Slow Countryside Living: Outdoor Laundering & Exciting News!

Bonjour! Step back in time with me to 1847. Today, we’re exploring a hidden village in the South of France that feels like it stepped right out of a storybook—plus, I have some exciting news to share about The Ivy Frame. Please contact us directly for pricing and shipping details at: [email protected] A Note on Heritage & Patina: Each piece found at The Ivy Frame has lived a long and storied life in the South of France. As these are authentic antiques, please expect the gentle character marks of time—this may include subtle stains on linens, small chips in enamel, or the weathered grain of 19th-century wood. We believe these "imperfections" are the soul of the piece. Please review the "Heritage Notes" and video closely, as all items are sold in their found, antique condition. (CLAIMED) Early 20th-century French enameled steel soap dish in a classic scalloped shell form with authentic aged patina. - Dating to the early 20th century (circa 1910–1930), these were staples in French country washrooms. The shell motif was a popular Art Nouveau influence, symbolizing water and cleanliness. The rust spots, or "crazing" of the enamel, provide the authentic patina that collectors of the rustic farmhouse aesthetic adore. 40 Euro Exceptional Belle Époque lidded porcelain soap dish with raised relief detailing and original drainage aeration- The raised "swirl" or "shell" relief on the lid is a hallmark of the Louis XV revival style popular at the turn of the century. Unlike the more porous ironstone, porcelain was favored for toiletries because it wouldn't absorb oils from the soap, keeping the dish pristine over decades of use. Pristine condition. 50 Euro (CLAIMED) 19th-century French primitive wooden wash box with hand-cut scalloped detail and original raised feet- Before the luxury of modern plumbing, women in the South of France would take these to the local lavoir (public wash house) or the riverbank. They would place straw or a cushion inside the box to protect their knees from the damp, cold stone while scrubbing linens. The "feet" kept the box elevated out of the running water. Alternatively, if found in a stable or workshop context, it served as a low-level organizer for heavy tools, but the scalloped detail on the front panel suggests it was a household item. Rustic & time-worn condition. 140 Euro & 19th-century French primitive hand-carved wash board with integrated stabilizing legs and deep-groove friction ridges; a rare piece of authentic South of France laundry folk art-The two legs at the top suggest this was designed to be propped up against the edge of a wooden wash tub or a stone lavoir. The washerwoman would lean the board at an angle, using the stability of the legs to keep it from slipping while she beat and scrubbed the laundry. It is a pure expression of Art Populaire—utilitarian, hand-forged (note the hand-cut nails and dowels), and shaped by decades of use in water. Rustic & time worn condition. 120 Euro Large antique French hand-crocheted filet lace coverlet (180x180cm) featuring raised 3D floral rose inserts and scalloped edges in a natural ecru cotton. This is a French Hand-Crocheted Filet Lace Coverlet, likely dating from the late 19th to early 20th century. While the base mesh creates a structured "filet" foundation, the raised floral inserts are characteristic of Irish Crochet techniques that were widely adopted by skilled French needlewomen. The recurring rose motif, or Rosace, symbolizes the timeless garden heritage of the South of France. Given its generous dimensions, it was likely intended as a summer bedspread or a grand tablecloth for a farmhouse fête. No tears or breaks. 195 Euro (Also on Etsy shop) Large antique French hand-crocheted cotton coverlet (220x180cm) with geometric star and diamond 'Étoile de Campagne' motif in heavy ecru thread.- This is a French Hand-Crocheted "Point d'Esprit" Coverlet, featuring a geometric star and diamond motif known as the Étoile de Campagne. Hand-stitched in a heavy-weight ecru cotton, from early 1900s. Unlike the delicate filet lace of the previous piece, this coverlet uses a denser, more architectural stitch that provides significant weight and warmth. The repeating diamond grid was a favorite in the South of France for its durability and symbolic representation of a balanced, grounded home. it is large enough for a modern queen-sized bed, offering a bridge between antique charm and contemporary utility. No tears or breaks, a few light stains. 160 Euro (Also on Etsy shop) Connect with me: • Instagram: @TheIvyFrame • Sister Channel: The Quiet French Table • Shop French Antiques: [frenchcountryfriends.etsy.com] Collaboration & Business Inquiries: [email protected] New Website: https://theivyframe.com Justin & Jeni #slowliving #frenchcountryside #frenchfarmhouse