DAILY LIFE – FURNITURE

The tiles decorated floors in religious and secular buildings of a certain rank (inns, homes, etc.).

The glazed terra cotta tiles are green with a black background and ochre with a red background, and decorated with geometric designs and fleur-de-lis. 

Unlike a chest, the wardrobe cannot be transported, but always stays in a room. It contained spare clothes, precious objects, weapons, dishes, papers and books. From the 18^th century it was named differently according to its specific use: a linen cupboard, chest of drawers, clothes wardrobe, display cases for dishes, bookcase, etc.  

This table can be fully dismounted. The money changer, who would travel from fair to fair, used it when « changing » foreign currencies. It includes a drawer and sliding board.

The base has three rotating feet each decorated with the same coat of arms: a castle, eagle and bands.

Each foot could be rotated and folded away and has an animal’s head at the end.

This type of chest contained letters or important items to be delivered by a messenger. The chest had a handle and two loops on one of the long sides, so that the messenger could tie it to his horse or hang it from his belt.

This case contained a missal, the liturgical book used by worshippers in church with the main elements and prayers in Catholic masses.

A « secret » compartment is hidden in the lid. It was designed to contain an important document or precious object.

This cauldron could be hung above the fire from the wrought iron handle to cook meals. It stands on three feet (tripod) in the form of lion’s paws.

Logs were placed on andirons in the fireplace. The andirons are decorated with faces, jugs, ropes and fleur-de-lis.

From the 14^th to the 17^th centuries, brass and copper candlesticks were used in some homes. There are two vertical openings at the socket to make it easier to remove the stub of the burnt candle.

In France in the Middle Ages, field mustard* oil was used in lamps in the north and walnut oil in the south. The alternative to the oil lamp was a torch, adapted to use out of doors, and the candle, inside homes.

*A plant similar to rapeseed, grown for its oil-producing seeds.

These rings were worn on the finger or hung from a large ring so that they would not be lost or stolen.

Pestles were used with mortars (the recipient) to grind food, minerals, plants, etc.

Minerals were used to make pigments, and plants to make medicinal preparations (infusions, balms, etc.).

Here the seal is worn as a pendant. On the seal are engraved symbols belonging to a sovereign authority, a ruling body or a private individual. The seal was pressed on a soft material, wax or lead, to print the symbol and guarantee authenticity.