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Grand Tour Decorative Boxes

GRAND TOUR STYLE

For 18th-century young British noblemen, no education was complete without a year on the Grand Tour. Although it had no official route, the Grand Tour focused on places foundational to European art, literature and architecture, including sites in France, Germany, Switzerland and, most importantly, Italy. It was an opportunity not just to witness the roots of the classics they had studied but also to take some of it home. Grand Tour furniture was among the souvenirs.

Grand Tour furniture ranged from marble architectural models replicating ancient wonders to actual antiquities often taken illicitly, leaving a legacy of looting still being unraveled today. Other items reflected the artistic richness of the Renaissance cities and other destinations. In Italy, this included scagliola tables and pedestals mimicking marble as well as tabletops and wall panels embedded with pietra dura hard stone mosaics.

Furniture was also developed to display Grand Tour purchases in the owner’s home, presenting them as a cultivated and well-traveled person. Mahogany collector’s cabinets held objects like intaglio moldings of coins and seals while others had specialized drawers that framed pietra dura panels.

Many objects were specifically produced for Grand Tour collectors. Often accompanied by retinues on journeys lasting months or years, the elite travelers, the wealthiest of whom extended their trips to Egypt and the Holy Land, required artful personal mementos befitting the experience. For example, Grand Tour micromosaicssmall artworks, most not more than two inches wide — arose from the entrepreneurial impulses of artisans who had trained in the Vatican’s workshops.

Grand Tour journeys would help inform a range of decorative styles such as neoclassical, Rococo and Adam style. (Architect and designer Robert Adam toured Italy and France for five years.) The Grand Tour flourished at a time of economic prosperity and political stability, but the French Revolution in 1789 brought it to an end. Yet as the tradition faded in popularity in England, the rising wealth of the United States led to an increase in tourism across the Atlantic and a similar passion for collecting to show one’s worldliness.

Find a collection of Grand Tour decorative objects, wall decorations, lighting and other furniture on 1stDibs.

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Style: Grand Tour
19th C. Italian Grand Tour Micro-Mosaic "Doves of Pliny" Box After Antiquity
19th C. Italian Grand Tour Micro-Mosaic "Doves of Pliny" Box After Antiquity

19th C. Italian Grand Tour Micro-Mosaic "Doves of Pliny" Box After Antiquity

By Vatican Mosaic Studio

Located in Atlanta, GA

Italian, likely Circa 1880. This beautiful box has an exceptional Grand Tour Micro-mosaic plaque depicting the Capitoline Doves or Doves of Pliny after the Roman antiquity. Also by ...

Category

Late 19th Century Italian Antique Grand Tour Decorative Boxes

Materials

Slate, Bronze

19th Century Italian Ruby Glass Box with Miniature of Basilica
19th Century Italian Ruby Glass Box with Miniature of Basilica

19th Century Italian Ruby Glass Box with Miniature of Basilica

Located in Dallas, TX

Lovely little 19th century ring jar or pill box made of a thick wine colored ruby glass. It has a miniature of a Basilica on top, gilt metal mounts with beautiful filigree on the si...

Category

Early 19th Century Vatican Antique Grand Tour Decorative Boxes

Materials

Metal

Early 19th Century French Gold Box with Enamel and Miniature Portrait
Early 19th Century French Gold Box with Enamel and Miniature Portrait

Early 19th Century French Gold Box with Enamel and Miniature Portrait

Located in Dallas, TX

PRESENTING A STUNNING Early 19C French Gold Box with Enamel and Miniature Portrait. Box made with brass but has been plated with 18ct Gold with beau...

Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Grand Tour Decorative Boxes

Materials

Gold, Enamel

19th C. Italian Grand Tour Intaglio Plaster Medallion & Gilt Marbled Leather Box
19th C. Italian Grand Tour Intaglio Plaster Medallion & Gilt Marbled Leather Box

19th C. Italian Grand Tour Intaglio Plaster Medallion & Gilt Marbled Leather Box

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Italian Grand Tour Intaglio Plaster Medallion Box with Silver Mounts and Gilt Marbled Leather, 19th Century A finely crafted 19th-century Italian Grand Tour table box, combining cla...

