A charming rectangular cartonnage storage box, constructed from stiffened cardboard upholstered in a romantic floral printed cotton fabric. The exterior features delicate sprigs of pink and crimson roses, yellow blossoms, and blue floral clusters set against a soft cream ground, while the interior walls and underside of the hinged lid are lined in a vibrant complementary floral chintz pattern. The underside of the base is finished in teal-blue lining paper.

Condition Report & Provenance

• Period: Early 20th Century
• Material / Technique: Printed cotton chintz fabric over stiff paperboard structure (cartonnage)
• Decorative Details: Allover floral trail pattern featuring roses, leafy tendrils, and field flowers; blue paper underside
• Colour & Surface: Cream, pink, red, blue, green, and teal
• Condition: Moderate discolouration and liquid staining to exterior corners and lid edges; slight fraying to fabric along folded corners; interior paper base displays toning, spotting, and minor lift at bottom edge; teal underside paper exhibits light surface scuffing.

History

Fabric-covered cardboard boxes, traditionally known as cartonnage, were widely produced in Europe during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in France and England. Used for storing haberdashery items, lace, letters, or vanity accessories, these decorative containers showcased popular printed textiles of the era and remain highly sought after by collectors of antique textiles and boudoir accessories.