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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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 chaircrafted 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
Cornflower/Lilac Bone Box, 12x7
Located in New York, NY
Modernist Cornflower/Hydrangea lavendar bone keepsake box lined in wood. A great addition to any coffee table, bedside or desk.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Boxes

Materials

Bone

Set of 4 Oak Frame 14 Box by Lassen
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 4 oak frame 14 box by Lassen Dimensions: d 10 x w 10 x h 7 cm Materials: Finér, Melamin, Melamine, Metal, Veneer Weight: 1.10 Kg Frame Box is a square box in a cubistic...
Category

2010s Danish Modern Boxes

Materials

Metal, Other

Oak Jewelry Box by Konrad Olejnik
Located in Roeselare, BE
This is an amazing jewelry box. Perfect for storing keys or watches. The box is handmade. Turned from old oak wood. The bright, natural oak color will make you enchanted! Dimensions:...
Category

2010s Belgian Modern Boxes

Materials

Oak

Set of 4 Dark Grey Frame 20 Box by Lassen
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 4 dark grey frame 20 box by Lassen Dimensions: D 20 x W 20 x H 10 cm Materials: melamin, melamine, metal, veneer Weight: 2.00 Kg Frame Box is a square box in a cubistic...
Category

2010s Danish Modern Boxes

Materials

Metal, Other

Set of 4 White Frame 14 Box by Lassen
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 4 white frame 14 box by Lassen Dimensions: d 10 x w 10 x h 7 cm Materials: Finér, Melamin, Melamine, Metal, Veneer Weight: 1.10 Kg Frame box is a square box in a cubist...
Category

2010s Danish Modern Boxes

Materials

Metal, Other

Set of 4 Oak Frame 10 Box by Lassen
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 4 oak frame 10 box by Lassen Dimensions: D 10 x W 10 x H 10 cm Materials: Finér, Melamin, Melamine, Metal, Veneer Weight: 0.85 Kg Frame box is a square box in a cubisti...
Category

2010s Danish Modern Boxes

Materials

Metal, Other

Set of 4 Dark Grey Frame 10 Box by Lassen
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 4 dark grey frame 10 box by Lassen Dimensions: D 10 x W 10 x H 10 cm Materials: finér, melamin, melamine, metal, veneer Weight: 0.85 Kg Frame Box is a square box in a c...
Category

2010s Danish Modern Boxes

Materials

Metal, Other

Set of 4 Black Ash Frame 10 Box by Lassen
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 4 black ash frame 10 box by Lassen Dimensions: D 10 x W 10 x H 10 cm Materials: Finér, Melamin, Melamine, Metal, Veneer Weight: 0.85 Kg Frame Box is a square box in a cubistic shape. The simple boxes are inspired by the Kubus candleholder by Mogens Lassen, that are based on strict mathematical formulas and designed with the greatest precision. The Frame boxes are available in three sizes: 10, 14 and 20, which can be combined to exactly match your storage needs. The cubistic boxes can be easily stacked on top of each other, as the handle contains a spring function, which is easily pressed down when a box is stacked on top of another box. The Frame boxes provide a flexible storage solution – perfect for storing office accessories...
Category

2010s Danish Modern Boxes

Materials

Metal, Other

Set of 4 Light Grey Frame 10 Box by Lassen
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 4 light grey frame 10 box by Lassen Dimensions: d 10 x w 10 x h 10 cm Materials: Finér, Melamin, Melamine, Metal, Veneer Weight: 0.85 Kg Frame box is a square box in a ...
Category

2010s Danish Modern Boxes

Materials

Metal, Other

Set of 4 White Frame 10 Box by Lassen
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 4 white frame 10 box by Lassen Dimensions: d 10 x w 10 x h 10 cm Materials: Finér, Melamin, Melamine, Metal, Veneer Weight: 0.85 Kg Frame box is a square box in a cubistic shape. The simple boxes are inspired by the Kubus candleholder by Mogens Lassen, that are based on strict mathematical formulas and designed with the greatest precision. The Frame boxes are available in three sizes: 10, 14 and 20, which can be combined to exactly match your storage needs. The cubistic boxes can be easily stacked on top of each other, as the handle contains a spring function, which is easily pressed down when a box is stacked on top of another box. The Frame boxes provide a flexible storage solution – perfect for storing office accessories...
Category

