Boxes
17th Century German Jacobean Antique Boxes
Wrought Iron, Iron
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Ceramic
1960s French Vintage Boxes
Ceramic, Wood
1980s French Post-Modern Vintage Boxes
Enamel
Early 20th Century Danish French Provincial Boxes
Tin
Early 20th Century German Bauhaus Boxes
Aluminum
1960s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Vintage Boxes
Jacaranda, Rosewood, Cocobolo
2010s Italian Boxes
Stone
Early 20th Century Moroccan Moorish Boxes
Metal
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Boxes
Metal
19th Century English Chinoiserie Antique Boxes
Mother-of-Pearl
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Boxes
Rosewood, Walnut
1950s Vintage Boxes
Malachite
19th Century Antique Boxes
Tortoise Shell
19th Century Antique Boxes
Tortoise Shell
20th Century French Neoclassical Boxes
Crystal, Bronze, Ormolu
2010s Unknown Boxes
Malachite
20th Century English Neoclassical Boxes
Ceramic, Stoneware
1960s French Vintage Boxes
Porcelain
1970s Italian Art Nouveau Vintage Boxes
Sterling Silver
1960s Italian Napoleon III Vintage Boxes
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel, Gold
Early 20th Century French Boxes
Crystal, Bronze
1960s Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Boxes
Rosewood
Mid-20th Century American Boxes
Brass
Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Boxes
Hardwood
20th Century Italian Art Deco Boxes
Sterling Silver
Late 19th Century Japanese Japonisme Antique Boxes
Wood, Lacquer
Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Boxes
Cork
1930s Danish Art Deco Vintage Boxes
Bronze
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Boxes
Ceramic
20th Century Danish Modern Boxes
Copper, Enamel
Late 20th Century American Organic Modern Boxes
Rosewood
19th Century English Victorian Antique Boxes
Ceramic
Early 20th Century Balinese Boxes
Steel
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Boxes
Wood, Glass
Late 19th Century British Victorian Antique Boxes
Wood
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Boxes
Rosewood, Ceramic
Early 1900s Italian Antique Boxes
Boxwood
1930s German Art Deco Vintage Boxes
Brass, Steel
19th Century English Victorian Antique Boxes
Brass
1930s Polish Other Vintage Boxes
Metal
20th Century Italian Art Deco Boxes
Malachite
Early 1900s Russian Neoclassical Antique Boxes
Gold, Enamel
Mid-20th Century Boxes
Ceramic, Stoneware
20th Century English Chinoiserie Boxes
Porcelain
Early 1900s Chinese Chinese Export Antique Boxes
Porcelain
Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Boxes
Bronze, Enamel
1970s Italian Other Vintage Boxes
Silver
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Boxes
Quartz, Marble
Early 19th Century Victorian Antique Boxes
Mahogany
19th Century Japanese Antique Boxes
Ivory, Paint
20th Century Thai Louis XIV Boxes
Stone, Malachite
Late 19th Century Italian Grand Tour Antique Boxes
Slate, Bronze
16th Century Spanish Baroque Antique Boxes
Wood
1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Boxes
Teak
20th Century Japanese Anglo-Japanese Boxes
Bronze
Early 1900s American Victorian Antique Boxes
Plastic
Late 20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Boxes
Brass, Enamel
Vintage, Mid-Century and Antique Boxes
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.