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Neoclassical Decorative Boxes

NEOCLASSICAL STYLE

Neoclassical design emerged in Europe in the 1750s, as the Age of Enlightenment reached full flower. Neoclassical furniture took its cues from the styles of ancient Rome and Athens: symmetrical, ordered, dignified forms with such details as tapered and fluted chair and table legs, backrest finials and scrolled arms.

Over a period of some 20 years, first in France and later in Britain, neoclassical design — also known as Louis XVI, or Louis Seize — would supersede the lithe and curvaceous Rococo or Louis XV style.

The first half of the 18th century had seen a rebirth of interest in classical antiquity. The "Grand Tour" of Europe, codified as a part of the proper education of a patrician gentleman, included an extended visit to Rome. Some ventured further, to sketch the ruins of ancient Greece. These drawings and others — particularly those derived from the surprising and rich archaeological discoveries in the 1730s and ’40s at the sites of the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum — caused great excitement among intellectuals and aesthetes alike.

Neoclassical furniture is meant to reflect both grace and power. The overall appearance of neoclassical chairs, tables and cabinetry is strong and rectilinear. These pieces are, in effect, classical architecture in miniature: chair and table legs are shaped like columns; cabinets are constructed with elements that mirror friezes and pediments.

Yet neoclassicism is enlivened by gilt and silver leaf, marquetry, and carved and applied ornamental motifs based on Greek and Roman sculpture: acanthus leaves, garlands, laurel wreaths, sheaves of arrow, medallions and chair splats are carved in the shapes of lyres and urns. Ormolu — or elaborate bronze gilding — was essential to French design in the 18th and 19th centuries as a cornerstone of the neoclassical and Empire styles.

As you can see from the furniture on these pages, there is a bit of whimsy in such stately pieces — a touch of lightness that will always keep neoclassicism fresh.

Find antique neoclassical furniture today on 1stDibs.

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Style: Neoclassical
Antique Russian Sewing Box, Dated 1828
Antique Russian Sewing Box, Dated 1828

Antique Russian Sewing Box, Dated 1828

Located in Sarasota, FL

An antique Russian sewing box made of bone, dated 1828 on the lid. Decorated with an etched trailing foliage pattern and topped with original green pin cushion. Lined with original g...

Category

Early 20th Century Russian Neoclassical Decorative Boxes

Materials

Bone, Fabric, Paper

Vintage Regency Plated Biscuit Box
Vintage Regency Plated Biscuit Box

Vintage Regency Plated Biscuit Box

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Add a touch of Regency-era refinement to your decor with this stunning Vintage Plated Biscuit Box. Beautifully crafted with ornate neoclassical column detailing and a ribbed domed li...

Category

Mid-20th Century British Neoclassical Decorative Boxes

Materials

Silver Plate

Shepherd Box, Carved Horn or Antler, Spain, 1822
Shepherd Box, Carved Horn or Antler, Spain, 1822

Shepherd Box, Carved Horn or Antler, Spain, 1822

Located in Madrid, ES

Shepherd box. Carved horn. Spain, 1822. Rectangular box made of carved horn that has a date (1822) engraved on the lid and front, a legend (Soi de Manuel Zulueta year 1822) and an...

Category

1820s Antique Neoclassical Decorative Boxes

Materials

Other

18th Century Italian Florentine Giltwood Engraved Box
18th Century Italian Florentine Giltwood Engraved Box

18th Century Italian Florentine Giltwood Engraved Box

Located in Milano, MI

Italian antique gilded Florentine box, octagonal shape realized in white walnut, engraved on each side and the top and with bulin scrolling decor...

Category

Late 18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Decorative Boxes

Materials

Walnut

Antique George V Anglo Indian Mahogany Fishing Tackle -Bait-Writing Box 1920s
Antique George V Anglo Indian Mahogany Fishing Tackle -Bait-Writing Box 1920s

Antique George V Anglo Indian Mahogany Fishing Tackle -Bait-Writing Box 1920s

By Ralph Lauren

Located in San Diego, CA

Elevate your collection with this exquisite Antique George V Anglo-Indian Mahogany Fishing Tackle / Bait / Writing Box, dating to circa 1920. Masterfully crafted from richly grained ...

