A French candy container with a round shape from the 19th century

French confetti box, early 19th century, with a round shape, depicting a pair of lovers sitting and embracing in a flower garden. They are surrounded by a triple gold-black border, as well as a beautiful frame of golden leaves on a light blue background. In the center, the inscription reads: ESTELLE ET NEMORIN A que ce baiser les annuities a Plaidre! Ombien il redoubla le feu qui commençoit à s’albumer dans leurs ames, transporting you back to the stages of pastoral drama. The box is made entirely of cardboard, with two brass rings at the ends (note the special feature of the upper ring, which is usually smooth like the lower one), and printed and gilded cardboard ribbons on the edges. The decoration is executed using the verre églomisé technique, meaning it is an aquarelle print preserved under glass. The interior is divided into several compartments, capable of holding many sweets. France, early 19th century.

These are valuable packaging for sugar almonds, sold as gifts or for special occasions. A characteristic feature of these packages is their glass-encased decoration, 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 we today call packaging, prioritizing the value of the packaging itself even before its contents. This is why decorations, gilding, curled silk, and printed milk imitations of jewelry were used. Here are some national names that reflect 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 founded in Saronno. In 1900, the SAIWA (Società Accomandita Industria Wafer Affini) was established in Genoa, helping the confectionery industry spread throughout Italy and Europe.

Confectionery products were sold wholesale, 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.

Original 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 design of 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 key ones stand out. Eclectic furniture belongs to the 19th century, notably the Biedermeier style. Its early variations include neo-Gothic, Gothic, Rococo, Louis Philippe style, and the Victorian British style. Toward the end of the century, these styles evolved into pseudo-classicism, Renaissance, and Baroque styles.

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

Neoclassical furniture is associated with Louis XVI style, which also draws heavily from ancient architecture. Noteworthy are antique products in Rococo and Louis XV styles. Baroque, derived from the Portuguese word barocco—meaning an irregularly developed pearl—was characterized by highly ornate furniture meant to radiate 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 modern 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. Renaissance style was quite heavy and bulky. It featured brown stains, cornices, sturdy bases, and reliefs. Certainly, one can say that these were quite distinctive products, but they also offered many new possibilities, such as the construction of buffets or broadly speaking, chest furniture. Here, too, there was an interest in mythology and ancient times, so supports and 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, drawing inspiration from Italian and French craftsmen. This reflects admiration and respect for the history of the most beautiful Renaissance antiques. It is important to remember that each country perceived furniture manufacturing differently, so each style had its own unique character. This is especially important when searching for a luxurious antique that suits your interior.

The most important aspect of vintage antique furniture is originality. Ultimately, this is crucial from the customer's perspective, as the market is flooded with many counterfeits. Luxury Products provides a certificate confirming the product’s compliance with its description and photos. We also have art appraisers, historians, and experts from around the world at your disposal.