Texas - Boxes

Majolica tobacco jar signed Onnaing, circa 1890. Decorated with a goat and wheat and leaves.

PRESENTING A LOVELY 19th century Anglo-Indian Carved Padouk Wood and Sadeli Mosaic Box, featuring a carving of a Hunt Scene. Made circa 1870 in Bombay, India during the Rule of th...

Beloved for its aesthetic beauty and exceptionally high quality, Georgian period furniture and decoration are arguably the most sought after and enduring pieces in British history. T...

Scandinavian tine, or svepask, painted bentwood oval-shape box circa late 19th century, probably from the Sogn og Fjordane region. Box is created from thin layers of steam-bent wood ...

An elegant Korean black lacquer and mother of pearl inlay stationery box with lion and peony, circa 1930's, Korea. The rectangular box and cover ...

PRESENTING A GORGEOUS 19C Anglo Indian Highly Carved Padouk and Sandalwood Sadeli Mosaic Sarcophagus Sewing Box. Made in Bombay, India circa 1860-80. Box made of sandalwood with highly carved padouk wood reliefs and panels on all sides. Edged with bone and ebony veneers and glorious sadeli mosiac, 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...

This antique coal scuttle was created in England, circa 1880. Built of copper with a brass and turned walnut handle, the oblong bucket stands on a round base. The versatile decorativ...

A fine novelty fruitwood tea caddy in the form of an apple. lathe turned and with a soft honey patina, restoration to the lid at the hinge. England...

A lovely Chinese turquoise cloisonne trinket box with images of the Hundred Antiques, Republic Period, circa 1920, China. The rectangular box de...

A charming Chinese yellow cloisonne small trinket box with dragons, Republic Period, circa 1920, China. The small box sets on four bun feet and designed ...

A scarce fine quality antique silver-inlaid solid brass betel nut box (Lutuan), dating to the second half of the 19th / early 20th century, hand-crafted in Mindanao, Philippines. Boxes such as this were used to store the areca nut (also known as the betel nut) which would be wrapped in a betel leaf with lime paste and other ingredients, often tobacco, for chewing. Similar to the European tea caddy, these boxes often served as a way to impress while showing off ones wealth. Betel chewing was prevalent in the southern Philippines as in much of the rest of Southeast Asia. Wealthier Maranao families on Mindanao were able to afford elaborate silver-inlaid brass betel boxes such as this example. Such boxes were used to show off to guests and from which they were offered betel and the other component such as leaves and lime to make up the betel quid. Rare large size, most extant examples of such boxes tend to measure around 5 inches in length. At slightly more than 7.75 inches the example here is larger than most. The distinctive decorative box features a very heavy strong-box like rectangular shaped chest form with canted corners, copper handles, and a conforming hinged lid, lifting open to reveal an interior divided into three compartments covered by four hinged lids. Each of these doors is inlaid with silver in stylized orchid flower patterns. Exceptionally executed throughout, the arabesque silver inlaid exterior is decorated to the top with a large orchid motif within scrolling obid-obid (stylized rope) borders. The front, back and sides are inlaid with sets of stylized tail feathers of the sari-manok bird beneath which are unusual, highly stylized whimsical zoomorphic faces that appear like cat or tiger faces. (Such stylisation is accounted for by Southeast Asian Islamic preferences to avoid the overt and this potentially idolatrous representation of animal and human forms. Designs such as these are drawn from a local design repertoire that has its origins in wood carving. Although the spread of Islam in the Philippines began in the 14th century, mostly through the influence of Muslim merchants from the western Malay Archipelago, decorative arts in this design remain exceptionally rare. This lutuan represents a fine example of Islamic metalwork from the most eastern outreach of Islamic art and civilisation: Mindanao island being significantly further east than even China – artwork from Islamic Southeast Asia remains chronically under-represented in the world’s major collections of Islamic art. PROVENANCE / ACQUISITION Acquired from highly reputable auction house, Austin Auction Gallery, established 1983, Austin, Texas. References Brownrigg, H., Betel Cutters...

PRESENTING A LOVELY 19C Anglo Indian Vizagapatam Bone and Shell Domed Stationery Box – ‘Alice’s Box’. Made in Vizagapatam, India, circa 1860-80. We call this one: “Alice’s Box”! It has lived ‘a hard, well used and traveled life’, as is evident from the number of losses and repairs, as is obvious from the photos, especially to the faux ivory panels and bands to the top. The bonus to the loss of the frieze panels to the dome has a ‘bonus’, however, as their loss has revealed the most GORGEOUS faux blonde tortoiseshell underneath! The box is dome/casket shaped. The top has 3 bands, with the center one being the original. The 2 side bands are later ivorine. The faux ivory and hand-painted medallions on the domed lid, have been saved and they depict Hindu Gods, Vishnu and Shiva. The front and side panels are still in pretty good shape and are decorated with lac ink (indelible ink made from crushed beetles) depicting lovely floral designs. The domed lid open to reveal a series of open compartments for envelopes, writing paper etc. and one lidded panel for stamps. Inside the box are 2 paper labels: one probably being the original item ticket and the other with: ” Alice’s address is 272 Ashworth Ave, Toronto 4, Ontario”. Probably, the original owner? Hence, we call it ‘Alice’s Box’. What a journey/life this box has had! Made in India, made its way to Canada, back to Ireland and then to Texas! This is why, WE LOVE ANTIQUES...

