Sculpture, Wedding Furniture Key - Crosses And Hearts - Folk Art

Mid-19thᵉ century

France - Auvergne

Wedding furniture key in carved wood, characteristic of Auvergne folk art productions of the XIXᵉ century.

The object has an elongated, slightly curved shape, finished with a slightly protruding carved head. The openwork decoration is organized around a central cross, below which take place two superimposed hearts. This highly legible vertical arrangement belongs to a well-established symbolic vocabulary in rural wedding furniture: the cross as a sign of protection and blessing, the hearts as an evocation of union.

The work is straightforward, with no search for effect. The cuts are straightforward, the tool marks visible, and the proportions deliberately simple. This economy of means clearly situates the piece in a domestic context, outside any academic production.

The composition is well mastered: the cross structures the whole, while the hearts come in counterpoint in the lower part, reinforcing the symbolic reading without weighing down the decor. The overall balance rests on this clear hierarchy of motifs.

The patina is old, even, with wear consistent with prolonged handling. It confirms real, not decorative, use.

The patina is old, homogeneous, with wear consistent with prolonged handling.

This type of key, associated with dowry or wedding furniture, goes beyond its function to become part of a register that is both utilitarian and symbolic, at the heart of the home.

Dimensions:

- Length: 32 cm

Condition:

Good overall condition. Wear from use, small old holes and marks consistent with age. No structural weaknesses.

Delivery exclusively via DHL, with secure packaging, tracking and insurance.