Category

1920s American Vintage Neoclassical Decorative Boxes

Materials

Mahogany

Signed Val St Lambert Neoclassical Trinket Box Designed, c1910
Signed Val St Lambert Neoclassical Trinket Box Designed, c1910

Signed Val St Lambert Neoclassical Trinket Box Designed, c1910

By Val Saint Lambert

Located in Tunbridge Wells, GB

Signed Val St Lambert Neoclassical Trinket Box Designed, c1910 Additional information: Date : Designed c1910 Origin : Belgium Bowl Features : Cobalt blue glass with gilded classical...

Category

20th Century Belgian Neoclassical Decorative Boxes

Materials

Glass

Empire Revival Leather and Brass Decorative Box, Italy 1950s
Empire Revival Leather and Brass Decorative Box, Italy 1950s

Empire Revival Leather and Brass Decorative Box, Italy 1950s

By Studio Italia Design

Located in Atlanta, GA

This stunning 1950s Italian decorative lidded box showcases an Empire Revival Neoclassical flair. The tall, rectangular shape boasts a classic modernist design, featuring gilded bras...

Category

1950s Italian Vintage Neoclassical Decorative Boxes

Materials

Brass

Vintage Neoclassical Style Horn Mosaic Cigar Box by Enrique Garcel, Colombia
Vintage Neoclassical Style Horn Mosaic Cigar Box by Enrique Garcel, Colombia

Vintage Neoclassical Style Horn Mosaic Cigar Box by Enrique Garcel, Colombia

By Enrique Garcel

Located in Atlanta, GA

This refined cigar box is the work of Enrique Garcel, a Colombian maker known for producing meticulously handcrafted decorative objects distinguished by their use of natural horn arr...

Category

Mid-20th Century Colombian Neoclassical Decorative Boxes

Materials

Horn

George Reevers, Dutch .934 Silver Biscuit Box, Rope Borders, Holland, C.1838
George Reevers, Dutch .934 Silver Biscuit Box, Rope Borders, Holland, C.1838

George Reevers, Dutch .934 Silver Biscuit Box, Rope Borders, Holland, C.1838

Located in Chatham, ON

GEORGE REEVERS (Maker - Silversmith) - Extraordinary and rare Dutch fine silver round biscuit box - 934/1000 silver - finest quality and timeless design (nearly 200 years old) - classic rope twist borders (two to the top and one to the base) - indent to the edge of the hinged lid for easy opening and grip - original green wool felt base liner (not photographed...

Category

1830s Dutch Antique Neoclassical Decorative Boxes

Materials

Sterling Silver

19th Century Italian Voting Box Tuscan Confraternity Carved Barrel Ballot Box
19th Century Italian Voting Box Tuscan Confraternity Carved Barrel Ballot Box

19th Century Italian Voting Box Tuscan Confraternity Carved Barrel Ballot Box

Located in Milano, MI

19th century Italian Confraternity Voting Urn of Tuscan origin realized with turned and carved poplar wood. The barrel-shaped central body, in which hands were inserted to insert the ballot ball into one of the two holes connected to the small drawer below, where on the front we find the inscription YES and NO related to voting, SI and NO, in order to distinguish for and against votes on paper, then collected in two separate small drawers, just below. Standing on four curly feet, it has a beautiful curved handle and carved parts at both ends, highlighted by ebonized details. In a fraternity, this ballot box was used to collegially adjudicate community choices. In good age related condition, with sogns of wear and use. This antique Italian ballot wooden box, carved and painted, coming from Tuscany, in Central Italy. This ballot urn is an excellent example of a 19th century wooden voting box...

