Antique phenomenal sweet box from the 19th century

Confetti box from a French restaurant era, round, with a decoration on the lid depicting an interior scene showing a mother caring for her daughter in a cradle. On a light blue background, the inscription A MA FILLE is visible. This is therefore a box used for birthdays or at least dedicated to offspring. The box is made entirely of cardboard, with two brass rings at the ends and printed, gold cardboard ribbons on the edges. The decoration is made using the verre fixé method, meaning it is an aquarelle print preserved under glass. The condition is good, except for a small chip at the edge of the 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 is now commonly called packaging, prioritizing the value of the packaging itself even before its contents. This included the use of ornaments, gilding, twisted silk, and printed milk imitating 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 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 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 decorations like verre depicting romantic or rural scenes. Made of cardboard, they have a decorated edge with printed and gilded paper ribbon 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.

Beautiful 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. This is a nod to history, craftsmanship, and the creation of traditional 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, especially the Biedermeier style. Its early variations include neo-Gothic, Gothic, Rococo, Louis-Philippe style, and finally the English Victorian style. By the end of the century, these styles evolved into pseudo-classicism, Renaissance, and Baroque.

Stunning Empire-style furniture dates from the late 18th to early 19th century, originating from Napoleon’s reign, which emphasized Roman and Greek decorative motifs.

Neoclassical furniture, such as Louis XVI style, also draws heavily from 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 shine with 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 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 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 often took animal forms.

Lion paws, eagle heads – these are common features in Renaissance style furniture. 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 each country perceived furniture manufacturing differently, so each style had its own distinct character. This is especially important when searching for a luxurious antique that suits your interior.

The most important aspect of antique-style furniture is originality. And this is ultimately crucial from the customer's perspective, as many counterfeits circulate on the market. Luxury Products 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.