Wood Boxes

Embriachi workshop marquetry casket Northern Italy, 15th century Alla certosina inlays (bone, stained bone, pewter and wood) H 28.2 x W 18 x D 14 cm This beautiful casket of rectangular form is richly decorated with the characteristic geometric patterns of the Embriachi style. The intricate geometric patterns are fashioned by juxtaposing lighter and darker pieces of wood, (colored) bone, horn and pewter. The lid and base are framed by a broad band of horn. When ivory became scarce in Europe due to disrupted trade routes, bone was substituted. The attention to Symmetry and balance created an harmonious visual effect Enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the casket. The application of geometrical motifs is in Italy known as marquetry ‘alla Certosina’, named after the Certosina Church in Pavia with its famous altarpiece decorated in this way. This is ‘intarsia technique’, a term derived from the Arabic 'tarsi', which means ‘incrustation' recalling ancient mosaics made from various materials. These geometric elements not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of the caskets but also demonstrate the versatility and skill of the artisans in creating multifaceted works of art. ‘Alla Certosina’ became famous through the Northern Italian Embriachi family who achieved a particularly high standard in working in this technique. Venice in particular was known for the production of these luxurious boxes. The caskets, hexagonal or rectangular, surmounted by a lid decorated in several registers constitute the secular, albeit equally renowned component of the workshop’s production, in addition to mirror frames and various everyday objects. The method of fabrication of those objects was based on two concepts that underlay pre-industrial production: standardization and modularity, thanks to a distribution of skills according to the different phases of fabrication. even the realization of the marquetry motifs (in the form of ingots from which portions of the desired size were cut) were therefore entrusted to various specialized craftsmen, as were the assembly phase. Today better known thanks to the extensive research work recently carried out by Michele Tomasi, this workshop owes its name to its founder and owner, the Florentine Baldassare Ubriachi (or degli Embriachi), a merchant and banker established in the Tuscan capital before he settled in Venice in 1395. Together with sculptor Giovanni di Jacopo, who directed the workshop, from the last years of the fourteenth century, Baldassare oversaw a production that was truly original, and still easily recognizable today, comprising monumental altarpieces and various objects, primarily triptychs and caskets. The precise location of the workshop is unknown, except that it originated in Florence and in ca. 1431 there was apparently a workshop in Venice, in the area of S Luca. They employed local workers specializing in 'certosina' (inlay of stained woods, bone and horn), and the workshop produced items carved in bone (usually horse or ox) with wood and bone marquetry. The geometric decoration of Embriachi caskets reflects the artistic complexity and attention to detail that characterized their work. this inlaid casket is a testament to the skill and artistry of the Embriachi family and serves as a stunning example of the decorative arts of the late Middle Ages. Related Literature : E. Berger, Prunk-Kassetten: Europäischen Meisterwerke aus acht Jahrhunderten / Ornamental Caskets...

AMBIANIC presents Midcentury Modern Handmade Gourd Art Decorative Lidded Container Stamped Made in Malta 5 Tall x 4.5 Diameter Original Unrestored Vintage Condition. Refer to images

A stunning, rare fine quality French gilt bronze mounted Kingwood marquetry bibus (miniature bibliothèque). In the manner of/possibly by celebrated ébéniste Maison Paul Sormani; the ...

This is a beautifully hand made oak Sewing Box, of octagonal form with inlaid sunburst top, fully fitted interior and having a working lock and key, all dating to circa 1840. The bo...

Antique Victorian mahogany storage box having a quality antique mahogany storage box with red interior. D. 1860

A antique Victorian era English campaign style brass bound mahogany portable lap desk / writing slope with nicely aged patina. circa 1850 Commonly used by military officers in the f...

A very fine antique Victorian Coromandel writing or stationary cabinet made by the world famous London box makers and retailers Houghton and Gunn, dated December 1878. The wonderfu...

Made as a slant lid desk with fold down writing lid opening to a fitted interior. Two drawers below and bracket feet. Bone is white and tinted green. Carved details.

Griesbaum singing Bird Box A stunning bird box in a uniquely painted case, showcasing fine craftsmanship and elegance. The mechanism is wound from the bottom, and with a simple slide...

A superb antique Italian Sorrento Ware Olive wood and marquetry casket Circa 1840 in date. The rectangular casket has fabulous inlaid marquetry decoration. It features a floral marq...

This stunning modernist silver-plate lidded box has a design reminiscent of Gabriella Crespi's elegant production. The rare piece was crafted in Italy circa 1980. The minimalist rect...

This piece is an Egyptian Revival Damascene decorative case featuring a gold plate finish with Egyptian hieroglyphics along the lid and sides with hand etched detailing, made circa 1...

