Late 19th Century Brique Chauffeuse - bed warmer brick 9"

This late 19th-century brique chauffeuse, labeled "Chauffeuse," is crafted from dark brown terracotta, originally intended to warm up a bed in the cooler months. Designed to be heated in a slow-combustion stove or near an open fire, this piece would then be placed under the bedcovers, radiating warmth for a comfortable night’s rest. Sourced from one of the oldest houses in Lambesc, a historic village in Provence, this brique chauffeuse embodies the region’s traditions of practical yet elegant ceramic craftsmanship. 

With embossed decorative details and a distinctive rustic patina, this piece is similar to examples documented in Terres de feu, de lumière et de Songes by Henri Amouric, Lucy Vallauri, and Jean-Louis Vayssettes. Beyond its functional origins, it can make an interesting and nostalgic wall piece, celebrating the ingenuity of historical heating practices in Provence.