Guides

Finding a gift that feels truly special can be a puzzle, especially when the man you are buying for already has a lot. Below are nine handcrafted pieces that blend art, history and everyday use, each one a story you can hand over. Every one is handcrafted in Isfahan, curated in Paris and shipped worldwide from Paris.

1. Handmade Wooden Decorative Box – Tazhib Khatam (S, M, L)

The Handmade Wooden Decorative Box, Tazhib Khatam is a small wooden chest with a full khatam-kari marquetry body and a hand-painted tazhib lid. Khatam-kari is built from fine rods of wood, bone and brass, bundled together, sliced and then hand-assembled into geometric star patterns. Tazhib is the Persian art of illumination, a gold-and-pigment ornament historically used on manuscript pages and here painted by hand onto wood.

Collectors like it because the khatam runs across the exterior and the interior, so the geometry carries on when you open the lid. The surface is sealed under a clear protective resin finish. Three sizes are offered: 12 × 10 × 6 cm, 14 × 10 × 6 cm and 16 × 10 × 6 cm.

Best for a man who enjoys quiet rituals, like arranging cufflinks before a meeting, and who appreciates an object that feels both modern and ancient. The only limit is space: at 16 × 10 × 6 cm the large size needs a clear spot on a small shelf.

2. Handmade Wooden Jewelry Box – Golmorgh (14 × 10 × 4.5 cm)

The lid of the Golmorgh jewelry box shows birds perched among blossoms. The painting is built up in layered strokes, which gives the birds and flowers a raised, textured finish.

Every edge is framed in traditional khatam marquetry, and the interior is lined with deep velvet that protects delicate items. The box comes in a single size, 14 × 10 × 4.5 cm, making it a ready-to-gift piece.

It works well for a man who keeps a watch, cufflinks or a favourite ring in a dedicated spot. A tiny caveat: the hand-painted lid needs a gentle touch, so wipe it with a soft dry cloth and keep it away from moisture and prolonged sunlight.

For more artisanal home pieces, explore our Luxury Chess & Backgammon Boards collection.

3. Handmade Wooden Jewelry Box – Peacock Garden (16 × 10 × 4.5 cm)

The Peacock Garden box comes in two art variants, a blue border and a gold border, each framing a peacock and garden scene painted on the lid.

Artists layer the paint so the peacock feathers and the surrounding flowers sit slightly raised. Inside, a velvet lining holds treasures, while a clear protective finish seals the surface. The box measures 16 × 10 × 4.5 cm.

It is a striking piece for a man who likes bold colour or who collects art that can double as a conversation starter on a coffee table.

Because each lid is hand-painted, no two boxes are identical, so the one you receive will vary slightly from the photographs.

4. Handmade Wooden Jewelry Box – Polo Riders (14 × 10 × 4.5 cm)

The Polo Riders box captures a miniature polo scene, each rider rendered in fine brushwork inspired by classical Persian manuscript art.

Traditional marquetry borders frame the scene, and the whole piece is sealed under a glossy resin finish. The lift-top lid opens onto a velvet-lined deep compartment that can hold a watch, a tie pin or a small set of cufflinks. It measures 14 × 10 × 4.5 cm.

The design feels sporty yet refined, making it a good fit for a man who follows a favourite team or enjoys equestrian sports.

One thing to note: the hand-painted surface asks for care, so wipe it with a dry cloth and keep it away from water and sharp objects.

5. Handmade Wooden Jewelry Box – Sadaf Long Box with Miniature & Khatam

The Sadaf Long Box pairs two Persian arts: miniature painting on the lid and khatam-kari, made from wood, brass and bone, on all sides. Three colourways (Ruby & Gold, Olive & Turquoise, Deep Blue & Gold) let you match a personal taste.

Each box rests on tiny hand-cut wooden feet, giving it a slight lift that adds presence on a shelf. The interior is velvet-lined, suited to letters, jewellery or small art objects, and the box measures 16 × 10 × 4.5 cm.

It shines for a man who values layered storytelling: the miniature scene tells a tale, while the marquetry speaks of centuries of craft. The only downside is the longer shape, which takes more shelf space than the smaller keepsake boxes.

6. Handmade Wooden Jewelry Box – Sadaf Miniature (14 × 10 × 4.5 cm)

The Sadaf Miniature box offers a compact take on the long box concept. The lid features a hand-painted miniature in one of three colourways: Dark Blue Border & Gold, Light Blue Border & Turquoise, or Ruby & Turquoise.

