Asian Boxes

A Meiji period cloisonné box and cover with sparrows, prunus and bamboo, the rectangular box worked in gold and silver wire and coloured enamels with birds amongst a blossoming tree ...

Hand painted with chinoiserie motif. Original inserts with etching.

This large and impressive Mandarin food storage box is very detailed and well-constructed. The case, made of finely carved wood, houses five different stackable storage boxes. Each b...

A scarce fine quality antique silver-inlaid solid brass betel nut box (Lutuan), dating to the second half of the 19th / early 20th century, hand-crafted in Mindanao, Philippines. Boxes such as this were used to store the areca nut (also known as the betel nut) which would be wrapped in a betel leaf with lime paste and other ingredients, often tobacco, for chewing. Similar to the European tea caddy, these boxes often served as a way to impress while showing off ones wealth. Betel chewing was prevalent in the southern Philippines as in much of the rest of Southeast Asia. Wealthier Maranao families on Mindanao were able to afford elaborate silver-inlaid brass betel boxes such as this example. Such boxes were used to show off to guests and from which they were offered betel and the other component such as leaves and lime to make up the betel quid. Rare large size, most extant examples of such boxes tend to measure around 5 inches in length. At slightly more than 7.75 inches the example here is larger than most. The distinctive decorative box features a very heavy strong-box like rectangular shaped chest form with canted corners, copper handles, and a conforming hinged lid, lifting open to reveal an interior divided into three compartments covered by four hinged lids. Each of these doors is inlaid with silver in stylized orchid flower patterns. Exceptionally executed throughout, the arabesque silver inlaid exterior is decorated to the top with a large orchid motif within scrolling obid-obid (stylized rope) borders. The front, back and sides are inlaid with sets of stylized tail feathers of the sari-manok bird beneath which are unusual, highly stylized whimsical zoomorphic faces that appear like cat or tiger faces. (Such stylisation is accounted for by Southeast Asian Islamic preferences to avoid the overt and this potentially idolatrous representation of animal and human forms. Designs such as these are drawn from a local design repertoire that has its origins in wood carving. Although the spread of Islam in the Philippines began in the 14th century, mostly through the influence of Muslim merchants from the western Malay Archipelago, decorative arts in this design remain exceptionally rare. This lutuan represents a fine example of Islamic metalwork from the most eastern outreach of Islamic art and civilisation: Mindanao island being significantly further east than even China – artwork from Islamic Southeast Asia remains chronically under-represented in the world’s major collections of Islamic art. PROVENANCE / ACQUISITION Acquired from highly reputable auction house, Austin Auction Gallery, established 1983, Austin, Texas. References Brownrigg, H., Betel Cutters...

Near pair set of large Chinese carved and embossed red lacquered wooden rectangular presentation boxes with gilt decoration, circa 1910. Beautiful boxes crafted with dovetail joiner...

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...

The case decorated overall in crackle-glaze white lacquer and fitted with a patinated metal carrying handle over three tiers of small drawers. The first two tiers are comprised of a ...

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...

A finely detailed Chinese export lacquered work box, dating to the early 19th century. This rectangular example features a rich red ground adorned with intricate gilt decoration, inc...

Brass Bin, Saffron Black with Lid, Viya by Vikram Goyal Lacquered wood bin with brass. Handmade in India. With moniker's such as red gold, exquisite thread or golden light, saffron...

This Dome-Top Leather Box curves its lid in a long shallow dome over warm caramel hide, rows of brass nailheads following every edge and four brass ball feet lifting it clear. The li...

Old Chinese Opium Box in Cloisonné Enamel, decorated with Vases and Flowers. French Private Collection

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...

Lovely Chinese export cloisonné box made of brass and enameled with a beautiful floral pattern resting on ball feet. This decorative box was most likely a cigarette box or trinket bo...

Whimsical set of three solid brass pineapples boxes. These are all the rage this season but have been around for years. The giant one measures over 15" tall and is super heavy. The m...