Rare box-type object with antique wooden peacock figure XIX

Anglo-Indian penwork decorated veneered sandalwood glove box on turned ball feet the sides and top decorated with scrolling leaf borders and the top with a central leaf-framed cartou...

Scandinavian Modern box in teak and glass, attributed to Bengt Edenfalk, Skruf, ca 1960's. Made for a company named Ekman & Co AB. Good vintage condition, wear and patina consistent...

Swedish antique pine and birch hand painted wooden barrel. Made to be used as a washing basin. Fine quality of bentwood. It is a true piece from the early 19 century. Beautiful patin...

Sycamore Tea Chest Circa 1815 From our Tea Caddies collection, we are delighted to offer this Regency Penwork Tea Chest. The Chest crafted from Syca...

On offer here is an elegant English mahogany writing box dating back to the late 19th century, around 1880. The box, with gently rounded upper corners, was crafted from solid pine wood and then veneered with rich mahogany. At the center of the lid, there is an inlaid oval piece of mother-of-pearl, complemented by a matching mother-of-pearl escutcheon surrounding the keyhole. The box retains its original hinges, locks, and key, all in excellent working condition. When opened, this sophisticated writing box reveals a sloped leather writing surface, crafted from green-dyed sheepskin leather and adorned with a decorative gold-leaf border. The writing surface folds open on both sides, offering hidden storage space beneath for letters and documents. This writing box has been gently cleaned in our workshop, ensuring it is pristine, complete, and fully functional—a timeless piece of craftsmanship ready to be admired and used. An English mahogany writing box, also known as a writing slope or lap desk, has a rich history dating back to the 18th century. These portable writing desks were essential for both personal and professional use, especially during a time when travel and correspondence were becoming increasingly important. Initially, writing boxes were made from oak and often featured intricate carvings. However, by the late 18th century, mahogany became the preferred material due to its durability and attractive appearance[1]. These boxes were designed to be both functional and stylish, often featuring brass fittings, secret...

A 18th century set presented in trapezoidal case made of light wood and inlaid with marquetry. The vanity case includes a gold wax case decorated with fl...

Petite abalone shell box with alpaca silver accents and dark wood interior. Stamped on base Alpaca. Made in Mexico.

Superb late 16th century signed colonial Japanese Namban export lacquer coffer Momoyama period, late 16th/early 17th century, inscribed 'Arisato' on the bottom H. 30.5 x W. 43...

Box for 5 watches, lined in protective ultra-suede. Hinge in ruthenium. Available in mahogany or polished ebony.

This is an antique sommelier's wine list folio. A French, walnut and brass decorative menu or document sleeve, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1900. Present your cellar o...

Large Anglo-Indian sewing box with hinged lid opening to a fitted interior and interior compartment in the lid, a lower drawer on the front provides additional storage. The box made ...

A Stunning Quality Late Regency Period, 19th Century, Rosewood And Brass Inlaid Work Box, Stationary Box, Or Jewellery Box, Having Exceptional Decoration Throughout With Hinged Lid Enclosing Document Flap And Removable Tray Of Various Compartments Concealing Large Storage Cavity Below, Flanked By Original Brass Handles, Raised On Original Carved, Turned Feet. Bearing A  Makers Label For - "R.Dalton, The Bazaar, Soho Square...

Antique Chinoiserie decorated fruit box. Beautiful decorated Chinoiserie box used to serve fruits and specail treats. Hand gilt painting over red lacquer. Strong patina of wear so...

Baker Furniture vanity / jewelry chest with built in storage compartments and hidden mirror. Accompanied by matching vanity stool. A very unique piec...

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

Stunning mosaic design and gorgeous craftsmanship. The Moroccan or Syrian board / box is made of various wood inlays. A genuine work of art. A set of backgammon and chess pieces are ...

The Eagles small coffer has rounded edges and is decorated with beautiful hand painted and Novo Hispanic motifs, all in shades of green.  

Wooden Black Forest casket with antlers decoration circa 1900s A marvelous rustic wooden casket or cigar box. It is made of handcarved pine wood p...

An ebony humidor lined with Spanish Cedar, inlaid with malachite banding on the sides and a map of Russia on the top with Diamonds showing the location of Moscow and St Petersburg and a gilt bronze Russian Brown Bear mounted...

Large 1980's Dunhill style ribbon mahogany humidor / document / art box, with brass hinges. Fully lined with wood interior.

A black resin rectangular box with mosaic inlaid mallard duck bird on pond with cattail plant flower; all inlaying was done by hand with natural materials...

This is an antique pokerwork stationery box. An English, beech and tulipwood desktop tidy in Arts & Crafts taste, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1900. Charmingly hand f...

Vintage Cigarette Box Burlwood Sterling on Glass 9 w x 6.5 d x 2.75 h closed 7 h open Original preowned vintage unrestored. See all images for co...

