Antique Leather Casket
20th Century French Régence Jewelry Boxes
Bronze, Ormolu
Early 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Jewelry Boxes
Faux Leather
Late 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Jewelry Boxes
Faux Leather
Recent Sales
Antique 1860s English Victorian Desk Sets
Brass
Antique 1860s English Victorian Jewelry Boxes
Ormolu
People Also Browsed
Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Jewelry Boxes
Metal, Spelter, Gold Leaf
Early 2000s Irish Modern Jewelry Boxes
Mahogany, Walnut
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Decorative Boxes
Fruitwood, Walnut
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Jewelry Boxes
Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Jewelry Boxes
Brass
Antique Mid-19th Century English Victorian Jewelry Boxes
Mother-of-Pearl, Rosewood
Antique Mid-18th Century British George III Pier Mirrors and Console Mir...
Mirror, Wood, Giltwood
Antique 19th Century Jewelry Boxes
Silver Plate, Brass
Antique 16th Century Indian Jewelry Boxes
Silver
Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Crystal Serveware
Crystal, Ormolu
Antique Mid-19th Century English High Victorian Taxidermy
Other
20th Century French Napoleon III Panelling
Bronze
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Night Stands
Brass, Gold Leaf
Antique Late 19th Century English George III Pier Mirrors and Console Mi...
Mirror, Wood, Giltwood
Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XV Musical Instruments
Wood, Giltwood
Early 20th Century French Belle Époque Vitrines
Bronze, Ormolu
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
Kazuyo Sejima’s Flowering Tree Blooms Year-Round
The brilliantly simple design turns a modest bouquet into a major statement.
He Wrote ‘Oedipus Rex,’ but Do You Know What He Looked Like?
The Greek tragedian is said to have been handsome in his day.
Cigar Culture Was Once the Peak of Masculinity. Now, It’s a Compelling Curiosity
Even for those who don’t indulge, elegant smoking accessories and audacious art portraying cigar enthusiasts hold a nostalgic allure.
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.