Napoleon III Emerald Glass Tissue Box with Gilt Foliate Brass Crown

Design & Inspiration

Place this tissue box on a console table or a vanity dresser and the room shifts — suddenly there is an object that demands attention without asking for it. The deep forest-green of the pressed glass catches whatever light reaches it and holds it, while the gilt brass foliate crown running along every edge pulls the eye in a continuous circuit of acanthus leaves and naturalistic scrolls. This is the Napoleon III / Second Empire Rococo Revival at its most characteristic: the period's love of rich colour, dense ornament, and the comfortable drama of applied gilt metalwork over a deep-toned ground.

Materials & Craftsmanship

The body is formed from emerald pressed glass, its surface carrying a repeat of low-relief geometric and medallion panels that mirror the decorative vocabulary of mid-19th-century French glassware. The oval cartouche centred on the lid — framed by a wreath of gilt brass leaves — is the focal point, the kind of motif that appears on Napoleon III caskets and bonbonnières from the 1850s through the 1870s. The brass mounts are cast and hand-finished, each acanthus and oak-leaf cluster sharp enough to show that the mould was cut with care. The piece stands on four small bun feet, a practical detail that also lifts it fractionally off the surface and adds to its sculptural presence. Every element is handcrafted in Egypt by artisans working in the European classical tradition.

Dimensions & Details

Width: 15 cm / Depth: 13 cm / Height: 15 cm
Weight: 4 kg
Materials: Emerald pressed glass body, gilt brass cast foliate mounts
Finish: High-gloss green glass with polished gilt brass
Country of Origin: Egypt

Handcrafted in Egypt

Brass & Wood produces each piece in Egypt, where a tradition of metalworking and decorative arts stretches back millennia. The craftsmen who assemble and finish this tissue box work by hand — fitting the brass mounts, polishing the glass, checking every joint — because that is the only way to honour a design this detailed. The result is a functional object elevated to a decorative one: a tissue box that belongs on a vanity dressing table, a reception desk, a bedside console, or any surface where the everyday deserves to be surrounded by craft.

Frequently Asked Questions

What materials is this tissue box made from?

The body is emerald pressed glass with cast gilt brass foliate mounts. No wood is used. The piece weighs 4 kg, giving it a solid, quality feel on any surface.

Is this tissue box fragile?

Yes — the glass body requires careful handling. We recommend placing it on a stable, flat surface away from edges, and cleaning it with a soft dry cloth. Avoid knocking the brass mounts against hard surfaces.

Can this tissue box be customised?

Yes. Brass & Wood offers customisation on brass finish (Gold, Silver, Antique Gold) and can discuss bespoke requirements. Contact our team for details.