Jade Casket
Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export More Asian Art, Objects and Fur...
Recent Sales
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Boxes
Jade, Bronze
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Boxes
Jade, Silver, Enamel
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes
Opaline Glass
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Antique Mid-19th Century Scientific Instruments
Brass
2010s Italian Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
Stained Glass, Wood
Vintage 1920s Austrian Sculptures and Carvings
Fruitwood
Antique 16th Century Spanish Renaissance Architectural Elements
Pine
Antique Late 19th Century Italian Renaissance Revival Busts
Carrara Marble
Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Industrial Models and Miniatures
Plaster
21st Century and Contemporary American Art Nouveau Chandeliers and Pendants
Art Glass
21st Century and Contemporary American Art Nouveau Chandeliers and Pendants
Brass
Early 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sideboards
Glass, Parchment Paper
Antique Early 19th Century English Gothic Revival Historical Memorabilia
Wrought Iron
Early 20th Century American Victorian Models and Miniatures
Brass
Antique Mid-19th Century English High Victorian Taxidermy
Other
Antique 1720s Spanish Baroque Beds and Bed Frames
Giltwood, Paint
Early 20th Century Industrial More Furniture and Collectibles
Wood
Antique Late 19th Century American Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
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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