Tuareg Box
Early 20th Century Mauritanian Tribal Decorative Boxes
Leather
Early 20th Century Mauritanian Folk Art Decorative Boxes
Leather
Early 20th Century Mauritanian Folk Art Decorative Boxes
Leather
Mid-20th Century African Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes
Leather
20th Century Moroccan Folk Art Decorative Boxes
Brass
Early 20th Century Mauritanian Tribal Decorative Boxes
Brass, Copper, Iron
Early 20th Century Moroccan Folk Art Jewelry Boxes
Silver
Mid-20th Century Moroccan Bohemian Historical Memorabilia
Leather
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20th Century Unknown Sofas
Upholstery, Velvet
20th Century Organic Modern Decorative Bowls
Silver Plate
Vintage 1970s Sculptures and Carvings
Wood
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Velvet, Beech
Vintage 1960s Moroccan Tribal Moroccan and North African Rugs
Wool
20th Century Moroccan Moorish Jewelry Boxes
Metal, Brass
Early 20th Century Asian Moorish Jewelry Boxes
Fruitwood
21st Century and Contemporary North American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Velvet, Foam, Poplar, Down
Antique Late 19th Century Malian Primitive Figurative Sculptures
Ebony
Early 20th Century Ghanaian Tribal Tribal Art
Wood
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Brass
Antique 19th Century French Louis Philippe Wall Mirrors
Wood
Mid-20th Century African Figurative Sculptures
Wood
2010s American Sofas
Velvet
Antique 19th Century English Decorative Boxes
Wood, Walnut
Mid-20th Century Indian Moorish Decorative Boxes
Multi-gemstone, Metal
Recent Sales
Early 20th Century Mauritanian Tribal Decorative Boxes
Leather
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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