Blonde Tortoise Shell
Antique 19th Century English Tea Caddies
Tortoise Shell
Antique 19th Century English Tea Caddies
Tortoise Shell
Antique Early 19th Century French Tobacco Accessories
Agate, Gold
Recent Sales
Antique 19th Century English Tea Caddies
Antique 19th Century Decorative Boxes
Tortoise Shell
Antique Early 19th Century English Regency Tea Caddies
Tortoise Shell
Antique 1790s Decorative Boxes
Tortoise Shell
Antique 19th Century Decorative Boxes
Tortoise Shell
Antique 19th Century Decorative Boxes
Tortoise Shell
Antique 1790s English Tea Caddies
Tortoise Shell
Vintage 1970s Statues
Metal, Stainless Steel
Early 20th Century French Trunks and Luggage
Antique 19th Century British Boxes
Tortoise Shell, Ivory
Vintage 1930s Sterling Silver
Silver
Antique Early 19th Century English Georgian Tea Caddies
Brass
Antique 18th Century British George III Tea Caddies
Silver
Antique Early 19th Century English Tea Caddies
Metal
Antique Early 19th Century English Regency Tea Caddies
Silver
Antique Early 1800s British Georgian Tea Caddies
Tortoise Shell
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Antique Late 18th Century English George III Tea Caddies
Silver
21st Century and Contemporary Table Lamps
Steel
Antique Late 19th Century Italian Renaissance Revival Busts
Carrara Marble
Antique Mid-19th Century Italian Natural Specimens
Glass, Wood
Antique 1770s Chinese Qing Tea Caddies
Mother-of-Pearl
Antique 19th Century English Tea Caddies
Tortoise Shell
Vintage 1970s Italian Hollywood Regency Dry Bars
Brass, Steel, Chrome
Antique 1820s English Decorative Boxes
Ivory, Tortoise Shell
Antique 16th Century Indian Jewelry Boxes
Silver
Antique 1860s Russian Figurative Sculptures
Silver
Antique Late 19th Century Natural Specimens
Coral
Antique 19th Century British Victorian Taxidermy
Tortoise Shell, Animal Skin, Epoxy Resin, Paint
Antique 19th Century English Regency Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
Walnut
Antique 19th Century English Chinoiserie Decorative Boxes
Wood
2010s Italian Barware
Porcelain
Antique Late 19th Century English Tea Caddies
Tortoise Shell
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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