Spanish Colonial Decorative Boxes
SPANISH COLONIAL STYLE
After the conquest of Mexico in 1521 and the Philippines in 1565, Spain dictated a global culture. The colonization of territories in the Americas, Western Europe, Africa, Oceania and the Pacific imposed the values of Spain, including Catholicism, while the extraction of resources reinforced the empire’s wealth and power. Unlike many styles that came out of European colonialism, such as British Colonial, Spanish Colonial furniture and architecture frequently mixed local heritage with the artistic traditions of Spain.
Spanish Colonial furniture was informed by the shifting styles of Europe as well as Indigenous culture. There were Inca tapestries depicting Spanish coats of arms and Baroque chairs adorned with tropical flora. The butaca, a low easy chair popular in the Caribbean, was inspired by Rococo’s curving forms and the shape of precolonial seating. In New Mexico, Pueblo artisans carved chests with patterns reminiscent of Anasazi art.
Even within the homes of the wealthy, furniture was usually restricted to necessities like benches, desks, cupboards and chests. These were often ornately designed and especially important for storing prized goods like textiles. Spanish Colonial houses were built with adobe and clay and tended to be minimally decorated, so the style’s heavily carved wooden furniture pieces stood out against a home’s white stucco walls.
The Spanish Colonial period mostly came to an end after the territories achieved independence from Spain. However, its aesthetics continued to influence Southwestern style and Spanish Colonial Revival style after Spanish Colonial style was used extensively at San Diego’s 1915 Panama-California Exposition.
Find a collection of antique Spanish Colonial chairs, tables, bedroom furniture and other furniture on 1stDibs.
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Style: Spanish Colonial
Set of 2 Spanish Woven Wicker Olive Grape Harvest Basket
Located in Miami, FL
Rustic Spanish chateau champagne grape harvesting basket constructed from woven wicker reeds. Features a thick braided top with handles ...
Category
Late 19th Century Spanish Antique Spanish Colonial Decorative Boxes
Materials
Wicker
Set of 8 Spanish Woven Wicker Olive Grape Harvest Basket
Located in Miami, FL
Rustic Spanish chateau champagne grape harvesting basket constructed from woven wicker reeds. Features a thick braided top with handles ...
Category
Late 19th Century Spanish Antique Spanish Colonial Decorative Boxes
Materials
Wicker
Spanish Colonial Gilt Wood Reliquary or Table Box
Located in Pasadena, CA
This is an outstanding example of a late 18th/early 19th century Spanish Colonial Reliquary or table box. The emerald green combined with th...
Category
Late 18th Century Mexican Antique Spanish Colonial Decorative Boxes
Materials
Gold Leaf
Colonial Brazilian Rosewood Miniature Chest
Located in Essex, MA
Portugese Colonial dwarf chest used for valuables. Raised panels with brass hardware. Six small drawers. Bun feet.
Category
1850s Brazilian Antique Spanish Colonial Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass
Spanish Colonial Era 18th/19th Century Inlaid Cedar Wooden Chest Box Trunk
Located in Forney, TX
A charming scarce Spanish Colonial era parquetry inlaid cedar legged storage chest (large table box / small trunk) with nicely aged warm rich dark patina. circa 1790
Rustic handmade...
Category
18th Century Antique Spanish Colonial Decorative Boxes
Materials
Iron
Mexican Tortoiseshell and Pen-Engraved Cabinet
Located in Mexico, DF
Mexican cabinet. Made of tortoiseshell, pen-engraved and wood. Possible Oaxaca or Puebla, 17th century.
Category
17th Century North American Antique Spanish Colonial Decorative Boxes
Materials
Tortoise Shell
Viceregal Chiseled Silver Casket, Decorated with Organic Motifs
Located in Mexico City, MX
This incredible piece is made of silver embossed in the form of floral ornaments.
These pieces belonged to prominent members of the nobility. In addition to their shape and possible...
Category
1750s Mexican Antique Spanish Colonial Decorative Boxes
Materials
Silver
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Previously Available Items
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Spanish Colonial decorative boxes for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Spanish Colonial decorative boxes for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Late 20th Century, 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, case pieces and storage cabinets, folk art and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Spanish Colonial decorative boxes made in a specific country, there are North America, Europe, and Mexico 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 $75 and tops out at $55,000 while the average work can sell for $3,650.