Butter mould

The handle of this mould acts as a plunger, emptying the container into which the butter has been packed. The smooth walls of the container help expel the butter once it has hardened. Ornate stamping creates a raised, sculptural-looking pattern on the top of the butter brick. These motifs are often inspired by farm life, nature, and animals. Given the quality of the work, this mould appears to have been produced in a small regional industry, while the motif would have been engraved by hand. Leaves and fruits are common subjects for butter moulds like these. In particular, maple and oak are often depicted on Québec butter moulds.