Carved Boxes

A Moroccan Decorative Lidded Box, 20th Century Provenance: Private Australian Collection. Dimensions: Height: 27cm. Width: 31cm. Depth: 18cm.

English octagonal black lacquered and gilt stenciled figural pagoda hinged one drawer sewing box with exterior gilt stenciled dragon motif, interior gilt stenciled floral motif, orig...

Japanese Art Deco Style Trinket Box or Hand-Carved Rosewood Jewelry Box A unique hand-crafted, Japanese wooden box designed in the Art Deco style and of the period. This rare antiqu...

PRESENTING A GORGEOUS 19C Anglo Indian Highly Carved Sadeli Mosaic Sarcophagus Sewing Box. Made in Bombay, India circa 1860-80. Box made of sandalwood with highly carved teak wood reliefs and panels on all sides. Edged with bone and ebony veneers and glorious sadeli mosaic, made from tiny pieces of faux ivory, pewter, green semi-precious stone. The box is in a sarcophagus form with domed lid. The original brass carry handles are on the sides. The interior is in great condition and consists of a removeable mirror under the lid portion, with the original red velvet lining behind it. The base is removeable and contains a number of lidded compartments. 6 of the interior lids on the base, are each inlaid with sadeli mosaic banding. The rest are also carved and chased. The interior is fully complete with 7 lidded faux ivory/bone, thread canisters with sadeli domes and the original bone thimble. The box sits on 4 brass ball or bun feet with the original velvet lining on the base. Some minor repairs and losses, but this box is fully complete. This is ‘rare’ as many of these boxes have not survived in such condition! Included in the sale are 2 photos that were in the box (under the base tray). Interestingly, one of them is a view of downtown Nassau, New Providence (Bermuda) from the early 20C and stamped on the rear. What a ‘journey’ this piece has made! Made in India … travelled to Bermuda, probably via Britain … back to Ireland (where we bought it) …. then to Texas! These boxes were made by superb Indian craftsmen, specifically for sale to the ruling British elite. These types of boxes, carved padouk and sandalwood, (whilst beautiful and superbly crafted) were of a lesser quality, than the more profusely and intricately mosaic inlay, tortoiseshell and ivory boxes, made for the British ‘Upper Classes’ in the areas of Bombay and Vizagapatam. These type of boxes were much more affordable back in 1880 (and indeed today) and would probably have been bought by mid-level diplomats, civil servants or visitors. Sewing boxes (in general), were in EVERY Victorian home in Britain in the 19th Century and like other boxes etc were ‘status symbols’ of your place in society! The more ornate the box, the more ‘Upper Class’ you were! Of it’s type, this one, is one of the very higher quality one’s, than the norm! SADELI MOSAIC: “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. The ancient art of Sadeli Mosaic is said to have been introduced from Shiraz in Persia via Sind to Bombay, a long time before the Anglo Indian boxes were made. It was a technique, which required a high degree of skill and patience. It was executed very lavishly, in that the frequent cuts wasted a great amount of the precious materials used. The workmanship was however more than commensurable to the value of the materials. Ivory, silver, pewter (or other metals), wood and horn were cut into faceted rods which were bound together to form geometric patterns. When the glue has set, the rods were sliced in transverse sections. This gave the maker a number of angled circular pieces in the original pattern. Several variations of patterns could be achieved by combining the materials in different ways. The ivory was sometimes dyed green to give an extra color. The mosaic pieces in a combination of patterns, often separated by ivory, ebony, horn or silver stringing were used to veneer sandalwood boxes. In the early boxes, which date from the turn of the 18th to the 19th century, there are large panels of mosaic covering tops and sides of boxes. It took incredible skill to cover such large areas without any shakes or wavering of the pattern. The corners and joins on these boxes are impeccably matched. The makers (reputed to be Persian) of Sadeli mosaic made in the first two decades of the 19th century displayed a total understanding of the qualities of the different materials they used. They combined substances, which can expand and contract according to atmospheric conditions with others, which are hard and unyielding. The result was a sharp definition of the lines and patterns, which made up the whole design. On the early boxes the designs look deceptively simple. The fact is, they emerged from a culture, which had mastered geometry and understood how to generate a pattern from a set number of points. The patterns are so harmoniously combined that their incredible complexity is not immediately apparent. The earliest Sadeli boxes...

