Mortar and pestle in beech wood – 18th century – South-West

Mortar and pestle in beech wood – 18th century – South-West of France – [MP039]

Mortar and pestle in beech wood – 18th century – South-West Mortar and pestle in beech wood – 18th century – South-West of France The pestle of this mortar is held with two hands, and the force exerted to crush chestnuts, for example, is increased by the nails planted on its end. Dimensions: Height: 67…

Three copper containers of exceptional size: an enormous kettle, the matching pie dish and an equally imposing pitcher. All are in red copper and date from the 18th century, a period during which they were manufactured using the same processes in the South West of France.

Kettle, Pie Dish and Decaliter Jug in Red Copper – 18th century – South West – [MP035] [MP036] [MP037]

It’s a bit like Gulliver’s dinette. On our scale, a huge teapot, a generous pie dish and a colossal milk jug. In reality, these everyday objects, hammered from sheets of red copper, have known the good times of a large wine-growing family in the Médoc in the 18th century. She used it for cooking, bathing and selling wine.

Winemaker's table in oak and poplar – 19ᵗʰ century – Champagne – [MP034]

Winemaker’s table in oak and poplar – 19ᵗʰ century – Champagne – [MP034]

Winemaker's table in oak and poplar – 19ᵗʰ century – Champagne – [MP034] Winemaker’s table in oak and poplar – 19ᵗʰ century – Champagne The assembly of varied geometric patterns, a cross set with four triangles joined together inside the circle of the top, is highlighted thanks to the choice of nuanced wood species, namely…

On remarque, sur ce modèle de gaufrier des motifs différents sur la plaquette de gauche, ornée de cœurs en vis-à-vis, et sur celle de droite, ornée de cœurs qui semblent cette fois-ci comme ouverts. Les deux plaquettes bénéficient tout autour de ces cœurs, de décors de volutes, de petites croix et de pointillés.

Waffle mold in wrought iron – 18th century – Périgord – [MP032]

“The Fight Between Carnival and Lent”, painted by Brueghel the Elder, 1559 – Collection: Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna, Austria. Detail of the painting by Pieter Brueghel the Elder, “The Fight Between Carnival and Lent”. We see a woman holding the waffle iron over the flame. With this type of waffle iron shaped by a blacksmith from…

Imperial oil jug – 19ᵗʰ century – Quercy – [PA072]

Imperial oil jug – 19ᵗʰ century – Quercy – [PA072]

Among the jewels of the salesroom gallery Aux-Rois-Louis, emerges this astonishing pottery which immediately evokes a beauty in an evening dress. She advances, as if towards an opera box, dressed in her sequined black evening dress and sporting on her throat her prettiest long necklace composed of pearls in the shape of flowers, of which…

Walnut sideboard – 18ᵗʰ century – South-West – [MP030]

Walnut sideboard – 18ᵗʰ century – South-West – [MP030]

Three Louis XIII, Louis XIV and Louis XV styles brought together in a single creation This sideboard offers us a rare vision: that of the three styles Louis XIII, Louis XIV and Louis XV brought together in a single creation. The sliding drawers adorned with diamonds are in the Louis XIII style The moldings that…

Oak wedding chest – 18th century – Auvergne – [MP028]

Oak wedding chest – 18th century – Auvergne – [MP028]

Oak wedding chest – 18th century – Auvergne – [MP028] Flowers, passion, a dowry and its sheath Here is how this piece of furniture appeared in Auvergne in the 18th century. Prelude to the wedding, the engagement makes it possible to organize as it should, the imminent arrival of the bride in the family of…

Salt chest armchair – chestnut - cherry - poplar – 19th century – Quercy – [MP029]

Salt chest armchair – chestnut – cherry – poplar – 19th century – Quercy – [MP029]

Salt chest armchair – chestnut – cherry – poplar – 19th century – Quercy – [MP029] The salt chest armchair Patriarch’s Throne, King of Cantou If there is one thing that lords and farmers had in common from the Middle Ages until the 19th century, it was the use of the fireplace, the only means…

Folk art chestnut chest – 18th century – Béarn – [MP027]

Folk art chestnut chest – 18ᵗʰ century – Béarn – [MP027]

