This is a bento box made in Scandinavia. It is relatively small and seems to have originally been made as a lunch box for children. In Sweden, Scandinavia, these small boxes with lids are called ÄSKA or ``Svepask'', which means ``bent box'', and are traditionally handmade by woodworkers. I think this was made in the early 20th century based on its texture and form.
Esca are still being made today, but most of them are conical and have no protrusions, and you rarely see ones with boat-shaped lids these days. It has a structure called ``Magewappa'' made of bent thin wood, and the parts where the rings overlap are sewn with tree roots. The top lid can be separated by pulling the claws on both sides outward, and was used to hold snacks such as sandwiches and small items.
The front has a red floral pattern and a flower that looks like a blue forget-me-not. The back is engraved in Swedish with the words "Till vännens hem är vägen gen om och han fjärran bor". It means something like, ``My friend's house is across the street, and he lives far away.'' You can clearly see that this is a wooden box that he carried with him when he went on a short outing. This small but elaborately made wooden box is a masterpiece of Scandinavian folk art.
■Detailed specifications Year: Early 20th century (estimated)
Country of origin: Sweden Condition: ★★★☆☆ (3.5: Good quality)
There is no problem with use, but since it is old, weathering over time can be seen throughout. Since the box is originally thin, it can be used for applications that require little load, such as storing small items.
■Size Box width 12cm Box height 6cm Lid width 16.5cm Lid height 7cm
