Exhibition piano, J.G. Malmsjö (KH 460)

Exhibition piano (upright), J.G. Malmsjö, Göteborg, nr 1634 (1865) KH 460

This grandly decorated piano from the J.G. Malmsjö factory with serial number 1634 (from the year 1865) is reportedly an exhibition instrument. Serial number and dating indicate that it was made for the Exhibition of Industry and Crafts in Malmö in 1865, where the factory received first prize (silver medal) “for excellent pianos.” It may have also been shown at the General Industrial Exhibition in Stockholm in 1866, in which Malmsjö participated with a “Taffelpiano” (square piano) and a ”Upprättstående Piano” (upright piano) (Officiell katalog p. 26).

J.G. Malmsjö’s exhibition piano from 1865 in all its glory. KH 460
Malmsjö’s diploma from the Industry and Crafts Exhibition in Malmö 1865.
. The nameplate was used between 1865 and about 1870. It bears two medals, one from the Expositionen af Svenska Slöjdalster in Stockholm in 1851, the other from the World Exhibition in London in 1862.

The piano is carved from walnut and studded with exquisitely worked fretwork on the three-part upper frame, birds and flowers on the key sides and knobs on the lid. It was likely designed by an architect and carved by professional sculptor.

The centre panel of the upper frame with its delicate fretwork.
One of the decorative bosses on the lid with acanthus leaf and flowers
Detail of the right keyboard side
The delicate decoration of the keywell sides
. Detail of the right side of the keyboard with a bird in a flower garland.
Carved detail of the right side of the key with a bird in a garland of flowers that continues below and around the inside of the piano, which is invisible to the viewer.