Gilt Metal and Green Enamel Jewelry Box — Maison Boissier, Paris French, Circa 1900–1930

List: $3,500

Of octagonal serpentine form, the body and domed lid in green enamel over gilt metal, decorated on all sides with scrolling acanthus and foliate arabesques in relief gilt against the green ground, with cream-toned reserve panels throughout. The lid surmounted by a gilt wire bail handle terminating in spherical finials. Fitted interior with cream fabric lining and rouleaux or cord border trim. The underside raised on six cast gilt claw feet with scrolled anklets. Gilt clasp mechanism to front. Maker's mark of Maison Boissier, Paris [1. Maison Boissier — Catalogue Note

Maison Boissier was founded in Paris in 1827 by Bélisaire Boissier, who established his first counter on the Boulevard des Capucines. The house became one of the city's foremost luxury confectioners, numbered among the preferred establishments of Victor Hugo, Émile Zola, and Alexandre Dumas fils. maison-boissier Mark Goodger

The house was equally renowned for the quality of its presentation boxes and packaging. francetoday France Today These elaborately decorated miniature caskets — in papier-mâché, tortoiseshell, and mother of pearl — were intended to be retained as keepsakes after the confectionery inside had been consumed.

In 1857, Bélisaire passed the business to Cyrille Robineau, who engaged leading luxury craftsmen, including the house of Songny, to produce boxes in silk, leather, and precious materials. maison-boissier Maison Boissier

Source: Bélisaire Boissier: Poet of Gastronomy. Maison Boissier, Paris. maison-boissier.com/en/pages/histoire ↩
Source: Maison Boissier Confectioners' Boxes. Mark Goodger Antiques. markgoodger.co.uk/maker/maison-boissier-confectioners-boxes ↩
Source: Nash, Deborah. "Behind the Brand: A Tale of Two Confectioners." France Today, 27 February 2023. francetoday.com/food-drink/behind-the-brand-a-tale-of-two-confectioners ], to the lock escutcheon.

Height: 3.5 in. (9 cm.)
Width: 7 in. (18 cm.)
Depth: 4.5 in. (11 cm.)

• Item Number: SW-196
• Country: France
• Period: Early 20th Century
• Creation Date: Circa 1930
• Materials: enamel, Gilt metal
• Height: 3.5 in., 9 cm.
• Length: 18 cm., 7 in.
• Depth: 11 cm., 4.5 in.
• Condition: Very good