Skip to main content

Shell Boxes

to
46
258
46
11
19
102
137
57
29
44
35
5
1
4
3
2
7
6
13
11
2
42
26
18
13
11
8
6
5
5
3
3
3
3
1
2,856
5,177
4,253
1,566
1,520
214
80
141
102
67
56
55
Height
to
Width
to
315
309
314
18
12
11
7
6
Material: Shell
English Tortoiseshell and Silver Mounted Card Case, Circa 1830
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Georgian-era tortoiseshell card case of refined, minimalist form, circa 1830 or earlier, the surfaces composed of richly patterned shell plates in mottled honey, chestnut, and espr...
Category

Early 19th Century English British Colonial Antique Shell Boxes

Materials

Shell

Pill Box Abalone Seashell
Located in New York, NY
A hand-crafted abalone seashell and alpaca metal pill box, circa 1960s, mid-20th century, Mexico. Box is rectangle with a beautiful iridescent abalone seashell top; top is hinged wit...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mexican Shell Boxes

Materials

Metal

19th Century Walnut Box With Bone and Mother Of Pearl Inlay
Located in Stamford, CT
19th century walnut box with bone and mother of pearl inlay, whaler made. This beautifully hand crafted box would have been made during the long voyage of a whaling ship. The star in...
Category

Late 19th Century American Folk Art Antique Shell Boxes

Materials

Bone, Mother-of-Pearl, Walnut

Early to Mid-19th Century Tortoiseshell and Mother-of-Pearl Card Case
Located in Atlanta, GA
A finely fashioned rectangular calling card case, constructed in rich, mottled tortoiseshell and framed with geometric mother-of-pearl corner panels, the contrasting materials creati...
Category

Early 19th Century English British Colonial Antique Shell Boxes

Materials

Shell

Art Deco Dunhill Eggshell and Enamel Cigarette Case
Located in Red Lion, PA
Rare Art Deco Dunhill Silver-Plated & Lacquered Cigarette Case with Coquille d’Œuf Inlay – Circa 1930 This stunning Art Deco Dunhill cigarette case is a masterpiece of elegant desig...
Category

1920s British Art Deco Vintage Shell Boxes

Materials

Silver, Enamel

Antique English Rosewood Inlaid Jewellery Box
Located in Northampton, GB
Fully Partitioned Jewellery Tray From our Jewellery Boxes collection, we are delighted to offer this Rosewood Inlaid Jewellery Box. The Jewellery Box of slim rectangular form venee...
Category

Early 19th Century English Early Victorian Antique Shell Boxes

Materials

Shell, Wood

Pill Box Abalone Seashell
Located in New York, NY
A hand-crafted abalone seashell and alpaca metal pill box, circa 1960s, mid-20th century, Mexico. Box is oval with a beautiful iridescent abalone seashell top; top is hinged with fro...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mexican Shell Boxes

Materials

Metal

Shagreen Leopard Pattern Box with Shell and Brass Details by Kifu Paris
Located in New York, NY
The Paris based label has distinguished themselves since their launch, with their iconic use of shagreen mixed with brass and other exotic materials. All furniture is handcrafted by ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Art Deco Shell Boxes

Materials

Brass

1970s Petite Silver Trinket Box Mother of Pearl & Abalone Mexico
Located in Chula Vista, CA
AMBIANIC presents Tiny Rose Silver Trinket Box Mother of Pearl & Abalone Shell interior Mahogany wood alpaca silver metal Mexico stamped Alpaca 1.13 h x 2 3/16 d x 3.13 Good vintage ...
Category

