Modern Decorative Boxes
MODERN STYLE
The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw sweeping social change and major scientific advances — both of which contributed to a new aesthetic: modernism. Rejecting the rigidity of Victorian artistic conventions, modernists sought a new means of expression. References to the natural world and ornate classical embellishments gave way to the sleek simplicity of the Machine Age. Architect Philip Johnson characterized the hallmarks of modernism as “machine-like simplicity, smoothness or surface [and] avoidance of ornament.”
Early practitioners of modernist design include the De Stijl (“The Style”) group, founded in the Netherlands in 1917, and the Bauhaus School, founded two years later in Germany.
Followers of both groups produced sleek, spare designs — many of which became icons of daily life in the 20th century. The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics. While Bauhaus principals Marcel Breuer and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe created furniture from mass-produced, chrome-plated steel, American visionaries like Charles and Ray Eames worked in materials as novel as molded plywood and fiberglass. Today, Breuer’s Wassily chair, Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona chair — crafted with his romantic partner, designer Lilly Reich — and the Eames lounge chair are emblems of progressive design and vintage originals are prized cornerstones of collections.
It’s difficult to overstate the influence that modernism continues to wield over designers and architects — and equally difficult to overstate how revolutionary it was when it first appeared a century ago. But because modernist furniture designs are so simple, they can blend in seamlessly with just about any type of décor. Don’t overlook them.
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Style: Modern
Medium Oli Mitzli Box by Onora
Located in Geneve, CH
Medium oli Mitzli box by Onora
Dimensions: 10 x 10 x 12 cm
Materials: Oil mixed with minerals and natural pigments all extracted from the earth
Available in white felines with b...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Other
Oli Mitzli Box by Onora
Located in Geneve, CH
Oli Mitzli Box by Onora
Dimensions: 15 x 15 x 19 cm
Materials: Oil mixed with minerals and natural pigments all extracted from the earth
Available in white felines with black ey...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Other
Guaje Oli Gourd by Onora
Located in Geneve, CH
Guaje oli gourd by Onora
Dimensions: 37 x 25 cm
Materials: Gourd, Natural pigments mixed with chia oil and then hand burnished with river stones
Gua...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Other
Guaje Oli Gourd by Onora
Located in Geneve, CH
Guaje oli gourd by Onora
Dimensions: 37 x 25 cm
Materials: gourd, natural pigments mixed with chia oil and then hand burnished with river stones
Gua...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Other
Guaje Oli Gourd by Onora
Located in Geneve, CH
Guaje Oli Gourd by Onora
Dimensions: 37 x 25 cm
Materials: Gourd, Natural pigments mixed with chia oil and then hand burnished with river stones
Gua...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Other
Dimensional Black Carved Bone Box
Located in New York, NY
Handcrafted keepsake, desk box featuring hand carved diamond shaped black bone tiles, lined in wood. A great accessory for a desk or a coffee table.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Bone, Wood
Set of 3 Xalitla Box by Onora
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 3 Xalitla box by Onora
Dimensions: 25 x 20 cm
Materials: Freehand painted wood
Hand painted tea box from Xalitla, Guerrero. The scenes painted on each piece portray every...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Wood
Contemporary Black Alligator Poker Game Set
By IMPATIA
Located in Milan, IT
With a continued desire to push the boundaries of luxury design within the game table industry, IMPATIA unveils a brand new contemporary poker set crafted from Mississippiensis allig...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Chrome
Guaje Tema Filigrana Gourd by Onora
Located in Geneve, CH
Guaje tema filigrana gourd by Onora
One of a Kind
Dimensions: 40 cm
Materials: Gourd, natural pigments mixed with chia oil and then hand burnished with river stones
Collection ...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Other
Xalitla Box by Onora
Located in Geneve, CH
Xalitla box by Onora
Dimensions: 25 x 20 cm
Materials: Freehand painted wood
Hand painted tea box from Xalitla, Guerrero. The scenes painted on each piece portray everyday life ...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Wood
Guaje Oli Gourd by Onora
Located in Geneve, CH
Guaje oli gourd by Onora
Dimensions: 37 x 25 cm
Materials: Gourd, Natural pigments mixed with chia oil and then hand burnished with river stones
Gua...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Other
Guaje Tema Filigrana Gourd by Onora
Located in Geneve, CH
Guaje Tema Filigrana Gourd by Onora
One of a Kind
Dimensions: D 28 x 24 cm
Materials: Gourd, Natural pigments mixed with chia oil and then hand burnished with river stones
Coll...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Other
Modern Glass Swizzle Stick Bar Set Presented in an Agate Decorated Lucite Box
By Egg Designs
Located in Bothas Hill, KZN
These modern hand forged glass swizzle sticks have a clear glass stem with zebra striped glass heads. They are presented in a Lucite box decorated...
