Models

Mock-ups, pieces showed in showrooms or sent to distant customers, the models are fascinating and allow to understand the stages of the furniture creation.

   Masterpieces of craftmen

The development of the trade guilds encourages the search of quality, concretized by the execution of a masterpiece.

Even nowadays, art school students, at thee end of their course, prove their talent by  executing small-scale models.

Pastimes

For personal pleasure, craftsmen when not at work or retired, executed a small-scale model, last testimony of its address and its virtuosity, which represented all the technical difficulties.

During long winter evenings, artists worked on various objects, including miniature furniture for personal pleasure or an egostistical artist's delight.

Knick-knacks

They became so fashionable in the 18th century that 6,000 people were employed in Pon, at Paris to  manufacture such trinkets, knick-knacks, ivory objects, combs and toilet items.

Miniature silverware

By the late Middle Ages, the skill of silversmiths made it possible to create miniature works of art, essentially for religious purposes.

It was from the 17th century onwards that miniature silverware acquired real importance, mainly in Holland, England and Germany 

Amazing objects

The purpose of collectors' display cabinets, so fashionable since the 16th century, was to preserve and present anything that was rare, precious or unusual, collected with enthusiasm by amateurs fascinated by art, innovation, and foreign parts. Their small size made it easier to accumulate these treasures which became even more attractive when grouped together.