Category

Late 19th Century Italian Antique Grand Tour Decorative Boxes

Materials

Silver Plate

An Italian Wooden Book with Marble Specimens, 20th Century
An Italian Wooden Book with Marble Specimens, 20th Century

An Italian Wooden Book with Marble Specimens, 20th Century

Located in Spencertown, NY

The hinged Burl walnut book inlaid with tulipwood opens to reveal 18 varieties of marbles. Including imperial porphyry, green porphyry,

Category

1950s Italian Vintage Grand Tour Decorative Boxes

Materials

Marble

Grand Tour Leather Cased Crystal Scent Bottle Set
Grand Tour Leather Cased Crystal Scent Bottle Set

Grand Tour Leather Cased Crystal Scent Bottle Set

Located in Philadelphia, PA

From the Grand Tour era, a set of two glass scent bottles in a fitted leather case with key, circa early 19th Century. The Grand Tour was a 17th to early 19th century custom of the ...

Category

Early 19th Century Italian Antique Grand Tour Decorative Boxes

Materials

Brass

19th Century Italian Bronze Sarcophagus Box, Cast Design, 1880
19th Century Italian Bronze Sarcophagus Box, Cast Design, 1880

19th Century Italian Bronze Sarcophagus Box, Cast Design, 1880

Located in Stamford, CT

Unusual 19th century Italian Grand Tour bronze box in the form of a sarcophagus, circa 1880. Nice form, handsome desk-top accessory, great addition to any box collection. 5.5 inches...

Category

Late 19th Century Italian Antique Grand Tour Decorative Boxes

Materials

Bronze

Labradorite Semi Precious Stone Box with Hinged Lid
Labradorite Semi Precious Stone Box with Hinged Lid

Labradorite Semi Precious Stone Box with Hinged Lid

Located in New York, NY

Labradorite semiprecious stone box with hinged lid. Labradorite displays an iridescent optical effect (or schiller) known as labradorescence. La...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Grand Tour Decorative Boxes

Materials

Stone, Brass

19th Century Italian Grand Tour Steel Lidded Sarcophagus Box
19th Century Italian Grand Tour Steel Lidded Sarcophagus Box

19th Century Italian Grand Tour Steel Lidded Sarcophagus Box

Located in Stamford, CT

Rare 19th century Italian Grand Tour steel sarcophagus form box, circa 1880. Nice form, handsome desk-top accessory, great addition to any box collection. It is unusual to find this ...

Category

Late 19th Century Italian Antique Grand Tour Decorative Boxes

Materials

Steel

Antique Anglo Indian Vizagapatam Stag Antler Horn Sandalwood Box Jewelery Casket
Antique Anglo Indian Vizagapatam Stag Antler Horn Sandalwood Box Jewelery Casket

Antique Anglo Indian Vizagapatam Stag Antler Horn Sandalwood Box Jewelery Casket

Located in Dublin, Ireland

A Very Impressive example of an Anglo-Indian Raj Period (1857-1947) mellow faded Elk Stag Antler Horn Casket Box of outstanding quality and generous proportions. Made in Vizagapatam,...

Category

19th Century Indian Antique Grand Tour Decorative Boxes

Materials

Antler, Horn

19th Century Grand Tour Silver Box, Likely Made in Germany
19th Century Grand Tour Silver Box, Likely Made in Germany

19th Century Grand Tour Silver Box, Likely Made in Germany

Located in Chapel Hill, NC

19th century Grand Tour silver box, likely made in Germany. With faux Paris, 1784 hallmarks. Decorated with a 17th century gentleman in rococo cartouche. 3.55 troy oz. 3 3/8" x 2.75"...

