Metal Decorative Boxes

Lidded box with brass handle manufactured by Pietro Chiesa for Fontana Arte. Made in Milan circa 1960s. Literature: Quaderni di Fontana Arte

Description: Silver box for a roll of string or wool with reliefs alluding to flowers and wavy friezes on the lid. Metal: Silver. Origin: English. Brand: London. Weight: 132.28 grams...

Description: Silver shell in the shape of a clam with reliefs and double hinged lid. Metal: Silver. Origin: Asian. Brand: Unknown. Weight: 149.51 grams. Dimensions: 11cmx8cm. Content...

Description: Silver toiletry box with mirror and bands along the lid. Metal: Silver. Origin: French. Brand: Boar's Head. Weight: 40.53 grams. Dimensions: 4cmx4cm. Content: 800/1000. ...

Embriachi workshop marquetry casket Northern Italy, 15th century Alla certosina inlays (bone, stained bone, pewter and wood) H 28.2 x W 18 x D 14 cm This beautiful casket of rectangular form is richly decorated with the characteristic geometric patterns of the Embriachi style. The intricate geometric patterns are fashioned by juxtaposing lighter and darker pieces of wood, (colored) bone, horn and pewter. The lid and base are framed by a broad band of horn. When ivory became scarce in Europe due to disrupted trade routes, bone was substituted. The attention to Symmetry and balance created an harmonious visual effect Enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the casket. The application of geometrical motifs is in Italy known as marquetry ‘alla Certosina’, named after the Certosina Church in Pavia with its famous altarpiece decorated in this way. This is ‘intarsia technique’, a term derived from the Arabic 'tarsi', which means ‘incrustation' recalling ancient mosaics made from various materials. These geometric elements not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of the caskets but also demonstrate the versatility and skill of the artisans in creating multifaceted works of art. ‘Alla Certosina’ became famous through the Northern Italian Embriachi family who achieved a particularly high standard in working in this technique. Venice in particular was known for the production of these luxurious boxes. The caskets, hexagonal or rectangular, surmounted by a lid decorated in several registers constitute the secular, albeit equally renowned component of the workshop’s production, in addition to mirror frames and various everyday objects. The method of fabrication of those objects was based on two concepts that underlay pre-industrial production: standardization and modularity, thanks to a distribution of skills according to the different phases of fabrication. even the realization of the marquetry motifs (in the form of ingots from which portions of the desired size were cut) were therefore entrusted to various specialized craftsmen, as were the assembly phase. Today better known thanks to the extensive research work recently carried out by Michele Tomasi, this workshop owes its name to its founder and owner, the Florentine Baldassare Ubriachi (or degli Embriachi), a merchant and banker established in the Tuscan capital before he settled in Venice in 1395. Together with sculptor Giovanni di Jacopo, who directed the workshop, from the last years of the fourteenth century, Baldassare oversaw a production that was truly original, and still easily recognizable today, comprising monumental altarpieces and various objects, primarily triptychs and caskets. The precise location of the workshop is unknown, except that it originated in Florence and in ca. 1431 there was apparently a workshop in Venice, in the area of S Luca. They employed local workers specializing in 'certosina' (inlay of stained woods, bone and horn), and the workshop produced items carved in bone (usually horse or ox) with wood and bone marquetry. The geometric decoration of Embriachi caskets reflects the artistic complexity and attention to detail that characterized their work. this inlaid casket is a testament to the skill and artistry of the Embriachi family and serves as a stunning example of the decorative arts of the late Middle Ages. Related Literature : E. Berger, Prunk-Kassetten: Europäischen Meisterwerke aus acht Jahrhunderten / Ornamental Caskets...

A very long wonderfully designed desk box signed by Romeo Rega. This silver-plated and brass box has a striped decorative top and removeable lid. The inside of the box is black laque...

Description: Silver pill box embossed with troubadour in an idyllic scene in a countryside landscape. Metal: Silver. Origin: Spanish. Brand: Estrela. Weight: 37.21 grams. Dimens...

A truly luxurious find, I have only ever seen these before in silver plate, this one in sterling silver with the "Minerva" mark (corresponding to 950/1000 for French silver). The ...

This Antique Carved Cinnabar Box. China. Early 20th Century with Dragon Cover and date to approximately 1920. The box is composed of brass with a vibrant blue enamelled interior and ...