Category
2010s South African Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Quartz, Brass
Modern Copper Straw Bar Set Presented in an Agate Decorated Lucite Box
By Egg Designs
Located in Bothas Hill, KZN
These modern copper straws are presented in a Lucite box decorated with a Rose Quartz Agate cabochon.
This unique and bespoke copper straw set is part of the Egg Designs Dawa luxury bar set collection and will be a great addition to any home cocktail bar...
Category
2010s South African Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Quartz, Copper, Brass
Modern Etched Brass Coaster Bar Set Presented in an Agate Decorated Lucite Box
By Egg Designs
Located in Bothas Hill, KZN
These modern brass coasters are etched with a snakeskin animal pattern and are presented in a Lucite box decorated with a Rose Quartz Agate cabochon.
This unique and bespoke coaster set is part of the Egg Designs Dawa luxury bar set collection and will be a great addition to any home cocktail...
Category
2010s South African Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Quartz, Brass
1970s Italian Bamboo Handle Box in Metal and Plexiglass
Located in Milan, IT
A Beautiful 1970s Faux Bamboo handle box in Nickeld Brass and Plexiglass.
A Gem from the 1970s Bling Disco period.
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Nickel
Albert Dahan for Vallauris, Unique Lidded Box in Glazed Stoneware, Ca 1970
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Albert Dahan for Vallauris. Unique lidded chest in glazed stoneware.
Beautiful glaze in shades of blue.
Ca. 1970.
Measures: 21 x 16 cm.
Height: 13.5 cm.
In excellent condition...
Category
1970s French Vintage Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Stoneware
Xalitla Box by Onora
Located in Geneve, CH
Xalitla box by Onora
Dimensions: 25 x 20 cm
Materials: Freehand painted wood
Hand painted tea box from Xalitla, Guerrero. The scenes painted on each piece portray everyday life ...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Wood
Xalitla Box by Onora
Located in Geneve, CH
Xalitla box by Onora
Dimensions: 25 x 20 cm
Materials: Freehand painted wood
Hand painted tea box from Xalitla, Guerrero. The scenes painted on each piece portray everyday life ...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Wood
Guaje Flores Gourd by Onora
Located in Geneve, CH
Guaje Flores Gourd by Onora
One of a Kind
Dimensions: 40 cm
Materials: Gourd, Natural pigments mixed with chia oil and then hand burnished with river stones
Monumental one of a...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Other
20th Century Blue and White Stoneware Ceramic Decorativ Ebox by C Poulsen, 1980
Located in Neuilly-en- sancerre, FR
Charlotte Poulsen - La Borne
Unique piece signed at the base
Original stoneware ceramic decorative box by Charlotte Poulsen
Blue and white colors
Original perfect conditi...
Category
Late 20th Century French Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Carved Wood Villagers Trinket Box
Located in Countryside, IL
Carved wood villagers trinket box
This box measures: 21 wide x 11 deep x 10 inches high
This box is in good vintage condition with one hinge in need of repair, key is attached...
Category
2010s American Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Wood
Japanese Kazaribako Glass Box by Kyohei Fujita
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Kazaribako "Ornamented Box" made of glass by Japanese artist Kyohei Fujita (1921-2004) circa 1990. Graduated from the Tokyo Academy of Arts, Department of Metal Crafts at nineteen. At twenty-six he entered the Iwata Glass...
Category
1990s Japanese Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Art Glass
Stanley Szwarc Stainless Steel Rectangular Large Box Vintage
Located in North Miami, FL
This fabulous long and unusual rectangular box is polished satin stainless steel. The dimensions of the work on top have flower like bursts in Industrial and floral forms. It is not ...
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Stainless Steel
Studio Pottery Storage or Vase Vessel with Lid
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A black Glazed Studio pottery piece with lid that works well as a vase or could be used on a desk or work station to hold pens, papers or e...
Category
20th Century Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Pottery
Contemporary Iridescent Pearl Crystal Bowl, Brass and Gold 24 Kt by Ghirò Studio
By Ghirò Studio
Located in Pieve Emanuele, Milano
2021 Collection of covered bowls by Ghirò Studio.
This covered bowl is one of a kind. The material used and the artisanal and artistic workmanship make it unrepeatable. In fact, two...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Gold, Brass
Modern Marble Trinket Box
Located in New York, NY
Modern marble trinket box in black veined Egyptian marble, with label on bottom.
