Asian Decorative Boxes

from Tohoku area, Japan. Japanese antique small box tansu chest of drawers, Kohikidashi, made of Sugi Cedar. Product of circa 1850s-1870s (late Edo to early Meiji era), estimate from...

An elegant antique Japanese box in black lacquered wood, decorated with a delicate gold motif depicting a bird perched on a flowering branch, acco...

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

This rare and highly decorative 1930s Art Deco Takita porcelain lidded box is an exceptional example of Japanese Art Deco ceramic design, a category that remains far more elusive than its European and American counterparts. Versatile in form, the piece functions beautifully as a biscuit jar, tea caddy, ice bucket, or sculptural decorative container, making it both practical and collectable. The box is cylindrical and lantern-shaped, modeled after an accordion-pleated Asian paper lantern, giving it strong architectural presence and rhythmic geometry. The porcelain body is painted in a vibrant zig-zag pattern rendered in pastel pink, blue, and yellow against a crisp white ground. The lantern creases are dramatically emphasized with black horizontal accent lines, heightening contrast and reinforcing the bold, modernist Art Deco aesthetic. The removable lid features an asymmetrically placed gilt porcelain knob, a classic Art Deco touch that introduces tension and movement to the design. A woven rattan handle, secured by gilt porcelain mounts on either side, moves freely and adds a sophisticated material contrast, blending natural texture with gleaming glazed porcelain. The interior is clean and well preserved, with no chips or cracks to the interior, lid lip, or body rim. There is one chip to the base, measuring approximately 3/8 inch wide, which does not affect the visual presentation or functionality. The base is stamped “T/T Hand Paint Made in Japan.” While collectors are well acquainted with French Art Deco porcelain and ceramics by celebrated makers such as Robj, Lalique, Sèvres, and Limoges, as well as Czechoslovakian Art Deco manufacturers like Ditmar Urbach, Amphora, and Royal Dux, Japanese Art Deco porcelain...

A quality work, Antique Large Ginbari Cloisonne Rectangular Lidded Trinket Box, Meiji Period, with the Chrysanthemum Motif. There are Interior wood inlays on both the box and the l...

Presenting an absolutely stunning 19c Anglo Ceylonese sewing box of museum quality. Made in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) circa 1860, this is one of the finest sewing boxes of it’s kind that we have ever seen! The box is made from coromandel wood (an exotic hardwood found in Ceylon) and has a serpentine edging all over the front, back and sides. Very often the lids/tops of these boxes suffer cracks due to shrinkage but this one is near perfect with no crack in the lid/top. There is some evidence of natural shrinkage but that is around the edges of the lid/top. It is when you open this box that it reveals it’s true beauty, quality and treasure ! The inside of the lid/top is heavily and beautifully decorated with inlaid bone in scrolling floral patterns which have then been hand painted with red and black ‘lac’ ink. The central medallion is a circle of inlaid specimen exotic hardwoods radiating towards a central bone and hand painted flower. The circle is edged in bone, wood and silver chevrons. What makes this box Exceptionally rare is that it contains 3 lift out base sections. Normally, there would be a maximum of 2. The first tray/section is clearly for the purposes ancillary to sewing with a pair of sections with bone spools for thread etc. There are 17 other lidded compartments with each one highly decorated using hand painted bone and specimen woods to replicate tortoiseshell. The first tray lifts out to reveal a second removeable tray which is made up of a pair of open sections and 8 specimen wood lidded sections each with chevron banding. The third tray is a smaller tray underneath with 14 lidded compartments each with hand painted bone and specimen wood inlaid lids again, replicating the look of tortoiseshell. Again they are banded with a chevron border. This is a museum quality piece ! It is in fantastic condition for it’s age with the minor shrinkage to the edges of the lid/top, some finger pulls missing and some very minor cracks to the tray lids and bases but nothing that in any way detracts from the piece. No key. Dimensions: Closed the box is 16.75 inches wide, 11.25 inches deep and 7.5 inches high Fully open the box is 16.5 inches high, 16.75 inches wide and 11.4 inches deep Anglo-Indian and ceylonese boxes: 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. Anglo-Indian boxes normally consist of 3 main types:- (1) Most of the best and highest quality Anglo-Indian boxes in the 18th and 19th centuries were made in Vizagapatam, India, renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship in using ivory and tortoiseshell and lac decoration. These are referred to as ‘Vizagapatam Boxes...

