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: ESTELLE ET NEMORIN A que ce baiser les annuities a Plaidre! Ombien il redoubla le feu qui commençoit à s’albumer dans leurs ames transports. It takes 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 created using the verre églomisé technique, meaning 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 mark 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 to 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 églomisé decorations 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 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 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 influences from 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. Next is Baroque, derived from the Portuguese word barocco—meaning an irregularly developed pearl. These were highly ornate, luxurious pieces designed to dazzle and serve as symbols of opulence. Materials were chosen selectively 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 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 bases, and 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 speaking, chest furniture. Here, too, there was an interest in mythology and ancient times, so supports or legs took on 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 sign 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, because many fakes circulate on the market. Luxury Products provides a certificate confirming the product's compliance with the actual description and photos. We have art appraisers, historians, and experts from around the world at your disposal.