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Medieval Boxes

MEDIEVAL STYLE

The Middle Ages in Europe followed the end of the Roman Empire, and in this time of change, which preceded the Renaissance, furniture was simple and utilitarian, with most homes having only the necessities like chests and benches. Much of medieval furniture, which was often made in oak or walnut, was built for the elite, particularly the emerging merchant class who owned multiple homes.

Life for many in the medieval era was unstable, and furniture was designed to be functional and portable. Peasants worked the fields for affluent landowners and didn’t have access to literature in the way that nobles and people of the church did (women less so than men). The furniture in their modest dwellings was typically limited to cookware and a handful of stools. Foldable chairs, while uncommon in homes of the early Middle Ages and emblematic of wealth, like all other furnishings of the time, allowed for easy transportation of a household. Trestle tables with detachable legs and collapsible beds were designed to be simply moved from place to place.

Medieval blanket chests were among the most important furniture objects and could further serve as tables or even beds. Some ancient traditions were carried forward to build this sturdy furniture, such as turnery. Although the furniture was minimally designed, embellishments like carvings added elegance to the heavy wood pieces. These details sometimes reflected trends in religious art like rose windows.

By the later Middle Ages, storage pieces like chests of drawers were often adorned with high relief carvings, such as geometric and floral motifs. By the 14th and 15th centuries, design had developed to include more involved pieces like cupboards and desks, while benches frequently doubled as chests with hinged seats. Beds also changed in this era from basic boards to four-post designs with large drapes to keep the sleeper warm. These beds and other medieval bedroom furniture were significant status symbols, passed down through families and used as places to conduct business and receive visitors.

Surviving examples of medieval furniture are very rare, yet its distinctive aesthetics influenced later styles like William and Mary and Arts and Crafts.

Find a collection of medieval seating, garden elements, decorative objects and other furniture on 1stDibs.

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Style: Medieval
19th Century Carved Oak Correspondence, Post or Letter Box
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
19th Century Carved Oak Correspondence, Post or Letter Box This very attractive Carved Box is made in Oak, it is carved on the top with 2 letter slots, one for UNANSWERED and the ot...
Category

19th Century Antique Medieval Boxes

Materials

Oak

Danish Cast Iron and Bronze Jewelry Box or Dresser Box, Circa 1940s
Located in South Bend, IN
A beautiful casket form cast iron and bronze dresser box, jewelry box, cigar box, or decorative box with interior cedar lining. The front depicts a scene from the 1219 Battle of Lynd...
Category

1940s Danish Vintage Medieval Boxes

Materials

Bronze, Iron

19th Century French Gothic Brass & Copper Jewelry Box with Repousse Leaf Motifs
Located in Dallas, TX
This antique patinated gilt casket was created in France, circa 1890. Built with brass and copper, the miniature trunk-shaped box with bombe top, stands on...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Medieval Boxes

Materials

Brass, Copper

French Gothic Style Jewelry Box or Chest with Bronze Inlay & Leather
Located in Plainview, NY
An exquisite French Gothic style jewelry box or small chest, a testament to the timeless allure of craftsmanship. Adorned with intricate brass inlay ...
Category

20th Century Medieval Boxes

Materials

Stone, Bronze

Cast Bronze Lidded Box with Medieval Scenes and hardwood liner, Late 19thC
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a cast bronze metal box modelled as a casket with a wood liner and depicting medieval scenes. We date this box to the late 19th Century. The box is made of a cast metal (b...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Medieval Boxes

Materials

Bronze

RARE PORTUGUESE CENTER CHAPEL COUNTER 16th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
RARE CENTER CHAPEL COUNTER 16th Century Lusíada - Portuguese in teak, Partial sissoo coating with ivory inlays, with 9 drawers simulating 10. Micromosaic in different materials, bac...
Category

16th Century Portuguese Antique Medieval Boxes

Materials

Wood

A French 15th century gothic iron casket
Located in PARIS, FR
A French gothic iron casket Dimensions: h. 18 cm, l. 23 cm, p. 14cm 15th century France Without key A rare parallelepipedal box with a domed lid, it is d...
Category

