With a vast inventory of beautiful furniture at 1stDibs, we’ve got just the portrait snuff box you’re looking for. Each portrait snuff box for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using
metal,
enamel and
paper. Your living room may not be complete without a portrait snuff box — find older editions for sale from the 18th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 20th Century. A portrait snuff box made by
Victorian designers — as well as those associated with
Georgian — is very popular. You’ll likely find more than one portrait snuff box that is appealing in its simplicity, but
Jacques Joseph de Gault and
Horace Woodward & Co. Ltd. produced versions that are worth a look.
Prices for a portrait snuff box can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, they begin at $295 and can go as high as $14,500, while the average can fetch as much as $995.
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.
