Antique Papier Mache 19th Century Powder Pot - Hand-Painted Box With Decorative Cottage Roses

Sale Price: £45.00 Original Price: £65.00

The Story

A superb example of Victorian craftsmanship, this English powder pot is a window into the refined world of a 19th-century lady’s dressing table. Made from papier-mâché with a soft black lacquer-style finish, it is hand-painted with charming cottage garden roses. In the Victorian "Language of Flowers," these roses carried deep meaning—red for love, pink for happiness, and yellow for friendship—making this pot not just a functional object, but a sentimental token.

The Details

  • Dimensions: ~8cm H x 7.5cm Diameter (across the lid).

  • Material: Papier-mâché with hand-painted floral embellishments.

  • Era: Circa 1860s–1890s.

  • Condition: Good antique condition. The lid fits snugly, and the structure is solid. It features "perfectly imperfect" wear, including some rub to the painted roses and surface marks, as well as a small "dented crumple" on the inside lip, all of which authenticate its long history.

Why It’s Special

Papier-mâché was a highly popular material in the mid-to-late 19th century because it could be molded into delicate shapes and decorated with intricate oil paintings. Authentic pieces like this, which have survived over 130 years, are becoming increasingly difficult to find. Its timeworn patina tells a story of decades of use, offering an "honest" antique aesthetic that new reproductions simply cannot replicate.

Styling Tips

  • Trinket or Jewelry Pot: While originally meant for face powder, its snug lid makes it ideal for storing small rings, earrings, or special heirlooms on a bedside table.

  • Boudoir Accent: Style it on a mirrored tray alongside vintage perfume bottles and a silk tassel to lean into its Victorian roots.

  • Textural Contrast: Place it next to cold, smooth materials like marble or glass. The "soft" black hue and organic feel of the papier-mâché will provide a warm, tactile contrast.

Shipping & Sustainability

  • 100% plastic-free, recyclable, and biodegradable packaging.

  • U.K. Delivery: Sent via FREE Royal Mail Tracked 48 service.

The Story

A superb example of Victorian craftsmanship, this English powder pot is a window into the refined world of a 19th-century lady’s dressing table. Made from papier-mâché with a soft black lacquer-style finish, it is hand-painted with charming cottage garden roses. In the Victorian "Language of Flowers," these roses carried deep meaning—red for love, pink for happiness, and yellow for friendship—making this pot not just a functional object, but a sentimental token.

The Details

  • Dimensions: ~8cm H x 7.5cm Diameter (across the lid).

  • Material: Papier-mâché with hand-painted floral embellishments.

  • Era: Circa 1860s–1890s.

  • Condition: Good antique condition. The lid fits snugly, and the structure is solid. It features "perfectly imperfect" wear, including some rub to the painted roses and surface marks, as well as a small "dented crumple" on the inside lip, all of which authenticate its long history.

Why It’s Special

Papier-mâché was a highly popular material in the mid-to-late 19th century because it could be molded into delicate shapes and decorated with intricate oil paintings. Authentic pieces like this, which have survived over 130 years, are becoming increasingly difficult to find. Its timeworn patina tells a story of decades of use, offering an "honest" antique aesthetic that new reproductions simply cannot replicate.

Styling Tips

  • Trinket or Jewelry Pot: While originally meant for face powder, its snug lid makes it ideal for storing small rings, earrings, or special heirlooms on a bedside table.

  • Boudoir Accent: Style it on a mirrored tray alongside vintage perfume bottles and a silk tassel to lean into its Victorian roots.

  • Textural Contrast: Place it next to cold, smooth materials like marble or glass. The "soft" black hue and organic feel of the papier-mâché will provide a warm, tactile contrast.

Shipping & Sustainability

  • 100% plastic-free, recyclable, and biodegradable packaging.

  • U.K. Delivery: Sent via FREE Royal Mail Tracked 48 service.