Hardwood Decorative Boxes

Sculptural fish box by Lee and Naomi Peck USA circa 1980's Organic fish form box crafted of Hawaiian koa and cherry wood Pivoting etched brass lid with stylized fish motif in contra...

This is a very good and complete handmade, hardwood chess set game of 32 pieces in a handmade pine box with a sliding lid, which we date to the turn of the 19th Century, Circa 1900. ...

The vintage fruitwood decorative box or tea caddy is sculpted in shape of an apple, with rounded body and lid made in wood sections, adding textural interest to the piece. The fine w...

This exquisite Art Deco modernist lidded box boasts a minimalist yet refined and sophisticated shape, featuring varnished Macassar wood adorned with tropical wooden edging trims. The...

A rare and exquisite circa 1780 English, possibly Irish, George III period bottle caddy or tabletop cellarette in the form of a two-storey ashlar Palladian mansion house, the boxwood...

This is an antique Campaign correspondence box. An Anglo-Indian, teak and brass bound Colonial traveller's writing case, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1880. Captivati...

This is an antique pokerwork stationery box. An English, beech and tulipwood desktop tidy in Arts & Crafts taste, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1900. Charmingly hand f...

Impressive English Georgian Period Conch Shell Flame Grain Mahogany Single Teacaddy of outstanding quality and workmanship and compact size. Circa 1790. The hinged lid cross banded ...

Vintage handcrafted decorative box with lid features live edge design in spalted Oregon maple burl wood. The rich texture of the burl wood is emphasized by the fine graphic dark str...

The sewing box dates from around 1930 and was made of solid cherry wood. The box can be extended in width on both sides, as can be seen in the photos. A very nice decorative object w...

An Anglo Indian Rectangular Porcupine Quill & Bone Box, 20th Century Description: Constructed from wood, featuring naturally shed porcupine quills inlaid between decorative band...

Rare Dutch baroque box composed of padauk wood with original red lacquer finish, decorated with ivory lacquer with gold outline. Richly adorned with heavy brass (or bronze) decorativ...

Fully Fitted Sewing Box From our Sewing Box collection, we are delighted to introduce this Antique Rosewood Sewing Box. The Sewing Box of rectangular form veneered in Rosewood with ...

Middle Eastern Moorish Mother of Pearl Inlaid Marquetry Jewelry Box. Exquisite middle Eastern Moorish Syrian inlay jewelry box covered with fine Moorish micro mosaic marquetry. Beaut...

Chinese Huanghuali wood box decorated with bronze mountings and motifs of bats, fish and moths. The top features a classic Chinese medallion mounted to the centre of the lid. In un...

Eyecatching Ceylonese rectangular porcupine quill box with decoration of ebonised casing and striking porcupine quills and infills of white and black bone 'dots' Sliding lid reveals...

A superior French walnut and kingwood glove box with brass banding and brass inlay, ,super deep buttoned blue sating lined, original working key, super condition throughout. 3.5" hi...

We are very pleased to offer this Italian burl wood box, circa 1950s, showcasing a richly dramatic swirling grain throughout. The box features a clean, architectural silhouette with ...

Micro Mosaic Persian Islamic Moorish Inlaid Jewelry Pen Box. 1950s Middle Eastern Moorish Inlaid Jewelry Trinket Mosaic Box. Handcrafted mar...

Moorish Spain Arch Top Intricate detailed wood inlaid Marquetry Jewelry box. An Hispano Moresque Arch Top Wood Inlaid Marquetry Jewelry Box Casket. Moori...

Interesting and unusual box or trinket executed in teak and wenge wood and showcasing teal green, blue and white mini-tiles to all 4 sides and the lid. Unknown Scandinavian/Danish ma...

19th century marquetry dresser box from England. This box is wonderful and the craftsmanship is stunning. The box is made of satinwood, and has marquetry and inlay made from mahogan...

Elegant, exotic, and unmistakably refined, shagreen has long captivated those with a discerning eye for luxury. Derived from stingray skin, this richly textured material first appea...

A fabulous example of a French fruitwood box carved beautifully carved into the form of a trunk. Look closely at the amazing detail, the side handles, the leather stitching, the l...

19th century Anglo-Indian wooden box fitted with various compartments finely hand carved. The top is finely hand carved with the Taj Mahal. The interior with removable hand carved nine-lidded compartments, the front cover has a mirror, the whole exhibiting very fine workmanship. This fine late Victorian Anglo-Indian box from India is in great condition for it age. A beautiful example of an Anglo-Indian fine art...