Late 20th Century Mexican Mid-Century Modern Shell Boxes

Materials

Metal

Antique French Palais Royal Mother of Pearl Clam Necessaire Etui Sewing Box
Located in Northampton, GB
Mother of Pearl and Ormolu From our Sewing collection, we are delighted to offer this Palais Royal Necessaire Etui. The Etui of rare clam shell shape framed in ormolu with engraved mother of pearl panels mounted with two smaller clam shells. The mother of pearl beautifully decorated with engraved scroll work, bells, ribbons, flowers and classical motifs. The silver gilt frame is engraved with a similar foliage, flower and classical motif band to the bottom and top. When opened the Etui reveals a cushioned lining with a top removable silk cushion protecting the fully fitted tool pad with mother of pearl tools, a glass bottle and gold enamelled pansies decoration. The French Sewing Box...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Shell Boxes

Materials

Silver

Exquisite Mother of Pearl Inlaid Lacquer Elephant Motif Tissue Box
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Exquisite mother of pearl inlaid lacquer elephant motif tissue box, Intricately inlaid all over with numerous elephants in landscape. Fitted with a si...
Category

20th Century Anglo-Indian Shell Boxes

Materials

Silver Plate

19th Century Continental Tortoise Shell Silver Mounted 2 Compartmented Box
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
19th-century Continental Tortoise Shell Silver-Mounted 2-Compartmented Box, European, possibly Dutch. Unmarked A unique and whimsical 19th-century continental tortoise shell silver-...
Category

Mid-19th Century Dutch Neoclassical Antique Shell Boxes

Materials

Sterling Silver

Moorish Inlaid Marquetry Mosaic Jewelry Box with Geometric and Floral Patterns
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This is a Moorish-style jewelry box adorned with inlaid marquetry work, featuring a mosaic of geometric and floral patterns. The design is highly detailed, with small pieces of wood,...
Category

1940s Moroccan Moorish Vintage Shell Boxes

Materials

Wood, Mother-of-Pearl, Fruitwood

Victorian Coromandel Inlaid Writing Box by Hausburg with Secret Compartment
By F.L. Hausburg
Located in Northampton, GB
Free Worldwide Shipping Heavily Inlaid with Mother of Pearl, Abalone and Brass From our Writing Box collection, we are pleased to offer this fantastic Coromandel Inlaid Writing Box...
Category

Mid-19th Century British High Victorian Antique Shell Boxes

Materials

Brass

Set of Seven Neoclassical Architettura Lacquer Eggshell Boxes
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Fascinating and rare set of seven boxes featuring a lacquered eggshell veneer attributed to French artist Thierry Voeltzel. Each box is designed with Greco-Roman neoclassical archite...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Neoclassical Shell Boxes

Materials

Eggshell, Lacquer

Seashell Encrusted Jewelry Box, Vintage Coastal
Located in Bradenton, FL
Vintage seashell encrusted jewelry box embodies the bohemian aesthetic popular during the mid- 20th century. Hand-crafted with an array of shells...
Category

1970s American Bohemian Vintage Shell Boxes

Materials

Shell

Urushi Natural Red Lacquer Allsorts Box - Medium by Alexander Lamont
Located in Khet Bang Sue, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon
There is type of English sweet called a Licorice Allsort. They are made in different layers and some have little balls covering them. The red lacquer and the little white pieces of e...
Category

2010s Thai Art Deco Shell Boxes

Materials

Eggshell, Walnut, Lacquer

Inlaid Table Cabinet
Located in Bradenton, FL
Inlaid table cabinet with six compartments and two handles. This is a beautifully decorated crafted box reflecting the craftsmanship and cultural influences of Goa during the colonia...
Category

19th Century Indian Anglo-Indian Antique Shell Boxes

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl, Wood

English Mother of Pearl carved casket box with abalone inlay
Located in Winnetka, IL
English MOP carved casket box with abalone inlay. Velvet lining on 4 bracket feet
Category

Early 20th Century English Shell Boxes

Materials

Abalone, Mother-of-Pearl, Wood

Jewelry Box in Shagreen with Mother of Pearl and Brass Details by R&Y Augousti
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This jewelry box by R&Y Augousti is a luxurious fusion of artistry and craftsmanship, wrapped in sophisticated shagreen. The meticulously handcrafted Cosmos pattern blends mother-of-...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Art Deco Shell Boxes

