Sliding-lid Box Decorated With Ihs And Lilies—late 17th–18th Century—folk Art—loire Estuary?

A carved wooden box, likely a secret box or devotional box, dating from the late 17th or 18th century, distinguished by the richness of its iconography.

One side is carved with the Christological monogram IHS surmounted by His cross, surrounded by sacred hearts and the initials of its craftsman (AT). The opposite side is adorned with a fleur-de-lis, while the sliding lid and sides feature a rich geometric design of solar rosettes, spinning tops, and wolf’s-tooth borders. The circular handle on the slide is carved in the shape of a Maltese cross. Dovetail joints; the bottom panel is nailed from below, with a visible gap on each side.

The interior is clean, with no traces of ink or oxidation, ruling out the possibility that it was a pen case or salt box and supporting the theory that it was used to protect valuable documents or personal effects. The combination of the fleur-de-lis and the religious monogram may also evoke the iconography of riverboat guilds under the Ancien Régime, suggesting that this piece was a devotional box or a ship’s chest associated with river navigation, particularly on the Loire River.

Dimensions: length (including lid) 24.8 cm – width 9.5 cm – height 7.8 cm.

A rare object in very good condition, with a lovely patina.