Museum - Carved Boxwood Anthropomorphic Needle-holder - Folk Art

Mid-19thᵉ century

Southern France or northern Italy

Carved boxwood needle holder, anthropomorphic form, pertaining to folk art productions of the mid-19ᵉ century.

The object adopts the silhouette of a stylized female figure, treated in the round. She is depicted standing, arms crossed over her chest, in a frontal and rigid, almost hieratic posture. The face, with its sober, geometric features, exudes a deliberately frozen expression, characteristic of folk sculptures where formal simplicity reinforces presence.

The body is entirely covered with dense, structured incised decoration: lattices, chevrons, horizontal registers and repetitive motifs rigorously organize the surface. This ornamental richness, combined with meticulous execution, evokes the rural productions of southern France or northern Italy.

The upper part, forming the lid, is carved in the shape of a bulb adorned with stylized plant motifs and topped with a cross. This discreet but significant element lends the object a symbolic and possibly protective dimension, common in domestic objects of the XIXᵉ century.

The lid unhinges to reveal a hollow interior designed to hold needles, confirming the object's utilitarian function.

The reverse features a distinct, freer decoration composed of sinuous plant-inspired motifs, contrasting with the strict frontality of the figure.

The carving is fine and deeply incised, fully exploiting the density of the boxwood. The patina is old, warm and even, with consistent traces of use.

The base reveals the figure's feet, an expressive detail reinforcing the anthropomorphic character and almost votive dimension of the object.

This type of needle-holder perfectly illustrates the transformation of an everyday object into a form charged with meaning, blending domestic use, religious symbolism and popular expression.

Condition : Good overall condition. Wear from use, homogeneous old patina, good functioning of the lid, perfectly legible decoration.

Dimensions:

Height: 10 cm

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