Materials

Brass

Urushi Lacquer Eggshell Orb Box, Large by Alexander Lamont
Located in Khet Bang Sue, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon
Like an ancient pebble or river-rock that has been tumbled for centuries to polish and reveal its alluvial layers. Hand-turned solid oak box enveloped in lacquered eggshell marquetry.
Category

2010s Thai Art Deco Shell Boxes

Materials

Eggshell, Oak, Lacquer

Antique English Georgian Blonde Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy
Located in Northampton, GB
Faced In Boxwood From our Tea Caddy collection, we are thrilled to offer this Antique Blonde Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy. The Tea Chest of tapered rectangular shape with silver stringin...
Category

Early 1800s English George III Antique Shell Boxes

Materials

Silver Plate

Vintage Abalone and Brass Decorative Box Midcentury
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful brass plated abalone seashell square box with wood lined compartment. Stamped underneath “Taxco Mexico" a region of Mexico known for their unique and one of a kind metal works. The patina adds a grounding element to the glistening and multi color abalone shells. The design of a fish head in brass appears on the lid adding extra artistry to such a unique piece. One long hinge along lid allows it to open and close with ease. Incredible piece to add to your organic modern decor...
Category

1960s Mexican Organic Modern Vintage Shell Boxes

Materials

Brass

Mexican Sterling Silver and Abalone Shell Pill Box by Villalobos, 1970s
Located in Toronto, CA
Elegant handcrafted pill box made in Taxco, Mexico, circa 1970s. Created by Villalobos, this petite sterling silver box features a domed lid inlaid with iridescent abalone shell arra...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mexican Mid-Century Modern Shell Boxes

Materials

Sterling Silver

Curiosity Cabinet Collection of Shells, Circa 1900
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Very interesting set of shells collected by an amateur between the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. The shells are classified by size and age either in ...
Category

Early 20th Century French Shell Boxes

Materials

Shell

1 of 3 Vintage Mother-of-Pearl Boxes, Italy, 1950s
Located in Montecalvoli, IT
1 of 3 Vintage mother-of-pearl boxes - timeless, for jewellery, gifts or sweets - Italy 1950s - Noble table decoration, elegant gift idea Give the gift of elegance with this vintage...
Category

20th Century Italian Shell Boxes

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl

VERGER FRERES 1905 Paris Edwardian Card Case Box In Sterling And White Nacre
By Verger Frères
Located in Miami, FL
An Edwardian cased-box designed by Verger Frères. This is a beautiful rectangular pocket case-box for cards, created in Paris France during the Edwardian period, back in the 1905. T...
Category

Early 1900s French Edwardian Antique Shell Boxes

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

Urushi Natural Red Lacquer Allsorts Box - Large by Alexander Lamont
Located in Khet Bang Sue, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon
There is type of English sweet called a Licorice Allsort. They are made in different layers and some have little balls covering them. The red lacquer and the little white pieces of e...
Category

2010s Thai Art Deco Shell Boxes

Materials

Eggshell, Walnut, Lacquer

Antique Decorative Middle Eastern Islamic Box 1940s
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Antique 1940s Mosaic Shell Inlaid Decorative Middle Eastern Islamic Box. Mosaic Luxury Decorative Middle Eastern Islamic Vanity Box. Middle Eastern Asian Mosaic Wood Box with Inlays ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Lebanese Moorish Shell Boxes

Materials

Bone, Shell, Abalone, Fruitwood

Antique Victorian Coromandel and Mother of Pearl Writing Slope by Richard Wathew
By Richard Wathew
Located in Northampton, GB
Mother of Pearl Inlay From our Writing Box collection, we are delighted to offer this Victorian Coromandel and Mother of Pearl Writing Slope by Richard Wathew. The Writing Box of sl...
Category

Mid-19th Century English Early Victorian Antique Shell Boxes

Materials

Leather, Shell, Wood

Vintage Sea Shell Encrusted Maitland Smith Style Box
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Vintage sea Shell encrusted treasure box richly deco in colourful sea shells. All natural organic sea shell.
Category