PRESENTING A RARE AND DESIRABLE 19C Anglo Indian Highly Carved Padouk and Mosaic Folio Cover. This is a VERY RARE piece of Anglo-Indian and British Victorian Colonial history! ...

Circa 1920's porcelain trinket box combined with perfume bottle. Marked Sitzendorf Germany on bottom. Perfume stopper is brass crown, figure is wom...

Vintage rectangular Moroccan inlaid decorative box. This unusual Moroccan or Middle Eastern Arabesque box of mixed inlaid woods in a mosaic pattern is th...

An absolutely lovely Chinese export pink Canton enamel round stacking box and cover, late Qing Dynasty, circa 1900, China. The circular stacking box consists of a bowl form base, ...

Surrealist Style Carved Wood Decorative Box. This lovely decorative box is hand carved and quite interesting. Great coffee table or bookcas...

PRESENTING A LOVELY 19C Anglo Indian Highly Carved Padouk Wood with Sadeli Mosaic Inlay Sewing Box. Made in Bombay, India, circa 1880. The box is made of sandalwood with highly carved raised padouk 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...

A superb antique Victorian English rosewood jewellery box with fitted interior, a removable inner jewellery tray, and fully working lock and key, circa 1850. The lid and front of thi...

A sculptural multi-purpose container, handcrafted in the Puebla region of Mexico with a regard for the textures, colors, and ancestral powers inherent in the Volcanic Rock. This lege...

Beautiful Maitland Smith box with resin-encased stem-end finish, mahogany inlay, and brass accents, handcrafted in the Philippines, circa 1980s. Intriguing, organic construction out ...

Antique Austrian Alabaster And Gilt Metal Book Box. Unusual Austrian gilt metal and alabaster box in the form of a book. This lovely decorative box has a wood interior and hinged l...

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...

Beautiful set of 7 stainless steel boxes by Stanley Szwarc, unsigned. measuring 8" x 4,50". It has been said Szwarc's private collection went unsigned. 3 BOXES LEFT* "Former accoun...

Place this decorative box on a coffee table to store your remote controls, or display it on a shelf. The box with bombe top, is upholstered with antique Aubusson verdure...

Vintage Asian Octagonal Lacquer Box With Turtle Closure. Lovely 20th century Asian lacquer box with Greek key design and a metal turtle closure. Th...

A fine and elegant Korean black lacquer and abalone mother of pearl inlay "longevity" box, circa 1930s, Korea. The box, most likely used to sto...

A very large faux tortoiseshell tea caddy from England. Lovely shape and sterling plate on top this hasn't been monogramed. Sitting on ball feet, circa 1860.

An English rectangular box featuring an inlaid design of miscellaneous woods known to collectors as Tunbridgeware. Exterior with a geometric pattern design of herringbone to the t...

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 ...

Place this decorative box on a coffee table to store your remote controls, or display it on a shelf. The box with bombe top, is upholstered with antique Aubusson verdure...

A lovely bow front tortoiseshell tea caddy inlaid with mother of pearl flowers and topped with a silver badge. English, circa 1870.

A large 19th century rustic Victorian era industrial general store counter tin bin tea / coffee dispenser - mercantile retail display with beautifully aged distressed patina. Pain...

A very fine and intricately decorated Japanese cloisonné box and cover, Meiji period, late 19th century, Japan. The lidded trinket or jewelry...

A sculptural centerpiece handcrafted in the Puebla region of Mexico with a regard for the textures, colors, and ancestral powers inherent in the Volcanic Rock. This legendary Materia...

Beautiful stainless steel box by Stanley Szwarc, signed and dated underneath. 6" x 6" x 3.50" "Former accountant Stanley Szwarc immigrated from Poland to Chicago in 1977. With no sk...

A scarce very fine quality Napoleon III Period (1852-1870) gilt bronze ormolu mounted inlaid glove box by important Parisian ébéniste Paul Sormani (1817-1877) Exquisitely hand-cra...

A fine diminutive French Neoclassical ormolu gilded metal jewelry casket. Born around the turn of the 18th/19th century, the exceptionally executed petite masterpiece features a rectangular chest shape with hinged dome lid, opening to the original worn ivory silk-lined interior, when removed revealing mark "XVII" (c.1785-1795) to the bottom of the interior. The top, front, sides and back magnificently decorated in ornate repousse ornamentation, classical masks, fruit filled urns flanked by cherubs...

