Popular Art Box - Knife Sculpture - 18th Century Curiosity System

Monoxyl System Box – Popular Art in 18th/19th Century Ash

Magnificent monoxyl box, carved from a single block, illustrating a decorative work called a knife characteristic of Popular Mountain Art.
Its sculpted decor, rich in symbols, testifies to refined ancestral know-how.

Decor of the box:
Lid:
A wolf tooth frieze frames five distinct motifs:
A monstrance,
A symbol of femininity,
A sun,
Two crosses, one framed.
Added to this are the three radiating buttons of the lock system and the closing latch.

First side: 
Two intertwined knots, symbol of interlacing (also called Celtic knot), representing the eternal interconnection of all the elements of life.
Between these knots, a monstrance.
On one side, a heart; on the other, a symbol of femininity.

Second side:
Two intertwined knots too.
Two hearts positioned on each side.
In the center, a stylized cross.

At both ends (ends of the box):
A border frieze.
A large cross dividing the space into four parts, each filled with so-called wolf tooth motifs.

Below:
A naive anthropomorphic engraving, probably with a protective purpose (Christ the King).
The box rests on four small turned legs, adding to its rustic and traditional charm.

History and use:
These boxes with a closing system were born from a particular way of life, where families lived and slept in common rooms with closed beds (with curtains and without doors), for the sake of warmth.
These small boxes were used to preserve privacy, making it possible to hide some secrets, personal objects for example (small objects carved for a bride) from the eyes of brothers and sisters.

It was not a safe either, because the system would not resist being forced, but simply an ingenious way to keep little family secrets. because only the manufacturer owner knew the position of the buttons. (often contemporary owners added dens, as is the case with this one)

 Dimensions:

Length: 22 cm
Height: 10.5 cm
Width: 10.7 cm

Condition: good general condition, note a small loss on one foot. (see photos)

 Origin:
Collection location: Langogne region, in Lozère.  

A pretty piece of shepherd art, full of popular folklore from our countryside, which will fit perfectly into a popular art collection.



- General conditions of sale -

    If possible, Payment should be made (+ or -) 2/3 days after the order.

      1st - 4 - Types of Payment accepted: (+ Transport-packaging costs depending on the area).

(1) - PAYPAL: Simple, Fast, Guarantee and insurance.
(2) - TRANSFER: Iban Bank: BPS FR76 1660 7002 7109 3346 0201 534. (recommend)
(3) - CHECK: Only French: ANTIQUE DEALER David SEGALA  3 Rue Fontanilles Bat f6 48000 MENDE-Occitanie. 
(4) - CASH: Advisor by hand, shipments are always at your own risk, we will not accept any complaints.

       - 5 packaging costs + transport :
(a)  France : € 10
(b)  EU Union, Switzerland : € 15
(c)  Eastern Europe (outside the EU and Switzerland), Norway, Maghreb : € 20
(d)  Africa excluding Maghreb, Canada, United States, Near and Middle East : € 25
(e)  Asia, Oceania, Rest of the World : € 30

       2nd - 2 types of Shipping-Delivery possible:

1st) - By Carriers: DHL, Colissino, Edet... (always with Tracking Number)
         (The packages are always packaged by me (with Care and Overprotection),(possibility on pallet “and or” crate) and entrusted to the carrier at (+ or -) 3/4 working days after payment into my account of the total with costs, Any customs duties requested by the country from the customer upon arrival are due by the buyer.

  2nd) - 3 Possibilities of personal delivery subject to collection in full or payment of Deposit.
         (issue of an essential receipt by return email and must be given upon delivery or collection).

(1) - Welcome you with joy to MENDE in LOZERE-Occitanie-France for a little stroll and collect your property (no fees).

(2) - For Merchants only I am on the Inter-Nations-Professional Bimonthly Unpackings of CIPOLAT-S.A. in Monptellier Parcs des Expositions HALL-B4 STAND-5315/16.  (Items can be collected from my stand 5315/16 before noon) no charge.

(3) - Possibility of possible delivery: by us in France and neighboring countries on request and delivery of movable objects in person, only for important and very fragile pieces. (and according to our availability and payment in full and in advance: price + transport).

         - Possible Discount: Discount granted to the Good customer or for a lot: on request by SMS message: 0680322750 or email:  segala.david.antiquaire48000@orange.fr 

                                       Yours sincerely David SEGALA