Austins Dublin
Antique Late 19th Century Irish Decorative Boxes
Glass
Antique Late 19th Century English High Victorian Decorative Boxes
Brass
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Desk Sets
Brass
Recent Sales
Antique 19th Century Irish Desks and Writing Tables
Ormolu
Antique 19th Century Irish Desks and Writing Tables
Ormolu
Antique 1880s English Decorative Boxes
Antique 19th Century Irish Victorian Desks and Writing Tables
Ormolu
Antique 19th Century Irish Victorian Desks and Writing Tables
Bog Wood
Antique 19th Century Irish Victorian Desks and Writing Tables
Mahogany
Antique Mid-19th Century English Early Victorian Decorative Boxes
Brass
Antique 19th Century Irish Georgian Inkwells
Brass
Antique 19th Century British William IV Jewelry Boxes
Mother-of-Pearl, Velvet, Macassar
Antique 19th Century British Victorian Decorative Boxes
Mother-of-Pearl, Ebony
Antique 19th Century British Jewelry Boxes
Early 20th Century Great Britain (UK) Wall Mirrors
People Also Browsed
Vintage 1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Fabric, Bamboo, Rattan
Early 20th Century Dutch Baroque Chandeliers and Pendants
Brass
Vintage 1920s Dinner Plates
Porcelain
Antique 19th Century English Adam Style Chandeliers and Pendants
Bronze
Antique 19th Century Chinese Beds and Bed Frames
Gold Leaf
Early 20th Century British Cabinets
Satinwood
Antique 1830s French Louis XVI Paintings
Canvas, Paint
Antique Late 19th Century English Arts and Crafts Chairs
Rush, Ash
Vintage 1970s Danish Other Dining Room Tables
Oak
Antique Early 19th Century English Sheraton Settees
Cane, Wood
Vintage 1920s Dinner Plates
Porcelain
Antique Early 19th Century Irish Chandeliers and Pendants
Crystal, Bronze
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Dutch Gothic Blanket Chests
Wrought Iron
Early 20th Century American American Colonial Tea Sets
Sterling Silver
Antique Early 19th Century English Regency Chairs
Mahogany
20th Century French Louis XVI Bergere Chairs
Upholstery, Wood
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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