An Early 19thC Primitive French Elm Chopping Block c.1810

Origin: French
Period: Empire
Provenance: Unknown
Date: c.1810
Height: 23”
Width: 10”
Depth: 11.5”

The wonderfully primitive chopping block, hewn from an extraordinarily substantial section of elm, the solid cylindrical block raised upon three splayed rustic legs, each simply fashioned from branches or young trunks and socketed directly into the underside, and surviving from rural early nineteenth century France.

The block remains in entirely untouched country condition, with extensive evidence of its working life. The upper surface is deeply worn and beautifully textured from countless years of chopping, with old splits, losses, worm holes, knocks and general wear throughout. Much of the bark has naturally disappeared, though significant remnants survive around the sides. The legs have similarly developed a rich, dark surface and show considerable wear towards their feet. All of this forms an exceptionally good, dry and honest patina.

Such blocks were straightforward pieces of working furniture, made locally for farms, kitchens and butchers from whatever suitably massive timber was available. Elm, with its interlocking grain and considerable resistance to splitting, was particularly well suited to this purpose. Their construction was deliberately uncomplicated: an enormous section of trunk providing the working surface, supported on three legs which ensured stability even upon an uneven stone or earth floor.

A superb piece of French vernacular furniture, almost architectural in its simplicity and with enormous decorative presence. The wonderfully battered chopping surface, surviving bark and untouched timber give it the character of a piece that could never convincingly be reproduced. Equally successful today as a side table or pedestal for sculpture, whilst remaining an evocative survivor of rural French working life.