Large Japanese Maki-E Lacquer Box With Creepy Woodsorrel Mon or Kamon. Circa 1920s, black exterior ground various mixed color mon of the Tokugawa Shogunate, silvered metal rim on the...

This is a very decorative Chinese Export cloisonné lidded box which we date to the 20th century, Circa 1930. The box has a cylindrical shape, with its original lid and is all beauti...

A truly fine hand-painted porcelain box with a monogram of family characters. 1820's.   

We kindly suggest you read the whole description, because with it we try to give you detailed technical and historical information to guarantee the authenticity of our objects. Valua...

This is a Chinese Export porcelain Lidded Box, hand painted with a figural decoration, made in China, circa 1920 The box is well potted in an oval shape, the lid having a domed top...

Tebako box with three compartments in golden and nashi-ji lacquer, decorated with golden, red, and kirigane lacquer, golden persimmon tree leaves, among rocks. The compartments are of increasing size from the top. The decoration is in continuity. Persimmon has been cultivated in southern China for more than 2500 years and is believed to have been introduced to Japan in the 8th century. The veneer is a tree with very hard wood, similar to ebony. According to a legend, one specimen survived the atomic bombing of Nagasaki on August 9, 1945, close to the epicenter. It is therefore in Japan a symbol of strength and longevity. It is also the national fruit of the country. It is eaten as a traditional dish during New Year's Day celebrations. Tebako literally means "portable box...

The dense carving of this 19th century South Indian sandalwood jewellery box is so lively and animated.

Crafted with extraordinary artistry during China's Republic Period, this sculptural vessel takes the form of a recumbent ram, executed in traditional Shanghai weave rattan. The piece...

An early 19th century British colonial powder horn of massive scale ("carried either for an entire battalion, or for an incredibly bad shot") used to hold gunpowder, with hand-carved...

Rare beautiful asian chinese snuff bottle hand carved from purple fluorite gemstone. Truly a unique oriental snuff tobacco box from the late Qing Dynasty. Gemstone snuff bottles ar...

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 ...

This is a vintage oval keepsake box. A Russian, papier-mâché and lacquer lidded trinket case, dating to the Art Deco period, circa 1930. Fascinating clamshell form with iconic figur...

This exceptional vintage Russian lacquer keepsake jewelry/trinket box dates to the late Soviet era (circa 1970–1980). It features a wonderfully vibrant, stylized depiction of a trad...

Antique Anglo-Indian quill box handcrafted and decorated with porcupine quills and bone dots. Made in Ceylon which was the colonial name for Sri Lanka. Porcupine quillwork objects of...

1940s or early 50s cigarette dispenser hand-crafted in walnut with intricate inlays in brass. Made in India for the English/European marked. Working order with an option for filter c...

Cast Brass Engraved Brazier Box with Pierced Charcoal Tray, North India, Late 19th Century Dimensions: Consisting of Two Pieces: the Box and the Removable Tray Box: 10.5” W to handl...

Nice Indian box in green lacquered wood dating from the end of the 20th century. It is decorated with delicate gold, black and green pattern.

Add a touch of sculptural luxury to your coffee table or vanity with this exquisite vintage tessellated stone box. Reminiscent of the high-end designs by Maitland-Smith, this piece f...

This is a very decorative Chines porcelain Lidded Box, all hand decorated in the Famille Rose colours and made during the Qianlong period of the 18th Century, Circa 1760 The box ha...

I’d keep the playful reference to gummies, but make it feel like a knowing aside rather than the main purpose of the piece. Also, **malachite** is the correct spelling. ### A simp...

A set of three (3) hand‑turned wooden nesting boxes, Minimalist design period, Asia, circa mid to late-20th century. Each box features a smooth cylindrical form with a lid, crafted i...

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...

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.

Rare small lidded trinket box with church-shaped handle on the lid is hand painted in two tone blue on white porcelain background. Floral decor on the body of the box and on the lid,...

An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Chinese export silver tea caddy; an addition to our silver teaware collection. This exceptional antique Chinese silver tea caddy...