Category

19th Century German Antique Grand Tour Decorative Boxes

Materials

Silver

Decorative 19th century book shaped inlaid olive box
Decorative 19th century book shaped inlaid olive box

Decorative 19th century book shaped inlaid olive box

Located in Debenham, Suffolk

19th century book shaped inlaid olive box circa 1890. Unusual Italian keep sake box made in olive wood.  Inlaid top surface with musical instrument, flowers and a faux peeled back c...

Category

Late 19th Century Italian Antique Grand Tour Decorative Boxes

Materials

Olive

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Antique French Églomisé Casket - Souvenir from France, circa 1900 A charming French antique casket from circa 1900 with gilt brass fittings and clear glass panels. The hinged lid fe...

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Antique Grand Tour Souvenir Casket, Eglomise Breslau, Wrocław, Poland 1900s
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Early 19th Century Miniature Writing Desk Jewelry Box
Early 19th Century Miniature Writing Desk Jewelry Box

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Located in Haddonfield, NJ

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Early 19th Century European Antique Grand Tour Decorative Boxes

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19th Century French Enameled Porcelain Box
19th Century French Enameled Porcelain Box

19th Century French Enameled Porcelain Box

$250

H 1.5 in W 4.5 in D 3.5 in

19th Century French Enameled Porcelain Box

Located in Land O' Lakes, FL

A salmon colored enamel box with patina bronze surround and latch and topped with a gold laurel wreath.

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1890s French Antique Grand Tour Decorative Boxes

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Bronze, Enamel

Moorish Decorative Sadeli Micro Mosaic Inlaid Jewelry Box
Moorish Decorative Sadeli Micro Mosaic Inlaid Jewelry Box

Moorish Decorative Sadeli Micro Mosaic Inlaid Jewelry Box

Located in Moreno Valley, CA

Middle Eastern Sadeli micro mosaic inlaid jewelry footed box with lid. Intricate inlaid box with floral and geometric Moorish design. Sadeli micro mosaic designs in mosaic marquetry, very fine artwork. Lined with red velvet and glass, top final and feet are brass. A highly collectible example in superb condition complete Circa 1900. Museum piece like the ones in Doris Duke Islamic Art Museum. Middle Eastern Arabian Micro Mosaic Moorish...

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Early 20th Century Lebanese Grand Tour Decorative Boxes

Materials

Fruitwood

Vintage Porcelan Jewel Case, Italy Mid-20th Century
Vintage Porcelan Jewel Case, Italy Mid-20th Century

Vintage Porcelan Jewel Case, Italy Mid-20th Century

Located in Roma, IT

Vintage Porcelan Jewel case is an original artwork realized by Anonymous artist in the mid-20th century. A very refined case decorated with a flora...

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Mid-20th Century Grand Tour Decorative Boxes

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20th Century Italian Sterling Silver Table Box
20th Century Italian Sterling Silver Table Box

20th Century Italian Sterling Silver Table Box

$5,238

H 4.53 in W 8.27 in D 6.3 in

20th Century Italian Sterling Silver Table Box

By Pampaloni

Located in VALENZA, IT

Rectangular/octagonal table box in 925 silver. The box was completely handmade in Florence at the end of the last century. Engraved with floral and abstract motifs, it has been fin...

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1990s Italian Grand Tour Decorative Boxes

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Sterling Silver

Early 19th Century Russian Stained and Carved Bone Table Box with delicate gold
Early 19th Century Russian Stained and Carved Bone Table Box with delicate gold

Early 19th Century Russian Stained and Carved Bone Table Box with delicate gold

Located in Larkspur, CA

Early 19th century Russian stained and hand-carved Bone Table Casket Kholmogory Box, veneered with panels of foliate engraved stained bone alternating with geometric and foliate fret...

