Hand-Carved Decorative Boxes

Rounded rectangular snuffbox in 925/1000 sterling silver with fine hand-painted fire-enamelled miniature depicting the Head of the Statue of Liberty in New York. Dimensions cm. 5.5 x 7 x 1.8. Weight gr. 105. Designed by Giorgio Salimbeni in 1975 in Art Deco style and executed in numerous specimens, at the specific request of the firm Tiffany & Co., in Florence in the headquarters of the Salimbeni firm with completely manual execution by artisan artists with thick slab and large reinforcements suitable for sustaining numerous high-fire enamelled firings at approximately 750 < 800° C. Miniature is a very ancient technique which consists of painting works in small proportions. It was born for the decoration of the first letter of the paragraph of the books. Over the years, however, this technique is refined and enriched, then moving on to precious personal items. Hand-painted miniatures can be done with multiple different techniques. The most important that we use on our articles are of three kinds: 1) Fire enamel. 2) Water tempera on an ivory plate. 3) Painted on mother-of-pearl. Fire enameled miniatures: On a first layer of enamel generally white or very clear or even transparent suitably liquefied at a temperature of about 750° C, the chosen subject is painted using miniature colors which are as many colored crystals, ground and reduced to a very fine, almost impalpable powder washed and purified in distilled water with the addition of small quantities of deoxidizing acids which, diluted with essential oils (usually essential oil of solder), can be mixed to form a palette of colors. With very fine sable hair brushes you draw the subject starting from the perimeter and then gradually adding various layers of color. It is necessary to carry out various firings very often so that the colors harden and are not absorbed by the underlying glaze as, during the subsequent firings at 750 ° C, during liquefaction, it would spread irremediably. Hence the need to form the painting a little at a time, cooking it numerous times. Therefore it is necessary to proceed with numerous retouching, often overlapping different colors that only the painter's experience knows. A beautiful miniature needs from 20 to over 50 firings and is finished when the painter deems he does not have to further intervene. Some colors must have darker tones than others because then, by superimposing the transparent enamel placed at the end of the miniature, they fade. This transparent layer, called “fondant” in jargon, must be smoothed and polished like all other translucent enamel colors. The miniatures with water tempera colors are painted on real...

Majolica lidded Box Tromp l'Oeil to look like asparagus. The box is a wonderful decorative piece in the kitchen or dining room - holding anything from office supplies at a kitchen w...

This is a well relief carved Jewelry box. It was probably made on the west coast of Africa. It looks to depict the heads of 3 Jaguars in relief.

This spice box comes for the Island of Nias, Indonesia. Dating to the early 20th Century it was crafted from a single block of wood. It features a sliding lid, has an elegant wood te...

English military leather chest with original brass mounts, braided tacks, and brass side handles. All original. Early 19th Century

A George III tobacco round desk box made in England. This is a beautiful round desk box created in England during the period of king George III, back in 1787. The box was finely car...

The elegant Forget-Me-Not Box, in maxi size, masterfully designed by Giovanna Ferrero Ventimiglia is crafted from one entire piece of natural polished walnut wood. This captivating p...

Chaucer Pots, Lusitanus Home Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Lusitanus Home. This beautiful set includes two waterproof ceramic pots with lid, perfect to be displayed together and enrich your room decor. Each piece has its own elegant silhouette in mint-green glazed ceramic with gloss finish plus hand turned beech wood base and lid lacquered in bronze gold-powder. Set of 2 Ceramic Pots Chaucer...

These unique Tilcara bottles are made with silver alpaca, giving them a sophisticated and elegant look. The lids are adorned with beautiful onyx stones, adding a touch of luxury to t...

Scandinavian tine, or svepask, painted bentwood oval-shape box circa late 19th century, probably from the Sogn og Fjordane region. Box is created from thin layers of steam-bent wood ...

Late Victorian carved wood oval box. Stupendous antique oval desk box, created in England during the late Victorian period, circa 1880. The beautifu...

