Impressive in size, this oak chest comes from a fortress in Périgord. It remains a testament to its past grandeur. Its mission was, in its time, to welcome back from battles the weapons and armour of the Knight Master of the house. It is rare to be able to observe this type of castle furniture, as very few of its comrades-in-arms were produced and most have now disappeared.

Knight’s Oak Armour Chest – 15th Century – High Middle Ages – Périgord – [ME148]

AUX-ROIS-LOUIS’S TREASURES FILMING AT CHÂTEAU DE BIRON IN PÉRIGORD FOR THE SERIES ‘FORTUNE DE FRANCE’ Adapted from Robert Merle’s literary fresco, a writer native to Sarlat, the “Fortune de France” series directed by Christopher Thomson took up residence at Château de Biron, seat of one of the oldest baronies in Périgord, in spring 2023. It…

This 18th-century coach chest is clad in leather on the outside and bordered with studded brass. The interior is lined with hand-painted wallpaper, forming speckled patterns. Originally, this type of luggage was the work of the guild of trunk makers, a separate trade from the saddle makers, emerging during the 14th century.

Coach Travel Chest in Leather and Wood – 18th Century – Île de France – [ME124]

The vanity one carries with them in the 18th century is made from leather, brass, and wood. These natural materials were assembled by the guild of trunk makers, with no recourse to plastics which of course did not yet exist. Let’s rediscover the charm of yesteryear’s luggage with this delicate coach travel chest in leather, brass, and wood, a surviving witness of the Renaissance’s golden days in France.

Polychrome Walnut Virgin with Serpent – 18th Century – Midi-Pyrénées – [ME116]

Polychrome Walnut Virgin with Serpent – 18th Century – Midi-Pyrénées – [ME116]

Explore the iconic 18th-century polychrome walnut sculpture depicting the Virgin Mary triumphing over a serpent, symbolizing the Immaculate Conception. Standing gracefully with arms wide open on a half-globe, the Virgin crushes the serpent beneath her bare foot. The finely carved piece showcases intricate details, from the peaceful expression on Mary’s face to the polychromatic hues highlighting the mystical nature of the artwork. Uncover the hidden symbolism as the serpent holds an apple, representing the Virgin as the new Eve who, in the 17th century context, erases the transgressions of the first woman. The dimensions of this masterpiece are 56 cm in height, 32 cm in width, and a diameter of 21 cm. [Reference: ME116]

What characterizes this bronze chandelier from the 17th century is that it has never been converted to electricity. Everything here is original, and only the candles are adapted to its candle holders. Additionally, small vessels are intended to receive walnut oil and wicks to complete the decidedly intimate lighting setup.

Bronze Chandelier – Louis XIV – 17th Century – Quercy – [ME117]

In golden bronze, this midsize chandelier can hold candles at the top of the four candle holders that top its branches. As was practiced in the 17th century, four small vessels are arranged in the center to receive walnut oil and wicks to complement the original lighting setup. Below, a bowl is ready to absorb any potential overflow.

This authentic "paysan" rural piece of furniture, from around the foothills of Velay, is a testimony of the spirit of friendly mutual assistance among neighbours who went to one another's homes to do the "énoisage" all together during the late evening "velhada", sometimes improvising friendly little dances to the sound of clogs, "cabrettes" and accordions.

Larch wood table for cracking walnuts (énoisage) – 19th century – Haute-Loire – [MP051]

A thick larch plateau from the foothill forests of Velay and, on each corner, kinds of amazing little hollows…Here we have a genuine “énoisage” table, perfectly designed to wedge the walnuts when snapping them with  the mallet called “tricote”, to prevent the nuts from rolling to the other end of the table.

Impressively sized, this fireplace plate from the renowned foundries of Périgord showcases traditional royal heraldry, featuring a crown surrounded by fleur-de-lis and pine cones, symbolizing longevity. Cast in 1644, the inclusion of this date in its design adds to its historical appeal and authenticity.

Royal Cast Iron Fireplace Plate – 17th Century – Périgord – [ME113]

Impressively sized, this fireplace plate from the illustrious foundries of Périgord displays traditional royal heraldry – a crown surrounded by fleur-de-lis and pine cones, symbolizing longevity. Cast in 1644, the historical significance and authenticity are highlighted by this embedded date.

It is believed to have the power to chase away demons, and that's why Pope Leo IV chose it in the 9th century to reign on the steeples of our churches. Very rare, this all-copper church steeple rooster has descended for a while, ready to come protect your home.

Church Steeple Rooster in Copper – 19th Century – Languedoc-Roussillon – [MP050]

Discover the extraordinary power attributed to the church steeple rooster – a demon-chaser chosen by Pope Leo IV in the 9th century to grace our church steeples. A truly rare find, this all-copper rooster has descended briefly, ready to safeguard your home.

