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Grand Tour Boxes

GRAND TOUR STYLE

For 18th-century young British noblemen, no education was complete without a year on the Grand Tour. Although it had no official route, the Grand Tour focused on places foundational to European art, literature and architecture, including sites in France, Germany, Switzerland and, most importantly, Italy. It was an opportunity not just to witness the roots of the classics they had studied but also to take some of it home. Grand Tour furniture was among the souvenirs.

Grand Tour furniture ranged from marble architectural models replicating ancient wonders to actual antiquities often taken illicitly, leaving a legacy of looting still being unraveled today. Other items reflected the artistic richness of the Renaissance cities and other destinations. In Italy, this included scagliola tables and pedestals mimicking marble as well as tabletops and wall panels embedded with pietra dura hard stone mosaics.

Furniture was also developed to display Grand Tour purchases in the owner’s home, presenting them as a cultivated and well-traveled person. Mahogany collector’s cabinets held objects like intaglio moldings of coins and seals while others had specialized drawers that framed pietra dura panels.

Many objects were specifically produced for Grand Tour collectors. Often accompanied by retinues on journeys lasting months or years, the elite travelers, the wealthiest of whom extended their trips to Egypt and the Holy Land, required artful personal mementos befitting the experience. For example, Grand Tour micromosaicssmall artworks, most not more than two inches wide — arose from the entrepreneurial impulses of artisans who had trained in the Vatican’s workshops.

Grand Tour journeys would help inform a range of decorative styles such as neoclassical, Rococo and Adam style. (Architect and designer Robert Adam toured Italy and France for five years.) The Grand Tour flourished at a time of economic prosperity and political stability, but the French Revolution in 1789 brought it to an end. Yet as the tradition faded in popularity in England, the rising wealth of the United States led to an increase in tourism across the Atlantic and a similar passion for collecting to show one’s worldliness.

Find a collection of Grand Tour decorative objects, wall decorations, lighting and other furniture on 1stDibs.

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Style: Grand Tour
Early 19th Century French Gold Box with Enamel and Miniature Portrait
Located in Dallas, TX
PRESENTING A STUNNING Early 19C French Gold Box with Enamel and Miniature Portrait. Box made with brass but has been plated with 18ct Gold with beau...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Grand Tour Boxes

Materials

Gold, Enamel

An Italian Wooden Book with Marble Specimens, 20th Century
Located in Spencertown, NY
The hinged Burl walnut book inlaid with tulipwood opens to reveal 18 varieties of marbles. Including imperial porphyry, green porphyry,
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Grand Tour Boxes

Materials

Marble

19th Century Italian Grand Tour Steel Lidded Sarcophagus Box
Located in Stamford, CT
Rare 19th century Italian Grand Tour steel sarcophagus form box, circa 1880. Nice form, handsome desk-top accessory, great addition to any box collection. It is unusual to find this ...
Category

Late 19th Century Italian Antique Grand Tour Boxes

Materials

Steel

Antique Grand Tour Micro Mosaic Jewelry Box by Cesare Roccheggiani, Rome c. 1875
By Cesare Roccheggiani
Located in London, GB
A highly attractive and rare floral Grand Tour micromosaic jewelry or trinket box made by Cesare Roccheggiani in Rome, Italy, c. 1875. This is a beautifully detailed micro-mosaic box. The panel in the lid depicts a lush bouquet of spring flowers, including roses, forget-me-nots, daffodils, buttercups and crocus, amongst others. These are described in brightly coloured stone micromosaic inlaid into a black surround, lending the piece wonderful contrast. The more common subjects for similar micro mosaic boxes are architectural views of Rome; floral examples such as this are much harder to find. The panel is mounted in a box gilded in 24 carat gold. Another distinctive feature is the granulated finish around the lid and to the underside of the box: it is most unusual and lends the piece a lovely texture. A hand-painted champlevé enamel frieze wraps around the central body of the gilt metal box, depicting scrolling turquoise vines blooming with red berries along with blue, green and yellow vine leaves. The interior is lined in the original silk and in very good original condition. The maker’s name ‘C. ROCCHEGGIANI ROMA’ is emblazoned in gold to the interior of the lid beneath the motif of a cross surmounted by a crown. The lining of both the lid and body are bordered with a ropetwist detail. The lid closes with hooked clasp, and the hinge is in good condition. Cesare Roccheggiani was one of the most successful mosaicists in the late 19th century in Rome. He probably worked in Michelangelo Barberi’s workshop, and was in all likelihood related to Lorenzo Roccheggiani, a late eighteenth-century master mosaicist at the Vatican whose work included the altarpiece, Crucifixion of St. Peter after Guido Reni, and Nicolo Roccheggiani who worked on the Achilles Shield tabletop commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte, and later gifted to Charles X of France, now in the collection of the Louvre. Cesare Roccheggiani opened his premises on Via Condotti in Rome in 1874, and ran a production workshop including mosaicists, goldsmiths and other craftsmen. He was renowned as a source for fine quality Grand Tour mosaics...
Category

