Shell Decorative Boxes

Water flowing over rocks creates a contrast between the sparkle of the water and the relative opacity of the rocks. In these boxes black lacquer pours over natural shells that glow a...

Very interesting set of shells collected by an amateur between the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. The shells are classified by size and age either in ...

Brulé means 'burnt' in French. Raw and delicate, the Brulé boxes evoke the idea of baked earth or ashes. There is a powerful energy in the details of decisio...

1980s decorative pen shell cube box attributed to Maitland Smith. Medium brown pen shell with dark gray tessellated stone accents. Wood lined box. No ma...

This box is in wood and recovered with shells. It can be used as a Jewelry box or decorative box. It has been made in France during the XX Century. The color is White and red inside,...

A French 19th century writing box made of exotic rosewood. The top of the petite trunk is inlaid with a small tile of mother-of-pearl, engraved for “Charlotte”. The case opens to rev...

Made of palissander, this lovely Napoleon III period liqueur box is lacquered in black, a method which became popular during Napoleon III's reign. The rose...

Mother of pearl box with bronze frame, 19th century. Box made of mother of pearl plates joined thanks to a bronze structure decorated with simple plant elements and which still has ...

Internal Music Box Playing Two Aires From our Writing Box collection, we are delighted to bring to the market this exceptional French Palais Royal Musical Writing Box. The Writing ...

Standout vintage Italian white marble box decorated on a classic pietra dura technique in elaborate floral designs with mother of pearl, marble and semi precious stones.

Elevate your space with this exceptionally rare vintage seashell box, a true testament to artisanal craftsmanship and natural beauty. Adorned with a curated arrangement of hand-selected seashells in soft lavenders, rose-pinks, creams, and ivory, this one-of-a-kind coastal treasure box evokes the romance of old-world seaside glamour. Likely crafted in the mid-20th century, this shell-encrusted jewelry box features a charming domed lid and intricate shell mosaic work—making it a standout addition to any vintage coastal decor, cottagecore aesthetic, or grandmillennial interior. Whether styled on a vanity, nestled into a bookshelf, or offered as a luxurious gift, this box blends nostalgia with natural elegance. Key Features: Authentic vintage seashell trinket box, circa 1950s–1970s Completely handmade using real seashells, no two alike Gorgeous palette of pastel shells: mauve, blush, ivory, taupe Functional hinged lid and purple velvet-lined interior Ideal for jewelry storage, keepsakes, or as an heirloom gift Excellent vintage condition with rich patina and natural wear Styling Ideas: Style atop a Louis XV bombe chest...

Like an ancient pebble or river-rock that has been tumbled for centuries to polish and reveal its alluvial layers. Hand-turned solid oak box enveloped in lacquered eggshell marquetry.

Fabulous Inlayed mother of pearl large box with a mother of pearl polished turbo shell.

Abalone shell veneered box of rectangular form with domed top and lined with rosewood. Marked Taxco on the bottom.

An exquisite late 19th-century Victorian era trinket box, featuring a poetic "bird's nest and egg" motif. The top lid and bottom base are crafted from iridescent, high-luster natural Mother of Pearl shells. The body is intricately wrapped in a woven brass wirework structure designed to resemble a delicate bird's nest, resting gracefully on four spherical ball feet. The hinged brass rim opens smoothly to reveal an iridescent shell interior, perfect for holding small rings, pills, or cherished keepsakes. Reflecting the Victorian fascination with romantic nature-inspired objets d'art, this casket is a remarkable decorative piece. Offered in good antique condition with a charming aged patina on the brass wire framework and no structural cracks on the shells. Weighing 63g and measuring under 3 inches, this rare shell box is an exceptional collectible for enthusiasts of Victorian novelty boxes, Mother of Pearl caskets...

An elegant small folding card case likely English, finely constructed in richly patinated tortoiseshell panels and decorated to the exterior with an inlaid floral spray composed of ...

A stunning Japanese Edo period lacquer tanzakubako, box for poem cards, late 18th-early 19th century, Edo Period, Japan. Attributed to the Igarashi School, this box is masterfully ...

There is type of English sweet called a Licorice Allsort. They are made in different layers and some have little balls covering them. The red lacquer and the little white pieces of e...

Penshell Dresser Box w/Lid, 1960’s. Original excellent condition. Box is lined with black velvet. Measures 12” long 5” tall 3” deep

This substantial vintage mid century modern hinged turtle box is a lovely combination of brass, abalone, and rosewood. It is from Mexico from the 50;s and hallmarked on the back Hech...

Beautiful richly encrusted with colourful natural sea shellls tissue cover box in Tony Douquet style.

Rare Engine Turned Design The Sewing Box of slight sarcophagus shape stood upon four turned ribbed feet. The Sewing Box tapers up to the convex raised lid and features scrolling fl...

A lacquer presentation box with mother-of-pearl inlays from Japanese Ryukyu Islands circa 17-18th century. The lidded box in rectangular form with rounded corner is a classic example...

This late 19th century English trinket box has an elegant design of lacquered papier-mâché with mother-of-pearl inlay. The inlaid decoration depicts a spray of various flowers which ...

A rare and very fine quality antique figural Palais Royal mother-of-pearl needlecase, etui or bodkin, hand-carved in the form of a young man wearing a Renaissance style hat, made in ...

A beautifully detailed small Moorish style box, finely crafted in Spain and sourced from a shop in San Miguel de Allende. The piece features exquisite inlay work of mother-of-pearl, ...

