An exquisite French blue opaline glass dresser box, dating to the late 19th century. This cylindrical vanity jar is crafted from semi-opaque light blue opaline glass. The lid is finely hand-painted with a charming polychrome enamel scene depicting a young boy in a sailor collar standing alongside a white dog holding a basket, set within a rustic landscape.

The scenic medallion is framed by raised white and orange-gilt enamel scrollwork, a decorative scheme echoed by the delicate white enamel foliate scrolls adorning the lower tiers. Designed for the elegant Victorian or Napoleon III dressing table, this multi-tiered container was traditionally used to store various cosmetic powders, pins, or jewelry.

Condition Report & Provenance

• Period: Late 19th Century (circa 1880–1900)
• Origin: France
• Material / Technique: Hand-painted polychrome enamel on semi-opaque opaline glass
• Materials: Opaline glass, enamel
• Decorative Details: Raised white enamel (émail blanc-fixe) and orange-gilt scroll borders, cylindrical form
• Colour & Surface: Opaque sky blue glass with satin finish; hand-painted gloss enamels
• Condition: Excellent antique condition overall; minor wear to the orange-gilt enamel on the lid, typical light shelf wear to the ground nesting rims, no visible chips or cracks

History

Opaline glass enjoyed immense popularity in France from the First Empire through the Napoleon III period, with major glassworks like Baccarat, Saint-Louis, and Portieux producing highly decorative vanity wares. Multi-tier stacking boxes, often referred to as cosmetic stackers or dresser jars, were luxury items designed for the affluent market to organize cosmetics and jewelry on ladies' dressing tables. The combination of hand-painted scenic medallions and raised white enamel scrollwork is characteristic of high-quality late Victorian French and Bohemian glass production.