15th Century and Earlier French Antique Medieval Boxes

Materials

Wrought Iron

19th Century Spanish Polished Iron Box with Pierced Engraved Geometric Motifs
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a shelf or a counter with this elegant antique decorative trunk. Crafted in Spain circa 1880, the strong box is decorated with pierced and engraved geometric motifs througho...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Medieval Boxes

Materials

Iron

Brass and Copper Textured Lidded Box
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Textured copper box with brass detailing. The exterior of the box features pebbled like texture, perfectly patinated with brass hinges, ball feet and detailing. The hinged box is per...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Medieval Boxes

Materials

Brass, Copper

19th Century French Gothic Bronze Doré Jewelry Box with Repousse Cherub Motifs
Located in Dallas, TX
This antique gilt bronze casket was created in France, circa 1870. The miniature trunk-shaped box with bombe top, stands on gargoyle figure feet, and is embellished with intricate repousse cherub and scrolled decor on all four sides. The jewelry box is upholstered with the original inside luxurious red velvet. The small safe...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Medieval Boxes

Materials

Bronze

Rare and Beautiful 16th Century Siena Box
Located in Madrid, ES
Rare and Beautiful 16th century Siena box 13cm x 15.5cm x 27cm Paper mache box gilt and lacquered in blue and red. Good condition for the age.
Category

16th Century Italian Antique Medieval Boxes

Materials

Wood

Northern Italy Box Set with 16th Century Floral Motifs
Located in Madrid, ES
Northern Italy box set with 16th century Floral Motifs 18.5x30x16cm Casket in carved and gilded wood with floral motifs. Sealing wax stamp inside. Vintag...
Category

16th Century Italian Antique Medieval Boxes

Materials

Wood

19th Century French Black and Silver Cast Iron Hobnail Studded Safe from Bauche
By Bauche
Located in Dallas, TX
Keep your jewelry or important documents locked up in this fine, antique safe from the Champagne-Ardenne region of France. Crafted, circa 1880, the safe is cast iron and has a chic two-tone black and silver paint finish. The travel safe features a heavy handle on the top and is decorated with studded hobnails throughout. The front door is decorated with a plaque which reads "Incombustible Systeme Bauche Brevete SGDG Usine a Gueux Marne" engraved on the surface. The decorative box is in excellent condition commensurate with age and use and adorns a rich two-tone black and silvered patinated finish. Place the unique, secure safe in your office, study or even a men's dressing room for a display of strength and heritage. Original key included. In 1879, Bauche demonstrated the efficacy of his fire safes...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Medieval Boxes

Materials

Iron

Amazing French Document Casket / Box, 15th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Amazing Document Casket / Box 15th century. Strasbourg-France Material: wooden box with iron fittings and leather cover, lock is missing. Dimensions: 30 x 23 x 13 cm. Conditio...
Category

15th Century and Earlier French Antique Medieval Boxes

Materials

Wood

Set of Three Spanish Church Alms Boxes Wall Decoration, 18th Century
Located in Barcelona, ES
Set of three carved wood hand painted donation / offering ALM Boxes, Spain, 18th century. Polychromed wooden Church Collection offering donation money boxes as wall decorations. Beautiful wall decoration comprised of three wall hanging collection / doation money boxes. Originally used to collect donations at Christian churches/chapels. Each one has a different design. All three create a colorful set displayed together. Rare find. Provenance: Private collection. On sale as a set. Measures: Religious woman: 45 cm H x 26 cm W x 21 cm D Saints Box: 33 cm H x 37 cm W x 14 cm D Blue Box:46 cm H x 31,5 cm W x 14 cm D Poor box...
Category

18th Century Spanish Antique Medieval Boxes

Materials

Wood, Pine

Romanesque Style Chest, Wood, Bone, Metal, Spain
Located in Madrid, ES
Romanesque style chest. Wood, bone, metal. Spain Rectangular chest with a lid in the shape of a trough, decorated on the outside with rectangular pla...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Medieval Boxes

Materials

Other

Medieval Patinated Iron-Mounted Oak Casket, 15th Century
Located in Gardena, CA
Medieval patinated iron-mounted oak casket, 15th century A Continental Medieval patinated iron mounted oak wood box. 15th Century or earlier. Addition...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Antique Medieval Boxes

Materials

Iron

Chest, Leather, Wrought Iron, Textile, Wood, Spain, circa 1500
Located in Madrid, ES
Rectangular body casket with semicircular lid made of carved wood and covered with a worked leather that has been reinforced with a series of forged iron fittings, material in which ...
Category

