Hardwood Boxes

Satinwood sewing box with rare, unusual oval and quartered panels of paperscroll work to the top. Crossbanded on each side with goncalo alves. The interior is lined with a green ruched silk and matching paper and contains a removable tray holding a collection of bone sewing tools. This antique satinwood paper scroll...

A Beautiful Handcrafted 19th Century Hardwood Veneer Writing Slope With A Tooled Purple Leather Writing Liner. Item Featured Brass Carry Handles & Is Finished With A Decorative B...

A round Brazilian agate onyx and wood trinket or jewelry box, in the Modern style Post-Modern period, circa-late 20th century, 1980s early 1990s, Brazil. Box has a rich brown wood wi...

An organic modern Birdseye, burl and lightly spalted studio box by artist Michael Elkan. The hinged top opens to reveal two covered compartments for jewelry or whatnots.

Exquisite hand turned signed and dated solid cocobolo lidded trinket box. Beautiful sculptural form. Perfect for jewelry or loose leaf tea. One of a kind piece.

This exceptional modernist silver-plate lidded box has a design reminiscent of Gabriella Crespi's prestigious production. The rare piece was expertly crafted in Italy circa 1980. The...

Napoleon III Exotic Burlwood Jewelry/Table Box France, circa 1870s A stunning Napoleon III exotic burlwood jewelry/table box from France, circa 1870s. This exquisite 19th-century wo...

Designed by eccentric woodworker and designer Don Shoemaker, this trinket box was made by Senal in Mexico. It employs a cacophany of exotic woods, including cocobolo, jacaranda, and ...

From our Tea Caddy collection, we are pleased to offer this Georgian octagonal Inlaid Tea Caddy. The Tea Caddy of octagonal form veneered in Harewood with inlaid twin Tuscan Columns ...

Jens Quistgaard design teak table top card or accessories box for Dansk, Denmark. Simple yet sophisticated design by Quistgaard an early example with the three duck stamp, Denmark. I...

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...

19th century hand-carved black forest humidor with a figure of a dog and cat. The cat is atop a barrel, which has a lid which lifts to reveal a compartment for tobacco. The barrel is sitting on a base with hand-carved sticks and logs and an upside down hunting hat...

Circa 1965-1975 by Lee Barnes Peck and his wife Naomi Peck. Both were highly trained and skilled craftsmen of the modernist era and Lee Barnes was an instructor as well a jeweler. Hi...

This is a fine antique Georgian period lidded waste bin, presenting as a distinguished Dutch fireside store in oak and fruitwood, circa 1800. This versatile antique is ideal for use ...

Octagonal Shape with Glazed Panels From our Tea Caddy collection, we are delighted to bring to market this wonderful example Georgian Glazed Silk Embroidered Tea Caddy. The Tea Cad...

A fine quality Regency Era / Georgian Period tea caddy set in sumptuous plum-pudding mahogany. Exquisitely hand-crafted in England at the turn of the late 18th / early 19th century,...

Montagnani (Manufacturer) - Rare Mid-Century Modern brass and burl wood veneer box - diagonal stained pattern to the top panel with blonde wood interior - brown Plexiglas to the inte...

19th Century Anglo Indian fall front box with six drawers with metal pulls. The exterior and interior inlaid throughout with bone and various woods. Intricate geometric designs cover...

Circa 1965-1975 by Lee Barnes Peck and his wife Naomi Peck. Both were highly trained and skilled craftsmen of the modernist era and Lee Barnes was an instructor as well a jeweler. Hi...

Vintage teak container, vessel, or box was designed by Sigvard Nilsson for Söwe Konst Sweden in 1950s-1960s. The box features the rectangular form with rounded corners and circular s...

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...

Vintage large decorative box with round lid features handcrafted sculptural form, carved of Koa, Murtle, and Redwood woods. The fine wood texture is emphasized by the graphic contras...

1461 Antique wood cash box with iron handles

Set of 2 white ash nun vases by Matthias Scherzinger. Limited edition of 30 pieces, each colour each size. Engraved brass-label with number. Dimensions: Small: L 14.5 x W 14.5 x 4...

Vintage large decorative box with sliding lid features handcrafted heart shaped form, carved of solid Birds Eye Maple wood. The fine wood texture is emphasized by the semi-matte tun...

A Beautifully Worn Late Edo Period Wabi Sabi "Safe"/Storage box. Originally used to store money & valuables. Heavily patinated cedar & chestnut. Perf...

Rectangular with brass strapping and side handles. Lock plate and flap. Fitted sometime in the 19th century as a tea caddy. Labeled Orange Pekoe and Black tea...