Mid-19th Century Italian Antique Grand Tour Boxes

Materials

Stone, Metal

19th C. Italian Grand Tour Micro-Mosaic "Doves of Pliny" Box After Antiquity
By Vatican Mosaic Studio
Located in Atlanta, GA
Italian, likely Circa 1880. This beautiful box has an exceptional Grand Tour Micro-mosaic plaque depicting the Capitoline Doves or Doves of Pliny after the Roman antiquity. Also by ...
Category

Late 19th Century Italian Antique Grand Tour Boxes

Materials

Slate, Bronze

A mid 19th century Italian grand tour Sorrento marquetry box circa 1860
Located in Central England, GB
A very fine Italian marquetry box dating to circa 1860 and made in the Sorrento region of Italy where local craftsmen were renowned for making ...
Category

Mid-19th Century Italian Antique Grand Tour Boxes

Materials

Wood

Grand Tour Bronze, Two-Tone Enamel & Pietra Dura Dressing Box or Humidor C. 1880
Located in Atlanta, GA
This exceptional Grand Tour dressing box or humidor, crafted in France circa 1880, epitomizes the luxurious design and meticulous craftsmanship of the late 19th century. Constructed ...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Grand Tour Boxes

Materials

Marble, Bronze, Enamel

Grand Tour Bronze Sarcophagus Form Box
Located in Stamford, CT
Unusual 19th century Italian Grand Tour bronze box in the form of a sarcophagus, circa 1880. Nice form, handsome desk-top accessory, great addition to any box collection. 5.5 inches...
Category

Late 19th Century Italian Antique Grand Tour Boxes

Materials

Bronze

Labradorite Semi Precious Stone Box with Hinged Lid
Located in New York, NY
Labradorite semiprecious stone box with hinged lid. Labradorite displays an iridescent optical effect (or schiller) known as labradorescence. La...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Grand Tour Boxes

Materials

Stone, Brass

Églomisé Verdigris Marble Table Box
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Églomisé Verdigris marble table box, with bevelled edges and 9" x 6" x 2" velvet interior.
Category

Late 20th Century Grand Tour Boxes

Materials

Velvet, Glass

Italian Sorrento box Inlaid with Pastoral Scene from the 18th century with Cupid
Located in Roma, IT
I am offering you for sale an antique box, dating back to the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 1990s, handmade in Italy according to the "Sorrento" tradition. Recentl...
Category

Late 19th Century Italian Antique Grand Tour Boxes

Materials

Cherry, Maple, Nutwood

Antique Chased Silver Snuff Box Set with Fine Italian Micromosaic Plaque
Located in London, GB
The small rectangular silver snuff box, chased with foliage decorations and featuring a hinged back, is set with a detailed micromosaic plaque on top. The plaque depicts a rural land...
Category

Late 19th Century Italian Antique Grand Tour Boxes

Materials

Stone, Silver

Grand Tour Leather Cased Crystal Scent Bottle Set
Located in Philadelphia, PA
From the Grand Tour era, a set of two glass scent bottles in a fitted leather case with key, circa early 19th Century. The Grand Tour was a 17th to early 19th century custom of the ...
Category

Early 19th Century Italian Antique Grand Tour Boxes

Materials

Brass

1960s Italian Grand Tour Style Leather & Burlwood Column Motif Pen Stand/Box
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
1960s Italian Grand Tour Style Leather & Burlwood Column Motif Pen Stand/Box Italy, 1960s This Italian Grand Tour style pen stand/box from the 1960s i...
Category

20th Century Italian Grand Tour Boxes

Materials

Leather, Burl

Italian Grand Tour Style, Pietra Dura & Leather Humidor Or Vanity Box
Located in Atlanta, GA
This exceptional humidor or vanity box is a masterwork of craftsmanship, designed in the exquisite style of the Italian Grand Tour, a period of cultural exploration and refinement th...
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Grand Tour Boxes

