Early 20th Century Decorative Boxes
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Item Ships From: USA
Period: Early 20th Century
Persian Lacquer Pen Box Hand Painted with Floral and Gilt Design
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Persian hand painted lacquer pen box in rectangular shape.
Decorated with floral designs on gold background, black interior.
Moorish Mughal pen box papier maché with miniature floral painting in the Persian style.
Great Islamic Art collector museum quality piece on this miniature painting on box.
Nice Mughal Indo Persian pen Box...
Category
Indian Moorish Early 20th Century Decorative Boxes
Materials
Paper
Two Japanese Lacquer Lunch Boxes
Located in Norton, MA
Japan, 19th/20th century, one red-lacquered with an inner compartment; one black-lacquered with an inner compartment.
Category
Japanese Early 20th Century Decorative Boxes
Materials
Lacquer
English Silver Cartridge Holder
Located in New York, NY
English silverplate cartridge holder. Vintage seven chamber cartridge holder of slim curved design. Beautiful modern design desk accessory. England, early 20th century
Dimensions: 4...
Category
English Early 20th Century Decorative Boxes
Materials
Silver Plate
Vintage Middle Eastern Moorish Mosaic Marquetry Inlay Box
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage Middle Eastern Moorish wooden jewelry box inlaid with marquetry.
Middle Eastern box handcrafted in very fine Moorish micro mosaic diamonds,...
Category
Asian Moorish Early 20th Century Decorative Boxes
Materials
Fruitwood
Early 20th Century Russian Silver 84 Clutch Purse with Horses Moscow
Located in San Mateo, CA
Russian silver clutch or evening purse. This has repousse horse heads with outstanding detail in the left corner. The clutch is .875 fine silver. There is a glass cabochon for the cl...
Category
Russian Art Nouveau Vintage Early 20th Century Decorative Boxes
Materials
Silver
Three Wiener Werkstatte Style Biscuit Tins
Located in Sharon, CT
Three beautifully decorated Austrian/German biscuit or candy tins. The red oval: 8x3.5x5", large square: 8.25x8.25x5.5" and the flower decorated:4.25x8.75x6.75.
Category
Austrian Vienna Secession Early 20th Century Decorative Boxes
Materials
Tin
1905 Edwardian Leather, Tortoiseshell and Silver Mounted Letter Box
Located in Morristown, NJ
1905, England, Unusual and striking Edwardian letter box with leather sides. The curved top and base are mounted with scrolling sterling silver. T...
Category
English Edwardian Antique Early 20th Century Decorative Boxes
Materials
Silver
Vintage French Victorian Porcelain Hand Painted Hinged Box Signed R. Coulory
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage French Victorian blue porcelain hand painted hinged box signed R. Coulory. Item features hand painted floral details, hand painted int...
Category
Victorian Early 20th Century Decorative Boxes
Materials
Porcelain
French Faience Pate Tureen with Rabbits, Circa 1920
Located in Austin, TX
French Faience pate tureen with rabbits Circa 1920.
Category
French Rustic Vintage Early 20th Century Decorative Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Hallmarked Silver Plated Keepsake Box, Sheffield, UK, circa 1900
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Offered is a stunning silver plated keepsake box dating to 1900, with associated hallmark. This small box includes a wooden interior with two slots and a blank square on top where initials could have been engraved. A well maintained, elegant piece, this antique silver box is an excellent addition to any silver or home decor collection.
Trinket or keepsake boxes have taken on many forms since their first conception in ancient times. However their purpose remains the same; to store jewelry and other items precious to the owner. Originally, these boxes were used specifically for jewelry. These were in common use as early as 5000 BC in Ancient Egypt, when the majority of Egyptians, both male and female, wore jewelry. Boxes were used to keep these gemstone encrusted items safe. In Ancient Rome, jewelry was a status symbol. Rings and brooches were utilized to represent ones status in society. Again, boxes were needed for security and storage purposes. Finding early examples of these are quite rare.