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Early 19th Century Russian Antique Grand Tour Decorative Boxes

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Bone

Large 19th Century Crystal Box with Blue Enamel Decoration
Large 19th Century Crystal Box with Blue Enamel Decoration

Large 19th Century Crystal Box with Blue Enamel Decoration

Located in Chapel Hill, NC

Gorgeous Large 19th Century Crystal Box with Blue Enamel Decoration and gilt fittings. Box is raised on paw feet and come with a key. Gilt fittings show signs of oxidation that can e...

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Late 19th Century Antique Grand Tour Decorative Boxes

Materials

Crystal, Bronze, Enamel

Italian Pill Box Micro Mosaic Millefiori
Italian Pill Box Micro Mosaic Millefiori

Italian Pill Box Micro Mosaic Millefiori

$375

H 0.63 in W 1.13 in D 1 in

Italian Pill Box Micro Mosaic Millefiori

Located in New York, NY

A beautiful oval Italian brass pill box with an inlayed floral glass micro mosaic millefiori design and twisted rope top lid, finished with a brass ...

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Mid-20th Century Italian Grand Tour Decorative Boxes

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Brass

Previously Available Items
Grand Tour Bronze Casket Athena Greek Processional Friezes, Attrib. Henri Picard
Grand Tour Bronze Casket Athena Greek Processional Friezes, Attrib. Henri Picard

Grand Tour Bronze Casket Athena Greek Processional Friezes, Attrib. Henri Picard

By Henri Picard

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Grand Tour Archaeological Revival Bronze Casket with Athena and Greek Processional Friezes, Attributed to Henri Picard, Paris, circa 1865–1885 A finely cast gilt and patinated bronze casket executed in the Grand Tour archaeological revival taste, attributed to the Paris bronzier Henri Picard and dating to the late 19th century. The object reflects the fascination with ancient Greek antiquity...

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19th Century French Antique Grand Tour Decorative Boxes

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Bronze

Italian pietra dura leather covered box  depicting Florence Cathedral, C 1930
Italian pietra dura leather covered box  depicting Florence Cathedral, C 1930

Italian pietra dura leather covered box depicting Florence Cathedral, C 1930

Located in Central England, GB

This superb Italian box dates to circa 1930. It is made from wood, and the exterior is covered in fine leather, which is panelled with gilt tooling. The top of the box is inset with...

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Mid-20th Century Italian Grand Tour Decorative Boxes

Materials

Leather, Wood

Mid C19th French Grand Tour Perfume Caddy
Mid C19th French Grand Tour Perfume Caddy

Mid C19th French Grand Tour Perfume Caddy

Sold

H 3.94 in W 5.12 in D 3.94 in

Mid C19th French Grand Tour Perfume Caddy

Located in London, GB

A lovely example of a mid-19th century French Grand Tour perfume caddy. This gold-on-black hand-painted porcelain casket features a domed lid with a central hand-painted portrait of...

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Mid-19th Century French Antique Grand Tour Decorative Boxes

Materials

Brass

Italian Sorrento box Inlaid with Pastoral Scene from the 18th century with Cupid
Italian Sorrento box Inlaid with Pastoral Scene from the 18th century with Cupid

Italian Sorrento box Inlaid with Pastoral Scene from the 18th century with Cupid

Located in Roma, IT

I am offering you for sale an antique box, dating back to the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 1990s, handmade in Italy according to the "Sorrento" tradition. Recentl...

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Late 19th Century Italian Antique Grand Tour Decorative Boxes

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Cherry, Maple, Nutwood

Italian Grand Tour 800 Silver, Enameled Malachite & Painted Roman Scene Box
Italian Grand Tour 800 Silver, Enameled Malachite & Painted Roman Scene Box

Italian Grand Tour 800 Silver, Enameled Malachite & Painted Roman Scene Box

Located in Atlanta, GA

Italian Grand Tour 800 Silver, Enameled Malachite & Painted Roman Scene Box. This fantastic antique box is rectangular in form heavily decorated with hand chased foliate scroll work...

