Modern 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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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.
1
473
202
44
to
49
320
277
719
403
500
1,023
719
676
657
254
206
167
158
122
110
104
97
85
72
66
53
37
28
1
2
199
517
8
33
116
2
1
2
4
14
38
27
14
Height
to
Width
to
323
269
120
88
83
454
253
123
68
52
80
29
24
21
17
Style: Modern
Silver Box with Deer Ornament on Lid, circa 1940
Located in New York City, NY
Silver Box with Deer Ornament on Lid, France, c. 1940
Elegant silver plated box with a sitting stag adorning the top.
Additional Information:
Materials: Silver Plated Metal
Origin:...
Category
20th Century French Modern Boxes
Materials
Metal
Tessellated Marble Dome Top Box
Located in Norwalk, CT
Artfully crafted dome top box with inset panels of colored marble separated by brass bands. The inside of the box is lined with soft felt. Lid connected with a solid brass chain. In ...
Category
1980s Unknown Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Marble, Brass
Elie Bleu France Shagreen Eight Compartment Cufflink or Ring Box, ca 2000s
By Bergdorf Goodman, Elie Bleu
Located in Cathedral City, CA
This gorgeous cufflink or ring box has eight compartments, suitable for 8 rings or 8 pairs of cufflinks. It is made of shagreen with silver inlay and fine wood interior and suede lin...
Category
Early 2000s French Modern Boxes
Materials
Silver, Stainless Steel
Set of Twelve Black Shagreen Napkin Rings by Fabio Ltd
By Fabio Ltd.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian black shagreen and stainless steel napkin rings with matching black leather boxes designed by Fabio Bergomi for Fabio Ltd / Made in Italy
Each ring has diameter 1.5 inches a...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Stainless Steel
Set of Two Travertine Marble & Resin Stack Sphere Sculptures by Paola Valle
By Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Our stack sphere sculptures can be used as a decorative element on a coffee table, bookshelf, console etc. Their warm hue and curved lines add the right amount of visual interest without overwhelming additional decor. The mix of marble and resin make an incredible combo, a mix that is modern, fun and harmonious. You can place the small sphere on top of the big one or you can separate them and create a new piece.
They are sold by set of two in different sizes.
Material: travertine marble and traslucid brown with marbled brown resin
Measurements:
Small: Travertine sphere...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Boxes
Materials
Travertine
Set of Twelve Red Shagreen Napkin Rings by Fabio Ltd
By Fabio Ltd.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian red shagreen and stainless steel napkin rings with matching red leather boxes designed by Fabio Bergomi for Fabio Ltd / Made in Italy
Each ring has diameter 1.5 inches and wi...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Stainless Steel
Agresti Il Mio Tempo Ebano Italian Lacquered Modern Wood Watch Storage Box Locks
By Agresti
Located in Dayton, OH
Serious watch collectors only need apply for this last offering from Agresti Firenze. A stunning wooden watch chest, in polished ebony, Il Mio Tempo Ebano ...
Category
Late 20th Century Modern Boxes
Materials
Ebony, Lacquer
Alfred Dunhill Germany 1990 Decorative Desk Box In Black Leather & Chromed Steel
By Dunhill
Located in Miami, FL
Desk box designed by Dunhill.
Beautiful decorative vintage desk box, created in Germany for Alfred Dunhill, back in the 1990. It was made up in shiny black leather with a discrete f...
Category
1990s German Modern Boxes
Materials
Chrome, Steel
Modern Tessellated Stone Inlaid Pyramid Hinged Box
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Modern Tessellated Stone Inlaid Pyramid Hinged Box
Add a touch of modern elegance into your space with this captivating Modern Tessellated Stone Inlaid Pyramid Hinged Box. This pie...
Category
Late 20th Century Modern Boxes
Materials
Stone
Handpainted Limoges Porcelain Egg Box for Asprey
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine diminutive porcelain dresser or vanity box.
By Limoges for Asprey.