Victorian and Edwardian examples of trinket boxes are far more common. This is because owning jewellery was a luxury until the Victorian era- let alone possessing so much a box was needed to store it all. Fine jewelry and other items became available to the masses after the industrial revolution due to the reduction in production costs. This led to a demand for trinket boxes, which were much smaller than jewelry boxes and therefore better suited to the needs of the middle class who did not yet possess an abundance of jewelry.
In Victorian households, collectables and other items of interested were also stashed inside these boxes. This is why they are known as trinket or keepsake boxes, rather than just jewelry boxes, although of course jewelry was also stored in them. Trinket boxes were produced in large numbers around this time. Many were lined with colored plush or velvet or rich wood. More elaborate designs had interior divisions and trays for rings and other pieces of jewellery. It was also common to see trinket boxes so small that they could only contain one item, such as a single ring. Ornate exteriors were created to reflect the value of the trinket boxes contents.
The Edwardian era saw the introduction of new styles of trinket box. These included small circular or oblong boxes...
Category
English Art Deco Antique Early 20th Century Decorative Boxes
Materials
Silver
Hallmarked Silver Plated Keepsake Box, Sheffield, Uk, Circa 1900
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Offered is a stunning Sheffield silver keepsake box dating to 1900, with associated hallmark. This small box includes a clean interior and rounded corners. The box is free of names or initials, but would have been used to house keepsakes such as jewelry or cufflinks. A well maintained, elegant piece, this antique silver box is an excellent addition to any silver collection.
Trinket or keepsake boxes have taken on many forms since their first conception in ancient times. However their purpose remains the same; to store jewelry and other items precious to the owner. Originally, these boxes were used specifically for jewelry. These were in common use as early as 5000 BC in Ancient Egypt, when the majority of Egyptians, both male and female, wore jewelry. Boxes were used to keep these gemstone encrusted items safe. In Ancient Rome, jewelry was a status symbol. Rings and brooches were utilized to represent ones status in society. Again, boxes were needed for security and storage purposes. Finding early examples of these are quite rare.
Victorian and Edwardian examples of trinket boxes are far more common. This is because owning jewellery was a luxury until the Victorian era- let alone possessing so much a box was needed to store it all. Fine jewelry and other items became available to the masses after the industrial revolution due to the reduction in production costs. This led to a demand for trinket boxes, which were much smaller than jewelry boxes and therefore better suited to the needs of the middle class who did not yet possess an abundance of jewelry.
In Victorian households, collectables and other items of interested were also stashed inside these boxes. This is why they are known as trinket or keepsake boxes, rather than just jewelry boxes, although of course jewelry was also stored in them. Trinket boxes were produced in large numbers around this time. Many were lined with colored plush or velvet or rich wood. More elaborate designs had interior divisions and trays for rings and other pieces of jewellery. It was also common to see trinket boxes so small that they could only contain one item, such as a single ring. Ornate exteriors were created to reflect the value of the trinket boxes contents.
The Edwardian era saw the introduction of new styles of trinket box. These included small circular or oblong boxes...
Category
British Art Deco Antique Early 20th Century Decorative Boxes
Materials
Silver
Fine Carved Wood Box with Morning Glories
By Maison de l'Art Nouveau
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This box is a real treasure! Completely had carved from walnut the detail in the flowers and leaves is quite remarkable. This box required a real master craftsman to achieve the outs...
Category
French Art Nouveau Antique Early 20th Century Decorative Boxes
Materials
Walnut
Czech Art Deco Black Enamel & Hand Blown & Cut Crystal 6 Pc Dresser Set Palda
By Karl Palda
Located in Great Barrington, MA
This complete dresser set was most likely designed by the iconic Czech Art Deco designer Karl Palda and it consists of a fabulous combination of 6 hand blown and cut crystal dresser items which includes the pieces listed below and pictured. Each piece has canted diamond-shaped corners and the bases are star cut making them even more unusual and special.
