Boxes in Dallas

This antique coal scuttle was created in France, circa 1870. Built of cast iron, and shaped as a shell with foliage repousse decor, the patinated bucket stands on escargot feet over ...

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...

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

A Louis XVI kingwood small chest with brass mounts. Opens to a metal lined interior and two velvet working lower drawers. Circa 1700, France.

Beautiful and unique Anglo - Indian Portuguese chest.

PRESENTING A LOVELY Wedgwood Jasperware Pale Blue Small Circular Lidded Vanity Box. Made by Wedgwood in England in 1982 and fully and properly marked/stamped on base. Marked: “Wedgwood, Made in England …. “PH” … “T” ….. “82”. 2.25 inches tall lidded vanity box with a diameter of 3.25 inches. Rolling vine and grape cameo reliefs, all over the lid and base sides. Fabulous large pointed finial on the lid with floral cameo reliefs on the sides. In very good original condition with no chips or cracks. A ‘PERFECT’ match for the larger and almost identical, lidded jasperware box...

More information coming soon… Each side and lid of this French table coffret box has been hand-carved with a distinct display of trophy carvings. The oak box, which is from the 180...

PRESENTING A LOVELY Vintage Japanese Temple Style Box. Made of rosewood, this box has a cover featuring ‘Buddhist Swastikas’ on the front. The cover lifts off to reveal a tabernacle with 2 carved dragons on wither side. Probably made in the first quarter of the 20th Century, circa 1920-30. Rectangular shaped for the storage of deities statues...

Presenting a gorgeous and extremely rare pair mid-19th century, metal tea bins, by Henry Troemner of Philadelphia, PA in the chinoiserie style. From circa 1845. Made of black enamel...

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...

Presenting an absolutely fantastic 19C Anglo Ceylonese lap desk of museum quality. We can safely say that this is one of the finest lap desks we hav...

Another stunning 19th century Anglo-Ceylonese piece. Made circa 1880 in Ceylon (Now Sri Lanka) of Coromandel wood and specimen woods. This is a simply gorgeous and quality item!! Tray made of various compartments with various high quality specimen wood lids, all edged and banded in chevrons of bone, silver or pewter and ebony. The tray itself is made of expensive coromandel wood. There are two open sections on either side of the tray which have bone and hand-painted lac ends. The main tray sits onto a base made of coromandel wood with green baize lining. This tray could have a number of practical uses, for keeping stationary, watches, jewelry, or thinking outside of the box, holding you remote controls and candy!! We have a matching box also in our Inventory and for auction. ANGLO-INDIAN AND CEYLONESE BOXES: 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. Anglo-indian Boxes normally consist of 3 main types:- (1) Most of the best and highest quality Anglo-Indian boxes in the 18th and 19th Centuries were made in Vizagapatam, India, renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship in using ivory and tortoiseshell and lac decoration. These are referred to as ‘Vizagapatam Boxes...

The whip carved wood fox music box with glass eyes, is a finely crafted example of late 19th century decorative carving from the Black Forest region of southern Germany. Rendered in ...

PRESENTING A GORGEOUS 19C Anglo Indian Rosewood Caddy with Silver Mounts. Really nice and unusual, 19th Century Anglo-Indian Spice or Tea Caddy, from cir...

Lovely little 19th century ring jar or pill box made of a thick wine colored ruby glass. It has a miniature of a Basilica on top, gilt metal mounts with beautiful filigree on the si...

Presenting an amazing set of 6 Mindanao brass silver betel boxes, Philippines. Betel chewing was prevalent in the southern Philippines as in much o...

Bring color and character to a tabletop or étagère with this charming antique painted storage box, crafted in France circa 1870. The hinged chest is decorated on all sides with finel...

A superb example of provincial craftsmanship, this richly carved walnut panetière was crafted in Provence circa 1830. The hanging bread cabinet features an arched crest topped with t...

This exquisite, antique pigskin hat box was crafted in Rouen France, circa 1870. This leather box with brass bottom, features leather straps and handle embellished with decorative br...

This beautiful, antique jewelry box set was crafted in France, circa 1870. The box has a mother of pearl crest on the top and front, and reveals several dividers inside while the com...

Crafted in southern France circa 1860, this octagonal antique metal casket features a silvered surface richly adorned with repousse floral and foliate motifs. The hinged lid opens to...

Antique turn of the century carved Italian mahogany casket in the style of a tomb with scrolls, acanthus leaves, bellflowers and a punch work background with winged griffons on the s...

Keep your valuable safe and organized in this elegant antique jewelry box. Crafted in Paris France by Maison Fichet circa 1860, the colorful casket stands on small bracket feet. The ...