Materials

Agate, Malachite, Onyx, Marble, Slate

19th Century Grand Tour Silver Box, likely made in Germany
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
19th century Grand Tour silver box, likely made in Germany. With faux Paris, 1784 hallmarks. Decorated with a 17th century gentleman in rococo cartouche. 3.55 troy oz. 3 3/8" x 2.75"...
Category

19th Century German Antique Grand Tour Boxes

Materials

Silver

19th Century Italian Ruby Glass Box with Miniature of Basilica
Located in Dallas, TX
Lovely little 19th century ring jar or pill box made of a thick wine colored ruby glass. It has a miniature of a Basilica on top, gilt metal mounts with beautiful filigree on the si...
Category

Early 19th Century Vatican Antique Grand Tour Boxes

Materials

Metal

Mid C19th French Grand Tour Perfume Caddy
Located in London, GB
A lovely example of a mid-19th century French Grand Tour perfume caddy. This gold-on-black hand-painted porcelain casket features a domed lid with a central hand-painted portrait of...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Grand Tour Boxes

Materials

Brass

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Antique French 19th Century Jewelry Box Flap Door Miniature Wood Cabinet
Located in Firenze, IT
This beautiful French late 19th century chest of drawers in black ebonized wood and cherrywood reproduces with perfect proportions in scale a miniature cabinet with three drawers and an upper flap door that opens to reveal a white marble top and an oval mirror inside, nice hand carved band on top with geometrical pattern and molded base. The black lacquered wood creates a wonderful contrast with the beautiful honey-colored wood grain. Despite its convenient size, extremely detailed, this chest of drawers is equipped with a white Carrara marble top and a small mirror that make it even more special and useful. The model of a piece of furniture was originally created by cabinet makers to show their skills to the customer and to present the sample of the furniture which would then have been produced on a larger scale. These commode miniatures, along with other specimens, were displayed in the craftsman's workshop to serve as examples to aid the potential client in making a selection. Some also think that these little chests were used as doll and puppets...
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Bronze Jewelry Box Ancient Sarcophagus Reliefs Greek Roman Caesar Gladiator
Located in Hyattsville, MD
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Mid-19th Century French Napoleon III Period Marquetry Cigar Box, Music Box
Located in Fayetteville, AR
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Mid-19th Century French Antique Grand Tour Boxes

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19th Century Treenware Mahogany Lidded Box
Located in High Point, NC
19th century turned treen lidded box made from mahogany. This piece was expertly hand turned in England and has a lovely finial over a domed top, which rests on a shapely hand turne...
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19th Century English Antique Grand Tour Boxes

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Mahogany

19th C Antique Chess Set Game Regency Shape with 96mm Kings in Pine Lidded Box
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
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. ...
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Late 19th Century British Antique Grand Tour Boxes

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Hardwood, Pine

Early 20th Century French Repousse Brass and Wooden Box with Sailboats Decor
Located in Dallas, TX
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Brass

Early 19th Century Pine Box with Hand Painting
Located in High Point, NC
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Late 18th Century English Antique Grand Tour Boxes

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Pine

19th Century Italian Marquetry Box
Located in Winter Park, FL
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Early 19th Century French Antique Grand Tour Boxes

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Birdseye Maple, Walnut

19th Century Italian Marquetry Box
19th Century Italian Marquetry Box
H 12 in W 16.5 in D 10.75 in
Early 19th Century Persian Wooden Box
Located in London, GB
Early 19th century Persian wooden box A large Persian wooden box and marquetry called "Khatam Kari" with mosaic decoration of stars and geometric patterns, Middle East origin, early-19th century. This box is in overall good condition considering its age and use, it still has its original silk insert fabric firmly attached which is rare. Khatam kari is a fine and meticulous marquetry work, the oldest examples of which date back to the Safavid era: khatam was then so appreciated by the court that certain princes learned the technique as well as music, painting, or calligraphy. The “Khatam-kari” is therefore the “work of inlays”. This technique consists of making patterns, most often star shapes, by inlaying fine wooden sticks (ebony, Teak, jujube, orange tree, rose), brass (for the golden parts), and camel bone (white parts). The decorated objects are legion: boxes, chess or backgammon games, frames, pipes, desks, or even musical instruments. The khatam can also be associated with the famous Persian miniatures, thus realizing works of art. Coming from techniques imported from China and magnified by Persian know-how, this craft has existed for over 700 years. Size in inches: H 5” x W 15” x D 9.5” Age: 1830 - 1850 Origin: Persia Material: Mixed material Completely solid in structure and form, aged naturally across all the surfaces. This box does not have a key and therefore cannot be locked, it has had old repairs in blue ink as shown. With one replacement leg...
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Early 19th Century Unknown Antique Grand Tour Boxes

