Bombe Tea Caddy
Antique Mid-18th Century English George III Tea Caddies
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Early 20th Century English Georgian Tea Caddies
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Antique Early 19th Century German Biedermeier Tea Caddies
Zebra Wood, Yew, Amboyna, Satinwood
Antique Early 18th Century Welsh Tea Caddies
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Antique Early 19th Century Early Victorian Tea Caddies
Rosewood
Antique 1810s British Regency Tea Caddies
Shell
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Antique 19th Century British Regency Tea Caddies
Yew
Antique 18th Century English Tea Caddies
Mahogany
Antique 19th Century Tea Sets
Antique 18th Century British Tea Caddies
Sterling Silver
Antique Early 19th Century British Regency More Furniture and Collectibles
Antique 19th Century British Victorian Boxes
Horn, Glass, Wood
Antique 18th Century and Earlier Tea Caddies
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Antique Mid-18th Century English Georgian Tea Caddies
Mahogany
Antique Mid-18th Century English George II Tea Caddies
Mahogany
Antique 19th Century English Tea Caddies
Antique 18th Century English Georgian Tea Caddies
Bronze
Antique Early 19th Century British Regency Tea Caddies
Brass
Antique Mid-19th Century English Victorian Tea Caddies
Other
Antique 19th Century English Boxes
Antique 19th Century English Boxes
Late 20th Century Georgian Jewelry Boxes
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Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Tea Caddies
Antique 1760s English Rococo Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver
Antique 18th Century and Earlier English Tea Caddies
Antique 18th Century and Earlier English Tea Caddies
Antique 19th Century English Regency Tea Caddies
Rosewood
Antique Early 19th Century English Tea Caddies
Silver
Antique 19th Century English Regency Tea Caddies
Antique 19th Century British Boxes
Antique 19th Century British More Furniture and Collectibles
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Antique 19th Century British More Furniture and Collectibles
Silver
Antique 19th Century British Decorative Boxes
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Antique 1780s English George III Tea Caddies
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Antique Late 18th Century English George III Tea Caddies
Boxwood, Harewood
Antique Late 18th Century English Georgian Tea Caddies
Boxwood
Antique 1840s American Chippendale Wingback Chairs
Muslin, Mahogany, Poplar, Cypress
Antique 1840s English William IV Candlesticks
Brass
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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