Rhodonite Box
Vintage 1970s Italian Decorative Boxes
Antique Early 1900s Jewelry Boxes
Stone, Brass
Early 20th Century European Jewelry Boxes
Quartz, Brass, Bronze
Vintage 1970s Italian Modern Obelisks
Marble
2010s Italian Jewelry Boxes
Multi-gemstone, Onyx, Serpentine
2010s Italian Jewelry Boxes
Multi-gemstone, Onyx, Serpentine
Mid-20th Century Italian Greco Roman Decorative Dishes and Vide-Poche
Porcelain
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20th Century French Jewelry Boxes
Agate, Gold Plate
Antique Early 18th Century French Baroque Western European Rugs
Silk, Wool
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Grand Tour Decorative Boxes
Stone, Brass
Vintage 1920s English Art Deco Bedroom Sets
Chrome
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Dining Room Sets
2010s Unknown Jewelry Boxes
Malachite
Antique Mid-19th Century English High Victorian Taxidermy
Other
Mid-20th Century Unknown Egyptian Revival Jewelry Boxes
Marble
Vintage 1940s Danish Medieval Decorative Boxes
Bronze, Iron
Late 20th Century Italian Modern Obelisks
Travertine, Marble
Late 20th Century Pakistani Hollywood Regency Obelisks
Marble
Late 20th Century Philippine Post-Modern Decorative Boxes
Travertine, Marble, Brass
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jewelry Boxes
Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Jewelry Boxes
Silk, Upholstery
Early 20th Century European Rococo Jewelry Boxes
Brass
Antique 19th Century French Jewelry Boxes
Silver, Brass
Recent Sales
Early 20th Century Russian Other More Furniture and Collectibles
Jade, Rock Crystal, Gold
Mid-20th Century American Decorative Boxes
18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Decorative Boxes
Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Grand Tour Natural Specimens
Agate, Carnelian, Lapis Lazuli, Malachite, Alabaster
Mid-20th Century Russian Decorative Boxes
Mid-20th Century Italian Grand Tour Natural Specimens
Agate, Carnelian, Lapis Lazuli, Malachite, Alabaster
20th Century Russian Other Decorative Boxes
Stone, Onyx
Mid-20th Century Jewelry Boxes
Lapis Lazuli, Malachite, Quartz
Mid-20th Century Jewelry Boxes
Lapis Lazuli, Malachite, Onyx
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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