Filigree Casket
Antique 18th Century Indian Metalwork
Silver
Mid-20th Century Victorian Jewelry Boxes
Metal
Antique Late 19th Century Russian Victorian Sterling Silver
Silver, Enamel
Antique 1790s British Georgian Tea Caddies
Satinwood
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Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Card Tables and Tea Tables
Lacquer
20th Century French Floor Lamps
Crystal
Antique Late 19th Century Swiss Black Forest Chairs
Wood
Early 20th Century Indian Tea Sets
Silver
Antique 1880s Indian Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver
Antique 17th Century Dutch Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver
Antique 19th Century French Jewelry Boxes
Wood
Antique 19th Century French Jewelry Boxes
Brass
Antique 19th Century English Renaissance Revival Panelling
Wood, Pine
Antique 18th Century Dutch Baroque Ceramics
Ceramic, Pottery
Antique Late 18th Century English Georgian Tea Caddies
Oak, Burl
Antique 1880s German Belle Époque Jewelry Boxes
Sterling Silver
Antique Early 19th Century British Boxes
Ebony, Wood
Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Crystal Serveware
Crystal, Ormolu
Antique Mid-19th Century Austrian Rococo Centerpieces
Porcelain
Antique 19th Century Japanese Meiji Figurative Sculptures
Bronze
Recent Sales
Antique 1880s French Rococo Revival Jewelry Boxes
Bronze
Mid-20th Century French Bottles
Brass
Antique Early 18th Century Indian Dutch Colonial Metalwork
Silver
Antique Late 19th Century Regency Decorative Boxes
Brass
Vintage 1940s French Decorative Boxes
Crystal, Bronze
Antique Late 19th Century French Victorian Jewelry Boxes
Bronze, Ormolu, Brass
Antique 1860s Russian Victorian Decorative Boxes
Silver, Sterling Silver
Antique Early 1900s German Vienna Secession Decorative Boxes
Brass
Antique 1860s French Napoleon III Jewelry Boxes
Ormolu
Vintage 1940s French Belle Époque Decorative Boxes
Crystal, Bronze
Mid-20th Century Spanish Islamic Decorative Boxes
Metal, Enamel, Brass
20th Century Italian Boxes
Murano Glass
Mid-20th Century Victorian Jewelry Boxes
Ormolu
20th Century Italian Decorative Boxes
Gold, 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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