This horse was carved by Ingvar Kusagård and painted by artist Anna-Karin "Kaj" Hansson. Hansson started creating Dala Horses from a young age and gained experience under the tutelage of John Gudmans. She has been painting these horses her whole life and continues to do so despite her issues with arthritis. She is credited with creating the Siljansfors Horse, which has a larger saddle and more elaborate floral decoration. Hansson's horses are featured in several museums in Sweden and King Carl Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden may even have one featured on their mantelpiece, as Hansson gifted one to them.
Acquisition
Accession
2025.2
Source or Donor
Karen Bieschke
Acquisition Method
Gift
Made/Created
Artist Information
Artist
Kaj Hansson
Role
Artist
Artist
Ingvar Kusagård
Role
Wood-carver
Date made
2003
Time Period
21st Century
Place
Neighborhood
Siljansfors
County
Dalarna
Country
Sweden
Region
Northern Europe
Continent
Europe
Ethnography
Cultural Region
County
Dalarna
Country
Sweden
Region
Northern Europe
Continent
Europe
Inscription/Signature/Marks
Type
Inscription
Location
Underside of horse
Transcription
Kaj Siljansfors 2003 Nr 650
Lexicon
LOC Thesaurus for Graphic Materials
Woodwork, Decorations, Festive, Decorations, Home decoration
Search Terms
Folk art, Dala Horse
Dimensions
Height
5-1/2 in
Width
1-1/2 in
Length
4 in
Material
Wood, Paint
Relationships
Related Person or Organization
Person or Organization
Karen Bieschke
Notes
Donor
Related Places
Place
County
Dalarna
Country
Sweden
Region
Northern Europe
Continent
Europe
Reproductions
Notes
Reproduction of the Museum's artifacts for publication, commercial use, or distribution requires written permission.
