Inspired by the Arts & Crafts style in England, which rebelled against the mechanization of the Industrial Revolution with a proud emphasis on handcrafted design, American Craftsman style similarly pushed against the lavishness of the Victorian era. Coined by Wisconsin-born Gustav Stickley, a furniture designer and publisher of The Craftsman magazine, American Craftsman furniture would influence homegrown styles that followed, such as Mission and the Prairie School.
Like the popular early 20th-century Craftsman houses — which feature meticulous woodwork on everything from built-in bookcases in the living room and cabinetry in the kitchen to earth-toned exteriors with exposed rafters — American Craftsman furniture was all about handmade storage cabinets, bedroom furniture, chairs and other pieces built with organic materials. “Simplicity and straightforwardness of construction has always been the leading characteristic of Craftsman furniture,” Stickley stated. And while he is often credited with most of the designs at the Craftsman Workshops in Eastwood, New York, others such as Harvey Ellis were influential in shaping the straight-backed chairs, beds with vertical slats and tables with exposed joinery that came to define the style.
Highly utilitarian with no unnecessary flair, American Craftsman furniture was designed to emphasize the essence of its modest construction and promote the natural beauty of the wood. Solid oak, cherry, walnut and mahogany were all favored by the movement’s principal figures. Another attribute commonly associated with the style is the integration of subtle details like tooled leather, inlaid metal and hammered iron handles.
Owing to the outbreak of World War I, the popularity of American Craftsman style waned as consumer spending dropped and furniture companies shifted to the production of wartime materials and goods specified in government contracts. Yet, by the 1960s, there was a renewed appreciation for this foundational modern American style, with Stickley and his contemporaries in demand for the clean, simple lines and sturdy construction of American Craftsman furniture.
Find a collection of antique American Craftsman chests, nightstands, seating, decorative objects and more furniture on 1stDibs.
Arthur Espenet Wooden Box 1961
Located in Chicago, IL
Arthur Espenet Carpenter Exotic Walnut Box, 1961 A finely crafted wooden box by celebrated California studio furniture maker Arthur Espenet Carpenter, dated 1961. Made from richly fi...
Brass
Hand-Carved Burl Jewelry Box by Michael Elkan, American Craftsman
Located in Hudson, NY
This is the grandfather of Michael Elkan boxes. Retaining it's original surface and the rarely seen or found interior boxes of which this group is intact. All made from the same bloc...
Wood, Burl
$1,584Sale Price|20% Off
American Craftsman Gothic Sterling Silver Casket Box
Located in New York, NY
American Craftsman Gothic sterling silver casket, ca 1920. Plain rectangular with straight sides and flat hinged cover. Hand-hammered scalloped mounts folded around corners and termi...
Sterling Silver
Collection of Fred and Marilyn Buss Trinket Boxes
Located in San Mateo, CA
Three trinket boxes by Fred and Marilyn Buss. These are executed in madrone, maple burl and myrtle burl.
Hardwood
Arthur Espenet Carpenter Rosewood Tissue Box 1965c.
Located in Chicago, IL
Arthur Espenet Carpenter Rosewood Tissue Box (circa 1965) This elegant rectangular tissue box exemplifies Arthur Espenet Carpenter’s mid-century modern vision. Carpenter was a self-t...
Rosewood
$3,520Sale Price|20% Off
American Craftsman Hand-Hammered Sterling Silver Box
Located in New York, NY
Craftsman sterling silver box. Made by Ahrendt & Kautzman in Newark, ca 1920. Rectangular with straight sides. Cover hinged with gently curved top and molded rim. Allover spot hammer...
Sterling Silver
Intricately Inlaid Dovetailed Craftsman Built Lidded Dresser Box
Located in Ferndale, MI
Very possibly polish in origin. Finely made and assembled lidded box. Dovetail corners and intricate inlay of exotic woods and beads.
Wood
Artisanal Modernist Wood Decorative Box
Located in San Diego, CA
Elevate your space with this handcrafted multi use decorative box. This elegant fusion of craftmanship and modernist design is expertly constructed in rich mahogany and warm walnut....
Mahogany, Walnut
Arthur Espenet Carpenter Wood Block, Solid Alternating Walnut and Mahogany
Located in Chicago, IL
Arthur Espenet Carpenter Wood Block or Decorative Tray 1960's Handmade at the Espenet studio in Bolinas, California, this striking object is crafted from alternating strips of solid ...
Mahogany, Walnut
Studio Box by American Craftsman Michael Elkan, US 'No 5'
Located in Berlin, DE
Studio Box by American craftsman Michael Elkan, US for your personal belongings.
Wood
1980s Brass and Tessellated Stone Box
By G. None
Located in Tarrytown, NY
1980s brass and tessellated stone box.
Stone
Studio Craft Turned Rosewood Box with Enamel Lid
Located in Ferndale, MI
Nicely crafted solid rosewood box with enameled lid.
