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 lid decoration, which was adorned with a gold trim. The decoration is created using the verre fixé method, 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 glass-encased decoration, reflecting the changing style and taste of the era. Their popularity coincided with the growth and desire of confectionery companies to establish their presence on the 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 its value even before the contents. This is evident in the use of ornaments, gilding, curled silk ribbons, and printed milk patterns resembling jewelry. 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 Wafer 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 events and celebrations; among these are Boite à Dragées (boxes with sugar-coated almonds), which we present in this collection. The fixed verre décorations 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 decoration. 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 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 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. Notable and interesting are antique products in Rococo and Louis XV styles. The Baroque style, derived from the Portuguese word barocco—meaning an irregularly developed pearl—features highly ornate furniture designed to radiate splendor and play a significant role in luxury. Selectively used luxurious materials were employed to further emphasize the grandeur of these pieces.

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 plinths, and bas-reliefs. It can certainly be said that these were quite distinctive 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 perception of furniture manufacturing 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 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.