Sweets box France 1800 with decoration on the lid

France 1800s candy box with a lid decoration depicting oriental figures on ivory. The box is made entirely of cardboard, with two brass rings at the ends and printed and gilded paper ribbons along the edges (the top lid is missing a 5-centimeter ribbon, which can be seen in the gallery photos). The decoration is created using the verre fixé technique, meaning it is an aquarelle print preserved under glass. France, early 19th century.

These are valuable packaging for sugared 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, 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 silks, 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 established in Saronno. In 1900, the SAIWA (Società Accomandita Industria Wafer Affini) was founded 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 these are Boite à Dragées (fancy boxes for confetti), which we present in this collection, featuring fixed verre decorations depicting romantic or rural scenes. Made from cardboard, they have edges decorated 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.

Exceptional antique furniture and accessories can be an excellent idea for interior decoration. Today, there is a growing number of enthusiasts for high-quality vintage items that possess a specific character and soul. It 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 distinctive features.

Many styles characterize antique furniture, but a few are particularly notable. Eclectic furniture belongs to the 19th century, especially the Biedermeier style. Its early variations include neo-Gothic, Gothic, Rococo, Louis-Philippe style, and the Victorian English style. Toward the end of the century, these styles evolved into pseudo-classicism, Renaissance, and Baroque styles.

Beautiful Empire-style furniture dates from the late 18th to early 19th centuries, originating from Napoleon’s reign. It features significant influences from Roman and Greek ornamentation.

Neoclassical furniture, such as Louis XVI style, also draws heavily from ancient architecture. Noteworthy are antique products in Rococo and Louis XV styles. Baroque, derived from the Portuguese word barocco—meaning an irregularly developed pearl—was characterized by highly ornate furniture designed to radiate 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 profound 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 also offered many new possibilities, such as the construction of cupboards or broadly speaking, chest furniture. Here, too, there was an interest in mythology and ancient times, so supports or legs often took 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 perception of furniture manufacturing was different, 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, as the market is filled with many forgeries. 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.