19th C Malachite Boxes
Antique 1890s British Victorian Decorative Boxes
Malachite
Antique Early 19th Century English Regency Decorative Boxes
Lapis Lazuli, Malachite, Ormolu
Antique 19th Century Italian Grand Tour Center Tables
Malachite
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Early 20th Century Japanese Taisho Garden Ornaments
Bronze
Early 20th Century Spanish Art Deco Tea Sets
Silver
Antique Late 19th Century British Victorian Jewelry Boxes
Brass, Bronze
Antique 19th Century Victorian Jewelry Boxes
Rosewood
Antique 1880s Scottish Victorian Collectible Jewelry
Agate, Silver
Antique 1850s British Early Victorian Jewelry Boxes
Glass, Wood
Antique 1850s French Victorian Jewelry Boxes
Bronze, Enamel
Antique Late 19th Century French Late Victorian Jewelry Boxes
Stone
Antique 1890s Chinese Chinoiserie Jewelry Boxes
Pine, Lacquer
Antique 19th Century European Victorian Collectible Jewelry
Gold, Silver
Antique 17th Century Belgian Baroque Fireplaces and Mantels
Carrara Marble, Marble
20th Century Russian Neoclassical Vases
Bronze, Ormolu
Antique 19th Century English Early Victorian Jewelry Boxes
Crystal, Silver
Antique Mid-19th Century English Decorative Boxes
Mother-of-Pearl, Rosewood
Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Late Victorian Jewelry Boxes
Lacquer
Antique 1880s Scottish Victorian Collectible Jewelry
Agate, Silver
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Antique Late 19th Century Decorative Boxes
Malachite, Brass
Antique Mid-19th Century English Decorative Boxes
Malachite, Brass
Antique 19th Century French Boxes
Coral, Malachite, Crystal, Brass, Copper
Antique 19th Century American Boxes
Malachite, Brass
Antique 1850s Italian Decorative Boxes
Malachite, Ormolu
Antique 1870s British Link Bracelets
Gold
Antique 19th Century Russian Jewelry Boxes
Malachite, Ormolu
Antique 19th Century British Jewelry Boxes
Brass
Finding the Right boxes for You
From mere trinkets to useful receptacles that serve a distinct purpose, antique boxes as decorative objects have come in many forms over the years. No matter what they’re made of or where they end up in your home, decorative boxes add both style and storage to your space.
The decorative box that is likely most common is the jewelry box. These boxes were originally known as jewel caskets and were in common use in Ancient Egypt, as most Egyptians wore some sort of jewelry. A portable jewelry box, in its original intended use, was integral to keeping your jewelry safe and secure. This accessory has transformed in size, shape and appearance over the years. Initially it was common for a jewelry box to bear intricate ornamentation. Whether they’re mid-century modern works of marble and brass or feature playful Art Deco–style geometric decor, jewelry boxes boast real staying power.
Snuff boxes began to soar in popularity during the 17th century (and were commonplace in European homes by the mid-19th century). The boxes, some hand-painted with landscape scenes, some made from gold, porcelain or stone, contained a small amount of tobacco, which users would sniff, or “snuff,” throughout the day. Some particularly ornamental snuff boxes featured enameled designs or were set with precious gems and were given as gifts or party favors, particularly at the coronation of royalty or other lavish events.
Whether you’re organizing important mail in the foyer or tucking away medications in your bathroom, antique boxes — be they metal tea caddies, sterling-silver decorative boxes or Victorian cigar boxes made of oak (even if you don’t smoke) — are a sophisticated solution to help keep the surfaces in your home clutter-free. And no matter if you’re seeking a decorative box to beautify a desktop or bestow upon a loved one, you are sure to find something you love in the collection of antique and vintage boxes on 1stDibs.
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