Box (3) - Bamboo, Thuya, Lignum Vitae - Exotic Wood Boxes

Beautiful collection of exotic wood boxes from around the world and spanning approximately 150 years

1. Elegant small rectangular box in beautifully figured Thuya burl with decorative inlaid top border. The lid shows a very attractive panel of richly figured Thuya burl with lively swirling grain and the typical dark “eyes” that make this wood so desirable. The panel is elegantly framed by a precise rectangular inlaid border of thin dark lines.

The box has a simple, completely unlined interior. It opens freely and has no lock and no key.

Height: 6 cm
Width: 17 cm
Depth: 10 cm

This compact and elegant piece is ideal as a jewelry or trinket box, for small keepsakes, or simply as a beautiful decorative object. Crafted from high-quality Thuya burl wood (Tetraclinis articulata) from Morocco which is prized for its warm colour, spectacular natural patterns, durability and pleasant natural aroma.

Likely mid-20th century Moroccan work or in that traditional style.

Very good overall condition. Minor surface wear and light scratches consistent with age and normal use. Some natural fine checking in the burl wood (typical for this material). Slight damage to the veneer on one corner. The inlay is intact and the lid fits nicely. Simple unlined interior. No lock or key.

A lovely, honest example of Thuya wood craftsmanship that will appeal to collectors of exotic woods, Moroccan artisanal objects and decorative wooden boxes.

2. Beautiful small antique snuff box turned from solid Lignum Vitae (Guaiacum officinale), also known as guaiac wood. This compact circular box with a completely detachable lid was made in England or France in the early to mid-19th century.

Lignum Vitae is one of the densest and heaviest woods in the world. It was highly valued by turners for its exceptional durability, natural self-lubricating oils and rich, dark heartwood. The box displays attractive swirling and interlocked grain patterns, particularly visible on the lid. Both the interior of the lid and the base show clear concentric turning rings from the lathe.

Height: 3 cm
Diameter: 8 cm

The box retains its original tight fit. It shows honest, period-appropriate wear consistent with long use as a gentleman’s snuff box: a stable vertical crack on the exterior wall and considerable scratching and abrasion inside caused by the gritty snuff tobacco. These signs of age and use give the piece authentic character.

A classic example of early 19th-century treen, very similar to documented machine-turned Lignum Vitae snuff boxes in museum collections (e.g. Science Museum Group, London).

A charming, pocket-sized collector’s item with excellent material appeal.

3. Beautiful vintage cylindrical lacquerware box in the classic Burmese kun-it (betel box) tradition.

Hand-crafted from tightly woven bamboo, then coated in multiple layers of rich black lacquer. The piece features elegant horizontal decorative bands in warm ochre/gold with finely incised or painted black zigzag/chevron and geometric patterns — typical of traditional yun lacquerware from Myanmar (Bagan/Pagan region).

The set includes:
•  Main lidded box
•  Two smaller matching nested inserts (shallow woven lacquer containers) that fit neatly inside
Dimensions
•  Main box diameter: 9.5 cm
•  Height (with lid): approx. 9 cm
•  Inserts: proportionally smaller and designed to nest inside the main box

Good, honest vintage condition with authentic signs of age and use. The lacquer shows wear, scratches and minor chipping (especially on edges and raised bands), with some areas where the underlying bamboo weave is visible. The decorative gold/ochre bands have some rubbing and fading consistent with age. Structurally sound — no cracks, breaks or repairs. Lid fits well. Both inserts are complete and original.
This is a charming, decorative piece with nice original details rather than a pristine museum example.

Traditional Southeast Asian lacquerware technique.

A lovely addition to any collection of Asian folk art, lacquerware or ethnic decorative objects. Perfect as a small storage box, trinket container or display piece.