A unique item known as a boite à sel, this walnut and oak salt box trunk was hand-carved in France in the 1700’s. Containers like this have been used since before the Middle Ages to store salt in homes. Smaller versions were typically hung on the wall and could be accessed via the flip-top lid (ours was constructed with tongue and groove joints on quarter round molding). Salt was incredibly important as it was the only way to preserve fish and meat for long periods of time.
Larger offerings, such as our period Louis XV piece, would often double as stools that people could place in front of a warm fire. Two cabriole legs with pad feet in the front and two block feet in the back provide ample lift to keep the contents of the box off the floor. All visible sides have been carved with recessed panels, with the two sides being rectangular, while the front façade has a sinuous top that mirrors the highly shaped apron below.
Our versatile 18th century French salt box trunk can be used for as a unique and decorative storage solution in the kitchen. It can also store other household items throughout the home or used as a decorative stool.
CONDITION: Good antique condition with wear commensurate to age and use, including buildup to the interior and trace of old wood worm. Minor nicks and losses with light age separations.