Pocket snuff flask carved from coquille nut. Amazing small pocket snuff bottle, carved from a large coquille nut. This antique piece was created in the shape of a spinning top with two secret compartments which can be unscrewed to open. Made in the continental Europe and most probably French or Portuguese provenance from the 18th century, circa 1780. Extensively decorated with organic and floral motifs with a beautiful image of a nut on the upper part. Curiously due to the shape of this piece, it could be played as a spinning tool on a table. This adds a particular interest for the multiple use with which the carving was conceived. Weight: 42.60 Grams. Measurements: Diameter of 40 mm and a height of 89 mm (1.57 x 3.5 Inches). Hallmarks: No marks, gorgeous deep antique patina. Coquille Nut The coquille nut emanates from swampy areas on the eastern side of South America, from a palm known as the “attalea funiefera”. Brazilians call it “Piassabe”. The nuts were introduced into Western Europe in the mid-16th century, and used for small carved objects until the end of the 19th century. Coquille nut is a fruit of a Brazilian palm...

This 19th-century Thai manuscript box is a rare and exquisite example of traditional Thai craftsmanship, designed to store sacred palm-leaf manuscripts ...

Dimensions : 3.1 x 3.1 x 3.9 " 3.9 x 3.9 x 3.2" The shape of the inactive Tronador volcano reminded us of the pyramid shaped idea of our boxes that make up this collection. With a...

18th Century George III Period From our collectables, we are delighted to offer this Georgian Yew Wood Parrot Snuff Box. The snuff box made from Yew wood is beautifully formed in the shape of a parrot with big round beak, simulated feathers and feet tucked under the base of the snuff box. The box with visible patination and wear from years of handling leaving it in a beautiful golden brown colour. The sniff box...

An Unusual 19th Century French Dore Bronze Mounted Orange/Red crystal box. The box is composed of two sections of French orange/red crystal which are m...

A charming scarce Spanish Colonial era parquetry inlaid cedar legged storage chest (large table box / small trunk) with nicely aged warm rich dark patina. circa 1790 Rustic handmade...

Tiffany & Co. 14 K gold compact. Marked on the interior. Very lightly used. Weight 99.3 g or 3.2 t. oz.

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 ornately carved 19th-century offering box would have been presented as a gift filled with popular Chinese snacks, including roasted melon seeds, dried fruit, and soybeans toaste...

Place this elegant, antique Napoleon III copper box in your master bath to keep your jewelry safe and organized. Crafted in France circa 1880, the ornate ...

Rectangular pocket cigarette case with long rounded sides in 925/1000 sterling silver with black fire-enamelled stripes. With button and spring opening. Measurements cm. 10.3 x 5.8 ...

A lovely 19th century oak lidded-top table chest with hand carved leaf scrolls and roundel carvings, having swivel carrying handles to the sides. The chest has a rustic charm and sh...

A rare pair of 19th century or earlier valet drawer boxes with carved oak in curvaceous serpentine drawers with original bronze hardwares.

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...

A French traveling writing box made of rosewood during the 1800’s. The top of the box is inlaid with a mother-of-pearl monogrammed “Charlotte” l...

Nice and unusual Jewelry decorative box with filigree bone overlaid decoration. Large Anglo-Indian footed domed box with exceptional engraved bone de...

