Neoclassical Boxes
NEOCLASSICAL STYLE
Neoclassical design emerged in Europe in the 1750s, as the Age of Enlightenment reached full flower. Neoclassical furniture took its cues from the styles of ancient Rome and Athens: symmetrical, ordered, dignified forms with such details as tapered and fluted chair and table legs, backrest finials and scrolled arms.
Over a period of some 20 years, first in France and later in Britain, neoclassical design — also known as Louis XVI, or Louis Seize — would supersede the lithe and curvaceous Rococo or Louis XV style.
The first half of the 18th century had seen a rebirth of interest in classical antiquity. The "Grand Tour" of Europe, codified as a part of the proper education of a patrician gentleman, included an extended visit to Rome. Some ventured further, to sketch the ruins of ancient Greece. These drawings and others — particularly those derived from the surprising and rich archaeological discoveries in the 1730s and ’40s at the sites of the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum — caused great excitement among intellectuals and aesthetes alike.
Neoclassical furniture is meant to reflect both grace and power. The overall appearance of neoclassical chairs, tables and cabinetry is strong and rectilinear. These pieces are, in effect, classical architecture in miniature: chair and table legs are shaped like columns; cabinets are constructed with elements that mirror friezes and pediments.
Yet neoclassicism is enlivened by gilt and silver leaf, marquetry, and carved and applied ornamental motifs based on Greek and Roman sculpture: acanthus leaves, garlands, laurel wreaths, sheaves of arrow, medallions and chair splats are carved in the shapes of lyres and urns. Ormolu — or elaborate bronze gilding — was essential to French design in the 18th and 19th centuries as a cornerstone of the neoclassical and Empire styles.
As you can see from the furniture on these pages, there is a bit of whimsy in such stately pieces — a touch of lightness that will always keep neoclassicism fresh.
Find antique neoclassical furniture today on 1stDibs.
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Style: Neoclassical
Continental Niello and Silver Gilt Snuff Box, Early 19th Century
Located in Spencertown, NY
No apparent hallmarks. The diaper pattern filled with small crosses throughout and the opening with a slight lip.
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Boxes
Materials
Silver
German Neoclassical Painted Lacquer Snuff Box, Early 19th Century
By Stobwasser
Located in Spencertown, NY
German neoclassical round snuff box with ancient Roman scene.
Category
Early 19th Century German Antique Neoclassical Boxes
Materials
Lacquer
Hollywood Regency Style Square Tissue Box
Located in Sheffield, MA
Add a touch of glamour to your countertop, nightstand, bath or powder room with a gold gilt edge, Swedish grey finish square tissue box cover for added protection for your facial ti...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Neoclassical Boxes
Materials
Metal
19th Century Swiss Gold Musical Vinaigrette
Located in New Orleans, LA
This early 19th century Swiss gold vinaigrette has the charming addition of a musical mechanism. The entire box is crafted of 14-karat yellow gold envelo...
Category
19th Century Swiss Antique Neoclassical Boxes
Materials
Gold, Enamel
Wooden Casket Box with Mirror mid 19th century Flame Mahogany Biedermeier
Located in Sweden, SE
This exquisite flame mahogany veneered casket, originating from Central Europe mid 19th century, is a stunning example of Neoclassical applied arts. Its original shape and high quali...
Category
Early 19th Century European Antique Neoclassical Boxes
Materials
Mahogany
French School 1790 Louis XVI Oval Snuff Box in 18kt Gold with Miniature Portrait
Located in Miami, FL
Presentation Snuff box from the 18th century French School.
A very important and rare Neoclassical oval box, made in Paris, France circa 1790. It was crafted with translucent natu...
Category
1790s French Antique Neoclassical Boxes
Materials
Gold
19th Century Italian Voting Box Tuscan Confraternity Carved Barrel Ballot Box
Located in Milano, MI
19th century Italian Confraternity Voting Urn of Tuscan origin realized with turned and carved poplar wood. The barrel-shaped central body, in which hands were inserted to insert the ballot ball into one of the two holes connected to the small drawer below, where on the front we find the inscription YES and NO related to voting, SI and NO, in order to distinguish for and against votes on paper, then collected in two separate small drawers, just below. Standing on four curly feet, it has a beautiful curved handle and carved parts at both ends, highlighted by ebonized details.
