Featured Miniature carved bench box

Hi folks

something else i picked up at local auction this week

https://www.easyliveauction.com/cat...eriors-sale-please-see-our-website-f-lot-413/

not as miniature as i thought, but too small to sit on

see theres a few online, some described as chests, some say dolls furniture ?

has an opening on seat for storing something

not sure on age

all in nice condition which is lucky

any thoughts or info appreciated

 

that's so sweet !!

 

Did you do a Google Images search? There are a surprising number of these floating around the internet. "Miniature Breton doll furniture." Dunno if that's true. You'll find a sampling (e.g. armoire, chair, chest) here:

https://www.rubylane.com/item/157744-TO3224/Antique-French-Breton-Brittany-Miniature

Debora

 

i did deb, yup. seems quite a few of varying descriptions. i would think more purposeful, with the open box aspect

 

What are the dimensions? The interior isn't lined with fabric so I doubt a secondary purpose. I'd think most likely be used to store doll accessories. The internet says turn-of-the-century and sales prices seem to be quite healthy.

Debora

 

Hi deb

its 9 1/2 inches across, by 7 inches down

 

Yes it is true, I have a few pieces myself.
Breton doll furniture was mostly made ca 1900-1930s. It is always very cute and based on full size traditional Breton furniture. I think they were meant to be souvenirs rather than doll's furniture.

One of my favourite pieces is a miniature grandfather clock which I use as a regular clock in the living room. Everyone who visits loves it.

 

https://www.ouest-france.fr/bretagn...vet-le-berceau-du-petit-meuble-breton-5565444

in a nut shell, an american tourist fell in love with the furniture but coudn't take it back so the furniture maker made her miniatures ... and never looked back

this famly has been making them since the twenties, they are sold as "miniatures"

but keywords always help ( the more the merrier )

nb : If nothing else, I hope your french is improving you all

 

Here's a booklet Muebles et Ensembles Breton with examples from which the miniatures are copied. There is a section on bancs.

https://bibliotheque.idbe.bzh/data/cle_228/meubles__et__ensembles__bretons.pdf

Debora

 

That is such a sweet piece !