1970s American Organic Modern Vintage Shell Boxes

Materials

Shell

Maitland Smith Abalone Shell Box
Located in Stamford, CT
Mother of pearl tessellated box attributed to Maitland-Smith. Mother of pearl veneer in very pale green color over wood box. Black felt underside. Made in Philippines sticker on the ...
Category

1980s American Hollywood Regency Vintage Shell Boxes

Materials

Wood, Mother-of-Pearl

Middle Eastern Moorish Jewelry Box
Located in Delray Beach, FL
exquisite middle Eastern Moorish Syrian inlay jewelry box. This box is intricately inlaid with Moorish motif designs which have been uniquely inlaid with bone, mother of pearl and f...
Category

20th Century Asian Islamic Shell Boxes

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl, Sandalwood

Urushi Lacquer Eggshell Round Brule Box, Medium by Alexander Lamont
Located in Khet Bang Sue, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon
Brulé means 'burnt' in French. Raw and delicate, the Brulé boxes evoke the idea of baked earth or ashes. There is a powerful energy in the details of decisio...
Category

2010s Thai Art Deco Shell Boxes

Materials

Eggshell, Lacquer

Middle Eastern Moorish Handcrafted Mosaic Decorative Box
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Exquisite handcrafted Middle Eastern mosaic marquetry inlaid walnut wood box. Small box intricately decorated with Moorish motif designs which h...
Category

Mid-20th Century Lebanese Moorish Shell Boxes

Materials

Fruitwood, Shell, Mother-of-Pearl

Black Lacquered Lidded Circular Box with Mother of Pearl Floral Décor
Located in Yonkers, NY
A vintage black lacquered lidded circular box with mother or pearl floral inlaid décor. This vintage Chinese black lacquered box is a testame...
Category

20th Century Chinese Shell Boxes

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl, Wood

MCM Abalone Shell and Brass Lidded Trinket Box in the Style of Los Castillios
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful MCM abalone shell and brass lidded trinket box with hard wood lining made in Mexico in the style of Los Castillios, circa 1960s. The piece is stamped on the underside “Made...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mexican Mid-Century Modern Shell Boxes

Materials

Brass

Chinese Round Black Lacquer Box with Mother of Pearl Inlay, likely 20th Century
Located in Cathedral City, CA
Chinese Round Black Lacquer Box with Mother of Pearl Inlay, likely 20th Century Beautiful and useful 20th century. Chinese lacquer box of circular shape, the domed cover with flora...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Shell Boxes

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl, Wood, Lacquer

The Taj Mahal Black Marble Box with in Shell Inlaid Agra India 1950's
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage 1950's Agra Indian Shell and Black Marble Box with The Taj Mahal Inlays.Onyx Black Marble Box with Pietra Dura Intricate Abalone Inlay of the Taj Mahal.Fine Quality Shell Inlaid Taj Mahal Box.Black marble trinket box with an inlaid image of the Taj Mahal. This unusual piece has the details drawn on the white shell in black ink, giving it the appearance of a micro mosaic. The surface catches the light and shows some iridescence at different angles.The Anglo Indian style box is lined with black velvet.A Very fine intricate work of Islamic Art.From Agra, India. Circa 1950's.Great gift to express your Love.From a Private Estate Encino Collection. DIMENSIONS: Height: 1.75 in.Width: 3.75 in.Depth: 2.75 in.About the Taj Mahal: The Taj Mahal is a world-renowned monument located in Agra, India. It is considered one of the most iconic examples of Mughal architecture and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here's some information about the Taj Mahal: 1) History: The Taj Mahal was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century as a mausoleum for his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1632 and was completed in 1653. 2) Architecture: The Taj Mahal combines elements of Islamic, Persian, Ottoman Turkish, and Indian architectural styles. It is primarily made of white marble, with intricate inlay work using semi-precious stones. The central structure is a large dome surrounded by four minarets at each corner. 3) Symbolism: The Taj Mahal is often regarded as a symbol of love. It was built as a testament to Emperor Shah Jahan's eternal love for his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The gardens and reflecting pool in front of the Taj Mahal add to its romantic ambiance. 4) Location: The Taj Mahal is situated on the right bank of the Yamuna River in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India. Agra is located approximately 200 kilometers (125 miles) southeast of India's capital, New Delhi. 5) Visitors: The Taj Mahal attracts millions of visitors from around the world each year. It is open to the public, except on Fridays when it is reserved for Islamic prayers...
Category

