For 18th-century young British noblemen, no education was complete without a year on the Grand Tour. Although it had no official route, the Grand Tour focused on places foundational to European art, literature and architecture, including sites in France, Germany, Switzerland and, most importantly, Italy. It was an opportunity not just to witness the roots of the classics they had studied but also to take some of it home. Grand Tour furniture was among the souvenirs.
Grand Tour furniture ranged from marble architectural models replicating ancient wonders to actual antiquities often taken illicitly, leaving a legacy of looting still being unraveled today. Other items reflected the artistic richness of the Renaissance cities and other destinations. In Italy, this included scagliola tables and pedestals mimicking marble as well as tabletops and wall panels embedded with pietra dura hard stone mosaics.
Furniture was also developed to display Grand Tour purchases in the owner’s home, presenting them as a cultivated and well-traveled person. Mahogany collector’s cabinets held objects like intaglio moldings of coins and seals while others had specialized drawers that framed pietra dura panels.
Many objects were specifically produced for Grand Tour collectors. Often accompanied by retinues on journeys lasting months or years, the elite travelers, the wealthiest of whom extended their trips to Egypt and the Holy Land, required artful personal mementos befitting the experience. For example, Grand Tour micromosaics — small artworks, most not more than two inches wide — arose from the entrepreneurial impulses of artisans who had trained in the Vatican’s workshops.
Grand Tour journeys would help inform a range of decorative styles such as neoclassical, Rococo and Adam style. (Architect and designer Robert Adam toured Italy and France for five years.) The Grand Tour flourished at a time of economic prosperity and political stability, but the French Revolution in 1789 brought it to an end. Yet as the tradition faded in popularity in England, the rising wealth of the United States led to an increase in tourism across the Atlantic and a similar passion for collecting to show one’s worldliness.
Find a collection of Grand Tour decorative objects, wall decorations, lighting and other furniture on 1stDibs.
$1,196Sale Price|20% Off
19th C. Italian Grand Tour Micro-Mosaic "Doves of Pliny" Box After Antiquity
By Vatican Mosaic Studio
Located in Atlanta, GA
Italian, likely Circa 1880. This beautiful box has an exceptional Grand Tour Micro-mosaic plaque depicting the Capitoline Doves or Doves of Pliny after the Roman antiquity. Also by ...
Slate, Bronze
Early 19th Century French Gold Box with Enamel and Miniature Portrait
Located in Dallas, TX
PRESENTING A STUNNING Early 19C French Gold Box with Enamel and Miniature Portrait. Box made with brass but has been plated with 18ct Gold with beau...
Gold, Enamel
19th Century Italian Ruby Glass Box with Miniature of Basilica
Located in Dallas, TX
Lovely little 19th century ring jar or pill box made of a thick wine colored ruby glass. It has a miniature of a Basilica on top, gilt metal mounts with beautiful filigree on the si...
Metal
Antique Grand Tour Micro Mosaic Jewelry Box by Cesare Roccheggiani, Rome c. 1875
By Cesare Roccheggiani
Located in London, GB
A highly attractive and rare floral Grand Tour micromosaic jewelry or trinket box made by Cesare Roccheggiani in Rome, Italy, c. 1875. This is a beautifully detailed micro-mosaic box. The panel in the lid depicts a lush bouquet of spring flowers, including roses, forget-me-nots, daffodils, buttercups and crocus, amongst others. These are described in brightly coloured stone micromosaic inlaid into a black surround, lending the piece wonderful contrast. The more common subjects for similar micro mosaic boxes are architectural views of Rome; floral examples such as this are much harder to find. The panel is mounted in a box gilded in 24 carat gold. Another distinctive feature is the granulated finish around the lid and to the underside of the box: it is most unusual and lends the piece a lovely texture. A hand-painted champlevé enamel frieze wraps around the central body of the gilt metal box, depicting scrolling turquoise vines blooming with red berries along with blue, green and yellow vine leaves. The interior is lined in the original silk and in very good original condition. The maker’s name ‘C. ROCCHEGGIANI ROMA’ is emblazoned in gold to the interior of the lid beneath the motif of a cross surmounted by a crown. The lining of both the lid and body are bordered with a ropetwist detail. The lid closes with hooked clasp, and the hinge is in good condition. Cesare Roccheggiani was one of the most successful mosaicists in the late 19th century in Rome. He probably worked in Michelangelo Barberi’s workshop, and was in all likelihood related to Lorenzo Roccheggiani, a late eighteenth-century master mosaicist at the Vatican whose work included the altarpiece, Crucifixion of St. Peter after Guido Reni, and Nicolo Roccheggiani who worked on the Achilles Shield tabletop commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte, and later gifted to Charles X of France, now in the collection of the Louvre. Cesare Roccheggiani opened his premises on Via Condotti in Rome in 1874, and ran a production workshop including mosaicists, goldsmiths and other craftsmen. He was renowned as a source for fine quality Grand Tour mosaics...
