Today—the day after Christmas Day—is called "Boxing Day." It is a major holiday in England and in other British Commonwealth countries. "In the old days," servants (of which there were many) were expected to serve their employers (of which there were relatively few) on Christmas Day. Christmas was no holiday, no day off for the staff. Nor was it an easy day: ambitious meals, parties and other social events had to be planned, managed and cleaned-up after. Thus, "Boxing Day" was instituted, the day when staff would receive their "boxes" (presents) and have (most of) the day off.
This brass cigarette box straddles the Arts & Crafts and the Art Deco movements. The interior is lined with wood and the outside is finished with blackened green, caramel and burgundy crackled enameling. Click on the photo above to learn more about it.
Though our Greenwich Village store is now permanently closed, LEO Design is still alive and well! Please visit our on-line store where we continue to sell Handsome Gifts (www.LEOdesignNYC.com).
We also can be found in Pittsburgh's historic "Strip District" at Mahla & Co. Antiques (www.mahlaantiques.com) or in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania at The Antique Center of Strabane (www.antiquecenterofstrabane.com).
Or call to arrange to visit our Pittsburgh showroom (by private appointment only). 917-446-4248