Category
20th Century Egyptian Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Marble
Ghidini 1961 Knotted Cherry Medium Box in Copper-Plated Brass by Nika Zupanc
Located in Villa Carcina, IT
Fiasco. Guilt. Fear of love. A place to hide all the things we secretly desire yet are too scared to utter. The luscious things the perfect lover knows are never to be told. She drea...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Copper
Ghidini 1961 Knotted Cherry Small Box in Brass by Nika Zupanc
Located in Villa Carcina, IT
Fiasco. Guilt. Fear of love. A place to hide all the things we secretly desire yet are too scared to utter. The luscious things the perfect lover knows are never to be told. She drea...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass
Hyaline Quartz Brass Box
Located in Milan, IT
A whimsical interplay of form and material, this exquisite box showcases a rectangular silhouette in polished nickel-plated brass and a sublime hyaline quartz...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Other
Orbicular Jasper Chest
By Didoni
Located in Milan, IT
Boasting a modern flair, this small chest with hinged lid is manufactured with the distinct and alluring orbicular jasper. Reminiscent of a volcanic eruption, spots, and shades of wh...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Precious Stone
Playful Large Pink and Gray Box
Located in Milan, IT
This glamorous box fashioned of prized crystal couples a variety of different uses with a stunning aesthetic made to impress. A densely fluted texture enlivens the whole silhouette, which features a gray-hued lid with a clear, spherical finial, protecting the contents tucked in the bright pink storage...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Crystal
Large Brass Beetle Secret Box
Located in Milan, IT
Crafted in brass and lined in velvet, this original box by Florentine luxury experts Badari features a Hercules beetle topper, ready to face any intruder. An eye-catching accent for ...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass
Luxury Crocodile Billiards Game Set with Chrome & Glass Detailing
By IMPATIA
Located in Milan, IT
With a continued desire to push the boundaries of luxury design within the game table industry, IMPATIA unveils a brand new contemporary billiards set crafted from genuine crocodile ...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Chrome
Karl Springer White Snake Skin Lidded Box with Semi Precious Stone, 1970s
Located in New York, NY
Artisan box in white snake skin on outside with a semi-precious stone on top by Karl Springer, American 1970's. The craftsmanship on Springer’s pieces is unsurpassed.
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Multi-gemstone
Playful Large Purple/Clear Box
Located in Milan, IT
Stylish and elegant, this square box is a flattering accent for a side table or vanity desk, best for storing treats for guests, trinkets, or precious jewelry. The body in pure cryst...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Crystal
Twist Large Crystal Box
Located in Milan, IT
Stunning in its simplicity, this clear crystal box is an expression of rare artisanal craftsmanship. Finely etched grooves following a twisted movement enliven its cylindrical silhouette, creating a tactile texture and mesmerizing optical detail further enhanced by the glistening edges in nickel-plated bronze. A matching lid...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Crystal
Yellow Quartz Brass Box
Located in Milan, IT
Bridging innovative craftsmanship with refined materials, this elegant box is a sculptural object of understated luxury. The square silhouette, made of polished gilt-plated brass, features a distinctive lid in vibrant yellow quartz...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Other
Twist Large Purple Box
Located in Milan, IT
A captivating and well-balanced interplay of colors and textures makes this round box in fine purple crystal a superb accent piece. Topped by a clear, spherical handle, the cylindric...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Crystal
1994's Ancella Armchair project by M. Lovi for Giovannetti Collezioni
Located in Casalguidi, IT
A unique bedroom armachair - elegant, comfortable and functional at the same time. Ancella is suitable for the bedroom and dressing-room.
Beechwood frame. Shape-retaining polyuretha...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Small Caracol Keepsake Box in Silver Bronze and White Marble from Elan Atelier
By Elan Atelier
Located in New York, NY
Caracol keepsake box is comprised of a hand carved base in black or white marble with a solid old gold bronze or matte silver bronze top. An elegant vide-poche or jewelry box.
Smal...
Category
2010s European Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Square Brown Leather Box
Located in New York, NY
Square brown wood box covered in fur with a lift-off cover.
Category
20th Century American Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Wood, Fur, Leather
Bespoke Orange Alligator Backgamoon Chip Set Box
By IMPATIA
Located in Milan, IT
With a continued desire to push the boundaries of luxury design within the game table industry, IMPATIA unveils a brand new contemporary Backgammon chip...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Chrome
Small Chest in Quartz
By Didoni
Located in Milan, IT
Inspired by the Italian Renaissance, this splendid small rectangular chest boasts a sophisticated and eclectic allure. Meticulously manufactured, it combines three refined gemstones: lapis lazuli on the checked top, mother of pearl enhancing the edges on the hinged lid, and a splendidly green malachite making up the sides of the piece. The base of this small chest...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Quartz
Twist Small Crystal Box
Located in Milan, IT
The timeless allure of clear crystal meets elegant textural details and pure volumes in this sublime crystal box. Equipped with a matching lid featuring ...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Crystal
Snake Rectangular Box
Located in Milan, IT
A symbol of rebirth, the snake motif is the decorative focus of this luxury box in fine, clear crystal. A subtly scaled design enlivens the box's sides, cre...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Crystal
American Cowhide and Brass Box
Located in New York, NY
American cowhide upholstered box with brass nail heads.