Nice and unusual Indian Mughal style large decorative box, filigree and carved horn. Anglo-Indian footed domed box with exceptional engraved details throughout with filigree and carved veneered bone plaques with arabesque carving. Vizagapatam, late 19th century. History of the Anglo-Indian Boxes Beginning in the early part of the 18th century, Indian artisans made what came to be known as Anglo-Indian boxes for the English residents living in India, who eventually brought or sent them back to England. At the beginning of the 19th century, India began exporting these boxes commercially, although not in any significant numbers until the 1850s. People valued them so highly that manufacturers of tins copied the designs on them in the late 19th and early 20th century. Anglo-Indian boxes fall into four groups: Rosewood or ebony boxes inlaid; sandalwood boxes veneered; sandalwood boxes covered with Sadeli mosaic; and carved boxes often combined with Sadeli mosaic/ The first two categories came from Vizagapatam in East India while the last two came from Bombay in West India. English traders discovered the rich woods and intricate workmanship of Indian artisans, so colonial government officials began to recognize the work of the Indian artists and craftsmen as a source for satisfying the need for furniture and boxes, which would both serve to enhance English households in India. This gave rise to the cabinetmaking workshops in Vizagapatam between Calcutta and Madras. Craftsmen made the first boxes to be decorated with Sadeli mosaic of rosewood or ebony, incised to give further definition to the decoration, directly inlaid into the wood. The shape of the early boxes was either sloping at the front with a flatter section at the back, reminiscent of English writing slopes, or rectangular. Artisans inlaid the borders with stylized floral scrolls and the centers with a single floral motif following a circular or oval symmetrical or asymmetrical pattern. The edging was ornamental and protective, both helped protect the end grain against the weather. Made in Vizagapatam, situated on the south east coast of India, near Madras These exotic boxes...

Salta province is called the beautiful, and this adjective introduces us to its profound beauty. Its fertile valleys, windy desert, colorful mountains and blue sky are the images that led us to design our largest collection. It has pure and contemporary lines, a classic vision but with modern design. The chosen materials are alpaca and onyx...

Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this absolutely stunning original circa 1880 Burmese hand carved sewing box...

A captivating and finely crafted vintage Moroccan box, made circa 1900, fashioned from richly figured burled Amboyna wood. Designed in the form of a stacked set of antique books, thi...

An 18th century French Provencal fariniere beautifully carved and constructed. A sliding front panel features two carved fish. The box is dovetailed with a false bottom drawer. Lovel...

18th century oak carved bible box. Intricate design, original hardware and still in good condition considering its age.

An early 19th century French boite à sel, or salt box, made of solid oak. Hinged lid with tacked leather tabs. A simple handcrafted box with nice proportio...

Amber and green crystal box with cut engravings embellished with brass detail made with the artisan lost wax technique with patinated silver finish. Each object is handcrafted and th...

A miniature chest with secret for Your jewels: a little brass rod closes all drawers from the top of the first drawer. Outwarding it is a perfect ornament. Suitable for collection. M...

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 ...

Rare Indian coffee made of hand carved wood with metal frame. The door opens from the top and reveals the interior. Beautiful piece that could be used as a letter box or as a small jewellery cabinet...

Presentation Tebako box from the Japanese Meiji period (1868-1912). Beautiful decorative presentation Tebako desk box from the Japanese Imperial Meiji period, circa 1880. This box h...

According to motto "Perseverantia et Amicis" (Perseverance and Friends) with Bird (dove) holding olive-branch, this amazing, luxurious "necessaire" comes from family ofacknowledged L...

Hand carved. Early 1900s. Enameled.

Swedish butter box with zig-zag design carved imprint. Light colored faded wooden finish. Note: Due to regional changes in humidity and climate during shipping, antique wood may shr...

Round pillbox in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with fire enamel and landscape miniature hand painted by the painter Renato Dainelli in Art Nouveau style. Dimensions diameter c...

2021 Collection of covered bowls by Ghirò Studio. This covered bowl is one of a kind. The material used and the artisanal and artistic workmanship make it unrepeatable. In fact, two...

As much an artwork as a piece of furniture, this 19th-century treasure chest from northern China is richly decorated with relief carvings and delicate gilt paintings. The doors bear ...

19th Chinese Wooden Lunch Box with Hand Carved Gilt Decorated Front.

The circular box and conforming cover carved in realistic detail, with grainy texture and undulating bark-like sides, overall glazed or stained in a dark molasses color, the interior...

Shaped pillbox in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with hand-painted fired enameled miniature. Queen Victoria English style second half of the 19th century. Measurements cm. 2.2 ...

Exceptional desk box designed by Fasano. A beautiful and one-of-a-kind piece, created in Torino Italy by the master esteemed jeweler, Genesio Fasano. This rare luxury desk box was carefully crafted in solid yellow gold of 18 karats and is completely embellished with inlaid of rare blue hawk's eye. Weight: 1,534.83 Grams, (983.53 Dwt). Measurements: 175 mm by 175 mm by 37.5 mm (7.10 x 7.10 x 1.5 inches). Hallmarks: Stamped with the maker's mark, the Italian gold assay mark and signed ".750 *26AL FASANO" Note: This can be used for cigar humidor, letters or just as a decorative desk item...

A hand carved Chinese large table box with hinged lid. Intricately carved all-over with Asian carvings resting of four paw feet. Bronze lock plate on front.

