Huanghuali Box
Antique 17th Century Chinese Qing Decorative Boxes
Brass
Mid-20th Century Chinese Decorative Boxes
Wood, Lacquer
Antique Late 19th Century Chinese Qing Decorative Boxes
Bronze
Recent Sales
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Boxes
Wood
Antique 18th Century and Earlier Chinese Decorative Boxes
20th Century Chinese Boxes
Brass
Antique Late 19th Century Chinese Jewelry Boxes
Brass
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Boxes
Wood
Antique Late 19th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings
Wood
Antique 1890s Chinese Qing Scholar s Objects
Wood
Antique 18th Century and Earlier Chinese Scholar s Objects
Brass
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Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Cedar
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Pillows and Throws
Cotton, Velvet, Down
21st Century and Contemporary American Sofas
Linen, Velvet
Antique Late 19th Century Chinese Qing Furniture
Elm, Reed
20th Century Italian Modern Crystal Serveware
Murano Glass
Antique Early 1900s Japanese Meiji Furniture
Metal, Brass, Copper
Antique Early 19th Century German Biedermeier Commodes and Chests of Dra...
Spruce, Cherry
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Platters and Serveware
Onyx
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Decorative Boxes
Wood
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Furniture
Wood
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Brass
Vintage 1970s American Space Age Table Lamps
Steel, Chrome
20th Century British Beds and Bed Frames
Hardwood
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Tableware
Carrara Marble
21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Art Deco Side Tables
Brass
Antique 1880s Japanese Anglo-Japanese Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Wrought Iron
Finding the Right Boxes for You
From mere trinkets to useful receptacles that serve a distinct purpose, antique boxes as decorative objects have come in many forms over the years. No matter what they’re made of or where they end up in your home, decorative boxes add both style and storage to your space.
The decorative box that is likely most common is the jewelry box. These boxes were originally known as jewel caskets and were in common use in Ancient Egypt, as most Egyptians wore some sort of jewelry. A portable jewelry box, in its original intended use, was integral to keeping your jewelry safe and secure. This accessory has transformed in size, shape and appearance over the years. Initially it was common for a jewelry box to bear intricate ornamentation. Whether they’re mid-century modern works of marble and brass or feature playful Art Deco–style geometric decor, jewelry boxes boast real staying power.
Snuff boxes began to soar in popularity during the 17th century (and were commonplace in European homes by the mid-19th century). The boxes, some hand-painted with landscape scenes, some made from gold, porcelain or stone, contained a small amount of tobacco, which users would sniff, or “snuff,” throughout the day. Some particularly ornamental snuff boxes featured enameled designs or were set with precious gems and were given as gifts or party favors, particularly at the coronation of royalty or other lavish events.
Whether you’re organizing important mail in the foyer or tucking away medications in your bathroom, antique boxes — be they metal tea caddies, sterling-silver decorative boxes or Victorian cigar boxes made of oak (even if you don’t smoke) — are a sophisticated solution to help keep the surfaces in your home clutter-free. And no matter if you’re seeking a decorative box to beautify a desktop or bestow upon a loved one, you are sure to find something you love in the collection of antique and vintage boxes on 1stDibs.
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