Copper
Michael Elkan Burled Wood Box
Located in Highland, IN
This lovely trinket box in Oregon bird’s-eye maple burl by Silverton, OR woodworker Michael Elkan has a beautiful, rich color and texture. Handcrafted from a single piece of wood, th...
Burl
Black & White Marble Square Tissue Box
Located in Prague, Czech Republic.
Crafted entirely by hand, this marble tissue box cover is a fusion of form and function, seamlessly blending into any space while adding sophistication and elegance. Clean, minimalis...
Marble
Brass and Abalone Shell Scorpion Sculpture Trinket Box
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Brass scorpion sculpture trinket box inlaid with beautiful abalone shell made in Mexico attributed to Los Castillo. Overtime usually the lid gets broken or lost but this one is in c...
Brass
White Onyx Rectangular Tissue Box
Located in Prague, Czech Republic.
Crafted entirely by hand, this onyx tissue box cover is a fusion of form and function, seamlessly blending into any space while adding sophistication and elegance. Clean, minimalist ...
Onyx
Free Edge Burl Wood Jewelry Box Manner of Michael Elkans 1970's, USA
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Free Edge Burl Wood Jewelry Box Manner of Michael Elkans 1970's, USA Hand-worked, found free-edge burl wood chunk with four drawers. Felt covers bottom, but likely a Michael Elkans c...
Burl
$1,495
H 4.5 in W 7 in D 4.25 in
Wonderful Cut Crystal Glass Sterling Swag Oval Casket Vanity Dresser Jewelry Box
Located in Roslyn, NY
A wonderful cut crystal star bottom / glass beveled top sterling silver 925 swag oval casket vanity dresser jewelry box.
Crystal, Sterling Silver
Contemporary Authentic Leather Navy Blue Covered Tissue Box
Located in Toronto, ON
Your powder room may be small, but that doesn't make it and less deserving of extravagant ornamentation. This navy blue leather tissue box cover is nothing short of exceptional, fully wrapped in leather and bone on a base of sycamore. Concealed bottom door to allow access for square tissue box.
Wood, Leather
Vintage wooden Trinket Jewelry Box
Located in Seattle, WA
This Vintage wooden box possibly oak is perfect for trinkets or Jewelry. It has slidable and removable compartments. This Piece has nice patina and character. Vintage Condition as p...
Wood
Amber Trinket Box
Located in Tampa, FL
A beautifully decorated Indian metal box with a stone of amber on the top. 1920s or earlier There once was a fabric inside but it has disintegrated you can see it, all of the fibers ...
Stone, Metal
Michael Elkan Burled Wood Box
Located in Highland, IN
This lovely trinket box in Oregon bird’s-eye maple burl by Silverton, OR woodworker Michael Elkan has a beautiful, rich color and texture. Handcrafted from a single piece of wood, th...
Burl
Neoclassical Style Metal Tissue Box Cover
Located in Sheffield, MA
Add style and the finishing touch to your countertop or nightstand with this antiqued gold toned top and grey ribbed metal body tissue box cover to pr...
Metal
Green Guatemala Marble Square Tissue Box
Located in Prague, Czech Republic.
Crafted entirely by hand, this marble tissue box cover is a fusion of form and function, seamlessly blending into any space while adding sophistication and elegance. Clean, minimalis...
Marble
Shadow Grey Marble Rectangular Tissue Box
Located in Prague, Czech Republic.
Crafted entirely by hand, this marble tissue box cover is a fusion of form and function, seamlessly blending into any space while adding sophisticati...
Marble
Carved Wood Organic Mid Century Jewelry Box
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional Organic Mid Century Modern carved wood jewelry box, having a lift top, with two pull out drawers with separate compartments. The bo...
Wood
$446Sale Price|20% Off
H 3.94 in W 5.91 in D 3.94 in
Antique Pewter BOX Egyption Decorative Silver Jewllery Box Casket Home Decor
Located in Wembley, GB
Vintage Egyptian Revival Jewellery Box with Nefertiti Relief & Hieroglyphic Decoration Decorative Trinket Casket Egyptian Collectible Vanity Box Celebrate the timeless beauty of Ancient Egypt with this beautifully crafted Egyptian Revival jewellery box, richly decorated with iconic motifs inspired by one of history's greatest civilisations. The hinged triple-lid design features elegant relief portraits of Queen Nefertiti, a pharaoh's sarcophagus, and traditional Egyptian symbolism, each enhanced with striking ruby-red cabochon accents that create a luxurious contrast against the silver-toned finish. The sides are exquisitely embossed with scenes of Egyptian figures, hieroglyphs, pyramids, and decorative borders, while the interior is fully lined with soft black velvet. Thoughtfully divided into three compartments, including a central ring holder, this pewter box is ideal for storing rings, earrings, cufflinks, pendants, and treasured keepsakes. An elegant decorative object as well as a practical jewellery casket, this piece makes a wonderful addition to a dressing table, study, display cabinet, or luxury interior. Perfect for collectors of Egyptian Revival décor, lovers of archaeology, and admirers of historical decorative arts, it also makes a memorable gift for any special occasion. Dimensions Height: Approx. 10 cm Width: Approx. 15 cm Depth: Approx. 7 cm Condition Presented in excellent vintage condition with only light signs of age and use, consistent with careful ownership. The velvet-lined interior is clean and well preserved, and the hinges operate smoothly. Egyptian jewellery box...
