Decorative Boxes

Even though boxes are generally used for storage, some boxes are valued for more than just their functional value. Decorative boxes are used for a number of purposes like promotional packaging or gifting. Decorative boxes are most widely used for gifting purposes.

Types of decorative boxes:
Women's work boxes are the most common types of decorative boxes. Work boxes or stitching boxes are fitted with trays divided into many smaller compartments for needles, silk reels and cotton threads. They are often covered with silk and decorated with beads and embroidery. During the 17 th and 18 th centuries work boxes had complicated designs and great care was taken to make these boxes delicate and pleasing to the eye. Another type of decorative box is the snuff box. Jewelers and enamellers took great pains to make individual snuff boxes into “Pièce de résistance”. Snuff boxes were made of a variety of materials including tortoise shells, mother of pearls and gold. Snuff boxes often had lids adorned with portraits or miniatures. They were set with diamonds and other precious stones. Carrying a snuff box was the sign of a man of wealth, stature and culture. From the 18 th century to the middle of the 19 th century, it was unthinkable for a man of high birth and good breeding to be seen without a snuff box.
 
 
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Modern Use of Decorative Boxes:
   

Modern use of decorative boxes is limited to gifting purposes. Work boxes have become more utilitarian than decorative. Snuff boxes are not in use any more. The practice of gifting snuff boxes remained for a long time even after the practice of taking snuff had died out. Kings gifted snuff boxes to ambassadors and other mediators as a sign of honor. However collections of snuff boxes can be found in museums. The duke of Cambridge (1819- 1904), George, had an impressive collection of snuff boxes which were auctioned off after his death. Old decorative boxes are collected as antiques and displayed purely for their artistic value and not put to any practical use.

 
 
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