Natural Carved Burlwood Boxes
Mid-20th Century American Rustic Decorative Boxes
Wood
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Vintage 1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Jewelry Boxes
Wood
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Dishes and Vide-Poche
Enamel
Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Decorative Dishes and Vide-Poche
Ceramic, Paint
20th Century French Other Jewelry Boxes
Sterling Silver
Mid-20th Century English Aesthetic Movement Decorative Boxes
Metal
Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Decorative Boxes
Brass, Bronze
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Alabaster
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes
Art Glass, Teak
Mid-20th Century Lebanese Moorish Decorative Boxes
Shell, Mother-of-Pearl, Fruitwood
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes
Brass
Antique 19th Century Scottish Jewelry Boxes
Late 20th Century English Modern Decorative Boxes
Stone, Marble
Late 20th Century Rococo Tea Caddies
Walnut
Antique 1890s English Decorative Boxes
Velvet, Wood
Early 20th Century English Art Deco Decorative Boxes
Shagreen, Wood
Late 20th Century Decorative Boxes
Wood
Recent Sales
Vintage 1970s American Jewelry Boxes
Burl
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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