A beautiful collection of high-quality antique French postcards and chromos was the inspirational theme for this set. I adore these old Victorian cards, which were composed using chromolithographed paper figurines, worked in relief and finely cut, depicting bouquets of flowers arranged according to the Language of Flowers, little birds, rosebuds, flower baskets, angels, hands holding bouquets, kittens, puppies, etc. The subjects often had symbolic meanings and were applied to create charming compositions, often using silk ribbons and dried flowers on cards, memory albums, letters… One of the cards displayed is a rare canivet made of intricately cut paper lace with a delicate lilac ribbon passing through the lace and some chromos applied on top. These Victorian canivets were the modern version of the older ones entirely handmade as precious paper lace, especially in convents by nuns in France, Italy, Spain, real masterpieces but with religious significance.
Very rare and truly collectible is the refined needle case covered in perforated cardboard and then cross-stitched with the monogram “A” surrounded by a garland of little roses, an item that undoubtedly came from an elegant workbox. Who knows how many stories it has to tell!
Victorian “fold-out” postcards
Just arrived
The two Victorian postcards with a girl and a boy are called “a sistema” because they have a small wheel at the bottom that, when turned, makes the girl’s arm move, holding the bouquet, and allows the boy to take off and put on his little sailor hat. The other postcards are small calendars or precious cards composed with “Pop-up” chromos, which are in relief against the background.
Victorian jewelry box
The beautiful and rare French jewelry box covered in green velvet, shaped like a small wardrobe, features two milled mirrors on the doors that are visible when closed. Inside, it is decorated with stunning chromos, making it truly unusual.
Antique toy workbench
The little antique toy workbench from the early 1900s is truly delightful. It’s a lovely decorative piece for a children’s room, as is the miniature white-painted wooden doll’s wardrobe with a mirror on the door and an interior lined with fabric featuring small pink flowers.
Antique fabric box Marie Antoinette
Then there’s the super romantic French round box covered in fabric with little roses, metallic lace trim, and a small Marie Antoinette-style miniature. The background features a beautiful French fabric from the Edwardian era with almond green stripes and a delicate pattern of roses and little birds. It’s in excellent condition with truly stunning colors. Completing the ensemble are two lovely antique lace pillows and two early 1900s talcum powder boxes with floral decorations. One is in cream and pink tones, marked Cussons “Lilac Blossoms,” and the other is in shades of purple, marked Page “Violet Talc Powder.”
