Asian Boxes

These boxes were made for British military officers who were posted in Burma (now Myanmar) & India during the days of British rule. The brass & copper bound teak case is pr...

Saffron Ecru Bin With Lid in Lacquer Wood & Brass, Viya By Vikram Goyal With moniker’s such as red gold, exquisite thread or golden light, saffron captivates us all. Ancient Romans ...

17th century Chinese porcelain blue and white cosmetics box from the Hatcher Collection decorated with a phoenix. The phoenix is painted with its wings outstretched, its tail flutter...

Vintage South Asian hand painted wooden box with removeable lid - featuring a full length portrait of an Indian woman in a pink sari to the lid...

With all-over mother of pearl inlay and mon design of chrysanthemum in gold and black lacquer on top. The chrysanthemum is a national symbol of Japan and the Imperial family.

A delicate, handcrafted Persian box decorated with intricate Khatam marquetry and a hand-painted scene on the lid. The upper composition depicts traditional Oriental figures in a gar...

Intended to hold paan or betel, the seamed cylindrical body flaring downward towards the base, the domed lid showing a lotus-bud final over a flattened and canted rim, both decorated...

An elegant and finely crafted Japanese Komai-style damascene cigarette or card case, dating from the early 20th century (circa 1900–1940), featuring stunning 24‑karat gold and silver...

19th century hand-painted Burmese lacquer lidded box Beautiful object.

Decorative Box for Cigarettes in wood brown color India

A small low table with lacquer and intricate mother-of-pearl inlay design from Ryukyu Islands kingdom circa 17-18th century. Ryukyuan kingdom was used to be an independent island cou...

A Kazaribako "Ornamented Box" made of glass by Japanese artist Kyohei Fujita (1921-2004) circa 1980s. The hand-blown glass box with fitting lid is of an oval shape, slightly irregula...

On offer are a rare pair of antique Chinese export or Chinoiserie silk-embroidered canisters. Their delicate silk exteriors over gilt wood indicate they were meant for clean, luxury ...

Inro is an ancient traditional Japanese box used to carry and store small items such as tobacco, money, paintbrushes, and other objects. The...

A Japanese black lacquer box with mother of pearl inlays circa early 20th century, end of Meiji period. It was likely to be used to store inkstone or other scholarly items. The piece displays several interesting characteristics that appear puzzling initially. First, the form is not typical Japanese, but more Chinese and Korean, with its scalloped base. Second, the decoration of MOP inlays also suggests a Korean and Chinese affiliation, especially with the linear borders and the scrolling cloud patters on the sides of the box. These two observations suggest that the box may be from Ryukyu Island instead of Japanese mainland. Third, strikingly in the center of the cover, a bold quarterly floral pattern outlined with MOP was filled with a striking mottled red lacquer using tsugaru nuri...

19th century Chinese silverwire wooden box with mother of pearl design from the Qing Dynasty. Beautiful intricate floral designs all-over.

Beautiful 19th Century Eastern Tortoiseshell and Bone Trinket Box, Lined with Blue Velvet on Paw Feet. Ideal for jewellery or keepsakes or just as a ...

A Gold Lacquer Kōbako (Incense Box) Edo Period (1615–1868), Circa 1850 This exquisite gold lacquer kōbako (incense box) exemplifies the refined craftsmans...

The exceptionally fine curvilinear carved base & conforming lid are embellished with finely engraved paktong mounts, bail-handles & backplates. The underside of the lid is fi...

Rectangular and flat lacquer Kobako (small box) representing a furoshiki knot seen from above. Fundame background, furoshiki in takamaki-e with floral pattern, inside the folds of the fabric with black and gold sayagata pattern with togidashi maki-e technique. The saya (or sayagata) pattern is composed of Chinese swastikas...

This is a small antique keepsake box. An Oriental, mahogany and exotic stone inlaid decorative Qing dynasty case, dating to the Edwardian period, ...

A Japanese Taisho period Hokai box from the early 20th century, with red lacquer, ornate brass accents and original rope. This vibrant Japanese Taisho period...

Elegant vintage Chinese brass decorative box featuring an intricately engraved exterior adorned with auspicious longevity and prosperity symbols amid stylized floral and foliate moti...

Natsume in dark red lacquer, decorated with autumn leaves and cherry blossoms in hiramaki-e and nashiji. Interior in black lacquer. Maple leaves (Momiji) are celebrated in literatur...

19th century Japanese black and gold lacquer Suzuribako box with firefly and plum blossom design.

Japanese antique lacquer document box with elaborate hawk and faux oak grain, Late Meiji (1868 - 1912) / Early Taisho (1912 - 1926) period lac...

Box with landscape. red and black material. Possibly China, 20th century. Low cylindrical box with a flat lid that is red on the outside and black on the inside, decorated on the l...

The Agate bowl is 18th century. This Chinese agate bowl was converted into a container with silver mounts and cover and a carnellion owl finial, circa 1900. Although unmarked, we attribute the work as American based Upon the gauge, quality and color of the silver. Possibly attributed to the firm Black, Starr and Frost, circa 1900 who specialized in combining Chinese hardstone objects...

