Inlay Decorative Boxes

A luxurious English writing box of circa 1879, in the manner of Tunbridge Ware using burled walnut that has been inlaid with mother-of-pearl and geometric marquetry. The top of the l...

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 ...

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...

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

A Georgian Tunbridge Ware sewing box dating to circa 1840. The rectangular rosewood box is extensively decorated with geometric Tunbridge Ware mosaic inlay across the exterior and st...

Music play box, around 1960s, made in Switzerland. Wood inlays. Plays " Love story " Music Hight when open: 19cm.

In our workshop we apply eggshell lacquer to many things mostly using the inside of the eggshell. The mosaic pattern is achieved with a cracking motion using the ends of pointed tool...

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...

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

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...

Amazing Marquetry and inlay on this Sorrento Napoli Box C1880. There is craftsmanship of the highest caliber all over this box. Box front drops down to reveal inside completely cover...

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 ...

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...

Early 19th Century Karl Johan Box with Inlay Ribbon Decorations in Fruitwood, Sweden. Key not included

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...

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...

FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING Boulle stationery box by Leuchars & Sons, dating to the late nineteenth century during the Victorian period, circa 1880. The box is of rectangular form with...

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 is a French bronze metal overlayed round glass hand painted vanity/powder jar. The glass jar is decorated with a pattern of pierced columns of flowers alternated with engraved l...

1940s Marquetry Mosaic Wood Box Moorish Islamic Art Granada Spain Khatam Decor. Moorish Inlaid Marquetry Jewelry Box Spain. Dimensions Height: 2.5 in. ...

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

Antique 1940s Mosaic Shell Inlaid Decorative Middle Eastern Islamic Box. Mosaic Luxury Decorative Middle Eastern Islamic Vanity Box. Middle Eastern Asian Mosaic Wood Box with Inlays ...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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

This exquisite French Napoléon III black lacquer box is a fine 19th-century desk accessory distinguished by its elegant proportions and Boulle-style decorative cartouche. Crafted wit...

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

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 ...

This exquisite set of two boxes by Kifu Paris showcases the luxurious craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail that the brand is renowned for. Handcrafted in white shagreen, ...

A 19th Century French Napoleon III marquetry box, hand-crafted of walnut and burl veneers and ebonized panels. Fine mother-of-pearl and brass inlay decoration of birds, butterflies a...

Fitted Tunbridge Ware Sewing Box Interior From our Tunbridge Ware collection, we are delighted to offer this Tunbridge Ware Sewing Box. The Rosewood box of rectangular form extensiv...

Chinese Round Black Lacquer Box with Mother of Pearl Inlay, likely 20th Century Beautiful and useful 20th century. Chinese lacquer box of circular shape, the domed cover with flora...

This is a wonderful antique French Gonçalo Alves marquetry and ormolu mounted casket, circa 1860 in date. The casket of bureau form has a lift up top and is inlaid with a marquetry ...

19th century English dresser box made from exquisitely grained rosewood. The box has wonderfully inlaid patterns on the top and front in...

Inlaid with floral sprays of engraved mother of pearl and brass From our Sewing Box collection, we are delighted to offer this William IV Rosewood Inlaid Sewing Box. The Sewing Box ...

This exquisite vintage box from Mexico features a richly textured stone mosaic design on its surface, combining deep shades of blue and green. The geometric ornamentation is crafted ...

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...

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...

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 ...

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...

English Georgian Chinroserie bow front tortoise shell tea caddy with a hinged tiered lid, Chinese landscape mother of pearl inlays with flanking pagodas, fences, & foliage trees, central paktong plaque and escutcheon, bone fitted interior border with two lidded tortoiseshell foil lined compartments, and resting on the original four bone ball...

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 Dandy Box is a chic accent piece for your home. The piece is lined with a removable velvet tray...

Antique 19th century Napoleon III era French Marquetry Boulle box. Red and black tortoiseshell with foliate brass inlay. Decoration on top includes the monogram LS. Rectangular form ...

An Anglo Indian bone, ebony and metal inlaid sadeli work box with portable writing desk, Bombay, circa 1850. The sandalwood body of faceted recta...

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...

Antique handcrafted Moroccan jewelry wooden box with camel bone inlay trunk. A large early 20th century decorative Moroccan camel bone casket with bra...

A small Sinhalese Porcupine Quill Box with a sliding lid. The panels of porcupine quill panels arranged in a chevron pattern, bordered with ebony and bone inlaid banding. Ceylonese ...

An English burl mahogany and inlay jewelry box from the 1800’s. The top of this square box has an inlaid cartouche of ebony, birdseye maple, and oak with brass banding. The box opens...

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 ...

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...

18th century inlaid mahogany Georgian serpentine knife box circa 1790 Good quality decorative box, serpentine fronted and an inlaid with a shell patera to the hinged lid. Many other...

Exquisite handcrafted Middle Eastern mosaic marquetry inlaid walnut wood box. Small box intricately decorated with Moorish motif designs which h...

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...

Elegant vintage footed wooden music box with top finely hand painted and inlaid with foliages floral decor. Vintage Italian wooden music box with marquetry inlay featuring a lute and flowers. Marquetry is the art of creating decorative designs using different materials, commonly thin pieces of wood. Handcrafted Jewelry music box, made in Italy with lacquered finish, wood Inlay, red felt lined with hinged lid. The music box has a Swiss Reuge music box...

Round jewelry box made of solid turned walnut and decorated with small ebony inserts. The inlay forms an ascending geometric pattern. The lid opens by splitting into two parts by rot...

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 ...

A refined antique wooden box featuring delicate, Islamic-inspired marquetry composed of intricate geometric patterns and mother-of-pearl inlays. Its elegant design and meticulous cra...