A scarce fine quality antique silver-inlaid solid brass betel nut box (Lutuan), dating to the second half of the 19th / early 20th century, hand-crafted in Mindanao, Philippines. Boxes such as this were used to store the areca nut (also known as the betel nut) which would be wrapped in a betel leaf with lime paste and other ingredients, often tobacco, for chewing. Similar to the European tea caddy, these boxes often served as a way to impress while showing off ones wealth. Betel chewing was prevalent in the southern Philippines as in much of the rest of Southeast Asia. Wealthier Maranao families on Mindanao were able to afford elaborate silver-inlaid brass betel boxes such as this example. Such boxes were used to show off to guests and from which they were offered betel and the other component such as leaves and lime to make up the betel quid. Rare large size, most extant examples of such boxes tend to measure around 5 inches in length. At slightly more than 7.75 inches the example here is larger than most. The distinctive decorative box features a very heavy strong-box like rectangular shaped chest form with canted corners, copper handles, and a conforming hinged lid, lifting open to reveal an interior divided into three compartments covered by four hinged lids. Each of these doors is inlaid with silver in stylized orchid flower patterns. Exceptionally executed throughout, the arabesque silver inlaid exterior is decorated to the top with a large orchid motif within scrolling obid-obid (stylized rope) borders. The front, back and sides are inlaid with sets of stylized tail feathers of the sari-manok bird beneath which are unusual, highly stylized whimsical zoomorphic faces that appear like cat or tiger faces. (Such stylisation is accounted for by Southeast Asian Islamic preferences to avoid the overt and this potentially idolatrous representation of animal and human forms. Designs such as these are drawn from a local design repertoire that has its origins in wood carving. Although the spread of Islam in the Philippines began in the 14th century, mostly through the influence of Muslim merchants from the western Malay Archipelago, decorative arts in this design remain exceptionally rare. This lutuan represents a fine example of Islamic metalwork from the most eastern outreach of Islamic art and civilisation: Mindanao island being significantly further east than even China – artwork from Islamic Southeast Asia remains chronically under-represented in the world’s major collections of Islamic art. PROVENANCE / ACQUISITION Acquired from highly reputable auction house, Austin Auction Gallery, established 1983, Austin, Texas. References Brownrigg, H., Betel Cutters...

A charming and uncommon antique brass thimble case, beautifully formed in a smooth oval silhouette with a warm, time-earned patina. This petite hinged container features delicate han...

Antique Japanese Lacquered Box. Offered is a beautifully detailed Japanese lacquered box that dates to the 1920's. This decorative box is artful...

A well painted Chinese Canton enamel lobed round box and cover featuring the Eight Immortals, with a Qianlong mark to the underside, late Qing Dynasty, circa 1900, China The deligh...

Exquisite handcrafted Middle Eastern Lebanese mosaic marquetry wood box. Small octagonal walnut Syrian style box intricately decorated with Moorish...

Small rectangular Japanese chest with gold lacquer decoration in the form of leaf tendrils. The chest is decorated with cut-out and ornamentally engraved fittings on the corners and ...

Rare Chinese opium smoker's kit, including a lacquered boiled cardboard pillow-box and a pipe showing signs of intensive use. The pipe fits perfectly inside the box. The curved shape...

Japanese Lacquer Inro with Netsuke Okame Mask, brown lacquer with 3 sections and 2 compartments, and carved ivory polychrome Okame mask and a rope hair. This item is from the Meiji P...

The soft, matte texture and eroded wear of this petite porcelain box suggest the it spent many years submerged in saltwater, likely excavated from a sunken trade ship carrying cerami...

For your consideration, a mid-century modern Japanese decorative secret puzzle trick box wood inlay Mt Fuji floral. Dimensions: 1.75" H x 4.5" W x 3.25" D. Please visit take a loo...

Collectible Chinese Tibetan Gilt Brass Metal Filigree with Turquoise and Coral beads round Box Handcrafted round Tibetan, Nepalese decorative brass trinket wish box with pull-off lid...