Large Anglo Indian Moorish Islamic style micro mosaic inlaid jewelry box with lid. Intricate inlaid Anglo Persian box with floral and geometric Moorish Sadeli design in an hexagonal shape form with micro mosaic marquetry, very fine artwork. Museum collector piece like the one in Doris Duke Islamic Art Museum. The repeating geometric patterns of Sadeli Mosaic are what give it beauty and richness. This decorative technique is a type of micro mosaic featuring repeating geometric patterns. Dimensions: H: 5 in : 12 in W x 12 in. D. Circa 1950s. Sadeli mosaic art is a highly skilled craft, it has had a long history in India and the Middle East with early examples dating back to the 16th century. In the 1800s, it became popular as a decoration on a variety of boxes, card cases, and chess boards imported from India. Since Bombay became a center of making them, they became known as Bombay boxes. The ancient art of Sadeli Mosaic is said to have been introduced from Shiraz in Persia via Sind to Bombay, a long time before Indian boxes appeared. The designs on early boxes 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 isn’t immediately apparent to the viewer. Will look great in a Moroccan decor...

19th century Anglo-Indian hand carved tropical wood box.

Maitland Smith Lidded Shagreen Box, c.1985.

Sasak Dowry Box, Lombok Indonesia, Cowrie & Painted Palm 1950’s Handwoven and richly adorned, this 1950’s Sasak dowry box from Lombok, Indonesia, captures the ceremonial artistry of...

Rare Asian camphorwood jewelry box from the 1950s

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...

This exquisite vintage decorative box captures the sophisticated glamour of 1980s Hollywood Regency and Postmodern design. Featuring a meticulously hand-crafted tessellated surface, ...

Brass and carved jade box - etched leaves on a brass box with a hinged lid of carved Jade flowers - a lovely trinket or change box for the vanity or dr...

A refined blend of texture, geometry, and craftsmanship, this striking pyramid-inspired leather box brings a sophisticated touch to any tabletop, console, or shelving display. Tonal ...

Thai Sawankhalok small stoneware persimmon shaped box, 15th century. Naturalistic body, carved lid & an intriguing repair to the cover which now provides a safety catch inside. Celad...

A vintage Chinese woven rattan pillow basket from the mid-20th century, with geometric decor, bamboo and lateral handles. Attracting our eyes with its bamboo armature and rattan covered structure, this rustic pillow basket is adorned with black geometric motifs. Fitted with metal hardware in the front, the box opens up to reveal a convenient storage space. Used as a decorative object or to store items of your choice, this vintage Chinese pillow...

An extraordinary Anglo-Indian box from Vizagapatam in fully carved solid ebony, late 19th century. Filigree ornate and sculpted floral decoration...

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

Lacquer Potpourri box and cover with ormolu mountings from 18th century Directoire Japan/ France.

Turn of the century wooden Kashmir box. Hand painted with a striking black bird in the center surrounded by red and black accented leaves.

We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely 19th century Anglo-Indian Vizagapatam carved sandalwood and inlaid box Mid-19th century Anglo-Indian Vizagapatam carved sandalwood box...

Playful sophistication meets masterful craftsmanship in this vintage Maitland Smith tessellated stone apple box. Handcrafted in signature inlaid marble with vibrant tones of russet, ...

A relatively large rich dark red burgundy lacquer storage chest box with metal detail, Campaign design style, by designer Rae Kasian, circa late-20th centur...

Old containers for tea leaves or for message sheets. In teak: h.17,5 x diameter 6 and h. 27 x diameter 8,5. In brass: h.16 x 4,5 - The smallest SOLD and cancelled. The NEW PRICE i...

A fine late Qing or early Republic Period Chinese silver repoussé box featuring a scene possibly from the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, ...

19th Century Chinoiserie Sewing Box. Octagonal shaped box is hand-painted with intricate gilt decorated depicting Asian landscapes, figures, pavilions, and scrolling motifs against a...

This fabulous estate find is an old Turkish shoe shine kit that came from Istanbul. It is made of sturdy wood and brass with beautiful repousse Iznik in...

Dowry Box, Lombok Indonesia, Sasak, Cowrie & Painted Palm 1950’s Handwoven and richly adorned, this 1950’s Sasak dowry box from Lombok, Indonesia, captures the ceremonial artistry o...

Asian Chinese hand painted large box decorated with of a small village gathering

This 19th-century Thai manuscript box is a rare and exquisite example of traditional Thai craftsmanship, designed to store sacred palm-leaf manuscripts ...

Little jewel box in openwork metal with floral and plant motifs. Brass. Typical of the droga art. Mid 20th century Shipping: 9 / 13 / 8 cm

18th Century Brass Mounted and Lacquered “Marriage” Dowry Box. Exquisite Indian craftsmanship made of teak with decorative brass on a patinated red lacquered surface with intricate ...

This vintage boho parquet rattan lidded box is a perfect blend of natural craftsmanship and functional storage. Featuring a beautifully woven herringbone pattern and reinforced with ...

A small and lovely Chinese black ground cloisonne box with peony design, late Qing Dynasty, circa 1900, China. The small cloisonne box raised on four bun feet, and decorated with a design of blossoming peony against a black enamel ground inlaid with geometric wire work in the "wan" pattern. The large blooms of peony depicted in pleasing shades of red, pink, and yellow enamel, with leaves of dark and light green enamel. The colored enamels pop against the black cloisonne...

Japanese novelty wall mounted key hanger in the shape of this jumbo padlock in patinated brass. Curious details with xl revits and key.shaped handle. ...

A MUGHAL INDIAN BRASS ENGRAVED BETEL PANDAN BOX Northern India. 18th Century. Length: 4 1/4" in. (10.9 cm.), width: 3 1/4" in., (8.3 cm.), height: 2" in.,...

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...