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. Against 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 on the ends and printed, gold cardboard ribbons on the edges. The decoration is created 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 led to 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 Wafers Affini) was founded in Genoa, which helped the confectionery industry 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 verre decorations depicting romantic or rural scenes. Made of cardboard, they have a decorated edge 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.

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 specific character and soul. It’s a nod to history, craftsmanship, and the creation of traditional 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 notable. Eclectic furniture belongs 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.

Stunning Empire-style furniture dates from the late 18th to early 19th century, 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. Antique products in Rococo and Louis XV styles are also noteworthy. Baroque, derived from the Portuguese word barocco—meaning irregularly developed pearl—was characterized by highly ornate furniture designed to exude splendor and play a significant role in luxury. Materials were chosen selectively and used to 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. Another significant style is Renaissance, which flourished in the 15th and 16th centuries and also left a profound mark on the art of furniture making. Renaissance style was quite heavy and bulky. It featured brown stains, cornices, sturdy bases, and reliefs. It can certainly be said that these were quite distinctive products, but they also offered many new possibilities, such as the construction of cupboards 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 motifs in Renaissance style. Currently, many global brands reproduce furniture made in this style, drawing 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 ultimately, this is crucial from the customer's perspective because many counterfeit products 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.