Antique Gilded Bronze Casket
Antique 19th Century Neoclassical Jewelry Boxes
Metal, Ormolu
Antique 19th Century Jewelry Boxes
Bronze
Antique 1870s French Decorative Boxes
Ormolu
Antique Late 19th Century Czech Japonisme Decorative Boxes
Enamel
Antique Late 19th Century Belle Époque Decorative Boxes
Bronze, Ormolu
Antique 1880s Italian Belle Époque Decorative Boxes
Metal
Antique Mid-19th Century French Napoleon III Decorative Boxes
Brass, Ormolu
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Vintage 1960s German Rococo Dinner Plates
Gold
Antique 18th Century English Baroque Cabinets
Wood
Vintage 1980s English Neoclassical Porcelain
Porcelain
Antique 1720s Chinese Chinese Export Vases
Porcelain
Antique 1890s French Late Victorian Decorative Boxes
Malachite, Bronze
Antique 1890s French Louis XVI Decorative Boxes
Crystal, Bronze
20th Century French Floor Lamps
Crystal
Antique Late 18th Century Spanish Baroque Blanket Chests
Iron
Antique Mid-19th Century German Louis XVI Porcelain
Porcelain, Meissen
Vintage 1950s English Renaissance Beds and Bed Frames
Oak
Antique 1890s Japanese Meiji Metalwork
Brass, Copper, Enamel
Antique 1780s English Chippendale Sofas
Upholstery, Mahogany
21st Century and Contemporary English Chinoiserie Pier Mirrors and Conso...
Paint, Wood, Gesso
Antique 18th Century European Baroque Blanket Chests
Iron
Antique 1890s French Art Nouveau Daybeds
Iron
Antique 1890s French Louis XVI Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Marble, Ormolu, Bronze
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Antique 1820s French Jewelry Boxes
Ormolu
Antique 19th Century Decorative Boxes
Bronze
Antique 19th Century Glass
Glass
Antique 1860s French Jewelry Boxes
Ormolu
Antique 1860s French Porcelain
Ormolu
Antique 1870s French Jewelry Boxes
Lapis Lazuli, Porphyry, Ormolu
Antique Late 19th Century French Renaissance Revival Jewelry Boxes
Ormolu
Antique 1860s French Napoleon III Jewelry Boxes
Ormolu
Early 20th Century Decorative Boxes
Crystal, Bronze
Antique Mid-19th Century French Napoleon III Jewelry Boxes
Ormolu
Antique 1870s English Jewelry Boxes
Antique 1870s French Decorative Boxes
Ormolu
Antique 1870s French Jewelry Boxes
Ormolu
Antique Mid-19th Century French Biedermeier Jewelry Boxes
Bronze
Antique Late 19th Century Italian Biedermeier Decorative Boxes
Bronze
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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