Saffron Tissue Box Dark Blue Small in Lacquer Wood & Brass, Viya By Vikram Goyal With moniker’s such as red gold, exquisite thread or golden light, saffron captivates us all. A...

The soft, matte texture and eroded wear of this petite porcelain box suggest it spent many years submerged in saltwater, likely excavated from a sunken trade ship carrying ceramic ex...

Sasak Dowry Box, Lombok Indonesia, Cowrie & Painted Palm 1950’s Handwoven and richly adorned, this 1950’s Sasak dowry box from Lombok, Indonesia, captures the ceremonial artistry of...

Japanese Art Deco Style Trinket Box or Hand-Carved Rosewood Jewelry Box A unique hand-crafted, Japanese wooden box designed in the Art Deco style and of the period. This rare antiqu...

This is a small antique sharing box. A Japanese, lacquered Meiji era case, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1890. Attractive Meiji period (1867 - 1912) box with a striking...

Anglo Raj inlaid marble pietra dura decorative box This handmade marble decorative box is inlaid with semi precious stones, this type of design is the same art that you see in the Taj Mahal. Very nice fine pietra dura art...

A vintage black lacquered lidded circular box with mother or pearl floral inlaid décor. This vintage Chinese black lacquered box is a testame...

Art Deco style granite decorative jewelry box with intricate silver leaf details and velvet interior. Inside measurements are 10.75" x 6.25" deep and 3.5" deep.

Signed and Dated 1961 USSR From our Boxes collection, we are delighted to offer this unusual Russian Papier Mache Box. The box of slim rectangula...

A Chinese Huanghuali document box with original brass mounts. Features a rectangular lid with ornate cut-out brass corners, brass bound down a...

Handsome antique Korean trunk or chest with beautiful brass details and the auspicious Chinese characters for luck and longevity carved into the f...

Dowry Box, Lombok Indonesia, Sasak, Cowrie & Painted Palm 1950’s Handwoven and richly adorned, this 1950’s Sasak dowry box from Lombok, Indonesia, captures the ceremonial artistry o...

Vintage bronze cloisonne lacquer powder box featuring Prunus blossoms - removeable lid - unsigned - China - mid 20th century. Excellent vintage condition - no loss - no damage - n...

AntiqueTibetan chest, beautifully aged painted leather with original iron hardware. Chest has a spacious wooden interior, offering a large amount of storage. Outside features polychrome painted dragons and Asian...

Vintage Hollywood Regency large Maitland-Smith style tessellated Tan / Coral marble with brass trim pill form decorative box with removable lid and lined felt interior. In fine condi...

A fine Korean iron box with intricate silver inlay dated to the late Joseon Dynasty circa 19th century. The body of the box is made from iron of a heavy weight although the wear on t...

This remarkable and highly decorative Japanese export large writing box is a rare high quality example with a complicated and intricate interior. The box is in very good condition c...

Rajasthani Mughal Decorative Copper Lidded Betel Spice Pandan Caddy Box. Handcrafted decorative North India round metal Asian copper Mughal Raj, Indian lidded , spice, pandan betel box with latch and a top handle. Of dome form with lotus-shaped finial, with spiralling bosse designs, Delicately and intricately hand-chased and hammered with geometric Anglo-Indian designs. Consuming betel leaves with several ingredients such as wet lime paste, katechu, areca nut, cloves and even tobacco leaves has been popular in India from the fourth century AD. Dimensions: Height: 9 in (22.86 cm)Diameter: 7 in (17.78 cm) The box was probably used to store the betel leaf used in the preparation of paan. Lime paste is mixed with grated areca nut and flavourings and the resulting mixture is rolled in the betel leaf to form a small parcel which can then be chewed. As well as being an integral part of Indian hospitality paan is believed to possess medicinal properties and was also taken as an aphrodisiac. The present box, which was elaborately designed for this purpose, would have been taken out ceremoniously on special occasions. Exquisite conversation museum quality piece with a very nice antique patina. Fine intricate artwork with conical form lid with Moorish pierced designs. Islamic Mughal Indo Persian...

Very fine 18th century Indian Macassar Ebony traveling writing box with Tutenag metal hardware, the vividly grained case with rare alloy trim, the rectangular form opening to make a ...

