A French candy box from the early 19th century

French 19th-century candy box, decorated on the lid with a gallant scene depicting a lady and a gentleman in 18th-century attire against a rural landscape. The round lid ornament is set within an octagonal frame. The box is entirely made of cardboard and features an octagonal shape with printed and gilded paper ribbons along the edges. The decoration is created using the « fixé sous verre » technique, meaning it is an watercolor print preserved under glass. The interior is lined with silver paper. France, 1800, in good condition.

These are valuable packaging for sugared almonds, sold as gifts or for special occasions. A characteristic feature of these packages is their glass-covered decoration, reflecting the changing styles and tastes of the era. Their popularity grew alongside the expansion 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 its value even before the 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, Caffarel Prochet was born in 1826, and Leone in 1878. 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 throughout Italy and Europe.

Confectionery products were sold wholesale, but soon exclusive items were created for events and celebrations; among these are Boite à Dragées (confetti boxes), which we present in this collection, featuring fixed sous verre decorations depicting romantic or rural scenes. Made of cardboard, they have edges 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.

Unique antique furniture and accessories can be an excellent idea for interior design. 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|classic} and timeless furniture. There are many different styles in antique furniture, each with its distinctive features.

Many styles characterize antique furniture, but a few stand out as the most important. Eclectic furniture belongs to the 19th century, dominated by the Biedermeier style. Its early variations include neo-Gothic, Gothic, Rococo, Louis-Philippe style, and finally the English Victorian style. By the end of the century, these styles evolved into pseudo-classicism, Renaissance, and Baroque styles.

Original Empire-style furniture dates from the late 18th to early 19th centuries. It originated during Napoleon’s reign, which imposed a significant resemblance to and references from 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. Next is Baroque, derived from the Portuguese word « barocco »—meaning an irregularly developed pearl. These were highly decorative pieces designed to radiate splendor and serve a role in luxury. Exceptional, selectively used materials were employed to emphasize the grandeur of these items.

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 profound mark on the art of furniture making. The Renaissance style was quite heavy and bulky. Brown stains were used, along with cornices, sturdy bases, and bas-reliefs. It can certainly be said that these were quite distinctive products, but they also offered many new possibilities, such as the construction of cabinets or broadly speaking, chest furniture. Here, too, there was an interest in mythology and ancient times, so supports or legs often 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 reflects 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 unique character in a given nation. This is very important, especially when searching for a luxurious antique that suits your interior.

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