Double Monoxylous Bread Brands – Love Chain Links – Carved Wood – Folk Art

Mid-19th century Spain – Province of Salamanca – Castile and León. A rare pair of bread stamps, each carved from a single block of wood, forming two intertwined chain links in a composition that is both symbolic and functional. Each end features a square matrix for imprinting the dough. One stamp displays a grid pattern organized around a central, structured, and stable square; the other uses the same geometric vocabulary but oriented in a diamond shape, creating a subtle interplay of rotation and contrast. This measured variation allowed for the differentiation of batches or the identification of two households linked by the shared use of the communal oven. The handles, twisted like rope, interlock and meet in a central link carved from a single piece of wood. The entire piece is carved from a single block of wood: no added pieces, no joinery. The craftsmanship reveals a perfect mastery of the material. The tension of the twists and the balance of the volumes give the object an almost sculptural presence. This type of double brand is characteristic of western Spain, particularly the Salamanca region, where bread had to be branded before baking. Beyond its practical function, the chain shape symbolically evokes connection, unity, and family continuity. Similar examples are reproduced on page 28 of Jürgen Hansen's *De Gecroonde Krakeling, Cultuurgeschiedenis van Bakkerskunst*, Wageningen, Z & K, 1968, confirming this typology in the 19th-century Iberian Peninsula. The patina is deep, a warm brown with honey and mahogany undertones. The edges are softened by use, and the dies remain clearly legible. The overall effect is one of a dense, rustic, and intensely human presence. Condition: very beautiful antique patina, wear consistent with use. Stable and homogeneous overall. Dimensions: Height: 6 cm. Shipping: ALL DELIVERIES ARE MADE BY DHL EXPRESS ONLY.