Wicker Elephant Box
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Animal Sculptures
Wicker
Vintage 1940s Hollywood Regency Decorative Boxes
Wicker
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21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and...
Brass
2010s South African Minimalist Pedestals
Hardwood
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Candlesticks
Ceramic
21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights an...
Metal
2010s American Modern Dining Room Chairs
Bouclé, Oak
21st Century and Contemporary Australian Victorian Games
Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Wall Mirrors
Lacquer, Natural Fiber, Mirror
Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Corner Cupboards
Brass
20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Decorative Boxes
Wicker
Antique Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Bird Cages
Iron
Mid-20th Century French Daybeds
Bouclé, Wood, Rope
Early 20th Century Italian Rococo Bird Cages
Metal
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Boxes
Wicker, Wood
20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Animal Sculptures
Wicker
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Animal Sculptures
Wicker
20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Decorative Boxes
Wicker
Recent Sales
20th Century Chinese Folk Art Decorative Boxes
20th Century Chinese Arts and Crafts Decorative Boxes
Vintage 1960s Chinese Animal Sculptures
20th Century Chinese Arts and Crafts Decorative Boxes
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Animal Sculptures
Wicker
20th Century Chinese Folk Art Decorative Boxes
20th Century Chinese Organic Modern Decorative Boxes
Mid-20th Century Macanese Chinese Export Ceramics
Porcelain
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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