Asian Decorative Boxes

Verdigris bronze bowl with lid features the twelve zodiac signs. The layout mimics the format of ancient astronomical tools or protective astrological amulets. Perfect for stashing k...

This is an antique cleric's swing-out case. A Chinese, hardwood travelling box, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1890. Charmingly provincial box, presented in original tim...

Vintage Middle Eastern Persian Khatam Trinket Box with Miniature Art Painting. This hand-painted, lacquered wooden box features Moorish micro mosaic marquetry, perfect for holding sm...

Intriguing antique Anglo Indian lidded box handcrafted in porcupine quills and ebony in a hexagon form decorated with bone dots. The interior is lined with felt and features a painte...

A Kazaribako "Ornamented Box" made of glass by Japanese artist Kyohei Fujita (1921-2004) circa 1980s. The hand-blown glass box with fitting lid is of an oval shape, slightly irregula...

Antique Chinese Lacquer Gaming Box and Counters Chinese, late 19th century Height 9.5cm, width 32cm, depth 23cm This beautiful Chinese red lacquer box...

A Japanese black lacquer box with mother of pearl inlays circa early 20th century, end of Meiji period. It was likely to be used to store inkstone or other scholarly items. The piece displays several interesting characteristics that appear puzzling initially. First, the form is not typical Japanese, but more Chinese and Korean, with its scalloped base. Second, the decoration of MOP inlays also suggests a Korean and Chinese affiliation, especially with the linear borders and the scrolling cloud patters on the sides of the box. These two observations suggest that the box may be from Ryukyu Island instead of Japanese mainland. Third, strikingly in the center of the cover, a bold quarterly floral pattern outlined with MOP was filled with a striking mottled red lacquer using tsugaru nuri...

Edo-Period Lacquerware Chest 19th-century This exquisite chest, inspired by Hasami-Bako travel trunks, is a striking example of Japanese lacquerware. The hiramaki-e technique—applie...

This is a vintage oval keepsake box. A Russian, papier-mâché and lacquer lidded trinket case, dating to the Art Deco period, circa 1930. Fascinating clamshell form with iconic figur...

Large Japanese Maki-E Lacquer Box With Creepy Woodsorrel Mon or Kamon. Circa 1920s, black exterior ground various mixed color mon of the Tokugawa Shogunate, silvered metal rim on the...

A vintage negora lacquer circular storage bin box from the mid-20th century, with vertical stripes and lid. This mid-20th century vintage negora lacquer circular storage bin box is a...

Whimsical set of three solid brass pineapples boxes. These are all the rage this season but have been around for years. The giant one measures over 15" tall and is super heavy. The m...

This vintage boho parquet rattan lidded box is a perfect blend of natural craftsmanship and functional storage. Featuring a beautifully woven herringbone pattern and reinforced with ...

Tebako box with three compartments in golden and nashi-ji lacquer, decorated with golden, red, and kirigane lacquer, golden persimmon tree leaves, among rocks. The compartments are of increasing size from the top. The decoration is in continuity. Persimmon has been cultivated in southern China for more than 2500 years and is believed to have been introduced to Japan in the 8th century. The veneer is a tree with very hard wood, similar to ebony. According to a legend, one specimen survived the atomic bombing of Nagasaki on August 9, 1945, close to the epicenter. It is therefore in Japan a symbol of strength and longevity. It is also the national fruit of the country. It is eaten as a traditional dish during New Year's Day celebrations. Tebako literally means "portable box...

Crafted with extraordinary artistry during China's Republic Period, this sculptural vessel takes the form of a recumbent ram, executed in traditional Shanghai weave rattan. The piece...

A set of three (3) hand‑turned wooden nesting boxes, Minimalist design period, Asia, circa mid to late-20th century. Each box features a smooth cylindrical form with a lid, crafted i...

Paper lines the interior of this Shagreen Leather Box, finished outside in shagreen in the Antique Gray colorway. It comes as a set of 2, so a pair can work together on one surface o...

This is a very decorative Chines porcelain Lidded Box, all hand decorated in the Famille Rose colours and made during the Qianlong period of the 18th Century, Circa 1760 The box ha...

This exquisite set of two boxes by Kifu Paris showcases the luxurious craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail that the brand is renowned for. Handcrafted in grey shagreen, t...

The Black Shagreen Tissue Box by R&Y Augousti is a sublime expression of modern elegance and meticulous craftsmanship. Encased in luxurious shagreen, its textured finish exudes r...

With all-over mother of pearl inlay and mon design of chrysanthemum in gold and black lacquer on top. The chrysanthemum is a national symbol of Japan and the Imperial family.

A Meiji period cloisonné box and cover with sparrows, prunus and bamboo, the rectangular box worked in gold and silver wire and coloured enamels with birds amongst a blossoming tree ...

