18th Century Boxes

18th Century Bilston Enamel Rectangular Patch / Snuff Box Circa 1780, of shallow form, white with hand-painted floral motifs around edges and base, and a central scene depicting 3 ch...

A Japanese ink stone box (known as Suzuribako) with exquisite maki-e decoration from Edo period (circa mid-18th century). The box features a rectang...

From our Tea Caddy collection, we are delighted to offer this Georgian Oval Tea Caddy. The Tea Caddy of elongated Oval form veneered in Harewood with Box...

A superb early 18th century kingwood oyster veneered coffre fort with fine gilt brass metal work, the fall front opens to reveal three drawers and three hidden compartments. Lovely c...

This exquisite four-case lacquered inro was dated to the latter part of 18th century to early 19th century (Edo period) and made by Shigehide. The opposite sides of the inro together features a lavish flower arrangement in a bamboo basket (ikebana). The detailed craftmanship was a true pleasure to behold. Mostly Takamaki-e (high relief) were used to texturize the delicate petals of the chrysanthemums, on which different shades of gold were used to create contrast. Raden (mother of pearl) shells were also used to highlight some leaves, rendering the piece an interesting balance of color and material. The interior was completed in a mottled gold finish. It was signed Shigehide on the bottom with a Kao. There is a small carved rabbit ojime bead...

A fine lacquered and gold leaf Nagamochi dating from the late 18th century or early 19th century. The exterior of the trunk and its gilded metal fittings are decorated with a folia...

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...

Carved wood hand painted donation / offering ALM Box, Spain, 18th century. Polychromed carved wood church collection offering donation money box as wall decoration. Wall hanging collection / donation money box. Originally used to collect donations at Christian churches/chapels. Interesting to be used as key box or key cabinet or as wall decoration Rare find. Provenance: Private collection. No key avaliable. Overall Measures: 46 cm H x 31,5 cm W x 14 cm D Poor box...

A superb 18th century George III period miniature japanned collector’s cabinet depicting Oriental scenes, exotic birds, pagodas, butterflies etc. Engl...

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 ...

An 18th Century South Staffordshire Snuff Box, decorated with a couple with Cupid in parkland, the white base with flowers on a gilt diaper ground ...

18th C. Capodimonte Box, Views Royal Palace of Caserta & Belvedere di San Leucio Consisting of two pieces: the lid and base. This elegant 18th-century...

An 18th century French Louis XVI marquetry secretaire, or secretary desk with bookcase. Beautifully made with book matched veneer of mahogany and fine inlay of walnut and mahogany. I...

An important early antique Italian Renaissance table box, handcrafted in Northern Italy in the 17th/18th century, cassone chest form, richly inlaid, the top and front panel with fruitwood banding framing...

A late 18th century, Georgian, Mahogany tea caddy having extremely attractive inlaid conch shells, banded and strung decoration, with hinged lid enclosing lidded interior retaining partial paper foil lining. This particular caddy is relatively plain and simple in design, but the attractive inlaid decoration lifts it significantly. The condition remains relatively good and clearly it has been well loved throughout its life. Tea was a precious commodity throughout the 18th and 19th centuries and the purpose of a tea caddy was not just to preserve the and extend the life of the precious tea leaves, but also to enable the owner to lock away those aforementioned valuable tea leaves, keeping them safe from the house staffs potential wandering hands. This 18th century tea caddy...

A Spanish strong box from the 18th century. This antique safe from is constructed or iron clad wood, and is handsomely adorn in domed iron nailhead trim throughout it's top, front, a...

A very handsome George III tea caddy, made from Mahogany and beautifully inlaid with panels and highly decorative foliate marquetry to the front and top. The top has a handsome cast ...

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...