This Louis XIII oak dining table comes from the Château de Turenne in Corrèze. In the 17th century, comfortable furniture was a privilege reserved for the nobility. While household staff dined standing at a high serving table, the masters of the house and their guests could comfortably sit around this well-proportioned table.

Oak Dining Table – Louis XIII – 17th Century – Corrèze – [ME107]

This Louis XIII dining table originates from the Château de Turenne in Corrèze. In the 17th century, comfortable furniture was a privilege reserved for the nobility. While household staff dined standing at a high serving table, the masters of the house and their guests could comfortably sit around this oak table.

This little Louis XIV gilded mirror illustrates the savoir-faire of 18th century miroitiers, guillocheurs, stuqueur and gold leaf gilder. It will bring happiness in a secret boudoir where it will have the place of honor.

Little Gilded Wooden Mirror – Louis XIV – 18th century – Midi Pyrénées – [ME 110]

This little Louis XIV gilded mirror is an example of the extraordinary mastery and savoir-faire of the maîtres miroitiers of the 18th century. These stucco plastered floral motifs, its guillochées surfaces, its pare close structure and the original central mirror make it a perfect companion in a cosy intimate boudoir.

Inseparable salt and flour boxes in walnut - 18th century - Provence - [MP025]

Inseparable salt and flour boxes in walnut – 18th century – Provence – [MP025]

Inseparable salt and flour boxes in walnut – 18th century – Provence – [MP025] Inseparable salt and flour boxes in walnut – 18th century – Provence Let’s first describe how the kitchens of yesteryear used these two pretty boxes carved from walnut, the best wood for this purpose. When at rest they were hung up…

This floral cherrywood buffet, crafted in the 18th century in the Rhone Valley, celebrates the Louis XV style in a most graceful manner. We refer to it as 'floral' due to the unusual abundance of floral motifs adorning each door and every drawer, creating a mirror-like effect.

Floral Cherrywood Buffet – Louis XV – 18th Century – Rhone Valley – [MP044]

This floral cherrywood buffet, crafted in the 18th century in the Rhone Valley, beautifully celebrates the Louis XV style. We refer to it as ‘floral’ due to the unusual abundance of floral motifs arranged on both sides of each door and every drawer, creating a mirror-like effect.

Curves, volutes, and Saint-Jacques shells – everything exudes the essence of Provence and the pure Louis XV style in this gilded wooden rococo mirror, resting upon two elegant feet. It dates back to the 18th century and has reached us in a remarkably preserved condition. Its mercury glass and wooden frame adorned with gold leaf gilding in the Armenian style are original.

Gilded Wooden Rococo Mirror – Louis XV – 18th Century – Provence – [ME111]

Gilded Rococo mirror crafted from wood, resonating with the essence of Provence and the quintessential Louis XV style. Originating from the 18th century, it has remarkably withstood the test of time. Its mercury glass and wooden frame coated with gold leaf gilding using the Armenian bole are both original features.

Offered as part of the bride's dowry by her father, this natural oak chest adorned with tulips and a country bouquet served two purposes in the 18th century: to hold the personal effects of the young bride and to allow the couple to sit at the foot of their bed in complete intimacy. Hence its name "end-of-bed chest."

Natural Oak End-of-Bed Chest – 18th Century – South West – [MP046]

It carries the aroma of beeswax that has permeated its natural oak since the 18th century, the era of its birth – a symbol of the union of a young couple whose initials were M and P… This end-of-bed chest is eagerly waiting to return to a room where love will reign, where love will be the law, etc.

Voici un authentique meuble auvergnat, témoignage de l’art populaire tel qu’il Here is an authentic Auvergne piece of furniture, a testament to the folk art as it manifested itself in the 18th century in the southeastern part of the Massif Central. This is a wedding chest assembled with thick larch wood planks, adorned with naive ornamentation inspired by the stylistic repertoires of Louis XIII and Louis XIV.

Wedding Chest in Larch Wood – 18th Century – Haute-Loire – [MP048]

Here is an authentic Auvergne piece of furniture, a testament to the folk art as it manifested itself in the 18th century in the southeastern part of the Massif Central. This is a wedding chest assembled with thick larch wood planks, adorned with naive ornamentation inspired by the stylistic repertoires of Louis XIII and Louis XIV.

Here is a pie dish that has the particularity of being cast right after a church bell, in order not to waste any of the molten metal. Therefore, it is made of the same bronze and can be considered the little sister of a bell, just a few minutes apart, though not an exact twin.

Bell Bronze Pie Dish – 19th Century – Southwest – [MP043]

Do pies baked in a pie dish cast from the same bronze as a church bell, on the very same day, carry the scent of holiness? You can find out by testing this exceptionally rare object, an authentic bell bronze pie dish, ready to ensure the most traditional cooking on a wood fire tripod.

Here are two impressive twisted walnut columns from the 18th century. Initially, they adorned the base of the monumental staircase in a public building located in the Midi-Pyrénées region. Now, they are prepared to enhance the charm of a film set or a private residence.

