Large Vintage Tole Box

Details

Description

This charming item is a vintage metal tole tea or biscuit box, hand-painted and likely European or Italian in style.

… Read more This charming item is a vintage metal tole tea or biscuit box, hand-painted and likely European or Italian in style.

Description:
• Form: The box is square with gently rounded edges and a domed hinged lid. It rests on a raised pedestal base, giving it a slightly elevated, elegant profile.
• Handle: There’s a metal handle on top, suggesting it was made for portability—possibly used to serve or store something frequently accessed, like tea, sugar, or sewing notions.
• Decorative Elements:
• The painted scrollwork features a stylized acanthus or floral motif in ochre/golden tones with subtle shading.
• The finish is distressed in a way that mimics age and patina, lending it a shabby-chic or Gustavian feel.
• Latch: The clasp appears hand-forged or cast, and has signs of oxidation and wear, which adds character and indicates some age.
• Construction: The box is likely made of metal with hand-applied paint and possibly wax or glaze for a soft sheen.

Style:

This box reflects a rustic European decorative tradition—it could easily be Tuscan, Provençal, or even from the Italian tole-painted furniture tradition. The combination of utility and decorative flair makes it a great base for an artistic transformation.

Potential Uses:
• A decorative storage box for jewelry, tea, or keepsakes
• A centerpiece for a coastal or romantic vignette See less