19th Century French Louis XV Carved Walnut Petrin Dough Box from Provence

This antique fruit wood dough box was created in Avignon, France. Built in two pieces and heavily carved from top to bottom, the "Petrin Provencal" (French for dough-box) sits on four turned legs with scroll feet. The box features exquisite Provencal floral carvings. The top cabinet's panel opens up and reveals a storage area where the dough was made and stored for raising before going to an oven. Below the top cabinet there is a pull out drawer extra storage. The piece is in original condition with rich walnut patina. Originally, the "Petrin" was used to make bread dough, then the bread was stored in a "Panetiere" (French for bread cabinet), which was usually hung over the dough box. First French Petrins dates 1351 and were made of stone, later when bread was made at home, it was transformed into a furniture to integrate it with other home furniture. When the need of making bread at home came to an end the petrins were used to store flower and other various foods.  
 
Country of Origin: France
 
Period: 19th Century 
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Date of Origin: circa 1860
 
Material: Hand - Carved Walnut, Patinated
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Color: Brown