Moser Casket Box
Antique Late 19th Century Czech Japonisme Decorative Boxes
Enamel
Antique Late 19th Century Czech Art Nouveau Jewelry Boxes
Brass
Early 20th Century Austrian Art Deco Decorative Boxes
Silver Plate
Antique 19th Century Jewelry Boxes
Bronze
Antique 19th Century Glass
Glass
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17th Century Old Masters Paintings
Oil
Antique 1890s French Late Victorian Decorative Boxes
Malachite, Bronze
Antique 1890s French Louis XVI Decorative Boxes
Crystal, Bronze
Antique Late 19th Century English Neoclassical Decorative Boxes
Ormolu
20th Century French Neoclassical Decorative Boxes
Crystal, Bronze, Ormolu
Late 20th Century French Neoclassical Decorative Boxes
Porcelain
Vintage 1940s British Art Deco Vanities
Mahogany
Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Decorative Boxes
Bronze
Antique Late 19th Century Chinese Beds and Bed Frames
Lacquer, Wood
Antique 1890s Japanese Meiji Metalwork
Brass, Copper, Enamel
Antique Early 1900s European Victorian Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver, Enamel
20th Century French Regency Decorative Boxes
Crystal, Bronze
Antique Late 19th Century Czech Bohemian Glass
Cut Glass
Antique 17th Century Italian Baroque Bookcases
Spruce
Antique Early 1900s French Victorian Decorative Boxes
Blown Glass
Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Jewelry Boxes
Bronze
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Antique 19th Century Glass
Glass
Vintage 1930s German Art Deco Sterling Silver
Enamel, Sterling Silver
20th Century Czech Bohemian Decorative Boxes
Cut Glass
Antique 19th Century Jewelry Boxes
Glass
Vintage 1950s French Hollywood Regency Jewelry Boxes
Crystal, Metal, Brass
Antique Early 1900s French Empire Jewelry Boxes
Crystal, Metal, Brass
Antique Late 19th Century Decorative Boxes
Bronze
Vintage 1950s French Hollywood Regency Barware
Crystal, Metal, Brass
Antique 19th Century Boxes
Glass
Antique Late 19th Century German Biedermeier Decorative Boxes
Glass
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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