Confetti box, France, early 19th century

Confetti box, France, early 19th century, round, decorated on the lid depicting a woman sitting in an armchair between a girl and a small table with a vase of flowers and various objects. A dog at the lady's feet. The decoration features a turquoise-painted edge surrounded by a triple border in gold and black.  The box is made entirely of cardboard, with two brass rings on the ends and printed, gold paper ribbons on the edges. The decoration is created using the verre églomisé technique, meaning an aquarelle print preserved under glass. The interior is made of pink cardboard. France, early 19th century.

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 coincided with the growth and desire of confectionery companies to establish their presence in the market, which was rapidly developing at the time. Interestingly, in confectionery production, there has always been a consistent focus on what we now commonly call packaging, prioritizing its value even before its contents. This is why ornaments, gilding, twisted silk ribbons, and printed milk imitations of 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 Wafer Affini) was established in Genoa, which helped spread the confectionery industry 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 décorations 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.

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 possess a specific character and soul. It’s a nod to history, craftsmanship, and the design of {traditional|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 key ones stand out. Eclectic furniture refers to the 19th century, dominated by 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 evolved into pseudo-classicism, Renaissance, and Baroque.

Original Empire-style furniture dates from the period between the late 18th and early 19th centuries. It originated during Napoleon’s reign, which imposed significant similarities and references to 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. 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. Unique, selectively used materials were employed to 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 significant 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 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 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 antique-style 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 photo. We have appraisers, art experts, historians, and specialists from around the world at your disposal.