Sharkskin Box
Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Decorative Boxes
Straw, Wood, Cork
Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Decorative Boxes
Straw, Wood, Cork
Vintage 1920s English Art Deco Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
Shagreen
Vintage 1960s French Retro Cuff Bracelets
Silver
Vintage 1960s French Retro Cuff Bracelets
Silver
Vintage 1950s French Post-War Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique Late 17th Century French Renaissance Decorative Boxes
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2010s Austrian Jugendstil Chandeliers and Pendants
Silk
21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Textile
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Textile, Wood
Early 20th Century English Decorative Boxes
Shagreen
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Plaster
Early 20th Century French Belle Époque More Jewelry
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 1920s Vases
Art Glass
Antique 15th Century and Earlier German Decorative Art
Other
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Dining Room Tables
Marble, Brass
Early 20th Century British Art Deco Tobacco Accessories
Shagreen
Vintage 1970s French Art Deco Charm Bracelets
18k Gold
1970s American Modern Nude Photography
Silver Gelatin
2010s Austrian Art Deco Chandeliers and Pendants
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Argentine Console Tables
Iron
Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Decorative Baskets
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Side Tables
Pyrite, Nickel
Recent Sales
20th Century British Art Deco Table Mirrors
Shagreen, Mirror
Antique 19th Century Japanese Boxes
Vintage 1930s Italian Art Deco Decorative Boxes
Silver
Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Decorative Boxes
Shagreen, Wood
Early 20th Century English Art Deco Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
Shagreen
Early 20th Century English Art Deco Decorative Boxes
Silver Plate
Vintage 1970s Boxes
Bronze
20th Century British Boxes
Vintage 1930s British Boxes
Early 20th Century British Boxes
Shagreen, Wood, Ivory
20th Century British Boxes
21st Century and Contemporary British Boxes
Early 20th Century British Boxes
Shagreen, Ivory, Wood
Vintage 1930s American Boxes
Shagreen, Wood, Ivory
21st Century and Contemporary British Boxes
Vintage 1930s British Boxes
Shagreen, Ivory, Wood
Mid-20th Century British Boxes
Mid-20th Century British Boxes
Vintage 1930s American Boxes
Bronze
Antique 19th Century Boxes
20th Century British Cigar Boxes and Humidors
20th Century British Cigar Boxes and Humidors
20th Century British Cigar Boxes and Humidors
Shagreen
20th Century British Cigar Boxes and Humidors
Shagreen
20th Century British Cigar Boxes and Humidors
20th Century British Cigar Boxes and Humidors
20th Century British Tobacco Accessories
20th Century British Tobacco Accessories
Early 20th Century British Desk Accessories
Brass
20th Century British Art Deco Decorative Boxes
Shagreen
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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