An unusual and fine antique Chinese Qing lacquered and inlaid papier mache handled sewing box with decorative panels dating from latter 19th or early 20th century. The sewing box is of round cylindrical shape with a swing carry handle and is inlaid with mother of pearl and abalone. The body is made up of eight oval shaped scenes of typical Chinese style with buildings and people picked out with inset abalone and mother of pearl and highlighted and contained within a gilded border. These are set between bands of patterned abalone and against a blue silk background. A similar band of abalone is applied to the swing handle. The cover sits within a recess and is made up of bands on inset abalone with cut out triangular designs and set over blue silk with a small finely carved mother of pearl handle...

Just in, this wonderful hand crafted Wood Pear Box by Maitland Smith. Large as it stands at about 15" H. Beautiful walnut color wood with a gilt metal stem. Very good vintage conditi...

A fine early Meiji period Japanese cloisonne enamel box decorated with a graceful crane in flight among stylized clouds, with a sparrow perched near a flowering tree. The domed lid p...

Vintage Sajai metal and agate talisman box coin purse, Handmade in India, Handmade Sajai metal cross body purse with multi-colored agates and intric...

Antique 19th century malachite and ormolu casket Russian, Mid-19th Century Height 9cm, width 21cm, depth 15cm This magnificent malachite casket celebra...

An Anglo-Indian table top stationery cabinet, or secretary, in pale padouk wood with string inlay and bone decoration to front and sides, and two doors over two drawers with bone kno...

Beautiful handcrafted tinned copper decorative octagonal betel box with lid and brass latch. The metal is delicately and intricately hand-hammered and repousse with floral and geometric designs. This Vintage brass box...

A beautifully crafted vintage marble box from India, dating to the 1940s–1950s. The surface is intricately inlaid with agate and other precious stones, forming an elegant floral patt...

Anglo-Indian Mother of Pearl Inlaid jewelry Box. 1940s Victorian Anglo Indian box in silver, bone and mother of pearl Inlaid. An elegant Anglo Indian bon...

A small oval chinoiserie blue and white trinket dish with a lid. This piece is from China and was created in ceramic with blue paint. It is white, with a painted scenic design on the...

In this ad you get the chance to buy a beautiful hand-painted Russian lacquer box from the 1800s. It is cylindrical in shape, slightly curving in...

An old Chinese lacquered fabric over wood lidded box with hand-painted calligraphy and iron braces. This old Chinese lacquered box, a perfect example of traditional craftsmanship, is...

This small treasure box from the late 19th century exemplifies the lavish splendor of the Qing-dynasty (1644-1911) decorative arts, finished with intricate surface embellishment and ...

This antique Buddhist shrine box was crafted in the Edo Period (1603-1868). Known in Japan as a “Zushi,” it served as a small sanctuary to enshrine Buddhist figures, scriptures, or ...

Presenting an astonishing Japanese Antique Carved Bone Pillbox Inro, museum quality with the amazing carving skill depicting rats on the lid and body and the relief weaved basket pat...

Early 20th century Shanxi wooden storage box used for serving steamed dumplings / food at family gatherings. This steamer box features traditional round, rustic, bentwood constructi...

An early 19th century Chinese lacquer box, originally crafted as the interior compartment of a much larger box. Beautifully decorated ...

A four-tier Japanese Meiji period black lacquer Jubako box with stork and fir tree decoration. Box in four sections with lid.

English Victorian Classical sterling silver cann, 1864. Baluster bowl with leaf-capped double-scroll handle and raised and beaded foot. Four scroll frames with leaf and bead surround...

Two-tiered Hat Box China Qing dynasty (ca. 1870) Wood, bamboo H: 20 in x D: 14.75 in :: 50.8 cm x 37.5 cm The box holds two Mandarin’s cone shaped hats: the summer hat in the top ti...

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

Dutch Colonial ebony box with silver mounts, large silver hinges and the original steel lock and key. This rare box was likely made in the Dutch East India possession of Sri Lanka, o...

AMBIANIC presents Vintage Silver Plate Velvet Heart Ring Box 4.5 x 4 x 2 maker stamped International Silver Company Vintage unrestored condition marks and...

This highly decorative box is a betal nut box. The habit of chewing was relevant in the southern Philippines and much of southeast Asia. Wealthy Maraneo families on the island of Mi...