Vtg Scandinavian retail Handpainted Nisse Tin

Product Name: Vtg Scandinavian retail Handpainted Nisse Tin
Delightful Scandinavian tin box handpainted with Nisse or tomten figures frolicking and dancing around the edges, and with a merry-making fiddler atop. Nissan or tomten elves were Scandinavian farm spirits who looked after things and prospered (or not) the farmer. One was also required to please their spirit with gifts – often a bowl of porridge on Christmas Eve. If the tomte was not given his payment, he might leave the farm or house, or engage in mischief such as tying the cows' tails together in the barn, turning objects upside-down, or breaking things. Norwegian name: Nisse Swedish name: Tomte The porridge was often left in a tin box such as this one Signed, Egner - 42. Minor dents, scratches and rust... remarkably good condition for its age. retail Scandinavian, likely Norwegian or Swedish. 7.5 x 3 inches.