2010s Danish Modern Boxes

Materials

Metal, Other

Set of 4 Black Ash Frame 14 Box by Lassen
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 4 black ash frame 14 box by Lassen Dimensions: D 10 x W 10 x H 7 cm Materials: Finér, Melamin, Melamine, Metal, Veneer Weight: 1.10 Kg Frame Box is a square box in a cu...
Category

2010s Danish Modern Boxes

Materials

Metal, Other

Set of 4 Smoked Oak Frame 14 Box by Lassen
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 4 smoked oak frame 14 box by Lassen Dimensions: D 10 x W 10 x H 7 cm Materials: Finér, Melamin, Melamine, Metal, Veneer Weight: 1.10 Kg Frame Box is a square box in a cubistic shape. The simple boxes are inspired by the Kubus candleholder by Mogens Lassen, that are based on strict mathematical formulas and designed with the greatest precision. The Frame boxes are available in three sizes: 10, 14 and 20, which can be combined to exactly match your storage needs. The cubistic boxes can be easily stacked on top of each other, as the handle contains a spring function, which is easily pressed down when a box is stacked on top of another box. The Frame boxes provide a flexible storage solution – perfect for storing office accessories...
Category

2010s Danish Modern Boxes

Materials

Metal, Other

Set of 4 Light Grey Frame 20 Box by Lassen
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 4 light grey frame 20 box by Lassen Dimensions: D 20 x W 20 x H 10 cm Materials: melamin, melamine, metal, veneer Weight: 2.00 Kg Frame Box is a square box in a cubisti...
Category

2010s Danish Modern Boxes

Materials

Metal, Other

Set of 4 Black Ash Frame 20 Box by Lassen
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 4 black ash frame 20 box by Lassen Dimensions: D 20 x W 20 x H 10 cm Materials: Melamin, Melamine, Metal, Veneer Weight: 2.00 Kg Frame Box is a square box in a cubistic...
Category

2010s Danish Modern Boxes

Materials

Metal, 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 Boxes

Materials

Wood

Christofle K&T Silver-Plate 3 Tier Cantilever Box Desk Accessory or Barware
Located in North Miami, FL
This fabulous signed Christofle 3-tiered silver-plate box, desk accessory, cocktail table addition and or barware, serving piece cantilevers out. It was designed by KT Studio in 1998...
Category

1990s French Modern Boxes

Materials

Silver Plate

Walnut Do-Ri Tray by Matthias Scherzinger
Located in Geneve, CH
Walnut Do-Ri tray by Matthias Scherzinger. Dimensions: L 47.4 x W 19.8 x H 6.5 cm. Materials: Europe walnut lacquered inside tin: hard wax. Also available in olive ash and Eur...
Category

2010s German Modern Boxes

Materials

Walnut

Anthracite Carbalho Humidor
Located in Milan, IT
This iconic humidor is part of Maccarone's Essenza collection and can hold up to 150 cigars. Metal accessories in gold brass and high quality gloss veneer enhance this elegant and re...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Gold, Brass

Blue Ocean Humidor
Located in Milan, IT
This iconic humidor is part of Maccarone's Yacht collection and can hold up to 150 cigars. Metal accessories in chromed brass and high gloss mahogany and mapl...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass

Fontana Arte Rare Box Attributed to Max Ingrand, Marked
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful and rare glass and plated metal box with a wooden lining. Acid Marked in glass as shown Fontana Italy.
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Glass

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 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 Boxes

Materials

Wood

Pair of Small Oli Mitzli Box by Onora
Located in Geneve, CH
Pair of small Oli Mitzli box by Onora Dimensions: 8 x 8 x 10 cm Materials: Oil mixed with minerals and natural pigments all extracted from the earth Available in white felines w...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Boxes

Materials

Other

Ash Do-Ri Tray by Matthias Scherzinger
Located in Geneve, CH
Ash Do-Ri tray by Matthias Scherzinger. Dimensions: L 47.4 x W 19.8 x H 6.5 cm. Materials: ash: white stained lacquered. inside tin: hard wax. Also available in Olive Ash and ...
Category

