Malabar Box
Mid-20th Century Indian Agra Decorative Boxes
Brass
Antique 18th Century Indian Islamic Jewelry Boxes
Brass
Antique 1890s Indian Agra Decorative Boxes
Brass
Recent Sales
Antique 1870s Decorative Boxes
Other
Antique 19th Century Indian Jewelry Boxes
Brass
Antique Late 19th Century Indian Anglo-Indian Jewelry Boxes
Brass
Antique Mid-19th Century Indian Anglo-Indian Jewelry Boxes
Wood
Antique Mid-19th Century Indian Lacquer
Wood
Mid-20th Century Indian Anglo-Indian Decorative Boxes
Brass
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Antique Mid-19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Benches
Maple
Early 20th Century Dutch Arts and Crafts Wall Clocks
Brass
Early 20th Century Moroccan Moorish Tapestries
Silk
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Blown Glass
Antique Mid-19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Serving Bowls
Wood
Antique 1880s American Victorian Doors and Gates
Brass
Antique Late 19th Century French Empire Revival Console Tables
Marble
Vintage 1950s American Daybeds
Wicker, Rattan
20th Century Korean Campaign Furniture
Brass
Antique Late 19th Century French French Provincial Bookcases
Brass, Iron
Antique Late 19th Century American American Empire Bookcases
Glass, Mahogany
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures
Bronze, Copper
Vintage 1960s French Daybeds
Elm
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Boxes
Silver
Mid-20th Century Chinese Art Deco Chinese and East Asian Rugs
Wool
20th Century French Country Bookcases
Iron
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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