Vintage Cast Stone French Faux Bois Bench

Faux bois (from the French for false wood) refers to the artistic imitation of wood or wood grains in various media. The craft has roots in the Renaissance with trompe-l'œil. It was probably first crafted with concrete using an iron armature by garden craftsmen in France called "rocailleurs" using common iron materials: rods, barrel bands, and chicken wire. The craft has roots in the Renaissance with trompe-l'œil. Cast Iron Faux Bois bench made in France and shipped to the US. Vintage Faux Bois pieces from Europe are highly sought after especially ones that have a naturally aged patinas such as this one. Benches such as these are reminiscent of Manor houses and chateaus in France and England and bring an element of whimsy and sophistication to the gardens and lawns they inhabit. "Faux Bois" style of lawn furniture and ornamentation was designed to appear as if the pieces were constructed out of branches and natural elements.
Early examples of the craft survive at Parc des Buttes-Chaumont opened for an exposition in Paris in 1867. In 1873, the inventor of ferrocement, Joseph Monier expanded his patents to include bridges. He designed the first bridge of reinforced concrete, crossing the moat at the Chateau Chazelet, in France. It was sculpted to resemble timbers and logs.