Diam: 9.8cm H: 6.6cm
A circular butter press with a negative-relief symbol of a Scottish thistle. It is made of a warm-toned fruitwood. The symbol shows the plant with a cross-hatch pattern just beginning to bloom. It is surrounded by thin leaves. There are 4 rings around the outer edge of the press. The backside of the body is slightly rounded, then flattens around the middle. A round handle sits in the middle of the backside. It tapers slightly, then widens into a bulge.
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.