In the size and shape of an egg. Decorated with handpainted green plants, blue devices, and extensive ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Boxes
Materials
Porcelain
Elongated Octagonal Lidded Tessellated Bone Box in the Style of Enrique Garcel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A well crafted wooden Octagonal box with Tessellated bone inlay - lidded and ready for many different contents, from desk accessories to television remotes, jewelry, letters, memento...
Category
20th Century Modern Boxes
Materials
Bone, Wood
Chrome and Tortoiseshell Lucite Decorative Box, 1970s
Located in Atlanta, GA
This decorative lidded box is perfect for living space or vanity and was crafted in the 1970s. The piece boasts a chrome-plated framing with Lucite in a tortoiseshell (tortoise) text...
Category
1970s French Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Metal, Chrome
21st Century Luxury 125 Piece Walnut Poker Set
Located in Oakhurst, NJ
Introducing the epitome of luxury in game nights – our Walnut Poker Set Box. Crafted from 100% walnut hardwood, this exquisite box boasts Brusso brass hardwa...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Boxes
Materials
Walnut
Glaciar Large Silver Alpaca & Bordeaux Onyx Stone Box
By AIREDELSUR
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
Glaciar collection is meticulously handcrafted by our local artisans with these rectangular onyx pieces set around alpaca silver flower vases, boxes and trays.
Our pieces are made...
Category
2010s South American Modern Boxes
Materials
Onyx, Stone, Metal
Hand-made Ceramic Jackal Novelty Box, made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Jackal Novelty Box by Senzo Duma Ceramic Arts. Hand sculpted by Lefu Thebe and hand painted by Sindi in South Africa. Measuring 3 inches high 3 inches in length and 3 inches in width.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Glaciar Small Silver Alpaca & Bordeaux Onyx Stone Box
By AIREDELSUR
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
Glaciar collection is meticulously handcrafted by our local artisans with these rectangular onyx pieces set around alpaca silver flower vases, boxes and trays.
Our pieces are made b...
Category
2010s South American Modern Boxes
Materials
Onyx, Stone, Metal
Blue/White Incised Horn Box
Located in New York, NY
Modernist graphic patterned blue and white bone box with hand incised horn tiles. Wood interior.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Modern Boxes
Materials
Bone, Horn, Wood
SET Glaciar Small, Large, Silver Alpaca & Bordeaux Onyx Stone Box
By AIREDELSUR
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
Measurements :
7.8" x 4.7" x 3.5"
10.6" x5.5" x 3.5"
Glaciar collection is meticulously handcrafted by our local artisans with these rectangular onyx pieces set around alpaca silver...
Category
2010s South American Modern Boxes
Materials
Onyx, Stone, Metal
Tronador Rectangular Blue Onyx Stone Box
By AIREDELSUR
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
The shape of the inactive Tronador volcano reminded us of the pyramid shaped idea of our boxes that make up this collection. With a rectangular or square base, the box is a reflectio...
Category
2010s Argentine Modern Boxes
Materials
Stone, Onyx
Tronador Square Cream Onyx Stone Box
By AIREDELSUR
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
The shape of the inactive Tronador volcano reminded us of the pyramid shaped idea of our boxes that make up this collection. With a rectangular or square base, the box is a reflectio...
Category
2010s Argentine Modern Boxes
Materials
Stone, Onyx
SET Tafi Onyx Oval Boxes, Silver Alpaca & Onyx Stone
By AIREDELSUR
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
7.5" x 3.5" x2"
8" x 4" x2.3"
9" x4.5" x 2.5"
Tafi oval box, it is made entirely by hand in alpaca metal and onyx stone. It comes in three different sizes and you can choose between...
Category
2010s Argentine Modern Boxes
Materials
Stone, Onyx
scatola con penne, anni 90
Located in Felino, IT
scatola portapenne in legno, con 20 penne stilografiche e a sfera miste. usate, ma tutte in ottime condizioni. le penne sono descritte nelle foto allegate. varie marche e vari stili....