Two Twisted Walnut Columns – 18th Century – Midi-Pyrénées – [ME105]

Here are two impressive twisted walnut columns from the 18th century. Initially, they adorned the base of the monumental staircase in a public building located in the Midi-Pyrénées region. Now, they are prepared to enhance the charm of a film set or a private residence.

This Louis XVI chest of drawers is referred to as a "jump chest" due to its unusual height of its feet. Originating from the Provinces located in the South West region of the Kingdom of France, Guyenne and Gascony, this unique, sturdy and refined piece was made in the 18th century from thick cherrywood boards.

Louis XVI cherrywood jump chest from the 18th century – South West of France – [ME086]

Louis XVI cherrywood jump chest from the 18th century – South West of France – [ME086] The Louis XVI style is inspired by the forms and ornamental motifs of Antiquity. Its charm comes from its revisiting of classicism by infusing it with more delicacy and lightness. This cherrywood jump chest illustrates how this renewal was…

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…

Drop-leaf secretary made in Périgord in the 18th century in beautiful walnut boards. It is composed of a crossbow chest of drawers with two large drawers, surmounted by a sloping flap that opens to become a writing desk.

Walnut drop-leaf writing desk – 18th century – Périgord – [ME090]

Walnut drop-leaf writing desk – 18th century – Périgord – [ME090] Walnut drop-leaf writing desk – 18th century – Périgord – [ME090] This drop-leaf secretary is in a way the prodigal son of an eventful chest of drawers and a secret office. The writing desk rests on two generous crossbow-shaped drawers. Notary, lawyer, banker or…

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.

Chest of drawers in cherry wood with four drawers on its curved front, two large at the bottom and two smaller at the top placed side by side. It was made in Périgord in the 18th century in thick cherry boards and rests on two scrolled legs at the front and two straight legs at the back.

Country chest of drawers in cherry wood – 18ᵗʰ century – Périgord – [ME080]

She is a bit like a beautiful country girl who would have put on her prettiest dress to go to the ball. This chest of drawers, made from generous planks of cherry wood, in Périgord in the 18th century, proudly displays the assets of Louis XV charm. Curved front and refined handles form the adornment of our young beauty.

Large walnut chest with straight lines ordered and shaped in the County of Périgord in the 18th century. This geographical origin is attested by a typically Périgord motif of an inverted V which houses the keyhole. The ironwork, lock, hinges and handles are all original.

Chest of Knight in walnut – 18ᵗʰ century – Périgord – [ME081]

Its bird feathers link it to the Louis XIII style and its ancestors traveling chests that roamed the countryside, carrying the armor of their knights who went to war. Dating from the beginning of the 18th century, this robust walnut chest will have had the chance to live a peaceful life in the castle, in a Périgord that has finally been pacified.

Small two-piece sideboard made in the 18th century in the South West of France. It has a cornice, a picture rail and two largely molded drawers, four doors decorated with diamond points and it rests on two straight feet at the back and two onion feet at the front.

Small two-piece walnut sideboard – 18ᵗʰ century – South West France – [ME073]

It has everything of a great, namely all the attributes of the Louis XIII style, with the advantage of being of reasonable size. This small two-piece sideboard, commissioned in the 18th century by a rich farmer from the South West, is about to do wonders in our contemporary kitchens.

Walnut bonnetière – Louis XIV – 17ᵗʰ century – Périgord – [ME082]

Walnut bonnetière – Louis XIV – 17ᵗʰ century – Périgord – [ME082]

The audacious talent of the furniture carpenter who fashioned this bonnetière in Périgord in the 17th century lies in the fact that the hollow uprights, on either side of the facade, hug all the greasy moldings of the lower picture rail one by one as well as all those of the upper cornice.

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…

Louis XV mirror – gilded wood – 18ᵗʰ century – South West – [ME085]

Louis XV mirror – gilded wood – 18ᵗʰ century – South West – [ME085]

Louis XV Mirror – Gilded Wood – 18ᵗʰ Century – South West of France Discreetly sized, this Louis XV mirror features a lovely scallop shell on its slightly curved pediment, framed by foliage and flowers. Through the gold leaf gilding of its frame, due to its age, the famous “bol d’Arménie” (bolus armenus) emerges, testimony…

Large Louis XV mirror – gilded wood – late 18ᵗʰ century – Midi-Pyrénées – [ME084]

Large Louis XV mirror – gilded wood – late 18ᵗʰ century – Midi-Pyrénées – [ME084]

Large Louis XV mirror – gilded wood – late 18ᵗʰ century – Midi-Pyrénées – [ME084] Large Louis XV Mirror – Gilded Wood – Late 18ᵗʰ Century – Midi-Pyrénées The imposing frontispiece of this Louis XV mirror seems to have been sculpted to the size of the generous cornucopia that flourishes in the middle. Symbol of…

Louis XV mirror – giltwood frame – late 18ᵗʰ century – South of France – [ME083]

Louis XV mirror – giltwood frame – late 18ᵗʰ century – South of France – [ME083]

Louis XV Mirror – Giltwood Frame – Late 18ᵗʰ Century – South of France Fantasy shines in this Louis XV mirror thanks to the emergence of the Rocaille style. Its particularity, breaking with symmetry, is particularly visible in the escalation of very different acanthus leaves on either side of the summit medallion. The rinceaux inspired…

This desk table was probably the prerogative of a high dignitary of the Customs corps, in charge of a flourishing trading post located on the banks of the Olt, the former name of the Lot.