Mid-20th Century Indian Islamic Shell Boxes

Materials

Marble

19th Century Walnut and Brass Dome-Top Wood English Sewing Box
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
English walnut and brass dome-top box with Mother-of-Pearl, ca. 1860. With 6 sewing tools, 4 have mother of pearl handles, 7 pieces of circular fabric sam...
Category

Mid-19th Century English Victorian Antique Shell Boxes

Materials

Brass

Antique French Palais Royal Mulberry Sewing Box
Located in Northampton, GB
Louis XVIII (1814-1824) From our Sewing Box collection, we are delighted to introduce to the market this superb Palais Royal Mulberry Sewing Box. The Sewing Box of sarcophagus shape beautifully veneered in Mulberry wood with cut steel faceted stud decoration raised upon small ball feet with a central mother of pearl vacant initial plaque and large looped handle to the lid. The interior of the Sewing Box contains an internal mirror, silk cushion and a removable tool pad with seven mother of pearl tools, four with gold pansies enamel decoration and a scent bottle. The Palais Royal Mulberry Sewing Box dates to the The French Sewing Box...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Shell Boxes

Materials

Gold, Cut Steel

Antique Anglo-Indian Vizagapatam Jewelry Inlaid Sadeli Footed Box
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Antique 19th century Anglo-Indian jewelry, trinket footed box, inlay with ebony, mosaic marquetry Sadeli work and a carved Hindu scene on top. The box case is made from sandalwood wi...
Category

Early 20th Century Indian Anglo-Indian Shell Boxes

Materials

Bone, Mother-of-Pearl, Wood

Curiosity Cabinet Naturalism Collection of Shells, Circa 1900
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Very interesting set of shells collected by an amateur between the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. The shells are classified by size and age either in ...
Category

Early 20th Century French Shell Boxes

Materials

Shell

Handcrafted New Zealand Maori Paua Abalone Shell Stash Trinket Wood Box
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful decorative handcrafted mahogany wood and natural abalone shell (Paua) inlay cigarette stash/trinket box. Made in New Zealand and still has the original tag on the top. The ...
Category

Mid-20th Century New Zealand Shell Boxes

Materials

Shell

Rare Jean Dunand Art Deco Cigarette Case, Circa 1930 – Bronze & Eggshell Lacquer
Located in Red Lion, PA
Rare Jean Dunand Art Deco Cigarette Case, Circa 1930 – Bronze, Coquille d’Œuf, and Lacquer This exceptional Art Deco Jean Dunand cigarette case,...
Category

1930s French Art Deco Vintage Shell Boxes

Materials

Bronze

A shell and carved wooden box in the style of Alexandre Noll, France, 1950s
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
Hand-carved wooden box, attributed to Alexandre Noll, France, 1950s. Made from high-quality dark wood, it features sleek, organic lines. Its unique lid is a genuine polished shell, r...
Category

1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Shell Boxes

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl, Wood

Vintage Mexican Brass Box with Mother of Pearl Inlay – Aztec Head Motif Taxco
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
A striking mid-century modern brass trinket or cigarette box handcrafted in Mexico, featuring a stylized Aztec or Mayan head motif in cut brass, dramatically contrasted against a viv...
Category

1950s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Shell Boxes

Materials

Metal, Brass

A Mother of Pearl Jewelry Box, Judaica
Located in New York, NY
This resplendent rectangular Judaica jewelry box is a true celebration of traditional craftsmanship and refined artistry, entirely veneered in lustrous...
Category

