Moser Casket Box
Antique Late 19th Century Czech Japonisme Decorative Boxes
Enamel
Antique Late 19th Century Czech Art Nouveau Jewelry Boxes
Brass
20th Century French Decorative Boxes
Art Glass
Early 20th Century Austrian Art Deco Decorative Boxes
Silver Plate
Antique 19th Century European Aesthetic Movement Decorative Boxes
Metal, Ormolu
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Antique Mid-19th Century Jewelry Boxes
Bronze
Antique Mid-19th Century Jewelry Boxes
Brass, Enamel
Antique 19th Century Glass
Glass
20th Century Czech Bohemian Decorative Boxes
Cut Glass
Antique 19th Century Boxes
Glass
Antique 19th Century Jewelry Boxes
Glass
Antique 19th Century Jewelry Boxes
Bronze
Vintage 1950s French Hollywood Regency Jewelry Boxes
Crystal, Metal, Brass
Antique Early 1900s French Empire Jewelry Boxes
Crystal, Metal, Brass
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Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Chrome
Vintage 1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables
Oak
2010s Italian Busts
Plaster
Early 20th Century European Art Nouveau Vases
Bronze
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Plastic
Antique Late 19th Century Spanish Neoclassical Stone Sinks
Stone
Early 20th Century Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver
Antique 19th Century French Rococo Revival Chandeliers and Pendants
Bronze
Antique 1890s French Art Nouveau Planters, Cachepots and Jardinières
Ceramic
Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Decorative Boxes
Silver Plate
Vintage 1910s French Art Deco Animal Sculptures
Porcelain
Early 20th Century British Art Deco Decorative Bowls
Porcelain
Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Bottles
Crystal
Vintage 1920s German Art Deco Wall-mounted Sculptures
Bronze
Early 20th Century French Organic Modern Decorative Art
Wood, Paper
Antique Late 19th Century European Decorative Art
Wood, Bone
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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