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Wood

Large Wooden Tramp Art Box Folk Art Gold 20th Century
Located in Poperinge, BE
Large tramp art box with lid and brass handle, folk art object made of layered pieces of gold, partly gold colored, from the late first half of the 20th century. Beautiful form of f...
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1940s European Vintage Grand Tour Boxes

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Wood

19th Century Danish Box Circa 1850
Located in Atlanta, GA
This 19th-century Danish box, circa 1850, is a remarkable piece crafted from walnut wood, showcasing fine craftsmanship typical of the era. The box features a smooth, polished surfac...
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19th Century Danish Antique Grand Tour Boxes

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Walnut

19th Century Danish Box Circa 1850
19th Century Danish Box Circa 1850
H 6.5 in W 6.9 in D 6.9 in
Previously Available Items
Italian Grand Tour 800 Silver, Enameled Malachite & Painted Roman Scene Box
Located in Atlanta, GA
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20th Century Italian Grand Tour Boxes

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Italian Grand Tour Green Specimen Marble Rectangular Box
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
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Pair of Alabaster Urns / Lidded Boxes, Hand Carved, 1920s, Italy
Located in Wien, AT
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1920s Italian Vintage Grand Tour Boxes

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Falcon's Eye Semi Precious Stone Box with Hinged Lid
Located in New York, NY
Falcon's Eye semi precious stone box with hinged lid. Falcon's eye, AKA Blue Tiger's Eye, famed for its chatoyancy, is reminiscent of the 'eye...
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21st Century and Contemporary Indian Grand Tour Boxes

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Stone, Brass

Pietre Dure and Gilt Bronze Box
Located in New Orleans, LA
Each panel of this 19th-century Italian box is meticulously crafted using a combination of traditional pietre dure techniques. The panels are formed from p...
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Late 19th Century Italian Antique Grand Tour Boxes

Materials

Stone, Marble, Bronze

Pietre Dure and Gilt Bronze Box
Pietre Dure and Gilt Bronze Box
H 6 in W 11 in D 7.5 in
Diminutive Grand Tour Bronze Architectural Model of the Arch de Triumph
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Diminutive Grand Tour Bronze Architectural Model of the Arch de Triumph Of small scale, intricately cast and modeled, with lift top, on a oval black ...
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19th Century French Antique Grand Tour Boxes

Materials

Belgian Black Marble, Bronze

Antique Grand Tour Georgian Papier Mache Horn Snuff Boxes Lady's Etui Case
Located in Dublin, Ireland
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19th Century English Antique Grand Tour Boxes

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Sterling Silver

Grand Tour Bohemian Crystal Gilt Bronze Cranberry Glass Scent Bottle Casket Box
Located in Dublin, Ireland
An exceptionally fine quality & quite rare bohemian ruby red crystal glass scent bottle casket made during the last half of the nineteenth century. ...
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19th Century French Antique Grand Tour Boxes

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Crystal, Ormolu

Blue Indian Lapis Lazuli Lidded Box
Located in Los Angeles, CA
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Lapis Lazuli

Blue Indian Lapis Lazuli Lidded Box
Blue Indian Lapis Lazuli Lidded Box
H 1.63 in W 5.88 in D 4 in
Large and Impressive 19th Century Italian Specimen Marble Box
Located in Dallas, TX
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Marble

Italian Florentine Marble Pietra Paesina Natural Mineral Specimen Box
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Italian Florentine marble Pietra Paesina natural stone box with onyx interior This exquisitely made natural mineral specimen box features Florentine ...
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Onyx

20th Century Italian Multi-Stone Mosaic Mineral Specimen Box with Onyx Interior
Located in Point Richmond, CA
20th Century Italian Multi-Stone Mosaic Mineral Specimen Box with Onyx Interior This exquisitely made natural mineral specimen box features sixty four .75-inch sliced stone...
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Mid-20th Century Italian Grand Tour Boxes

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Agate, Carnelian, Lapis Lazuli, Malachite, Alabaster

Grand Tour boxes for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Grand Tour 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, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, stone and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Grand Tour boxes made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and Asia pieces for sale on 1stDibs. 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 $475 and tops out at $9,291 while the average work can sell for $1,320.

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