Stone, Metal
19th C. Italian Grand Tour Intaglio Plaster Medallion & Gilt Marbled Leather Box
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Italian Grand Tour Intaglio Plaster Medallion Box with Silver Mounts and Gilt Marbled Leather, 19th Century A finely crafted 19th-century Italian Grand Tour table box, combining cla...
Silver Plate
An Italian Wooden Book with Marble Specimens, 20th Century
Located in Spencertown, NY
The hinged Burl walnut book inlaid with tulipwood opens to reveal 18 varieties of marbles. Including imperial porphyry, green porphyry,
Marble
Grand Tour Bronze, Two-Tone Enamel & Pietra Dura Dressing Box or Humidor C. 1880
Located in Atlanta, GA
This exceptional Grand Tour dressing box or humidor, crafted in France circa 1880, epitomizes the luxurious design and meticulous craftsmanship of the late 19th century. Constructed ...
Marble, Bronze, Enamel
Grand Tour Leather Cased Crystal Scent Bottle Set
Located in Philadelphia, PA
From the Grand Tour era, a set of two glass scent bottles in a fitted leather case with key, circa early 19th Century. The Grand Tour was a 17th to early 19th century custom of the ...
Brass
19th Century Italian Bronze Sarcophagus Box, Cast Design, 1880
Located in Stamford, CT
Unusual 19th century Italian Grand Tour bronze box in the form of a sarcophagus, circa 1880. Nice form, handsome desk-top accessory, great addition to any box collection. 5.5 inches...
Bronze
Labradorite Semi Precious Stone Box with Hinged Lid
Located in New York, NY
Labradorite semiprecious stone box with hinged lid. Labradorite displays an iridescent optical effect (or schiller) known as labradorescence. La...
Stone, Brass
A mid 19th century Italian grand tour Sorrento marquetry box circa 1860
Located in Central England, GB
A very fine Italian marquetry box dating to circa 1860 and made in the Sorrento region of Italy where local craftsmen were renowned for making ...
Wood
$396Sale Price|20% Off
1960s Italian Grand Tour Style Leather & Burlwood Column Motif Pen Stand/Box
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
1960s Italian Grand Tour Style Leather & Burlwood Column Motif Pen Stand/Box Italy, 1960s This Italian Grand Tour style pen stand/box from the 1960s i...
Leather, Burl
Antique Chased Silver Snuff Box Set with Fine Italian Micromosaic Plaque
Located in London, GB
The small rectangular silver snuff box, chased with foliage decorations and featuring a hinged back, is set with a detailed micromosaic plaque on top. The plaque depicts a rural land...
Stone, Silver
19th Century Italian Grand Tour Steel Lidded Sarcophagus Box
Located in Stamford, CT
Rare 19th century Italian Grand Tour steel sarcophagus form box, circa 1880. Nice form, handsome desk-top accessory, great addition to any box collection. It is unusual to find this ...
Steel
Antique Anglo Indian Vizagapatam Stag Antler Horn Sandalwood Box Jewelery Casket
Located in Dublin, Ireland
A Very Impressive example of an Anglo-Indian Raj Period (1857-1947) mellow faded Elk Stag Antler Horn Casket Box of outstanding quality and generous proportions. Made in Vizagapatam,...
Antler, Horn
19th Century Grand Tour Silver Box, Likely Made in Germany
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
19th century Grand Tour silver box, likely made in Germany. With faux Paris, 1784 hallmarks. Decorated with a 17th century gentleman in rococo cartouche. 3.55 troy oz. 3 3/8" x 2.75"...
Silver
Decorative 19th century book shaped inlaid olive box
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th century book shaped inlaid olive box circa 1890. Unusual Italian keep sake box made in olive wood. Inlaid top surface with musical instrument, flowers and a faux peeled back c...
Olive
Italian Grand Tour Style, Pietra Dura & Leather Humidor Or Vanity Box
Located in Atlanta, GA
This exceptional humidor or vanity box is a masterwork of craftsmanship, designed in the exquisite style of the Italian Grand Tour, a period of cultural exploration and refinement th...