A charming and highly collectible Italian coffee advertising storage tin, dating to the 1940s or earlier. This decorative canister features richly detailed coffee-themed imagery, evo...

A quite superb silver and purple, engine turned, guilloche enamel snuff or card box. This Art Deco box, set with pink faceted stone and marcasite's, stamped '935', London import mark...

Hallmarked in Birmingham in 1876 by George Unite this striking Victorian antique sterling silver card case is of a rectangular form with a scalloped edge and a hinged lid. The surfac...

A Very Fine Plum Mahogany Box with brass inlay. England, circa 1880. Side handle present but not operational. Dimensions: Height 6" Width 13 1/2" Depth 11" CW5778

Description: Smooth silver box with a circular shape and pearls around the edges. Metal: Silver. Origin: Portuguese. Brand: Cabeça de escravo. Weight: 88.33 grams. Dimensions: 8cm x ...

Cartier designed this stunning luxury copper and brass box. An extraordinary and captivating creation by Cartier, this rare copper and brass box—crafted in France circa 1950—is a mas...

The Unique Franco Lapini exquisite rabbit serving platter is made entirely of silver plated brass. The large deep oval plate is perfect for presented a luxury meal on your dining tab...

This is a handcrafted brass box featuring a beautifully embossed wheat motif on the lid. The relief design depicts two wheat stalks with gracefully curved leaves, symbolizing growth ...

Description: Silver pill box with bows and reliefs on the edge with hinged lid. Metal: Silver. Origin: Portuguese. Brand: Eagle Head. Weight: 15.84 grams. Dimensions: 2.9x1.9cm....

Regency brass veneered letter box The brass veneered letter with delicate filigree accents throughout. The canted lid opening to reveal a mirrored underside and leather writing su...

A very cool and unique midcentury pewter owl dish with striking blue eyes. The dish is very heavy and well made with a very small hallmark on the back.

A pair of vintage lucite and silver-plate lidded boxes. The boxes were designed by Gabriella Crespi in the 1970's and made in Italy. The small box is approximately 3 1/4 inches tall ...

Round rounded pillbox in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with translucent fired enamel on guillochè and hand-painted floral miniature on the lid. Viennese Art Nouveau style. Dia...

Unearth the charm of a Vintage Italian Round Box from the 1980s. Crafted with exquisite Italian finesse, this elegant piece embodies the allure of a bygone era. Its rounded silhouett...

This rare pewter box, produced in 1937 by the distinguished Swedish firm GAB (Guldsmedsaktiebolaget), exemplifies the refined craftsmanship and stylistic synthesis that characterized...

1960's Original Hungarian Army First Aid Boxes - Small Shape. These were standard issue in the Hungarian army and we have a network of pickers that hunt them out for us. Occasionall...

Portugese Colonial dwarf chest used for valuables. Raised panels with brass hardware. Six small drawers. Bun feet.

Description: Silver box with an elliptical shape and engraved floral motifs, framed enamel on the lid and gold interior. Metal: Silver. Origin: Portuguese. Brand: Eagle's Head. Weigh...

Description: Silver box with plant elements revealed with a dove of peace, removable lid knob and resting on three feet. Metal: Silver. Origin: European. Brand: Unknown. Weight: 386....

This exquisite decorative silver plate box, crafted by the silversmith Riondet et Cie, Paris, France, circa 1960, is a fine example of its kind. The rectangular shape features a silv...

A continental silver filigree decorative flower box Continental, Early 20th Century 10cm high x 11cm wide x 7cm deep. This delicate and charming piece,...

Description: Rectangular silver card case with engraved floral motifs surrounding a monogram card. Metal: Silver. Origin: Portuguese. Brand: javali II Title. Weight: 62.55 grams. Dim...

Jugendstil or Arts & Crafts style repousse brass box with original dark patina and ball feet.

Beautiful hand crafted copper and silver Moroccan box with bone and natural stones inlaid

1960's Original Hungarian Army First Aid Boxes - Medium Shape. These were standard issue in the Hungarian army and we have a network of pickers that hunt them out for us. Occasional...

Description: Circular silver pill box with grooves on the hinged lid. Metal: Silver. Origin: Italy. Brand: Absent. Weight: 18.02 grams. Dimensions: 4.6x1.2cm. Content: 800/1000...

Description: Silver vinaigrette box with engraving, monogrammed plaque on the lid and gold interior. Metal: Silver. Origin: English. Brand: Birmingham. Weight: 29.31 grams. Dimension...

