Skip to main content

Mithé Espelt Decorative Boxes

French, 1923-2020

Marie-Thérèse Espelt, known better as Mithé Espelt, was a dominant force in mid-20th-century ceramics in France. Mithé is remembered for her modern ceramic wall mirrors, gilded and enameled ashtrays and other ornate objects and boxes, often featuring birds and lively colors. She preferred not to sign her pieces and, as a consequence, much of her work has been misattributed, including to French ceramist François Lembo.

Mithé grew up in the Camargue region of France. Her father’s extensive network included 1904 Nobel Prize winner Frédéric Mistral and Parisian painter and decorator Jean Hugo. Mithé’s early introduction to a community of artists inspired her to study sculpture and drawing at the Beaux-Arts School in Montpellier in 1939. 

Mithé’s early work caught the attention of French ceramist Emilie Decanis and jewelry distributor Charles Démery. Mithé set up a ceramics workshop in the Hôtel de Bernis in Lunel, where she quickly garnered a reputation for her ceramic work and accessories, including mirrors, jewelry boxes and buttons. Démery founded the Souleiado boutique, which began distributing Mithé’s work, thus attracting a worldwide audience.

French author Antoine Candau wrote a retrospective book on Mithé’s career titled Mithé Espelt, the Discreet Luxury of the Every Day, which contributed to bringing her legacy to the forefront while shedding light on her anonymity. While Mithé was respected within her inner circle, the general public is only now beginning to understand the immense talent behind her over five-decade-long career.

Find Mithé Espelt mirrors, decorative objects, wall decorations and more for sale on 1stDibs.

to
13
13
11
2
6
2
6
13
8
1
1
1
7
1
13
13
Height
to
Width
to
13
13
13
46
171
104
67
60
Creator: Mithé Espelt
A square ceramic box, by Mithé Espelt. France, 1970
A square ceramic box, by Mithé Espelt. France, 1970

A square ceramic box, by Mithé Espelt. France, 1970

By Mithé Espelt

Located in Paris, Ile-de-France

Square ceramic lid box, model " Jupiter" by Mithé Espelt Embossed and glazed earthenware in green and crackle gold. Black painted wood box, Green felt lining. Including 23 patche...

Category

1970s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mithé Espelt Decorative Boxes

Materials

Ceramic, Felt, Glass, Wood

Ceramic Jewelry Box by Mithé Espelt, France, 1960s
Ceramic Jewelry Box by Mithé Espelt, France, 1960s

Ceramic Jewelry Box by Mithé Espelt, France, 1960s

By Mithé Espelt

Located in Paris, FR

Ceramic jewelry box by Mithé Espelt, France, 1960s Stamped clay, enamels in shades of green, gold, blackened wood box Date of creation: around 1955-1960 Bibliography: " Mithé Espelt,...

Category

1960s French Vintage Mithé Espelt Decorative Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

Mithe Espelt Ceramic and Fused Glass Jewelry Box France c 1968
Mithe Espelt Ceramic and Fused Glass Jewelry Box France c 1968

Mithe Espelt Ceramic and Fused Glass Jewelry Box France c 1968

By Mithé Espelt

Located in Chicago, IL

Ceramic Jewelry Box by Mithé Espelt, France, 1960s Ceramic enamels in shades of green gold with fused glass with iconic blackened wood box. Literature: Mithé Espelt, le luxe discret...

Category

1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mithé Espelt Decorative Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

Mithé Espelt Square Ceramic Box
Mithé Espelt Square Ceramic Box

Mithé Espelt Square Ceramic Box

By Mithé Espelt

Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF

Decorative square box by Mithé Espelt, stained wood box covered with a ceramic lid showing a single white and blue flower framed with gold glaze....

Category

1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mithé Espelt Decorative Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

Mid Century Gold and Blue Ceramic Box with Birds by Mithé Espelt
Mid Century Gold and Blue Ceramic Box with Birds by Mithé Espelt

Mid Century Gold and Blue Ceramic Box with Birds by Mithé Espelt

By Mithé Espelt

Located in Toronto, ON

An exceptional mid century glazed ceramic box with liquid gold border and blue & white birds by famed artist, Mithé Espelt. The box lid is ceramic with a blackened wood base. Born in...

