Continental US Decorative Boxes

A Handsome Campaign Style Box with nice deep color and decorative brass mounts, top medallion and escutcheon (lacking a key). The inside lid and sides lined in dark green velvet, the bottom with vintage printed paper...

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...

Beautiful Italian moss green and gold round lidded ceramic jar/ urn. The green shade contrasts beautifully with the gold accents and white pattern that wraps around the piece. The pe...

Circa 1950s or 1960s Antique Spanish revival small barrel top aged leather box, with embossed diamond pattern & stars with iron studs painted black. Box has red lined interior, lock ...

Late 19th Century, Bohemian Cranberry Overlay & Gilt Bronze Hinged Casket Box A richly ornamented Bohemian casket box, dating to the latter half of the 19th century, of ovoid rectan...

Ca. 1970s Maitland Smith tessellated coral stone hinged jewelry / trinket box in two tone pale gray and pink with cedar interior. Excellent, vintage condition free of chips / losses...

Elegant, exotic, and unmistakably refined, shagreen has long captivated those with a discerning eye for luxury. A study in subtle opulence, this artisan-crafted decorative box is wr...

A beautifully handcrafted pietra dura round marble trinket box, showcasing the centuries-old decorative art form perfected in both Mughal India and Renaissance Florence. The lid feat...

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...

19th Century Pair of French Majolica Cabbage Tureen.

Fabienne Jouvin-Paris Cloisonne 'Ouzbek' Box Designed by artesian Fabienne Jouvin-Paris Made in China, 1980s This stunning Fabienne Jouvin-Paris Cloisonné 'Ouzbek' Box, crafted in t...

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...

Designed to appear as a stack of books, this box is the perfect place to store your treasures. The hinged box is made of wood, and the books are trimmed in gold paint. This piece we...

A fine signed silver box. By Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. With a later, wood-lined interior. Marked to the base. Simply wonderful Tiffany design! Date: Mid-20th Cent...

Hailing from Gueux, in the northeast of France, this incombustible cast iron safe was constructed by the French company, Bauche, circa 1870, as indicated by the foliate placard on th...

Persimmon box Black lacquer Hand repousse Copper base Limited Edition Lacquer is a laborious and time-consuming process. After it is tapped from the trees, lacquer needs to b...

A beautiful vintage Rhodochrosite box out of a collection of 4 rare stone boxes we recently acquired out of an estate collection. This box has stunni...

Alfred Louis Achille DAGUET (1875 - 1942) was a metalsmith active in Paris during the first part of the 20th century. His metalwork created prior to the outbreak of World War I, note...

This beautiful hinged Murano glass box in pristine clear faceted glass and brass trim and original decorative key and tassel. It is a wonderful desk or...

A dark brown embossed leather jewelry or accessory box, American Classical design style, in the manner of Ralph Lauren, circa late 20th century. The exterior is wrapped in rich espre...

This exquisite modernist acrylic Lucite lidded box, expertly crafted in France circa 1970, is a striking embodiment of refined design and artistic sophistication. In keeping with the...

Late 19th Century French Fire-Gilt Ormolu and Cut Crystal Table Casket, Attributed to Baccarat A refined French fire-gilt ormolu and cut crystal table box, dating to the late 19th century and attributed to Baccarat. The rectangular casket is executed in heavy crystal, cut in the pointe de diamant (diamond point) pattern, with a richly faceted surface that sparkles with light. The base is finished with a classic starburst cut (étoile taillée), a hallmark of Baccarat’s precision craftsmanship. The crystal is mounted in finely chased fire-gilt bronze, the band encircling the box decorated with laurel leaf and berry motifs, symbols of victory, eternity, and refinement within the French neoclassical tradition. The lockplate is adorned with a foliate wreath surrounding the keyhole, adding both ornamental and symbolic significance, as the casket was intended to hold cherished personal objects, jewels, or keepsakes. The ormolu mount retains a rich, warm fire gilding, applied by the traditional mercury gilding process, and features a continuous rear hinge—an indicator of the precision fittings used by Baccarat and other leading Parisian luxury workshops of the period. The box opens to a generous interior, ideal for use as a boîte à bijoux (jewel casket), boîte à bonbons (sweetmeat box), or wedding casket...

19th century English dresser box made from exquisitely grained rosewood. The box has wonderfully inlaid patterns on the top and front in...

Gabriella Crespi brass pill cigarette card box Italian, 1970s Measures: 4.4 inches wide on each side 0.3 inches deep Born in 1922, Gabriella Crespi studies architecture at the Poli...

