Shagreen Tea Caddy
Antique 1880s English Tea Caddies
Silver
Antique Mid-19th Century French Tea Caddies
Silver
Antique Mid-18th Century English George III Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver
Recent Sales
Antique 19th Century British George III Tea Caddies
Silver Plate
Antique 19th Century French Tea Caddies
Silver
Antique 1890s English Late Victorian Tea Sets
Silver
20th Century Tea Caddies
Antique 19th Century Japanese Tea Caddies
Burl, Shagreen
Antique 18th Century British George II Tea Caddies
Silver
Antique 18th Century and Earlier British Boxes
Metal
People Also Browsed
21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Textile
Antique Late 19th Century European Moorish Architectural Elements
Wrought Iron
Early 20th Century British Art Deco Tobacco Accessories
Shagreen
Antique Late 18th Century English George III Tea Caddies
Silver
Antique Late 18th Century English George III Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver
Antique 19th Century English Chinese Chippendale Vitrines
Glass, Mahogany
Antique Late 18th Century English George III Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese George II Dry Bars
Wood
Antique 1780s English George III Tea Caddies
Ebony, Kingwood, Harewood, Holly, Burl
Antique Early 1800s English George III Tea Caddies
Satinwood, Tulipwood, Yew
Early 20th Century French Sterling Silver
Silver
Antique Early 1800s English George III Tea Caddies
Silver
Antique 1790s English George III Tea Sets
Silver, Sterling Silver
Antique 1870s English Tea Caddies
Silver
Antique Early 1800s European Georgian Tea Caddies
Wood
Antique Late 18th Century British George III Tea Caddies
Brass
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.
Read More
Kazuyo Sejima’s Flowering Tree Blooms Year-Round
The brilliantly simple design turns a modest bouquet into a major statement.
He Wrote ‘Oedipus Rex,’ but Do You Know What He Looked Like?
The Greek tragedian is said to have been handsome in his day.
Cigar Culture Was Once the Peak of Masculinity. Now, It’s a Compelling Curiosity
Even for those who don’t indulge, elegant smoking accessories and audacious art portraying cigar enthusiasts hold a nostalgic allure.
African Travel Plans on Hold? This Ardmore Leopard Vase Brings the Beauty of the Savanna to You
It’s an excellent example of the sought-after ceramics coming out of South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province.
With a High-Tech Flagship and Cool Collabs, Lladró Is Breaking the Mold for Porcelain Production
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.
Zoë Powell’s Magnolia 05 Vessel Is Handmade from Clay She Unearthed Herself
The free-form stoneware piece is inspired by the magnolia tree and its associations with home.
8 Ways to Breathe New Life into a Space with Plants
The pair behind the Instagram account @houseplantclub share their tips for making any room of the house gloriously green.
Paris Gallerist Sandy Toupenet Gets Fired Up over 20th-Century Ceramics and Inventive New Makers
Her space on the city’s Left Bank mixes mid-century pieces by the likes of Jean Cocteau and Pablo Picasso with whimsical contemporary creations.