Desk table in oak and chestnut – Louis XIII – 17th century – Quercy – [ME074]

Desk table in oak and chestnut – Louis XIII – 17th century – Quercy Given the rarity of this type of table that served as a desk, one can imagine that this piece of furniture from Quercy experienced the heyday of river transport on the Lot during the 17th century. This desk table was probably…

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…

Small vat for the soup in cast iron – 17ᵗʰ century – Fonderies du Périgord – [ME077]

Small vat for the soup in cast iron – 17ᵗʰ century – Fonderies du Périgord – [ME077]

Small vat for the soup in cast iron – 17ᵗʰ century – Fonderies du Périgord – [ME077] Straw Handle: Straw pattern resulting from mold making process. This type of vat was used to prepare soup during major harvests in important agricultural areas. Imagine up to forty people working in the fields. It is a question…

Large cast iron vat for laundry – 16ᵗʰ century – Fonderies du Périgord – [ME076]

Large cast iron vat for laundry – 16ᵗʰ century – Fonderies du Périgord – [ME076]

This large cast iron tub was intended to do the laundry of the entire community. It was filled with boiling water and an ash-based detergent, the very one we are rediscovering today. The drain called the “couladou” made it possible to empty it without spilling it, once the laundry was washed. We can observe two…

Sugar boiler for the Colonies – 16ᵗʰ century – Fonderies du Périgord – [ME075]

Sugar boiler for the Colonies – 16ᵗʰ century – Fonderies du Périgord – [ME075]

From the Périgord Foundries, these cast iron vats are recognizable at first glance. They are rounded in shape, equipped with rod handles and without couladous (drainage in Occitan) which made it possible to stack them for transport. These boilers were indeed intended for export. They were to join by sea, on large ships, the French…

Cast iron fireback – Louis XV – 18ᵗʰ century – South-West – [ME079]

Cast iron fireback – Louis XV – 18ᵗʰ century – South-West – [ME079]

Cast iron fireback – Louis XV – 18ᵗʰ century – South-West – [ME079] We notice its pretty central cartouche formed of acanthus leaves surrounded by a beaded molding around which appears the date “1764” (1 and 6 inscribed in mirror) as well as a series of seven flowers. The whole being enhanced with a gadrooned…

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…

Louis XIII credenza in walnut – 17ᵗʰ century – South-West – [ME071]

Louis XIII credenza in walnut – 17ᵗʰ century – South-West – [ME071]

Louis XIII credenza in walnut – 17ᵗʰ century – South-West – [ME071] For those who love the austere charm of the castles of the Kngdom of France in the pure Louis XIII style, before the influence of the Italian Renaissance intervened, this credenza is a centerpiece. It give evidence to a precise temporal parenthesis, 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…

This cradle bears witness to a salutary change in the relationship between humans and their little babies.

Rocking cradle in cherrywood – Louis-Philippe – 19ᵗʰ century – South West – [ME072]

B like Bassinet, Emblem of BLM, Baby Liberation Movement If the BLM – Baby Liberation Movement – existed, the rocking cradle would be its flagship. It is indeed thanks to this small private bed that the babies were able to leave their panoply of mummy tightly wrapped in bandages and the already too crowded family…

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,…

Sideboard chest – Louis XV – 18ᵗʰ century – South West France - [ME070]

Sideboard chest in oak – Louis XV – 18ᵗʰ century – South West France – [ME070]

Sideboard chest – Louis XV – 18ᵗʰ century – South West France – [ME070] Sideboard chest in oak – Louis XV – 18ᵗʰ century – South West France Astonishing trompe-l’oeil fantasy on this little sideboard which seems to have two drawers even though it opens on the top like a chest. Another daring mix of…

Small walnut sideboard – Louis XIV – 17ᵗʰ century – Périgord – [ME069]

Small walnut sideboard – Louis XIV – 17ᵗʰ century – Périgord – [ME069]

Small walnut sideboard – Louis XIV – 17ᵗʰ century – Périgord – [ME069] Small walnut sideboard – Louis XIV – 17ᵗʰ century – Périgord Fashioned in the 17ᵗʰ century in beautiful walnut planks, the noble wood of the time cultivated in the illustrious walnut groves of Périgord, this sideboard immediately surprises with its completely unusual…

Apothecary mortar in marble - late 18th century - France - [ME068]

