Octagonal Box, Northern Italy, second half of the 18th century

Octagonal Gold and Bulinata Box with Embellishments embedded in white walnut in the shape of an octagon, gilded on the edges and lid. The box is in good condition; the gilding is still well-preserved along the edges with minor wear, while the lid only shows traces of gilding, with the dominant color being red from the Armenian bole preparation. On the edge of the lid, there is a double engraving framed by three colorful birds and flowers. Northern Italy, second half of the 18th century.

Luxurious antique furniture and accessories can be an excellent idea for decorating our interiors. Today, there is an increasing number of enthusiasts of high-quality vintage items that possess a distinct character and soul. This is a nod to history, craftsmanship, and the design of classic and timeless furniture. There are many different styles in antique furniture, each with its characteristic features.

Many styles distinguish antique furniture, but a few are particularly notable. Eclectic furniture refers to the 19th century, marked by the dominant Biedermeier style. Its early 20th-century variants include neo-Gothic, Gothic, Rococo, Louis-Philippe style, and finally the English Victorian style. By the end of the century, these styles evolved into pseudo-styles of Classicism, Renaissance, and Baroque.

Empire-style furniture dates from the late 18th to early 19th century. It originated during Napoleon’s reign, characterized by significant influence from Roman and Greek decorative motifs.

Neoclassical furniture reflects the Louis XVI style, which also draws heavily from ancient architecture. Notable and interesting are antique products in Rococo and Louis XV styles. The next style is Baroque, derived from the Portuguese word 'barocco'—meaning an irregularly developed pearl. These were highly ornate pieces designed to exude splendor and play a significant role in luxury. Materials were carefully selected and used sparingly to emphasize the grandeur of these items.

Today, we can observe how strongly the Baroque style influenced modern classical furniture, which is designed with a great resemblance to the historical period. The Renaissance style also made a significant impact. Flourishing in the 15th and 16th centuries, it left a lasting mark on furniture craftsmanship. Renaissance furniture was quite heavy and robust, often using brown stains, moldings, sturdy bases, and bas-reliefs. These products were quite distinctive but also introduced new possibilities, such as the construction of credenzas and broadly speaking, chest-type furniture. Mythology and ancient themes were also popular, with supports and legs often taking animal forms.

Lion paws, eagle heads—these are common motifs in Renaissance style. Currently, many global brands reproduce furniture inspired by Italian and French artisans, demonstrating 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 unique character within its national context. This is especially crucial when searching for an exclusive antique that suits your interior.

The most important aspect of elite antique furniture is originality. Ultimately, this is what matters to the buyer, as the market is filled with many forgeries. Luxury Products provides documentation confirming the product’s authenticity and compliance with the description and photos. We have appraisers, art experts, historians, and specialists from around the world at your disposal.