Inlay Decorative Boxes

Vintage biscuit tin/vanity box (Holland, ca. 1960s). Composed of a pontillism-inspired or micro-mosaic style beaded lid (almost appearing like embroidery) forming a geometric floral ...

This is a small oval shaped antique metal Pill Box with Inlay to the lid and dating to the Edwardian or late Victorian period. The box is made ...

19th century folk art box, with burl wood veneer and mother of pearl and fruit wood inlay. The surface decorated with geometric, diamond and star motifs. The raised top with a banded...

Little wood box decorated with symetrical marquetry representing a flower. Made circa 1960 in Morocco. Good condition, very few signs of use. Shipping: 11 / 15 / 6 cm 0.5 kg

The Paris based label has distinguished themselves since their launch, with their iconic use of shagreen mixed with brass and other exotic materials. All furniture is handcrafted by skilled artisans, ultimately making each piece unique, designed in Paris and produced in the Philippines. The set of 4 pedestal boxes are the perfect home accents to add elegance and functionality to your space. These can be used as a vanity set for your bathroom, in your office to store desk...

Mughal style pietra dura marble box - hand made - featuring an over-all floral and vine design with lapis lazuli, mother-of-pearl and black onyx inlay - signed on the base and the li...

19th century English Regency burl rosewood box with brass trim and inlay and brass push knob. This is a sweet little box with beautiful rosewood veneer and rich, warm patina that onl...

Stunning and great condition, brass Secessionist box with amazing inlay and the original key. There are -for good reasons- collectors of the Vienne...

Elegant Mid-Century Modern decorative tea caddy box crafted in carved wood with refined brass details. The piece features a distinctive sarcophagus-inspired shape, with a rectangular...

One of a kind and all hand-crafted, good size antique box by Alfred Daguet (1875-1942). Alfred Daguet was a French craftsman/metalsmith, active around the early 1900s and who specia...

Antique 19th Century Mother Of Pearl Inlaid Games Box, the lid inlaid with ornate flower decoration to the edges and a set of aces to the middle. The lid opens to reveal a red interi...

Impressive antique Anglo Indian lidded box handcrafted in porcupine quills and ebony decorated with bone dots. The interior has nine bone decorated lidded compartments in a removable...

19th century inlaid Killarney ware writing slope circa 1870. Beautiful Irish killarney region writing slope, beautifully inlaid with the various woods they used to craft with. Killa...

An Anglo Indian Rectangular Porcupine Quill & Bone Box, 20th Century Description: Constructed from wood, featuring naturally shed porcupine quills inlaid between decorative band...

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...

English Regency mahogany box with satinwood inlay. The four corners of the top are inlaid with lovely triangular scalloped decoration. All the border molding are also satinwood inlay...

Alfred Louis Achille DAGUET (1875 - 1942) was a metalsmith active in Paris during the first part of the 20th century. His metalwork created prior to the outbreak of World War I, note...

