Elegant antique box for treats from the 19th century

Boite à Dragée, or almond boxes in sugar or chocolates, decorated on the lid with an elegantly dressed woman seen from behind, framed by a geometric border adorned with small diamonds on a black background. The round-shaped box is made entirely of cardboard, with two brass rings at the ends and printed and gold cardboard ribbons along the edges. The decoration is created using the verre fixé technique, meaning it is an aquarelle print sealed under glass. The interior is divided into several compartments to hold many sweets. France, early 19th century.

These are valuable packaging for sugar almonds, sold as gifts or for special occasions. A characteristic feature of these packages is their glass-covered decoration, reflecting the changing styles and tastes of the era. Their popularity grew alongside the expansion and desire to establish a 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 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 Wafer Affini) was established in Genoa, helping the confectionery industry spread across Italy and Europe.

Confectionery products were sold wholesale, but soon exclusive items were created for events and celebrations; among them are Boite à Dragées (confetti boxes), which we present in this collection, featuring fixed decorations like verre sous scenes depicting romantic or rural scenes. Made from 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 possess a specific character and soul. This is a nod to history, craftsmanship, and the design 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 prominent. 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 styles.

Stunning Empire-style furniture dates from the late 18th to early 19th centuries. It originated during Napoleon’s reign, characterized by 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. The next is Baroque, derived from the Portuguese word 'barocco'—meaning an irregularly developed pearl. These were highly decorative pieces meant 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. Renaissance style was quite heavy and bulky. Brown stains were used, along with cornices, sturdy bases, 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 reflects admiration and respect for the history of the most beautiful Renaissance antiques. It is important to remember that each country perceived furniture production 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 this is ultimately crucial from the customer's perspective, as 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.