Large Covered Jar...
Category
Czech Art Deco Vintage Early 20th Century Decorative Boxes
Materials
Crystal
Italian Florentine Giltwood Domed Shaped Box
By Florentine
Located in Sheffield, MA
An elegant Baroque style giltwood trinket boxes with a dome top. Wonderfully decorative to hold jewelry, trinkets. note cards or any clutter you might want to get off your table or d...
Category
Italian Baroque Early 20th Century Decorative Boxes
Materials
Wood, Giltwood
Renaissance Style Gilt Rectangular Casket , Jewelry, Desk and /or Decorative Box
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a Renaissance style gilt bronze rectangular casket lidded box. It depicts embossed decoration of scrolls of acanthus leaves, birds flowers and hearts around the whole box. In the center of the lid, there is a “cameo” or relief of the profile of a gentleman with a beard. Inside, the box is covered with purple velvet fabric in the lid. It is divided in different sizes and shapes of compartments with glass tray and two inkwell bottles...
Category
Unknown Renaissance Revival Early 20th Century Decorative Boxes
Materials
Bronze
French Faience Lidded Pot Box With Dog Circa 1900
Located in Austin, TX
French Faience lidded pot box with dog circa 1900.
Category
French Rustic Antique Early 20th Century Decorative Boxes
Materials
Faience
Nelialee Art Deco Red Traveling Cosmetic Toilet Vanity Case with Accessories
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Rare Gorgeous Art Deco 1930s red traveling cosmetic case with fitted top section and empty bottom section to store your overnight needs. In the top corner, there is a label from Nelialee NYC. When you open it up, you will find a treasure of streamlined gold toned art deco accessories...
Category
Art Deco Early 20th Century Decorative Boxes
Materials
Metal, Brass
The Hoover Co Model 450 Advertisement Cardboard Box NRA Sticker Delivery Box
Located in Philadelphia, PA
The Hoover Co Model 450 Advertisement Cardboard Box NRA Sticker Empty Delivery Box. Item features an Empty box, all original advertisement prints to sides, l...
Category
Art Deco Early 20th Century Decorative Boxes
Materials
Paper
Chinese Elmwood Early 20th Century Makeup Chest with Doors and Drawers
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese elmwood makeup or jewelry chest from the early 20th century with five drawers and brass hardware. Created in China during the early years of the 20th century, this small el...
Category
Chinese Early 20th Century Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass
Early 20th Century Austrian Box
Located in Chicago, IL
A striking early 20th century Austrian box with ebony veneer over birch and with a thin fruitwood inlaid stripe around the lid. A simple brass handle allows the lid to be opened. Per...
Category
Austrian Early 20th Century Decorative Boxes
Materials
Ebony, Fruitwood
Antique Hand Painted Jeweled French Sevres Type Cobalt Blue Porcelain Table Box
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A very fine antique Sevres style French porcelain dresser box or casket.
With extensive gilt highlights and turquoise, red & white enamel jeweling throughout.
Decorated to the ...
Category
French Belle Époque Early 20th Century Decorative Boxes
Materials
Porcelain
Carved Red Lacquer Hinged Basket Box
Located in Norton, MA
A large Chinese Red lacquer hinged basket with pierced handle. The pierced and carved handle with bats in the corners.
Measures: 13" x 11" x 12".
Category
Chinese Early 20th Century Decorative Boxes
Materials
Porcelain, Wood, Lacquer
Sterling Silver and Onyx Box
Located in Newport Beach, CA
An elegant, molded sterling silver, hinged top box. The top features an onyx panel.
Category
Italian Baroque Antique Early 20th Century Decorative Boxes
Materials
Onyx, Silver
Solid Tiger Oak Card Catalog Box with Brass Handle Dovetail Art Deco
Located in San Diego, CA
A handsome antique solid tiger oak catalog drawer, This solid oak cabinet is constructed with gorgeous dovetail joints and a solid brass handle.