16th Century Spanish Antique Medieval Boxes

Materials

Wrought Iron, Other

American Bronze and Enameled Box/Humidor by E.F. Caldwell, New York, 1900s
Located in New York, NY
An American Gothic Revival bronze and enamelled box/humidor. By Edward F. Caldwell & Co. Inc., New York, first quarter of 1900s. The rectangul...
Category

1910s American Vintage Medieval Boxes

Materials

Bronze, Enamel

Stunning Handcrafted Late 1800s Gothic Casket with Peacock & Gargoyle Sculptures
Located in Lisse, NL
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...
Category

Late 19th Century Italian Antique Medieval Boxes

Materials

Bronze, Iron

Antique Bronze Box from Belgium Gothic Style
Located in Miami, FL
Gothic Style, very detailed crafted antique bronze box. Marked underneath, made in Belgium. In original good condition.
Category

20th Century Belgian Medieval Boxes

Materials

Bronze

Bordeaux Storage Tin with Knight Helmet, Knightstick, Rifle, 1950s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Vintage biscuit tin for Demaret confectionary, a Belgian Candy Factory. This vintage tin storage box has a bordeaux background with a knight h...
Category

Mid-20th Century Belgian Medieval Boxes

Materials

Tin

Georgian Architectural Model
Located in Greenwich, CT
Very fine English early 19th century mahogany architectural model of a church, the multiple steeples flanking a faux carved slate shingled room, wh...
Category

Early 19th Century English Antique Medieval Boxes

Materials

Mahogany

Small English Wood and Metal Box with Dual Lids
Located in New York, NY
1950s English wooden box with handle and two lids. Suede interior.
Category

1940s English Vintage Medieval Boxes

Materials

Suede, Wood

Early 17th Century Medieval Handcrafted Black Iron German Coffer
Located in Brescia, IT
The iron coffer, fully original in every part of it, was forged and handcrafted in German in the 1610. Complete with key. Full working iron mechanisms. It ...
Category

Early 17th Century German Antique Medieval Boxes

Materials

Iron

French Gothic Oak Coffer Chest
Located in New York, NY
French Gothic-style (19/20th Century) oak coffer chest on stand with tracery carved panels and a domed lid with iron strap work
Category

19th Century French Antique Medieval Boxes

Materials

Iron

Very Rare Casket Minnekästchen or Box, Germany or Italy, 15th Century
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Wooden coffret, call minnekästchen, engraved with a dog, a hare and foliage with polychromy remains. During the Middle Age, the hare is a symbol of fertility, joy and represents the Christ...
Category

15th Century and Earlier European Antique Medieval Boxes

Materials

Iron

Neo Gothic Style Bronze Box, circa 1900
Located in Mouscron, WHT
Neo gothic style bronze box circa 1900.
Category

Early 20th Century French Medieval Boxes

Materials

Bronze

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19th Century Dog House Cigar Box or Humidor
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Late 19th Century British Antique Medieval Boxes

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Box by Fontana Arte, Wood and Glass, 1940s
Located in Brussels, BE
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1940s Vintage Medieval Boxes

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Box by Fontana Arte, Wood and Glass, 1940s
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H 5.52 in W 7.88 in D 7.88 in
Antique American Enameled Glass Ladies Footed Dresser Jar or Jewelry Box
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique pressed glass jewelry casket or jar is unsigned but presumed to have been made in the United States in circa 1880 in the period Vict...
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Late 19th Century American Antique Medieval Boxes

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Bronze and Slag Glass Tiffany Jewelry Box, Art Deco Period, United States
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Bronze and slag glass Tiffany jewelry box. Art Deco period. United States circa 1900. Signed in the back "Tiffany Studios New York 821".
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Early 1900s American Antique Medieval Boxes

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Bronze

19th Century Tramp Art Carved Box
Located in Nantucket, MA
19th century Tramp Art box with hinged top. Applied chip carvings including hearts and rosettes throughout, with blue and red painted exterior, and interior chip carved double frame ...
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19th Century North American Antique Medieval Boxes