Danish Art Deco Glass Jewelry Box / Lidded Decorative Jar, 1930s Elegant Danish Art Deco jewelry box or decorative lidded jar from the 1930s. Features a ribbed glass body with a mat...

Small mid 19th century Swedish painted pine strong box circa 1842. Beautiful small Scandinavian strong box, presented with scraped back paint to reveal original.  Feintly still bari...

Exquisite handcrafted Khatam wood box with micro mosaic marquetry design, an Ancient Persian technique of inlaying. Moorish style box features geometric inlays of wood, bone, and mo...

R&Y Augousti, Paris Shagreen, and Lacquered Jewelry Box  Paris, circa 1990s This exquisite R&Y Augousti Shagreen and Lacquered Jewelry Box, made in Paris circa the 1990s, is a stunning example of sophisticated modern design and superb craftsmanship. Standing 12 inches high, 9.75 inches wide, and 10 inches deep, this table box features a luxurious shagreen exterior complemented by a sleek lacquered finish. The twin doors open to reveal a meticulously designed interior with concealed compartments...

There is a fantastical quality to this casket lockbox with its dramatic presentation. It has brass rings with lions' (or wolves) heads and a latch/escutcheon. The size and complexity of the latch suggest that it was designed to keep prying hands away. But it has a very interesting look that many people will like. The style and appearance suggest Continental origins, and appraisers say it was produced in the 18th century or earlier. The baroque casket...

1970s Rectangular goatskin box with wooden interior by the Italian designer Tommaso Barbi. The original label is still attached on the back, as shown in the photos.

This wood box, expertly crafted in France circa 1930, will make a statement in any room. The box features a unique and eye-catching design, with a beautiful oak wood grain complement...

A nice Papier mache box. There are lots of compartments and drawers.

This is a luxury Art Deco wood and sterling silver lidded box, handcrafted by silversmith Adriana Binazzi. The rare piece was crafted in Firenze, Italy, circa 1930. The rectangular s...

Superb treen mid century tobacco jar with brass pipe decoration to lid Made by Macabo in Milan, Italy for English tobacco company John Player Stamped Macabo Cusano to base. Has origi...

Antique Black Forest dark brown carved wood glove box, ca. 1900 This elegant and beautiful Black Forest style finely hand-carved linden wood glove box from ca. 1900 features a rectangular shape, carved with a wood grain pattern and with flowers and leaves in high relief on the lid, and two straps at the ends of the lid. The glove box retains its original purple velvet interior. Label "F. Bruel, Rue des Allemands 10, Geneve" on the bottom of the box. In good condition, with some signs of aging and use. The key is not working...

Beautiful, Edwardian period, sterling silver table/jewelry box on ball feet, having a hinged lid and a pull-out drawer (which has a lovely, hinged handle). The box was made in Chest...

Heading : Octagonal Tunbridge Ware games box c1845 Date : c1845 Period : Victoria Origin : Tunbridge Wells or Tonbridge, Kent Decoration : Cover with perspective cubework with keylin...

Beautiful wooden box by the well known Dean Santner .

Anglo-Indian penwork decorated veneered sandalwood box in the Regency taste, the two-tier sloped lid with a fluted carved upper tier above a smooth lower tier with penwork border and...

Super sleek and stylish rosewood trinket box, circa 1990s. The piece measures 5.75" W x 3.75" D x 2.25" H and has a an attached top. The bottom of the box is lined with brown velvet....

Georgian Period Circa 1790 From our Tea Caddy collection, we are delighted to offer this Georgian Green Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy. The Tea...

19th Century Hoshiarpur Inlaid Writing Box Quite simply, this is a stunning example of a 19th Century hand crafted Hoshiarpur inlaid writing box. The craftsmanship is quite amazing ...

Pair of mid 20th century Swedish pine ammo boxes circa 1950. Great talking point and solution to storage problems. Useful for storage. Partially fitted with pine partitions which w...

This box is signed by a French artist: L.Maire. It has been made around 1920 in France. Typical of the Art nouveau style. It is in an excellent condition.

Antique Bombay shaped English pearlware tea caddy with a distinctive decoration in blue cobalt. The caddy is hand decorated with flower pendants draped from rings painted from a cont...

A studio elder burl wood box, hand-crafted and signed by artist, Organic Modern style Post-Modern period, circa late-20th century. A beautiful hand-made blond elder burl wood box wit...

This is a wonderful and rare piece by the great Austrian Designer, Karl Hagenauer (1898-1956). The box, which is hammered brass over wood, depicts a scene typical of Hagenauer's work...

A portable stacking box featuring five separate tiers, crafted from limewood and originally coated in black lacquer. Remnants of the lacquer are still visible, lending the container ...