Our horse figurines are being discovered and appreciated by more and more people. They are all cast in marble sand (polystone), shaped by Erkers Marie Persson's artistic hand. Each horse is hand-painted, which gives each specimen a unique character. These figurines are popular collectors' items and appreciated gifts. They fit just as well in a teenager's room as among other treasures in the home. They have become appreciated collectors' items that can be passed down through generations.
Swedish craftsmanship with charm and tradition – bySwedes
Free shipping within Sweden for purchases over 800:-
Payment options:
and the most common credit & debit cards
Our Dala horses – the original from the artisans' Dalarna
(sorted by price and size)
When we talk about Dala horses, we usually mean the genuine figures that have grown out of the deep tradition in the areas around Mora and Nusnäs. Owning an original means that you are managing a piece of Swedish cultural history. Each horse is hand-carved from wood from local forests and then painted with the characteristic swirl painting that requires years of practice to master.
Classic Dala horse pattern and swirl painting
What gives these figures their life is a traditional dalahäst pattern, also called swirl painting. The work behind these Dala horses is extensive and requires a steady hand. It starts with choosing the right wood, usually high-quality pine. After the horse has been carved, it is dipped in primer before the final decoration is painted freehand by skilled decorators.
- The swirl painting is done with two colors on the brush at the same time to create the beautiful flowers.
- Each pattern is unique and bears traces of the specific painter's brushstrokes.
The legacy of Nusnäs and the history behind it
It was in the village of Nusnäs that production took off in earnest in the early 20th century thanks to the Olsson brothers. But the tradition actually stretches back to the 18th century when soldiers and forest workers carved toys for their children. Today, these Dala horses are known all over the world. According to the rules of handicrafts, it is precisely the handmade element that defines authentic Swedish craftsmanship.
Symbolism and Dala horse color meaning
Why is red the classic color?
Many people wonder if a Dala horse's color has a meaning historically. The red color became popular because it imitated the copper color from the Falu mine, which signaled prosperity. Today we see all sorts of colors, but the symbolic meaning of craftsmanship and homeliness remains regardless of the color choice.
How did the horse become an export symbol?
A major milestone was the World's Fair in New York in 1939, where a giant horse was placed outside the Swedish pavilion. For those who want a more modern interpretation of the symbol, we have also developed the Steel Horse, which is a tribute to the Swedish industrial heritage.
Quality that lasts over time
At bySwedes, we are passionate about preserving these traditions by highlighting the craftsmen behind the works. By sharing knowledge about the production process, we ensure that the legacy lives on. If you feel inspired to try it yourself, you can also check out our kits to paint your own figure at home at the kitchen table.
