Maitland Smith Casket
Late 20th Century Jewelry Boxes
Wood
Recent Sales
Late 20th Century Decorative Boxes
Leather, Hardwood
Late 20th Century Decorative Boxes
Stone, Marble
Late 20th Century Decorative Boxes
Wood
Late 20th Century North American Modern Decorative Boxes
Bone, Wood
Vintage 1980s Unknown Chinoiserie Decorative Boxes
Stone, Bronze
Vintage 1980s Philippine Hollywood Regency Jewelry Boxes
Goatskin
Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Jewelry Boxes
Stone
People Also Browsed
Vintage 1910s German Art Nouveau Toys and Dolls
Glass
Antique Early 1900s Georgian Dining Room Chairs
Wood
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Brass
Antique Early 19th Century British George IV Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Brass
Mid-20th Century English Dinner Plates
Gold
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Metal
2010s Philippine Louis XV Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Walnut
Antique 19th Century American Beds and Bed Frames
Silk, Mahogany, Oak, Walnut
Antique Early 19th Century English Chinoiserie Pitchers
Ironstone
Antique 19th Century American Beds and Bed Frames
Silk, Wood
Antique 19th Century Chinese Chinese Export Cabinets
Bronze
Antique Late 19th Century English Chinoiserie Ceramics
Ironstone
Antique Mid-18th Century English Georgian Tea Caddies
Mahogany
Antique 17th Century Dutch Delft and Faience
Earthenware
Early 20th Century English Georgian Lanterns
Brass
2010s Philippine Modern Dressers
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.