Boxes
20th Century European Black Forest Boxes
Wood, Walnut
Early 20th Century German Rococo Revival Boxes
Silver
Mid-19th Century English Late Victorian Antique Boxes
Marble, Brass
1980s French Organic Modern Vintage Boxes
Crystal
19th Century Japanese Antique Boxes
Ivory, Paint
Early 20th Century European Art Nouveau Boxes
Tin
20th Century English Art Deco Boxes
Sterling Silver
19th Century Japanese Japonisme Antique Boxes
Giltwood, Lacquer
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Ceramic
20th Century Japanese Scandinavian Modern Boxes
Teak
1930s Danish Vintage Boxes
Bronze
Late 19th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Boxes
Wood
Mid-19th Century Japanese Japonisme Antique Boxes
Brass
20th Century French Modern Boxes
Ceramic
19th Century Japanese Antique Boxes
Ivory, Paint
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Boxes
Velvet, Resin
Early 20th Century Swiss Arts and Crafts Boxes
Metal
Early 19th Century Early Victorian Antique Boxes
Rosewood
1840s English Early Victorian Antique Boxes
Silver, Sterling Silver
Mid-20th Century American Modern Boxes
Sterling Silver
1930s German Folk Art Vintage Boxes
Tin
Early 20th Century French Empire Revival Boxes
Gold Leaf
1960s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Vintage Boxes
Malachite
1930s French Art Deco Vintage Boxes
Silver Plate
Early 19th Century British Regency Antique Boxes
Brass, Bronze
2010s French Baroque Revival Boxes
Stoneware
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Boxes
Onyx
19th Century Japanese Antique Boxes
Ivory, Paint
Early 20th Century British Edwardian Boxes
Other
1930s Japanese Art Deco Vintage Boxes
Brass
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Boxes
Wood
1840s Swiss Victorian Antique Boxes
Bronze, Steel, Cut Steel, Iron
1960s French Vintage Boxes
Ceramic, Wood
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Boxes
Metal, Silver
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Boxes
Pottery
Early 20th Century Unknown Baroque Boxes
Bronze
Late 20th Century Italian Modern Boxes
Brass
Mid-19th Century European Medieval Antique Boxes
Brass, Metal
Early 20th Century Czech Boxes
Ormolu
Early 20th Century English Boxes
Shagreen
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Ceramic
Early 20th Century Czech Boxes
Ormolu
1970s Italian Art Nouveau Vintage Boxes
Gold, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
1970s Italian Art Nouveau Vintage Boxes
Gold, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
1970s Italian Empire Vintage Boxes
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
1910s Italian Arts and Crafts Vintage Boxes
Wood
1930s French Art Deco Vintage Boxes
Walnut
1930s French Art Deco Vintage Boxes
Walnut
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Boxes
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
1980s Italian Queen Anne Vintage Boxes
Gold, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Ceramic
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Ceramic
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Boxes
Silver
1930s Swedish Art Deco Vintage Boxes
Pewter
Late 19th Century German Late Victorian Antique Boxes
Agate, Marble, Silver
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Ceramic
Late 20th Century American Gothic Boxes
Iron
2010s European Boxes
Brass
Vintage, Mid-Century and Antique Boxes
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.