19th-century kneading trough on a removable base with a lid, made entirely of solid oak. Rustic, doweled base with slanted legs. Large-capacity kneading trough, with a protective finish on the interior made from wax and vegetable oils, suitable for food contact. Top surface composed of 4 planks, 25 mm thick. A lovely decorative piece, suitable for use as a storage chest or planter. This kneading trough was found in an old stone house in the heart of a small village in the south of France. Since the 12th century, women have used a wooden chest in which to knead bread dough. All they had to do was knead it with their fists, then beat the dough in portions against the kneading trough. Bread was (and still is) an essential part of any meal… especially in France! Back then, bread was an easy way to fill one’s stomach with just a few ingredients, which helped feed large families with limited means. Dimensions of the kneading trough without the lid: 110 cm long, 55 cm deep, 67 cm high.