Very rare and hard to find in this complete condition with as many pieces (over 35), this "Gentleman's Necessaire", or campaign "Dressing Table Box" is English and circa 1795 as per the style, and confirmed by the 18th century silver marks on items enclosed. Campaign furniture, and accessories were made to tend to the day to day needs of those traveling, most often for the upper class, the military, and those in high socioeconomic standing. A very similar Campaign box belonging to the Duke of Wellington and now in the Victoria and Albert Museum, appears on page 141 (illustration #157 of "British Campaign Furniture" published in 2001 by Nicholas A. Brawer; the leading recognized historian on the subject. The furniture and accessories were designed to be easily unpacked and packed back up again, condensed and compact for minimum storage, and still fulfill luxury "needs" for the well to do. The flush inserted brass handles on this box were designed to minimize protrusions for easier transport when traveling. The necessaire contains a plethora of instruments, utensils, storage bottles, boxes, to contain pills, medicine, potions, soap, shaving needs, snuff, beverages, spirits, tea, coffee, fragrance, incense, toothpaste, ink, and anything else necessary or wanted to maintain appearance and the "Beau Brummell" type lifestyle desired by the aristocratic gentleman. These items were housed in; screw top miniature bone canisters, fine cut glass crystal vessels with silver and silver plated tops, multiple miniature vertical wooden pocket drawers, a carved wooden lidded soap dish; all "fitted" in a beautiful brass bound and hinged mahogany box. The dressing box is neatly divided into various sections to store these implements. The center front bottom drawer is independently accessed and opened by a key lock and likely utilized for personal effects, jewelry, money, and letter writing, and diary entries.; note the fitted interior, design, "cubbies", and sections (see image). NOTE: It would be advisable to NOT use the key to lock this drawer just in case it stays locked and does not reverse, thereby creating difficulty reopening the drawer. The box maintains it's original surface and there are no restorations to any of the wood or brass mounts. A non discernible script monogram on a brass plate adorns the top (see image). Worth noting is the copious provenance accompanying this piece; the original description tag from the British antiques dealer; the "condfdential" letter by purchaser to recipient "Horace" reviewing the Dressing Box attributes and description; and finally, the Customs form for entry into the United States with Santa Barbara it's ultimate destination and a valuation of 3 pounds; less than ten dollars at that time---- 1950!!!!! (see images). Dimensions: 11" wide  x 8 3/4" deep  x 5 1/2" high Contents: implements in red bag sewing hook with shell handle second smaller sewing hook with built in swivel tool to bone handle large metal tweezers rectangular bone device with center hole small hook with bone handle silver plate corkscrew...

Thanks for looking at this superb object of vertu. This box is in the form of a boat, the cover and base of translucent blue enamel on a peacock-feather engine-turned ground, the cover further enamelled with a variety of sea shells on a grass bank in bright colours of red, pink, yellow, green, blue etc. All around the cover and the base there are 64 emerald cabochons set in as a decorative border. The sides are covered in blue enamel with a gold chequered design with a white enamel border all the way around the corners of the base. The curved shape grille is expertly pierced and bright-cut with foliage. The overall condition is faultless it opens and closes effortlessly and the very important enamel is in perfect order no excuses and has never suffered any restoration. The box is stamped with a makers mark in the base but we have never looked up the maker please look at the images and see for yourself. This is a very good example of a solid gold Box...

Early 18th century Italian carved and dovetailed walnut alms box, circa 1725 Large dovetails and old handwrought nails give this small scale box a hea...

A lacquer presentation box with mother-of-pearl inlays from Japanese Ryukyu Islands circa 17-18th century. The lidded box in rectangular form with rounded corner is a classic example...

Fabulous looking fine quality and unusual large size 18th century George III table top yew wood sarcophagus shaped box. While it could have been a tea caddy; at 14" wide it seems ove...

AntiqueTibetan chest, beautifully aged painted leather with original iron hardware. Chest has a spacious wooden interior, offering a large amount of storage. Outside features polychrome painted dragons and Asian...

Antique English Regency Rosewood, Sarcophagus Shaped Tea Caddy With Two Separate Tea Compartments and Individual Handled Lids, Centred on Four Bun Feet Circa 1700's Great patina em...

From our Tea Caddy collection, we are pleased to offer this Georgian octagonal Inlaid Tea Caddy. The Tea Caddy of octagonal form veneered in Harewood with inlaid twin Tuscan Columns ...

A richly detailed Indian dowry box dating to the late 18th century, crafted during the final decades of the Mughal Empire. This pyramidal casket is construct...

