Modernist Trinket Box
Late 20th Century American Organic Modern Decorative Boxes
Burl
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes
Alabaster
Mid-20th Century Decorative Boxes
Onyx
20th Century Israeli Meiji Decorative Boxes
Sterling Silver
Vintage 1960s Italian Modern Decorative Boxes
Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass
Late 20th Century Modern Decorative Boxes
Acrylic, Lucite
Vintage 1940s American Folk Art Aviation Objects
Wood
Mid-20th Century Folk Art Outsider and Self Taught Art
Tin
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Candlesticks
Metal
People Also Browsed
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Brass, Bronze, Enamel, Nickel
Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Jewelry Boxes
Ormolu
Vintage 1970s Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Boxes
Brass
Vintage 1980s Unknown Decorative Boxes
Burl
Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Jewelry Boxes
Brass
20th Century Anglo-Indian Decorative Boxes
Brass
Early 20th Century French Other Jewelry Boxes
Glass
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes
Bone, Wood
2010s Italian Decorative Bowls
Porcelain
Vintage 1920s Danish Decorative Boxes
Metal
Early 20th Century European Art Deco Cabinets
Birdseye Maple, Oak
20th Century Indian Moorish Decorative Boxes
Wood
20th Century English Anglo-Indian Decorative Boxes
Ivory, Wood
Late 20th Century French Louis XIV Decorative Boxes
Porcelain
Early 20th Century Italian Art Deco Night Stands
Walnut, Burl
Vintage 1950s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Cigar Boxes and Humidors
Malachite, Brass
Recent Sales
Vintage 1920s American Art Deco Cigar Boxes and Humidors
Silver Plate
Late 20th Century Japanese Boxes
Cedar
Vintage 1910s British Other Decorative Boxes
Sterling Silver, Gilt Metal
Mid-20th Century Mexican Mid-Century Modern Jewelry Boxes
Granadillo, Mahogany, Rosewood, Cocobolo
Vintage 1980s French Contemporary Choker Necklaces
Vintage 1960s Philippine Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes
Brass
Mid-20th Century Indian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes
Marble
Vintage 1960s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Jewelry Boxes
Malachite, Brass, Copper
Vintage 1950s American Hollywood Regency Jewelry Boxes
Metal
Mid-20th Century German Art Deco Jewelry Boxes
Silver Plate
Mid-20th Century American American Craftsman Jewelry Boxes
Walnut
Late 20th Century Mexican Brutalist Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
Lapis Lazuli, Stone, Brass, Metal
Mid-20th Century Art Deco Collectible Jewelry
Enamel, Chrome
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Jewelry Boxes
Mahogany, Maple
Early 20th Century Chinese Decorative Boxes
Silver
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes
Brass, Metal
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes
Brass, Metal
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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