Asian Boxes

Presenting an absolutely stunning 19c Anglo Ceylonese sewing box of museum quality. Made in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) circa 1860, this is one of the finest sewing boxes of it’s kind that we have ever seen! The box is made from coromandel wood (an exotic hardwood found in Ceylon) and has a serpentine edging all over the front, back and sides. Very often the lids/tops of these boxes suffer cracks due to shrinkage but this one is near perfect with no crack in the lid/top. There is some evidence of natural shrinkage but that is around the edges of the lid/top. It is when you open this box that it reveals it’s true beauty, quality and treasure ! The inside of the lid/top is heavily and beautifully decorated with inlaid bone in scrolling floral patterns which have then been hand painted with red and black ‘lac’ ink. The central medallion is a circle of inlaid specimen exotic hardwoods radiating towards a central bone and hand painted flower. The circle is edged in bone, wood and silver chevrons. What makes this box Exceptionally rare is that it contains 3 lift out base sections. Normally, there would be a maximum of 2. The first tray/section is clearly for the purposes ancillary to sewing with a pair of sections with bone spools for thread etc. There are 17 other lidded compartments with each one highly decorated using hand painted bone and specimen woods to replicate tortoiseshell. The first tray lifts out to reveal a second removeable tray which is made up of a pair of open sections and 8 specimen wood lidded sections each with chevron banding. The third tray is a smaller tray underneath with 14 lidded compartments each with hand painted bone and specimen wood inlaid lids again, replicating the look of tortoiseshell. Again they are banded with a chevron border. This is a museum quality piece ! It is in fantastic condition for it’s age with the minor shrinkage to the edges of the lid/top, some finger pulls missing and some very minor cracks to the tray lids and bases but nothing that in any way detracts from the piece. No key. Dimensions: Closed the box is 16.75 inches wide, 11.25 inches deep and 7.5 inches high Fully open the box is 16.5 inches high, 16.75 inches wide and 11.4 inches deep 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...

Elevate the everyday with this exquisite Polished Stainless Steel Tissue Box by R&Y Augousti, a testament to unparalleled craftsmanship and luxurious materials. Each piece is meticul...

A lovely Russian hand painted lacquered small wooden box with a red interior. The box features the frog princess and prince Ivan miniature fairy tale....

A fine and impressive antique Chinese Export Silver cigarette / card case; part of our diverse Asian silverware collection. This fine antique Chinese Export Silver (CES) cigarette/card case has a plain rectangular form with rounded corners. The anterior cover is embellished with an embossed and chased decorated iconic Chinese dragon design amidst clouds, on a matte background, incorporating a shield shaped vacant cartouche. The posterior cover is ornamented with traditional embossed and chased plum blossom foliate and floral decoration, also on a matte background. The rounded sides of this antique silver cigarette case...

Post Modern tobacco or snuff box rendered in tessellated pink marble and rosso travertino, red travertine with brass inlay, brown velvet and wood interior by Maitland Smith. Match...

An oval footed trinket box which is bearing the Faberge Imperial Russian silver hallmark Cyrillic characters, and made in the St. Petersburg worksho...

A fine quality antique Regency period Chinese Export Lacquer Work Sewing Box, Circa 1820. The box having a hinged lid that is sumptuously decorated with a gilded design of Imperial...

Indian intricately hand carved Mughal floral design solid teak wood jewelry box with hinged top, c. 1960's. Ornate carving on top and all four sides around.

This is a beautiful hand-crafted antique Chinese lacquer box, crafted from camphor wood, a material often used in traditional Chinese furniture. The exterior is coated in a rich, re...

This is a vintage celebration dish. A Chinese, ceramic lidded box with Famile Jaune decor, dating to the late 20th century. Striking decoration across this appealing box Displays a ...

An antique Japanese Meiji Era covered enamel brass kogo or box for incense. Circa: late 19th century to early 20th century. The box is enameled with polychrome floral and foliage pat...

