Friends of ours sent us a Scandinavian hand-painted tile they found in an antique store. The border is teal green, with lighter yellow-green for the leaves, and a blue-and-red floral design. The simplicity of Swedish design, along with its colors, can brighten a neutral space.
The words “Kärlek sä det käns” in the Swedish language mean to feel love, as in to love deeply. We asked our Swedish son about the translation, and he said, “love so that it feels.” However, he was not familiar with the saying and suggested it was an older saying or from a different region.
Many years ago, my first encounter with the cultural use of hand-painted designs in home interiors was the wonderful displays at the Milwaukee Natural History Museum’s European Village. Peeking through windows, I observed the use of color and design in the exhibits, sampling folk art and traditions, showing how important it was to use tiles, hand-painted facsimiles of tiles, and stenciled designs that brought color to the home during long months of grey winters.
I have wondered where this tile came from. Was it purchased by someone vacationing in Sweden? Did a Swedish immigrant bring itto America to remind them of home and loved ones? A small moment of simple design and a pop of color could easily give a space a touch of color. Or maybe a dealer bought it for their shop?
Somehow, it found its way to an antique store and was purchased as a gift. I can only imagine what travels this floral ceramic tile has made to reach us.
Sayings on tiles, such as this one, were reminders and words of encouragement throughout the day. An inspiration to bless someone.
We still do that, don’t we? We hang quotes, buy pillows with sayings, or stencil words on walls to nurture ourselves. We also give them as gifts to show our love.
I have researched the history of this design, words, and style. I have checked various websites on the history of Swedish tile, and could not find anything specific to the one we have. I do not want to be compulsive in my curiosity to know about it, and simply enjoy the mystery of its creator, its travels, and the art of it.
I appreciate the significance of the hand-lettering and floral design, as I have no doubt a Swedish woman was responsible for creating this piece. Historically, women in Sweden were textile and ceramic designers and artists.
I will not use this for a trivet or a coaster. I plan to set it in a float frame to hang, an adornment to give a pop of color to an empty space. What I enjoy most about this gift is its tie to Sweden, so dear to us, and a thoughtful friend who made that connection.
How often do you hang a framed quote in your home as a blessing? Feel free to leave your comments below.
