Antique chocolate box from the 19th century

French candy box from the late 19th century, decorated on the lid with an elegant gentleman holding a sword, depicted standing amidst a rural landscape with architecture. The round-shaped box is not original but was made to delight the eye with a lid decoration, which has been adorned with a gold trim. The decoration is created using the verre églomisé technique, meaning it is an aquarelle print preserved under glass.

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 style and taste of the era. Their popularity coincided with the growth 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, ornate 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 & Filli company was established in Saronno. In 1900, the SAIWA (Società Accomandita Industria Wafer Affini) was founded in Genoa, helping the confectionery industry to spread across Italy and Europe.

Confectionery products were sold in wholesale quantities, but soon exclusive items were created for events and celebrations; among these are Boite à Dragées (boxes with sugar-coated almonds), which are presented in this collection. The fixed verre églomisé decorations depict romantic or rural scenes. Made from cardboard, they feature a border decorated with printed and gilded paper ribbons with Greek or leafy motifs; the interior can be divided into compartments. All of these were produced in France between the late 18th century and the early decades of the 19th century.

Exceptional 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 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 of the most important can be distinguished. Eclectic furniture refers to the 19th century, during which the Biedermeier style was dominant. Its early variations include neo-Gothic, Gothic, Rococo, Louis Philippe style, and finally the English Victorian style. Toward the end of the century, these styles transitioned into pseudo-classicism, Renaissance, and Baroque styles.

Beautiful Empire-style furniture dates from the period between the late 18th and 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. Interesting and noteworthy are antique products in Rococo and Louis XV styles. The next is Baroque, a term derived from the Portuguese 'barocco,' meaning an irregularly developed pearl. These were highly decorative pieces designed to exude splendor and play a significant role in luxury. Unique, selectively used materials were employed to further 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 major 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 generally the broad category of 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 furniture. Currently, many global brands reproduce such furniture, 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 furniture production was perceived differently in each country, 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 buyer'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.