Boxes

3 Vintage Box Designs to Know

Limoges Boxes

No, they might not be the most practical of decorative boxes (although we will say that they fit a pair of AirPods nicely), but it’s hard to deny the allure of Limoges porcelain boxes. A catchall name used to describe pill-sized boxes made of kaolin clay that originates in Limoges, France, Limoges boxes were originally designed to hold thimbles and other similar sewing accouterments in 18th century France. As time went on they increasingly became used as snuff boxes among France’s aristocratic class.

Part of what makes Limoges boxes so popular is their collectability. Limoges boxes are generally modeled after everyday items, such as violins, dogs, bicycles—and even more irreverent items like cheese plates or NYC taxis. Though they’re extremely small decorative boxes, Limoges boxes are perfect for adding function to a vanity (use them to corral everyday rings or earrings), or a sink top to store salves or other skin tonics (according to many historians, it was once common to pour perfumes or creams right into Limoges boxes’ basins). Phone SIM cards, keys, and USBs are also small enough to make use of Limoges boxes.

Mandruzzato Boxes

Benjamin Mandruzzato was a Murano glass maestro who began crafting in 1934. He passed the craft onto his son and grandchildren who have helped define the signature Mandruzzato style as minimalist and overarchingly geometric. Mandruzzato boxes have gained special appeal thanks to their glamorous, postmodern aesthetic. Featuring a technique that could be likened to sommerso (which involves submerging one color of glass into another to create an encapsulated form), Mandruzzato boxes typically feature a clear or smoked glass outer layer that surrounds a colored glass interior box. Rather than sharp, defined edges, the interior boxes possess rounded, almost globular-like forms.

Mandruzzato boxes are perfect complements to 1970s glam style (think Milo Baughman Parsons tables, Lucite chandeliers, Pierre Paulin ribbon chairs), as well as colorful maximalist interiors. Since these decorative glass boxes could easily be mistaken for sculpture, use them on bookshelves, etageres, and desktops. Some sizes are also large enough to be used as proper jewelry boxes. For those on a mission to curb not only household clutter, but decorative clutter as well, Mandruzzato boxes are perfection when stationed solo on a statement dresser or console.

Cloisonné Boxes

Cloisonné boxes are usually synonymous with chinoiserie. These small decorative boxes are usually round, or square with rounded edges and feature elaborate scrollwork. While cloisonné can come in any color, shades of blue, green, and black are particularly prevalent. The word cloisonné derives from an ancient technique that consists of decorating an object with colored enamel held in place with stripes of flattened gold or black wire. The result is similar to stained glass, although overall, less puzzled-together-looking.

Interestingly, cloisonné boxes are frequently sold in pairs. The pairs can either be identical or complementary. Nesting cloisonné boxes are also common. Cloisonné boxes’ intricate scrollwork makes them especially striking when displayed in multiples. Try clustering a few on a side table or nightstand to procure a stunning effect.