This exquisite powder box by Roger & Gallet, emblematic of the Belle Époque, evokes ladies' dressing tables, silver powder boxes, silk-lined boudoirs, and perfumed whispers. Just holding it in your palm awakens an ancient world, all powdered veil and violet perfume.
Created in the years 1900-1915, this Vera Violetta rice powder box reflects the refined craftsmanship of the great Parisian house. Its floral shape, royal blue decor adorned with gilded foliage, and its label with Baroque accents make it a small masterpiece of feminine elegance.
This delicate Roger & Gallet – Vera Violetta powder box is a true Proustian madeleine scented with violets, and a beautiful example of French luxury cosmetics from the early 20th century.
Vera Violetta is an iconic fragrance from the house of Roger & Gallet, launched during the Belle Époque. It was a poetic interpretation of the Parma violet, highly prized at the time for its delicacy and powdery scent.
Scented rice powder like this was used to mattify the complexion while leaving a refined floral trail.
Inside the lid, a hallmark indicates "Grand Prix Paris 1899 - Paris 1900 France Concours Membre du Jury".
This reveals that:
- These awards are related to the Paris Universal Expositions, particularly that of 1900, where Roger & Gallet was rewarded for the quality of its perfumery and cosmetic products.
- The mention "Membre du Jury" means that the house was not only an exhibitor, but also an authority in its field, to the extent of participating in official competition juries.
- This type of inscription was often applied to attest to international prestige — a kind of guarantee of quality intended to reassure the elegant clientele of the time.
🟣 Item: rice powder box 🌸 Scent: Vera Violetta
🏛️ House: Roger & Gallet, Paris
🎨 Era: probably 1900–1915
📦 Material: printed cardboard, floral shape with ornamental decor typical of late Art Nouveau Diameter: 8.5 cm, 3.5 cm high, weight 30 g. Condition: good for its age, slight signs of wear (note: cardboard slightly damaged on top, see photos).
Collector's interest:
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An item of antique cosmetics, highly sought after by perfumery collectors, antique beauty objects, and vintage packaging.
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The floral shape, the violet and gold decor, and the elegant typography are perfect examples of the decorative style of the 1910s to 1925.
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Even empty, a piece like this has great decorative and sentimental value.
🌿 To collect, display, or offer to a lover of antique perfumes…
A true paper jewel that tells the beauty of an era where every gesture was a ritual.
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