Napoleon III Amber Crystal Tissue Box with Ribbon & Torch Gilt Brass Mounts

Design & Inspiration

Place this piece on a dressing table or an entry console and it immediately reads as something considered — not merely decorative. The deep amber crystal body, pressed and cut with repeating foliate and geometric panels, glows like cognac in afternoon light. Around it, the gilt-brass mounts do not merely frame the crystal; they perform around it: a central ribbon-and-torch motif on the long face, scrolled foliate handles on each end, and four plumed bracket feet that lift the whole composition off the surface. This is a faithful interpretation in the Napoleon III Second Empire Rococo Revival tradition — an era when the French court rediscovered the playfulness of the eighteenth century and filtered it through the grander ambitions of an imperial age.

Materials & Craftsmanship

The body is amber-tinted glass, pressed and hand-finished with a grid of raised panels that catch and refract light from every angle. The gilt-brass mounts are cast and individually chased — the ribbon bow on the front panel is worked in relief, its loops and trailing ends rendered with the kind of detail that only hand-finishing achieves. The scrolled side handles echo the foliate vocabulary of the Second Empire's decorative metalwork, while the four bracket feet — each a small sculpture of scrolled acanthus — anchor the piece with proper visual weight. All metalwork is finished in a warm, polished gold tone that contrasts the amber glass without overpowering it.

Dimensions & Details

Width: 30 cm / Depth: 14 cm / Height: 12 cm
Weight: 4 kg
Material: Amber crystal glass body with cast and chased gilt-brass mounts
Finish: Polished gold-tone brass
No assembly required. Handcrafted in Egypt by Brass & Wood.

Handcrafted in Egypt

Every piece that leaves the Brass & Wood atelier is the result of hands-on craft: the mounts are cast, filed, and polished individually; the glass body is pressed and finished by skilled artisans who understand that a tissue box placed on a vanity or in a reception hall is a small daily luxury that deserves to be made properly. Available in multiple brass finishes to suit your interior.

Frequently Asked Questions

What materials is this tissue box made from?

The body is amber-tinted pressed crystal glass. The frame, mounts, handles, and feet are cast brass finished in your chosen metal tone (Gold, Silver, or Antique Gold).

Is this product fragile?

Yes. The glass body requires careful handling. It is packed with protective materials for safe delivery. Keep away from impact and direct sunlight to preserve the amber tone.

Can this be customized?

Yes. Brass & Wood offers customization in brass finish color. Contact our team for details on bespoke orders.