In a fraternity, this ballot box was used to collegially adjudicate community choices. In good age related condition, with sogns of wear and use. This antique Italian ballot wooden box, carved and painted, coming from Tuscany, in Central Italy. This ballot urn is an excellent example of a 19th century wooden voting box...
Category
Mid-19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Boxes
Materials
Poplar
American Antique Woven Straw Box
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Rare American antique handwoven tri color straw box in great condition. Great decorative piece and collectible.
Category
1920s American Vintage Neoclassical Boxes
Materials
Straw
Shepherd Box, Carved Horn or Antler, Spain, 1822
Located in Madrid, ES
Shepherd box. Carved horn. Spain, 1822.
Rectangular box made of carved horn that has a date (1822) engraved on the lid and front, a legend (Soi de Manuel Zulueta year 1822) and an...
Category
1820s Antique Neoclassical Boxes
Materials
Other
Silver Heart-Shaped Spice Box, Lopez Portero, Manuel, Spain, Granada, 1870
Located in Madrid, ES
Heart-shaped spice. Silver. LOPEZ PORTER, Manuel. Spain, Granada, 1870.
With contrasting and burilada marks.
Silver spice rack in its color with a heart shaped shape and curved spout to one side that has two hinged lids and three spaces inside (partition above and not below); It is supported by three legs decorated with classicist elements and has, towards the side, a series of fine smooth moldings. The hallmarks are those corresponding to Granada, to date, and to the silversmith Manuel López Portero, who also worked as hallmarks in the city. The shape of the piece does not follow the usual prototypes of the time or of the school to which it corresponds (a heart shaped silver box...
Category
1870s Spanish Antique Neoclassical Boxes
Materials
Silver
Black Basalt Tea Caddy, 1st half 19th century
Located in Greding, DE
Cylindrical tea caddy made of black basalt with silver mounting and figural nodus.
Category
Early 19th Century European Antique Neoclassical Boxes
Materials
Silver
Continental Silver Trinket Box with Enamel Plaque
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions- H: 1 1/2n W: 6in D: 4in Weight: 15.9 Troy OZ (with Plaque Included)
This late Continental 800 silver trinket box is perfect for you and your collection! if you look at the photos provided, you will see the outstanding floral design enamel plaque...
Category
20th Century Unknown Neoclassical Boxes
Materials
Silver, Enamel
Silver and enamel candy box
Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Silver and enamel candy box
glass candy jar with silver lid and painted enamel on its lid
Origin Switzerland Circa 1900
stamped 935 silver cap
Guillo...
Category
Early 1900s Swiss Antique Neoclassical Boxes
Materials
Crystal, Silver, Enamel
Vintage Maitland-Smith Burl Walnut Jewelry Box Tea Caddy
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Fantastic vintage box featuring a burl walnut inlay with a silver-tone knob on the lid as well as the ornate feet. Perfect decorative jewelry, trinket or caddy box standing alone on ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Neoclassical Boxes
Materials
Silver
18th Century French Straw Marquetry, 'Marqueterie de Paille' Work Box
Located in Stamford, CT
A beautiful 'as is' late 18th or early 19th century example of 'Marqueterie de Paille', or straw marquetry, work box. The top inlaid with a wonderful cityscape, with early architectu...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Neoclassical Boxes
Materials
Straw
Iron Strong Box Treasure Chest
Located in Ferndale, MI
Iron strong box treasure chest, nicely crafted case and mechanism.
Category
19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Boxes
Materials
Steel, Wrought Iron, Iron
Marquetry Box, lemon tree wood, palo santo, rosewood, mahogany. 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Box with marquetry decorations. Lemongrass, rosewood, palorosa, mahogany wood. XIX century.
Rectangular box with a flat top made of wood and decorated with a delicate marquetry with ...
