Late 19th Century Decorative Boxes

Rare French Majolica asparagus tureen circa 1890. Platter & tureen.

Antique hand-painted and lacquered wooden box with removable tray, from Indonesia. The interior compartments are amply sized. There are some small...

Austrian oak box with brass ornamental elements, second half of the 19th century. Original used condition.

A beautifully rare Scandinavian antique bent wooden box known as a "Svepask" from Sweden. Well used with a lovely patina and still with it's original dark blue paint, though worn in ...

This 19Thc early pantry box was used in the kitchen for feeds and grains. This was paint decorated later in the early 20thc.Looks like a Peter Hunt painted or decorated style.The con...

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...

A fabulous example of a French fruitwood box carved beautifully carved into the form of a trunk. Look closely at the amazing detail, the side handles, the leather stitching, the l...

A black lacquer tebako (hand box) with maki-e decoration and silver trim, circa late 19th century, Meiji period. The surface of the lid features a Rinpa style maki-e paint depicting ...

This resplendent tobacco jar by Bailey, Banks & Biddle of Philadelphia features a beautiful sterling silver lid atop a body of elegant cut-to-clear glass. The lid is adorned with a wonderful Rococo repoussé decoration which contrasts beautifully with the green and cranberry cut glass...

French Faience de Gien trivet or coaster. Vegetal decor with two angel and a bird, in the Italian renaissance style. The earthenware factory of Gien or t...

Late 19th century Italian box with pietra dura panelled top. The box of ebony & mahogany (small loss to underside of bottom). Fine pietra dura floral spray. Three faint hairlines in ...

19th Century French Majolica Grapes Lidded Jar.

Bonbonnière ou boite à bijou en faïence barbotine de saint Clément désignée, à la fin du XIXème Art nouveau. Décorée de fraises et de fleurs ,elle a gardé ses couleurs vives et acidu...

A wonderful Victorian biscuit box or barrel, always highly sought-after in this Drum form, I have probably not had one for three or four years, that's how scarce and hard to come by they are. The fittings are made from silver plate with the lid topped with a finial in the form of a pair or drum sticks...

A circular faceted box with hinged lid, circa late 19th century. Overall gilt patterned decoration with raised ruby tone glass panels. The domed lid with f...

19th Century French Majolica Log Tobacco Jar.

Oval tortoise shell box with glass base. Tortoise top has silverplate surround and wreath crest. Glass is etched with wreaths and garland on each side. Very unique in size and shape...

This wood Sicilian box is a unique and culturally rich artifact, combining elements of 19th-century design, regional influence, and artistic craftsmanship. The box is crafted from wo...

Arts and Crafts Golden Oak Correspondence, Post or Letter Box This very attractive Box is made in Oak, it has 2 letter slots in the top, one for POST IN and the other for POST OUT T...

A figured oak smoker’s companion of great character, taking the form of a horse-drawn delivery van, dated 1897, having a hinged lid and stay rail enclosing two storage compartments, ...

Alabaster base with brass box originaly gold-plated with glass stones, made in Austria, circa 1880.

A most unusual late Victorian fine string or twine box made from glass with a star cut base, the base mounted with a sterling silver foot and fitted with a solid silver lid topped wi...

19th century ball-shaped iron box with hook for hanging.

Beautiful antique game box from the French Napoleon III period. The box is made of book veneer match, inlaid with brass trims. This box shows the fine craftsmanship of the ebenist wh...

Majolica Palissy box with a large lizard handle unsigned Saint Honore Les Bains, circa 1880.

A Paris Porcelain hand-painted jewellery box in the Sèvres style with cartouches of a medieval tavern scene and country scenes. The box is heavily gilt...

A gorgeous Victorian Royal Worcester melon shaped biscuit box featuring a gorgeous floral design embellished with gilt detailing. The rim of the jar is embellished with bats wing flu...

This is an antique oval trinkets tray. An English, ebony dressing table tidy, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1900. Pleasingly deep t...

Large Teak Jewelry Dowry Box with Brass, Late 19th Century, India. This Teak Indian Dowry Box is adorned with Decorative Brass, showcasing exquisite c...

Hallmarked in Sheffield in 1895 by Walker & Hall, this attractive, Antique Sterling Silver & Glass Biscuit Box, features engraved decoration to the silver lid and base, and a hobnail...

A handsome and very stylish biscuit box dating to circa 1890 by the top notch silversmith, John Grinsell & Sons of Sheffield. Made from solid English oak, the box is fitted with e...

Chased bronze jewellery box, 19th century Chased bronze jewellery box, red silk inside, Napoleon III period, 19th century Measures: H: 7 cm, W: 16 c...

This antique writing box or lap desk is unsigned, but presumed to have originated from England and date to approximately 1880 and done in the perio...

