Early 20th-Century Carved Walnut Provençal Flour Box - 15¾"

Evoking the warmth of the French countryside, this petite flour box in solid walnut dates to the early 20th century. Rectilinear in form with a shaped backboard topped by a carved rosette finial, it stands on a molded plinth base and features a vertically sliding front panel carved in low relief with a vase of flowers motif. The crest is pierced for wall mounting, as these boxes were traditionally hung to protect their content form rodents. To open, the box was laid flat on its back and the sliding panel opened carefully to avoid spilling the precious contents. It was usually paires with a matching saltbox and was a staple of Provencal kitchens for centuries. With its warm, medium-brown patina, gentle surface wear, and traces of age consistent with use, this boîte à farine captures the practical elegance and honest craftsmanship of rural French households. 

Charming in a French country or farmhouse kitchen, it can hang on a wall or sit on a counter to hold coarse dried herbs, spices, or tea. It also reads well beyond the kitchen, serving as a small catchall for matches by a fireplace, mail in an entry, or bath essentials on open shelving. Its warm walnut tone and folk carving add texture and character to a vignette of pottery, faïence, or copperware.

Condition and patina consistent with age.
Approx. overall 15¾" high x 8¼" wide x 5" deep
Approx. overall 40cm high x 21cm wide x 13cm deep