Agate, Malachite, Onyx, Marble, Slate
Early 19th Century Miniature Writing Desk Jewelry Box
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
This vintage miniature wood box has six drawers and lots of character and patina. Some of the drawers are lined in faux marbleized paper. We see this wonderful piece being used to st...
Metal, Brass
$695
H 2.5 in W 11 in D 6.5 in
Moroccan Moorish Middle Eastern Large Inlaid Wood Micro Mosaic Jewelry Box
Located in Studio City, CA
Stunning mosaic design, this intricate wood box is made from multiple micro pieces of wood with some possible bone inlays. Gorgeous craftsmanship. A true work of art. Would be a g...
Wood
Moorish Inlaid Jewelry Box, Micro Mosaic Fruitwood, Lebanon, 1950s
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Micro Mosaic Persian Islamic Moorish Inlaid Jewelry Pen Box. 1950s Middle Eastern Moorish Inlaid Jewelry Trinket Mosaic Box. Handcrafted mar...
Fruitwood
Moorish Decorative Sadeli Micro Mosaic Inlaid Jewelry Box
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Middle Eastern Sadeli micro mosaic inlaid jewelry footed box with lid. Intricate inlaid box with floral and geometric Moorish design. Sadeli micro mosaic designs in mosaic marquetry, very fine artwork. Lined with red velvet and glass, top final and feet are brass. A highly collectible example in superb condition complete Circa 1900. Museum piece like the ones in Doris Duke Islamic Art Museum. Middle Eastern Arabian Micro Mosaic Moorish...
Fruitwood
1950s Anglo Indian Micro Sadeli Mosaic Inlaid Jewelry Box
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
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 ...
Bone, Fruitwood
Vintage Porcelan Jewel Case, Italy Mid-20th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Vintage Porcelan Jewel case is an original artwork realized by Anonymous artist in the mid-20th century. A very refined case decorated with a flora...
Porcelain
20th Century Italian Sterling Silver Table Box
By Pampaloni
Located in VALENZA, IT
Rectangular/octagonal table box in 925 silver. The box was completely handmade in Florence at the end of the last century. Engraved with floral and abstract motifs, it has been fin...
Sterling Silver
1940s Antique Fine Micro Mosaic Moorish Inlaid Decorative Box
By Mamluke
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Handcrafted marquetry Moorish wood inlay micro mosaic with miniature hand painted scene. Handcrafted khatam wooden box with very delicate micro mosaic marquetry from the ancient Pers...
Wood
Moorish Micro Mosaic Jewelry Box by Rajhastani, India, 1950
By Rajhastani
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Moorish style micro mosaic marquetry inlaid jewelry box with lid. Intricate inlaid Anglo Indian box with floral and geometric Islamic Moorish mosaic Sadeli design in a square shape form with mosaic inlay and marquetry, very fine artwork, lined in red velvet. 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. 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...
Wood
19th Century French Enameled Porcelain Box
Located in Land O' Lakes, FL
A salmon colored enamel box with patina bronze surround and latch and topped with a gold laurel wreath.
Bronze, Enamel
Antique Persian Khatam Micro Mosaic Inlaid Jewelry Box circa 1940s
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Antique Persian Khatam Micro Mosaic Inlaid Jewelry Box with Miniature Polo Scene, circa 1940s This exquisite Persian Khatam Kari trinket box is a rare example of masterful micro mosaic marquetry, handcrafted in the 1940s using the ancient Persian art of inlay. Featuring an intricately detailed geometric design and a miniature hand-painted equestrian scene on the lid, this museum-quality piece is a stunning representation of Indo-Persian and Moorish craftsmanship. Khatam Kari, or Persian marquetry, is a centuries-old decorative art that flourished during the Safavid dynasty. It involves the meticulous inlay of thousands of tiny pieces of wood and bone into intricate, repeating geometric patterns—each symbolic of harmony and cosmic order. The top of this box is adorned with a finely rendered painting of royal figures on horseback, possibly princes engaged in a ceremonial game of polo, echoing the refined court culture of the 19th-century Persian and Mughal aristocracy. The box’s micro mosaic surface is covered in richly detailed star and polygon motifs typical of Khatam and Sadeli mosaic traditions. These patterns require precise mathematical planning and exceptional artisanal skill, resulting in a surface that is as intellectually complex as it is visually stunning. Details: * Origin: Asia Indo-Persian * Date: Circa 1940s * Materials: Inlaid woods, camel bone, hand-painted miniature * Style: Islamic Art, Moorish, Anglo-Indian, Micro Mosaic * Dimensions: Height 1.5 in. x Width 6.5 in. x Depth 4.25 in. * Condition: antique condition with minor wear consistent with age These boxes were traditionally used to store writing instruments or jewelry, and today they serve as timeless collectors' pieces, suitable for display or thoughtful gifting. Comparable examples can be found in major Islamic art collections, including the Doris Duke Museum of Islamic Art. Keywords: Persian Khatam Box...
