Napoleon III Cobalt Tissue Box with Gilt Acanthus Ormolu Mounts

Design & Inspiration

Place this tissue box on a side table and it immediately stops being a functional object — it becomes a conversation piece. The deep cobalt ground, pressed with fine geometric and foliate patterns across every face, anchors the eye. Then the gilt metal takes over: a continuous band of cast acanthus leaves wraps the lower body with the restless energy of high Second Empire ornament, while a laurel-wreathed oval cartouche crowns the lid, framing the aperture as though it were a portrait medallion. This is a masterful interpretation of Napoleon III decorative taste — the era that proved luxury and utility could occupy the same object.

Materials & Craftsmanship

The body is formed from high-quality ceramic finished in a deep navy cobalt glaze, its surface impressed with repeated circular rosettes and fine reeded channels that catch light across each plane. The ormolu-style brass mounts are cast with sharp botanical detail — each acanthus leaf retaining its curling tip and veining — then finished in a warm gilt that reads as polished gold against the blue ground. The oval lid cartouche uses the same cast brass technique, its laurel wreath forming a precise frame around the tissue opening. Every mount is applied by hand, a process that requires precise placement to maintain the symmetry the Napoleon III style demands. Handcrafted in Egypt by artisans trained in European classical ornament traditions, this piece weighs 4 kg — the kind of reassuring heft that signals material quality.

Dimensions & Details

Width: 15 cm / Depth: 13 cm / Height: 15 cm
Weight: 4 kg
Material: Cobalt ceramic body with gilt brass ormolu mounts
Finish: Deep navy cobalt glaze with warm gold metalwork
SKU: ANTCHO2017

Handcrafted in Egypt

Brass & Wood produces each piece in Egypt, where craftsmen skilled in European classical ornament apply traditional casting and gilding techniques to create objects that rival the originals in decorative presence. This tissue box is not a mass-produced item — the brass mounts are individually cast and fitted, the ceramic body is glazed to achieve the saturated cobalt depth associated with the finest Second Empire porcelain. The result is a desk or salon accessory that carries genuine craft value, not merely decorative ambition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What materials is this tissue box made from?

The body is high-quality cobalt-glazed ceramic. The decorative mounts are gilt brass cast in the ormolu tradition, applied by hand to the ceramic base and lid.

Is assembly required?

No assembly required. The piece arrives fully assembled and ready to display.

Can this be customized?

Yes. The brass finish is available in multiple color options including Gold, Silver, and Antique Gold. Contact Brass & Wood for custom finish inquiries.