Water flowing over rocks creates a contrast between the sparkle of the water and the relative opacity of the rocks. In these boxes black lacquer pours over natural shells that glow a...

Vintage cobalt blue porcelain box decorated with pagodas in a riverscape, interior fitted with two compartments, made in 20th Century Width 7.5 inches / depth 4 inches / height 3 inc...

A vintage Chinese decorative box, crafted in wood and finished in lustrous black lacquer, its surface delicately adorned with a gilt bamboo and green leaf motif. The design, executed...

This remarkable and highly decorative Japanese export large writing box is a rare high quality example with a complicated and intricate interior. The box is in very good condition c...

Japanese Cloisonne Detailed Antique decorative box with incredible colors detail and design. Most likely Meiji Era.

Vintage 1950's Agra Indian Shell and Black Marble Box with The Taj Mahal Inlays.Onyx Black Marble Box with Pietra Dura Intricate Abalone Inlay of the Taj Mahal.Fine Quality Shell Inlaid Taj Mahal Box.Black marble trinket box with an inlaid image of the Taj Mahal. This unusual piece has the details drawn on the white shell in black ink, giving it the appearance of a micro mosaic. The surface catches the light and shows some iridescence at different angles.The Anglo Indian style box is lined with black velvet.A Very fine intricate work of Islamic Art.From Agra, India. Circa 1950's.Great gift to express your Love.From a Private Estate Encino Collection. DIMENSIONS: Height: 1.75 in.Width: 3.75 in.Depth: 2.75 in.About the Taj Mahal: The Taj Mahal is a world-renowned monument located in Agra, India. It is considered one of the most iconic examples of Mughal architecture and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here's some information about the Taj Mahal: 1) History: The Taj Mahal was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century as a mausoleum for his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1632 and was completed in 1653. 2) Architecture: The Taj Mahal combines elements of Islamic, Persian, Ottoman Turkish, and Indian architectural styles. It is primarily made of white marble, with intricate inlay work using semi-precious stones. The central structure is a large dome surrounded by four minarets at each corner. 3) Symbolism: The Taj Mahal is often regarded as a symbol of love. It was built as a testament to Emperor Shah Jahan's eternal love for his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The gardens and reflecting pool in front of the Taj Mahal add to its romantic ambiance. 4) Location: The Taj Mahal is situated on the right bank of the Yamuna River in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India. Agra is located approximately 200 kilometers (125 miles) southeast of India's capital, New Delhi. 5) Visitors: The Taj Mahal attracts millions of visitors from around the world each year. It is open to the public, except on Fridays when it is reserved for Islamic prayers...

Impressive antique Anglo Indian lap top desk crafted in quills and ebony decorated with bone dots. The surprising interior has multiple components featuring a felt writing surface, n...

Antique Chinese lacquer decorated decorative box. This Stunning Chinese export hand decorated lacquered box is the perfect accessory for a coffee table or dressing table. Could be used for jewelry or important documents.

1950s Anglo Indian Micro Sadeli Mosaic Inlaid Jewelry Box. DIMENSIONS: 7ʺW × 7ʺD × 2.5ʺH. Indo Persian Moorish style micro mosaic inlaid jewelry box with lid. Intricate inlaid Anglo ...

Rajasthani Mughal Decorative Copper Lidded Betel Spice Pandan Caddy Box. Handcrafted decorative North India round metal Asian copper Mughal Raj, Indian lidded , spice, pandan betel box with latch and a top handle. Of dome form with lotus-shaped finial, with spiralling bosse designs, Delicately and intricately hand-chased and hammered with geometric Anglo-Indian designs. Consuming betel leaves with several ingredients such as wet lime paste, katechu, areca nut, cloves and even tobacco leaves has been popular in India from the fourth century AD. The box was probably used to store the betel leaf used in the preparation of paan. Lime paste is mixed with grated areca nut and flavourings and the resulting mixture is rolled in the betel leaf to form a small parcel which can then be chewed. As well as being an integral part of Indian hospitality paan is believed to possess medicinal properties and was also taken as an aphrodisiac. The present box, which was elaborately designed for this purpose, would have been taken out ceremoniously on special occasions. Exquisite conversation museum quality piece with a very nice antique patina. Fine intricate artwork with conical form lid with Moorish pierced designs. Islamic Mughal Indo Persian...

