Large German Papier-mâché Easter Egg Candy Container - Chicks

From the latter part of the 19th century, Germany factories mass-produced and distributed cardboard and papier mache candy containers of all shapes and sizes for holiday celebrations. Molded in shapes appropriate to the holiday, the lithographed vessels usually featured illustrations depicting nursery rhymes and holiday symbols edged with embossed Dresden trim. Before the Easter holiday, egg shaped candy containers were sold by the dozens. I have been fortunate to have collected a number of early 20th century German examples over the years and am pleased to offer them in my shop during the next few weeks.

This egg-shaped papier mache candy container was probably made in the 1920’s or 1930’s. The egg is stamped Germany on bottom rim. The egg is a large one, measuring 5” x 8”. Given the size, it is not surprising that there is no hanging loop. The glazed paper image on both sides of the egg features two chicks peeking through a patch of snowdrops and violets. The outside edges are trimmed with red Dresden triangles. The inside bottom is lined with a birch bark brown print paper and has paper lace trim around the upper edge.

The egg is in excellent condition. The sides fit together tightly. The red Dresden triangles are intact except for three tips on one side and one tip on the other. (You will have to look carefully to find them). On the inside, there is a ¼” break on the edge of the lid, not visible from the outside and two missing paper lace triangles on the bottom. Please examine the photos and feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

While you are here, do enjoy the other Easter items I have available for sale at this time. Thank you for visiting my shop today.