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20th Century Italian Grand Tour Decorative Boxes

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Sterling Silver, Enamel

Italian Grand Tour Green Specimen Marble Rectangular Box
Italian Grand Tour Green Specimen Marble Rectangular Box

Italian Grand Tour Green Specimen Marble Rectangular Box

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Italian Grand Tour Green Specimen Marble Rectangular Box Italy, 20th Century Of rectangular form made of beautiful variegated green marble with inset shell remnants, the lift top w...

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20th Century Italian Grand Tour Decorative Boxes

Materials

Marble

Pair of Alabaster Urns / Lidded Boxes, Hand Carved, 1920s, Italy
Pair of Alabaster Urns / Lidded Boxes, Hand Carved, 1920s, Italy

Pair of Alabaster Urns / Lidded Boxes, Hand Carved, 1920s, Italy

Located in Wien, AT

Pair of perfectly hand-cut lidded boxes out of white alabaster, made in the 1920s, in Italy. These objects have a round basic shape, but they have a cuff all around that is designed...

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1920s Italian Vintage Grand Tour Decorative Boxes

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Alabaster

Falcon's Eye Semi Precious Stone Box with Hinged Lid
Falcon's Eye Semi Precious Stone Box with Hinged Lid

Falcon's Eye Semi Precious Stone Box with Hinged Lid

Located in New York, NY

Falcon's Eye semi precious stone box with hinged lid. Falcon's eye, AKA Blue Tiger's Eye, famed for its chatoyancy, is reminiscent of the 'eye...

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21st Century and Contemporary Indian Grand Tour Decorative Boxes

Materials

Stone, Brass

Églomisé Verdigris Marble Table Box
Églomisé Verdigris Marble Table Box

Églomisé Verdigris Marble Table Box

Sold

H 3.5 in W 9.75 in D 7 in

Églomisé Verdigris Marble Table Box

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Églomisé Verdigris marble table box, with bevelled edges and 9" x 6" x 2" velvet interior.

Category

Late 20th Century Grand Tour Decorative Boxes

Materials

Velvet, Glass

Pietre Dure and Gilt Bronze Box
Pietre Dure and Gilt Bronze Box

Pietre Dure and Gilt Bronze Box

Sold

H 6 in W 11 in D 7.5 in

Pietre Dure and Gilt Bronze Box

Located in New Orleans, LA

Each panel of this 19th-century Italian box is meticulously crafted using a combination of traditional pietre dure techniques. The panels are formed from p...

Category

Late 19th Century Italian Antique Grand Tour Decorative Boxes

Materials

Stone, Marble, Bronze

Diminutive Grand Tour Bronze Architectural Model of the Arch de Triumph
Diminutive Grand Tour Bronze Architectural Model of the Arch de Triumph

Diminutive Grand Tour Bronze Architectural Model of the Arch de Triumph

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Diminutive Grand Tour Bronze Architectural Model of the Arch de Triumph Of small scale, intricately cast and modeled, with lift top, on a oval black ...

Category

19th Century French Antique Grand Tour Decorative Boxes

Materials

Belgian Black Marble, Bronze

Antique Grand Tour Georgian Papier Mache Horn Snuff Boxes Lady's Etui Case
Antique Grand Tour Georgian Papier Mache Horn Snuff Boxes Lady's Etui Case

Antique Grand Tour Georgian Papier Mache Horn Snuff Boxes Lady's Etui Case

Located in Dublin, Ireland

Stunning collection of Georgian Antique Grand Tour items, to include a Lady’s banded Etu case with sterling silver mount and dome top hinged lid and two Snuff miniature boxes of trad...

Category

19th Century English Antique Grand Tour Decorative Boxes

Materials

Sterling Silver

Grand Tour decorative boxes for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Grand Tour decorative boxes for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage decorative boxes created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, more furniture and collectibles, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, stone and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Grand Tour decorative boxes made in a specific country, there are Europe, Asia, and India pieces for sale on 1stDibs. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for decorative boxes differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $475 and tops out at $5,000 while the average work can sell for $1,163.