Antique French Candy Box - Handpainted Pierrot and Rococo Ribbon Roses Trim

Just imagine - you walk into the candy shop, the aroma of chocolate fills the air. You point to a tray of chocolate covered marron glace and ask for a box of the delights. The counter person turns to select a handmade, handpainted, ribbon trimmed box. She gently layers the inside in layers of doily. She places the chocolates carefully over the paper and the proceeds to layer more doilies over the confection. She closes the box and perhaps, ties it up with silk ribbon and then presents it to the purchaser. Could nothing be more elegant in Belle Epoque France. Well, here's just such a delight though the contents are long gone and the box has it fair share of beauty marks.

Measuring 9-1/2" long x about 6-1/2" across, the depth of the container is about 1-1/4". A cardboard box has been covered in canvas on the top and paper on the bottom. The hand painted image of Pierrot strumming a guitar has been rendered to the top then the entire piece covered in old gilt ribbon trim. To embellish it even further, there's an edge of French Silk Ombre ribbon roses garland - faded and flat but entirely complete. The candy shop's name was Boissier - as evidence by the gilt lettering on the inside of the lid. As you can see, the inside is stained - most likely water damage. There's some cracking to the inside paper, fading and a few pieces of paper have pulled from the edge - a touch of glue will remedy this. Bottom is as you see - water damage and fading.

A beautiful display item for the lady who loves romance, belle epoque beauty and French ribbonwork. Purchased by me in Paris about 30 years ago - I never thought I would part with it but, time to let go of a few things.