Apothecary mortar in marble – late 18th century – France – [ME068]

Apothecary mortar in marble – late 18th century – France – [ME068] Apothecary mortar in marble – late 18th century – France This frustoconical mortar was sculpted in a block of veined white marble, then patiently polished by hand, to obtain an impeccable softness to the touch and an irreproachable regularity of shapes. That of…

Walnut storage cabinet – 18ᵗʰ century – France – [ME066]

Walnut storage cabinet – 18ᵗʰ century – France – [ME066]

On the front of this walnut storage cabinet, there are eight drawers adorned with the original bronze handles. Walnut storage cabinet – 18ᵗʰ century – France You have before you the ancestor of the diplomatic bag … It is in fact in this kind of cabinet with drawers that the high dignitaries of the 16ᵗʰ…

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…

Walnut sideboard with scallop shell – Louis XV – 18th century – Lot Valley – [ME067]

Walnut sideboard with scallop shell – Louis XV – 18th century – Lot Valley – [ME067]

Walnut sideboard with scallop shell – Louis XV – 18th century – Lot Valley – [ME067] Walnut sideboard with scallop shell – Louis XV – 18th century – Lot Valley Door medallion worked in projecting molding Patterns of points, windings and curved lines describe around the medallions of the doors a skilfully convoluted rim. What…

The crossbeams of the facade and sides, all scalloped, introduce roundness and emblematic charm to the Louis XV style.

Bourgeois jam cabinet in blond walnut – 18th century – Périgord – [ME064]

HISTORY OF THE CONFITURIER OR HOW GASTRONOMIC MORES INFLUENCE FURNITURE Bourgeois jam cabinet in blond walnut – XVIIIᵉ – Périgord – [ME064] The history of jam cabinets coincides with that of the arrival of sugar in homes. We are at the end of the 17th century and “white gold”, until then the preserve of apothecaries…

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…

Sculpture in anamorphosis of Saint Sebastian, sculpted in the 17th century in a walnut monoxyl.

Sculpture in anamorphosis of Saint Sebastian – 17ᵗʰ century – South of France – [ME065]

Sculpture in anamorphosis of Saint Sebastian, sculpted in the 17th century in a walnut monoxyl. Sculpture in anamorphosis of Saint Sebastian – 17ᵗʰ century – South of France According to the “Légende dorée” (Golden Legend) of the Italian Dominican Jacques de Voragine, the young Sebastian, a fervent Christian persecuted by the pagan Roman Empire, was…

Note the curve of the facade married by the drawers and the rear legs themselves, punctuated by a curve in tune.

Walnut jumping chest of drawers – Louis XV – 18ᵗʰ century – Loire region – [ME060]

Walnut jumping chest of drawers – Louis XV – 18ᵗʰ century – Loire region – [ME060] This small curved chest of drawers, as if ready to pounce on its raised legs, is, for this reason, called a “jumping chest of drawers”. At the same time, its humped feet seem to give it a form of…

Half-chest of drawers in cherry wood – 18th century – South West – [ME059]

Half-chest of drawers in cherry wood – 18th century – South West – [ME059]

Half-chest of drawers in cherry wood – 18th century – South West – [ME059] Half-chest of drawers in cherry wood – 18th century – South West Imagined and shaped under the reign of Louis XV, during the second half of the 18th century, this curved chest of drawers is nevertheless inspired by the previous ornamental…

Cast iron andirons - 18th century - Périgord - [ME062]

Cast iron andirons – 18ᵗʰ century – Périgord – [ME062]

Cast iron andirons – 18ᵗʰ century – Périgord – [ME062] The andirons are a warm welcome to your “life after”. In the evening at the vigil, it is sweet to be able to contemplate solid andirons. While many of us are rediscovering the charm of country houses where the “pleasure fire” warms and fascinates us,…

Walnut dresser – 17ᵗʰ century – South West France – [ME061]

Walnut dresser – 17ᵗʰ century – South West France – [ME061]

Walnut dresser – 17ᵗʰ century – South West France – [ME061] Walnut dresser – 17ᵗʰ century – South West France Composed of several open shelves that were simply useful in the Middle Ages, the dresser became ostentatious during the Renaissance, a period of refinement that began in France in the 15ᵗʰ century. This display will…

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

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

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

Twisted columns on the front and on the sides. It is the withdrawal of the upper body compared to the lower body that is worth to this sideboard the qualifier of narrowed.

