A beautiful antique lithographed tin box for Nestor Gianaclis Ltd. cigarettes, an iconic brand in the Egyptian tobacco trade during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The lid features a highly decorative Orientalist scene with a horseman and a figure in oriental costume under a fringed tent, surrounded by palm fronds. In the center is an advertising vignette indicating the Grand Turkish Tobacco Warehouse - Nestor Gianaclis Ltd. - Cairo, Kamel Street , also mentioning awards received at world's fairs. The sides are inscribed "King Cigarettes Egypt" and "100 Gold-Tipped Cigarettes." The inside of the lid is illustrated with a lithographed view of the factory. A fine example of a Belle Époque cigarette advertising box, sought after for its Orientalist iconography and rich lithographed decoration.
✦ Origin: Cairo (Egypt) ✦ Estimated period: Early 20th century ✦ Dimensions: approx. 15 x 12 x 3.5cm ✦ Material: Lithographed sheet metal ✦ Condition: Used condition with wear, rubbing, and minor losses of lithography on the lid and edges, localized oxidation; decoration still clearly visible and box structurally sound
A beautiful advertising piece evoking the golden age of Egyptian cigarette factories, highly valued in collections of lithographed tin boxes and objects related to the history of tobacco.
