Tramp Art Sewing Box
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Boxes
Silk, Paper
Vintage 1930s American Folk Art Side Tables
Wood
People Also Browsed
21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights an...
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps
Textile, Wood
2010s American Flush Mount
Brass
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Brass, Bronze, Enamel, Nickel
Antique Early 1900s French Baroque Revival Lanterns
Wrought Iron
Antique Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Vases
Art Glass
21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Textile
Antique 19th Century French Rustic Wall Mirrors
Wood
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Desks
Wood
Antique Early 1900s American Folk Art Native American Objects
Pine
Antique Early 1900s French Louis XV Center Tables
Giltwood
Early 20th Century Prints
Paper
Antique 19th Century American Folk Art Cupboards
Wood
Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Rush, Wood
Early 20th Century Prints
Paper
Antique Late 19th Century Folk Art Decorative Boxes
Wood
Recent Sales
Antique 19th Century American Boxes
Wood, Glass, Fabric
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Boxes
Wood, Velvet
20th Century Decorative Boxes
Wood
Antique 19th Century American Decorative Objects
Wood
Antique 19th Century American Boxes
Wood
Antique Late 19th Century German Gothic Revival Decorative Boxes
Wood
Early 20th Century American Decorative Boxes
Softwood
Antique 19th Century European Gothic Revival Jewelry Boxes
Brass, Bronze
Vintage 1910s American Decorative Boxes
Wood
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Boxes
Wood, Velvet
Antique 1890s American Decorative Boxes
Antique 19th Century Folk Art Sculptures
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.
Read More
African Travel Plans on Hold? This Ardmore Leopard Vase Brings the Beauty of the Savanna to You
It’s an excellent example of the sought-after ceramics coming out of South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province.
With a High-Tech Flagship and Cool Collabs, Lladró Is Breaking the Mold for Porcelain Production
Thanks to its new leadership, the Spanish maker of figurines, busts and lighting is on a mission to update the art of porcelain for the 21st century.
Zoë Powell’s Magnolia 05 Vessel Is Handmade from Clay She Unearthed Herself
The free-form stoneware piece is inspired by the magnolia tree and its associations with home.
8 Ways to Breathe New Life into a Space with Plants
The pair behind the Instagram account @houseplantclub share their tips for making any room of the house gloriously green.
Paris Gallerist Sandy Toupenet Gets Fired Up over 20th-Century Ceramics and Inventive New Makers
Her space on the city’s Left Bank mixes mid-century pieces by the likes of Jean Cocteau and Pablo Picasso with whimsical contemporary creations.
These Soft Sculptures Are Childhood Imaginary Friends Come to Life
Miami artist and designer Gabriela Noelle’s fantastical creations appeal to the Peter Pan in all of us.
This Vivacious Teapot Has Agnes Martin on One Side and Jean-Michel Basquiat on the Other
Ceramist Roberto Lugo brings a street-art sensibility to a dainty serving vessel while paying homage to his artistic heroes.
This Rare Set of 100 Alessi Vases Includes Designs by Scores of International Artists
Alessandro Mendini, Michael Graves, Ettore Sottsass and other design luminaries contributed to this unusual collection of porcelain wares representing a time capsule of late-20th-century decorative art.