Small Louis XIII four-door sideboard in walnut – 17ᵗʰ century – Southwest – [ME058]

Small Louis XIII four-door sideboard in walnut – 17ᵗʰ century – Southwest How do you bring the 17ᵗʰ century into your living room? By choosing a piece of furniture surprisingly small and which, however, concentrates thanks to the richness of its ornamental repertoire, all the refinement of the Renaissance wave from Italy. Twisted columns on…

Scalloped cornice and cimaise

Mansion clock in cherry wood – 18ᵗʰ century – Périgord – [ME057]

Mansion clock in cherry wood – 18ᵗʰ century – Périgord – [ME057] FROM THE SUN TO THE WATCH, FROM PRAYER TO THE POINTEUSE, A VERY BRIEF HISTORY OF THE CAPTURE OF TIME The millennial quest for the measurement of time will free itself from the course of the Sun and the flow of water 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] The bottom panel of the door takes up the great classic of the Louis XIII style: the flattened diamond point. Louis XIII style oak bonnetière – 18th century – Auvergne Here is a beautiful laundry cabinet which was intended for a house in…

This Bureau de Dame has an inclined flap with a book rack and two 'official' drawers.

Louis XV Bureau de Dame in walnut and oak – 18ᵗʰ century – South West – [ME056]

This Bureau de Dame has an inclined flap with a book rack and two 'official' drawers. Once opened, it reveals a beautiful writing area Louis XV Bureau de Dame in walnut and oak – 18ᵗʰ century – South West Dedicated to women, this type of desk, designed in the 18th century, bears the name of…

One takes the measure of the perfection of the layout when one observes by side the curve and the molding of the amounts.

Tomb-like commode in cherry wood – Louis XV – 18ᵗʰ century – South West – [ME055]

Tomb-like commode in cherry wood – Louis XV – 18ᵗʰ century – South West – [ME055] To observe attentively the movements which animate this Louis XV chest of drawers, it is to take the measure of the feats accomplished in the 18ᵗʰ century by the cabinetmaker who was the author. It comes out of the…

The uprights, crosspieces and door frames are molded over their entire width.

Homme debout in walnut – Louis XIV – 17ᵗʰ century – Périgord-Limousin – [ME054]

Homme debout in walnut – Louis XIV – 17ᵗʰ century – Périgord-Limousin – [ME054] It is clear that this ‘homme debout’ has been entirely worked, so that there is no walnut plank treated flat. The uprights, crosspieces and door frames are in fact molded over the entire width. In addition, in the center of the…

Office cabinet in walnut - Louis XIII - 17th century - Périgord - [ME053]

Office cabinet in walnut – Louis XIII – 17ᵗʰ century – Périgord – [ME053]

Office cabinet in walnut – Louis XIII – 17ᵗʰ century – Périgord For lovers of the Louis XIII style, this cabinet because of its size and its way is a pure jewel. The diamond-shaped ornamentation pattern is present everywhere. It actually appears twenty-seven times, all at the same time on the central box, on the…

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 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 a marriage…

Curved chest of drawers in nuanced blond walnut – 18ᵗʰ century – Périgord - [ME052]

Curved chest of drawers in nuanced blond walnut – 18ᵗʰ century – Périgord – [ME052]

Curved chest of drawers in nuanced blond walnut – 18ᵗʰ century – Périgord At first glance, what illuminates this curved chest of drawers is the deeply nuanced blond walnut that was chosen to make it. Then, it presents this daring interest of being astride two worlds. That of the Louis XIV style which gives it…

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…

Renaissance style chest in walnut - 17ᵗʰ century - Périgord - [ME051]

Renaissance style chest in walnut – 17ᵗʰ century – Périgord – [ME051]

Renaissance style chest in walnut – 17ᵗʰ century – Périgord – [ME051] Made in Périgord in the 17ᵗʰ century, this walnut chest uses the aesthetic codes of the Renaissance, a pivotal period between the Middle Ages and modern times. You can recognize the famous gadrooned moldings around the edge of the plateau and on the…

Shrunken two bodies sideboard in walnut - Louis XIII - Périgord - [ME050]

Shrunken two bodies sideboard in walnut – Louis XIII – Périgord – [ME050]

Shrunken two bodies sideboard in walnut – Louis XIII – Périgord Although faithful to the Louis XIII style which it expresses with authenticity, this sideboard from Périgord is narrowed, decorated and fitted out in a unique way. It bears the traces of the daring and ingenuity of the 18ᵗʰ century furniture carpenter who imagined and…

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 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; the wood…

Mazarin desk in walnut - Louis XIV - South West - [ME049]

Mazarin desk in walnut – Louis XIV – South West – [ME049]

Mazarin desk in walnut – Louis XIV – South West – [ME049] This Mazarin Louis XIV desk has a refined base, composed of eight legs rolled up in volutes, resting on clogs. By opening the side doors, we discover six drawers themselves compartmentalized in lockers. The central door opens on shelves.