Category
19th Century European Antique Neoclassical Boxes
Materials
Wood
Rare Napoleonic Straw Marquetry Box
Located in New York, NY
This cylinder box is an exceptionally fine example of straw marquetry, and a rare survivor of the craft, which involves the cutting, coloring, and mounting of split straws to form de...
Category
Early 1800s French Antique Neoclassical Boxes
Materials
Straw
Hermes Vanity Box
By Hermès
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Embody the French elegance and sophistication with this exquisite Hermes Vanity Box. Melding both function and design, this circular-shaped vanity box fe...
Category
1970s French Vintage Neoclassical Boxes
Materials
Metal, Silver
Column Pedestal Box Neoclassical Style
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful column pedestal box in the neoclassical style, circa mid-20th century, USA. Piece is a rich dark brown wood with an octagonal base and fluted pillar. Box opens to an insi...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Neoclassical Boxes
Materials
Wood
Snuff Box in the form of Columbine, with diamond eyes. Gouyn C1754.
By Charles Gouyn
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
A marvellous little piece of porcelain from this little-known maker. A snuff box, modelled as Colombine from the Commedia Dell'Arte. The face would seem to be that of a particular ac...
Category
Mid-18th Century English Antique Neoclassical Boxes
Materials
Gold
Mother of Pearl or Nacre Box with Bronze Frame, 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Mother of pearl box with bronze frame, 19th century.
Box made of mother of pearl plates joined thanks to a bronze structure decorated with simple plant elements and which still has ...
Category
19th Century European Antique Neoclassical Boxes
Materials
Bronze
Box Tobacco Swedish, 19th Century Stone Sweden
Located in New York, NY
A tobacco box made during the 18th-19th century in Sweden. From gray lime stone in a temple shape. Neoclassical.
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Neoclassical Boxes
Materials
Stone
Silver Oval Box, 19th Century, with Hallmarks
Located in Madrid, ES
Oval box. Silver, 19th centu.
With contrast marks.
Oval box with flat lid made of silver, partially gilded, decorated on the outside with figurative scenes ...
Category
19th Century European Antique Neoclassical Boxes
Materials
Silver
Case with Utensils, 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Rectangular case with hinged lid made decorated with fine inlays of floral and floral elements on its faces, containing a set of toiletry set composed of various elements of grooming...
Category
19th Century European Antique Neoclassical Boxes
Materials
Metal, Other
Exceptionally Detailed 19th Century Carved Bone Gunpowder Flask
Located in London, GB
Exceptionally detailed 19th century carved bone gunpowder flask
Italian, 19th Century
Height 36cm, diameter 11cm
This unconventional gunpowder flask, created in Italy in the 19th ce...
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Boxes
Materials
Bone
French 19th Century Neo-Classical St. Ormolu And Crystal Box
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A stunning and finely detailed French 19th century Neo-Classical st. Ormolu and Crystal box. This beautiful Crystal box displays a wonderful thick Crystal body with lattice designed ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Boxes
Materials
Crystal, Ormolu
Scatola Fiorentina Legno Inciso e Dorato Decorata con Uccellino 1780s Ottagonale
Located in Milano, MI
Originale scatola Italiana in legno laccato ed inciso a bulino di forma ottagonale di epoca Settecentesca, in discreto stato conservativo. Questo tipo di scatole solitamente apparten...
Category
Late 18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Boxes
Materials
Walnut
French 1890 Etui Sealing Wax Case with Guilloche Blue Enamel in Sterling Silver
Located in Miami, FL
French etui sealing wax case.
Exquisite objet d'art, created in Paris France in the late 19th century, circa 1890. This is a etui sealing wax case, mast...
Category
1890s French Antique Neoclassical Boxes
Materials
Multi-gemstone, Silver, Sterling Silver, Enamel
18th Century Italian Florentine Silver-leaf Polylobed Engraved Box
Located in Milano, MI
Italian antique silvered Florentine box, polylobed box from the end of the 1700s made of bent and curved wood to obtain a four-pointed polylobe. The ori...