With rectangular hinged top with brass strap mounting. When open the front folds down to expose hidden compartments and wells. Case mounted the same as the lid. Side carry handles. I...

This is a large and extraordinary lacquered wooden box, with floral decoration and polychrome drawings that represent a man collecting red coral on the beach, on blue background. Made in precious fir wood, Swiss pine, lacquered and engraved. This blue lacquered box...

A Superb Example of an English Georgian Period Well figured Mahogany Double Interior Section Tea Caddy of flat rectangular outline, generous proportions and outstanding quality, all ...

Of superb quality, this red tortoise shell box with beautifully executed gilded brass mounts was most likely originally made to hold Tea of Sirih. It is in very fine antique conditio...

Lined with Red Velvet Circa 1790 From our Tea Caddy collection, we are pleased to offer this Georgian Burr Yew Wood Tea Chest. The Tea Chest of rectangular form featuring quadrant B...

A superb mid-18th century George III period bombe tea caddy. English, circa 1760. Why we like it A totally original example complete with tin caniste...

Georgian Tea Chest with Boxwood & Ebony Checkered Stringing From our Tea Caddy collection, we are delighted to offer this Rare Georgian Satinwood Tea Chest. The Tea Chest of rectang...

George III Period, sterling silver (unmarked, but tested)-mounted ram's horn snuff mull, Scotland, Ca. 1790-1810. There is a sterling silver disc on the top of the hinged lid that is...

Italian antique gilded Florentine box, octagonal shape realized in white walnut, engraved on each side and the top and with bulin scrolling decor...

An early 18th century, George I period bombé-shaped tea caddy in dramatically figured burl walnut of a most desirable mellow, honey colour; complete with three tins inside. British o...

A small square-form 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 is...

AN INDIAN ROSEWOOD AND EBONY BRASS MOUNTED BOX FOR THE ISLAMIC MARKET Malabar Coast, 18th century With a large drawer with several compartm...

Mid 18th century Swedish pine baroque metal bound box circa 1740. Good quality oval baroque period decorative box.  Profusely decorated and bound by iron strap work, edging and hing...

Late 18th century dresser box with lid made from oak. The lid is banded , and tops the curved box. The box has a lovely shape to it and is constructed in such a way that the bottom...

18th century papier-mâché small snuff box A black lacquered papier-mâché snuff box with a silver inlaid encircled zig zag motif around a medallion with a scene of the Last Supper painted with Jesus and the 12 apostles...

This important Louis XV gold snuff box is from the prestigious collection of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor. The engine-turned gold box or...

Extremely Rare Regency Antique Penwork Cabinet A very interesting and rare Antique Regency Penwork Cabinet decorated with numerous scenes of exquisi...

c.1800, England, Regency brass inlaid rosewood lap desk in the manner of George Bullock. Rectangular box with double-hinged lid, opening to tooled na...

An exceptionally rare Irish George III hand cut full lead crystal single tea caddy of rectangular outline with canted corners and outstanding quality, first quarter of the nineteenth century. The finely chased silver mounted rim and hinged cover, hand cut with three bands of lozenges on a plain ground, decorative star cut base underneath. Condition: Exceptional condition for such an early piece, with no losses or clouding inside, silver mounts are unmarked but test positive for silver. Wonderful age wear underneath on base. Lock is present but key does not turn. Back and front views are similar. Measures: Height: 5.25” (13.5cm). Width: 3.75” (9.5cm). Depth: 3” (7.5cm). Location: Dublin City, Ireland. Stunning and rare Tea Caddy...

Rare and unusual George III tea caddy in the form of a ribbed bucket. The tea caddy of beautiful shape with a ribbed exterior carved from alternating panels of plain Sycamore and...

Framed In Boxwood From our Tea Caddy collection, we are delighted to offer this exceptional Georgian Paper Scroll Tea Caddy. The Tea Caddy of e...

Rare Dutch baroque box composed of padauk wood with original red lacquer finish, decorated with ivory lacquer with gold outline. Richly adorned with heavy brass (or bronze) decorativ...

An extremely rare, highly desirable, and sought-after model mid-18th century George III Chippendale period tea caddy. Original period metalwork. English, circa 1750. Why we like it...