Category
20th Century American Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass
Playful Large Purple and Yellow Box
Located in Milan, IT
Mysterious and elegant with a playful personality, this crystal box with lid is marked by an impactful aesthetic, ideal to keep accessory favorites organized in a luxury case. An int...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Crystal
Rectangular Dark Gray Leather Box
Located in New York, NY
Contemporary rectangular dark gray leather box with two large brass hinges (Made in Italy).
Category
20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass
Oscar Tusquets Contemporary Leather Starry Pyramid Limited Edition
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Starry Pyramid by Oscar Tusquets and Pere Ventura for Exhibition-event Homo Faber celebrada en Venezia septiembre 2018.
Limited edition of 8
A pyramid shaped tabernacle.
Leather covered faces...
Category
2010s Spanish Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Leather
Small Brass Beetle Secret Box
Located in Milan, IT
Lined in velvet and topped with a beetle, this box has everything required to keep precious objects safe. An eye-catching accent for any space, the brass box is designed and crafted ...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass
Maitland Smith Leather Wrapped Lidded Jewelry Box
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Maitland Smith brown leather decoration embellished with an embossed silver tone pattern, interior lined with brown lacquer.
Category
1980s Philippine Vintage Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Leather
Twist Small Purple Box
Located in Milan, IT
This precious box in fine crystal is a glamorous and sleek take on traditional crystal pieces. The enthralling conflict between the gold-plated bronze edges, the purple-hued body, an...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Crystal
Snake Large Round Box
Located in Milan, IT
Also available in a smaller variant, this exclusive, round box is inspired by the symbolism and hypnotizing charm of snakes. Fashioned of clear crystal boasting a pleasant scaled texture, this luxury design is distinguished by a bronze snake plated...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Crystal
"Rettangolare" Leather Box Designed by Oscar Maschera
Located in Brooklyn, NY
"Rettangolare" is a leather box, designed and manufactured by Oscar Maschera. Genuine Italian leather vegetable tanned. Colors combination to be chosen from the available range: tan,...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Leather
Maitland Smith Tessellated Marble and Tortoise Shell Box
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Maitland Smith tessellated stone box with a mother of pearl finial handle. The interior of the box is lined with a black felt and has a removable lid. The box rests on sterling silver ball and claw feet as well as the entirety of the box is framed with a sterling silver border.
History and craftsmanship for nearly four decades Maitland-Smith has been in the business of creating exquisite and unique decorative accessories, lighting and accent furniture and elegant mirrors from our La Barge Collection. Founded by a London antiques dealer with the eye of a connoisseur, Maitland-Smith has carried on the tradition of creating stunning accents for the home of the highest quality. From the beginning, our many workrooms have been artisan based and employ time-honored techniques developed before the machine age. Many of these skills date back to the world’s earliest civilizations, and are associated with Fine quality furniture and decorative arts. Maitland-Smith is well-known for many handcrafted specialties, including hand carved tropical mahogany, handcut and inlaid exotic wood veneers, lost wax cast metal mounts and decorative objects, as well as, traditional vegetable tanned and hand-tooled leather. Other areas of expertise include finely executed porcelains, sophisticated finishing techniques, and detailed hand painting. Maitland Smith draws inspiration from great works from the 18th, 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries and in collaboration with design partners Tony Duquette Studios and its president, Hutton Wilkinson and also Celerie Kemble, Donald Bustraan...
Category
Late 20th Century Philippine Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Stone, Marble, Sterling Silver
Snake Small Round Box
Located in Milan, IT
This sophisticated box in prized, clear crystal pays homage to snakes, its scaled texture etched to imitate their skin. Rendered in a fierce pose channeling a sense of dynamic tension, a bronze snake plated...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Crystal
Large Hollywood Chewing Gum Advertising Display Suitcase
Located in Antwerp, BE
Vintage original Hollywood Chewing Gum display suitcase - Advertising display.
This Large suitcase for the French brand of Hollywood Chewing Gum, since 19...
Category
Late 20th Century French Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Plastic
Modern decorative boxes for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Modern decorative 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 decorative boxes created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Modern decorative boxes made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and North America pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original decorative boxes, popular names associated with this style include AIREDELSUR, Lusitanus Home, Greenapple, and Paola Valle. 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 decorative boxes differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $27 and tops out at $82,000 while the average work can sell for $989.
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