Hardwood Decorative Boxes

1950s Large Mosaic Shell Inlaid Decorative Middle Eastern Islamic Moorish Box. Vintage 1950s Mosaic Abalone Shell Inlaid Decorative Middle Eastern Islamic Box. Mosaic Decorative Midd...

Secret Pen Box “There’s something deep inside my psyche that is fascinated with secret compartments. Perhaps it has to do with my childhood on the farm. It was a time of constant discovery. Being free to roam over hundreds of acres of rugged bushland, I was forever discovering the secret places where the small birds, animals and insects of the bush hid from prying eyes. Discovering them took many hours and sometimes days of patience and skill. Just like discovering where we have placed secret compartments within our pieces. This box has been made with great skill and passion. And it is very difficult to discover it’s secrets. I know this unique treasure will become a well-loved family heirloom. Please enjoy it, and all the joy and intrigue it will bring you”…David Boucher This intriguing box of drawers provides storage for up to thirty-one pens and features five very secret opening mechanisms. It was created in its entirety in our workrooms in Toowoomba, Australia. The attention to detail is meticulous. There’s a concealed top tray along with four ‘hidden’ drawers that have no obvious way of opening. Each item of material was painstakingly selected. Macassar Ebony, North Queensland Figured Butt Maple (It’s amazing story can be read below) red Shagreen and Italian leather. The very intricate drawer-opening mechanisms and the nickel-plated brass feet have been custom made for this piece. Drawer sides are made from quarter-sawn solid Queensland Silver Ash and feature very fine, hand-cut dovetails. Each drawer is precision fitted with fine red Italian leather. There are even protective leather pads with intricately folded edges under each foot. The box is beautifully hand finished with a durable satin lacquer. Signed and engraved with the registered number. PLEASE NOTE : Maximum pen diameter capacity • Top opening compartment -Maximum Pen diameter - 23mm • 3 drawers – Maximum Pen diameter - 25mm A video explaining how to access each of the secret opening systems will be supplied to the purchaser. (The story of this North Queensland figured Butt Maple that has been used inside the lid of the Secret Pen Box. “The figure and colour of this amazing piece timber is the result of a rare trick of nature. Some 200 years ago, a large North Queensland Maple tree fell victim to the destructive force of a Pacific Ocean cyclone. Few trees survived the storm, but this tree was different. It was destined for much bigger things. The tree was crushed, bent and twisted by the massive cyclonic winds, but when all fell calm, it was still standing. Over the next 100 years, the bent and heavily leaning tree grew to become a massive giant. The timber grain inside became wrinkled from the compression and slowly developed into a treasure box of colour and figure. When the tree finally died, it was recovered and taken to an old country sawmill in the high country inland from Cairns in North Queensland in 1901. At the mill it was in the process of being sawn into house framing when the incredible figure of the wood's grain was exposed. The alert mill owner stopped the saw, seeing a far bigger purpose for the amazing timber in the log. His decision to have the timber cut into veneers was to have far reaching implications. The log was taken by bullock wagon to Cairns, …an amazing journey in those days. The wagon was precariously winched down the treacherous tracks over the side of the Great Dividing Range. This was done in short stages with a series of large pulley blocks and ropes tied to trees along the hillside, using the bullock team to counterbalance the weight of the wagon and its load. From there it was hauled to Cairns harbour and floated out to be winched aboard a waiting sailing ship for the long trip to Sydney, some three thousand kilometres away. There an old German veneer maker had a small veneer factory where the log was cut into the spectacular veneers you see here today. The old man was so amazed with the pattern, that he took them home and secreted them away in his wine cellar, there to be kept in storage waiting for a "special purpose", worthy of their extreme rarity. Upon his death, the veneers were passed into the safe keeping of his daughter and her husband, and subsequently, after a four year negotiation, were obtained by David Boucher on the promise that his amazing designs would properly fulfil the "special purpose" that her father had wished for them. This is the same timber that was used to make a beautiful Writing Compendium...

Briefcase with miniature music box _ a one-of-a-kind Document Case Designed and created by the world acclaimed artisans of Boucher & Co Australia...

Exceptional big Italian Pharmacy pot with cover from Tuscany,Italy, elegant object with few decorations, good old patina and warm finish of the wood, ...