Folk art chestnut chest – 18th century – Béarn – [MP027] Folk art chestnut chest – 18th century – Béarn The secret code to enter the spiritual universe of this chest overloaded with messages is undoubtedly the number 6. Keep it in mind to sharpen your gaze. Around the Latin Cross located under the keyhole,…

Cherry wood farm table – 19th century – Périgord – [MP024]

Cherry wood farm table – 19th century – Périgord – [MP024]

Cherry wood farm table – 19th century – Périgord Cherry wood farm table – 19th century – Périgord – [MP024] Close your eyes and imagine … We can see the marks of the pot feet on the tray. A soft light, that of the flames of the cantou from which escapes the sweet aroma of…

Walnut pantry cabinet - 19th century - Provence - [MP026]

Walnut pantry cabinet – 19th century – Provence – [MP026]

Walnut pantry cabinet – 19th century – Provence Called in its region of origin the “mangeadou”, this cabinet was intended for the storage of food in its upper part, ventilated for this purpose. In the lower part you could store dishes and kitchen utensils. In the middle, two drawers received the cutlery. We recognize on…

Jam cabinet in cheery – late 18th century – Périgord – [MP023]

Jam cabinet in cheery – late 18th century – Périgord – [MP023]

THE FORGOTTEN FLAVORS OF OLD CONFITURIERS Jam cabinet in cheery – late 18th century – Périgord – [MP023] From the thirteenth to the nineteenth century, we preserved in honey, sugar or vinegar, all the wonders that we grew in gardens, orchards and vegetable gardens. The term “jams” (confitures) thus encompassed a wide variety of preparations…

Beech butcher's block - early 20th century - [MP022]

Beech butcher’s block – early 20ᵗʰ century – [MP022]

Beech butcher’s block – early 20ᵗʰ century – [MP022] CERTAIN CRAFT FURNITURE RECALLS CHILDHOOD MEMORIES THAT ENCHANT YOUR HOME Haberdashery counter, clothier’s table, butcher’s block, all these pieces of furniture attached to the know-how of the artisans of our neighborhoods awaken happy memories in us. Those of a life where we took the time to…

Quality, sobriety and simplicity of this bonnetière echo the Auvergne art of living, centered on the essential.

Louis XIII style oak bonnetière – 18th century – Auvergne – [MP021]

Louis XIII style oak bonnetière – 18th century – Auvergne – [MP021] Here is a beautiful laundry cabinet which was intended for a house in Auvergne in the 18th century. Deliberately, the carpenter opted for the Louis XIII style, sober and refined. The door panels feature the traditional flattened diamond pattern.

Louis XV style country sideboard in walnut, oak and elm – 19ᵗʰ century – South West – [MP020]

Louis XV style country sideboard in walnut, oak and elm – 19ᵗʰ century – South West of France – [MP020]

Louis XV style country sideboard in walnut, oak and elm – 19ᵗʰ century – South West of France – [MP020] The mix of wood species, in this case walnut, oak and elm, evokes a short circuit, ecological production ahead of time. In fact, the peasants stored, in anticipation of an important family event such as…

Vaisselier dresser-drainer in cherrywood – 19ᵗʰ century – South West – [MP019]

Vaisselier dresser-drainer in cherrywood – 19ᵗʰ century – South West – [MP019]

Vaisselier dresser-drainer in cherrywood – 19ᵗʰ century – South West – [MP019] Everything is scalloped curves in this discreet dresser which in fact fulfills two distinct missions. At the very bottom is the drainer on spaced slats while the three top shelves fulfill the function of display, the crockery being held by scalloped bars. In…

Beech butcher's block – End of 19ᵗʰ century – South West – [MP018]

Beech butcher’s block – End of 19ᵗʰ century – South West – [MP018]

Beech butcher’s block – End of 19ᵗʰ century – South West – [MP018] The centerpiece of butcher’s stalls in the 19ᵗʰ century, these old butcher’s block were designed to withstand the butchers’ blows, vigorous and precise. The top is for this reason made up of an assembly of end grain or cross cut wooden cubes;…

Manka, oak sideboard – 18ᵗʰ century – Basque Country – [MP015]

