• An Antique Swedish Oak Kista Dowry Chest c. 1841, this vintage folk art piece features oak construction, painted floral motifs, black metal hinges, and is inscribed with R.O.D and the year 1841 on the front.
  • An Antique Swedish Oak Kista Dowry Chest c. 1841 sits on a rough stone floor in a dimly lit room—a striking example of Swedish folk art with ornate green paint and floral patterns. Brand: None/Unknown.
  • An Antique Swedish Oak Kista Dowry Chest c. 1841, in teal with black, red, and orange floral designs, exemplifies Swedish folk art and sits on a wooden floor beside a patterned rug. Brand: None/Unknown.
  • An Antique Swedish Oak Kista Dowry Chest c. 1841, with a curved lid and vibrant folk art floral motifs, stands on a wooden floor beside a patterned rug. This blue chest features metal handles and hardware. Brand: Unknown.
  • An Antique Swedish Oak Kista Dowry Chest c. 1841, featuring blue paint with orange and red floral accents and a curved lid, sits on a wooden floor by a patterned rug—a striking piece of Swedish folk art.
  • An Antique Swedish Oak Kista Dowry Chest c. 1841 with a curved lid and teal, red, and orange floral patterns rests on a wood floor beside a fringed, patterned rug. Brand: Unknown.
  • A close-up of the Antique Swedish Oak Kista Dowry Chest c. 1841 shows weathered wood, peeling blue paint, a rusty hinge, and a red and white flower detail—capturing classic Swedish folk art charm. Brand: None/Unknown.
  • The Antique Swedish Oak Kista Dowry Chest c. 1841 features a hand-painted Swedish folk art floral design in red, orange, and green. Faded, chipped paint reveals the chest’s aged oak texture. Brand: None/Unknown.
  • The Antique Swedish Oak Kista Dowry Chest c. 1841, with its weathered oak, faded blue-green paint, and large rusty hinge, sits on a wood floor as a fringed rug peeks out—echoing the rustic charm of Swedish folk art.
  • This Antique Swedish Oak Kista Dowry Chest c. 1841 features a painted wooden surface with orange, black, and white floral designs, and decorative script letters B.U.D. inspired by Swedish folk art. Brand: None/Unknown.
  • A close-up of an Antique Swedish Oak Kista Dowry Chest c. 1841, featuring floral designs in orange, green, and black on a distressed blue surface, shown sitting on a wood floor. Brand: None or Unknown.
  • A painted floral design in orange, red, and black with "1841" decorates this Antique Swedish Oak Kista Dowry Chest on a weathered blue surface, evoking classic Swedish style with wooden flooring visible at the bottom. Brand: Unknown.
  • The Antique Swedish Oak Kista Dowry Chest c. 1841, with a hinged lid and visible aged wood inside, sits open and empty on a wooden floor near a white wall. Brand: Unknown.
  • Antique Swedish Oak Kista Dowry Chest c. 1841 with hinged lid, shown open and empty on a wood-patterned floor near a white wall, displays its natural oak grain and traditional craftsmanship. Brand: Unknown.
  • The Antique Swedish Oak Kista Dowry Chest c. 1841, with its curved blue top and rustic metal bands, sits on a wooden floor by a patterned rug, embodying the timeless charm of Swedish folk art.
1 15

None and/or Unknown

Antique Swedish Oak Kista Dowry Chest c. 1841

Antique Swedish Oak Kista Dowry Chest c. 1841

Carefully selected for its quality, character, and lasting appeal.

$3,125.00 USD
$0.00 USD $3,125.00 USD
Sale Sold out
White glove delivery, quoted personally for your location

Buy With Confidence

★★★★★ “Exactly as described and looks fabulous.” -Verified buyer

★★★★★ “Packed extremely well and arrived safely.” -Verified buyer

★★★★★“Great communication and smooth experience.” -Verified Buyer

★★★★★ From a recent customer: “It’s so refreshing to meet sensitive, honest antiques dealers. I could feel your passion and care through your communication and website—it was truly a pleasure doing business with you.”— Claud

Why Customers Trust Us

Request Shipping Quote

White Glove Delivery

Nationwide white-glove delivery is available for most antique furniture.

Shipping costs vary depending on destination and delivery access. Please contact us with your address for a personalized shipping quote before purchasing.

• Delivery typically takes 2–6 weeks depending on location

• Final delivery cost will be confirmed before payment

• Customers must ensure access through stairways, elevators, and doorways

• Please inspect your item upon delivery and report any issues immediately

Warehouse Pickup

Free pickup is available at our warehouse in Westfield, Massachusetts.

Please contact us to schedule an appointment. We are happy to assist with loading your purchase.

This really great Swedish painted kista, or dowry chest, dates to 1841 and beautifully reflects the rich folk art traditions of rural Sweden. Traditionally given as a wedding gift, these chests were used to store linens and household goods, often decorated with symbolic motifs and personalized details. This example is especially interesting in that the original monogram and date were painted over and replaced with a new set—presumably when the chest was passed from mother to daughter—adding a wonderful layer of personal history and continuity that you don’t often see.

The decoration is particularly charming, with a soft blue-green ground accented by vibrant reds, blacks, and warm ochre tones. The floral wreaths and stylized motifs are framed by painted drapery swags along the top, creating a sense of movement and balance across the front. The domed lid and iron strap hinges enhance its rustic character, while the oak construction provides a sturdy and practical form that has clearly been valued and reused over generations.

The chest is in nice antique condition consistent with age and normal use. There is visible wear to the painted surface, including areas of paint loss, surface wear, and age-related marks that contribute to its authentic character and tell the story of its long life. The overpainting of the monogram and date is part of that history rather than a detraction. Overall, this is a really great piece with a lot of personality—perfect as a blanket chest, storage piece, or decorative focal point in a thoughtfully curated interior. 27h x 54w x 24d

Local delivery available for a fee or pick up Westfield MA

Please contact me prior to purchasing with delivery address if you would like the item shipped to you. Shipping price listed is just an estimate. Thank you!
View full details