Vintage balsa wood, and tin lined lidded tea box, retaining partial labels.

Istanbul is a wooden box collection inspired by some of towns most iconic buildings: Galata Tower, Hagia Sophia and Bebek Mosque. Each item takes its name from these structures. The ...

Beautiful MCM small brass lidded coffret style trinket box with chinoserie detail. The box depicts engraved scenes with a main motif of a sea ship on the upper lid and other scenes ...

Impressive antique British colonial lidded box handcrafted in mahogany and decorated with porcupine quills and bone dots. The interior has a removable tray with nine compartments all...

Small rectangular Japanese chest with gold lacquer decoration in the form of leaf tendrils. The chest is decorated with cut-out and ornamentally engraved fittings on the corners and ...

Tottori Japan, c.1950s Turned Oak Tea Caddy with Ceramic Inlay by ceramicist Kenji Fujita.

A wonderful Chinese leather and brass lidded lacquered trinket box, circa 1970s. The handcrafted box measures 6.25"W x 3.75"D x 4"H and has a great look with tapered brass trim. It...

Carved round cinnabar box on brass with a blue enameled interior and underfoot. The carved top centers on peonies growing from a rocky outcropping with ...

Refined and sensual small accessories for the desk or vanity have been loved and enjoyed by collectors or aesthetes for many centuries. Examples of beautiful, delicate workmanship ca...

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...

An antique Japanese Meiji era covered enamel over brass trinket or jewelry box. Circa: late 19th century to early 20th century. The ware is enameled with a polychrome image of a roos...

Elegant Tiffany & Co. Iconic Ceramic Gift Box This exquisite Tiffany & Co. ceramic gift box is a timeless symbol of sophistication and luxury. Featuring the brand's signature glossy...

An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Chinese Export silver box; an addition to our collection of boxes and cases. This exceptional an...

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 refin...

Maitland Smith Tessellated Stone Table Box. Offered is a very large decorative box of tessellated stone in black and orange in the geometric Art Deco style created by Maitland Smith....

A scarce antique circa 1900 South Asian hand carved wooden decorative table box / jewel casket. Hand-crafted in the early 20th century, likely British Ceylon (present day Sri Lanka)...

This slender metal container is a 19th-century white brass incense burner, used for storing and burning incense sticks. The small box has a rectangular form and a removable sliding t...

Circa 1900 Chinese box decorated with green, blue, red and yellow floral design set against a white background. The top with a carved white jade floral medallion. The apple green ena...

This is a vintage jewellery box. An Oriental, mahogany and brass keepsake case, dating to the late 20th century, circa 1970. A finely presented sto...

A very attractive Japanese wood table top jewelry or collector's chest with marquetry and lacquer decoration, Meiji period, circa 1900, Japan. Previously in the collection of Asbjorn Lunde (1927 - 2017). The chest is crafted in the form of a Chinese seal...

Lovely Chinese export cloisonné box made of brass and enameled with a beautiful floral pattern in beautiful colors of red, green, blue and red. The box rests on ball feet. This chino...

A fine antique Japanese Meji Period lacquer box decorated with a fan and a stylized star shaped window in the maki-e technique. The fan at the top right corner, fully opened depictin...

This antique engraved sterling silver cigarette or decorative box was made in Japan in approximately 1900 in the period Japonisme style. The box is composed of an ebonized hardwood c...