Category
American Art Deco Early 20th Century Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass
Antique Chateau Des Tuileries Sevres Type Porcelain Hand Painted Dresser Box
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine, signed antique French porcelain dresser box.
In a rare oval or egg form.
Decorated with a cobalt ground, signed hand painted scene with lovers in a garden, and rich g...
Category
French Beaux Arts Early 20th Century Decorative Boxes
Materials
Porcelain
Chinese Early 20th Century Document Box with Scalloped Décor and Removable Panel
Located in Yonkers, NY
An antique Chinese document box from the early 20th century with dark red distressed lacquer and brass hardware. Created in China during t...
Category
Chinese Early 20th Century Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass
Antique French Folk Art Keepsake Box
Located in Charleston, SC
This beautiful hand decorated keepsake box has a beautiful green velvet on the outside. The top shows a metal cross with shell decorations. The inside is Lined with a silk green on t...
Category
French Folk Art Early 20th Century Decorative Boxes
Materials
Metal
Vintage German Crystal & Bronze Jewelry Casket Carriage
Located in Elkhart, IN
A very rare vintage cut crystal jewelry casket/carriage with bronze mounts. The domed crystal casket sits on a bronze carriage stand with turnin...
Category
German Neoclassical Early 20th Century Decorative Boxes
Materials
Crystal, Bronze
Anglo Indian Micro Mosaic Inlay Jewelry Box
Located in New York, NY
Exquisitely crafted early 20th century Anglo Indian micro mosaic Sadeli box with gorgeous antique Persian geometric pattern.
The finely detailed box featu...
Category
Indian Anglo-Indian Early 20th Century Decorative Boxes
Materials
Fruitwood, Bone
Antique British Wooden Trunk “Clayton”
Located in High Point, NC
This sturdy wooden trunk was manufactured in the UK circa 1900. The chest is strengthened by sheets of iron, the sides and belted by wooden slats for extra durability. Ornamental iron...
Category
British Antique Early 20th Century Decorative Boxes
Materials
Metal
Pair of Large Antique Japanese Hokai Lacquer Boxes
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of Japanese lacquered lidded Hokai boxes with chased brass hardware and original ropes. Hokai boxes are traditionally used in Japan as the containers ...
Category
Japanese Japonisme Early 20th Century Decorative Boxes
Materials
Wood, Lacquer
Antique Islamic Silver Calligraphy Damascened Copper Jewelry Box
Located in New York, NY
Antique Islamic silver calligraphy damascened copper jewelry box with hinged lid. Copper is finely hand hammered into a wonderful texture. Interior fully...
Category
Egyptian Early 20th Century Decorative Boxes
Materials
Silver, Copper
Antique Chinese Brass Box with Jade Medallion
Located in Houston, TX
Antique Chinese brass decorative box with Jade Medallion. This stunning Chinese export brass box features a beautiful etched bat design with a central c...
Category
Chinese Chinese Export Vintage Early 20th Century Decorative Boxes
Materials
Jade, Brass
Art Deco Jade Box, France. 1920s
Located in Miami, FL
A French Art Deco rectangular green nephrite jade trinket, jewelry, desk or vanity box. The green color of the jade creates a nice contrast with the jeweled hardware.
Category
French Art Deco Vintage Early 20th Century Decorative Boxes
Materials
Jade
Japanese Lacquer Box
Located in New York, NY
A Japanese red burgundy, gold and black lacquer box with round corners and silk cloth interior lining, circa early-20th century, 1920s, Japan. Box was desi...
Category
Japanese Early 20th Century Decorative Boxes
Materials
Wood, Silk
Art Deco Sterling Silver Table Box with Hinged Lid
Located in New York, NY
Art Deco, sterling silver table box with hinged lid, Chester, England, year-hallmarked for 1920, Cohen and Charles - makers. Wood lined. The felt on underside of the box may have bee...
