Pietre Dure Casket
Antique 19th Century European Greco Roman Decorative Boxes
Stone, Bronze
Recent Sales
Antique 19th Century European Other Decorative Boxes
Stone, Gold Plate, Bronze
Antique 19th Century Neoclassical Decorative Boxes
Stone, Marble
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Antique 15th Century and Earlier Uruguayan Natural Specimens
Amethyst, Quartz
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Uruguayan Natural Specimens
Amethyst, Quartz
Early 20th Century Art Deco Nude Sculptures
Bronze
Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Fireplaces and Mantels
Marble, Breccia Marble, Carrara Marble
Antique 19th Century British Victorian Decorative Boxes
Silver
Antique 1760s English George III Dining Room Chairs
Hardwood
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Chinese Natural Specimens
Stone, Multi-gemstone
Early 20th Century French Other Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
Multi-gemstone, Gold, Enamel
Antique Late 19th Century Russian Belle Époque Decorative Boxes
Jade
Antique 1860s English Chinese Chippendale Mantel Clocks
Giltwood
Early 20th Century French Louis XV Planters, Cachepots and Jardinières
Ormolu, Bronze, Enamel
Antique 19th Century French Barware
Bronze
Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Doors and Gates
Glass, Art Glass, Wood
Antique 16th Century Japanese Decorative Boxes
Mother-of-Pearl, Wood
Early 20th Century French Classical Greek Centerpieces
Bronze
Antique 19th Century English Table Clocks and Desk Clocks
Brass, Ormolu
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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