Add a touch of sculptural luxury to your coffee table or vanity with this exquisite vintage tessellated stone box. Reminiscent of the high-end designs by Maitland-Smith, this piece f...

A beautifully crafted vintage Indian work or storage box dating to approximately the 1970s. The substantial rectangular box is constructed of what appears to be natural unstained ros...

Beautiful and rare, this superb silver-mounted cut glass box was crafted by the legendary Russian firm Fabergé. The rounded cut glass box features a diamond pattern, while the hinged...

Chinese Cloisonne Box Round enamel box with lid in a blue and white pattern. Circa, early 20th century Measures: H 5 in. (12.7 cm) NMA No. 2084

A Meiji period cloisonné box and cover, Ando Company, worked in silver wire and coloured enamels with an array of brightly coloured flowers, reserved against a rich midnight-blue ground, with silver rims and a silk lining, inlaid Ando mark. Japanese, circa 1910. Provenance: Acquired from Acanthus...

A substantial 21st-century chinoiserie decorative box attributed to Chelsea House. Made in China, the box is constructed of a weighty cast-composite material and designed in the form...

Imperial Russian Lacquered Papier-Mâché Troika Box by the Lukutin Factory, Moscow, circa 1880–1910 This finely executed Imperial Russian lacquered papier-mâché box was produced by t...

A Chinese Carved Red Lacquer Cinnabar Box, 19th Century Provenance: Private Australian Collection. Description: Cinnabar is a red mineral compos...

A refined blend of texture, geometry, and craftsmanship, this striking pyramid-inspired leather box brings a sophisticated touch to any tabletop, console, or shelving display. Tonal ...

The front of the box is inscribed with Hebrew and German: "Rabbi Meir Baal Ha' Ness charity collecting funds for Shomrei Ha' Chomot Kolel" and decorated with two images; Hatam Sofer ...

The dense carving of this 19th century South Indian sandalwood jewellery box is so lively and animated.

A richly decorated vintage wooden box embellished with faux-craquelure decoupage in a dramatic palette of black, gold, burnt orange and deep red. Its symmetrical decoration incorpora...

This Deco Shagreen Nesting Boxes, Lilac graduates three rectangular boxes in pale violet shagreen leather over wood, the pebbled grain of the skin running across every face and lid. ...

This Decorative Library Books gathers twenty-four volumes bound in tan leather and marbled paperboard, the spines tooled in gilt across raised bands, several carrying small title lab...

This is an antique Japanese bento box from Edo era which was used for cherry blossom viewing party. It is made with bamboo and painted with ...

This Croc Leather Box is wrapped in croc-embossed leather in a rich cognac, the raised scale pattern shifting between light and shadow across the lid and around all four sides. Lid a...

A small painted and lacquered box with a lid in black. This piece was created in the 1920s in the USSR. It is lacquered in a glossy black, with a hand-painted scene of a tzar on the ...

On offer is a unique vintage Taj Mahal music and cigarette/jewelry box created by the renowned American maker Fred Zimbalist (1909–2003). Known for his highly collectible, ornate met...

PRESENTING A LOVELY 19C Anglo Indian Highly Carved Sadeli Mosaic Inlaid Sewing Box. Made in Bombay, India, circa 1880. The box is made of sandalwood with highly carved raised teak wood panels on all sides, depicting temple scenes, animals and foliage. The box is in a sarcophagus form. It is edged in bone (and we can tell it is bone and not ivory, from the color and evidence of capillaries, which are not found in ivory), and banded with Bombay Sadeli mosaic and ebony veneer. The lid opens to reveal a removable tray with various open compartments and lidded compartments. 5 lidded compartments, 1 unlidded compartment and 8 holders for thimbles, etc The tray lifts to reveal a blue velvet (original) lined section, for storing jewelry etc, with sections for collars etc. The inside of the lid has a removable mirror (the mirror is missing on this one but can easily be replaced). Behind the mirror is the original green velvet lining. It has its original brass carry handles on the sides and sits on 4 silvered button feet (of recent origin). Some repairs to the exterior and condition issues (priced accordingly), but still a LOVELY COLLECTIBLE box! 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! 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...

Chinese Brass Mounted Elm Chest, the cover opening to removable tray and storage compartment. 10.25" H x 16.25" W x 9.5" D. Provenance: The Estate of Tony Award Nominee and Drama D...

Lovely Chinese export cloisonné box made of brass and enameled with a beautiful mountain scene decoration in vibrant yellow color resting on ball feet. This chinoiserie box is marked...

This is a Chinese Export porcelain Lidded Box, hand painted with a figural decoration, made in China, circa 1920 The box is well potted in an oval shape, the lid having a domed top...