This exquisitely inlaid and gold leafed Papier Mâché Dust Pan circa 1870s, has a black lacquered finish with mother of pearl inlays, gold leaf hand-painted floral design and riparia...

Circa 1870 "Trinity House" sewing work box, English. Walnut inlaid with exotic woods. From 1850-1880 the men who manned the lighthouses were known for crafting these boxes to while a...

Small Majolica Lidded Tureen Mixed Earths , circa 1890.

Truly rare, this finely decorated antique rectangular casket, German porcelain manufacturer KPM, circa 1870. The KPM brand is engraved on the inside. Made with a finely chiseled bron...

Marqueterie de paille, boîte en bon état du XIXe siècle

PRESENTING A VERY NICE 19C Anglo Indian Highly Carved Teak and Sandalwood Sarcophagus Sewing Box. Made in Bombay, India circa 1890-1900. The box case/body is made of sandalwood wit...

Small jewelry or vanity box as found in French market. This 19th Century pill box has a silver plated lid and features a ribbon band decoration. Wonderful patina and certainly will c...

Great color and style with this box. Nice dome lid.

A magnificent, fine and impressive, rare antique Victorian English sterling silver vesta box modelled in the form of a boar; an addition to our ornamental silverware collection This magnificent antique Victorian cast sterling silver vesta box has been realistically modelled in the form of a boar. This impressive antique vesta case is embellished with details replicating the features of the boar's coat of fur and anatomical features. The back of the boar incorporates a hallmarked hinged cover which opens to reveal the serrated panel/match striker. The secondary hallmarked hinged panel opens to reveal the original gilt interior; this is faciliated with a thumbpiece modelled in the form of the boar's tail. Such magnificent period examples are rare and becoming increasingly difficult to locate. Condition This antique Victorian vesta box is an exceptional gauge of silver, exceptional quality and in exceptional condition. Full hallmarks struck to the underside of the body, in addition to part hallmarks to the interior of each hinged cover are very clear; the hallmarks are struck deeply due to the exceptional gauge of silver. Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this antique vesta box...

Beautiful antique game box from the French Napoleon III period. The box is made of various types of wood marquetry inlaid with brass trims. This box s...

An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Victorian English sterling silver coin purse; an addition to our silver boxes collection. This exceptional antique Victorian sterling silver coin purse has a tapering rounded form. The rounded surface of this antique purse is embellished with textured details reproducing the fine definition of the purse's fabric. The upper portion of the body is embellished with a sterling silver gilt border, replicating the formation of the rivets and fleur-de-lis design. This impressive case/purse is fitted via two silver gilt ring loops with the original impressive sterling silver round link chain, incorporating a ring loop attachment to the apex. The silver case secures with a push fit catch and opens to reveal the original segmented coin purse interior. This exceptional antique silver coin purse...

This is either a 19thc hardware drawer box or a cash drawer of sorts.The construction is early cut nails and a dovetailed drawer.There is a brass & iron handle on the side of the box...

19th Century Majolica Impressionist Flowers Box.

Mahogany collectors cabinet, the well-figured rectangular top with inset brass plaque, above two panelled doors opening to reveal three graduated drawers. All raised up on moulded ba...

Pretty little Japanese lacquered box. On a golden metal medal inside we can read the royal motto of the Netherlands, adorned with a lion: "Je maintiendrai...

This 19Thc early pantry box was used in the kitchen for feeds and grains. This was paint decorated later in the early 20thc.Looks like a Peter Hunt painted or decorated style. The co...

Aesthetic Movement Reverse Engraved Mercury Mirror Mounted Gilt Bronze Box, late 1870s, floral motif centering the name "Laura" in Gothic script, above four beveled side panels simil...

The whip carved wood fox music box with glass eyes, is a finely crafted example of late 19th century decorative carving from the Black Forest region of southern Germany. Rendered in ...

English Victorian oblong shaped box with etched design and silver top.  

Beautiful and Rare Polyphon Music Box with Bells – Type 71G This lovely Polyphon music box, model 71G, plays music using 24.5 cm discs, which are g...

Chinese foliage painted and brass mounted tacked hinged chest on stand with flanking side handles and interior lock with key, Late 19th Century

Rectangular 19th century box with an oval brass plaque without engraving. The exterior has been re-polished over time. It has a nice warm patina. The int...

Late 19th century Qing lacquer and hand-carved varnished wood decorative box, China By: unknown Material: wood, lacquer Technique: carved, hand-carved, hand-crafted, lacquered, varn...

French Victorian round shaped bronze dore box with festoon design and lady portrait in center.  

French Majolica box with Cyclamens, Circa 1890.

Beautiful glove box from the end of the 19th century, entirely sheathed in leather with a beveled glass on the cover. The interior is covered with a padded blue silk.

Very beautiful small box from the time of Art Nouveau, made of jacaranda and brass inserts. The box is with interior division. In very good restored condition.