Napoleon III Rococo Revival Amber Crystal Tissue Box with Gilt Brass Foliate Mounts
Napoleon III Rococo Revival Amber Crystal Tissue Box with Gilt Brass Foliate Mounts
Design & Inspiration
Place this piece on a dressing table or salon credenza and the room shifts — the deep amber of the faceted crystal catches the light and casts warm honey tones across the surface beside it. This tissue box holder is drawn from the design vocabulary of Napoleon III's Second Empire (1852–1870), the era when Rococo ornament was revived with new confidence: richer, denser, more theatrical than the original Louis XV sources it referenced. The distinguishing mark here is the gilt brass apron of cascading acanthus leaves and C-scrolls suspended beneath the crystal body — a decorative treatment that goes well beyond mere framing and becomes an independent piece of sculpture.
Materials & Craftsmanship
The body is formed from faceted amber-toned crystal, pressed and cut to create a repeating pattern of sunbursts, lozenges, and geometric panels that catch light from multiple angles. The brass mounts — legs, handles, apron, and lid surround — are cast and hand-finished in the ormolu tradition: each foliate scroll worked to a sharp, crisp edge. The lid features a raised oval medallion with beveled faceting at the center, framed by a cast gilt surround of scroll-work, giving the piece a jewel-box quality that elevates its everyday function. Four bracket feet with claw-and-scroll terminations lift the body off the surface, completing the silhouette. Faithfully reproduced in the tradition of Second Empire luxury objects by the craftsmen of Brass & Wood, Egypt.
Dimensions & Details
Width: 30 cm / Depth: 14 cm / Height: 12 cm
Weight: 4 kg
Materials: Faceted amber crystal body, gilt brass mounts and frame
Finish: Polished gilt brass over cast brass mounts
Available in multiple brass finish variants.
Handcrafted in Egypt
Every mount on this piece is individually cast, finished, and fitted by hand in our Egyptian workshops. The amber crystal body is precision-fitted into the brass frame — no adhesives, no shortcuts. At Brass & Wood, we believe that a decorative object on your dressing table or salon surface deserves the same craftsmanship as the furniture it sits upon. This is not a mass-produced accessory; it is a handcrafted replica of the luxury objects that graced the private apartments of Second Empire Paris.
Frequently Asked Questions
What materials is this tissue box made from?
The body is faceted amber-toned crystal. The frame, feet, handles, and lid surround are cast brass with a polished gilt finish, handcrafted in the ormolu tradition.
Is assembly required?
No assembly is required. The piece arrives fully assembled and ready to display.
Can this be customized?
Yes. This piece is available in multiple brass finish variants including Gold, Silver, and Antique Gold. Contact Brass & Wood for further customization inquiries.