Absolutely gorgeous limited-production Maitland Smith humidor with Spanish cedar lining, humidifier, and hygrometer, hand-crafted in the Philippines. Warm honey-toned combed finish w...

PRESENTING AN ABSOLUTELY STUNNING AND EXCEPTIONAL 19C Anglo Indian Highly Carved Padouk Sadeli Mosaic Scroll Box of Hindu Gods from circa 1870-80. The box case is made from sandalwood with highly hand-carved padouk wood reliefs on all sides and banded and edged in fabulous ‘Sadeli Mosaic’, made from faux ivory/bone, ebony, silver, semi-precious green stone, etc., in various geometric patterns. The carved lid of this box is EXCEPTIONAL! It is HIGHLY HAND-CARVED and depicts 13 Hindu Gods: Vishnu, Shiva, Harihara, etc., in 9 oval shaped reliefs, surrounded by foliage etc. The sides and rear have highly carved foliage relief panels. The lid opens to reveal the original red velvet lining (also on the base) in SUPERB CONDITION throughout. The QUALITY of the ‘sadeli mosaic’ work is EXCEPTIONAL all over. It has its key and working lock. It sits on it’s 4 original brass turned ball feet. THIS IS A HIGH QUALITY & VERY RARE AND DESIRABLE BOX! 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...

A small and delightful Japanese silver bonbonniere with an applied gold Imperial Chrysanthemum Seal, marked "jungin" and "Mitsukoshi", Showa Era, 1935, Japan. This bonbonniere is ...

Vintage octagonal box made of ivory bone in a brick pattern, with maroon velvet lining and a brass clasp securing the hinged lid. These substantial boxes...

An English rectangular box from the 19th century, featuring an inlaid design of miscellaneous woods known to collectors as Tunbridgeware. Exterior with a geometric pattern design ...

Small vintage brass stamp box with enamel decoration. Marked China on bottom and sloped interior bottom. Overall patina with a few tiny dings t...

Crafted in France, circa 1870, the antique brass coffer is mounted on a wooden frame, and stands on caster wheels. The slant top opens up with stopping chain revealing inside storage...

Decorate a table or console with this colorful antique box. Crafted in China circa 1920 and round in shape, the large Guangxu box opens in the center and features different hand pain...

A rustic Swedish wooden box from the late 18th century, with iron accents and natural patina. Created in Sweden during the last decade of the 18th c...

A Portuguese or Cuban silver mounted mahogany knife box from the 18th century. Box with a worn painted inscription to the backside dated 1786.

Hand painted Faux onyx Maitland Smith decorative box with hinged lid and brass feet. Wonderful brush work make this quite the decorative ite...

19th century French bronze box with semi precious stones. Lovely 19th century French Baroque style bronze box or jewel casket with semi...

Traveling trunk, French, made with a patinated leather. This piece features three brass locks and beautiful detailing.

A highly decorative vintage Chinese red painted stacking picnic box and carrier, painted in the Tibetan style, circa 1990's, China. The large painted and textured wood picnic box and carrier comprised of three trays or boxes, and one lid, all housed in a handled carrier. The red painted boxes and cover stack. A large roundel design of a golden dragon face within a cloud collar...

A stunning, fine quality English Victorian brass-mounted walnut tea caddy, retailed by Wedgwood & Sons, 9 Cornhill, London. Exquisitely hand-crafted in the mid-19th century, rectangular chest form finished in rich burled walnut, having a shaped hinged lid featuring an inset Wedgwood Jasperware plaque of Cupid riding a lion. Locking, retaining the original key, the top opening to reveal an interior fitted with two lidded compartments, one lid marked B (black tea...

A fine antique English Sheraton style mahogany playing cards box, circa 1910. This lovely box has a hand painted wreath on one side and musical lyre design on the other side with a shell decoration on the lid. A set of vintage playing cards...

A superb antique 19th century English coromandel and rosewood fitted travel vanity or dressing box, circa 1870. This fine box contains the original contents including silverplate lidded cut glass jars, sewing tools...

A fine quality Regency Era / Georgian Period tea caddy set in sumptuous plum-pudding mahogany. Exquisitely hand-crafted in England at the turn of the late 18th / early 19th century,...

Antique Moroccan coffer, trunk or box. This stunning large Moroccan box is inlaid with a variety of woods including an interior storage compartment wit...

A very attractive Japanese wood table top jewelry or collector's chest with marquetry and lacquer decoration, Meiji period, circa 1900, Japan. Previously in the collection of Asbjorn Lunde (1927 - 2017). The chest is crafted in the form of a Chinese seal...