Category
Late 18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Boxes
Materials
Walnut
George Reevers, Dutch .934 Silver Biscuit Box, Rope Borders, Holland, C.1838
Located in Chatham, ON
GEORGE REEVERS (Maker - Silversmith) - Extraordinary and rare Dutch fine silver round biscuit box - 934/1000 silver - finest quality and timeless design (nearly 200 years old) - classic rope twist borders (two to the top and one to the base) - indent to the edge of the hinged lid for easy opening and grip - original green wool felt base liner (not photographed...
Category
1830s Dutch Antique Neoclassical Boxes
Materials
Sterling Silver
Round Cobalt Blue Madonna and Child Hinged Trinket Box Limoges China
By Limoges
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A beautiful cobalt blue trinket box with a hinged lid. The top features a scene of the Madonna and Child, with a wreath of gold surrounding the edges. The body is decorated with gold floral accents. The lid is hinged in a bronze hue. The bottom is marked "Limoges China...
Category
20th Century Chinese Neoclassical Boxes
Materials
Metal
Historically Important Circa 1830's American Document Box Boston
Located in Hudson, NY
This historically important, American leather clad document box, was made in Boston in the early nineteenth century. The box belonged to, Samuel Francis Smith (October 21, 1808 – Nov...
Category
1830s American Antique Neoclassical Boxes
Materials
Leather, Pine, Linen
Neoclassical Antique Sterling Silver Tea Caddy Set from 1797 by Robert Sharp
By Robert Sharp
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 1797 by Robert Sharp, this rare and exceptional quality, George III, antique sterling silver tea caddy set, comprises two oval tea caddies and a sugar caddy...
Category
1790s English Antique Neoclassical Boxes
Materials
Sterling Silver
Chawner English Georgian Neoclassical Sterling Silver Tea Caddy, 1788
Located in New York, NY
George III sterling silver tea caddy. Made by Henry Chawner in London in 1788. Oval with straight sides. Cover hinged and domed with beaded and carved wood finial set in leaf mount. ...
Category
1780s British Antique Neoclassical Boxes
Materials
Sterling Silver
Italian Neo-Classic Style Marble Box
Located in Queens, NY
Italian Neo-classic-style (20th Century) black marble rectangular box with and inlaid circle of lapis, malachite, and pink marble
Category
20th Century Italian Neoclassical Boxes
Materials
Lapis Lazuli, Malachite, Marble
Circa 1780 Continental Porcelain Tea Caddy
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Continental tea caddy, c.1780, molded soft paste porcelain. Neoclassical swag decoration, gilt monogram. No cover. Harvey Gunter collection.
3 1/4"w., 1 1/4"d., 5"h.
Whitehall Antiq...
Category
1780s European Antique Neoclassical Boxes
Materials
Porcelain
Antique Brandt Furniture Co. Inlaid Mahogany 4 Bottle Decanter Spirit Box
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Brandt Furniture Co. Inlaid Mahogany 4 Bottle Decanter Spirit Box
This Brandt Furniture Co. decanter box has a beautiful four bottle ...
Category
1930s American Vintage Neoclassical Boxes
Materials
Velvet, Mahogany
Late 18th Century Neoclassical George III Penwork Sarcophagus Jewellery Box
Located in Lowestoft, GB
A George III penwork sarcophagus work box with hinged lid decorated with a chariot, the side with Neo-Classical devices.
Age related abrasions and knocks later replacement ebonised ...
Category
Late 18th Century European Antique Neoclassical Boxes
Materials
Sycamore
Neoclassical Style Metal Tissue Box Cover
Located in Sheffield, MA
Add style and the finishing touch to your countertop or nightstand with this antiqued gold toned top and grey ribbed metal body tissue box cover to pr...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Neoclassical Boxes
Materials
Metal
Silver Swan Sugar Bowl
Located in New York, NY
Silver Swan Sugar Bowl. Italian neoclassical sterling silver lidded sugar bowl with swan/goose finial and lion head ring handles. Italian sterling ...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Boxes
Materials
Sterling Silver
Antique Leather Suitcases Pair Storage Trunks
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Pair of antique leather suitcases in great condition- probably they were used just for storage and nog for travel, - that’s why the handles are missing. Great decorative and storage ...