Category

Mid-20th Century French Mithé Espelt Decorative Boxes

Materials

Ceramic, Wood

Mithé Espelt Glazed Ceramic and Wood Box with Stylized Floral Motif
Mithé Espelt Glazed Ceramic and Wood Box with Stylized Floral Motif

Mithé Espelt Glazed Ceramic and Wood Box with Stylized Floral Motif

By Mithé Espelt

Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF

Elegant decorative box designed by Mithé Espelt, France, circa 1960s. The piece features a hand-glazed ceramic lid resting on a simple stained wood base, exemplifying Espelt’s distin...

Category

1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mithé Espelt Decorative Boxes

Materials

Ceramic, Wood

Mithé Espelt Glazed Ceramic and Wood Box with Repeating Floral Pattern
Mithé Espelt Glazed Ceramic and Wood Box with Repeating Floral Pattern

Mithé Espelt Glazed Ceramic and Wood Box with Repeating Floral Pattern

By Mithé Espelt

Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF

Decorative lidded box designed by Mithé Espelt, France, circa 1960s. This example features a hand-glazed ceramic lid mounted on a minimalist stained wood base, showcasing Espelt’s re...

Category

1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mithé Espelt Decorative Boxes

Materials

Ceramic, Wood

Mid Century Pink and Purple Ceramic Box with Flowers by Mithé Espelt
Mid Century Pink and Purple Ceramic Box with Flowers by Mithé Espelt

Mid Century Pink and Purple Ceramic Box with Flowers by Mithé Espelt

By Mithé Espelt

Located in Toronto, ON

An exceptional mid century glazed ceramic box with purple and pink with flowers by famed artist, Mithé Espelt. The box lid is ceramic with a blackened wood base. Born in 1923, Mithé ...

Category

Mid-20th Century French Mithé Espelt Decorative Boxes

Materials

Ceramic, Wood

Mid Century Vivid Blue Ceramic Box with Golden Sun by Mithé Espelt
Mid Century Vivid Blue Ceramic Box with Golden Sun by Mithé Espelt

Mid Century Vivid Blue Ceramic Box with Golden Sun by Mithé Espelt

By Mithé Espelt

Located in Toronto, ON

An exceptional large mid century vivd blue glazed ceramic box with golden sun by famed artist, Mithé Espelt. The box lid is ceramic with a blackened wood base. Born in 1923, Mithé Es...

Category

Mid-20th Century French Mithé Espelt Decorative Boxes

Materials

Ceramic, Wood

Mid Century Gold and Purple Ceramic Box with Flower by Mithé Espelt
Mid Century Gold and Purple Ceramic Box with Flower by Mithé Espelt

Mid Century Gold and Purple Ceramic Box with Flower by Mithé Espelt

By Mithé Espelt

Located in Toronto, ON

An exceptional mid century glazed ceramic box with liquid gold border and purple flower by famed artist, Mithé Espelt. The box lid is ceramic with a blackened wood base. Born in 1923...

Category

Mid-20th Century French Mithé Espelt Decorative Boxes

Materials

Ceramic, Wood

Embossed Ceramic Box, Model "Flowers" by Mithé Espelt, France, 1970
Embossed Ceramic Box, Model "Flowers" by Mithé Espelt, France, 1970

Embossed Ceramic Box, Model "Flowers" by Mithé Espelt, France, 1970

By Mithé Espelt

Located in Paris, Ile-de-France

A rectangular chest with three flowers glazed in green, blue and white. Crackled gold frame. Wooden base with green felt at the back. France, Circa 1970 Dimensions : Height ...

Category

1970s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mithé Espelt Decorative Boxes

Materials

Earthenware

Ceramic Jewelry Box by Mithé Espelt, France, 1960s
Ceramic Jewelry Box by Mithé Espelt, France, 1960s

Ceramic Jewelry Box by Mithé Espelt, France, 1960s

By Mithé Espelt

Located in Paris, FR

Ceramic jewelry box by Mithé Espelt, France, 1960s Stamped clay, enamels in shades of green, gold, blackened wood box Date of creation: around 1955-1960 Bibliography: " Mithé Espelt,...

Category

1960s French Vintage Mithé Espelt Decorative Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

Mid Century Pink and Blue Ceramic Box with Birds by Mithé Espelt
Mid Century Pink and Blue Ceramic Box with Birds by Mithé Espelt

Mid Century Pink and Blue Ceramic Box with Birds by Mithé Espelt

By Mithé Espelt

Located in Toronto, ON

An exceptional mid century glazed ceramic box with blue border and lavender & pink birds by famed artist, Mithé Espelt. The box lid is ceramic with a blackened wood base. Born in 192...

