Bone Boxes

Elegant, exotic, and unmistakably refined, shagreen has long captivated those with a discerning eye for luxury. Derived from stingray skin, this richly textured material first appear...

Capricia Box III by Arcahorn Dimensions: D 13 x W 22 x H 12 cm Materials: Leather, wood, horn. Box in Aida pebbled leather, Onyx color with handmade ivory stitching. Lid in matte Am...

Elegant, exotic, and unmistakably refined, shagreen has long captivated those with a discerning eye for luxury. A study in subtle opulence, this artisan-crafted decorative box is wr...

A large Edwardian shaped rectangular silver and tortoiseshell piqué box, the hinged lid with a dainty basket suspended from a bow with long ribbons entwined with flowering tendrils, ...

19th century Georgian box in an octagonal form, featuring delicate penwork decoration on the lid with a central portrait medallion and floral motifs. The interior is fitted with a re...

Antique French Napoleon III box with inlaid bone decor, polished black color surface, natural silk textile inside. Includes key. After the renovation - very good condition.

Art Deco olive green shagreen covered box with bone edged top raised on turned ball feet and having the bottom covered in snake or lizard skin.

Three mid 20th century Anglo Indian boxes with strap design. Made of bone and shell. Please note that the smallest box is missing some fretwork on top of the box. Largest measures...

Oval tortoise shell box with glass base. Tortoise top has silverplate surround and wreath crest. Glass is etched with wreaths and garland on each side. Very unique in size and shape...

Fine 18th century ebony and bone inlaid table cabinet with geometric and line inlay on eight drawers with turned bone knobs and standing on turned e...

PRESENTING A LOVELY 19C Anglo Indian Highly Carved Sadeli Mosaic Inlaid Sewing Box. Made in Bombay, India, circa 1880. The box is made of sandalwood with highly carved raised teak wood panels on all sides, depicting temple scenes, animals and foliage. The box is in a sarcophagus form. It is edged in bone (and we can tell it is bone and not ivory, from the color and evidence of capillaries, which are not found in ivory), and banded with Bombay Sadeli mosaic and ebony veneer. The lid opens to reveal a removable tray with various open compartments and lidded compartments. 5 lidded compartments, 1 unlidded compartment and 8 holders for thimbles, etc The tray lifts to reveal a blue velvet (original) lined section, for storing jewelry etc, with sections for collars etc. The inside of the lid has a removable mirror (the mirror is missing on this one but can easily be replaced). Behind the mirror is the original green velvet lining. It has its original brass carry handles on the sides and sits on 4 silvered button feet (of recent origin). Some repairs to the exterior and condition issues (priced accordingly), but still a LOVELY COLLECTIBLE box! 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! 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...

Not only Sleeping Beauty's hair has the color of ebony wood, so do a number of details of this antique spinning wheel. The well shaped lances and bu...

This box is from France. It has been made in 1940, it is an art Deco Item. The box is in wood. It is a cigar box but It can be used as a docorative box...

Modernist handmade keepsake box clad in hand etched/scored horn. Horn over wood.

A very charming Swedish Snuff Box made in Cow Horn during the 19th century. Wear consistent with age and use.

Along with Alfred Klitgaard Knud Albert is regarded as one of the most prolific wood artist of the 1960s. Although KA is mostly known for his strange moder...

Pale green stained shagreen covered Art Deco box with bone trimmed hinged lid raised on ball feet. The bottom stamped "John C(?) ______(?) & Sons, LTD."

In great condition for its age. With bone handle pulls.

A 19th century snuff box with intarsia A horn snuff box with a diamond-shaped embedded smaller diamond-shaped surfaces on the box in relief. The box has been a utensil and is in goo...

An exquisite miniature of French philosopher Charles Montesquieu graces the lid of this tortoiseshell-lined snuff box. The handsome portrait was fash...

Presenting an astonishing Japanese Antique Carved Bone Pillbox Inro, museum quality with the amazing carving skill depicting rats on the lid and body and the relief weaved basket pat...

PRESENTING A LOVELY 19th century Anglo-Indian Carved Teak Wood and Sadeli Mosaic Box, featuring a carving of a Hunt Scene. Made circa 1870 in Bombay, India during the Rule of the Br...

Handmade natural bone box inlaid with grey bone oblong segments, lined in wood. A great storage solution for your desk or coffee table.

This bold and sophisticated decorative box was realized by the esteemed artisans Gene Jonson and Robert Marcius in the United States, circa 1970. This is a particularly stunning exam...

Tessellated horn box from the late 20th century with a dome top shape. Brass hinge and black painted interior. In great vintage condition.

This rare Chinese Art Deco box is made from copper alloy. The top is decorated with hand carved black cinnabar and highlighted with a finely carved bone figure...

Incredible luxurious vintage bohemian box created for Nordstrom's signature line. This beautiful piece is sculptural and pleasing to the eye. A great pi...

This is a remarkable 19th century lacquered sewing box with multiple compartments on the interior. The exterior is decorated in elaborate black and gilded motifs including flowers, f...

PRESENTING A VERY NICE 19C Anglo Indian Highly Carved Teak and Sandalwood Sarcophagus Sewing Box. Made in Bombay, India circa 1890-1900. The box case/body is made of sandalwood wit...

