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 in the middle of a rural landscape with architecture. The round-shaped box is not original, but was made to delight the eye with a decoration on the lid, which has been adorned with a gold trim. The decoration is made using the verre fixé technique, meaning it is an watercolor 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 styles and tastes of the era. Their popularity grew alongside the expansion 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, concentrating primarily on its value 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, 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 Wafers Affini) was established in Genoa, which helped 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 (boxes with sugar-coated almonds), which we present in this collection. The fixed verre decorations depict romantic or rural scenes. Made from cardboard, they feature a border decorated with printed and gilded paper ribbon 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 decorating our interiors. Today, there is a growing number of enthusiasts for high-quality vintage items that have a distinct character and soul. It 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 own distinctive features.

Many styles characterize antique furniture, but a few are particularly notable. Eclectic furniture refers to the 19th century, marked by the dominant Biedermeier style. 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, characterized by significant influences 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. The next is Baroque, derived from the Portuguese word barocco, meaning an irregularly developed pearl. These were highly decorative pieces designed to radiate splendor and play a significant role in luxury. Selectively used materials were employed to further emphasize the grandeur of these works.

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 reliefs. It can certainly be said that these were quite distinctive products, but they 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 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 perception of furniture production was different, 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 brand provides a certificate confirming the product's compliance with the actual description and photos. We have appraisers, art experts, historians, and specialists from around the world at your disposal.