Category

Mid-20th Century French Mithé Espelt Decorative Boxes

Materials

Ceramic, Wood

Related Items
Italian Ceramic Box
Italian Ceramic Box

Italian Ceramic Box

$375

H 2.5 in W 6 in D 4.5 in

Italian Ceramic Box

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Beautiful Italian ceramic box with blue and green coloring. Marked Italy on underside. Great stash box and tabletop object.  

Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mithé Espelt Decorative Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

"Fantastical Bird, " Mid Century Box by Ottaviani in Silver, Enamel and Rosewood
"Fantastical Bird, " Mid Century Box by Ottaviani in Silver, Enamel and Rosewood

"Fantastical Bird, " Mid Century Box by Ottaviani in Silver, Enamel and Rosewood

By Ottaviani

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Beautifully crafted of hammered silver -- now with a soft, old silver patina -- enamel and rosewood, this exceptional decorative box depicts a wildly imaginative crane-like bird with...

Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mithé Espelt Decorative Boxes

Materials

Silver

Mid Century Jewelry Box Hand Carved Wood Boob 1960s
Mid Century Jewelry Box Hand Carved Wood Boob 1960s

Mid Century Jewelry Box Hand Carved Wood Boob 1960s

By Dean Santner

Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA

This is a beautiful hand carved wood jewelry box in the style of Dean Santner. The boob shaped box twists open easily to reveal a compartment w...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mithé Espelt Decorative Boxes

Materials

Wood

1960s Vintage Italian Florentine Jewelry Box Chest
1960s Vintage Italian Florentine Jewelry Box Chest

1960s Vintage Italian Florentine Jewelry Box Chest

Located in Chula Vista, CA

AMBIANIC presents Very Vintage Italian Florentine Jewelry Box red and gold Florentine 7.5w x 4d x 4.5t fading present unrestored vintage missing...

Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mithé Espelt Decorative Boxes

Materials

Gold

Mid Century Italian Ceramic Box
Mid Century Italian Ceramic Box

Mid Century Italian Ceramic Box

$304Sale Price|20% Off

H 2.76 in W 7.09 in D 6.7 in

Mid Century Italian Ceramic Box

Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Mid century Italian ceramic box Crab design on its lid Circa 1950 Origin Italy Mid-Century Color Green and red no visible signature.

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Mithé Espelt Decorative Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

Decorative metal box, France, 1970
Decorative metal box, France, 1970

Decorative metal box, France, 1970

$529

H 1.58 in W 4.93 in D 3.55 in

Decorative metal box, France, 1970

Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR

A French decorative box from the 1970s, made of metal, both functional and ornamental. Its balanced and well-proportioned shape reflects the elegant, utilitarian design characteristic of decorative objects from this period. The metal surface has a natural patina, with slight signs of age that enhance its authenticity and vintage charm. Depending on the lighting, the metal reveals subtle reflections, adding depth and character to the object. Versatile, this box can be used as a catch-all, storage box, or purely decorative object. It integrates perfectly into a vintage, industrial, or contemporary interior, adding a graphic and timeless touch. Key features: Decorative metal box Made in France 1970s Functional and minimalist design Original patina Decorative and storage item Keywords: vintage metal box...

Category

1970s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mithé Espelt Decorative Boxes

Materials

Metal

Ormolu and Glass Souvenir Trinket Jewelry Box, Lyon France, circa 1900s
Ormolu and Glass Souvenir Trinket Jewelry Box, Lyon France, circa 1900s

Ormolu and Glass Souvenir Trinket Jewelry Box, Lyon France, circa 1900s

Located in Nuernberg, DE

Antique French Églomisé Casket - Souvenir from Lyon, circa 1900 A charming French antique casket from circa 1900 with gilt brass fittings and clear glass panels. The hinged lid feat...

Category

Early 1900s French Belle Époque Antique Mithé Espelt Decorative Boxes

Materials

Crystal, Ormolu

Coral Marble Square Tissue Box
Coral Marble Square Tissue Box

Coral Marble Square Tissue Box

$230 / item

H 5.52 in W 5.32 in D 5.32 in

Coral Marble Square Tissue Box

Located in Prague, Czech Republic.

