Tortoise Shell Cigarette
Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
Metal
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Cigar Boxes and Humidors
Sterling Silver
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Antique Early 1900s English Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
Tortoise Shell
Antique 19th Century British Boxes
Brass
Antique Late 19th Century French Victorian Vanity Items
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Vintage 1950s French Cabinets
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2010s Argentine Modern Bookends
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Mid-20th Century French Louis XVI Night Stands
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Antique Late 17th Century Belgian Baroque Tapestries
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Mid-20th Century English Regency Wall Mirrors
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Antique 19th Century Dutch Rococo Revival Commodes and Chests of Drawers
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2010s Argentine Organic Modern Barware
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Vintage 1980s French Post-Modern Porcelain
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Antique 1890s English Victorian Inkwells
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Vintage 1930s English Art Deco Decorative Boxes
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Mid-20th Century Italian Decorative Bowls
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Vintage 1970s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
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Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
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Antique Early 19th Century English Country Benches
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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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