PRESENTING A GORGEOUS 19C Anglo Indian Highly Carved Sadeli Mosaic Sarcophagus Sewing Box. Made in Bombay, India circa 1860-80. Box made of sandalwood with highly carved teak wood reliefs and panels on all sides. Edged with bone and ebony veneers and glorious sadeli mosaic, made from tiny pieces of faux ivory, pewter, green semi-precious stone. The box is in a sarcophagus form with domed lid. The original brass carry handles are on the sides. The interior is in great condition and consists of a removeable mirror under the lid portion, with the original red velvet lining behind it. The base is removeable and contains a number of lidded compartments. 6 of the interior lids on the base, are each inlaid with sadeli mosaic banding. The rest are also carved and chased. The interior is fully complete with 7 lidded faux ivory/bone, thread canisters with sadeli domes and the original bone thimble. The box sits on 4 brass ball or bun feet with the original velvet lining on the base. Some minor repairs and losses, but this box is fully complete. This is ‘rare’ as many of these boxes have not survived in such condition! Included in the sale are 2 photos that were in the box (under the base tray). Interestingly, one of them is a view of downtown Nassau, New Providence (Bermuda) from the early 20C and stamped on the rear. What a ‘journey’ this piece has made! Made in India … travelled to Bermuda, probably via Britain … back to Ireland (where we bought it) …. then to Texas! These boxes were made by superb Indian craftsmen, specifically for sale to the ruling British elite. These types of boxes, carved padouk and sandalwood, (whilst beautiful and superbly crafted) were of a lesser quality, than the more profusely and intricately mosaic inlay, tortoiseshell and ivory boxes, made for the British ‘Upper Classes’ in the areas of Bombay and Vizagapatam. These type of boxes were much more affordable back in 1880 (and indeed today) and would probably have been bought by mid-level diplomats, civil servants or visitors. Sewing boxes (in general), were in EVERY Victorian home in Britain in the 19th Century and like other boxes etc were ‘status symbols’ of your place in society! The more ornate the box, the more ‘Upper Class’ you were! Of it’s type, this one, is one of the very higher quality one’s, than the norm! SADELI MOSAIC: “Anglo Indian boxes were made in India for the English residents from the early part of the 18th century. They were brought back or sent back to England usually by the people who had commissioned them. From the beginning of the nineteenth century they were imported more commercially, although not in any significant numbers until the middle decades. They were very highly valued, especially the early ones, to the extent that the designs were copied on late 19th and early 20th century tins. The ancient art of Sadeli Mosaic is said to have been introduced from Shiraz in Persia via Sind to Bombay, a long time before the Anglo Indian boxes were made. It was a technique, which required a high degree of skill and patience. It was executed very lavishly, in that the frequent cuts wasted a great amount of the precious materials used. The workmanship was however more than commensurable to the value of the materials. Ivory, silver, pewter (or other metals), wood and horn were cut into faceted rods which were bound together to form geometric patterns. When the glue has set, the rods were sliced in transverse sections. This gave the maker a number of angled circular pieces in the original pattern. Several variations of patterns could be achieved by combining the materials in different ways. The ivory was sometimes dyed green to give an extra color. The mosaic pieces in a combination of patterns, often separated by ivory, ebony, horn or silver stringing were used to veneer sandalwood boxes. In the early boxes, which date from the turn of the 18th to the 19th century, there are large panels of mosaic covering tops and sides of boxes. It took incredible skill to cover such large areas without any shakes or wavering of the pattern. The corners and joins on these boxes are impeccably matched. The makers (reputed to be Persian) of Sadeli mosaic made in the first two decades of the 19th century displayed a total understanding of the qualities of the different materials they used. They combined substances, which can expand and contract according to atmospheric conditions with others, which are hard and unyielding. The result was a sharp definition of the lines and patterns, which made up the whole design. On the early boxes the designs look deceptively simple. The fact is, they emerged from a culture, which had mastered geometry and understood how to generate a pattern from a set number of points. The patterns are so harmoniously combined that their incredible complexity is not immediately apparent. The earliest Sadeli boxes...

Moorish Spain Arch Top Intricate detailed wood inlaid Marquetry Jewelry box. An Hispano Moresque Arch Top Wood Inlaid Marquetry Jewelry Box Casket. Moori...

Experience the captivating design of R&Y Augousti's set of three curved top boxes, where clean lines meet the soft curvature of meticulously crafted white oak. Each box is a harm...

This rare Art Deco straw marquetry lidded box is attributed to French designer Jean Michel Frank. The piece was meticulously crafted in France circa 1930. The rectangular shape is st...

Handcrafted marquetry Moorish wood inlay micro mosaic with miniature hand painted scene. Handcrafted khatam wooden box with very delicate micro mosaic marquetry from the ancient Pers...

Large vintage Moorish wedding jewelry box inlaid with semi-precious agate stones and covered with brass and silvered metal filigree. Large circular Moorish Middle East jewelry...

A Stunning Late Grand Tour Collectors Box 19th Century Mahogany & Ebony Pietra Dura Karlsbad, Germany. The Lid Is Decorated with Marble And Agate Geometric Motifs. With Continen...

