Vintage Lourdes religious wooden box, Virgin illustration, old souvenir

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

Old rounded religious box made of wood (material confirmed by the keywords), typical of religious souvenirs associated with Lourdes. The visible surface features a polychrome illustration protected under varnish or resin, depicting the haloed Virgin Mary surrounded by a garland of flowers, as well as the Basilica of Lourdes and a representation of Bernadette Soubirous in prayer. This scene is characteristic of the iconography of 20th-century devotional objects, intended for pilgrimage.

The decor displays bold colors: shades of blue, green, pink, and yellow, with a slightly aged effect. The perimeter of the box is plain, without additional decoration, revealing the natural wood grain. On the front, a printed crest with the mention "LOURDES" and a stylized coat of arms serves as a reminder of the object's origin, a common element on authentic religious souvenirs produced for sanctuary visitors.

The box's curved and compact shape, combined with the delicacy of the illustration, evokes artisanal or semi-industrial productions from the 1950s to the 1970s. The object, as presented in the photo, rests on a wooden table, highlighting its roundness and the shine of its surface.

The religious scene on the lid emphasizes the devotional dimension of this type of object, designed to hold small precious items or personal souvenirs related to Lourdes. No mechanism or accessory is visible on the shown side, apart from the label and the main decor.

This type of vintage religious box, by its iconography and craftsmanship, constitutes a tangible testament to popular religious art of the 20th century and the tradition of pilgrimages to Lourdes.

Condition

Used item sold as is. The box shows an age-related patina visible on the wood surface and slight signs of wear, with no apparent chips on the visible part. The illustration remains clear despite some fine superficial traces related to time.

Did you know? Lourdes is one of the main Catholic pilgrimage sites in the world since the Marian apparitions of 1858. The basilica visible in the illustration was completed at the end of the 19th century and welcomes millions of visitors from all over the world each year.

AFW Reassurance

Careful packaging and fast shipping with tracking. Professional seller specializing in antique objects and religious souvenirs.

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