We are very pleased to offer this distinctive Maitland-Smith decorative box, designed in the form of a classical gramophone, circa late 20th century. Crafted with a richly finished w...

This is an antique butler's work box. An English, mahogany and fruitwood country house carry, dating to the Georgian period, circa 1790. Delightful work box with a charming, estate-...

This stunning original decorative box was expertly crafted in France, circa 1960. The rectangular form, featuring a Macassar wood main body, is complemented by a brushed gilded anodi...

Beautiful and rare Gothic Revival treasure box with bronze handle. If you are a collector of antique boxes and/or if you are looking for an extraordinary jewelry box to grace your credenza or side table then this unique and top quality made specimen in the Gothic style could be perfect. Gothic Revival boxes are very hard to find and we have never seen one with such prodigious carvings on all sides. The unique and cat-like dragon gargoyles (with fangs) that look like they are carrying this casket, are just some of the stunningly carved and detailed sculptures that make this antique rarity even more artistic and impressive. Another great feature are the peacock sculptures. In Christianity the peacock is the symbol of purity. Christians believe that once someone has passed their soul rises and goes to heaven. This is why in earlier times Christians would spread the feathers of a peacock over the deceased since it symbolized a pure soul that was immune to corruption. The peacock also represents immortality, resurrection, and the spiritual teachings of Jesus Christ and the Christian church. Have you also noticed the top quality details on both ends of the bronze handle on top? The quality of that ornamental work is of the absolute highest standard also. There are many more incredibly beautiful, hand carved details and together they show that no expense was spared to create one of the most amazing Gothic caskets...

This small, antique table chest is an example of the multi-functional boxes used tabletop in traditional Chinese interiors in lieu of larger cabinets or tables with drawers. Such box...

A finely painted and extremely rare memento mori box decorated with four skulls to top with titles of a Witch, King, Beauty and Beggar to each Skull u...

Antique Persian Khatam Marquetry Qalamdan Pen Box with Hand-Painted Equestrian Miniature, Circa 1940s An exceptional Persian Khatamkari Qalamdan (pen box), handcrafted in the celebrated tradition of Khatam-kari, one of the most prestigious decorative arts of Persia. Dating to the 1940s, this elegant rectangular sliding-lid pen case is meticulously decorated with intricate geometric micro-mosaic marquetry and crowned with a finely executed hand-painted miniature depicting a royal equestrian polo match. Traditionally used by Middle Eastern Persian scribes, scholars, and government officials to store reed pens, writing instruments, and inks, the Qalamdan became an important symbol of education, refinement, and artistic patronage. This example beautifully illustrates the marriage of functionality and exceptional craftsmanship that defines Persian decorative arts. The top lid features a richly detailed miniature painting portraying mounted horsemen pursuing deer across a stylized landscape, rendered in vibrant colors with remarkable attention to detail. The sides are decorated with exquisite Khatam marquetry, an ancient Persian micro-mosaic technique composed of thousands of tiny pieces of wood, bone, and metal meticulously assembled into intricate geometric star patterns. The interior is finished in black lacquer, while the sliding cover operates smoothly, preserving the elegant proportions characteristic of traditional Persian Qalamdans. Khatamkari has been practiced in Persia for over four centuries and remains one of the country's most labor-intensive and highly respected crafts. Similar geometric inlay traditions later spread throughout India, where they became known as Sadeli mosaic, influencing Indo-Persian and Anglo-Indian decorative arts. The extraordinary precision of the geometric patterns reflects the Islamic artistic ideals of harmony, symmetry, and infinite design. Originally intended as a writing case, this versatile piece also serves beautifully today as a jewelry box, keepsake box, pencil case, or luxury desk accessory. It is equally suited for display in a library, study, or curated collection of Islamic and Middle Eastern decorative arts. Origin: Asia Date: Circa 1940s Materials: Wood, papier-mâché, hand-painted lacquer, Khatam marquetry (micro-mosaic inlay) Style: Persian / Islamic / Indo-Persian Dimensions: Length: 8 in. Width: 1.75 in. Height: 1.25 in. Condition: Very good vintage condition with light wear consistent with age and use. Beautiful original patina with finely preserved miniature painting and Khatam inlay. An outstanding example of traditional Persian craftsmanship, this museum-quality Qalamdan is highly desirable for collectors of Islamic art, Persian antiques, miniature paintings, and Khatam marquetry. Keywords: Persian Khatam box...

A Chinese Huanghuali document box with original brass mounts. Features a rectangular lid with ornate cut-out brass corners, brass bound down a...