Category
English Art Deco Vintage Early 20th Century Decorative Boxes
Materials
Sterling Silver
Antique Papier Mâché Egg Box
Located in Tampa, FL
A lovely papier mâché box in the shape of an egg. The box is adorned with hand painted figures. Circa 1920s Kashmir, India.
Category
Indian Vintage Early 20th Century Decorative Boxes
Materials
Paper
Tramp Art Lift-Top Box with Notched and Layered Geometrical Design, ca. 1920
Located in Banner Elk, NC
Tramp Art lift-top box with notched and layered Geometrical Design, the interior with original fabric lining, American, ca. 1920.
For similar examples and techniques, see:
Clifford A. Wallach, A LEGACY IN TRAMP ART. Atglen, PA: Schiffer Publishing, Ltd., 2012, pp. 184-185.
Laura M...
Category
American Early 20th Century Decorative Boxes
Materials
Softwood
Continental Rosewood Miniature Chest Jewelry Box
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Diminutive rosewood chest of drawers with dark silver mounts. The miniature chest with drawer front with two lower working drawers. The top section lifts to reveal storage. Perfect t...
Category
European Antique Early 20th Century Decorative Boxes
Materials
Rosewood
Antique Small Turn of the Century Florentine Box
Located in Tampa, FL
A small turn of the century Italian Florentine box with an X design on top.
Category
Italian Antique Early 20th Century Decorative Boxes
Materials
Wood
Antique Chinese Headrest 'Pillow' Box
Located in Pasadena, CA
This beautiful Chinese pillow box was hand-crafted by artisans to be used as headrest and to store valuables and important documents.
Category
Chinese Qing Early 20th Century Decorative Boxes
Materials
Wood
Antique Pear-Shaped Hand Painted Opaline Glass Dresser Box
By Baccarat
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine opaline (likely French) glass box.
In the stylized form of a pear.
The white opalescent glass body and lid both have handpainted fruit and floral decoration & rich gildi...
Category
French Early 20th Century Decorative Boxes
Materials
Art Glass, Blown Glass
Chinese Lao Tian Li Cloisonne Cylindrical Box, Late Qing Dynasty, China
Located in Austin, TX
A delightful antique Chinese cloisonné cylindrical box and cover by Lao Tian Li, late Qing Dynasty, circa 1900, China.
The box of cylindrical form and w...
Category
Chinese Qing Antique Early 20th Century Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass, Copper, Enamel
English Bulldog Head Papier-mâché Collar Box
Located in Lambertville, NJ
English bulldog head papier-mâché collar box. This is just wonderful. Made of Papier-mâché, composition and cardboard. Still has a collar inside. Good age a...
Category
Unknown Early 20th Century Decorative Boxes
Materials
Composition
Chinese Gilt Black Lacquer Carrying Box, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This early 20th century painted box was originally used as a portable traveling container, especially used for meals, snacks, and food offerings. The wooden box is crafted with eight sides, a lucky number believed to bring prosperity. Brushed atop layers of red and black lacquer, gilt linework decorates the sides with scrollwork, ruyi, and chrysanthemums, symbols of autumn and longevity. The lid is painted with a young boy carrying a lantern, conveying a blessing of abundance. Dense with symbolism, this painted carrying box...
Category
Chinese Qing Early 20th Century Decorative Boxes
Materials
Wood
Italian Jewelry or Decorative Box, Early 20th Century
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Early 20th Century Italian jewelry box. This sweet petite box is a perfect piece to hold jewelry or any small collectibles. Sitting atop a vanity, dresser or a desk, the hand painted...
Category
Italian Folk Art Early 20th Century Decorative Boxes
Materials
Wood
Chinese Early 20th Century Rattan Lunch Box with Tripartite Bamboo Handle
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese antique rattan lunch basket from the early 20th century, with bamboo tripartite handle. Created in China during the early years of the 20th century, this lunch box captures...