A strict, geometric, cube-shaped Art Deco cigarette box produced by the Swedish manufacturer Ystad Metall in the 1930s. Crafted from pewter, it features a brass hinge for the lid and...

Description: Circular silver pill box decorated with floral reliefs on the hinged lid. Metal: Silver. Origin: French. Brand: Tête Minerve. Weight: 17.81 grams. Dimensions: 3.2x1cm. C...

Spanish wooden chest with original iron fittings.

Description: Guilloche silver toiletry box with mirror and three compartments. Metal: Silver. Origin: European. Brand: Absent. Weight: 99.39 grams. Dimensions: 8.4x3.6cm. Content: 90...

This round glass box has a lid covered of a nice blue straw marquetry, surrounded with brushed brass trims. The radial design of the straw reminds the great Art deco period while t...

beautiful Italian decorative box 1970s.  

Playful sophistication meets masterful craftsmanship in this vintage Maitland Smith tessellated stone apple box. Handcrafted in signature inlaid marble with vibrant tones of russet, ...

Elizabeth II sterling silver box. Made by Harman Bros. in Birmingham in 1982. Excellent condition. Rectangular with straight sides. Cover flat and hinged. Engine-turned wave ornament in plain frames...

Description: Guilloche silver pill box with plant motifs and hinged lid. Metal: Silver. Origin: English. Brand: London. Weight: 13.18 grams. Dimensions: 3.4x1cm. Content: 925/1...

Created by the Los Castillo of Mexico, decorative box dating from the 1950s. The hand-wrought box is in mixed-metal inlays of copper, brass, silver plate and sodalite with a rosewood...

Description: Silver card case with engravings, interior with several compartments and mechanical pencil. Metal: Silver. Origin: English. Brand: Birmingham. Weight: 102.72 grams. Dime...

Description: Silver pill box with idyllic scene in relief. Metal: Silver. Origin: Spanish. Brand: Estrela. Weight: 36.33 grams. Dimensions: 4.8cmx3cm. Content: 915/1000. Assay...

Vintage Limoges France Jewelry Box, Pill Box with Conntry Scene Type Trinket Box Brand Limoges Material Porcelain Finish Painted Shape Square Measures 4x4 cm/ 1,57x1,57 inches I Li...

This Austrian Art Deco box (c. 1930) is a masterclass in geometric minimalism and material contrast. The rectangular body is finished in a deeply grained, dark exotic wood veneer, sh...

Description: Silver toiletry boxes in the shape of a pocket watch with reliefs, mirror, makeup pompom and hanging ring. Metal: Silver. Origin: French. Brand: Boar's Head. Weight: 137...

Description: Silver toiletry box with beveled border and mirrors inside. Metal: Silver. Origin: Portuguese. Brand: Eagle Head. Weight: 67.12 grams (silver). Dimensions: 7.2x7.5cm. Co...

A magnificent early example of Bezalel craftsmanship, this rectangular decorative box—crafted in Jerusalem in 1912—embodies the artistic ideals and national spirit of the Bezalel Sch...

A refined Art Deco pewter lidded box designed by Sylvia Stave for CG Hallberg, Sweden, circa 1930. This elegant piece exemplifies Stave’s distinctive modernist sensibility, combining...

1970s Decorative Box Lucite and chrome decorative box. Italy, circa 1970 W. 17,5 cm, D. 10,8 cm, H.4,5 cm

Vintage Limoges France Butterfly Trinket Box Handpainted Type Trinket Box Brand Limoges Material Porcelain Subject Butterfly Finish Painted Color Multicolor Shape Hear Shape Item Len...

Description: Silver pill box with African motifs on the removable lid. Metal: Silver. Origin: Egyptian. Brand: Unknown. Weight: 17.01 grams. Dimensions: 2.7x1.5cm. Content: 900...

The Coco box collection by Kifu Paris exemplifies luxury through its intricate design and meticulous craftsmanship. This set of three quilted boxes in black shagreen, framed with a b...

The "Coco" round box in white shagreen with bronze patina brass exudes unparalleled luxury and craftsmanship. Its impeccably quilted shagreen surface is a tactile masterpiece, echoin...

Dressing table set. Silver, low silver, glass. Spain and others, 20th century. With contrast markings. Set of four jars of silver headdresses in the...