20th Century Shell Boxes

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl, Felt, Wood

19th Century Coffret with Mother of Pearl
Located in Opole, PL
We present you a low wooden coffret, whose surface is covered with diamond-shaped mother of pearl tiles. This item is from Q3 of the 19th century. The mother of pearl is made of two types of seashell. Furthermore, the inside is lined with claret velvet. The frames of the lid and base are made of ivory. Presented item is in good condition. Some mother of pearls tiles...
Category

Late 19th Century European Antique Shell Boxes

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl, Velvet, Plastic

George III Sterling Silver-Mounted Etched Mother-of-pearl Snuff Box
Located in New York, NY
Georgian (George III) Period, sterling silver-mounted etched mother-of-pearl octagonal snuff box with hinged lid, London, year-hallmarked for 1803. The iridescent mother-of-pearl lid...
Category

Early 1800s English George III Antique Shell Boxes

Materials

Sterling Silver

Important 18th Century Porcelain and Bronze Box by Meissen
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions - H: 1 3/4in W: 3 1/2in D: 2in This Mid 18th Century Porcelain and Bronze Box by Meissen is truly a spectacular piece and is of the highest quality! If you look at the p...
Category

Late 18th Century German Rococo Antique Shell Boxes

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Antique Figured Walnut Complete Sewing Box Hausburg
By F.L. Hausburg
Located in Northampton, GB
Complete with Sewing Accompaniments From our Sewing Boxes collection, we are thrilled to offer this stunning Figured Walnut Sewing Box Attributed to Hausburg. The box of rectangula...
Category

Early 19th Century English Early Victorian Antique Shell Boxes

Materials

Brass

Jewelry Box by Cathrine Horsbøl — Denmark’s First Female Designer, circa 1900
Located in Valby, 84
Cathrine Horsbøl (1873–1947) Jewelry box in solid mahogany with inlays of lighter woods and mother-of-pearl forming an abstract facial motif, reminiscent of a stylized ape. Denmark, ...
Category

Early 1900s Art Nouveau Antique Shell Boxes

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl, Mahogany

Large Moorish Arabesque Inlaid Table Box
Located in Forney, TX
A stunning vintage Moorish arabesque inlaid table box, 20th century, high quality rectangular box with hinged lid, featuring contrasting mother of pearl, exotic hardwood, and bone marquetry inlay arranged in geometric patterns, opening to red fabric lined interior. Dimensions: (approx) 3" High, 16.75" Wide, 6 1/8" Deep; 3.2lbs As warm and attractive as it is functional, having the ideal large size and proportions for a variety of different uses, including concealing a remote control on your coffee table or sofa table, or as a jewelry casket, trinket case...
Category

20th Century Moorish Shell Boxes

Materials

Bone, Mother-of-Pearl, Hardwood, Ebony, Rosewood, Tulipwood

Tiffany Studios New York Bronze Doré and Abalone Stamp Box
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Art Nouveau or Art Deco period gilt bronze and inlaid abalone stamp box By Tiffany Studios New York, USA, early 20th century Measures: 4"W x 2.13"D x 1.25"H. Good orig...
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Shell Boxes

