Tin Charity Box
Early 20th Century Dutch Decorative Boxes
Metal
Mid-20th Century Historical Memorabilia
Metal
Mid-20th Century Israeli Decorative Boxes
Metal
Early 20th Century Austrian Religious Items
Wood
People Also Browsed
Antique 19th Century Belgian Gothic Revival Architectural Elements
Art Glass, Stained Glass
20th Century Religious Items
Silver
Mid-20th Century English Art Deco Decorative Boxes
Walnut
Mid-20th Century Italian Game Tables
Wood
Early 20th Century Dutch Industrial Decorative Boxes
Tin
Vintage 1950s Belgian Mid-Century Modern Ceramics
Plaster
Vintage 1920s French Art Nouveau Glass
Art Glass
Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vases
Ceramic
Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Toys and Dolls
Iron
Late 20th Century Decorative Boxes
Brass
Vintage 1970s American Folk Art Toys
Iron
Antique Mid-19th Century Algerian Tribal Art
Silver
Mid-20th Century American Impressionist Figurative Sculptures
Bronze
21st Century and Contemporary Israeli Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver
1650s Baroque Landscape Prints
Engraving
Antique 19th Century Italian Jewelry Boxes
Wood
Recent Sales
Early 20th Century Israeli Decorative Boxes
Metal
Mid-20th Century English Decorative Boxes
Metal
Early 20th Century German Decorative Boxes
Metal
Vintage 1940s Israeli Decorative Boxes
Metal
Mid-20th Century Israeli Decorative Boxes
Metal
Mid-20th Century Israeli Decorative Boxes
Metal
Vintage 1940s English Decorative Boxes
Metal
Vintage 1930s Israeli Decorative Boxes
Metal
Mid-20th Century Israeli Decorative Boxes
Metal
Vintage 1930s Hungarian Decorative Boxes
Metal
Early 20th Century Israeli Decorative Boxes
Metal
Vintage 1940s American More Lighting
Tin
Antique 17th Century Italian Tea Caddies
Mother-of-Pearl, Walnut
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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