19th century Anglo-Indian wooden box fitted with various compartments finely hand carved. The top is finely hand carved with the Taj Mahal. The interior with removable hand carved nine-lidded compartments, the front cover has a mirror, the whole exhibiting very fine workmanship. This fine late Victorian Anglo-Indian box from India is in great condition for it age. A beautiful example of an Anglo-Indian fine art...

19th century marquetry dresser box from England. This box is wonderful and the craftsmanship is stunning. The box is made of satinwood, and has marquetry and inlay made from mahogan...

Stunning mosaic design, this intricate wood box is made from multiple micro pieces of wood with some possible bone inlays. Gorgeous craftsmanship. A true work of art. Would be a ...

Vintage Rajasthani Pietra Dura White Stone Inlay Taj Mahal India Style coaster plates. Rajasthani inlaid stone marble decorative set of 7 small roun...

This exquisite set of round boxes by Kifu Paris, crafted from cream shagreen, embodies understated luxury with its rich, matte texture that highlights the natural beauty of this exot...

A rare and exceptional Baroque period Flemish or Dutch red tortoiseshell, bone, horn, ebony, and rosewood lift-top chest with drawer, circa 1725, mounted on a later stand. 17th/18...

A gleaming maroon straw marquetry box with a gold foiled base. Compact, refined and irresistibly cosmic in its allure. The finishes, colours, size can be customised according to spec...

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 ...

This exquisite rectangular boxes is masterfully crafted from antique shagreen, showcasing a unique cosmos pattern that elegantly marries modern design with classic luxury. It feature...

An English letter box of serpentine knife box form, the sloping hinged lid inlaid with an oval conch shell paterae within crossbanded edges and fine...

An Exceptional Italian Grand Tour Pietra Dura and Alabaster Hexagonal Box, Circa 1900. This exquisite hexagonal lidded box is a premier example of turn-of-the-century Italian stone ...

Heavily Inlaid with Mother of Pearl and Abalone From our Writing Box collection, we are pleased to offer this stunning Antique Inlaid Writing Box by Hausburg. The Writing Box of rec...

Like an ancient pebble or river-rock that has been tumbled for centuries to polish and reveal its alluvial layers. Hand-turned solid oak box enveloped in lacquered eggshell marquetry.

Stunning English Regency Sterling Silver & Tortoiseshell Card Case, circa 1815 This exceptional English Regency card case, dating to the early 19th century (circa 1810–1825), exempl...

The Paris based label has distinguished themselves since their launch, with their iconic use of shagreen mixed with brass and other exotic materials. All furniture is handcrafted by ...

Antique Persian Khatam Marquetry Qalamdan Pen Box with Hand-Painted Equestrian Miniature, Circa 1940s An exceptional Persian Khatamkari Qalamdan (pen box), handcrafted in the celebrated tradition of Khatam-kari, one of the most prestigious decorative arts of Persia. Dating to the 1940s, this elegant rectangular sliding-lid pen case is meticulously decorated with intricate geometric micro-mosaic marquetry and crowned with a finely executed hand-painted miniature depicting a royal equestrian polo match. Traditionally used by Middle Eastern Persian scribes, scholars, and government officials to store reed pens, writing instruments, and inks, the Qalamdan became an important symbol of education, refinement, and artistic patronage. This example beautifully illustrates the marriage of functionality and exceptional craftsmanship that defines Persian decorative arts. The top lid features a richly detailed miniature painting portraying mounted horsemen pursuing deer across a stylized landscape, rendered in vibrant colors with remarkable attention to detail. The sides are decorated with exquisite Khatam marquetry, an ancient Persian micro-mosaic technique composed of thousands of tiny pieces of wood, bone, and metal meticulously assembled into intricate geometric star patterns. The interior is finished in black lacquer, while the sliding cover operates smoothly, preserving the elegant proportions characteristic of traditional Persian Qalamdans. Khatamkari has been practiced in Persia for over four centuries and remains one of the country's most labor-intensive and highly respected crafts. Similar geometric inlay traditions later spread throughout India, where they became known as Sadeli mosaic, influencing Indo-Persian and Anglo-Indian decorative arts. The extraordinary precision of the geometric patterns reflects the Islamic artistic ideals of harmony, symmetry, and infinite design. Originally intended as a writing case, this versatile piece also serves beautifully today as a jewelry box, keepsake box, pencil case, or luxury desk accessory. It is equally suited for display in a library, study, or curated collection of Islamic and Middle Eastern decorative arts. Origin: Asia Date: Circa 1940s Materials: Wood, papier-mâché, hand-painted lacquer, Khatam marquetry (micro-mosaic inlay) Style: Persian / Islamic / Indo-Persian Dimensions: Length: 8 in. Width: 1.75 in. Height: 1.25 in. Condition: Very good vintage condition with light wear consistent with age and use. Beautiful original patina with finely preserved miniature painting and Khatam inlay. An outstanding example of traditional Persian craftsmanship, this museum-quality Qalamdan is highly desirable for collectors of Islamic art, Persian antiques, miniature paintings, and Khatam marquetry. Keywords: Persian Khatam box...

