hidden compartment box

Empress of Mexico from 1864 to 1867, Doña Carlota was a Belgian princess who brought Parisian flair to her new home in Mexico. Handcrafted by Ana Maria Gonzalez, this decoupage jewelry box depicts vignettes from France. The mini chest features two drawers to keep personal treasures organized.

Ana Maria Gonzalez finds inspiration in Mexico's lotería (bingo) for the design of this jewelry box. Featuring two drawers and a compartment under the lid, the box is adorned with decoupage. The traditional lotería includes 54 different images and numbers, and it is believed to have been brought to Mexico in 1769, when it was reserved for the upper classes. Eventually it became widely played by everyone, and is now a trademark at traditional fairs as well as in homes and schools.

Huichol cosmogony accompanies the treasures within this jewelry box. Mastering decoupage techniques, Ana Maria González crafts the pinewood jewelry box by hand, featuring a top deck with a lid, and a lower drawer.

Ana Maria Gonzalez invokes the presence of three archangels, Gabriel, Raphael and Michael to guard treasured keepsakes. The Mexican artist uses their images through decoupage techniques to adorn this unique pinewood jewelry box.

Grinning skeletons share a feast and a bottle of tequila as marigolds illuminate the scene. Ana Maria González celebrates the Day of the Dead with a colorful chest for personal treasures. In Mexico, the Day of the Dead is about celebrating the life of those who have passed away, rather than mourning their deaths. People visit graves with offerings, including altars such as the one depicted on one side of the jewelry box. It features a compartment beneath the lid and a drawer.

Part of NOVICA's Dia de los Muertos collection.