Napoleon III Rococo Revival Tissue Box — Deep Crimson Resin with Gilt Brass Scrollwork & Agate Lid Medallion

Design & Inspiration

Place this tissue box on a desk, a console, or a bedside table and it immediately changes the register of the room. The deep wine-crimson resin body — faceted and rich as cut garnet — glows against the heavily gilt brass framework that encloses it. This is not a tissue box pretending to be decorative; it is a piece of table sculpture that happens to serve a function. Drawing from the design vocabulary of Napoleon III's Second Empire Rococo Revival, a period when Paris rediscovered the exuberance of Louis XV ornament with even greater theatrical ambition, this piece faithfully reproduces the lavish character of mid-19th-century French decorative arts.

Materials & Craftsmanship

The body is cast in deep crimson resin, its surface impressed with a fine geometric lattice pattern that catches light at every angle — a direct reference to the tortoiseshell and boulle-work panels beloved by Second Empire cabinetmakers. The surrounding framework is gilt brass, hand-finished to a warm 24-karat tone. The front face carries the period's most recognizable motif: a pair of crossed torches bound with a ribbon bow, flanked by flowing acanthus scrolls — an allegory of Enlightenment carried into ornament. Four foliate bracket feet in gilt brass lift the body clear of the surface, allowing the latticed resin sides to read as floating panels of color. The lid is crowned with a central oval cabochon — mimicking a polished agate or semi-precious stone — set within a wreath of cast laurel, a detail lifted directly from the Napoleonic decorative vocabulary. Dual scroll handles on the long sides echo the angled handles of Empire-era caskets and make the piece easy to lift and reposition.

Dimensions & Details

Weight: 4 kg. Dimensions: N/A — please contact us for exact measurements. The substantial weight reflects the quality of the brass castings and the density of the resin body.

Handcrafted in Egypt

Every piece is handcrafted in Egypt by artisans trained in the traditions of European classical decorative arts. The gilt brass components are individually cast, chased, and assembled by hand. Brass & Wood's craftsmen apply the same standard of finish to functional objects as to furniture — because the objects you handle every day deserve the same attention as the pieces you admire from across the room.

Frequently Asked Questions

What materials is this tissue box made from?

The body is deep crimson resin with an impressed lattice surface. The framework, feet, handles, lid wreath, and front mounts are cast gilt brass, hand-finished to a warm gold tone. Available in Gold, Silver, and Antique Gold brass finishes.

Is assembly required?

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

Can this tissue box be customized?

Yes. Brass & Wood offers customization options including alternative brass finishes. Contact our team to discuss your requirements.