PRESENTING A GORGEOUS 19C Anglo Indian Highly Carved Sadeli Mosaic Sarcophagus Sewing Box. Made in Bombay, India circa 1860-80. Box made of sandalwood with highly carved teak wood reliefs and panels on all sides. Edged with bone and ebony veneers and glorious sadeli mosaic, made from tiny pieces of faux ivory, pewter, green semi-precious stone. The box is in a sarcophagus form with domed lid. The original brass carry handles are on the sides. The interior is in great condition and consists of a removeable mirror under the lid portion, with the original red velvet lining behind it. The base is removeable and contains a number of lidded compartments. 6 of the interior lids on the base, are each inlaid with sadeli mosaic banding. The rest are also carved and chased. The interior is fully complete with 7 lidded faux ivory/bone, thread canisters with sadeli domes and the original bone thimble. The box sits on 4 brass ball or bun feet with the original velvet lining on the base. Some minor repairs and losses, but this box is fully complete. This is ‘rare’ as many of these boxes have not survived in such condition! Included in the sale are 2 photos that were in the box (under the base tray). Interestingly, one of them is a view of downtown Nassau, New Providence (Bermuda) from the early 20C and stamped on the rear. What a ‘journey’ this piece has made! Made in India … travelled to Bermuda, probably via Britain … back to Ireland (where we bought it) …. then to Texas! These boxes were made by superb Indian craftsmen, specifically for sale to the ruling British elite. These types of boxes, carved padouk and sandalwood, (whilst beautiful and superbly crafted) were of a lesser quality, than the more profusely and intricately mosaic inlay, tortoiseshell and ivory boxes, made for the British ‘Upper Classes’ in the areas of Bombay and Vizagapatam. These type of boxes were much more affordable back in 1880 (and indeed today) and would probably have been bought by mid-level diplomats, civil servants or visitors. Sewing boxes (in general), were in EVERY Victorian home in Britain in the 19th Century and like other boxes etc were ‘status symbols’ of your place in society! The more ornate the box, the more ‘Upper Class’ you were! Of it’s type, this one, is one of the very higher quality one’s, than the norm! SADELI MOSAIC: “Anglo Indian boxes were made in India for the English residents from the early part of the 18th century. They were brought back or sent back to England usually by the people who had commissioned them. From the beginning of the nineteenth century they were imported more commercially, although not in any significant numbers until the middle decades. They were very highly valued, especially the early ones, to the extent that the designs were copied on late 19th and early 20th century tins. The ancient art of Sadeli Mosaic is said to have been introduced from Shiraz in Persia via Sind to Bombay, a long time before the Anglo Indian boxes were made. It was a technique, which required a high degree of skill and patience. It was executed very lavishly, in that the frequent cuts wasted a great amount of the precious materials used. The workmanship was however more than commensurable to the value of the materials. Ivory, silver, pewter (or other metals), wood and horn were cut into faceted rods which were bound together to form geometric patterns. When the glue has set, the rods were sliced in transverse sections. This gave the maker a number of angled circular pieces in the original pattern. Several variations of patterns could be achieved by combining the materials in different ways. The ivory was sometimes dyed green to give an extra color. The mosaic pieces in a combination of patterns, often separated by ivory, ebony, horn or silver stringing were used to veneer sandalwood boxes. In the early boxes, which date from the turn of the 18th to the 19th century, there are large panels of mosaic covering tops and sides of boxes. It took incredible skill to cover such large areas without any shakes or wavering of the pattern. The corners and joins on these boxes are impeccably matched. The makers (reputed to be Persian) of Sadeli mosaic made in the first two decades of the 19th century displayed a total understanding of the qualities of the different materials they used. They combined substances, which can expand and contract according to atmospheric conditions with others, which are hard and unyielding. The result was a sharp definition of the lines and patterns, which made up the whole design. On the early boxes the designs look deceptively simple. The fact is, they emerged from a culture, which had mastered geometry and understood how to generate a pattern from a set number of points. The patterns are so harmoniously combined that their incredible complexity is not immediately apparent. The earliest Sadeli boxes...

A George III penwork sarcophagus work box with hinged lid decorated with a chariot, the side with Neo-Classical devices. Age related abrasions and knocks later replacement ebonised ...