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 ...

Maitland Smith tessellated stone box with a mother of pearl finial handle. The interior of the box is lined with a black felt and has a removable lid. The box rests on sterling silver ball and claw feet as well as the entirety of the box is framed with a sterling silver border. History and craftsmanship for nearly four decades Maitland-Smith has been in the business of creating exquisite and unique decorative accessories, lighting and accent furniture and elegant mirrors from our La Barge Collection. Founded by a London antiques dealer with the eye of a connoisseur, Maitland-Smith has carried on the tradition of creating stunning accents for the home of the highest quality. From the beginning, our many workrooms have been artisan based and employ time-honored techniques developed before the machine age. Many of these skills date back to the world’s earliest civilizations, and are associated with Fine quality furniture and decorative arts. Maitland-Smith is well-known for many handcrafted specialties, including hand carved tropical mahogany, handcut and inlaid exotic wood veneers, lost wax cast metal mounts and decorative objects, as well as, traditional vegetable tanned and hand-tooled leather. Other areas of expertise include finely executed porcelains, sophisticated finishing techniques, and detailed hand painting. Maitland Smith draws inspiration from great works from the 18th, 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries and in collaboration with design partners Tony Duquette Studios and its president, Hutton Wilkinson and also Celerie Kemble, Donald Bustraan...

Japanese Art Deco Style Trinket Box or Hand-Carved Rosewood Jewelry Box A unique hand-crafted, Japanese wooden box designed in the Art Deco style and of the period. This rare antiqu...

Persimmon Box Black Lacquer Hand Repousse Copper Base Limited Edition Lacquer is a laborious and time-consuming process. After it is tapped from the trees, lacquer needs to b...

Rectangular box with lid opening to game boxes. conforming case. Very good condition for this kind of piece.

A Chinese Carved Red Lacquer Cinnabar Box, 19th Century Provenance: Private Australian Collection. Description: Cinnabar is a red mineral compos...

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

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...

Intriguing antique Anglo Indian lidded box handcrafted in porcupine quills and ebony in a hexagon form decorated with bone dots. The interior is lined with felt and features a painte...

A beautifully crafted vintage Indian work or storage box dating to approximately the 1970s. The substantial rectangular box is constructed of what appears to be natural unstained ros...

Beautiful and rare, this superb silver-mounted cut glass box was crafted by the legendary Russian firm Fabergé. The rounded cut glass box features a diamond pattern, while the hinged...

An exquisite Chinese Hand Carved Peking Glass Snuff Bottle. Hand painted on the reverse with a dragon chasing the pearl design. This beautiful Chinese snuff bottle is hand made of th...

A Meiji period cloisonné box and cover, Ando Company, worked in silver wire and coloured enamels with an array of brightly coloured flowers, reserved against a rich midnight-blue ground, with silver rims and a silk lining, inlaid Ando mark. Japanese, circa 1910. Provenance: Acquired from Acanthus...

Vintage Chinese Gold Leaf Dome Lid Oriental Jewelry Box w/ Carved Soapstone Figures and Red Lined Interior. Circa Late 20th Century. Measurements: 6" H x 14" W x 9" D.

This lovely small mid century modern brass box is hinged. Very well made. It has the ram's head on one side and the tail at the other end .Hallmarked with numbers. Made In India in t...

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 grey shagreen, t...

This old wooden chest was probably a jewelry box back in the day. It was painted in black then hand painted with decor and organic forms throughout. The two wooden front doors...

The front of the box is inscribed with Hebrew and German: "Rabbi Meir Baal Ha' Ness charity collecting funds for Shomrei Ha' Chomot Kolel" and decorated with two images; Hatam Sofer ...

19th Century Japanese inro with 5 lacquered wooden compartments, 93 x 50 x 30 mm in size. Weight 59.2 g. Additional information: Material: Lacquered ...

An elegant late 20th century leather-wrapped decorative box attributed to Maitland-Smith. The oval form is clad in rich brown leather with delicate gilt embossed borders and topped b...