French Panetière Bread Safe

This exceptional display of woodworking is a 19th-century panetière, or bread box, once used daily in a country home in the south of France. An iconic form of French Provincial furniture, the panetière was kept in the heart of the kitchen and stored a steady supply of freshly baked bread. Most panetières were designed to hang on the wall above a petrin, or dough trough, elevating the bread to keep it safe from rodents or house pets.

This example has a wonderfully elaborate design, featuring turned spindle sides, subtle bombé curvature to the front, and acorn-shaped finials along the top. The panetière opens by the top panel and the small front door set on a large brass hinge and fitted with an openwork keyhole escutcheon and matching key. Simple scrollwork carvings add the finishing touch to the outer frame, tracing the contours of each panel with a decorative flourish.

From the collection of Frances and Gary Comer.

Additional Dimensions:
Interior: 13.5"D x 28.5"w x 20"H