French candy box, early 19th century, with decoration on the lid

French confetti box, early 19th century, decorated on the lid depicting a man with a rifle embracing a small girl sitting on a rock in front of a dog, with a landscape of trees and a church in the background. The scene is framed by an ivory-colored border with gold and red accents. The box is entirely made of cardboard, with two brass rings at the ends and printed and gilded paper ribbons on the edges (at the top, there is a small indentation approximately 5 cm wide). The decoration is created using the verre fixé method, meaning it is an aquarelle print preserved under glass. In good condition, consistent with its age. 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 to establish a presence in confectionery markets, which were rapidly developing at the time. Interestingly, in confectionery production, great attention was always paid to what we now commonly call packaging, focusing primarily on its value even before the contents. This included the use of ornaments, gilding, twisted silk, and printed milk imitating precious materials. 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 throughout Italy and Europe.

Confectionery products were sold wholesale, but soon exclusive items were created for events and celebrations; among these are Boite à Dragées (confetti boxes), which we present in this collection, featuring fixed decorations like verre sous, 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.

Original 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 of the most important can be distinguished. Eclectic furniture refers to the 19th century, notably the Biedermeier style. Its early variations include neo-Gothic, Gothic, Rococo, Louis Philippe style, and the English Victorian style. Toward the end of the century, these styles evolved into pseudo-classicism, Renaissance, and Baroque styles.

Original Empire-style furniture dates from the period between the late 18th and early 19th centuries. It originated during Napoleon’s reign, characterized by 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—was characterized by highly ornate furniture designed to exude splendor and play a significant role in luxury. Unique, selectively used materials were employed 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, along with cornices, sturdy plinths, and bas-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 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 furniture production was perceived differently in each country, so each style had its own unique character. This is especially important 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 counterfeits 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.