A fine antique English South Staffordshire or Battersea enamel table snuff box. With a pink ground and white enamel latticework decoration thro...

A wonderful, antique figural bird form Battersea or South Staffordshire enamel bonbonniere. The lid is decorated with a bird on a branch in a lan...

A Late 18th century Georgian Period Mahogany Oblong tea caddy having very attractive inlaid decoration to front and hinged top enclosing double lidded interior with original paper foil landing. This particular caddy is relatively plain and simple in design, but is lifted significantly with the attractive inlaid decoration. It remains in relatively good condition and had clearly been well loved throughout its life. Tea was a precious commodity throughout the 18th and 19th centuries and the purpose of a tea caddy was not just to preserve the and extend the life of the precious tea leaves, but also to enable the owner to lock away those aforementioned valuable tea leaves, keeping them safe from the house staffs potential wandering hands. This 18th century tea caddy...

Magnificent and rare Late 18th Century Dutch Colonial decorative box. Striking Dutch design from the 1790s. Made out of Slavonian solid oak with original patinated iron handles and l...

Scarce Welsh small coffer or "coffer bach" having hinged lid over two arch panels over two drawers, the whole constructed of dense Welsh oak and having a lovely rich color and patina. A ‘Coffer Bach’ is Welsh for a small chest or trunk with drawers below. Made only in Wales, a ‘Coffer Bach’ is traditionally associated with marriages - a dowry or love chest...

Large and circular box featuring two shades of gold. The removable lid is embellished with detailed, concentric lines and with a central medallion representing a dove flying over a f...

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.

This is a magnificent lacquered wooden box, with rich polychrome decoration on a yellow background. In the center of the lid an exotic landscape has been painted with palm, flowers and berries surrounding the figure of the elegant dressed lady. The box has done following the techinque of "arte povera". With this tecnique there are less layers of lacquer and the decoration is made with a paper collage together some lacquered parts. This brighting piece hails from the Mid-18th Century in Venezia and masterfully shows the lacquered Venetian style. This box has a timeless beauty and it is a little jewel to contain jewels. One of the distinctive characteristics of Venetian Baroque and Rococo furniture and decorative objects is the skilful use of lacquers. Lacquer is a natural resin that was very rare in the past, imported from the East and used to create smooth and colored surfaces on furniture, ready to be finely decorated with refined floral designs or exotic animals. Venetian artisans became masters in lacquer processing which required time and patience because it was made with many steps. The Venetian style deeply influenced furniture design throughout Europe, but none reached the Venetian level in terms of beauty. The skillful use of lacquer and carvings defined Venice's unique style during the Rococo period, its Golden Age. The piece is in very good state of maintenance and it is guaranteed original in every parts. The surface was only cleaned not restored and it is original. The little iron key is not working. The wooden yellow lacquered box...

An early Georgian mahogany box from the late 18th century. This exquisite English box is made of a rich mahogany wood seemingly stained to perfec...

A Japanese lacquered wood fubako (a box to store document or small scroll painting) circa late 18th century of Edo period. The rectangular box features a deep lid with rounded corners and recessed mid-edge and a lower box with two bronze medallion rings and tasseled silk ties. The surface of the fubako was elaborately decorated with hiramaki-e and a low takamaki-e on a mottled Mura-nashiji background. The motifs on the lid depict branches of Japanese pine with finely rendered needles on the lower part; on the upper part, it showcases fruited persimmon branches. Two different shades of gold fundame were used to contrast the design and augmented by scattered gold kirigane to highlight some of the leaves. The design continues and cascades down to all sides of the lid as well as the walls of the box. The two bronze medallions appear original to the box and the silk ties show significant fading from the age. This Fine fubako is signed on the lower wall "Kanshosai" in Kanji with a kao mark. All the trims were finished in gold fundame and the interiors a dense nashiji in gold. Kanshosai is the mark of the distinguished lacquer artist Lizuka Toyo I who also signed his work "Toyosai". He was active in the second half of the 18th century during Edo period, employed by Hachisuka Shigeyoshi (1738-1801), daimyo of Awa on Shikoku Island. Although most survived work bearing his marks are inros, he was also known to decorated trays and other larger objects...