Contador Box
Antique 17th Century Indian Jewelry Boxes
Ebony, Teak
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Antique 19th Century Japanese Meiji Furniture
Mother-of-Pearl, Wood
Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Edo Lacquer
Wood
Antique 16th Century Indian Jewelry Boxes
Silver
20th Century Japanese Dry Bars
Pine, Paint
Early 20th Century Japanese Furniture
Wood
Antique 19th Century European Greco Roman Decorative Boxes
Stone, Bronze
Antique Mid-18th Century Japanese Furniture
Iron
Early 20th Century Japanese Anglo-Japanese Cabinets
Metal
Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Cabinets
Brass
Antique Early 19th Century English Georgian Ceramics
Ironstone
Antique Mid-19th Century English High Victorian Taxidermy
Other
Antique 1880s Vietnamese Japonisme Cabinets
Wood
1990s Japanese Post-Modern Planters and Jardinieres
Steel
1990s Japanese Post-Modern Planters and Jardinieres
Steel
Recent Sales
Antique 18th Century and Earlier Indian Boxes
Brass
Antique 18th Century Indian Boxes
Ebony, Ivory, Padouk, Rosewood
Antique 16th Century Sri Lankan Games
Rosewood
Antique 17th Century Indian Baroque Decorative Boxes
Iron
Antique 18th Century and Earlier Indian Boxes
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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