Materials

Wood, Paint

19th Century Tramp Art Carved Box
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H 5.25 in W 13.5 in D 9.5 in
Antique Gilt Bronze Decorative Jewelry Box or Casket with Floral Decoration
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique gilt bronze decorative or jewelry box is unsigned, but presumed to have originated from France and dates to approximately 1900 and done in a Renaissance Revival style. T...
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Early 20th Century French Medieval Boxes

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Decorative and Jewelry Box in Wood with Geometrical Inlays France 1970
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
This box is a jewelry box or a decorative box. It was made in the 1970s, in France. Its lid is made of a checkerboard rectangle in wood. It is brown in color.
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1970s French Vintage Medieval Boxes

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Wood

Swedish 19th Century Birchwood Veneer Jewelry Box
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Swedish 19th century birchwood veneer jewelry box. The box has a heart of brass for keyhole and knob hardware of antler.
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Medieval Boxes

Materials

Bone, Birch

Rare Antique French 19th Century Gothic Revival Neo-Gothic Jewelry Box Church
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Exquisite & rare ! This French 19th century Gothic Revival Jewelry box in carved walnut. Amazing craftsmanship and richly decorated with Gothic style carvings on all sides. Each ...
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Late 19th Century French Antique Medieval Boxes

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Antique & Stylish Gothic Revival Thick Bronze Church Relic or Jewelry Box
Located in Lisse, NL
Wonderfully decorative, intricate and good condition, 19th century box. Over the years we have sold a number of rare and unique boxes, but never a Gothic Revival one with as many ...
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19th Century European Antique Medieval Boxes

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Bronze

19th Century Malabar Jewelry Box Lacquered with Ornate Brass Accents from Kerala
Located in Yonkers, NY
This South Indian jewelry box, known as a Malabar box, hailing from Kerala, is a magnificent piece of cultural artistry and historical significance....
Category

19th Century Indian Antique Medieval Boxes

Materials

Brass

19th Century French Gothic Bronze Doré Jewelry Box with Repousse Cherub Motifs
Located in Dallas, TX
This antique gilt bronze casket was created in France, circa 1870. The miniature trunk-shaped box with bombe top, stands on gargoyle figure feet, and is embellished with intricate repousse cherub and scrolled decor on all four sides. The jewelry box is upholstered with the original inside luxurious red velvet. The small safe...
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Late 19th Century French Antique Medieval Boxes

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Bronze

Previously Available Items
Late 19th Century Brass Gothic Style Decorative Storage Box
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A beautiful bronze box in gothic style. Richly decorated with medieval figures and gothic ornaments such as cross flower and arches in the lid The inside is covered with blue velvet....
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1890s French Antique Medieval Boxes

Materials

Brass

Late 19th Century Brass Gothic Style Decorative Storage Box
Late 19th Century Brass Gothic Style Decorative Storage Box
Free Shipping
H 3.55 in W 8.27 in D 4.34 in
19th Century French Black and Silver Cast Iron Hobnail Studded Safe from Bauche
By Bauche
Located in Dallas, TX
Keep your jewelry or important documents locked up in this fine, antique safe from the Champagne-Ardenne region of France. Crafted, circa 1880, the safe is cast iron and has a chic two-tone black and silver paint finish. The travel safe features two heavy side handles and is decorated with studded hobnails throughout. The front door is decorated with a carved medal crest which reads "Dieu Est Mon Roi" and embellished with a lion and horse holding the coat of arms. The inside reveals storage area covered with original felt. The top has the inscription "Incombustible Systeme Bauche Brevete SGDG Usine a Gueux Marne" engraved on the surface. The decorative box is in excellent condition commensurate with age and use and adorns a rich two-tone black and silver patinated finish. Place the unique, secure safe in your office, study or even a men's dressing room for a display of strength and heritage. Original two keys included. In 1879, Bauche demonstrated the efficacy of his fire safes...
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Late 19th Century French Antique Medieval Boxes

Materials

Iron

16th Century, Gothic Iron Bound Casket, French, Circa 1500-1540
Located in Leominster, GB
16th century, Late Gothic, iron bound casket, French, Circa 1500-1540 Rectangular casket with round-arched lid, with a twisted wrought iron handle on the lid, and a hasp and lock....
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16th Century French Antique Medieval Boxes

