Two walnut oil jugs, fuel used in the 18th century for lighting. The mélard on the left is in raw white clay on which concretions come from the interior. The mélard on the left benefited from a water-green glaze which made it waterproof. Its two handles allow it to be hung on a rope to be able to lean it and thus facilitate the flow of oil.

Mélard in White Clay and Suspended Mélard – 18th century – Cantal – [PA073] [PA074]

If one has a prehistoric look with these brown concretions that seem to emerge from the depths of time, the other wears, like armor, a beautiful green glaze that has pushed back all porosity. Both fulfilled in the farms of Cantal, the noble mission of saving the precious walnut oil, the only source of lighting in the 18th century. They are called mélards.

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…