The exterior is wrapped in full marquetry, and the inside is velvet-lined, creating a soft nest for small treasures. It measures 14 × 10 × 4.5 cm.

That size makes it easy to slip into a briefcase or a nightstand drawer, so it works for a travelling professional who still wants a touch of heritage on the go.

Because each piece is made in limited quantities and painted by hand, boxes vary slightly from one to the next. The trade-off is that the painted lid needs a soft dry cloth and no water or cleaning products.

If you are looking for other handcrafted accessories, our Handmade Bracelets line offers a subtle yet luxe option, hand-braided macramé set with gemstones.

7. Handmade Wooden Keepsake Box – Anar

Anar means pomegranate in Persian, and the lid of the Anar keepsake box shows delicate floral motifs painted by hand in the traditional miniature technique. The box is wood with brass details, sealed with a clear resin finish.

Inside, it is made to protect small items like cufflinks, a lucky coin or a handwritten note. At 8 × 7 × 3 cm it is a natural desk companion.

It is ideal for a man who enjoys quiet moments of reflection, and it makes a thoughtful gift for a celebration or a symbolic gesture.

One limitation: it is genuinely small, so it holds rings, earrings and keepsakes rather than bulkier items, and it should be kept out of direct sunlight and away from humidity.

8. Handmade Wooden Keepsake Box – Bahar (Collector Edition)

Bahar means spring, and the Bahar keepsake box celebrates renewal with a flower-and-songbird design. The miniature art is painted freehand, and a crystal-clear resin coat deepens the colour and protects the surface. The box is wood with delicate brass accents.

At 8 × 3 × 7 cm it is sized for rings, earrings or a tiny token of affection. Its compact form also makes it a lovely display piece on a shelf.

This edition feels fresh for a man who likes seasonal changes or who enjoys a subtle pop of colour in his décor.

Because each piece is hand-painted, the pattern will have tiny variations that make every box unique. Keep it away from prolonged sunlight and heat to preserve the colours and the resin finish.

9. Handmade Wooden Keepsake Box – Caravan Passori (11 × 8 × 3 cm)

The Caravan Passori box blends khatam-inspired geometric borders with a fully hand-painted miniature scene.

The box is sealed with a glossy resin coat that protects the paint. Inside, the compact interior is sized to hold rings, necklaces or other small keepsakes. It measures 11 × 8 × 3 cm.

Its very small footprint makes it a good fit for a desk drawer or a nightstand, and the narrative scene gives it a storytelling quality that appeals to a collector.

Because each piece is painted individually, no two boxes match exactly, a subtle way to give a one-of-a-kind gift. The painted surface should be kept away from moisture, perfumes and direct sunlight.

How to Choose the Right Piece

• Consider the recipient's space: the larger boxes need a visible spot.
• Think about the type of treasure they keep: jewellery, cufflinks, notes or small keepsakes.
• Pick a colourway that matches their décor, on the pieces that offer variants.
• Check the care needs: every surface is sealed under a clear protective finish, but hand-painted lids want a soft dry cloth and no water.
• Remember that each item is hand-painted or hand-assembled, so no two are identical.

FAQ

What makes Pilardi's boxes different from regular wooden boxes?

Pilardi's boxes combine traditional Persian khatam-kari marquetry, made from fine rods of wood, bone and brass, with hand-painted miniature and tazhib work. Each piece is handcrafted in Isfahan, curated in Paris and shipped from Paris.

Are the boxes durable enough for daily use?

The boxes are wood and the surface is sealed with a clear protective resin finish, but the painted lids should be handled gently and kept away from water.

Can I personalize the colour or design?

Each box comes in the colourways defined by the artist. Custom scenes are not available, but the existing palettes cover a range of tastes.

Do the boxes come with gift packaging?

Pieces are packed in protective wrapping for shipping and are thoughtfully packaged for gifting.

How should I care for the miniature artwork?

Keep the box away from direct sunlight and wipe the surface with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners, perfumes and moisture.

Is there a warranty or return policy?

Returns and exchanges are covered by the store's published policy. See the returns page for eligibility and timelines.

These nine handcrafted boxes give a collector a way to keep treasured items safe while adding a slice of Persian heritage to any room. Choose the one that best fits the man you have in mind, and browse the full Khatam Collector Boxes collection to see every piece in stock.