Writing Desk - Schoolbag - Carved Wooden School Desk - Folk Art - Queyras

Second half of the 19th century - Made in the year 1873 Queyras - Northern Alps This charming writing case, dated 1873, bears the traces of a bygone era, when schoolchildren in the mountains of Queyras sat at their desks, pencil in hand, to learn the basics of writing and reading. Lovingly made by a father for his child, this writing case is much more than a simple piece of school furniture: it is a testimony to a humble but lively daily life in this isolated region of the French Alps. It embodies the importance of education and the transmission of knowledge, even in the most remote places. The lid of this writing case is decorated with hand-carved motifs, typical of the folk art of Queyras, a region where nature has always inspired local crafts. It features spirals evoking the wind blowing through the mountains, as well as palmettes and rosettes, symbols of life and growth. These motifs, meticulously worked with a knife, reflect not only the craftsman's talent, but also his love for his mountain environment. On the pediment of the desk, the inscription “Made in the year 1873” seems almost engraved in time, recalling that this object has seen several generations of children trace their first letters. We can imagine these young schoolchildren, perhaps the sons of shepherds, leaning over this piece of furniture, dreaming of a future that was taking shape through the words. Each scratch, each mark on the wood tells a story, that of children's clumsy but hopeful hands. This desk could also be used as a schoolbag, where precious notebooks and quills were stored, perhaps even an inkwell inherited from the grandfather. Compact, sturdy and practical, it was perfectly suited to the harsh but simple life of the inhabitants of this mountain valley. Through its robust appearance, it embodies the simplicity of a way of life where each object had to be functional and durable, while bearing the imprint of a deep sense of beauty. These imperfections tell a story: that of an object that lived, loved and learned at the pace of the children who used it. Please note: Time has left some signs of wear, especially near the leather hinges that have given way with age (very easily restored). The lid was split in two due to a natural wood knot, but has been skillfully restored with bone glue, thus respecting traditional methods. Missing the closing hardware. This multi-purpose writing desk is much more than a simple piece of furniture: it is a window onto a past where each object told a story, marked by the hands that used it and the lives it accompanied. Dimensions: • Width: 30 cm • Height: 16.5 cm ALL DELIVERIES ARE MADE BY DHL EXPRESS ONLY!