$1,495
H 6 in W 9.5 in D 5 in
19th Century French Napoleon III Black Lacquer Liqueur Box with Bronze Inlay
Located in Fayetteville, AR
Made of palissander, this lovely Napoleon III period liqueur box is lacquered in black, a method
Lacquer, Mother-of-Pearl, Rosewood
Ming Dynasty Lacquer Box
Located in Camarate, PT
A round lacquer box with intricate mother-of-pearl inlays. The central part of the lid is decorated
Mother-of-Pearl, Lacquer
$9,800
H 4 in W 11 in D 15 in
Japanese Momoyama Period Black Lacquer and Mother of Pearl Box, 16th Century
Located in Austin, TX
A fine and unusual Japanese black lacquer and mother of pearl inlaid box, Momoyama Period, 16th
Lacquer, Abalone
Japanese Meiji Gilt Lacquer Writing Desk & Poem Box
Located in Chicago, IL
towards the sky, formed of raised lacquer (takamaki-e) and mother of pearl inlay (raden). Dark lacquer at
Mother-of-Pearl, Wood
Japanese Edo Period Igarashi School Long Lacquer Box, Tanzaku-Bako
Located in Austin, TX
A stunning Japanese Edo period lacquer tanzakubako, box for poem cards, late 18th-early 19th
Mother-of-Pearl, Lacquer
$1,050
H 29.5 in W 20 in D 14.75 in
19th Century English Victorian Papier-Mâché Sewing Table with Gilt Inlay
Located in Dallas, TX
iridescent mother-of-pearl inlay throughout. The box opens to reveal a lush blue velvet-lined interior, ideal
Mother-of-Pearl, Velvet, Wood, Paper
$1,675
H 6.75 in W 8.75 in D 11.75 in
Antique English Tunbridge Inlaid Walnut Rare Triple fold Jewelry Box Lap Desk
Located in CHARLESTON, SC
Superb and Rare Antique English Tunbridge Inlaid Walnut rare triple folding Jewelry Box and Lap
Walnut, Mother-of-Pearl, Velvet, Satinwood
$14,950
H 3.35 in W 14.93 in D 9.3 in
Fine Japanese Export Red Lacquer Box with Masonic Symbols, circa 1800
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A fine Japanese export red lacquer box with Masonic symbols Kyoto/Nagasaki, 1800-1820 Red
Gold
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.
The French sculptor shaped dense blocks into tactile forms meant to be used and held.
After synthetic dyes changed fashion, home goods and printed matter, it was only a matter of time till glass caught up.
The brilliantly simple design turns a modest bouquet into a major statement.
The Greek tragedian is said to have been handsome in his day.
Even for those who don’t indulge, elegant smoking accessories and audacious art portraying cigar enthusiasts hold a nostalgic allure.
It’s an excellent example of the sought-after ceramics coming out of South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province.
Thanks to its new leadership, the Spanish maker of figurines, busts and lighting is on a mission to update the art of porcelain for the 21st century.
The free-form stoneware piece is inspired by the magnolia tree and its associations with home.