Category
1990s Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Plastic, Wood
Tronador Square Bordeaux Onyx Stone Box
By AIREDELSUR
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
The shape of the inactive Tronador volcano reminded us of the pyramid shaped idea of our boxes that make up this collection. With a rectangular or square base, the box is a reflectio...
Category
2010s Argentine Modern Boxes
Materials
Stone, Onyx
Italian Green Alabaster Marble Jewelry or Decorative Box, circa 1970s
Located in New York, NY
An Italian '70s modern green alabaster marble jewelry box, circa 1970s, Italy. Great as a standalone piece, for jewelry (as demonstrated), or other items on a nightstand table, vanit...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Alabaster, Marble
Karl Springer Lidded Box with Artisan Lacquered Exterior 1970s
Located in New York, NY
Exquisitely hand-lacquered lidded box with wood motif exterior and interior covered in beige suede by Karl Springer, American 1970's. This box is meticulously crafted. Springer had...
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Suede, Wood, Lacquer
Japanese Kazaribako Glass Box Rare Hagoromo Kyohei Fujita
Located in Atlanta, GA
A brilliant Kazaribako "Ornamented Box" made of glass by Japanese artist Kyohei Fujita (1921-2004) circa 1990s. The hand-blown green glass box features an unusual form in rectangular...
Category
1990s Japanese Modern Boxes
Materials
Silver
TRONADOR Rectangular Brown Onyx Stone Box
By AIREDELSUR
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
The shape of the inactive Tronador volcano reminded us of the pyramid shaped idea of our boxes that make up this collection. With a rectangular or square base, the box is a reflectio...
Category
2010s Argentine Modern Boxes
Materials
Stone, Onyx
English Stitched Saddle Leather Three-Section Watch Box
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
English Stitched Saddle Leather Three-Section Watch Box
England, Later 20th Century
Elevate your watch collection with this English stitched saddle leather three-section watch box,...
Category
Late 20th Century English Modern Boxes
Materials
Silver Plate, Magnets
Set/2 Boxes, Aged Silver, Handmade in Portugal by Lusitanus Home
By Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Madagáscar Boxes, Lusitanus Home Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Lusitanus Home.
Madagáscar box set includes two wooden boxes, perfect to be displayed together and e...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
Set/5 Ceramic Pots, White & Grey, Handmade in Portugal by Lusitanus Home
Located in Lisboa, PT
Graham pots, Lusitanus Home Collection, handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Lusitanus Home.
This beautiful set includes three waterproof ceramic pots with lid, perfect to be displ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Modern Serving Tray Calacatta Marble Walnut Handmade Portugal Lusitanus Home
Located in Lisboa, PT
Guadiana serving tray, Lusitanus Home Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Lusitanus Home.
Guadiana is a sublime serving tray, designed to uplift layback moments. Handcra...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Boxes
Materials
Marble
Modern Serving Tray Calacatta Marble Oak Handmade Portugal Lusitanus Home
Located in Lisboa, PT
Guadiana serving tray, Lusitanus Home Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Lusitanus Home.
Guadiana is a sublime serving tray, designed to uplift layback moments. Handcra...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Boxes
Materials
Marble
Modern Serving Tray Calacatta Marble Eucalyptus Handmade Portugal Lusitanus Home
Located in Lisboa, PT
Guadiana serving tray, Lusitanus Home Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Lusitanus Home.
Guadiana is a sublime serving tray, designed to uplift layback moments. Handcra...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Boxes
Materials
Marble
Modern Serving Tray Calacatta Marble Eucalyptus Handmade Portugal Lusitanus Home
Located in Lisboa, PT
Guadiana serving tray, Lusitanus Home Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Lusitanus Home.
Guadiana is a sublime serving tray, designed to uplift layback moments. Handcra...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Boxes
Materials
Marble
Modern Serving Tray Calacatta Marble Ebony Handmade Portugal Lusitanus Home
Located in Lisboa, PT
Guadiana serving tray, Lusitanus Home Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Lusitanus Home.