Bone, Fruitwood
$1,650
H 5 in W 10.5 in D 7 in
Early 19th Century Russian Stained and Carved Bone Table Box with delicate gold
Located in Larkspur, CA
Early 19th century Russian stained and hand-carved Bone Table Casket Kholmogory Box, veneered with panels of foliate engraved stained bone alternating with geometric and foliate fret...
Bone
Sold
H 4 in W 5.25 in D 3 in
Grand Tour Bronze Casket Athena Greek Processional Friezes, Attrib. Henri Picard
By Henri Picard
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Grand Tour Archaeological Revival Bronze Casket with Athena and Greek Processional Friezes, Attributed to Henri Picard, Paris, circa 1865–1885 A finely cast gilt and patinated bronze casket executed in the Grand Tour archaeological revival taste, attributed to the Paris bronzier Henri Picard and dating to the late 19th century. The object reflects the fascination with ancient Greek antiquity...
Bronze
Sold
H 1.66 in W 5.12 in D 3.55 in
Italian pietra dura leather covered box depicting Florence Cathedral, C 1930
Located in Central England, GB
This superb Italian box dates to circa 1930. It is made from wood, and the exterior is covered in fine leather, which is panelled with gilt tooling. The top of the box is inset with...
Leather, Wood
Mid C19th French Grand Tour Perfume Caddy
Located in London, GB
A lovely example of a mid-19th century French Grand Tour perfume caddy. This gold-on-black hand-painted porcelain casket features a domed lid with a central hand-painted portrait of...
Brass
Sold
H 2.37 in W 6.3 in D 4.93 in
Italian Sorrento box Inlaid with Pastoral Scene from the 18th century with Cupid
Located in Roma, IT
I am offering you for sale an antique box, dating back to the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 1990s, handmade in Italy according to the "Sorrento" tradition. Recentl...
Cherry, Maple, Nutwood
Sold
H 0.625 in W 3.125 in D 2.375 in
Italian Grand Tour 800 Silver, Enameled Malachite & Painted Roman Scene Box
Located in Atlanta, GA
Italian Grand Tour 800 Silver, Enameled Malachite & Painted Roman Scene Box. This fantastic antique box is rectangular in form heavily decorated with hand chased foliate scroll work...
Sterling Silver, Enamel
Italian Grand Tour Green Specimen Marble Rectangular Box
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Italian Grand Tour Green Specimen Marble Rectangular Box Italy, 20th Century Of rectangular form made of beautiful variegated green marble with inset shell remnants, the lift top w...
Marble
Pair of Alabaster Urns / Lidded Boxes, Hand Carved, 1920s, Italy
Located in Wien, AT
Pair of perfectly hand-cut lidded boxes out of white alabaster, made in the 1920s, in Italy. These objects have a round basic shape, but they have a cuff all around that is designed...
Alabaster
Falcon's Eye Semi Precious Stone Box with Hinged Lid
Located in New York, NY
Falcon's Eye semi precious stone box with hinged lid. Falcon's eye, AKA Blue Tiger's Eye, famed for its chatoyancy, is reminiscent of the 'eye...
Stone, Brass
Églomisé Verdigris Marble Table Box
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Églomisé Verdigris marble table box, with bevelled edges and 9" x 6" x 2" velvet interior.
Velvet, Glass
Pietre Dure and Gilt Bronze Box
Located in New Orleans, LA
Each panel of this 19th-century Italian box is meticulously crafted using a combination of traditional pietre dure techniques. The panels are formed from p...
Stone, Marble, Bronze
Diminutive Grand Tour Bronze Architectural Model of the Arch de Triumph
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Diminutive Grand Tour Bronze Architectural Model of the Arch de Triumph Of small scale, intricately cast and modeled, with lift top, on a oval black ...
Belgian Black Marble, Bronze
Sold
H 4.14 in W 2.56 in D 1.97 in
Antique Grand Tour Georgian Papier Mache Horn Snuff Boxes Lady's Etui Case
Located in Dublin, Ireland
Stunning collection of Georgian Antique Grand Tour items, to include a Lady’s banded Etu case with sterling silver mount and dome top hinged lid and two Snuff miniature boxes of trad...
Sterling Silver