Category

Mid-19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Decorative Boxes

Materials

Poplar

Box Pedestal Column Neoclassical Style
Box Pedestal Column Neoclassical Style

Box Pedestal Column Neoclassical Style

Located in New York, NY

A pedestal column box in the neoclassical style, circa early to mid-20th century, USA. Piece is a rich dark brown wood with an octagonal base and fluted pillar. Box opens to an insid...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Neoclassical Decorative Boxes

Materials

Wood

18th Century Italian Florentine Silver-leaf Polylobed Engraved Box
18th Century Italian Florentine Silver-leaf Polylobed Engraved Box

18th Century Italian Florentine Silver-leaf Polylobed Engraved Box

Located in Milano, MI

Italian antique silvered Florentine box, polylobed box from the end of the 1700s made of bent and curved wood to obtain a four-pointed polylobe. The ori...

Category

Late 18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Decorative Boxes

Materials

Walnut

Italian Tortoiseshell & Enamel Dresser Box
Italian Tortoiseshell & Enamel Dresser Box

Italian Tortoiseshell & Enamel Dresser Box

Located in Bradenton, FL

Late 19th / early 20th Century Italian trinket/dresser box. Box features embossed brass frame with tortoiseshell panels. Hinged lid with inset outdoor...

Category

Late 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Decorative Boxes

Materials

Brass, Enamel

Scatola Fiorentina Legno Inciso e Dorato Decorata con Uccellino 1780s Ottagonale
Scatola Fiorentina Legno Inciso e Dorato Decorata con Uccellino 1780s Ottagonale

Scatola Fiorentina Legno Inciso e Dorato Decorata con Uccellino 1780s Ottagonale

Located in Milano, MI

Originale scatola Italiana in legno laccato ed inciso a bulino di forma ottagonale di epoca Settecentesca, in discreto stato conservativo. Questo tipo di scatole solitamente apparten...

Category

Late 18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Decorative Boxes

Materials

Walnut

Md 20 th c Tin Sewing Box with Accessories
Md 20 th c Tin Sewing Box with Accessories

Md 20 th c Tin Sewing Box with Accessories

Located in Boca Raton, FL

Mid century modern vintage tin sewing box with hinges and handles., plus 1950-1956 embroidery supplies.

Category

1950s American Vintage Neoclassical Decorative Boxes

Materials

Metal

Vintage Quilted Onyx Box
Vintage Quilted Onyx Box

Vintage Quilted Onyx Box

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

This stunning vintage jewelry box is a masterclass in Hollywood Regency glamour, offering a sophisticated blend of natural beauty and ornate detailing. Carved from luminous honey-ton...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Neoclassical Decorative Boxes

Materials

Stone, Onyx, Brass

French Neoclassic Maplewood Hinged Box, 2nd quarter 19th century
French Neoclassic Maplewood Hinged Box, 2nd quarter 19th century

French Neoclassic Maplewood Hinged Box, 2nd quarter 19th century

Located in Atlanta, GA

possibly a cigar box at once point based on its wooden liner of Spanish cedar, having a hinged top with matching grains to the bottom, with a brass pull and escutcheon

Category

1840s French Antique Neoclassical Decorative Boxes

Materials

Maple

Cobalt Blue Hinged Trinket Box with Madonna Scene Limoges
Cobalt Blue Hinged Trinket Box with Madonna Scene Limoges

Cobalt Blue Hinged Trinket Box with Madonna Scene Limoges

By Limoges

Located in Oklahoma City, OK

A beautiful cobalt blue trinket box with a hinged lid. The top features a scene of the Madonna and Child, with a wreath of gold surrounding the edges. The body is decorated with gold floral accents. The lid is hinged in a bronze hue. The bottom is marked "Limoges China...

Category

20th Century Chinese Neoclassical Decorative Boxes

Materials

Metal

French Neoclassic Walnut Hinged Box, 2nd quarter 19th century
French Neoclassic Walnut Hinged Box, 2nd quarter 19th century

French Neoclassic Walnut Hinged Box, 2nd quarter 19th century

Located in Atlanta, GA

of rectangular form and featuring beautifully grained solid walnut with a camphor liner, likely a humidor, with original brass hardware

Category

1830s French Antique Neoclassical Decorative Boxes

Materials

Walnut

Antique Sea Shell Decorative Coffin Box with Lid
Antique Sea Shell Decorative Coffin Box with Lid

Antique Sea Shell Decorative Coffin Box with Lid

Located in Oklahoma City, OK

A beautiful coffin shape trinket box encrusted with shells. This box would be stunning on a dressing table, side table, or coffee table. Its hinged lid opens to fit miscellaneous ite...

