wooden jewelry box

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.

In 1863, Napoleon intervened in Mexico and the defeat of the French troops in Puebla is the reason behind the 5 de Mayo celebrations. Yet the French influence lives on, and Avenida Reforma in Mexico City was modeled after the Champs-Élysées in Paris. Handcrafted by Ana Maria Gonzalez, this decoupage jewelry box depicts scenes from France. The lid opens to reveal a large compartment, a pop-up tray and a convenient mirror. Beneath is a drawer.