Gold Plate, Silver, Metal, Sheet Metal
Coral Marble Square Tissue Box
Located in Prague, Czech Republic.
Crafted entirely by hand, this marble tissue box cover is a fusion of form and function, seamlessly blending into any space while adding sophistication and elegance. Clean, minimalis...
Marble
Burl Wood and Leather Hexagon Decorative Box by Evert Sodergren, 1980
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Burl Wood and Leather Hexagon Decorative Storage Box by Evert Sodergren, Sodergren Atelier, Seattle, Washington. 1980 Exterior Maple Burl Wood with Mahogany Trim Interior Mahogany Lid with Leather Lined Bottom Bottom is Lined with Leather with Label and Date "Evert Sodergren - Master Woodworker "My father was only interested in traditional design and I wasn’t satisfied with that. I would like to make something that hasn’t been made before."– Evert Sodergren Born in 1920, a fourth generation furniture maker, Evert Sodergren grew up in a family of Swedish immigrants in Seattle, Washington. From the age of 15, working alongside his father, he learned both the art and economics of building fine furniture. In 1939 he went to work at the Boeing Company where for eight years he built test model aircraft...
Hardwood
Annamarie Davidson Copper Enamel Plate & Lidded Wood Bowl –
Located in San Diego, CA
A stunning Mid-Century Modern studio craft set by acclaimed California artist Annamarie Davidson, featuring a hand-enameled copper plate and matching lidded wood bowl. Known for her ...
Copper, Enamel
Michael Elkan Studios "Castles #14" Hand-Carved Birdseye Maple Box
Located in Sacramento, CA
Hand-carved birdseye maple burl box by Michael Elkan Studios, Silverton, Oregon. Titled “Castles #14,” this is a beautifully carved piece, showcasing the distinctive grain and qualit...
Birdseye Maple
Antique Decorative Frank Lloyd Wright style Jewelry Box, circa 1930s
Located in View Park, CA
An American craftsman / Art Deco Frank / Lloyd Wright style jewelry box with burl patchwork motif, circa 1930s. Signs of age include minor scuffing and some nicks to the upper inside...
Wood
Sold
H 15.56 in W 12.8 in D 17.72 in
Vintage Folk Art Birdhouse, American, Scratch Built, Midwestern, Garden, 1960
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage folk art birdhouse. An American, scratch built pine twin bird house with a distinctly midwestern folksy taste, dating to the mid-2...
Pine
Selection of Modernist Boxes
Located in Atlanta, GA
Selection of modernist boxes, circa 1950s-1980s. They are, from left to right as seen in the first photo: 1) Python skin and lucite red lacquered box, E...
Brass
Early 20th Century American Painted Trunk or Blanket Chest
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Wooden trunk / storage chest in maroon and black with a hinged top that opens to reveal three, removable boxes for storage. These boxes, vintage but later additions, can be removed f...
Brass
Michael Elkan American Studio Craft Lidded Box, Signed
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful burled wood trinket box with a rather peculiar form, and a nearly invisible finish handcrafted by artist, Michael Elkan. Signed to the underside as pictured.
Wood
Studio Box by American Craftsman Michael Elkan, Us 'No 3'
Located in Berlin, DE
Studio Box by American craftsman Michael Elkan, US for your personal belongings.
Wood
Studio Box by American Craftsman Michael Elkan, US 'No 4'
Located in Berlin, DE
Studio box by American craftsman Michael Elkan, US for your personal belongings.
Wood
Studio Box by American Craftsman Michael Elkan, US 'No 7'
Located in Berlin, DE
Studio Box by american craftsman Michael Elkan, US for your personal belongings.
Wood
Studio Box by American Craftsman Michael Elkan, US 'No 6'
Located in Berlin, DE
Studio Box by American Craftsman Michael Elkan, US for your personal belongings.
Wood
Studio Box by American Craftsman Michael Elkan, US, 'No 8'
Located in Berlin, DE
Studio Box by American craftsman Michael Elkan, US for your personal belongings.
Wood
Studio Box by American Craftsman Michael Elkan, US 'No 9'
Located in Berlin, DE
Studio Box by American craftsman Michael Elkan, US for your personal belongings.
Wood
Michael Elkan Free Edge American Craftsman Movement Box
Located in New Windsor, NY
Organic and linear American design at its best. Signed Michael Elkan on bottom. Beautiful solid maple construction. Odd shape interior cut-out for your pers...
Birdseye Maple, Maple