Manka, oak sideboard – 18ᵗʰ century – Basque Country – [MP015]

Manka, oak sideboard – 18ᵗʰ century – Basque Country – [MP015] This oak sideboard comes from the Basque Country where it is called “manka”. Basque mankas, therefore, are characterized by the fact that their tray opens onto a large chest. This offers more storage space than the usual drawers. Another particularity of the mankas: the…

Elm wedding chest – 18ᵗʰ century – Cantal – [MP016]

Elm wedding chest – 18ᵗʰ century – Cantal – [MP016]

Elm wedding chest – 18ᵗʰ century – Cantal – [MP016] This unique piece of furniture reflects the talent and the delicate and sentimental approach of the peasant carpenter who lived for a time with these newlyweds and their families. Indeed, in the 18ᵗʰ century, furniture carpenters were itinerant. They would stay on the farm while…

Winegrower's table in oak and cherry wood – 18ᵗʰ century – Lot – [MP014]

Winegrower’s table in oak and cherry wood – 18ᵗʰ century – Lot – [MP014]

Winegrower’s table in oak and cherry wood – 18ᵗʰ century – Lot – [MP014] This solid oval table was installed in the cellars during the harvest and during the production of wines. The rest of the time, thanks to its removable tray independent of the base on clogs, this winegrower’s furniture could easily be stored.

Cherry wood farm table - 19ᵗʰ century - Périgord [MP013]

Cherry wood farm table – 19ᵗʰ century – Périgord [MP013]

By its simplicity, its robustness and its patina, this farm table evokes at first glance the peasant life of which it was the center during each meal taken together in the kitchen, long the only living room of the House. A single drawer constituted the storage of the precious bread. On the plate, brown traces…

Cottage chest, a folk art chef-d’œuvre – 17ᵗʰ century – Gers

Cottage chest, a folk art chef-d’œuvre – 17ᵗʰ century – Gers [MP006]

Cottage chest, a folk art chef-d’œuvre – 17ᵗʰ century – Gers Cottage chest, a folk art chef-d’œuvre – 17ᵗʰ century – Gers [MP006] Highly original and cleverly designed, this wedding gift chest, the work of a provincial cabinetmaker, shows an inventive and “no-nonsense” approach with special attention paid to the choice of wood species. This…

Oil jug  – 18ᵗʰ century – Quercy

Oil jug – 18ᵗʰ century – Quercy [PA013]

Oil jug  – 18ᵗʰ century – Quercy This elegant oil jar, turned in the 18ᵗʰ century, is distinguished by its slender upward handle, its pinched spout, its gray brown glaze made with manganese and its decoration of knurled strips arranged diagonally. So many particular signs in this region of production, the Quercy, which make us…

Grand fir fireplace bench – 19ᵗʰ century – Pyrénées

Grand fir fireplace bench – 19ᵗʰ century – Pyrénées [MP010]

Grand fir fireplace bench – 19ᵗʰ century – Pyrénées This large fir-tree bench from the Pyrénées was placed in front of the hearth to warm up while contemplating the flames. It is comfortable because of its large size and generous backrest. The disproportionate armrests are a pure creation of the farmer-woodworker who shaped it. The…

Shop counter – late 19ᵗʰ century – France

Shop counter – late 19ᵗʰ century – France [MP009]

Shop counter – late 19ᵗʰ century – France This shop counter shaped in the late 19ᵗʰ century still bears the trace of its original white paint that emphasizes the moldings and console legs, treated on a neoclassical model. On its back side appear two shelves and a small drawer where was stored the change; the…

Pinewood seed measuring device – 19ᵗʰ century – Auvergne – Massif Central

Pinewood seed measuring device – 19ᵗʰ century – Auvergne – Massif Central [MP008]

Pinewood seed measuring device – 19ᵗʰ century – Auvergne – Massif Central Pinewood seed measuring device – 19ᵗʰ century – Auvergne – Massif Central Designed for a specific agricultural function, measuring seeds, this unique piece combines traditional workmanship and the artistic touch of the peasant farmer who created it. The dovetailed corners have been carefully…