Stunning English Regency Sterling Silver & Tortoiseshell Card Case, circa 1815 This exceptional English Regency card case, dating to the early 19th century (circa 1810–1825), exempl...

An 1894 antique Edward Souter Barnsley & Co. sterling silver and tortoiseshell powder box decorated with a silver laurel leaf and bow inset to...

An elegant alabaster box or casket accented with brass trim and closure, raised gracefully on decorative paw feet. Carved from luminous alabaster, the body of the box showcases the s...

This Tuareg leather box is a finely handcrafted storage chest rooted in the rich artistic traditions of the Sahara, particularly those of Mali. Created by a Malian artisan now based ...

Decorated with four skulls to top with titles of a Witch, King, Beauty and Beggar to each Skull underneath. Lidded.

Offered is a stunning Sheffield silver keepsake box dating to 1900, with associated hallmark. This small box includes a clean interior and rounded corners. The box is free of names or initials, but would have been used to house keepsakes such as jewelry or cufflinks. A well maintained, elegant piece, this antique silver box is an excellent addition to any silver collection. Trinket or keepsake boxes have taken on many forms since their first conception in ancient times. However their purpose remains the same; to store jewelry and other items precious to the owner. Originally, these boxes were used specifically for jewelry. These were in common use as early as 5000 BC in Ancient Egypt, when the majority of Egyptians, both male and female, wore jewelry. Boxes were used to keep these gemstone encrusted items safe. In Ancient Rome, jewelry was a status symbol. Rings and brooches were utilized to represent ones status in society. Again, boxes were needed for security and storage purposes. Finding early examples of these are quite rare. Victorian and Edwardian examples of trinket boxes are far more common. This is because owning jewellery was a luxury until the Victorian era- let alone possessing so much a box was needed to store it all. Fine jewelry and other items became available to the masses after the industrial revolution due to the reduction in production costs. This led to a demand for trinket boxes, which were much smaller than jewelry boxes and therefore better suited to the needs of the middle class who did not yet possess an abundance of jewelry. In Victorian households, collectables and other items of interested were also stashed inside these boxes. This is why they are known as trinket or keepsake boxes, rather than just jewelry boxes, although of course jewelry was also stored in them. Trinket boxes were produced in large numbers around this time. Many were lined with colored plush or velvet or rich wood. More elaborate designs had interior divisions and trays for rings and other pieces of jewellery. It was also common to see trinket boxes so small that they could only contain one item, such as a single ring. Ornate exteriors were created to reflect the value of the trinket boxes contents. The Edwardian era saw the introduction of new styles of trinket box. These included small circular or oblong boxes...

Charming crates from Kerr Chickeries of Frenchtown, NJ from the 1920s. Each one is different giving the set visual interest and lots of arrangement possibilities. Use as tables, for ...

Pair of original white painted furkins in good condition.Small & large furkins from a private collection.They are most unusual to find stacked. Measurements are as follows - Smaller...

As found in London, a large brass bee. The wings of the bee opens upwards that gives access to a small "secret" compartment. This compartment can be used for a variety uses including...

Micro Mosaic Persian Islamic Moorish Inlaid Jewelry Pen Box. 1950s Middle Eastern Moorish Inlaid Jewelry Trinket Mosaic Box. Handcrafted mar...

A Victorian dresser box. Beautiful decoration.

18th Century Pink Battersea-Bilston Mourning Box, Ex-Collection of H.R.H. Princess Royal Mary, Princess Royal and Countess of Harewood (1897–1965) ...

Beautiful antique porcelain hand painted powder box by Limoges, circa 1898. The piece is in very good vintage condition with no chips or cracks...

This is a rare and magnificent object fashioned from a rare coco de mer nut and Ostrich egg by Antony Redmile. The box is secured to a wooden base with a silvered stand, holding both sides of the coconut. The coconut is a rich dark chocolate brown and appears to be warmly polished. The top of the box is silvered and adorned with beautiful malachite specimens. 2 small cast resin boar's teeth set with malachite are present on either side of the box, much like handles. Decorative silvered fittings hold ostrich eggs that serve as the lids to the box. Finally, a silvered fitting holds an oval malachite finial...

Charming and highly detailed anthropomorphic bronze sculpture depicting a penguin rendered as a gentleman, dressed in a tailored overcoat with bow tie and hat, and holding a walking ...

An exquisite French crystal and bronze dresser box featuring a detached lid topped with a large, cut crystal finial. The box is supported by four charming bronze cherubs. Beautiful b...