A Japanese four-case lacquer inro by a member of Kajikawa family circa 19th century (late Edo to early Meiji period). It depicts a nocturnal scenery of a meandering stream surrounded by bush clovers, where a full moon is reflected on the water. It was masterfully decorated in gold and silver maki-e using a combination of techniques including takamakie, togidashi and kirigane as well as aogai (abalone shell) inlays. The stream was set between the slightly elevated banks, adding to this piece a already strong three-dimensional composition. The interior was decorated in gold nashiji. It was signed on the bottom "Kajikawa Zou" (made by Kajikawa and a pot seal centered with "Ei" in Kanji. In one of the compartment, there is a katakana mark, appears to be a name, possibly the owner. Kajikawa clan was one of the most famous lacquer artisanal family established in the 17th century. Many well known members over the generations produced lacquer art in a wide range of formats, but two third were signed only with the family name such as this one. It is therefore not possible to pinpoint the exact author of this piece. Provenance: This inro was purchased as lot 349 in Christie's New York sale Japanese...

A fine and unusual Japanese black lacquer and mother of pearl inlaid box, Momoyama Period, 16th century, Japan. The large box and cover featu...

This captivating Palais Royal sewing nécessaire is crafted of engraved mother of pearl mounted in rich doré bronze. The hinged box contains a remov...

Presenting an absolutely gorgeous and very rare 19C Anglo Indian Vizigapatam stamp box. Made in Colonial India (the Time of the Raj) circa 1860. Prob...

Small boxes made from shells. Suitable for confetti or as containers for small precious jewels, Their cost is very little and they are very beautiful. ref. O/984 and O/1242.

This late 19th century spectacle case has an elegant design of lacquered papier-mâché with mother-of-pearl inlay. The inlaid decoration depicts a spray of various flowers and is bord...

A fine and elegant Korean black lacquer and abalone mother of pearl inlay "longevity" box, circa 1930s, Korea. The box, most likely used to sto...

Two antique collapsible faux tortoise boxes with sea shell flower on top.

Vintage Asian Octagonal Lacquer Box With Turtle Closure. Lovely 20th century Asian lacquer box with Greek key design and a metal turtle closure. Th...

Beautiful decorative handcrafted mahogany wood and natural abalone shell (Paua) inlay cigarette stash/trinket box. Made in New Zealand and still has the original tag on the top. The ...

This exquisite and rare vintage Maitland Smith large hinged box box has a beautiful medallion on top of a black stone set into brass. The box is a beautiful combination of horn, abal...

Beautifully decorated mid-late 19th c, England, black lacquered papier-mâché sewing stand. Decorated with gilt, mother-of-pearl and polychrome paint, opening to cloth-lined interior....

Beautiful RARE Anthony Redmile shell encrusted swan or duck form box, 20th c. Red lined interior with "redmile objects london - england' stickers. Substantial weight.

An exceptional vintage decorative box beautifully crafted with bone, shimmering mother-of-pearl, and ebony. Dating from the 1970s, the box showcases a sophisticated combination of co...

Beautiful jewelry box designed in Italy in the 1970s. Silver plated box depicting a snail symbol of resilience and spiritual growth since antiquity. Playful design object that will d...

Veneered in Amboyna Wood From our Sewing Box collection, we are pleased to offer this Amboyna Sewing Box. The Sewing Box of rectangular shape veneered in Amboyna with a circular mo...

A handsome French Napoleon III walnut box, richly decorated with intricate mother-of-pearl, ivory and brass inlay. The rectangular form is beautifully proportioned and showcases the ...

A beautiful coffin shape trinket box encrusted with shells. This box would be stunning on a dressing table, side table, or coffee table. Its hinged lid opens to fit miscellaneous ite...

Delicate rectangular mother of pearl box engraved with garlands of leaves. The box is mounted in gilt bronze and intricately sculpted with interlacing, garlands and baskets of flower...

A finely made English Regency-period folding memorandum case, veneered in genuine tortoiseshell with softly rounded edges and narrow silver-mounted borders. The hinged form opens to ...

An antique Napoleon III traveler portable writing-desk box. This is a gorgeous portable writing desk-box, created in France during the period of emperor Napoleon III, circa 1860. Th...

This early twentieth century French Art Deco period walnut marquetry box features a central cartouche of inlaid mother of pearl on the top and around the key entry . Intricate geomet...

Very interesting set of shells collected by an amateur between the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. The shells are classified by size and age either in ...

This set of three decorative boxes pairs sleek black oak with black shell, shagreen and bronze-patina brass. A rhythmic zigzag composition travels across the surfaces, giving the dar...

Gorgeous tortoiseshell print oval paper box with sea shell border decoration and central floral rosette.

Circa 1750. Tortoiseshell and mother of pearl box with sliding top from Mexico 18th century. Beautiful designs all over. As is condition.

Exceptionally crafted "Kyoto Box" in tessellated penshell with brass inlays on top and trim around base by Karl Springer, American 1980's (signed “Karl Sprin...

A small low table with lacquer and intricate mother-of-pearl inlay design from Ryukyu Islands kingdom circa 17-18th century. Ryukyuan kingdom was used to be an independent island cou...

Great set of 4 Sailors Valentines sea shell encrusted boxes and photo frames. All original natural Florida sea shells.

Long rectangular shell encrusted box. Carefully applied shells decorate the top and bottom edges of this green board box in a variety of colors. ...

A pyramid shaped box having 4 graduating drawers with brass ball knobs . Made of polished pen shell which is a material that the manufacturer Maitland Smith often used. All sitting u...

Wooden box with lock and mirror inside. The external covering is in briar wood veneer, brass with mother of pearl inserts, the handles are in brass. Italy half 19th century.

This refined folding card case is of rectilinear form and constructed with an exterior veneered in richly figured tortoiseshell, framed by narrow linear inlays that emphasize its arc...

Sizeable rectangular, wooden coffer with its key. The blackened wood is inlaid with mother-of-pearl and brass. The lid and the main face of the box are r...