Ceylon Carved Ebony Box
Antique Mid-19th Century Decorative Boxes
Ebony
Antique Mid-19th Century Sri Lankan Victorian Decorative Boxes
Ebony
Antique Early 19th Century Sri Lankan Anglo-Indian Decorative Boxes
Bone, Ebony, Sandalwood
Antique Early 1800s English George III Tea Caddies
Brass
People Also Browsed
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Decorative Boxes
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Vases
Gold Leaf, Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Decorative Boxes
Quartz, Marble
Early 20th Century Italian Empire Revival Decorative Boxes
Bronze
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes
Alabaster
20th Century Indian Grand Tour Decorative Boxes
Lapis Lazuli
Early 20th Century Indian Agra Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
Wood
20th Century Asian Decorative Boxes
Bone, Horn
Antique Late 18th Century English Chippendale Tea Caddies
Brass
Antique 1890s Indian Anglo-Indian Decorative Boxes
Rosewood
Antique 19th Century Sri Lankan Anglo-Indian Jewelry Boxes
Bone, Hardwood, Ebony, Sandalwood
Antique Early 1800s English Regency Decorative Boxes
Brass
Antique 16th Century Indian Jewelry Boxes
Silver
Antique 19th Century English Chippendale Tea Caddies
Silver Plate
Antique Mid-19th Century British Victorian Tea Caddies
Silver Plate
Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Tea Caddies
Silver Plate
Recent Sales
Antique 19th Century Sri Lankan Anglo-Indian Beds and Bed Frames
Brass
Antique 19th Century Sri Lankan British Colonial Decorative Boxes
Bone, Ebony
Antique Mid-19th Century Sri Lankan Decorative Boxes
Ebony
Antique Mid-19th Century Sri Lankan Decorative Boxes
Ebony
Antique 19th Century Sri Lankan British Colonial Decorative Boxes
Bone, Hardwood, Ebony
Antique 19th Century Indian Center Tables
Antique Late 19th Century Indian Anglo-Indian Decorative Boxes
Brass
Antique 19th Century Indian Boxes
Antique 19th Century Indian Boxes
Antique 19th Century Decorative Boxes
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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