Tunbridge Ware Box
Antique 19th Century English Boxes
Wood
Antique Late 19th Century English Decorative Boxes
Wood
Antique 19th Century British Boxes
Wood, Silk
Antique 19th Century British Tea Caddies
Rosewood
Antique Mid-19th Century British Decorative Boxes
Antique 19th Century British Boxes
Wood, Velvet
Antique 1870s English Jewelry Boxes
Walnut
Antique Mid-19th Century English Decorative Boxes
Rosewood
Antique 19th Century English Boxes
Antique 19th Century English Tea Caddies
Wood
Antique Early 19th Century Great Britain (UK) Georgian Decorative Boxes
Sycamore
Antique 1870s English Tea Caddies
Walnut
Antique 19th Century British Decorative Baskets
Antique 19th Century British Victorian More Desk Accessories
Mahogany
Antique Late 19th Century English Decorative Boxes
Walnut
Antique Mid-19th Century English More Desk Accessories
Walnut
Antique 19th Century British Victorian More Desk Accessories
Velvet, Mahogany
Antique 19th Century English Decorative Boxes
Rosewood
Antique 19th Century British Victorian Decorative Boxes
Wood
Antique 19th Century British Victorian Tea Caddies
Walnut
Antique 1870s English Victorian Decorative Boxes
Walnut
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Tunbridge Ware Box For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Tunbridge Ware Box?
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.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 4, 2024To identify Tunbridge ware, first examine photographs shared on trusted online resources so you can become familiar with what these decorative furnishings and housewares look like. While there have been many styles, Tunbridge ware usually shows off decorative mosaics created by gluing together pieces of wood in thin layers. The result is very distinct, so you may be able to recognize it based on sight alone.
You can also search your piece for a maker's mark or label and then research the artisan or company that produced it to see if it is known for Tunbridge ware. One very well-known maker was Thomas Barton, who typically added a “T. Barton” label to his works. To get an expert opinion on your piece, have a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer inspect it.
Explore a diverse assortment of Tunbridge ware on 1stDibs.
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