Category

20th Century American Neoclassical Decorative Boxes

Materials

Shell

Neoclassical Style Metal Tissue Box Cover
Neoclassical Style Metal Tissue Box Cover

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...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Neoclassical Decorative Boxes

Materials

Metal

Antique C.F. Blanke Tea and Coffee Company Exposition Brand Green Tin Coffee Bin
Antique C.F. Blanke Tea and Coffee Company Exposition Brand Green Tin Coffee Bin

Antique C.F. Blanke Tea and Coffee Company Exposition Brand Green Tin Coffee Bin

Located in Chicago, IL

Antique C.F. Blanke Tea and Coffee Company Exposition Brand Green Tin Coffee Bin This antique forest green coffee bin with a slanted lid opening has an exterior reading: "Blankes Ex...

Category

Early 20th Century American Neoclassical Decorative Boxes

Materials

Metal

American Leather Document Box, Circa 1830s, Samuel Francis Smith
American Leather Document Box, Circa 1830s, Samuel Francis Smith

American Leather Document Box, Circa 1830s, Samuel Francis Smith

Located in Hudson, NY

This historically important, American leather clad document box, was made in Boston in the early nineteenth century. The box belonged to, Samuel Francis Smith (October 21, 1808 – Nov...

Category

1830s American Antique Neoclassical Decorative Boxes

Materials

Leather, Pine, Linen

Antique bronze gilded jewelry  box with angels and Blood Jasper plaques .
Antique bronze gilded jewelry  box with angels and Blood Jasper plaques .

Antique bronze gilded jewelry box with angels and Blood Jasper plaques .

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Just beautiful metal/brass jewelry box with bronze angels and Dragon's Blood Jasper mounted plaques .

Category

Late 19th Century Antique Neoclassical Decorative Boxes

Materials

Brass

Silver Heart-Shaped Spice Box, Lopez Portero, Manuel, Spain, Granada, 1870
Silver Heart-Shaped Spice Box, Lopez Portero, Manuel, Spain, Granada, 1870

Silver Heart-Shaped Spice Box, Lopez Portero, Manuel, Spain, Granada, 1870

By Spanish Manufactory

Located in Madrid, ES

Heart-shaped spice. Silver. LOPEZ PORTER, Manuel. Spain, Granada, 1870. With contrasting and burilada marks. Silver spice rack in its color with a heart shaped shape and curved spout to one side that has two hinged lids and three spaces inside (partition above and not below); It is supported by three legs decorated with classicist elements and has, towards the side, a series of fine smooth moldings. The hallmarks are those corresponding to Granada, to date, and to the silversmith Manuel López Portero, who also worked as hallmarks in the city. The shape of the piece does not follow the usual prototypes of the time or of the school to which it corresponds (a heart shaped silver box...

Category

1870s Spanish Antique Neoclassical Decorative Boxes

Materials

Silver

Pair of Early 19th Century Italian Wedding Boxes
Pair of Early 19th Century Italian Wedding Boxes

Pair of Early 19th Century Italian Wedding Boxes

Located in Hudson, NY

This very interesting pair of wedding or presentation boxes formed part of the decorative collection of Mrs. John Gutfreund and resided in their home Murry House in Villanova Pa. Cra...

Category

Early 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Decorative Boxes

Materials

Walnut

French School 1790 Louis XVI Oval Snuff Box in 18kt Gold with Miniature Portrait
French School 1790 Louis XVI Oval Snuff Box in 18kt Gold with Miniature Portrait

French School 1790 Louis XVI Oval Snuff Box in 18kt Gold with Miniature Portrait

Located in Miami, FL

Presentation Snuff box from the 18th century French School. A very important and rare Neoclassical oval box, made in Paris, France circa 1790. It was crafted with translucent natu...

