Mora clocks : Kurbits folk art finish

Kurbits folk art Mora clocks are iconic symbols of the classical Swedish cultural heritage, hailing originally from the Dalarna region in the middle of Sweden.

Kurbits is a traditional Swedish folk art decorative painting style that originated in the 18th century and it usually features highly stylized floral and plant motifs often painted in vibrant Reds, browns, russets, ochres and yellow. More occasionally you find them in blue and green tones too but with the same symmetry and flowing, organic shapes or folkloric themes that were often used in fabric wall paintings and furniture decoration too.

Kurbits folk art finishes were commonly used to decorate furniture, walls, and other household item too and is especially closely associated with the beautiful wooden Dala horses of the period.

The Mora clocks are as you know long case clocks that originated initially around the town of Mora, Sweden, during the 18th and 19th centuries.

They were handcrafted by local families with each specialising in a different part of the clock (such as movements, faces, or cases). But in the case of the folk art clocks they are usually much simpler in style with a rounded belly and narrow waist but simpler crown on the hood and less carved detailing which left the flowing Kurbits Hand-painted decoration as the star of teh show and it would blend in with the other Kurbits decorated items around the house.

The combination of Kurbits folk art painting and the Mora clock’s elegant shape makes it a superb representation of classical Swedish folk art and craftsmanship and original paint versions are highly prized since there are very few artisans left who can replicate this style of finish.