Decorative keepsake/jewelry box clad in hand incised natural horn and ink blue dyed bone tiles hand set on a wood structure. A great addition to any desk or coffee table.

PRESENTING A LOVELY 19C Anglo Indian Vizagapatam Bone and Shell Domed Stationery Box – ‘Alice’s Box’. Made in Vizagapatam, India, circa 1860-80. We call this one: “Alice’s Box”! It has lived ‘a hard, well used and traveled life’, as is evident from the number of losses and repairs, as is obvious from the photos, especially to the faux ivory panels and bands to the top. The bonus to the loss of the frieze panels to the dome has a ‘bonus’, however, as their loss has revealed the most GORGEOUS faux blonde tortoiseshell underneath! The box is dome/casket shaped. The top has 3 bands, with the center one being the original. The 2 side bands are later ivorine. The faux ivory and hand-painted medallions on the domed lid, have been saved and they depict Hindu Gods, Vishnu and Shiva. The front and side panels are still in pretty good shape and are decorated with lac ink (indelible ink made from crushed beetles) depicting lovely floral designs. The domed lid open to reveal a series of open compartments for envelopes, writing paper etc. and one lidded panel for stamps. Inside the box are 2 paper labels: one probably being the original item ticket and the other with: ” Alice’s address is 272 Ashworth Ave, Toronto 4, Ontario”. Probably, the original owner? Hence, we call it ‘Alice’s Box’. What a journey/life this box has had! Made in India, made its way to Canada, back to Ireland and then to Texas! This is why, WE LOVE ANTIQUES...

Enriched by a prized interior in ivory Tosca leather, this rectangular storage box crafted of exquisite Horn and wood showcases a structure in delicate ivo...

Stunningly crafted in glossy ebony, the glorious Isa Box features a hand engraved 24k gold plated brass top and is adorned with bevel edged horn inserts. Measuring 21 x 13 cm with a ...

Whaler made antique bone and ebonized wood round box, circa 1850. With pierced bone medallion and delicately carved bone spiral decorative supports on the...

A large scale box exotic materials and form Lined interior.

Superb inlays of authentic horn lend this tissue box its absolute uniqueness. Crafted of wood and offered in a timelessly elegant glossy black finish, it will be a plush addition to ...

Modernist graphic patterned blue and white bone box with hand incised horn tiles. Wood interior.

As simple as it is luxurious, this wooden tissue box is a singular piece capable of accenting vanity desks or bathroom decors with unprecedented exclusivity. Prized horn inlays decor...

Japanese a pair of finely carved cuff links with opposing faces Dimension: Size: 3cm Condition: Excellent Condition, no damage.

“Première Dame” is a jewelry box made of ebony. The inside is divided in different compartments covered in soft suede. The engraved decoration on the lid...

Paul Sormani marquetry token box, 19th century. Precious wood and bone marquetry token box, Napoleon III period, 19th century. H: 10cm, W: 36cm, D: 26cm

Distinguished by plush materials and essential lines, this refined, small storage box showcases a structure in dark horn and wood with a lacquered, polished, black finish. This versa...

Exuding a lavish flair intertwined with its geometrical design, this refined ivory storage box showcases a precious structure in horn and wood and a rectangular lid in the same lacqu...

A narrow wooden box with a sliding lid and a pair of carved bone chopstick handles with contrasting dark inlay at the ends. The bone handles were likely originally affixed to chopsti...

Contemporary India white bone box. Rectangular shaped tiles with slightly raised pyramid shaped top.

Rare Dutch 18th century Tortoiseshell box with rippled serpentine sides embellished with silver mounts and mobility silver ball feet. Some small cracks in the lid, barely noticeable....

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...

A French Tortoiseshell and gold inlaid purse with red silk inner lining. A very pretty and unusual item, the tortoiseshell in very good condition.

Sterling silver box with natural horn body. The box has been completely handmade. The hinged smooth lid, the ring and the base with feet have been shaped by hand on the shape of th...

A very well crafted tessellated Horn cedar wood box, circa 1980s. The piece is very heavy and solid and measures 6.375"W x 4.5"D x 3.5"H. #3772

Beautiful iron red lacquer Chinese table box. The red background with gilt decoration with carved bone inlay on the top. 9.5 inches square, T...

The sliding top with the retailers label 'T.FROGIE, 95 BUCHANAN ST., GLASGOW

Stunning casket shaped wood box covered in tesselated penshell and horn inlay and made to look like Tortoise shell. Very similar to boxes by Karl Springer from the same period.

Gabriella Crespi tortoise and sterling silver box. Vintage Crespi cylindrical cigarette case with engraved Gabriella Crespi logo monogram and original ...

Sterling silver and bone box. Antique Continental dark bone/horn fitted case with sterling silver mounts and central oval for monogram; originally a t...

A lovely little antique French Louis XV casket of scarlet tortoiseshell with superb ormolu mounts. Set on ormolu paw feet and with a profusion of ormolu mounts this lovely little box...

Round tortoise shell box with stamped silver plate surrounds and feet. Top bears wreath crest. Top also shows slight nick consistent with age.

English black lacquered and gilt stenciled figural pagoda hinged tea box with exterior gilt stenciled dragon motif, original interior pewter hand chased figural container with bone k...