The bonbonnière
Origins and Evolution
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18th Century Beginnings
Originating in mid‑18th‑century France, the bonbonnière (from French bonbon, “sweet”) was first used by royalty and aristocrats to present candied fruits or sweets at courtly gatherings. These early examples were often made of gilt bronze, ormolu-mounted porcelain (notably Sèvres), or even gold and enamel. -
19th‑Century Spread
By the 1800s, the style caught on across Europe. English silversmiths produced sterling‑silver bonbonnières—sometimes lined with glass or ceramic—to serve at afternoon teas. In Germany and Austria, Limoges porcelain and Bohemian glass versions became fashionable. - Along with the wearing of waistcoats allowing and purses allowing these little boxes to be easily carried and shared and of course the smarter the container the better.
- One pictured is made from enamel possibly from bilston and area of staffordshire emland or could even be battersea another area for making enamel in late 18th century.
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