Cigar Holder Music Box
Antique 19th Century French Victorian Tobacco Accessories
Bronze
Early 20th Century French Napoleon III Cigar Boxes and Humidors
Stone, Alabaster, Metal, Silver Plate
Antique 19th Century Cigar Boxes and Humidors
Linen
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Antique Mid-19th Century English High Victorian Taxidermy
Other
Antique Mid-19th Century Swiss Black Forest Models and Miniatures
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Australian Victorian Games
Gold
Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XV Musical Instruments
Wood, Giltwood
Antique Late 19th Century Swiss Decorative Boxes
Rosewood
Antique 15th Century and Earlier German Decorative Art
Other
Antique Late 19th Century European Moorish Architectural Elements
Wrought Iron
Antique Mid-19th Century French Napoleon III Picture Frames
Wood, Paper
Antique 1840s Swiss Early Victorian Decorative Boxes
Silver, Iron, Cut Steel, Steel, Bronze
Antique 1880s French Empire Armchairs
Mahogany
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese George II Dry Bars
Wood
2010s British Games
Sycamore, Walnut
Antique 19th Century Swiss Other Musical Instruments
Walnut
Antique Late 19th Century German Other Musical Instruments
Brass
Antique 19th Century Austrian Other Musical Instruments
Satinwood
Antique 1880s Swiss Black Forest Cigar Boxes and Humidors
Wood
Recent Sales
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Jewelry Boxes
Gold
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes
Onyx, Brass
Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
Brass
Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Snuff Boxes and Tobacco 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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