FRENCH VINTAGE FEVE CAKE TOPPER GALETTE DES ROIS SANTONS MINIATURE FIGURINE CERAMIC MAN CARRYING BUNDLES 3.5cm

This figurine is wearing brown trousers and a blue jacket or shirt. He is carrying a white bundle on one shoulder an another under his other arm. He is leaning against a post.

He measures approximately 3.5cm.

#FF19038

History and Background of La Fève

 Une fève is a broad bean but "la fève" is a little figurine lucky charm or trinket that you find in the Galette des Rois (Kings’ Cake - a flaky pastry round cake filled with frangipane) served on and around 6th January (Epiphany) in France. French pâtisseries sell these galettes throughout January and the French share these with family,friends and colleagues. The galette may be cut by the youngest (and therefore most innocent) person at the table or, the youngest hides under the table and is asked who should be served the selected slice; either way ensuring the fève is served at random. The person who receives the fève becomes"king" or "queen" and wears the golden (cardboard) crown provided with the galette when purchased from the pâtisserie. This person has the choice of offering a beverage (usually a glass of sparking wine or champagne) or volunteering to host the next Galette des Rois at their home. In families the winner is sometimes entitled to tell everyone what to do for the remainder of the day. These figurines have become popular collectibles and can often be bought separately. Today, pâtisseries often offer a specialised line of fèves depicting diverse themes from great works of art to classic movie stars and popular cartoon characters. In French a person who collects fèves is called either un or une favophile.

The fève custom (albeit with beans) was around during the Roman Empire. Since 1870 beans have been replaced by little porcelain or plastic figurines in France. Fèves can be made from of ceramics, glass or even diamond!

Traditionally the cake’s purpose is “to draw the kings” to the Epiphany. The French President, however, is not allowed to “draw the kings” because of the etiquette rules so a traditional galette without figurine or crown is served at Elysée Palace in January.

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Fantasticfeves44 is part of Tout Rustique et Chic (eBay id: Toutrustiqueetchic44).

Tout Rustique et Chic is based just outside Chester where any items we sell can be viewed before buying. All our treasures are sourced personally during our frequent visits to brocantes, antique shops, marchés aux puces, depôts ventes, les Trocs and vide greniers in France. We seek treasures for their beauty and charm and if we know or were told something more about the provenance of the item we will share this with you.

Please see our other French rustic/shabby chic/country fairly priced items already on eBay and being added daily.

Please note the details in the listing are our opinions based on over 40 years of studying, living in and travelling to France. All items listed have been purchased in France and if we believe the origins of any item is from outside France we will mention this in the listing.