French Cheese Safe

France, 20th Century

$395

Vintage One-Of-A-Kind Exactly As Pictured

Before there was a refrigerator, this is where the cheese lived. Found in Avignon and made in the 20th century, this small screened cabinet has a door and sides panelled in fine wire mesh, raised on four legs and worn down to a coat of dusty-rose paint. The mesh was the whole point, letting the air move through to keep cheese and bread and cured meat cool and dry while the flies and the mice stayed out, the garde-manger that every kitchen relied on before refrigeration. Sylvie would keep it in the kitchen for bread and cheese the old way, or use it anywhere a small, airy cabinet is wanted, in a bathroom or by the back door.

Minor variations from the images may occur unless otherwise noted. All sales are final.

Age:: 20th Century
Country of Origin:: France
Material:: Wood, vinyl and metal hardware
Dimensions:: 36.5" H x 22.75" W x 17.5" D

Notes from Sylvie:

Dear collector, as with many antiques, this piece may show signs of its age, including subtle repairs, a bit of movement, cracks, scratches, small holes, and surface variation from years of use. The sturdy cheese safe has a red painted patina with an ochre yellow back and some rust patina on the hardware. The top and screen show staining from years of use, and the center shelf covering is removable. All part of the wonderfully imperfect character we love in an old piece.

All items are final sale.