Islamic Decorative Boxes

Vintage Middle Eastern Persian Khatam Trinket Box with Miniature Art Painting. This hand-painted, lacquered wooden box features Moorish micro mosaic marquetry, perfect for holding sm...

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...

Antique Handcrafted Vintage Berber Kabyle Box. Handcrafted vintage North Africa. Algeria Berber Kabyle box crafted in nickel silver in traditional style of red and green enamels and ...

Discover a timeless treasure with this Antique Islamic Arabic Powder Flask—a true masterpiece from 1920s Morocco. Handcrafted with meticulous artistry, this exquisite piece combines ...

Late 19th c. early 20th c. Persian Footed Wooden Round Jewelry Box. Antique rare in round shape large Persian wooden box with marquetry called "Sadeli" or "Khatam Kari" with exquisit...

Middle Eastern Mosaic Wooden Inlaid Marquetry Box Game Backgammon and Chess. Middle Eastern Micro Mosaic Wooden Inlaid Marquetry Box. Large vintage Moorish Syrian style micro mosaic ...

exquisite middle Eastern Moorish Syrian inlay jewelry box. This box is intricately inlaid with Moorish motif designs which have been uniquely inlaid with bone, mother of pearl and f...

Handmade Vintage Wooden Khatam Indo Persian Pill Box. Small Persian marquetry wood trinket box with star pattern. Good condition with very slight signs of use. 2 in x 1.5 in x 1 in H. Circa 1930s. About Indo-Persian Moorish Style Khatam Sadeli Jewelry Box...

Vintage African Tuareg Silver Outer Layer on Ebony Wood Jewelry Box. Rectangular form Islamic Tuareg Jewelry Box. Gorgeous Islamic jewelry treasure trink...

Beautiful vintage Moroccan Yellow Ceramic Jars and bowl with Silver Filigree overlay set of 3. The set of Moroccan ceramics features a large urn with lid...

Elegant and finely crafted rosewood and ivory inlay traveller's writing desk from the late Mughal period of British India (circa 1825), on low bun feet. In excellent condition, with ...

Shaped rectangular table box in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with fine hand-etched fire-enameled engraving painted like lapis lazuli stone and...

Middle Eastern Moorish Mother of Pearl Inlaid Marquetry Jewelry Box. Exquisite middle Eastern Moorish Syrian inlay jewelry box covered with fine Moorish micro mosaic marquetry. Beaut...

1950s Moorish Spain Music Box: This exquisite handcrafted box, made in Granada, Spain, showcases the intricate art of Islamic Moorish marquetry. The ...

Exquisite handcrafted Middle Eastern Egyptian mosaic marquetry wood trinket hexagonal box. Vintage 1950s small walnut box intricately decorated with white mother and pearl...

Antique handcrafted wooden Persian khatam pen box. This Pen Box is completely Khatam handmade design very detailed fine work in and out. Middle Eastern Persian...

Antique Persian Islamic Brass Jewelry Footed Box in Mamluk Revival Damascene style. A Middle Eastern Moorish Damascene Brass Box circa 1910-1920s. A fine antique handcrafted etched hammered Syrian Damascene brass jewelry box. Octagonal shape lidded antique Moorish Persian footed trinket brass box, handcrafted and chased with calligraphy Islamic Arabic design writing. The Box decorated with etched Arabic inscription and lotus flowers with a very fine Arabesque design. Middle Eastern jewelry brass box with eight small feet, hinged lid, lined in a Moroccan red velvet. Great Moorish Mamluke Revival brass decorative Islamic metal art object. Dimensions 6.75" W × 5" D × 5.25" H. In the Mamluk Style (Mamluk Revival). Origin: Middle East. Date: Circa 1900-1920s. Hand-hammered and engraved, this beautifully incised brass box Islamic...

This is a large squared shaped Persian enameled painting silver box. It depicts a scene of a Persian family with the parent seated and their three child...

Antique Moroccan coffer, trunk or box. This stunning large Moroccan box is inlaid with a variety of woods including an interior storage compartment wit...

Discover the timeless elegance of this large, handcrafted Middle Eastern Lebanese jewelry box, a stunning testament to traditional artistry. Meticul...

An 18th Century Silver Mounted Mogul Hand-Carved and Beveled Rectangular Jade Box. The jade is the finest quality with a natural even green tone. It is beautifully hand-carved and ...