PRESENTING A LOVELY 19C Anglo Indian Highly Carved Sadeli Mosaic Inlaid Sewing Box. Made in Bombay, India, circa 1880. The box is made of sandalwood with highly carved raised teak wood panels on all sides, depicting temple scenes, animals and foliage. The box is in a sarcophagus form. It is edged in bone (and we can tell it is bone and not ivory, from the color and evidence of capillaries, which are not found in ivory), and banded with Bombay Sadeli mosaic and ebony veneer. The lid opens to reveal a removable tray with various open compartments and lidded compartments. 5 lidded compartments, 1 unlidded compartment and 8 holders for thimbles, etc The tray lifts to reveal a blue velvet (original) lined section, for storing jewelry etc, with sections for collars etc. The inside of the lid has a removable mirror (the mirror is missing on this one but can easily be replaced). Behind the mirror is the original green velvet lining. It has its original brass carry handles on the sides and sits on 4 silvered button feet (of recent origin). Some repairs to the exterior and condition issues (priced accordingly), but still a LOVELY COLLECTIBLE box! These boxes were made by superb Indian craftsmen, specifically for sale to the ruling British elite. These types of boxes, carved padouk and sandalwood, (whilst beautiful and superbly crafted) were of a lesser quality, than the more profusely and intricately mosaic inlay, tortoiseshell and ivory boxes, made for the British ‘Upper Classes’ in the areas of Bombay and Vizagapatam. These type of boxes were much more affordable back in 1880 (and indeed today) and would probably have been bought by mid-level diplomats, civil servants or visitors. Sewing boxes (in general), were in EVERY Victorian home in Britain in the 19th century and like other boxes etc were ‘status symbols’ of your place in society! The more ornate the box, the more ‘Upper Class’ you were! SADELI MOSAIC: “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. The ancient art of Sadeli Mosaic is said to have been introduced from Shiraz in Persia via Sind to Bombay, a long time before the Anglo Indian boxes were made. It was a technique, which required a high degree of skill and patience. It was executed very lavishly, in that the frequent cuts wasted a great amount of the precious materials used. The workmanship was however more than commensurable to the value of the materials. Ivory, silver, pewter (or other metals), wood and Horn were cut into faceted rods which were bound together to form geometric patterns. When the glue has set, the rods were sliced in transverse sections. This gave the maker a number of angled circular pieces in the original pattern. Several variations of patterns could be achieved by combining the materials in different ways. The ivory was sometimes dyed green to give an extra color. The mosaic pieces in a combination of patterns, often separated by ivory, ebony, Horn or silver stringing were used to veneer sandalwood boxes. In the early boxes, which date from the turn of the 18th to the 19th century, there are large panels of mosaic covering tops and sides of boxes. It took incredible skill to cover such large areas without any shakes or wavering of the pattern. The corners and joins on these boxes are impeccably matched. The makers (reputed to be Persian) of Sadeli mosaic made in the first two decades of the 19th century displayed a total understanding of the qualities of the different materials they used. They combined substances, which can expand and contract according to atmospheric conditions with others, which are hard and unyielding. The result was a sharp definition of the lines and patterns, which made up the whole design. On the early boxes the designs look deceptively simple. The fact is, they emerged from a culture, which had mastered geometry and understood how to generate a pattern from a set number of points. The patterns are so harmoniously combined that their incredible complexity is not immediately apparent. The earliest Sadeli boxes...

Rare Magnolia Yellow Lacquer From our Sewing Box collection, we are delighted to offer this Regency Japanned Chinoiserie Sewing Box. The Sewing Box of rectangular form with Chinoise...

Folk art: Norwegian lidded box (butter box) crafted in birch with rich woodcarving. The lid finial carved as a seated woman. Lid and rim decorated with reliefs of oak leaves, acorns,...

21st century, clear hand-carved crystal, chromed bronze box with intricate detailing and a bold geometric style. The domed lid features a radiant sunburst pattern, topped with a uni...

French hand made brass jewellery box made 100 years ago with extremely beautiful details and fine decoration especially on the top where a young woman with long hear is carved surrou...

Antique French carved walnut Panetiere, of typical form with finial crown top, and working key. Better than most, fresh from a Palm Beach Estate.

Nice condition for its age. Does not have key. Has original sewing box utensils inside - spools, etc.

English zebra wood military campaign writing desk with brass bound molded edges, original recessed side handles, fitted leather interior with tooling and retains the original crystal ink wells...

This intriguing Chinese zhadou is intricately carved of fine cinnabar lacquer. A work of exceptional artistry, this covered bowl is adorned with an intricately carved floral motif on all surfaces, including the cover and the wide rim. Also known as a cuspidor or spittoon, this rare container would have been used by members of the imperial family and scholar- officials at the court. Carved during the Kangxi period (1662-1722), this charming piece exhibits the high detail and charm associated with items from that period, making it a true treasure, Early 18th century (Kangxi dynasty) Measures: 6 ¼” wide x 3 ¼” high Cinnabar has been revered for its color all over the world. It has been found in the royal burial chambers of the Mayas, in the rituals of India, and in the ruins of ancient Greece and Rome. In China, cinnabar and gold were the two most important elements in alchemy. Mined since the Neolithic Age, cinnabar is the ore of mercury, and as such, it can be incredibly toxic, especially when mining. In fact, during the Roman Empire, miners at Spain’s Almadén mine in Spain were frequently exposed to mercury fumes, and the subsequent, often fatal, sickness was considered an occupational hazard. The most popular known use of cinnabar is in Chinese carved lacquer-ware, a technique that is believed to have originated in the Song Dynasty, in which cinnabar is ground to a powder and added to clear lacquer. As with mining, there was inherent danger of mercury poisoning for those who carved the lacquer, as mercury was also released into the air when artisans ground the pigments. Most antique cinnabar...

Egg on tripod in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with translucent fired enamel on guillochè, Russian Empire style inspired by Carl Fabergè eggs late 1800s, early 1900s. Measurem...