Materials

Bronze

19C Anglo Indian Bombay MOP Sadeli Mosaic Trinket Box
Located in Dallas, TX
PRESENTING a LOVELY 19C Anglo Indian Bombay MOP (Mother of Pearl) Sadeli Mosaic Trinket Box from circa 1875-85. Gorgeously detailed and hand-crafted ‘sadeli mosaic’ inlay, from the Bombay Area, with deep greens with silver, pewter, mother of pearl, bone and ebony in geometric patterns. The box case, is made of sandalwood but completely covered in MOP, bone, faux ivory, ebony and mosaic inlay. Edged with faux ivory and banded with a different pattern of sadeli mosaic. Some minor damage to the top (repair is obvious in pics) and ivorine replacements to some edging, but it still a BEAUTIFUL BOX and of real QUALITY! The mosaic work is FABULOUS! Box opens to reveal its original blue velvet lining. It sits on 4 (recently added) silvered button feet. SADELI MOSAIC: “Anglo Indian boxes were made in India for the English residents from the early part of the 18th century. They were brought back or sent back to England usually by the people who had commissioned them. From the beginning of the nineteenth century they were imported more commercially, although not in any significant numbers until the middle decades. They were very highly valued, especially the early ones, to the extent that the designs were copied on late 19th and early 20th century tins. The ancient art of Sadeli Mosaic is said to have been introduced from Shiraz in Persia via Sind to Bombay, a long time before the Anglo Indian boxes were made. It was a technique, which required a high degree of skill and patience. It was executed very lavishly, in that the frequent cuts wasted a great amount of the precious materials used. The workmanship was however more than commensurable to the value of the materials. Ivory, silver, pewter (or other metals), wood and horn were cut into faceted rods which were bound together to form geometric patterns. When the glue has set, the rods were sliced in transverse sections. This gave the maker a number of angled circular pieces in the original pattern. Several variations of patterns could be achieved by combining the materials in different ways. The ivory was sometimes dyed green to give an extra color. The mosaic pieces in a combination of patterns, often separated by ivory, ebony, horn or silver stringing were used to veneer sandalwood boxes. In the early boxes, which date from the turn of the 18th to the 19th century, there are large panels of mosaic covering tops and sides of boxes. It took incredible skill to cover such large areas without any shakes or wavering of the pattern. The corners and joins on these boxes are impeccably matched. The makers (reputed to be Persian) of Sadeli mosaic made in the first two decades of the 19th century displayed a total understanding of the qualities of the different materials they used. They combined substances, which can expand and contract according to atmospheric conditions with others, which are hard and unyielding. The result was a sharp definition of the lines and patterns, which made up the whole design. On the early boxes the designs look deceptively simple. The fact is, they emerged from a culture, which had mastered geometry and understood how to generate a pattern from a set number of points. The patterns are so harmoniously combined that their incredible complexity is not immediately apparent. The earliest Sadeli boxes...
Category

Late 19th Century Indian Anglo-Indian Antique Shell Boxes

Materials

Silver

French Ormolu Mother of Pearl Egg Shaped Enamel Perfume Bottles in Box
Located in Delft, NL
French 19th century Ormolu mother of pearl egg shaped perfume box on foot A beautiful egg shaped perfume bottle box, with interior of 2 perfume bottles wh...
Category

19th Century French Antique Shell Boxes

Materials

Ormolu

Folk Art Dowry Box, Lombok Indonesia, Cowrie, Painted Palm & Bamboo 1950’s Sasak
Located in London, GB
Sasak Dowry Box, Lombok Indonesia, Cowrie & Painted Palm 1950’s Handwoven and richly adorned, this 1950’s Sasak dowry box from Lombok, Indonesia, captures the ceremonial artistry of...
Category

1950s Indonesian Folk Art Vintage Shell Boxes

Materials

Other

Vintage Decorative Jewellery Case, Japanese, Lacquer, Box, Art Deco, Circa 1930
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an vintage decorative jewellery case. A Japanese, lacquer and Mother of Pearl lidded box in Art Deco taste, dating to the early 20th century, circa 1930. Appealing example o...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Art Deco Shell Boxes

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl, Wood, Lacquer

Talisa Jewelry Chest in Cream Shagreen, Black Pen Shell & Brass by R&Y Augousti
Located in New York, NY
The Paris based label has distinguished themselves since their launch, with their iconic use of shagreen mixed with brass and other exotic materials. All furniture is handcrafted by skilled artisans, ultimately making each piece unique, designed in Paris and produced in the Philippines. Talisa jewelry chest in cream shagreen, black pen shell and brass by R&Y Augousti is a stunning piece to store your personal items. This piece has 2 doors that open to 4 drawer compartments that have black velvet trays...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Art Deco Shell Boxes

Materials

Brass

Recently Viewed

View All