Valdres Style Signed Rosemaled 14 Inch Plate

* Vintage Item

This beautifully hand painted round wooden plate is a lovely example of rosemåling. A traditional decorative folk art that originated in the rural areas of Norway in the 1700's, rosemåling has been called the result of a deep yearning for the colorful flowers and warmth of summer during the long dark winters, expressed through painting objects to brighten the home. There are many different styles of this folk painting; the artist used the Valdres type here with vibrant results. The Valdres style originated in the Valdres Valley in western Norway and is known for its strong, identifiable flowers---in this case, the large tulip.

The central flowers are set against a wash of pale mustard that allows the woodgrain to show through; the colors are soft blue, faded red and black. The plate has a double inside rim, one painted in mustard and the other in green that matches the outer rim. There is a repeating, painted trim on the wide red rim that's made up of green Rococo scrolls with circular white and mustard dot designs. The artist signed the piece in the lower right center: LIZ 78. The back of the plate was given a wash of dark green.

Paul Loftness turned the blank for this wooden plate. To quote a 2013 newsletter of The Society of Decorative Painters: "If you have ever had a turned wood plate or bowl from Paul Loftness, you will want to treasure it. Paul has been woodturning for 38 consecutive years for Vesterheim {The Vesterheim National Norwegian-American Museum & Folk Art School in Decorah, Iowa}. As of the end of 2012 Paul and his brother Andy have stopped making their turned plates and bowls. Their excellent wood products needed little, if any, sanding before sealing and painting. Their skilled woodturned products will be missed!" Paul Loftness stamped the back of this plate with his name and "PROFESSIONAL WOODTURNER GIBSON, MINNESOTA".

The plate measures a bit over 14 inches in diameter, stands 3/4 high on a round foot and weighs 1 1/2 pounds. It's in very good condition; there is a small area of red paint loss at the lower left along the outer rim, but no chips or cracks. A colorful piece of folk art like this plate enlivens any room, winter and summer.

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