Asian Boxes

Tessellated polished horn and brass jewelry box in a form of a book by Maitland Smith

A fine early Meiji period Japanese cloisonne enamel box decorated with a graceful crane in flight among stylized clouds, with a sparrow perched near a flowering tree. The domed lid p...

A very nice Chinese red lacquer box decorated in gold and black with a garden scene. Box has a black interior. Circa mid 1800s.

A pair of decorative and exquisite Canton tea caddies crafted from copper, featuring richly detailed, hand-painted landscape motifs on enamel surfaces. Period: Qianlong (1736–1795),...

This is a beautiful papier mâché, circular lacquered set of 2 cups, which we attribute to being made in Japan during the early 20th century, circa 1910. This is a very decoratives...

Rare Asian camphorwood jewelry box from the 1950s

Japan, Edo to Meiji period, decorated with morning glory and a bird in hiramaki-e.

Octagonal Chinese tea caddy crafted in wood with dark lacquer and richly decorated in gold with Chinese figural scenes, architecture, flowers and stylized foliage. The front, sides ...

White Makrana marble, used to build the Taj Mahal, from Indian is the densest marble on the planet. This handmade octagonal shaped makrana marble box ha...

Chinese Cloisonne Box Round enamel box with lid in a blue and white pattern. Circa, early 20th century Measures: H 5 in. (12.7 cm) NMA No. 2084

Brass Tissue Box, Celestial Black Large, Viya by Vikram Goyal Tissue box in lacquer with brass. Handmade in India. Whether it's the dense, intricate cloud motifs adorning the walls...

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...

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...

This is an antique travelling jewellery box. A Chinese, lacquered pine campaign case, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1900. Delightful example of red lacquered craftsmans...

Genuime Pytnon wrapped desk/document trunk. Sold thru Karl Springer, C80s.

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

A lovely round papier mâché box that has been hand painted with a gold oak leaf design. The top has a finial. The interior and bottom are black. Circa 1960s, Kashmir, India.  

For your consideration, a mid-century modern Japanese decorative secret puzzle trick box wood inlay Mt Fuji floral. Dimensions: 1.75" H x 4.5" W x 3.25" D. Please visit take a loo...

We present you a big coffret in the shape of a book. It is from before the year 1939. This item is made of exotic wood. Its outer surface is covered with relief. Presented coffr...

Presenting an absolutely fantastic 19C Anglo Ceylonese lap desk of museum quality. We can safely say that this is one of the finest lap desks we hav...

This Antique Carved Cinnabar Box. China. Early 20th Century with Dragon Cover and date to approximately 1920. The box is composed of brass with a vibrant blue enamelled interior and ...

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...

Presenting an astonishing Japanese Antique Carved Bone bamboo-form snuff bottle, museum quality. Dimension: 2.5" H x 1 " Dia. Condition: Excellent Condition

Unusual late Qing Dynasty (1890s to 1911) Chinese scholar’s metal box with sliding cover and 3 compartments, decorated in champleve enamel technique. The box is meant to hold small s...

This is a small vintage Chinese goose pot. An Oriental, lacquer and gilt decorative trinket box, dating to the Art Deco period, circa 1940. Wonderfull...

Asian antique Beaten Brass Betel Nut Pandan Box, Northern India. Beautiful antique hand hammered Asian round brass betel with a lid and delicate engravings with floral design handle hand crafted by skilled artisans from Northern India. Indian Beaten Copper Betel Nut Pandan Box with hand hammered beaten floral and incised decoration used to store betel leaf, lime, tobacco and the nut from the areca palm. This mixture of ingredients when prepared and placed in the mouth for long periods gives the user a mild aphrodisiac effect. The preparation of the betel nut with lime stored in ornate boxes with several smaller internal containers was popular all over Asia and is still a common practice in Myanmar and India and among the hill tribes of many S. E. Asian countries. Engraved with intricate designs on the lid which has a carved floral design handle and a latch in front for opening or closing the box and for safekeeping. Nicely hand-hammered with intricate details. Please check photo #5, there is about 1 inch damage area on the side of the box. Museum quality Asian Hand-hammered decorative Islamic brass folk art metalwork collector treasure box. Measures: Diameter 7 in. x Height 4 in. The box has a rich, deep brown patina. Quality of Mughal style. A pandan was used to store the pan, or betel quid after it had been stuffed and rolled ready to eat, rather than for the individual ingredients. The chewing of betel is an ancient Asian tradition comparable to tobacco in the western world. Betel consists of three main ingredients: the areca nut, betel leaf and lime paste. Betel was, and still is enormously popular throughout Asia and plays a major role in the entertaining of guests, in courtship and marriage, and in the traditional etiquette of the royal courts, where it often forms part of the state regalia.[1] Research on several pandan boxes has been published by Zebrowski.[2] Brownrigg, H. Betel Cutters...

Vintage hand carved wood jewelry trinket storage box with brass inlaid. Hand-carved large wooden Anglo-Raj jewelry box. Found in Kashmir, India. Mi...

Sturdy rectangular hinged trinket box for display or functional for jewelry. Wonderful piece to add to existing collection. Marked on the bottom, China

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...

Chinese silversmith. Lidded jar richly decorated in relief with flowers and ornaments. China approx. 1900. Stamped with Chinese characters. In excellent condition with traces of u...

Antique Japanese barrel shaped lidded tobacco, tea, snuff jar / box / caddy. Made of copper, hammered, dovetailed, studded, and etched with dragons. ...

This antique Chinese dressing case features a warm brown lacquer finish over softwood, with a rich grain pattern and a compact, rectangular form. Likely from the early 20th century, ...

Whimsical silvered metal feline handcrafted with a folky charm that is hammered and etched in a decorated floral design that unexpectedly opens as a trinket box.

