Elegant antique box for treats from the 19th century

Boite à Dragée, or almond boxes covered 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 gilded paper ribbons along the edges. The decoration is created using the verre églomisé technique, meaning it is an aquarelle print preserved under glass. The interior is divided into several compartments to hold many sweets. 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 glass-encased decoration, reflecting the changing styles and tastes of the era. Their popularity grew alongside the expansion 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 is now commonly called packaging, prioritizing its value even before the contents. This is evident in the use of ornaments, gilding, twisted 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, helping the confectionery industry to spread throughout 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 from cardboard, they have a decorative edge printed and gilded with paper ribbons featuring 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 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 influence from Roman and Greek decorative motifs.

Neoclassical furniture, associated with Louis XVI, also draws heavily from ancient architecture. Noteworthy are antique products in Rococo and Louis XV styles. The Baroque style, derived from the Portuguese word barocco—meaning an irregularly developed pearl—includes highly ornate furniture designed to exude splendor and play a significant role in luxury. Materials were selectively chosen 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. An equally significant style is Renaissance. Which flourished in the 15th and 16th centuries and also left a substantial 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 generally the broad category of 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 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 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 this is ultimately crucial from the customer's perspective, because 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.