Guilloche Trinket Box
Antique Late 19th Century Russian Belle Époque Decorative Boxes
Jade
Antique Late 19th Century French Belle Époque Decorative Boxes
Bronze
20th Century European Late Victorian Decorative Boxes
Silver, Enamel
Recent Sales
20th Century English Art Deco Jewelry Boxes
Silver, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Vintage 1910s British Edwardian Enamel Frames and Objects
Enamel
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Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vanities
Metal
2010s Brazilian Swivel Chairs
Straw
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Decorative Boxes
Brass
Antique 1890s English Victorian Sheffield and Silverplate
Silver Plate
Antique Late 19th Century Rococo Decorative Boxes
Sterling Silver
Antique Late 19th Century American Art Nouveau Bottles
Sterling Silver
Antique 19th Century French Jewelry Boxes
Ormolu
Antique 19th Century Unknown Other Sheffield and Silverplate
Silver Plate
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Blown Glass
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Bedroom Sets
Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Cabinets
Brass
Antique Late 19th Century English Late Victorian Decorative Boxes
Mahogany
Antique 19th Century Belgian Gothic Revival Balustrades and Fixtures
Oak
Antique Late 19th Century European Decorative Art
Wood, Bone
21st Century and Contemporary Wall Lights and Sconces
Rock Crystal
Antique 19th Century Japanese Meiji Tapestries
Silk, Glass, Wood
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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