Elegant large footed wooden music box with top finely hand painted and inlaid with foliages floral decor.A Sorrento Italy Romance Inlayed Wood Music Box Handcrafted in Italy, upon opening, the music box begins to play a theme. Elegant large footed wooden music box with top finely hand painted with foliages. The box is made in Italy stamped in the bottom. The musical movement...

Gabriella Crespi Lucite and Brass Pencil Cup. Signed, Italy, 1970s.  

Round hand painted with birds and flowers compartment jewelry box.

Discover the timeless elegance of this large, handcrafted Middle Eastern Lebanese jewelry box, a stunning testament to traditional artistry. Meticul...

This wood Sicilian box is a unique and culturally rich artifact, combining elements of 19th-century design, regional influence, and artistic craftsmanship. The box is crafted from wo...

A top quality example of a late Victorian writing box with an integral writing slope / lap desk. This grand large example is made from beautif...

Vintage Organic "Free Edge" Wood Jewelry Box (4) visible drawer compartments (1) tray compartment (1) hidden compartment compartments are lined with maroon felt This very organic a...

This is a vintage dome top box. An Oriental, japanned hardwood and enamel trinket or jewellery case, dating to the late Art Deco period, circa 1940. Delightfully decorative small box...

This stunning, large, orientalist decorative lidded box is from the French Art Deco period. The Africanist influence design boasts Macassar wood hand-carved faces on the lid. The rec...

Very rare and unique cigar box in teak and silver. Designed by Tapio Wirkkala. Very sleak and elegant piece for someone who appreciates the "finer things" in life. The item is mark...

Early 19th century stationery box, which has been converted from a knife box. It is a classic serpentine shape in the front, with the edges inlaid in boxwood. There is a central ...

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

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...

With Conch Shell Inlay From our Tea Caddy Collection, we are pleased to offer this superb Georgian Satinwood Tea Caddy. The Tea Caddy of rectangula...

We are very pleased to offer a vintage Maitland-Smith decorative box, showcasing the brand’s renowned craftsmanship and sculptural presence. This piece is clad in tessellated stone,...

Mid 19th Century Asian Wooden decorative storage box with lid. Measures 13.5"W x 11"D x 11.5"H.

This box is from the Asian continent, made in the period, 1950-1960. We can see cane on the border, that gives an handmade authenticity and image to the item. It is in good condition...

A beautifully made hand carved rosewood and fruit wood box with heart shaped bone escutcheon.The whimsical interior lined with paper carpet pattern from...

Beautiful jewelry box in teak and leather. Inscription HM on top, ca 1950-1960's. Unknown designer and maker. Good vintage condition, wear and patina consistent with age and use. S...

Studio craft signed jewelry box in exotic burl wood with velvet interior.

A charming Mid-19th Century hungarian ash tea caddy of unusual design, having applied tablet & chequered strung decoration to well figured exterior, with slightly domed hinged top en...

Fine 17th century domed box with highly figured kingwood marquetry veneer laid in a geometric pattern, the front having elaborate pierced and embossed brass escutcheon, the whole wit...

Burr Yew Inlaid Tea Caddy Circa 1780 From our Tea Caddies collection, we are thrilled to offer this square Georgian Burr Yew wood inlaid Tea Caddy. The Caddy of square form with c...

An important early antique Italian Renaissance table box, handcrafted in Northern Italy in the 17th/18th century, cassone chest form, richly inlaid, the top and front panel with fruitwood banding framing...

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...

Elegant Cigar/Cigarette Box in Elm with decorative intarsia decor. Made in Sweden during the 1930s Wear consistent with age and use

8-245 stone and brass over wood domed top geometric cut stone with brass interior and bottom.

Very beautiful small box from the time of Biedermeier, made of cherrywood. In the box is in the lid a mirror and the upper part is as an insert to take out. In very good restored con...

A truly fine hand-made, Chinese Zitan box. The top-ranking quality and precious material among all wood species in the world.  

A refined antique French tea caddy from the end of Napoleon III. The box is beautifully inlaid with different types of wood and brass, outside around ...

Origin: Denmark Designer: Unknown Manufacturer: Unknown Era: 1950s Materials: Teak Measurements: 18.25" wide x 22" deep x 17.75" tall (closed) 31" tall (opened)

Beautiful English Regency Miniature two over three graduated drawer flame mahogany Chest of Drawers of outstanding quality and workmanship and compact proportions. Circa 1800-20. T...

Novelty Cricket Snuff Box. A 19th century sycamore snuff box with a cricket monochrome transfer image on the lid. The image is of a cricket match with the players all wearing top hat...