Antique turn of the century carved Italian mahogany casket in the style of a tomb with scrolls, acanthus leaves, bellflowers and a punch work background with winged griffons on the s...

Portuguese Rosewood Baroque Chest, Circa 1830 Suited for Jewelry, Occasional Storage, or Decorative Use Sourced by Martyn Lawrence Bullard from Lisbon, Portugal

Rounded rectangular snuffbox in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with fine hand-painted fire-enamelled miniature depicting a female face wearing Art Nouveau style clothing, hand-...

Rounded rectangular snuffbox in 925/1000 sterling Silver gold plated with beautiful fire enamelled miniature hand-painted by the painter Renato Dainelli of a basket with flowers, in ...

Bring regional character and craftsmanship to a tabletop with this antique Breton carved box, sculpted in chestnut wood in Brittany circa 1900. Rectangular in form with a hinged lid,...

An especially sweet four-drawer hand-carved "tramp art" box. The top is decorated with a symbolic heart and arrow, a common design element in Tramp Art. The drawers are embellished with porcelain knobs. Carved ladies boots...

Round wedding favor with lid in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with fine manual engraving of flower shoots, fire-enamelled with various colours, in early 1900s Art Nouveau styl...

Round wedding favor with lid in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with fine manual engraving of flower shoots, fire-enamelled with various colours, in early 1900s Art Nouveau styl...

Vintage Tessellated with black and white marble jewelry box; velvet lined interior by Maitland Smith.

Folk Art, hand executed modernist, Art deco Airplane sculpture with hand built and painted trinket box.

Domed round 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated pillbox with fire enamels above and below, and hand-painted miniature of a lady with small dog, in Viennese Art Nouveau style second ...

Shaped pillbox in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with hand-painted miniature in Louis XVI style, second half of the 19th century, and fine hand engravings. Measure cm. 3,5 x 4,...

Round snuffbox in 925/1000 sterling Silver gold plated with hand-painted miniature pastoral image fired enamelled. 18th century French style. Diameter cm. 8 cm high. 1.8. Weight gr. 171. Designed by Franco Salimbeni in 1968 on inspiration from previous boxes also manufactured in the Salimbeni company headquarters with manual workmanship by talented artisan artists with a thick plate suitable for supporting numerous glazing firings at high heat at around 800° C. Miniature is a very ancient technique which consists of painting works in small proportions. It was born for the decoration of the first letter of the paragraph of the books. Over the years, however, this technique is refined and enriched, then moving on to precious personal items. Hand-painted miniatures can be done with multiple different techniques. The most important that we use on our articles are of three kinds: 1) Fire enamel. 2) Water tempera on an ivory plate. 3) Painted on mother-of-pearl. Fire enameled miniatures: On a first layer of enamel generally white or very clear or even transparent suitably liquefied at a temperature of about 750 ° C, the chosen subject is painted using miniature...

Enameled center piece made in Barcelona An extraordinary piece of Spanish silversmith, created in the city of Barcelona during the post war and the mid century periods, back in the ...

Sculptural marble secret box. Exceptional decorative box, created by an American artist back in the 1981. This modernist box has been made up with carvings of white marble and sanda...

Hand Carved Stone Box with Asian Motif - the perfect little box for 420, paperclips, rubber bands... or next to the bed, guest room or side table...

We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art Nouveau and Vintage styles since 1982. If you have any questions we are at your disposal. Pushing the button that reads 'View All ...

Introducing the 19th Century Belgian Bleached Oak Box, a testament to the enduring beauty of antique craftsmanship. This exquisite piece carries with it the weight of history, with e...

An 18th century English Porcelain Trompe L'oeil covered cauliflower form Box. This English Porcelain Trompe L'oeil Covered Cauliflower F...

An Unusual 19th Century French Dore Bronze Mounted Orange/Red crystal box. The box is composed of two sections of French orange/red crystal which are m...

Set/5 Ceramic Jars & Pots, Lusitanus Home Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Lusitanus Home. This beautiful set includes three waterproof ceramic jars and two cer...

Early 18th Century Italian Baroque Carved Walnut Dome-Top Box. Unusual carved box with a dome top cover and one-drawer. Nice dried out light color.

This Antique Charles II Oak Bible Box, dating from c. 1660-1685, is a remarkable piece of early English furniture, showcasing the detailed craftsmanship and design aesthetics of the ...

Hand-carved, hinged, walnut box with flora and foliage detail on top. Carved phoenix in center. Lined in mauve silk. Handle pulls out to release top to open.

Nice condition for its age. Does not have key. Has original sewing box utensils inside - spools, etc.

A very Fine Antique English Hand Carved solid highly figured walnut hinged box with unusual "one-off" carved in relief monogram. This box is satin-lined and tufted likely to be used...