Category
1920s American Vintage Neoclassical Boxes
Materials
Leather
A Gold Mounted Moss Agate Snuff Box
Located in Spencertown, NY
The mottled brown agate with translucence when held to light. The cover with a gold rope twist edge above hinged clasp with wreath and berry design above a cushion base
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Boxes
Materials
Agate, Gold
English gilt metal mounted tortoise shell box with oil painting of Caesar
Located in Buchanan, MI
English gilt metal mounted tortoise shell box with oil painting of Julias Caesar.
Category
Late 18th Century English Antique Neoclassical Boxes
Materials
Metal
Grouping of 3 French and English Porcelain boxes
Located in Pasadena, CA
This is a charming grouping of three early 20th century dressing table boxes or table decorations. Two of the boxes are hand painted, Fren...
Category
Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Boxes
Materials
Porcelain
Jay Strongwater Trinket Box Enameled Parrot Sculpture
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Splendid Jay Strongwater Enameled Partot trinket box. Enamel on metal with Swarovski crystals.
Category
1970s American Vintage Neoclassical Boxes
Materials
Metal, Enamel
Stunning Engraved Neoclassical Antique Sterling Silver Tea Caddy - London 1806
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 1806 by Thomas Paine Dexter, this charming, George III period, Antique Sterling Silver Tea Caddy, is oval in shape, and in the Neoclassical taste, with bright cut engraved decoration to the body and lid, a tea plant finial, and an engraved crest to the cartouche.
The tea caddy measures 4.25"(11cm) tall, by 4.5"(11.5cm) wide, by 3.25"(8.5cm) deep, and weighs 11 troy ounces.
The crest is likely that of John Trotter...
Category
Early 1800s English Antique Neoclassical Boxes
Materials
Sterling Silver
Antique C.F. Blanke Tea and Coffee Company Exposition Brand Green Tin Coffee Bin
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique C.F. Blanke Tea and Coffee Company Exposition Brand Green Tin Coffee Bin
This antique forest green coffee bin with a slanted lid opening has an exterior reading: "Blankes Ex...
Category
Early 20th Century American Neoclassical Boxes
Materials
Metal
Silver Box, 19th-20th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
With hallmarks.
Three-lobed flat-top box made of silver in its color decorated on the edge and lid with elements on chopped luster. The upper part presents a scene framed by scallop...
Category
Early 20th Century European Neoclassical Boxes
Materials
Silver
Silver 800 and Enamel Music Box Signed Fallaci Firenze, Italy, circa 1930
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Silver 800 and enamel music box signed Fallaci Firenze. Italy, circa 1930.
Marked silver 800.
Machine signed "Thorens Switzerland".
Category
1930s Italian Vintage Neoclassical Boxes
Materials
Silver, Enamel
Porcelain and Glass Oval Box, 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Small oval box with etched glass base and lid hinge closure made, the latter combining enamel and metal. The bottom has a bucolic landscape with a series of h...
Category
19th Century European Antique Neoclassical Boxes
Materials
Porcelain, Glass
Pair of Early 19th Century Italian Wedding Boxes
Located in Hudson, NY
This very interesting pair of wedding or presentation boxes formed part of the decorative collection of Mrs. John Gutfreund and resided in their home Murry House in Villanova Pa. Cra...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Boxes
Materials
Walnut
Italian Neoclassic Walnut Miniature Commode
Located in Essex, MA
Rectangular top with diamond inlay over three drawers with similar inlay, slight cabriole legs.
Category
1790s Italian Antique Neoclassical Boxes
Materials
Walnut
Neoclassical boxes for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Neoclassical boxes for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage boxes created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, more furniture and collectibles, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Neoclassical boxes made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and Italy pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original boxes, popular names associated with this style include Wedgwood, Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres, Hermès, and Spanish Manufactory. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for boxes differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $65 and tops out at $117,686 while the average work can sell for $1,081.