Crafted entirely by hand, this marble tissue box cover is a fusion of form and function, seamlessly blending into any space while adding sophistication and elegance. Clean, minimalis...

Category

2010s European Mithé Espelt Decorative Boxes

Materials

Marble

Mithé Espelt Ceramic Jewelry Box, Mid-Century Modern, France, 1950s
Mithé Espelt Ceramic Jewelry Box, Mid-Century Modern, France, 1950s

Mithé Espelt Ceramic Jewelry Box, Mid-Century Modern, France, 1950s

By Mithé Espelt

Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR

Mid-Century Ceramic Jewelry Box by Mithé Espelt — Lunel, France, 1950s. A stunning mid-century ceramic jewelry box crafted by renowned French artist Mithé Espelt in Lunel, France, d...

Category

1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mithé Espelt Decorative Boxes

Materials

Ceramic, Wood

1960s French Ornate Inlaid Jewelry Box
1960s French Ornate Inlaid Jewelry Box

1960s French Ornate Inlaid Jewelry Box

$395

H 5.5 in W 8.6 in D 6.4 in

1960s French Ornate Inlaid Jewelry Box

Located in High Point, NC

A charming 1960s French jewelry box richly decorated with hand-applied shell inlay. The rectangular form is entirely encrusted with a carefully arranged composition of scallop shells...

Category

1960s French Vintage Mithé Espelt Decorative Boxes

Materials

Shell, Velvet, Wood

French Porcelain Jewelry Box
French Porcelain Jewelry Box

French Porcelain Jewelry Box

$437Sale Price|30% Off

H 2.75 in W 6.5 in D 4.13 in

French Porcelain Jewelry Box

By Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres

Located in New York, NY

A French porcelain jewelry box, styled after Sèvres porcelain, in the Regency design style, circa late-19th century to early-20th century, France. Boxes' lid features outdoor nature scene with couple and dog surrounded by hand-painted gold detail i the Regency design style. Gold hand-painted detail featured on lid, front, sides and back of box. Great as a standalone piece or to hold jewelry (demonstrated) or other items on a desk, vanity, dresser, etc. Marked on underside as shown in last image, 'Made in France', 'Hand Decorated'. Box is a nice size. Dimensions: 2.75" Height x 4.13" Depth x 6.5" Width. Jewelry and other items shown available separately, search 1stDibs ref. #: For Italian Ginori box search 1stDibs ref. #: LU1314243501722 Cartier coffee...

Category

Early 20th Century French Regency Mithé Espelt Decorative Boxes

Materials

Porcelain

Previously Available Items
White and Pink Fowers Ceramic Box by Mithé Espelt
White and Pink Fowers Ceramic Box by Mithé Espelt

White and Pink Fowers Ceramic Box by Mithé Espelt

Sold

H 2.76 in W 10.63 in D 3.94 in

White and Pink Fowers Ceramic Box by Mithé Espelt

By Mithé Espelt

Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF

Rectangular wooden box topped with a ceramic lid by Mithé Espelt. The ceramic showcases a cream glaze background and flower motifs in molten pink glass with crackled gold lining. Bi...

Category

1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mithé Espelt Decorative Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

Mithé Espelt Jewelry Box, Enameled Clay, Floral Design, France, 1970
Mithé Espelt Jewelry Box, Enameled Clay, Floral Design, France, 1970

Mithé Espelt Jewelry Box, Enameled Clay, Floral Design, France, 1970

By Mithé Espelt

Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR

A beautiful square jewelry box by the renowned ceramicist Mithé Espelt. Its lid is made of cream-glazed stamped earthenware, decorated with a floral design featuring a crackled gold ...

Category

1970s French Vintage Mithé Espelt Decorative Boxes

Materials

Clay

Mithé Espelt boxe
Mithé Espelt boxe

Mithé Espelt boxe

Sold

H 2.56 in W 10.63 in D 3.75 in

Mithé Espelt boxe

By Mithé Espelt

Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR

Boite par Mithé Espelt décor de trois oiseaux.

Category

1970s French Modern Vintage Mithé Espelt Decorative Boxes

Materials

Ceramic, Wood

Ceramic Jewelry Box by Mithé Espelt, France, 1960s
Ceramic Jewelry Box by Mithé Espelt, France, 1960s

Ceramic Jewelry Box by Mithé Espelt, France, 1960s

By Mithé Espelt

Located in Paris, FR

Ceramic jewelry box by Mithé Espelt, France, 1960s Stamped clay, enamels in shades of green, gold, blackened wood box Date of creation: around 1955-1960 Bibliography: " Mithé Espelt,...

