French Painted Papier-Mâché Box

This French decorative box dates to the late 18th–early 19th century and is crafted from lightweight papier-mâché, a material prized during this period for its versatility and refined decorative potential. The box features a domed lid and shaped back, both adorned with hand-painted figural and scrolling motifs set against a deep red ground.

The painted surface displays naturally aged, irregular craquelure, consistent with hand-applied paint and varnish rather than later industrial finishes. The softness of the figural imagery and the overall palette reflect a transitional aesthetic between late 18th-century classicism and early 19th-century romantic taste.

Boxes of this type were intended for use on a desk, dressing table, or in a salon, where they would have held letters, sewing items, or personal effects. Today, it remains a striking decorative object, rich in color, surface, and history.

The box shows honest signs of age, including surface wear, paint loss, and craquelure throughout, all consistent with its age and material. These details contribute to the character and authenticity of the piece.

A beautifully preserved example of early French decorative craft.

Details

• Origin: France
• Date: Late 18th–early 19th century
• Material: Painted papier-mâché
• Decoration: Hand-painted figural and scrolling motifs
• Condition: Antique condition with surface wear, paint loss, and age-related craquelure