Beautiful 19th century English Regency burl walnut tea caddy. Lovely shape and pretty details including decorative handles on the sides. Makes an elegant statement!

A rare North American embossed leather traveling desk/document box dating to 1825. This finely crafted piece features richly tooled leather panels and decorative mother-of-pearl stud...

19th century French bronze & glass tantalus set with (4) gold decorated glass decanters with (14) cordials glasses in fitted bronze insert set...

An extraordinary carved wooden casket by César Bagard, ca. 1700–1720, created in the Lorraine region of France and attributed to the famed sculptor of Louis XIV. Rich with historical...

A 17th century silver mounted Coromandel wood with mother of pearl inlay traveling box with a Interior fitted with drawers and a reliquary cabinet. W...

This elegant pair of antique French purses, crafted circa 1880, captures the delicate refinement of the Belle Époque period. Both are fashioned from fine black fabric and beautifully...

Crafted in France, circa 1920, the antique wood and brass coffer is decorated on the top with a repousse sail boat scene in the manner of Claude Vernet. T...

Decorate a kitchen cabinets with this pair of colorful tea boxes. Crafted in England circa 1950, and built of tinned metal, each decorative box with attached lid, is hand painted wit...

Circa 1870, English tortoiseshell tea caddy with sunburst design. It is absolutely the finest one I’ve ever owned! No cracks no restoration absolutely mint.

A 19th century Chinese elmwood box with brass hardware with canted corners. This unusual long and narrow box was probably custom made to house a musical instrument, it is very decor...

Keep your jewelry safe in this elegant antique marble box. Created in France circa 1950, the casket sits on small square feet. The top open and re...

Decorate a master bathroom counter with this miniature chest of drawers. Crafted in France, circa 1920, the petite fruitwood "Commode de Maitrise" (or masterwork created by a cabinetmaker's apprentice to prove mastery of his craft at the end of his apprenticeship), sits on four bun feet; the chest features three bombe drawers across the front decorated with intricate handles. The small antique cabinet...

From Holland, a lidded box with Dutch currency welded into the lid.

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...

Large Tunbridge ware box with herringbone pattern inlaid parquetry. Circa 1840, England.

Store your remote controls in this antique fruitwood box, crafted in Brittany, France, circa 1900, the decorative box made of chestnut, features hand carved decor including floral medallions on the sides and a Briton woman head sculpture...

Rare Dutch 18th century Tortoiseshell box with rippled serpentine sides embellished with silver mounts and mobility silver ball feet. Some small cracks in the lid, barely noticeable....

For Sale: 1950's Classic Design Paper-Covered Box This charming 1950's paper-covered box is a beautiful example of mid-century design, perfect for adding a touch of vintage elegance...

A 19th century pair of Georgian mahogany hand carved knife boxes.

This exquisite Italian cabinet showcases a stunning combination of antique craftsmanship and later vintage refinement. The original late 18th century drawers are adorned with intrica...

A 19th century Turbridge Trinity box with exotic marquetry woods of ships etc. England, circa 1890.

Hand painted Mexican wedding box.

Charming French late 19th century Empire style salesman sample. Makes a fine accessory.

Rare English table top fall front writing desk in burl walnut and blue eglomise painted oval panels. Ten panels inside painted with flowers and...

Japanese decorative woven box. Late Edo/Early Meiji Japanese box, with mother-of-pearl and ceramic inlay in autumnal leaf motif. Complete with working lock a...

A beautiful renaissance revival red velvet with gilt bronze doré letter box with shields and putti. In the style of EF Caldwell (1851–1914), not signed. Circa 1890, New York, US.  

A Bugbear coconut tea caddy mounted on a silver dolphin base. Bugbear coconuts were carved by sailors on long voyages in the 18th and early 19th centur...

This 18th century Italian gilded reliquary box is made to contain a personal relic or shine. It has brackets for wall mounting. The front of the door has...

This sturdy box is slightly waxy to the touch. Giving light to the olden way of preserving carved wood. There are blue pieces to this box that give off a cultural and exotic feel. Th...

This short Italian stand is gilded in gold and was made sometime in the early 19th century. The 4 supports were carved in a serpentine form with a leaf on each one. It has something ...

This Rajasthani Indian box is made up of bits and pieces of reclaimed wood from condemned Indian homes. The families of these homes took some of their most meaningful and beautiful pieces of their furniture and home fixtures and re-purposed them as decoration on these culturally reflective boxes. A true treasure. Especially perfect for containing Patrick Swayze...