18th Century Swedish Wooden Writing Box With Original Falun Red Finish Visible Through Over Painted Black

18th Century Swedish writing box with the original Falun red finish partially visible beneath a later black painted finish. The top has a carved border and a round central motif. Externally the box is typical of boxes of this period but internally there are three small hanging compartments rather than the more common single one.

The box is heavily worn patinated and the original Falun red finish is only partially visible. The lock is present (no key) but the external escutcheon is missing.

Falu red or falun red is a permeable red paint commonly used on wooden cottages and barns in Sweden, Finland, Estonia and Norway. During the 17th century, falu red began to be daubed onto wooden buildings and this remained popular in Sweden‘s built-up areas until the early 19th century, until authorities began to oppose use of the paint.