Louis XIII style oak table - 20th century - Périgord - [ME048]

Louis XIII style oak table – 20ᵗʰ century – Périgord – [ME048]

Louis XIII style oak table – 20ᵗʰ century – Périgord This table can accommodate many guests on its large table top: 3.50 m by 1.12 m. Its base is made up of six twisted legs, linked together by an assembly of H-shaped struts, themselves decorated with Louis XIII-style torsos. This table rests on six twisted…

Louis XVI walnut chest of drawers – Late 18ᵗʰ century – South West – [ME045]

Louis XVI walnut chest of drawers – Late 18ᵗʰ century – South West – [ME045]

Louis XVI walnut chest of drawers – Late 18ᵗʰ century – South West – [ME045] This Louis XVI walnut chest of drawers, from the South West of France, excels by its sobriety. Its neoclassical style is reflected by grooves on the uprights, “sheath” feet and the molded projection on the front which creates relief.

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

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

Manka, oak sideboard – 18ᵗʰ century – Basque Country – [MP015] Manka, oak sideboard – 18ᵗʰ century – Basque Country The top board opens onto a chest 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…

Cherry wood sideboard – Louis XV Regency – 18ᵗʰ century – Aveyron – [ME047]

Cherry wood sideboard – Louis XV Regency – 18ᵗʰ century – Aveyron – [ME047]

Cherry wood sideboard – Louis XV Regency – 18ᵗʰ century – Aveyron – [ME047] We can detect a subtle variation of the Regency Louis XV style combining strict fidelity and well-assumed fantasy, if we carefully observe this period buffet in cherry wood shaped at the beginning of the 18ᵗʰ century. A rich and well-organized molding…

Louis XVI walnut chest of drawers – Late 18ᵗʰ century – Sud-Ouest – [ME039]

Louis XVI walnut chest of drawers – Late 18ᵗʰ century – Sud-Ouest – [ME039]

Louis XVI walnut chest of drawers – Late 18ᵗʰ century – Sud-Ouest – [ME039] We recognize the Louis XVI style of this walnut chest of drawers thanks to the clean and slender lines of its architecture. The veneer of the top, geometric, is made obliquely from a central axis, what is called a “fern” pattern…

Pantalonnière cupboard in cherry wood – Louis XIV – 18ᵗʰ century – Gironde – [ME044]

Pantalonnière cupboard in cherry wood – Louis XIV – 18ᵗʰ century – Gironde – [ME044]

Pantalonnière cupboard in cherry wood – Louis XIV – 18ᵗʰ century – Gironde – [ME044] Served by a remarkable cabinet making, this large cabinet is called “pantalonnière” because its basement conceals a drawer specifically devoted to the flat storage of pants. Two other drawers are housed inside, halfway up. This cabinet is based on opulent…

Louis XV style “homme-debout” in walnut - 18ᵗʰ century - Périgord - [ME043]

Louis XV style “homme-debout” in walnut – 18ᵗʰ century – Périgord – [ME043]

Louis XV style “homme-debout” (standing man) intended to house earthenware dishes very popular in the 18ᵗʰ century Louis XV style “homme-debout” in walnut – 18ᵗʰ century – Périgord Centerpiece of the kitchens of large residences, this “homme-debout” was intended to receive and protect the earthenware crockery which, during the 18ᵗʰ century, managed to supplant pewter…

Mazarin desk in walnut, oak and pear – Louis XIV – 17ᵗʰ century – South-West – [ME040]

Mazarin desk in walnut, oak and pear – Louis XIV – 17ᵗʰ century – South-West – [ME040]

This Louis XIV desk, Mazarin style, has the particularity of having been fashioned with different types of wood. The top is in walnut, the frame is in oak, the drawers and panels are in pear wood. This cleverly thought-out assembly highlights the architecture of this “bureau de milieu”, not intended to be against a wall…

Curved chest of 4 drawers in walnut – 18ᵗʰ century – Rhône Valley [ME038]

Curved chest of 4 drawers in walnut – 18ᵗʰ century – Rhône Valley [ME038]

Like most of the Rhône Valley furniture, this chest of drawers boasts a large volume to appear and impress on the occasion of the receptions organized by the notables and the merchants for this purpose. Hence a profusion of ostentatious decorations: falls of lambrequins on the uprights, eventful moldings delimiting four drawers, themselves set with…

Walnut 4-door 2-drawer sideboard – Louis XIII – Périgord

Walnut 4-door 2-drawer sideboard – Louis XIII – Périgord [ME035]

Walnut 4-door 2-drawer sideboard – Louis XIII – Périgord This buffet, made at the beginning of the 18ᵗʰ century, is distinguished by its imposing size and ornamental richness. Deep moldings highlight the uprights, doors and high and low cornices. The double row of moldings which frame the drawers accentuates the decorative power of this Louis…

French chest of drawers in walnut – 18ᵗʰ century – Rhône Valley

French chest of drawers in walnut – 18ᵗʰ century – Rhône Valley – [ME031]

French chest of drawers in walnut – 18ᵗʰ century – Rhône Valley French chest of drawers in walnut – 18ᵗʰ century – Rhône Valley This dresser is called “sauteuse” because of the height of its feet slightly curved. Rarissime because of its small intimist proportions, it sports at the same time very rich Regency patterns…