Maitland Smith tessellated stone box with a mother of pearl finial handle. The interior of the box is lined with a black felt and has a removable lid. The box rests on sterling silver ball and claw feet as well as the entirety of the box is framed with a sterling silver border. History and craftsmanship for nearly four decades Maitland-Smith has been in the business of creating exquisite and unique decorative accessories, lighting and accent furniture and elegant mirrors from our La Barge Collection. Founded by a London antiques dealer with the eye of a connoisseur, Maitland-Smith has carried on the tradition of creating stunning accents for the home of the highest quality. From the beginning, our many workrooms have been artisan based and employ time-honored techniques developed before the machine age. Many of these skills date back to the world’s earliest civilizations, and are associated with Fine quality furniture and decorative arts. Maitland-Smith is well-known for many handcrafted specialties, including hand carved tropical mahogany, handcut and inlaid exotic wood veneers, lost wax cast metal mounts and decorative objects, as well as, traditional vegetable tanned and hand-tooled leather. Other areas of expertise include finely executed porcelains, sophisticated finishing techniques, and detailed hand painting. Maitland Smith draws inspiration from great works from the 18th, 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries and in collaboration with design partners Tony Duquette Studios and its president, Hutton Wilkinson and also Celerie Kemble, Donald Bustraan...

Elegant vintage Chinese brass decorative box featuring an intricately engraved exterior adorned with auspicious longevity and prosperity symbols amid stylized floral and foliate moti...

An Indian silver plated metal box from the 19th century with pierced foliage motifs. Created in India during the 19th century, this silver plated metal box attracts our attention wit...

The Paris based label has distinguished themselves since their launch, with their iconic use of shagreen mixed with brass and other exotic materials. All furniture is handcrafted by ...

A lovely small Chinese export cloisonne trinket box with a carved hardstone roundel, Early Republic Period circa 1915, China. The small cloisonne box set on four short bun feet, and...

Antique Anglo-Indian quill box handcrafted and decorated with porcupine quills and bone dots. Made in Ceylon which was the colonial name for Sri Lanka. Porcupine quillwork objects of...

This is a charming vintage dowry chest. An Oriental, lacquered nesting box with ceramic inset, dating to the Art Deco period, circa 1930. Wonderfully dec...

Handsome vintage decorative box by Maitland-Smith, handmade in the Philippines, circa 1980s. The piece is crafted in richly toned wood, likely mahogany or mahogany-finished hardwood,...

Brass Bin, Saffron Ecru with Lid, Viya by Vikram Goyal Lacquered wood bin with brass. Handmade in India. With moniker's such as red gold, exquisite thread or golden light, saffron ...

A round wooden box from India. Might be some type of rosewood. Circa 1920s, maybe a little earlier. Box with ivory feet and finial. The interior is about two inches deep.

An exceptional, oversized, and highly stylized vintage Hollywood Regency decorative box in a striking architectural pagoda silhouette, designed and handcrafted by the premier luxury home furnishings maker Maitland-Smith, circa 1980s. This commanding piece is beautifully executed with an exterior clad entirely in rich, warm golden-brown lacquered split bamboo (or "burnt bamboo") reeds laid in a tight, geometric step-pyramid formation. The corner brackets and base are organically modeled after wrapped bamboo poles, raising the form elegantly off the surface. The tier-stepped lid ascends to a square panel meticulously inlaid with rows of tightly coiled natural jute rope, beautifully contrasted by a double border of twisted silvertone metal rope trim and crowned with a heavy, classic cast-metal finial. The fitted top lifts away completely to reveal a luxuriously lined black velvet interior, perfectly scaled to offer a 3" cubed storage compartment for safely holding jewelry, watches, or precious keepsakes. To ensure fine furniture remains pristine, the underside of the base is similarly lined in matching protective black velvet. Retaining its original, authentic Maitland-Smith paper label adhered directly to the black velvet on the bottom, this high-quality, substantial box serves as a magnificent sculptural centerpiece for a sophisticated interior. Offered in excellent vintage condition with an incredibly rich, original lacquered finish and only minor, age-appropriate surface wear. Maitland Smith pagoda...

Hand-carved free-standing Japanese Working Man Figurine. Okimono is a Japanese term meaning for display as an art or decorative object. Figure rests on an flat irregular oval base. T...

A large Chinese black lacquer work box dating from approximately 1800–1820. Shaped like a traditional scroll, it features a beautifully painted scene of an emperor with his maiden, r...

A beautiful vintage decorated Famille Rose porcelain decorative box, Chinese Export/Chinoiserie desig style, circa mid-20th century. Box and lid are beautiful decorated with figures ...

A Gold Lacquer Kōbako (Incense Box) Edo Period (1615–1868), Circa 1850 This exquisite gold lacquer kōbako (incense box) exemplifies the refined craftsmans...

On offer is a vintage Chinese hand-carved camphor wood box with detailed courtyard, pavilion, willow, and pine scenes. Likely mid-20th century, with a simplified front shield that ma...