19th century chocolate box

Box for chocolates from the period of a French restaurant, decorated on the lid with a rural scene featuring a seated girl and a boy with a fishing rod. The box is entirely made of cardboard, with two brass rings at the ends and printed, gold cardboard ribbons along the edges. The decoration is created using the verre églomisé technique, meaning it is an watercolor print preserved under glass. The interior is covered with red paper. France, early 19th century.

These are valuable packaging for sugar-coated almonds, sold as gifts or for special occasions. A characteristic feature of these packages is their decoration placed under glass, reflecting the changing styles and tastes of the era. Their popularity grew alongside the rise and desire to establish a presence in confectionery markets, which were rapidly developing at the time. Interestingly, in confectionery production, there has always been a consistent focus on what is now commonly called packaging, prioritizing the value of the packaging itself even before its contents. This is why decorations, gilding, twisted silk ribbons, and printed milk patterns resembling jewelry were used. Here are some national names that capture the essence of this phenomenon: in Turin, the kingdom of chocolate, in 1826 Caffarel Prochet was born, and in 1878 Leone. In 1888, the Lazzaroni & Figli company was established in Saronno. In 1900, the SAIWA (Società Accomandita Industria Wafer Affini) was founded in Genoa, helping the confectionery industry spread across Italy and Europe.

Confectionery products were sold in wholesale quantities, but soon exclusive items were created for parties and celebrations; among these are Boite à Dragées (confetti boxes), which we present in this collection, featuring fixed verre décorations depicting romantic or rural scenes. Made of cardboard, they have a border decorated with printed and gilded paper ribbons with Greek or leafy motifs; the interior can be divided into compartments. All were produced in France between the late 18th century and the early decades of the 19th century.

Beautiful antique furniture and accessories can be an excellent idea for decorating our interiors. Today, there is a growing number of enthusiasts for high-quality vintage items that possess a specific character and soul. This is a nod to history, craftsmanship, and the creation of traditional and timeless furniture. There are many different styles in antique furniture, each with its distinctive features.

Many styles characterize antique furniture, but a few are particularly prominent. Eclectic furniture refers to the 19th century, especially the Biedermeier style. Its early variations include neo-Gothic, Gothic, Rococo, Louis Philippe style, and the English Victorian style. Toward the end of the century, these styles transitioned into pseudo-classicism, Renaissance, and Baroque styles.

Original Empire-style furniture dates from the period between the late 18th and early 19th centuries. It originated during Napoleon’s reign, characterized by significant similarities and references to Roman and Greek ornamentation.

Neoclassical furniture is associated with Louis XVI style, which also strongly references ancient architecture. Noteworthy are antique products in Rococo and Louis XV styles. The Baroque style, derived from the Portuguese word barocco—meaning an irregularly developed pearl—consists of highly decorative furniture meant to exude splendor and play a significant role in luxury. Unique, selectively used materials were employed to emphasize the grandeur of these pieces.

Today, we can observe how much the Baroque style has influenced today's classic furniture, which is designed with a strong resemblance to the former era. An equally significant style is Renaissance. Which flourished in the 15th and 16th centuries and also left a substantial mark on the art of furniture making. The Renaissance style was quite heavy and bulky. Brown stains were used, as well as cornices, sturdy plinths, and bas-reliefs. It can certainly be said that these were quite specific products, but they offered many new possibilities, such as the construction of buffets or broadly understood chest furniture. Here, too, there was an interest in mythology and ancient times, so supports or legs took animal forms.

Lion paws, eagle heads – these are common features in Renaissance style. Currently, many global brands reproduce furniture made in this style, taking inspiration from Italian or French creators. This is a display of admiration and respect for the history of the most beautiful Renaissance antiques. It is important to remember that in each country, the production of furniture was perceived differently, so each style had its own distinct character. This is very important, especially when searching for a luxurious antique that suits your interior.

The most important aspect of vintage antique furniture is originality. And this is ultimately crucial from the customer's perspective, as many counterfeits circulate on the market. Luxury Products provides a certificate confirming the product's compliance with the actual description and photo. We have art appraisers, historians, and experts from around the world at your disposal.