20th Century Japanese Black Lacquer Box with Gold Bird and Reed Motif, Decorative & Functional Description: This elegant Japanese lacquer box, crafted in the 20th century, is a beautiful example of refined traditional craftsmanship. Coated in deep black lacquer, the box is adorned with delicate gold-painted branch and bird motifs, evoking a sense of serenity and natural harmony. The fine, meticulous brushwork captures the lightness of the reeds and the poised elegance of the bird, offering a peaceful and contemplative decorative piece. The removable lid reveals an interior decorated with two gold medallions, each threaded with a golden ribbon, adding an extra touch of subtle luxury and detail. Key features include: Authentic Japanese Craftsmanship: This box reflects traditional Japanese lacquerware techniques, emphasizing delicacy, patience, and respect for nature. Elegant Black and Gold Color Palette: The deep black base contrasts beautifully with the fine gold detailing, creating a sophisticated and timeless aesthetic. Nature-Inspired Motif: The scene of golden reeds and a resting bird embodies calmness, elegance, and a connection to the natural world, key themes in Japanese art. Decorative Interior: Inside, two gold medallions with threaded ribbons enhance the box’s refined, ceremonial feel, offering a hidden layer of beauty. Functional and Decorative: Perfect for use as a decorative object, a jewelry box, a keepsake container, or a small personal storage piece. Versatile Placement: Its understated luxury allows it to fit effortlessly into minimalist, traditional, wabi-sabi, or eclectic interiors. This 20th-century Japanese black lacquer box is more than a container—it’s a poetic celebration of craftsmanship, nature, and subtle beauty, offering both functional use and decorative sophistication. Keywords: Japanese black lacquer box, gold painted bird and reed motif, 20th-century Japanese decor, traditional lacquerware, serene Japanese art box, nature-themed lacquer container...

19th century Chinese lacquer sewing box from the Qing Dynasty. Decorated all over beautifully with intricate designs and images of ancient C...

This is a wallet/ coin case which was made in Japan around 1990s. It is made with silk and this wallet will come with a plastic case. The material is silk and metal. The technique wh...

This beautiful antique Jewelry box was made from solid wood with original mirror and antique hardware on it. The top of the jewelry box c...

ANTIQUE CHINESE CLOISONNE TRINKET BOXES Extremely tactile little boxes in the form of a male and female quail with polychrome enamels. Very characterful and charming depiction of t...

1920s Anglo-Raj Hand-Painted Rajasthani Dowry Box A striking early 20th-century Anglo-Raj decorative wooden box, hand-painted and richly detailed with romantic and courtly scenes. Or...

Chinese Mid-Century small rectangular hardwood box / cabinet features 2 hinged swing doors both carved and inlaid with faux white jade above a bottom drawer with incised metal scroll...

A fine, vintage Japanese Inlaid Marquetry Kodansu, Jewelry/miniature Chest with Tambour Doors in the Art Deco style, circa 1930. This exquisite, handcrafted jewelry chest has intrica...

PRESENTING A LOVELY Vintage Japanese Temple Style Box. Made of rosewood, this box has a cover featuring ‘Buddhist Swastikas’ on the front. The cover lifts off to reveal a tabernacle with 2 carved dragons on wither side. Probably made in the first quarter of the 20th Century, circa 1920-30. Rectangular shaped for the storage of deities statues...

Beautiful Lacquered Wooden Box, Vietnam, 20th Century This exquisite lacquered wooden box from Vietnam, crafted in the 20th century, is a stunning example of traditional Vietnames...

An exquisite Indian Koftgari work box, or jewelry box, circa 1900, in oval shape. Featuring very fine, gold thread decoration with three silvered bun feet and a silvered base. The li...

A "remarkable" hand carved mahogany humidor box according to the appraiser has detailed carving of junk boats and temples, and recalls Victoria Harbor ...

This antique wooden box is unmarked and unsigned, but believed to have been made in Russia in circa 1890. The top of the box portrays a vignette of a shore scene where several men in...

Silver box, in filigree motif, probably Russian or Chinese, showcasing intricate floral and geometric designs, from the early 20th century, measuring 3 1/4'' in length by 2 1/4'' in ...

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...

Antique Chinese Chinoiserie Wooden box with Handpainted inserts. Mother of Pearl decorative buttons. Double sides doors with compartments for small sculptures. Great piece.