Glazed earthenware « mélard » - 18ᵗʰ century – Puy de Dôme

Glazed earthenware « mélard » – 18ᵗʰ century – Puy de Dôme [PA027]

Glazed earthenware « mélard » – 18ᵗʰ century – Puy de Dôme Glazed earthenware « mélard » – 18ᵗʰ century – Puy de Dôme The size of this commonly used piece of pottery is absolutely amazing. In days gone by, it was used for storing nut oil in mills, châteaux and monasteries. In the 18ᵗʰ century, nut oil was…

Natural oak, popular art chest of drawers – 18ᵗʰ century – Pyrenees

Natural oak, popular art chest of drawers – 18ᵗʰ century – Pyrenees [MP007]

Natural oak, popular art chest of drawers – 18ᵗʰ century – Pyrenees Natural oak, popular art chest of drawers – 18ᵗʰ century – Pyrenees The rusticity of countryside furniture and the elegance of the Louis XV style come harmoniously together in this natural oak chest of drawers made by a cabinetmaker in the Pyrenees. The…

Oak storage wardrobe - from a monastery – 17ᵗʰ century – Burgundy

Oak storage wardrobe – from a monastery – 17ᵗʰ century – Burgundy [MP005]

Oak storage wardrobe – from a monastery – 17ᵗʰ century – Burgundy Oak storage wardrobe – from a monastery – 17ᵗʰ century – Burgundy A veritable masterpiece created by a 17ᵗʰ century “image maker” (the name attributed to wood carvers), this storage wardrobe stood proudly in a monastery that used to produce Burgundy wine. It…

Oak wedding wardrobe – 19ᵗʰ century – Brittany - MP001

Oak wedding wardrobe – 19ᵗʰ century – Brittany [MP001]

For the most part, popular art furniture was specially ordered for weddings. The families deployed considerable means so that their children’s union would be fertile, prosperous and everlasting. The symbols that were used were understood by everybody, since they were rooted in a shared religious iconography. Beside the wardrobe, the other piece of furniture standing…

Louis XIV walnut armoire – late 17ᵗʰ century – Périgord – [ME002]

Louis XIV walnut armoire – late 17ᵗʰ century – Périgord [ME002]

This coffered armoire, with drawers in the lower part, is in the Louis XIV style. The ultimate aim was to flaunt in one’s own home an ostentatious piece of furniture, reflecting the pomp and splendour of Versailles, initiated by Louis XIV, the Sun King. This type of furniture crowned the social and economic success of…

Louis XIII wardrobe – 17ᵗʰ century – Limousin

Louis XIII wardrobe – 17ᵗʰ century – Limousin [ME001]

This linen cupboard from Limousin is typical of the first provincial furniture to make its way into aristocratic homes at the start of the 17ᵗʰ century. Before that, they put their clothes and linen in chests. This is a functional piece of furniture with just one audacious artistic feature: the moulding on the panels, designed…

Walnut wedding gift wardrobe – 18ᵗʰ century – Lyon region – [ME013]

Walnut wedding gift wardrobe – 18ᵗʰ century – Lyon region [ME013]

On the upper crosspiece, beneath the cornice, an inset contains a stunning coat of arms representing the family who commissioned this unique piece. The front of the wardrobe is richly decorated with seashells and leaves. The doors are enhanced by Bérain-style decorations. Bérain was a famous 18ᵗʰ century decorative artist who created many highly popular…

Walnut sideboard – Renaissance –17ᵗʰ century

Walnut sideboard – Renaissance – 17ᵗʰ century [ME012]

Offering a collection of Renaissance style decorations. Trompe l’œil panels on top doors. Side and bottom panels decorated with arabesques. Top and bottom horizontal crosspieces enhanced with palmettos and shells. Moulded drawers decorated with drop beads. Columns with ornamental capitals..

Walnut sideboard with tabernacle – 19ᵗʰ century – Provence – [MP004]

Walnut sideboard with tabernacle – 19ᵗʰ century – Provence [MP004]

This Provençal sideboard has a rich floral ornamentation. The upper part has sliding doors called “glissants”. Finely crafted iron fittings. The lower crosspiece is decorated with a soup tureen and olive branches. Scroll feet.