L: 16.2cm Diam: 8.4cm Diam handle: 2.3cm
A wooden butter press composed of one piece with a long handle. The press plate is circular with a negative-relief design depicting a thistle with two large leaves. The design is surrounded by a ring and a scalloped edge. The handle has a circular cross-section and is rounded at the end.
In Eastern Canada, Scottish thistles are a common symbol found in butter presses. Thistles are invasive and resilient in harsh conditions. Some consider it a weed, others a beautiful flower. As the national flower of Scotland for over 500 years, the Scottish Thistle is a symbol of determination and overcoming adversity. These presses may be a symbol of pride produced by Scottish immigrants who settled in Lanark County, ON in the 19th century.