This beautiful Copper Tinned Chest is hand tooled. It has heavy metal handles and hinges. A nice decorative item.

Vintage Middle Eastern Khatam Art Painting Miniature on hexagonal shape trinket box. Hand painted, lacquered wooden Moorish micro mosaic marquetry inlaid tobacco or trinket Box. Handcrafted vintage marquetry Indo Persian wood inlay micro mosaic with miniature hand painted scene. Finely handcrafted khatam Persian hand painted micro mosaic inlaid wooden box...

Intended to hold paan or betel, the seamed cylindrical body flaring downward towards the base, the domed lid showing a lotus-bud final over a flattened and canted rim, both decorated...

Fine antique Anglo-Indian hand carved wooden jewelry box inlaid. Nice Indian Mughal pen box handcrafted in very fine Sadeli micro mosaic...

Exquisite Antique Islamic-Mughal Engraved & Gilt Enamel Domed Box, #145 with import label, Persia/IIndia, 20th century This exquisite antique Mughal domed box is a stunning example of Indo-Islamic artistry from the 20th century, originating from Persia or India. Crafted from patinated cast and forged bronze, this work weighs nearly 10 pounds, emphasizing its substantial and durable construction. Standing 15 inches high with a diameter of 12.5 inches, the circular architectural design is both imposing and elegant. The box features an elaborate front latch hinge, complemented by a matching rear hinge, showcasing meticulous attention to detail in both form and function. Profusely decorated with intricate, exotic fine engravings and gilt enamel work, the surface is adorned with elaborate patterns that reflect the rich artistic heritage of the Mughal era. The patinated finish adds depth and character, enhancing the visual appeal of the engraved and gilded elements. Numbered 145 and accompanied by an import label, this piece holds not only aesthetic beauty but historic significance. The numbering suggests it may be part of a limited series or collection, adding to its uniqueness and value. Its impressive workmanship and historical roots make it a remarkable find for collectors or an addition to any interior.  Ready to place in any setting, this domed box serves as both a functional storage piece and a captivating decorative object. Its substantial size and weight make it a standout addition to any room, whether displayed on a mantle, side table, or within a curated collection. This Mughal bronze...

Vintage 1950's Agra Indian Shell and Black Marble Box with The Taj Mahal Inlays.Onyx Black Marble Box with Pietra Dura Intricate Abalone Inlay of the Taj Mahal.Fine Quality Shell Inlaid Taj Mahal Box.Black marble trinket box with an inlaid image of the Taj Mahal. This unusual piece has the details drawn on the white shell in black ink, giving it the appearance of a micro mosaic. The surface catches the light and shows some iridescence at different angles.The Anglo Indian style box is lined with black velvet.A Very fine intricate work of Islamic Art.From Agra, India. Circa 1950's.Great gift to express your Love.From a Private Estate Encino Collection. DIMENSIONS: Height: 1.75 in.Width: 3.75 in.Depth: 2.75 in.About the Taj Mahal: The Taj Mahal is a world-renowned monument located in Agra, India. It is considered one of the most iconic examples of Mughal architecture and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here's some information about the Taj Mahal: 1) History: The Taj Mahal was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century as a mausoleum for his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1632 and was completed in 1653. 2) Architecture: The Taj Mahal combines elements of Islamic, Persian, Ottoman Turkish, and Indian architectural styles. It is primarily made of white marble, with intricate inlay work using semi-precious stones. The central structure is a large dome surrounded by four minarets at each corner. 3) Symbolism: The Taj Mahal is often regarded as a symbol of love. It was built as a testament to Emperor Shah Jahan's eternal love for his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The gardens and reflecting pool in front of the Taj Mahal add to its romantic ambiance. 4) Location: The Taj Mahal is situated on the right bank of the Yamuna River in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India. Agra is located approximately 200 kilometers (125 miles) southeast of India's capital, New Delhi. 5) Visitors: The Taj Mahal attracts millions of visitors from around the world each year. It is open to the public, except on Fridays when it is reserved for Islamic prayers...

A fine antique Persian papier machê snuff box. Consisting of a lacquered papier machê with decoration to the lid and all 4 sides. The lid...

A stunning piece of craftsmanship is this tinned box. Called a Pan Daen Mughai it comes from India. It's constructed of a copper like metal and has a pierced design. The handle and l...

This is a copper tinned chest from the Middle East. It has a heavy metal handle and is pierced. The detailing is quite nice as well as the aged patina. A very nice decorative item.