Small Knife-carved Box – Lacemaker's Box – Love Box – Folk Art

Early 19th century, France – Auvergne, Haute-Loire. Small carved wooden box, hand-carved from dark, dense wood, entirely decorated with a radiating geometric design of great intensity. The main face features three large, encircled sun rosettes, framed by friezes of wolf's teeth, chevrons, and deeply incised triangular motifs. The sides and lid extend this graphic vocabulary with remarkable coherence. The decoration, executed with a knife, plays on the alternation of oblique lines, fans, and stylized suns. Every surface is filled, with no unnecessary empty space. This ornamental density is characteristic of the folk art of the Massif Central, where the repetition of the motif becomes rhythm, almost a breath. The simple and effective sliding lid is in keeping with the tradition of small rural household boxes. It was used to store thread, needles, pins, or small personal items. This type of box, often associated with lacemakers from the Haute-Loire region, transcends its purely utilitarian function: it is also an object of attachment, sometimes given as a token of affection. The carving reveals a sure and patient hand. The rosettes, resembling small suns engraved in the material, capture the light and create a subtle interplay of shadows. The deep brown patina, nuanced and satiny, testifies to long use. The interior shows consistent wear, the edges softened without compromising clarity. A captivating piece, both simple and vibrant, embodying the quiet strength of rural labor in the Auvergne region at the beginning of the 19th century. Condition: Very beautiful antique patina, minor losses and signs of wear, well-preserved carving, functional lid. Dimensions: 13 x 7 x 6 cm. Shipping: ALL DELIVERIES ARE MADE BY DHL EXPRESS ONLY.