Incolay Box
Antique 19th Century Italian Other Jewelry Boxes
Wood
Vintage 1970s American Renaissance Decorative Boxes
Resin
Early 20th Century American Louis XVI Jewelry Boxes
Stone
People Also Browsed
Late 20th Century Italian Pedestals
Travertine
2010s Italian Decorative Boxes
Precious Stone
1990s Italian Hollywood Regency Jewelry Boxes
Brass
20th Century American Hollywood Regency Dining Room Tables
Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Hollywood Regency Jars
Gold Leaf
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Blanket Chests
Walnut, Cedar
Vintage 1980s Italian Hollywood Regency Jewelry Boxes
Jade
20th Century American Hollywood Regency Jewelry Boxes
Tortoise Shell, Mother-of-Pearl
Antique 19th Century British Campaign Desk Sets
Brass
Vintage 1930s British Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables
Brass
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Antiquities
Wood
20th Century French Regency Decorative Boxes
Crystal, Bronze, Ormolu
Antique 1810s Decorative Art
Plaster, Giltwood
Antique 19th Century British Campaign Desk Sets
Brass
Vintage 1980s French Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofas
Leather, Foam
2010s French Modern Sofas
Fabric, Foam
Recent Sales
Antique 19th Century American Classical Greek Jewelry Boxes
Stone
Mid-20th Century North American Art Deco Decorative Boxes
Soapstone
20th Century Decorative Boxes
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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