Napoleon III Rococo Revival Tissue Box — Tortoiseshell & Gilt Acanthus Wreath

Design & Inspiration

Set this piece on a console table and something changes in the room — the lacquered surface catches the light like polished amber, and the gilt acanthus border seems to ripple outward from its base. This tissue box holder draws from the opulent decorative vocabulary of the Napoleon III / Second Empire period (1852–1870), when Parisian interiors embraced richly lacquered surfaces, heavy gilt bronze ornament, and the revival of Rococo exuberance. The oval brass medallion centered on the lid — wreathed in a braided gilt frame — is the period's signature move: a cartouche that commands attention without interrupting the line of the piece.

Materials & Craftsmanship

The body is crafted from solid wood lacquered in a deep tortoiseshell burgundy, a technique that mimics the warmth and translucency of genuine écaille de tortue — the prized material of 19th-century luxury caskets and writing boxes. The lid surface carries finely pressed relief carving beneath the lacquer, adding texture that rewards close inspection. The gilt acanthus-leaf border running along the lower perimeter is cast brass, hand-applied and secured to the base — each leaf cluster distinguishable, none flattened by mass production. Small brass ball feet lift the piece just enough to give it visual buoyancy. The oval lid medallion, framed in a braided gilt ring, anchors the composition with Neoclassical restraint amid the Rococo flourish around it.

Dimensions & Details

Width: 15 cm / Depth: 13 cm / Height: 15 cm
Weight: 4 kg
Brass finish available in multiple variants. Fits standard rectangular tissue box inserts. No assembly required.

Handcrafted in Egypt

Every piece in the Brass & Wood collection is handcrafted in Egypt by artisans trained in classical European finishing techniques. The lacquer is applied in layers and hand-buffed to depth; the brass components are individually cast and attached. No two pieces are identical — minor variations in lacquer tone and gilt texture are the signature of genuine handcraft, not a defect.

Frequently Asked Questions

What materials is this tissue box made from?

The body is solid wood with a deep burgundy tortoiseshell lacquer finish. The decorative border and medallion frame are cast brass with a gilt finish. The piece rests on small brass ball feet.

Does it fit a standard tissue box?

Yes. The interior dimensions accommodate a standard rectangular tissue box. The slot opening on the lid allows tissues to be pulled through naturally.

Can this be customized?

Yes. Brass finish variants are available — including Gold, Silver, and Antique Gold — and the piece can be customized to order. Contact Brass & Wood for bespoke requests.