“Haardt” rectangular letter box with three compartments. Referenced under nos. 3928AR and 1703NR in the Ruhlmann archives, Musée des Années 30, Boulogne-Billancourt. Provenance: Émil...

This is an antique presentation insignia box. An Italian, cased medal and epaulette campaign chest, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1900. A fascinating and rare piece of m...

An early 20th century bird's-eye maple collectors box, circa 1920. Complete with recessed silvered handles and corners which gives it a military Campaig...

A charming 17th century ebony and kingwood cabinet with turned columns to the corners, the fall front opens to reveal a set of drawers and arched mirrored centre. The lid also housin...

This strikingly tall decorative lidded box is a testament to artisanal craftsmanship, crowned with a masterfully carved horse head that serves as both handle and sculptural focal poi...

Vintage Hexagonal mosaic faux tortoise shell wooden box by Maitland-Smith with brass inlay. Made in the 1990's in an art deco style. Maitland-Smith Label still on the bottom with bra...

A vintage Scandinavian teak pen / desk box from the 1950s, crafted in the refined Mid Century Modern style. The rectangular form highlights the warm, natural grain of the teak wood, ...

Decorative Box for Cigarettes in wood and Bakelite brown and White color France 20th

This 19th-century Thai manuscript box is a rare and exquisite example of traditional Thai craftsmanship, designed to store sacred palm-leaf manuscripts ...

This exquisite letter box, crafted in Puebla, Mexico, during the early 20th century, is a testament to the region's rich tradition of marquetry. Made from fine fruitwood, the box sho...

Vintage Teak Apple Shaped Secret Box, 1970s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1970 to 1979. Additional information: Materials: Teak Color: Brown Item Type...

Meant to hang on a wall. Barrel shape with alternating woods. Lift lid and cutout back to hang on a wall. Commonly referred to as treen ware.

Beautiful box / casket from the Art Nouveau period, made of cherry veneer on softwood body with brass side handles. In very good restored condition.

Very beautiful small box from the time of Art Nouveau, made of jacaranda and brass inserts. The box is with interior division. In very good restored condition.

Decorative Box for Cigarettes in wood brown color India

Danish modern solid teak tambour door trinket box, circa 1970s. This beautiful well crafted desk top box is great for storing small items. The box is in very good vintage condition ...

The Dawa luxury bar set is a great addition to any home cocktail bar. These items can be bought individually or as a set. The set consists of the following: The Ice bucket's body ...

It is a Macassar ebony box, which opens onto a compartment covered in velvet. This box was made in France in the 1940s, it is an ArDéco object. It i...

Macassar Ebony Keepsake Box “Beautiful boxes are a passion of mine. The idea of having something truly beautiful to place special memories into has always had a strong emotional appe...

Early 18th century George I Japanned Chinoiserie dome-topped box, Circa 1715-1725. England or France. A rare survivor from the first quarter of the ...

A german box from the 1960, probably used for Cigarettes with a turned teak wood base and an enameled copper lid with matte finish, nicely decorated with a stylized pattern of three fish. The box is unsigned and is most likely the work of Schibensky, or Scholz and Lammel...

We have for sale a spalted beech box by master woodturner Ray Key (1942-2018). Ray Key was one of the most praised woodturners of any generation. His works are in museum collections ...

Double height carved Indian box An unusual piece with 2 levels, the top of the box in the octagonal shape has an opening lid. The lower is recta...

A Victorian calamander toilet box with ten silver mounted jars, by William Neal, London, dated 1874. The box with fall front, two drawers and secret drawer,...

This stunning original decorative box was expertly crafted in France, circa 1960. The rectangular form, featuring Macassar wood main body, is complemented by a brushed gilded anodize...

Tunbridge Ware Wedge Shaped Stationery Box, c1860 Additional Information: Heading: Tunbridge Ware - A Wedge Shaped Stationery Box Date : c1860 Period : Victorian Origin : Tunbridge ...

Pen box made of pear wood with a minimalist design. Pear wood has a pinkish color and is distinguished by fine, delicate grain that makes it elegant. The construction of this box is ...

