more fervently in their own time.(THIS CLOCK TO THE LEFT IS “SOLD”). Read more…
20
06
2008
This is a carved French watch holder from the Napoleonic period, 1805-1815, shown holding two pocket watches. The fact that It holds two watches is unusual and suggests that the owner was wealthy or that it was being crafted for a wealthy person. It is carved from fruitwood and represents a Triumphal Arch, which was often created to celebrate a victory in wartime. Finely carved elements such as, The Lion (allegory of strength), the Wreath of Laurels ( allegory of Victory), the Eagle (the symbol of the Emperor, Napoleon) and the Dog (allegory of Faithfulness) come together to make this a truly outstanding piece of folk art. H.17 1/2in., W.12 1/2in. (44cm by 32cm). $3200.00 Cdn.
5
04
2008
Around the world Sweden is recognized by its three golden crowns on a background of blue.You will find it on a coat of arms, cuff links, clothing etc. Historians have searched for the origin and meaning of the three crowns.Researchers felt they were used by heathen gods and others felt they represented the three surrounding areas of the capital that had the right to participate in the election of the king. It came down to the three crowns were simply accepted to be the symbols of the Three Holy Kings who came to praise the birth of Christ.
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