Chinese Red Lacquered Hat Box
20th Century Chinese Decorative Boxes
Wood, Lacquer
Antique 19th Century Chinese Qing Decorative Boxes
Bamboo, Wood
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Mid-20th Century Japanese Taisho Lacquer
Beech, Lacquer
Antique 19th Century Chinese Qing Tea Caddies
Pewter
Late 20th Century Lacquer
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Antique 18th Century and Earlier British Chippendale Commodes and Chests...
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Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Boxes
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Antique Early 19th Century Chinese Antiquities
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Mid-20th Century Burmese Folk Art Lacquer
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20th Century Japanese Lacquer
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Antique Late 18th Century English George III Cabinets
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Antique Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Decorative Boxes
Hide, Wood
Antique Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Decorative Boxes
Wood, Hide
Antique Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Decorative Boxes
Wood
Antique Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Decorative Boxes
Hide, Wood
Antique 19th Century Chinese Boxes
Lacquer, Wood, Leather
Antique 19th Century Chinese Qing Decorative Boxes
Wicker
Antique Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Antiquities
Brass
Antique 19th Century Chinese Boxes
Wood, Lacquer
Antique Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Decorative Boxes
Hide, Wood
Antique Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Decorative Boxes
Brass
Antique 19th Century Chinoiserie Decorative Boxes
Bentwood, Lacquer
Antique Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Decorative Boxes
Bamboo, Lacquer
20th Century Boxes
Wood
20th Century Chinese Boxes
Antique 19th Century Chinese Scholar's Objects
Leather
Antique 19th Century Chinese Scholar's Objects
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21st Century and Contemporary Chinese End Tables
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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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