Napoleon III Rococo Revival Navy Crystal Tissue Box with Gilt Botanical Mounts

Design & Inspiration

Place this piece on a dressing table or a side console and it immediately anchors the room in a specific moment of European decorative history: Paris under Napoleon III, when Second Empire taste demanded that even the most functional object carry the weight of courtly grandeur. This tissue box does exactly that. The deep cobalt-navy crystal body — faceted and panelled across every surface — catches ambient light and holds it, turning a practical household item into a considered decorative statement.

Materials & Craftsmanship

The body is formed from richly pressed and faceted navy blue crystal glass, its surface articulated with a grid of raised square panels that give the piece its architectural solidity. Encasing this crystal body is a framework of heavily worked gilt brass — cast, chased, and finished by hand. The lid is crowned with a bold oval cartouche framed in laurel-leaf gilt brass, centered on a deep blue oval cabochon. Along the sides, fully sculpted botanical sprays — rendered with the naturalistic excess that defines Napoleon III decorative taste — serve as side handles and structural corner accents. Four scrolled acanthus feet raise the box off the surface, completing the composition with the same attention to finish visible everywhere else on the piece.

Dimensions & Details

Width: 30 cm / Depth: 14 cm / Height: 12 cm
Weight: 4 kg
Materials: Navy blue faceted crystal glass body, cast and hand-finished gilt brass mounts
Country of Origin: Egypt

Handcrafted in Egypt

Every piece from Brass & Wood is produced in Egypt by craftsmen who work in the European classical tradition. The gilt brass mounts are individually cast and hand-chased; the crystal body is formed with precision to accept the metal framework without play or misalignment. This is not mass production — it is the kind of careful, attentive making that turns a tissue box into an heirloom object. Available in multiple brass finish variants to suit different interior palettes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What materials is this tissue box made from?

The body is faceted navy blue crystal glass with a full framework of cast gilt brass mounts including botanical side handles, a laurel cartouche lid surround, and scrolled acanthus feet. Weight is 4 kg.

Is assembly required?

No assembly is required. The piece arrives fully constructed and ready to place.

Can this be customized?

Yes. This piece is available in multiple brass finish options. Contact Brass & Wood directly to discuss customization possibilities including finish variants.