Category
Chinese Rustic Early 20th Century Decorative Boxes
Materials
Rattan, Bamboo
Antique Capo DiMonte Hand Painted Ceramic Box circa 1920's
Located in Douglas Manor, NY
3-646 Antique Capo DiMonte hand painted ceramic box.
Category
Vintage Early 20th Century Decorative Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Chinese Etched Brass Box with Carved Jade Inset Top, Circa 1900
Located in Stamford, CT
Sweet little Chinese export brass box with beautiful floral etched designs, looks like peonies to me. With a lovely white jade top carved in fretwork with a vase framed by the flower...
Category
Chinese Chinese Export Early 20th Century Decorative Boxes
Materials
Jade, Brass
Art Deco Whiting & Davis Dresden Enamel Mesh Evening Purse Shadow Box/Display
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is an Art Deco Whiting & Davis Dresden mesh evening purse. It is enamel hand painted with royal blue, yellow, orange and green colors featuring an “i...
Category
American Art Deco Early 20th Century Decorative Boxes
Materials
Metal
Antique Chinese Decorated Lacquer Decorative Box
Located in Houston, TX
Antique Chinese lacquer decorated decorative box. This Stunning Chinese export hand decorated lacquered box is the perfect accessory for a coffee table or dressing table. Could be used for jewelry or important documents.
Category
Chinese Export Vintage Early 20th Century Decorative Boxes
Materials
Lacquer
Chinese Antique Lidded Lunch Box with Volutes, Handle and Distressed Finish
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese late Qing Dynasty period lidded lunch box from the early 20th century, with weathered patina, large handle and volutes. This early 20th-century Chinese antique lidded lunch...
Category
Chinese Qing Early 20th Century Decorative Boxes
Materials
Wood
German Rosenthal Bavaria 1920s Oval Porcelain Lidded Box with Floral Décor
By Rosenthal
Located in Atlanta, GA
A German Rosenthal porcelain lidded box from the early 20th century with pastel flowers. Created in Germany during the first quarter of the 20th century, this oval porcelain box, topped with a lid, features a delicate décor of pink, white, yellow and blue flowers accented with green foliage. Showcasing its green underglaze Rosenthal Bavaria...
Category
German Early 20th Century Decorative Boxes
Materials
Porcelain
Antique English Regency Style Lion Motif Oval Tole Box
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Antique English Regency Style Lion Motif Oval Tole Box
England, circa 1900s
A beautiful colorful example, of oval from with swing handle, on a tapering box decorated with tassels, lion medallions and trellis work. Fitted with a latch handle, possibly a commercial tea box, can be used a fireplace kindling...
Category
English Regency Early 20th Century Decorative Boxes
Materials
Metal
Vintage Limoges Purse Shaped Box
By Limoges
Located in Dallas, TX
Presenting a lovely and exceptionally cute vintage Limoges purse shaped box.
Made in Limoges, France circa 1900-20.
Marked on interior as “Limoge...
Category
French Beaux Arts Early 20th Century Decorative Boxes
Materials
Ormolu
African Tuareg Hand-Tooled Brown Leather Box
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Hand tooled brown leather box from Africa.
Very fine workmanship with tribal traditional West African symbols on leather.
Tuareg style probably Maurita...
Category
Mauritanian Folk Art Early 20th Century Decorative Boxes
Materials
Leather
Maitland-Smith Vantage Tessellated Horn Jewelry Box
Located in Norton, MA
The State of Art, A Beautiful and highly crafted Maitland-Smith Vantage Tessellated Horn Jewelry Box, with Brass for edge Reinforcement.
Category
Chinese Other Early 20th Century Decorative Boxes
Materials
Porcelain
Carved Italian Casket
Located in Dallas, TX
Antique turn of the century carved Italian mahogany casket in the style of a tomb with scrolls, acanthus leaves, bellflowers and a punch work background with winged griffons on the s...
Category
Italian Antique Early 20th Century Decorative Boxes
Materials
Silk, Mahogany
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