Louis XV walnut Provençal “panetière” – 18ᵗʰ century – South of France

Louis XV walnut Provençal “panetière” – 18ᵗʰ century – South of France [ME021]

Louis XV walnut Provençal “panetière” – 18ᵗʰ century – South of France Looking like a beautiful miniature cathedral, this carefully crafted little piece of furniture as sometimes thought to be an element of church furniture. In fact, it is a highly prized food safe popular in Provence in the 18ᵗʰ century. Hung on a wall,…

Armoire normande en chêne – fin XVIIIᵉ – Pays de Caux

Normandy oak wardrobe – late 18ᵗʰ century – Pays de Caux [ME015]

Armoire normande en chêne – fin XVIIIᵉ – Pays de Caux Normandy oak wardrobe – late 18ᵗʰ century – Pays de Caux Designed and created as a wedding gift by a cabinetmaker and a sculptor from Caux, this Normandy wardrobe has all the attributes appertaining to its terroir and its time, the end of the…

Louis XIII two-tier walnut sideboard – 17ᵗʰ century – Périgord

Louis XIII two-tier walnut sideboard – 17ᵗʰ century – Périgord – [ME016]

Louis XIII two-tier walnut sideboard – 17ᵗʰ century – Périgord This two-tiered sideboard with four doors and three drawers is emblematic of the way in which furniture makers in the Périgord reinterpreted the Louis XIII style. On the door panels, with slightly truncated diamond shapes, Maltese Crosses have been carved. The austere appearance of this…

Louis XIII two-tiered walnut buffet – 17ᵗʰ century – South West France

Louis XIII two-tiered walnut buffet – 17ᵗʰ century – South West France [ME023]

Louis XIII two-tiered walnut buffet – 17ᵗʰ century – South West France Louis XIII two-tiered walnut buffet – 17ᵗʰ century – South West France The unusually diminished size of the upper cabinet makes this piece particularly appealing. This buffet is a true gem, attesting to the rigorous precision of the Louis XIII style released by…

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…

Walnut wood chest – 18ᵗʰ century – Bordeaux Region – [ME005]

Walnut wood chest – 18ᵗʰ century – Bordeaux Region [ME005]

Walnut wood chest – 18ᵗʰ century – Bordeaux Region front embellished with floral vine design and tree of life turned feet rich moulding adding depth at base beautiful wrought iron handles on either side keyhole decorated with fantastic animals Front embellished with floral vine design and tree of life. Turned feet, rich moulding adding depth…

Louis XIII kitchen cupboard 17ᵗʰ century – Haute‑Loire – [MP002]

Louis XIII kitchen cupboard 17ᵗʰ century – Haute‑Loire – [MP002]

Louis XIII kitchen cupboard 17ᵗʰ century – Haute‑Loire This softwood cupboard used to take pride of place in the kitchen. A unique feature is its spacious drawers for storing bread. Beneath the drawers there is a pull-out breadboard. The doors have skeleton locks with a superb mechanism. The locks and knobs are the authentic originals.…

Oak wedding wardrobe – 19ᵗʰ century – Brittany - MP001

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

Oak wedding wardrobe – 19ᵗʰ century – Brittany 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…

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

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

Louis XIV walnut armoire – late 17ᵗʰ century – Perigord 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…

Louis XIII wardrobe – 17ᵗʰ century – Limousin

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

Louis XIII wardrobe – 17ᵗʰ century – Limousin 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…

Two tier Louis XV buffet in cherry wood – 18th century

Two tier Louis XV buffet in cherry wood – 18ᵗʰ century [ME004]

Two tier Louis XV buffet in cherry wood – 18ᵗʰ century Decorated with moldings Decorative flowers Inner door to store tablewear Arched cornice Hoof feet Two tier Louis XV buffet in cherry wood – 18ᵗʰ century Decorative flowers. Inner door to store tablewear. Arched cornice. (Traverses mouvementées) Hoof feet. Référence : ME004 I am interested in purchasing…

Curved commode in walnut – 18ᵗʰ century – South West France

Curved commode in walnut – 18ᵗʰ century – South West of France – [ME009]

Curved commode in walnut – 18ᵗʰ century – South West of France Sitting on scrolled feet, it has a pleasing sarcophagus shape 3 dovetailed drawers with mouldings. Curved commode in walnut – 18ᵗʰ century – South West of France Drawers assembled with dovetail joints. it has a pleasing sarcophagus shape Drawers assembled with dovetail joints. Sitting…

Walnut coffer – 18ᵗʰ century – Périgord – [ME010]

Walnut coffer – 18ᵗʰ century – Périgord – [ME010]

Walnut coffer – 18ᵗʰ century – Périgord Made of exceptionally fine wood the sides and top have been made from the same plank ofaged walnut. The arched moulding surrounding the lock is indicative of the skill of contempory cabinet makers. The top is decorated with painted fleur de lys – symbol of nobility. Carrying handles of…