The Black Shagreen Tissue Box by R&Y Augousti is a sublime expression of modern elegance and meticulous craftsmanship. Encased in luxurious shagreen, its textured finish exudes r...

Imperial Russian Lacquered Papier-Mâché Troika Box by the Lukutin Factory, Moscow, circa 1880–1910 This finely executed Imperial Russian lacquered papier-mâché box was produced by t...

Large Chinese Export red lacquer character box, sculptural, well executed Chinese two part lacquer table box. Decorated with vines, symbols and bats. Unmarked.

Vintage Chinese Red Carved Cinnabar Lacquer Floral Trinket Box. Shipping & Location This item is located in Buenos Aires, Argentina. We offer secu...

Silver and enamel pillbox, ВА, Russia (Russian Empire), Moscow, 1899 - 1908 Additional Information: Materials: Silver, enamel, gilding, silver 84* (875*) Vintage from the 1900s ...

This is a vintage carved keepsake case. A Chinese, satinwood decorative box, dating to the mid 20th century, circa 1950. Profusely carved throughout with an abundance of Oriental cr...

A gorgeous antique Tibetan bronze filigree and inlaid agate trinket jar China, Early 20th Century Measures: 3.5"W x 3.5"D x 4.25"H. Good original vintage condition, with beautiful...

Russian silver cigarette case with nickel 20th Century Beautiful top quality Russian silver cigarette case, with a nickel engraved design that represents a large establishment with c...

Silver and niello snuffbox. The tobacco box, made of 84 zolotnik silver (875/1000) is rectangular in shape with a soap bar body, with rounded corners and rounded profiles. The entire...

An exceptional, oversized, and highly stylized vintage Hollywood Regency decorative box in a striking architectural pagoda silhouette, designed and handcrafted by the premier luxury home furnishings maker Maitland-Smith, circa 1980s. This commanding piece is beautifully executed with an exterior clad entirely in rich, warm golden-brown lacquered split bamboo (or "burnt bamboo") reeds laid in a tight, geometric step-pyramid formation. The corner brackets and base are organically modeled after wrapped bamboo poles, raising the form elegantly off the surface. The tier-stepped lid ascends to a square panel meticulously inlaid with rows of tightly coiled natural jute rope, beautifully contrasted by a double border of twisted silvertone metal rope trim and crowned with a heavy, classic cast-metal finial. The fitted top lifts away completely to reveal a luxuriously lined black velvet interior, perfectly scaled to offer a 3" cubed storage compartment for safely holding jewelry, watches, or precious keepsakes. To ensure fine furniture remains pristine, the underside of the base is similarly lined in matching protective black velvet. Retaining its original, authentic Maitland-Smith paper label adhered directly to the black velvet on the bottom, this high-quality, substantial box serves as a magnificent sculptural centerpiece for a sophisticated interior. Offered in excellent vintage condition with an incredibly rich, original lacquered finish and only minor, age-appropriate surface wear. Maitland Smith pagoda...

Large Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Box with Fruits, Sea Life, Birds and Insects Coffee Table box An antique Japanese copper trinket box of hexago...

This set of three decorative boxes pairs sleek black oak with black shell, shagreen and bronze-patina brass. A rhythmic zigzag composition travels across the surfaces, giving the dar...

This set of 3 round boxes in white shagreen by R&Y Augousti showcases a design that seamlessly marries form and function. Each box features a perfectly symmetrical circular shape...

This is a fine quality Japanese damascene case made by and signed Amita which was in business in Kyoto Japan from the 1930's to the 1970's. The tiger de...

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.,...

Pair of Hollywood Regency inlaid mother-of-pearl lidded canister boxes by Maitland Smith, circa 1990s. The set is in very good vintage condition and the boxes measure 10"W x 4"D x ...

A black lacquered tea caddy. Great decoration and has interior compartment.

An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Burmese silver box; an addition to our diverse Asian silverware collection. This exceptional antique Bu...

19th century Chinese lacquer sewing box from the Qing dynasty. Colored black and gold all-over beautifully with intricate designs.

Another stunning 19th century Anglo-Ceylonese piece. Made circa 1880 in Ceylon (Now Sri Lanka) of Coromandel wood and specimen woods. This is a simply gorgeous and quality item!! Tray made of various compartments with various high quality specimen wood lids, all edged and banded in chevrons of bone, silver or pewter and ebony. The tray itself is made of expensive coromandel wood. There are two open sections on either side of the tray which have bone and hand-painted lac ends. The main tray sits onto a base made of coromandel wood with green baize lining. This tray could have a number of practical uses, for keeping stationary, watches, jewelry, or thinking outside of the box, holding you remote controls and candy!! We have a matching box also in our Inventory and for auction. ANGLO-INDIAN AND CEYLONESE BOXES: 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. Anglo-indian Boxes normally consist of 3 main types:- (1) Most of the best and highest quality Anglo-Indian boxes in the 18th and 19th Centuries were made in Vizagapatam, India, renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship in using ivory and tortoiseshell and lac decoration. These are referred to as ‘Vizagapatam Boxes...

Sagejubako is a portable lunch or picnic set that became popular in the early Edo period when an additional meal was added between breakfast and dinner. It normally consists of a han...

Crafted from solid white marble with elegant gray veining, this refined box features a clear glass lid etched with a delicate design. The natural stone adds weight and timeless beaut...

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...

Maitland Smith tessellated stone jewelry box in pink salmon color.

Indian teak work or stationary box with brass tack and applique decoration on the top and sides and fitted with brass lift-handles. the interior fitted with lift out trays and open c...

Maitland Smith Lidded Shagreen Box, c.1985.

A gorgeous Neoclassical style oval metal toleware box, chest, or bin with lid on stand By Maitland Smith Philippines, Late 20th Century Black lacquer...