Category

1960s French Vintage Mithé Espelt Decorative Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

Peacock Ceramic Box by Mithé Espelt
Peacock Ceramic Box by Mithé Espelt

Peacock Ceramic Box by Mithé Espelt

Sold

H 2.76 in W 10.63 in D 3.94 in

Peacock Ceramic Box by Mithé Espelt

By Mithé Espelt

Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF

Rectangular wooden box topped with a ceramic lid by Mithé Espelt. The ceramic showcases a unique peacock design, adorned with a cream glaze and crackled gold accents. Bibliographie:...

Category

1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mithé Espelt Decorative Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

Colombes Mithé Espelt Box with Glazed Ceramic Lid
Colombes Mithé Espelt Box with Glazed Ceramic Lid

Colombes Mithé Espelt Box with Glazed Ceramic Lid

Sold

H 2.76 in W 10.63 in D 3.94 in

Colombes Mithé Espelt Box with Glazed Ceramic Lid

By Mithé Espelt

Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF

This exquisite piece showcases a rectangular wooden box topped with a ceramic lid. The ceramic features two doves facing each other, circling a heart, adorned with alternating glazes...

Category

1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mithé Espelt Decorative Boxes

Materials

Ceramic, Wood

" Tresor" chest or box, Mithé Espelt circa 1953.
" Tresor" chest or box, Mithé Espelt circa 1953.

" Tresor" chest or box, Mithé Espelt circa 1953.

By Mithé Espelt

Located in Paris, Ile-de-France

" Tresor" chest. Rare rectangular box with glazed ceramic domed lid. Set of blue and gold points, framed with crackled gold . The box in black painted wood. Original felt lining a...

Category

1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mithé Espelt Decorative Boxes

Materials

Ceramic, Felt, Wood

Ceramic Jewelry Box by Mithé Espelt, France, 1960s
Ceramic Jewelry Box by Mithé Espelt, France, 1960s

Ceramic Jewelry Box by Mithé Espelt, France, 1960s

By Mithé Espelt

Located in Paris, FR

Ceramic jewelry box by Mithé Espelt, France, 1960s Stamped clay, enamels in shades of green, gold, blackened wood box Date of creation: around 1955-1960 Bibliography: " Mithé Espelt,...

Category

1960s French Vintage Mithé Espelt Decorative Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

Mithé Espelt Ceramic Box with Bird Decor
Mithé Espelt Ceramic Box with Bird Decor

Mithé Espelt Ceramic Box with Bird Decor

Sold

H 2.37 in W 5.91 in D 4.34 in

Mithé Espelt Ceramic Box with Bird Decor

By Mithé Espelt

Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF

Rectangular wood box topped with a ceramic lid glazed in different red and pink hues with green accent with a bird with flower decor, made by Mithé Espelt. Marie Thérèse Espelt, aka...

Category

1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mithé Espelt Decorative Boxes

Materials

Ceramic, Wood

Mithé Espelt Square Ceramic Box with FFlower Decor
Mithé Espelt Square Ceramic Box with FFlower Decor

Mithé Espelt Square Ceramic Box with FFlower Decor

By Mithé Espelt

Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF

Decorative square box by Mithé Espelt, stained wood box covered with a ceramic lid showing a single white and pink flower framed with gold glaze....

Category

1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mithé Espelt Decorative Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

Box Birds
Box Birds

Box Birds

Sold

H 2.37 in W 5.91 in D 4.14 in

Box Birds

By Mithé Espelt

Located in Paris, FR

This wooden box is topped by a stamped earthenware lid decorated with orange, green, white and blue polychrome enamels. For Mithé Espelt, the object is an essential element of the bo...

Category

1960s French French Provincial Vintage Mithé Espelt Decorative Boxes

Materials

Enamel

Mithé Espelt decorative boxes for sale on 1stDibs.

Mithé Espelt decorative boxes are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of ceramic and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Mithé Espelt decorative boxes, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original decorative boxes by Mithé Espelt were created in the mid-century modern style in france during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider decorative boxes by Jacques Adnet, Christofle, and La Borne Potters. Prices for Mithé Espelt decorative boxes can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $2,059 and can go as high as $3,500, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $2,518.