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Iron

19th Century French Black and Silver Cast Iron Hobnail Studded Safe from Bauche
By Bauche
Located in Dallas, TX
Keep your jewelry or important documents locked up in this fine, antique safe from the Champagne-Ardenne region of France. Crafted, circa 1880, the safe is cast iron and has a chic two-tone black and silver paint finish. The travel safe features two heavy side handles and is decorated with studded hobnails throughout. The front door is decorated with a carved medal under a crown, and the inside reveals storage area covered with felt. The top has the inscription "Incombustible Systeme Bauche Brevete SGDG Usine a Gueux Marne" engraved on the surface. The decorative box is in excellent condition with a rich patinated finish. Place the unique, secure safe in your office, study or even a men's dressing room for a display of strength and heritage. Original key included. In 1879, Bauche demonstrated the efficacy of his fire safes...
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Late 19th Century French Antique Medieval Boxes

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Iron

19th Century Moroccan Gothic Repousse Silver and Gilt Copper Treasure Chest
Located in Dallas, TX
This elegant antique chest was crafted in Morocco circa 1850. Bombe in shape and built of wood with copper, the trunk with bronze side handles, is decorated with repousse motifs thro...
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Mid-19th Century Moroccan Antique Medieval Boxes

Materials

Copper

Antique French Carved Oak Monstrance Reliquary Box Liturgical Gothic Case Glass
Located in Shreveport, LA
Antique French carved oak Monstrance Reliquary box Liturgical Gothic case glass ~Direct from France~ ~Lovely antique French reliquary box/case, one o...
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19th Century French Antique Medieval Boxes

Materials

Glass, Oak

Antiq French Brass Tabernacle Box Reliquary Lamb of God Liturgical Cabinet 20thC
Located in Shreveport, LA
Antique French Brass Tabernacle Box Reliquary Lamb of God Liturgical Cabinet ~Direct from France~ ~This very heavy tabernacle box was one of sever...
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1910s French Vintage Medieval Boxes

Materials

Brass

Bohemian Antique Engraved Overlay Yellow Glass Sugar Casket
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A very fine and charming antique Bohemian engraved yellow overlay glass lidded presentation sugar casket dating from the 19th century. The small rectangul...
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19th Century Austrian Antique Medieval Boxes

Materials

Cut Glass

Bohemian Antique Engraved Overlay Yellow Glass Sugar Casket
Bohemian Antique Engraved Overlay Yellow Glass Sugar Casket
Free Shipping
H 2.37 in W 3.15 in D 2.17 in
19th Century French Black and Silver Cast Iron Hobnail Studded Safe
Located in Dallas, TX
Keep your jewelry or important documents locked up in this small antique safe from the Champagne-Ardenne region of France. Crafted, circa 1880, the ...
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Late 19th Century French Antique Medieval Boxes

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Iron

Mid-19th Century French Forged Wrought Iron Hobnail Studded Safe
Located in Dallas, TX
Keep your important valuables in this antique Gothic safe, created in France, circa 1860, the forged safe is made of iron and embellished with hobnail stubs on all sides and decorate...
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Mid-19th Century French Antique Medieval Boxes

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Iron

18th Century Italian Gothic Giltwood Painted and Polychromed Bombe Trunk
Located in Dallas, TX
This elegant antique chest was crafted in Florence, Italy, circa 1780. Bombe in shape, the trunk is decorated with a hand painted medallion on the front depicting the "Capella Dei Magi" in the palazzo Medici-Riccardi. The left horseman is clearly Caspar (supposedly Lorenzo di Medici...
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Late 18th Century Italian Antique Medieval Boxes

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Giltwood

19th Century French Bronze Doré and Pewter Jewelry Box with Putti Decor
Located in Dallas, TX
This antique two-tone casket was created in France, circa 1880. Rectangular in shape, the gilt bronze and pewter box is embellished with cherub and scroll motifs. The detail work is ...
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Late 19th Century French Antique Medieval Boxes

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Bronze, Pewter

Medieval boxes for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Medieval boxes for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage boxes created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, more furniture and collectibles, wall decorations and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Medieval boxes made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and Spain pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original boxes, popular names associated with this style include Europa Antiques, Bauche, and Edward F. Caldwell & Co.. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for boxes differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $243 and tops out at $44,528 while the average work can sell for $2,837.

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