Ths antique German or Swiss bear figurine is a really lovely item and a remarkable piece of craftsmanship regarding its fine carving, dating back...

A handcrafted Tramp Art box or small chest. A detailed design on four tapered feet. The interior is lined with white quilted fabric and the lid is fitted with a large finial. The bot...

Georgian Tea Chest with Rosewood Cross Banding From our Tea Caddy collection, we are delighted to offer this Georgian Satinwood Tea Chest. The Tea Chest of rectangular form veneered...

We are pleased to offer a pair of exclusive vintage cigarette cases or jewelry boxes, attributed to the renowned Italian artisan Romano Bianchi and crafted in Italy during the 1970s....

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...

Early 18th Century Italian Baroque Carved Walnut Dome-Top Box. Unusual carved box with a dome top cover and one-drawer. Nice dried out light color.

19th century victorian burr walnut desk top writing slope circa 1870. Fine quality english made victorian writing slope.  Exterior of rich burr walnut with tunbridge ware inlay deco...

Egg Purple Red enamel is in 925/1000 sterling silver. Egg Purple Red enamel has fired enamels on guilloché has fired enamels on guilloché and design engraved by hand. Egg Purple Red...

Vintage Tessellated with black and white marble jewelry box; velvet lined interior by Maitland Smith.

Richly carved hardwood Indian box for storage of fans in a fine quality Late 19th century length 38 cm, width 6.5 and 12.5 cm, height 7 cm Aged patina

Bronze Jewelry-Casket with Ornate Etchings and Cameos Inlaid by Tahan of Paris Gorgeously detailed jewelry box by Tahan of Paris. There are four Cameos bezel set on three sides of t...

Early 20th century burr yew desktop box with clock circa 1920. Empire revival burr yew cigar box with clock.  Strung and inlaid to outer edges, decorated with an ormolu mount to the...

A lovely small Chinese export cloisonne trinket box with a carved hardstone roundel, Early Republic Period circa 1915, China. The small cloisonne box set on four short bun feet, and...

Quality made antique alabaster trinket xox with brass rose lid, romantic decor. Beautiful antique lidded box made from alabaster, featuring a finely crafted brass rose as the handle...

English Georgian Chinroserie bow front tortoise shell tea caddy with a hinged tiered lid, Chinese landscape mother of pearl inlays with flanking pagodas, fences, & foliage trees, central paktong plaque and escutcheon, bone fitted interior border with two lidded tortoiseshell foil lined compartments, and resting on the original four bone ball...

This beautifully hand-turned burl wood tobacco jar is a striking piece of Mid-Century Modern craftsmanship, signed by artist R. Kaeser. The jar features a domed lid with a rounded fi...

19th century American folk art box with decorated with inlaid hearts, diamonds, triangles and shields. Possibly sailor made, this sweet little box was likely a valentine or keepsake ...

A very fine antique carved rose wood needle case with hinged cover with spring clasp and with central inset brass cartouche, the edges of the box with finely carved detail and with i...

Incredible wood box.   

If you are looking for a truly beautiful box for yourself or maybe as a gift for that special someone in your life then this rare and all handcrafted gem could be perfect. An excep...

This romantic and charming box has characteristic carving from the area. With chip-carved geometric decoration to the sliding lid and sides, carved with a horse, two hearts and a...

A Beautiful Antique Blue over White Double Overlay Ormolu Mounted Cased Glass Rectangular Box. With a beautiful geometric design cased underneath the top blue layer, which protrudes ...

Great condition for its age. No major losses or damage. Has original sewing pieces inside.

"Carved Boxwood Tobacco Box – Louis XV Period, 18th Century, Architectural Scene " 18th-Century French Carved Boxwood Tobacco Box – Louis XV Period, Religious Architectural Scene Ori...

Pre-Columbian Andean Textile Fragment in Sterling Silver & Hardwood Presentation Box Textile: Wari or Inca Culture, Andes, Circa 600–1400 CE Box: Mid-20th Century A refined and hist...

This is an elegant hand carved stone trinket box. This box has intricate carvings of bamboo around the entire service of the stone box. The outer layer of the carving is the natural ...

In great condition for its age. With bone handle pulls.

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...

Early 19th century regency mahogany tea caddy circa 1820. Made using flame mahogany veneers.  Brass handles with star motif to the sides.  Canted corners strung with satinwood.  Sta...

A fine antique Chinese red cinnabar lacquer lidded round box carved with a scene with a man working and a mother holding a child within a rocky landscape with trees. The "dragon's...