Vintage Japanese Landscape Music Box with Swiss Reuge Movement, Footed Wooden Jewelry Box, circa 1960s An elegant and highly decorative vintage wooden music box, handcrafted in a refined Japanese style and raised on delicate feet. The hinged lid is beautifully adorned with a finely hand-painted landscape scene depicting a river with a boat, framed by mountains and flowering red trees in the manner of traditional Japanese scenic art. Executed in warm tones of gold, red, green, and soft earth hues, the romantic composition evokes the charm of Meiji-inspired lacquerware and hand-colored Japanese landscapes. The polished wooden body features decorative inlaid detailing along the beveled edges, while the interior is lined in rich red felt, ideal for storing jewelry or treasured keepsakes. Fitted with a Swiss Reuge musical movement, the box begins to play upon opening. Renowned for precision craftsmanship since 1865, Reuge music mechanisms are highly sought after by collectors for their quality and enduring musical performance. A beautiful collectible and decorative accent for a vanity, desk, or tabletop. Dimensions: 4.5" W × 6" D × 2.5" H Materials: Wood, lacquer finish, felt lining, Swiss Reuge mechanism Origin: Japan / Switzerland movement Period: Circa 1960s Condition: Very good vintage condition with light wear consistent with age; music mechanism functions properly. Keywords / Meta Tags: Japanese music box...

A jewelry box of rectangular form with domed and corniced top and base plinth of stitched leather. Featuring gilt tooled leather covering all around and elaborate hand-tooled scene...

This rare Art Deco straw marquetry lidded box is attributed to French designer Jean Michel Frank. The piece was meticulously crafted in France circa 1930. The rectangular shape is st...

Set of three semi antique Chinese lacquered paper mache storage boxes with conforming dome top lids. Each of the boxes printed Mdm. Caroline Picard, 61 Rue St. Peres, Paris. Paper us...

For your consideration a collectible vintage or antique small wooden box, likely intended for storing trinkets, cigarrets or as a decorative desk accessory. It features a distinc...

Vintage carved wood box features Modernist abstract organic form and striking choice of solid wood. Asymmetrically sculpted box is sliding inside its rounded lid; the bottom of the ...

A charming Fitz and Floyd covered box modeled as a tightly gathered bundle of asparagus. The dimensional stalks are finished in layered shades of green and cream, with softly blushed...

On offer is an original 1920s Watkins "Egyptian Bouquet" Talcum Powder tin manufactured by The J.R. Watkins Company based in Winona, Minnesota. This specific tin was introduced aroun...

French Art Deco cigarette box, France, late 1930s. Constructed with fine mahogany and birch woods. Designed by French ebeniste Marius Agogue Loiret. This very decorative box would ...

This product is an antique Geisha Trinket Box made of porcelain with hand painted Geisha girl on the lid. Originating from China dated back to 1920s. It...

This stunning modernist decorative covered box was designed by Giacomo Sinopoli and crafted by Liwan's Rome in 1970. The piece features a large rectangular shape on a chromed metal b...

An oversized stack of Buffalo Nickels, cast in solid zinc, cool to the touch and satisfyingly weighty in the hand. Industrial metal elevates humble pocket change into something sculp...

An elegant antique decorative casket box, made in Spain in the early 20th century and finely executed in gilt bronze & silvered with lined interior. This richly detailed box refl...

French Majolica Rabbit Money Bank Circa 1900.

Rare 1930s Art Deco Coty Perfume in Cigarette Lighter-Style Brass and Bakelite Case This exquisite Art Deco Coty perfume presentation from the 1930s is a rare and collectible exampl...

A superb and richly detailed Large 19th century French green cut crystal and gilt bronze box in the refined Louis XVI style. This exceptional piece is crafted from vibrant emerald gr...

A finely crafted antique Chinese brass box, richly decorated with traditional auspicious motifs and colorful cloisonné enamel accents. The lid is cen...

A beautifully hand-crafted Ostrich Egg made into a box featuring refined brass closure details, an elegant acorn-form finial lid, and distinctive bone-style feet (the bone may be res...

English black lacquered and gilt stenciled figural pagoda hinged tea box with exterior gilt stenciled dragon motif, original interior pewter hand chased figural container with bone k...

A 19th century Mughal dowry chest with carved patterns from India. This chest wooden chest with a slanted top strengthened by metal hardware reinforcements. The front displays lightly carved geometrical friezes. A large carved geometrical medallion adorns the triangular lid. The chest rests on four conical legs. This chest opens thanks to an door on the centre of its top. This unusual item was used as a dowry chest in India. This 19th century, Indian Mughal wood dowry chest...