Swedish Craftsmanship & Folk Art
Swedish Mora clocks were handcrafted by local craftsmen, often decorated with intricate floral motifs, carvings, and elegant curves, making them prized examples of Swedish folk art. This style is known as kurbits with a profundity of autumn colours - ochres, yellows, russets, reds and browns. Many were given as wedding gifts to help start the new family off in their matrimonial life.
Economic Survival of the Mora Region
In the 18th century, the Mora region in Sweden was poor and based around farming. The locals turned to mora clock-making as a means of survival during the lean times on a cooperative basis with families specializing in different parts of the clock, creating a unique cottage industry. The mechanisms to power the clocks were usually bought in and were of poor to average quality.
Distinctive Design
Swedish antique Mora clocks are tall, slender, and curvaceous, entirely different from traditional English and German grandfather clocks of the period. Their elegant, elongated shape and soft pastel colors (common in Gustavian-style decor) made them highly desirable.
Symbol of Swedish Heritage
These clocks have become an iconic piece of Swedish historical culture and antique collectors today see them as a representation of Sweden’s rich design history.
Limited Production & Rarity
Unlike mass-produced clocks, each Mora clock was handmade and unique to its maker. Their production declined in the later 19th century, making original pieces rare and highly collectible today.
Buy yourself a mora clock today - we have the biggest stock of antique mora clocks in the UK, Europe and the USA.
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