A scarce very fine quality Napoleon III Period (1852-1870) gilt bronze ormolu mounted inlaid glove box by important Parisian ébéniste Paul Sormani (1817-1877) Exquisitely hand-cra...

Montagnani (Manufacturer) - Rare Mid-Century Modern brass and burl wood veneer box - diagonal stained pattern to the top panel with blonde wood interior - brown Plexiglas to the inte...

Vintage large decorative box with round lid features handcrafted sculptural form, carved of Koa, Murtle, and Redwood woods. The fine wood texture is emphasized by the graphic contras...

Pre-Columbian Andean Textile Fragment in Sterling Silver & Hardwood Presentation Box Textile: Wari or Inca Culture, Andes, Circa 600–1400 CE Box: Mid-20th Century A refined and hist...

A very fine and visually striking Biedermeier Period tea caddy of exceptional quality, demonstrating a highly elevated form and a most complex application of exotic woods. The hinged...

A Maitland Smith mid century box made of bone with a pearwood interior. American, circa 1970s.

Vintage large decorative box with sliding lid features handcrafted heart shaped form, carved of solid Birds Eye Maple wood. The fine wood texture is emphasized by the semi-matte tun...

Vintage small decorative trinket box with pull-out drawer compartment features handcrafted sculptural form, carved of solid Zebra wood. The fine wood texture is emphasized by the gra...

Presenting an absolutely fantastic 19C Anglo Ceylonese lap desk of museum quality. We can safely say that this is one of the finest lap desks we hav...

We are very pleased to offer a vintage Maitland-Smith decorative box, showcasing the brand’s renowned craftsmanship and sculptural presence. This piece is clad in tessellated stone,...

- Wonderful antique Portugese knife or cutlery box - Hand crafted from coromandel and we date to circa 1880 - Come view in our Canonbury Antiques Hertfordshire...

The exterior surface decorated with striking geometric panels of contrasting light & dark fruitwood veneers with ebonized mouldings, the slant top opening on later iron hinges to a plain interior housing a small hinged compartment for writing implements...

Tunbridge Ware Glovebox with Mosaic Depicting Muckross Abbey, c1870 Additional Information: Heading: Tunbridge Ware Glovebox with Mosaic depicting Muckross Abbey Date : c1870 Period...

Jens Quistgaard design teak table top card or accessories box for Dansk, Denmark. Simple yet sophisticated design by Quistgaard an early example with the three duck stamp, Denmark. I...

A Small Elegant Domed Burl Wood Trinket Box

Tunbridge Ware Sewing Box with Eridge Castle Topographic Mosaic, c1860 Additional Information: Heading: Tunbridge Ware - A Sewing Box with E...

Beautiful, unadorned, early Biedermeier casket box from southern Germany, circa 1820. Cherry wood book-matched veneered on oak. Interior later lined with colorful wallpaper. Brass ch...

Moorish Spain Arch Top Intricate detailed wood inlaid Marquetry Jewelry box. An Hispano Moresque Arch Top Wood Inlaid Marquetry Jewelry Box Casket. Moori...

1847 English carved wood vetvet lined box woth scooner carved top

8-245 stone and brass over wood domed top geometric cut stone with brass interior and bottom.

1950's Anglo Indian, Indo Persian style micro mosaic inlaid jewelry box with lid. Large vintage intricate inlaid middle Eastern Persian style box with floral and geometric Islamic Mo...

Very rare box in Macassar ebony and satinwood. It is a box of games, which opens by articulating the flaps on each side, and which allows you to put the many game objects you want in...

This large impressive cabinet featuring a crossbanded walnut and Kingwood and inlaid with satinwood stringing line alternating with Ebony wood inlays. Clean and distilling angelic m...

Wooden box carved on both sides. On one side men fighting. And on the other a landscape. Dimensions of the box 80 mm x 48 mm x 17 mm Additional information: Material: Fruit woods...

Micro Mosaic Persian Islamic Moorish Inlaid Jewelry Pen Box. 1950s Middle Eastern Moorish Inlaid Jewelry Trinket Mosaic Box. Handcrafted mar...

We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning Antique Georgian mahogany and thick solid brass wine bucket with period zinc liner A very good lo...

Early 19th Century Karl Johan Box with Inlay Ribbon Decorations in Fruitwood, Sweden. Key not included