A finely crafted Japanese tabletop cabinet from the early 20th century, this compact storage piece is richly detailed with traditional decorative techniques and export-era flourishes...

For your consideration, a vintage marquetry inlaid wooden jewelry box, often featuring a herringbone or chevron geometric pattern crafted from mixed exotic woods. Various shades of ...

1980s decorative pen shell cube box attributed to Maitland Smith. Medium brown pen shell with dark gray tessellated stone accents. Wood lined box. No ma...

A fine and elegant Korean black lacquer and abalone mother of pearl inlay "longevity" box, circa 1930s, Korea. The box, most likely used to sto...

1950s Decorative Brutalist MCM Inlaid Burl Specimen Wood Box by Norman Brumm This small but striking 1950s decorative box by Norman Brumm showcases the artist’s signature Brutalist ...

Vintage Middle Eastern Moorish wooden jewelry box inlaid with marquetry. Middle Eastern box handcrafted in very fine Moorish micro mosaic diamonds, ...

This incredible item is a delicate decoration in the form of a miniature piano, The piano is constructed with beautiful hand selected walnut decorated ...

An antique English Tunbridge box with geometric inlay, hinged lid, red velvet interior, felted bottom and comes with working key. The box with a diamond form inlaid medallion flanked...

Boulle stationery box by J. C. Vickery and retailed by Leuchars, dating to the late nineteenth century during the Victorian period, circa 1880. The box is of rectangular form with a...

FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING Casket Shaped boulle Sewing Box with Full Contents From our Sewing Box collection, we are delighted to introduce to the market this English Boulle Sewing B...

Spanish Moorish Marquetry Walnut Trinket Box, Granada, circa 1940 An exquisite and highly decorative Spanish marquetry footed box, handcrafted in Gr...

Stunning mosaic design, this intricate wood box is made from multiple micro pieces of wood with some possible bone inlays. Gorgeous craftsmanship. A true work of art. Would be a g...

This gorgeous octagonal wooden box with a slightly domed top is decorated in mostly shimmering mother of pearl fine quality inlay with some bone and black lacquer interspersed. The b...

José “Pepe” Mendoza is known for his brass furniture, lighting, tabletop accessories, and hardware pieces. With their turquoise and malachite-colored ceramic inlay, Mendoza's chunky,...

Fine George III parquetry tea caddy. Unusually fine quality with fire gilt rocaille handle and key escutcheon .Interior with two lids. From the estate of the founder of Yankee Candle...

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 ...

This is a very good quality English mid 19th C Victorian period box or document box with fine inlaid detail, having a hinged lid with a brass swan neck handle, dating to the mid/ ear...

Lapis lazuli hand carved mosaic lidded box, with white marble interior. Natural lapis stone has beautiful golden pyrite inclusions, like a sprinkling of fairy dust. The lapis mosaic...

Fine Cloisonné Enamel Silver Pill Box A finely crafted kidney-shaped sterling silver pill box, delicately enamelled throughout in vibrant shades of cobalt blue, turquoise, burgundy...

Unique low cabinet with intarsia designed by the architect, artist and craftsman Viktor Lurje (1883-1944) and manufactured by Wiener Werkstätte GmbH, circa 1926. Together with Oskar ...