Vintage Hand Painted Beehive Panel

The beehive panel refers to the painted wooden plank that decorated the front of Carniolan beehives. Originating in the mid-18th century, primarily in the Slovenian Alpine region, their use peaked during the late 19th century. These panels feature motifs created by local artisans, depicting scenes from daily life, religious themes, folklore, and mythical figures. Over 600 distinct designs are documented, with approximately half being religious in nature. Today, painted beehive panels are highly valued by collectors and artisans alike. The most extensive collection is housed at the Beekeeping Museum in Radovljica, Slovenia.