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An exceptional, entirely authentic piece of late-19th-century history. This Victorian French cartonnage boudoir/jewelry box (circa 1880s–1890s) features an exquisite mix of textiles, ornate paper details, and hidden interior charm. It is a wonderful find for collectors of Victorian vanity items, antique textiles, or ephemera.
Exterior Details
- Lid: Domed top featuring a deep burgundy/maroon velvet diamond inset, surrounded by heavily ruched champagne-colored silk fringe.
- Hardware: Heavy, original brass ring pull handle secured to the center of the lid.
- Body: Wrapped in a beautiful teal/blue-green floral block-printed paper over a structured pasteboard frame, finished with an embossed metallic-gold paper Dresden border trim.
- Base: Features its original plain tan paper lining on the bottom.
Interior Details
The clean, paper-lined interior reveals a beautiful surprise on the inside lid: an original Victorian chromolithograph die-cut calling card/scrap. The graphic depicts a traditional hand holding a pen, surrounded by vibrant pink roses and a miniature winter landscape scene.
Dimensions
- Length: 7.5 inches
- Width: 6.5 inches
- Height: 4.0 inches
Condition
This item is in good antique condition and shows honest, age-appropriate wear that confirms its history. The structure remains solid. There is visible fraying and shredding to the delicate silk fringe on the lid corners, light staining to the paper bottom, and small breaks/losses to the delicate embossed gold border trim on the corners. The interior paper remains remarkably clean and intact, and the lithograph graphic retains brilliant color. Please review all photos for a detailed view of its patina.
