Wooden Inlay Reuge
Mid-20th Century Italian Moorish Jewelry Boxes
Fruitwood
Vintage 1970s Italian Baroque Musical Instruments
Brass
People Also Browsed
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Jewelry Boxes
Suede, Mahogany
Vintage 1960s German Rococo Dinner Plates
Gold
18th Century Portrait Paintings
Oil
Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Table Lamps
Brass
Vintage 1950s Italian Moorish Decorative Boxes
Fruitwood
2010s Italian Medieval Games
Marble, Sterling Silver
Early 20th Century German Classical Greek Decorative Boxes
Metal
Antique 19th Century American Beds and Bed Frames
Silk, Mahogany, Oak, Walnut
Antique 1840s English Porcelain
Porcelain
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Animal Paintings
Canvas, Oil
Mid-20th Century Italian Baroque Decorative Boxes
Fruitwood
Early 20th Century Moorish Jewelry Boxes
Fruitwood
Vintage 1980s Italian Jewelry Boxes
Wood
Antique 19th Century Unknown Empire Cabinets
Mahogany
Mid-20th Century French Porcelain
Porcelain
Vintage 1960s German Rococo Tea Sets
Gold
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.