Category

1790s French Antique Neoclassical Decorative Boxes

Materials

Gold

Silver and enamel candy box
Silver and enamel candy box

Silver and enamel candy box

Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Silver and enamel candy box glass candy jar with silver lid and painted enamel on its lid Origin Switzerland Circa 1900 stamped 935 silver cap Guillo...

Category

Early 1900s Swiss Antique Neoclassical Decorative Boxes

Materials

Crystal, Silver, Enamel

Late 18th Century Neoclassical George III Penwork Sarcophagus Jewellery Box
Late 18th Century Neoclassical George III Penwork Sarcophagus Jewellery Box

Late 18th Century Neoclassical George III Penwork Sarcophagus Jewellery Box

Located in Lowestoft, GB

A George III penwork sarcophagus work box with hinged lid decorated with a chariot, the side with Neo-Classical devices. Age related abrasions and knocks later replacement ebonised ...

Category

Late 18th Century European Antique Neoclassical Decorative Boxes

Materials

Sycamore

Silver Box, 19th-20th Century
Silver Box, 19th-20th Century

Silver Box, 19th-20th Century

Located in Madrid, ES

With hallmarks. Three-lobed flat-top box made of silver in its color decorated on the edge and lid with elements on chopped luster. The upper part presents a scene framed by scallop...

Category

Early 20th Century European Neoclassical Decorative Boxes

Materials

Silver

Italian Neoclassic Walnut Miniature Commode
Italian Neoclassic Walnut Miniature Commode

Italian Neoclassic Walnut Miniature Commode

Located in Essex, MA

Rectangular top with diamond inlay over three drawers with similar inlay, slight cabriole legs.

Category

1790s Italian Antique Neoclassical Decorative Boxes

Materials

Walnut

Pliny's Doves Micromosaic Box
Pliny's Doves Micromosaic Box

Pliny's Doves Micromosaic Box

Located in New Orleans, LA

This exquisite doré bronze box, featuring a meticulously crafted micromosaic lid, embodies the pinnacle of 19th-century Italian artistry. The centerpie...

Category

19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Decorative Boxes

Materials

Bronze

Rare Napoleonic Straw Marquetry Box
Rare Napoleonic Straw Marquetry Box

Rare Napoleonic Straw Marquetry Box

Located in New York, NY

This cylinder box is an exceptionally fine example of straw marquetry, and a rare survivor of the craft, which involves the cutting, coloring, and mounting of split straws to form de...

Category

Early 1800s French Antique Neoclassical Decorative Boxes

Materials

Straw

Bronze and Porcelain Jewelry Box, Porcelain Plaques Painted by Johner
Bronze and Porcelain Jewelry Box, Porcelain Plaques Painted by Johner

Bronze and Porcelain Jewelry Box, Porcelain Plaques Painted by Johner

By Johner

Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires

Bronze and porcelain jewelry box. Porcelain plaques painted by Johner. Neoclassical style. Vienna, circa 1900.

Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Neoclassical Decorative Boxes

Materials

Bronze

Porcelain and Glass Oval Box, 19th Century
Porcelain and Glass Oval Box, 19th Century

Porcelain and Glass Oval Box, 19th Century

Located in Madrid, ES

Small oval box with etched glass base and lid hinge closure made, the latter combining enamel and metal. The bottom has a bucolic landscape with a series of h...

Category

19th Century European Antique Neoclassical Decorative Boxes

Materials

Porcelain, Glass

Box Tobacco Swedish, 19th Century Stone Sweden
Box Tobacco Swedish, 19th Century Stone Sweden

Box Tobacco Swedish, 19th Century Stone Sweden

Located in New York, NY

A tobacco box made during the 18th-19th century in Sweden. From gray lime stone in a temple shape. Neoclassical.   

Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Neoclassical Decorative Boxes

Materials

Stone

Neoclassical decorative boxes for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Neoclassical 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, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Neoclassical decorative boxes made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and Italy pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original decorative boxes, popular names associated with this style include Wedgwood, Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres, Hermès, and Spanish Manufactory. 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 $65 and tops out at $117,686 while the average work can sell for $1,023.