Guadiana is a sublime serving tray, designed to uplift layback moments. Handcra...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Boxes
Materials
Marble
Beige Resin Terrazo Bathroom Set by Paola Valle
By Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Terrazzo bathroom set handcrafted in resin and marble. This unique mix of materials creates trendy pieces that will add visual interest to your bath space, and the minimalist design brings modern touch to any space. This set includes everything you need to upgrade the look and feel of your bathroom, helping you maintain a clean and organized space.
Light colors provide a clean look that mixes easily with existing decor.
The set can be customized, please contact us for further information.
Set includes:
1 Round toothbrush holder
1 Round Liquid soap dispenser...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Boxes
Materials
Marble
Decorative box or planter with vintage Italian ash tray in gilded metal briar
Located in Milano, IT
Let me introduce you to an elegant vintage Italian decorative set from the 1970s. This exquisite duo comprises a decorative box, or planter, and an ashtray, both crafted with meticul...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Metal
Large Japanese Kazaribako Glass Box Ancient Captial Kyohei Fujita
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Kazaribako "Ornamented Box" made of glass by Japanese artist Kyohei Fujita (1921-2004) circa 1990s. The hand-blown glass box is substantial in size and weight. It features a hexago...
Category
1990s Japanese Modern Boxes
Materials
Silver
Po Shun Leong Handcrafted Koa Wood Box, USA, 1986
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
Po Shun Leong Handcrafted Koa Wood Box, USA, 1986. Signed to the bottom.
Category
20th Century American Modern Boxes
Materials
Wood
Jewelry or Storage Boxes, Set of 2
Located in New York, NY
A set of two (2) white/cream hue resin laminate over wood jewelry or storage boxes. A matching/coordinating set of boxes convenient for holding jewelry (as ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Boxes
Materials
Laminate, Wood
Karl Springer "Molding Box" in Multicolor Lacquers 1970s
Located in New York, NY
Hinged “Molding Box” with multi-colored lacquer design and dark green suede interior by Karl Springer, American 1970's. Springer’s superb lacquer work and attention to detail make t...
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Chrome
Watch Box in Oak with Oak Burl Lid
Located in Edinburgh, GB
6 Watch box in Scottish oak, with veneered oak burl lid. The box is finished with solid rosewood edge banding and beautifully figured book-matched walnut on the underside of the lid....
Category
2010s Scottish Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
Novelty Solid Silver Box by Theo Fennell - 1986
Located in Bath, GB
A highly collectable heavy, solid sterling silver box signed on the underside by the famed London silversmith and Jeweller, Theo Fennel.
The box is hand crafted in the form of a tru...
Category
1990s British Modern Boxes
Materials
Sterling Silver
Late XIXth Century Metal Safe Box
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Vintage safe box manufactured by an unknown designer.
Not working, to be used as a decorative case or to be restorated,
Manufactured in Spain, circa...
Category
Late 19th Century Spanish Antique Modern Boxes
Materials
Mirror, Wood
Set/3 Porcelain Vases, DiaoChan Vases, White, Handmolded & Hand Decorated
Located in Lisboa, PT
Set/3 DiaoChan Porcelain Vases, Lusitanus Home Collection by Lusitanus Home.
Real chinese porcelain vase produced by hand with traditional methods. Waterproof. The nacre finish make...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Boxes
Materials
Porcelain
Set/2 Porcelain Vases, Tang Vases, White, Handmolded & Hand Decorated
Located in Lisboa, PT
Set/2 Tang Porcelain Vases, Lusitanus Home Collection by Lusitanus Home.
Real chinese porcelain vase produced by hand with traditional methods. Waterproof. The nacre finish makes ea...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Boxes
Materials
Porcelain
Rino Pirovano for Rexite, Italy. 900 Multiplor. Container in red plastic
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Rino Pirovano for Rexite, Italy. 900 Multiplor.
Container in red plastic with four compartments.
