Wicker Elephant Box
Vintage 1940s Unknown Hollywood Regency Decorative Boxes
Wicker
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Animal Sculptures
Wicker
20th Century Folk Art Figurative Sculptures
Organic Material
Recent Sales
20th Century Chinese Folk Art Decorative Boxes
20th Century Chinese Arts and Crafts Decorative Boxes
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Animal Sculptures
Wicker
Vintage 1960s Chinese Animal Sculptures
20th Century Chinese Arts and Crafts Decorative Boxes
20th Century Chinese Folk Art Decorative Boxes
20th Century Chinese Organic Modern Decorative Boxes
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Antique Early 1900s American Romantic Prints
Paper
Vintage 1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Taxidermy
Glass, Wood
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso
Antique 16th Century French Renaissance Figurative Sculptures
Oak
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Books
Paper
Late 20th Century American Post-Modern Sculptures and Carvings
Bronze
Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Table Lamps
Alabaster, Bronze
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Mexican Antiquities
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Vintage 1970s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Benches
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Antique 1880s American American Empire Paintings
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Vintage 1960s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Doors and Gates
Plywood, Plexiglass
Vintage 1940s Chinese Chinese Export Animal Sculptures
Sterling Silver, Enamel
Mid-20th Century Japanese Toys and Dolls
Porcelain, Fabric, Silk
Antique Late 19th Century English Renaissance Revival Side Tables
Oak
Vintage 1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes
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Early 20th Century German Black Forest Animal Sculptures
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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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