Moser Casket Box
Antique Late 19th Century Czech Japonisme Decorative Boxes
Enamel
Antique Late 19th Century Czech Art Nouveau Jewelry Boxes
Brass
20th Century French Decorative Boxes
Art Glass
Early 20th Century Austrian Art Deco Decorative Boxes
Silver Plate
Antique 19th Century European Aesthetic Movement Decorative Boxes
Metal, Ormolu
Antique Mid-19th Century Jewelry Boxes
Bronze
Antique Mid-19th Century Jewelry Boxes
Brass, Enamel
Antique 19th Century Glass
Glass
Recent Sales
Antique 19th Century Jewelry Boxes
Bronze
20th Century Czech Bohemian Decorative Boxes
Cut Glass
Antique 19th Century Jewelry Boxes
Glass
Antique 19th Century Boxes
Glass
Vintage 1950s French Hollywood Regency Jewelry Boxes
Crystal, Metal, Brass
Antique Early 1900s French Empire Jewelry Boxes
Crystal, Metal, Brass
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1970s Old Masters Portrait Paintings
Oil, Canvas
2010s Unknown Jewelry Boxes
Malachite
Antique 1890s French Late Victorian Decorative Boxes
Malachite, Bronze
Antique Mid-19th Century English High Victorian Taxidermy
Other
Antique Early 19th Century English Regency Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
Bronze, Enamel
Antique 18th Century English Other Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
Agate, Gold
Antique 1890s Austrian Art Nouveau Vases
Earthenware
Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XV Musical Instruments
Wood, Giltwood
Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Jewelry Boxes
Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu
Antique Early 19th Century French Charles X Decorative Boxes
Bronze
18th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings
Canvas, Oil
Antique 16th Century Indian Jewelry Boxes
Silver
Antique 1820s Russian Decorative Boxes
Glass
Antique 1860s French Louis XVI Decorative Boxes
Bronze
Antique Mid-19th Century Decorative Boxes
Opaline Glass
Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Fireplaces and Mantels
Marble, Breccia Marble, Carrara Marble
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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