Unique mid century scandinavian box, made of teak wood.

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...

Vintage Moorish Geometric Inlaid Wood Mechanical Cigarette Dispenser Box A beautifully crafted vintage Middle Eastern cigarette dispenser box featuring intricate geometric mosaic inl...

Very fine 18th century Indian Macassar Ebony traveling writing box with Tutenag metal hardware, the vividly grained case with rare alloy trim, the rectangular form opening to make a ...

Elegant, exotic, and unmistakably refined, shagreen has long captivated those with a discerning eye for luxury. Derived from stingray skin, this richly textured material first appear...

Elegant, exotic, and unmistakably refined, shagreen has long captivated those with a discerning eye for luxury. A study in subtle opulence, this artisan-crafted decorative box is wr...

Vintage small storage or trinket box features rounded, biomorphic shape and simple, but elegant construction. The box is hand carved of solid zebra wood; the storage compartment slid...

English Regency mahogany box with satinwood inlay. The four corners of the top are inlaid with lovely triangular scalloped decoration. All the border molding are also satinwood inlay...

A beautiful, rustic antique Indian merchant's cash box hand crafted out of teak and accented with brass corner brackets, handle and medallions. The key turns and the lid slides open ...

With rectangular hinged top with brass strap mounting. When open the front folds down to expose hidden compartments and wells. Case mounted the same as the lid. Side carry handles. I...

Antique Textile Fragment in Sterling Silver & Hardwood Presentation Box Textile: Circa 600–1400 CE Box: Mid-20th Century A refined and historically rich presentation box housing an...

Fine George III parquetry tea caddy. Unusually fine quality with fire gilt rocaille handle and key escutcheon .Interior with two lids. From the estate of the founder of Yankee Candle...

Italian. Renaissance style jewelry box with secret compartment. Carved walnut with satinwood panels. Velvet interior. Mid 19th century. Made by Raffaello Bianchini.

Elegant vintage footed wooden music box with top finely hand painted and inlaid with foliages floral decor. Vintage Italian wooden music box with marquetry inlay featuring a lute and flowers. Marquetry is the art of creating decorative designs using different materials, commonly thin pieces of wood. Handcrafted Jewelry music box, made in Italy with lacquered finish, wood Inlay, red felt lined with hinged lid. The music box has a Swiss Reuge music box...

A diminutive William and Mary Kingwood/Princes oyster strongbox or Coffre Fort, circa 1680-1700, England. This small scale example is adorned with highly decorative gilt brass stra...

The motifs on this coffret by Émile Gallé depict a mayfly flitting among a bed of ferns. Hatching in summer and living only a few hours before mating and dying, the mayfly has long s...

Middle Eastern Mosaic Wooden Inlaid Marquetry Box Game Backgammon and Chess. Middle Eastern Micro Mosaic Wooden Inlaid Marquetry Box. Large vintage Moorish Syrian style micro mosaic ...

A lovely Chinese turquoise ground cloisonne "double peach" box and cover with shaped hardwood stand, Republic Period (1911 to 1949), early 20th century, China. The box formed as a p...

This exquisite Art Deco copper box, designed circa 1930 and signed by Manning Bowman, is a striking example of sophisticated craftsmanship from the Machine Age. Known for their high-...

Art Deco - Box - Decorative Box Materials: Macassar wood and nickel-plated metal Measures : 13x11cm H: 4.5cm Superb quality, the best of French Art Deco. There is no visible designe...

Heavily Inlaid with Mother of Pearl and Abalone From our Writing Box collection, we are pleased to offer this stunning Antique Inlaid Writing Box by Hausburg. The Writing Box of rec...

Beautiful and large box with inlay of various fruit woods. Baroque, early 18th Century. Working lock and key. Interior with later fabric. Wear consistent with age and use

A handmade wooden jewellery box with a lid and lock, it is perfectly designed and created in a suitable size for keeping valuables inside. The top of this box has leaf patterns and l...

A George III penwork sarcophagus work box with hinged lid decorated with a chariot, the side with Neo-Classical devices. Age related abrasions and knocks later replacement ebonised ...

This exquisite letter box, crafted in Puebla, Mexico, during the early 20th century, is a testament to the region's rich tradition of marquetry. Made from fine fruitwood, the box sho...

This is a very good quality English mid 19th C Victorian period box or document box with fine inlaid detail, having a hinged lid with a brass swan neck handle, dating to the mid/ ear...

This is a small vintage keepsake box. An Indian, teak storage case with carved finish, dating to the late Art Deco period, circa 1940. Petite a...