1970s/80s.
Designed in 1977.
In very good condition, lid with two interior chips.
Mar...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Plastic
Channeled Small Grey Bone Box
By Global Views
Located in Norwalk, CT
A small bone box in shades of grey with a faint hint of blue. This box is hand assembled and hand dyed by artisans. The half round bone segments have been hand pieced to reveal a cha...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Boxes
Materials
Bone
Vintage Enzo Mari Travertine And Brass Hinged Box Italian
By Enzo Mari
Located in North Miami, FL
This vintage Italian travertine and brass hinged box is by the architect Enzo Mari. Great desk accessory and cocktail table addition. Very well made. From the 70's.
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Travertine, Brass
Watch Box in Scottish Elm with Maple and Walnut Basket-Weave Parquetry lid
Located in Edinburgh, GB
6 Watch box in Scottish elm, with a hand cut parquetry lid in ripple maple and walnut in a basket weave pattern inspired by guilloche watch dials....
Category
2010s Scottish Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
Marble and Onyx Jewelry Box or Decorative Vanity Box
Located in New York, NY
A substantial white marble and onyx-agate jewelry box or decorative vanity box. Box is square, predominately white marble, with an onyx-agate square surrounded by chrome lid detail. ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Boxes
Materials
Onyx, Marble, Metal, Chrome
Italian Burl Jewelry Box
Located in New York, NY
An Italian jewelry box in the modern style, circa late-20th century, Italy. Box is wood with a burl veneer and velvet lining. Box has two compartments,...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Velvet, Wood, Burl
Agresti Cassette Del Tempo Chest for 9 Watches
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Chest for 9 watches. Available in elm briar or polished ebony.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Wood
Agresti Oro Jewelry Chest
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Lockable jewelry chest with 5 drawers, two pullout / pull-out necklace bars, and lined in ultra-suede. Accessories in 24 karats gold plated brass...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
Channeled Large Grey Bone Box
By Global Views
Located in Norwalk, CT
A large bone box in shades of grey with a faint hint of blue. This box is hand assembled and hand dyed by artisans. The half round bone segments have been hand pieced to reveal a cha...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Boxes
Materials
Bone
American Modernist Geometric Inlaid Two-Tone Wood Lidded Bucket /Vessel, 1950s
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
American Modernist Geometric Inlaid Two-Tone Wood Lidded Bucket /Vessel, 1950s
Presenting a tour de force of unknown American modern design, this inlaid two-tone wood lidded bucke...
Category
20th Century American Modern Boxes
Materials
Ash, Pine, Walnut
Vintage Silver Plate, Brass and Ebonized Wood Hinged Box Italian
Located in North Miami, FL
This stunning vintage Italian silver-plate, brass and wood hinged box is a beauty. The twisted brass rope design on the bottom is an interesting element that refines and raises the b...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Silver Plate, Brass
Vintage Signed Silver Plate Textural Hinged Box
Located in North Miami, FL
This lovely vintage silver plate hinged textural small box is signed Raimond. We were advised it was French. It has a black velvet interior. It was re- silver plated and then recentl...
Category
1970s French Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Silver Plate
Modern boxes for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Modern 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, case pieces and storage cabinets, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Modern 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 boxes, popular names associated with this style include Agresti, AIREDELSUR, Lusitanus Home, and Greenapple. 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 $27 and tops out at $299,000 while the average work can sell for $1,145.
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Ways To Browse
Antique Tortoiseshell Boxes
Brass Box India
Wooden Boxes Walnut
17th Century Wood Box
Inlay Decorative Tray
Limoges France Porcelain Box
Tortoiseshell Inlaid
Antique Tin Cans Tins
Antique Tin Can
Antique Make Up Box
Antique Tin Cans
Vintage Wooden Box
Pill Box Vintage Pill Boxes
Pill Boxes Vintage Pill Boxes
England Tool Box
Chinese Box And Cover
Marquetry Jewelry
Brass Bound Box