2010s German Modern Boxes

Materials

Ash

Tzompantli Box by Onora
Located in Geneve, CH
Tzompantli box by Onora Dimensions: 25 x 25 x 18 cm Materials: carved obsidian or marble. The Tzompantli box references the altars raised in honor of the human sacrifices made t...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Boxes

Materials

Marble

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 Boxes

Materials

Wood

Large Acacia Nun Vase by Matthias Scherzinger
Located in Geneve, CH
Large acacia nun vase by Matthias Scherzinger Limited Edition of 30 pieces, each color each size Engraved brass-label with number Dimensions: L 19 x W 19 x H 73 cm Materials: Aca...
Category

2010s German Modern Boxes

Materials

Wood

Black Olive Ash Do-Ri Tray by Matthias Scherzinger
Located in Geneve, CH
Olive ash Do-Ri tray by Matthias Scherzinger Dimensions: L 47.4 x W 19.8 x H 6.5 cm Materials: olive ash: black stained lacquered inside tin: hard wax   It all began in Glo...
Category

2010s German Modern Boxes

Materials

Ash

Small Acacia Nun Vase by Matthias Scherzinger
Located in Geneve, CH
Small acacia nun vase by Matthias Scherzinger. Limited edition of 30 pieces, each colour each size. Engraved brass-label with number. Dimensions: L 14.5 x W 14.5 x 46 cm. Materia...
Category

2010s German Modern Boxes

Materials

Wood

Large White Ash Nun Vase by Matthias Scherzinger
Located in Geneve, CH
Large white ash nun vase by Matthias Scherzinger. Limited Edition of 30 pieces, each colour each size. Engraved brass-label with number. Dimensions: L 19 x W 19 x H 73 cm. Materi...
Category

2010s German Modern Boxes

Materials

Ash

Unique Jewelry Box by Atelier George
Located in Geneve, CH
Unique jewelry box by Atelier George One of a Kind Dimensions: Ø 90 cm Materials: Handblown glass Also available in ivory and light grey The Moire coll...
Category

2010s French Modern Boxes

Materials

Glass

Set of 3 White Ash Nun Vases by Matthias Scherzinger
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 3 white ash nun vases by Matthias Scherzinger Limited edition of 30 pieces, each colour each size Engraved brass-label with number Dimensions: Small: L 14.5 x W 14.5 x 46 c...
Category

2010s German Modern Boxes

Materials

Ash

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 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 Boxes

Materials

Other

Set of 2 White Ash Nun Vases by Matthias Scherzinger
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 2 white ash nun vases by Matthias Scherzinger. Limited edition of 30 pieces, each colour each size. Engraved brass-label with number. Dimensions: Small: L 14.5 x W 14.5 x 4...
Category

2010s German Modern Boxes

Materials

Ash

Set of 2 Acacia Nun Vases by Matthias Scherzinger
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 2 Acacia Nun vases by Matthias Scherzinger Limited edition of 30 pieces, each colour each size Engraved brass-label with number Dimensions: L 14.5 x W 14.5 x 46 cm L 19 x...
Category

2010s German Modern Boxes

Materials

Wood

Small White Ash Nun Vase by Matthias Scherzinger
Located in Geneve, CH
Large white ash nun vase by Matthias Scherzinger Limited Edition of 30 pieces, each colour each size Engraved brass-label with number Dimensions: L 14.5 x W 14.5 x 46 cm Material...
Category

2010s German Modern Boxes

Materials

Ash

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 Boxes

Materials

Other

Constantin Box, A by Colé Italia
Located in Geneve, CH
Constantin box, A by Colé Italia with Agustina Bottoni Dimensions: H.10/13 Ø 28 cm Materials: Jewel box in brushed solid oak wood stained black; brass knob Also available: B- Ca...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass

Gilded Marble Jewellery Stand
Located in London, GB
The Gilded Jewellery Stand makes organising and displaying your favourite earrings and necklaces simple and sophisticated. Crafted using stainless stee...
Category

2010s Asian Modern Boxes

Materials

Marble, Stainless Steel

21st Century "Caruso" Jewelry Wood Brown Box handmade, Italy
Located in Turin, IT
Caruso wooden box is handmade from precious type of wood in the workshop of Ivan Paradisi Atelier. Its simple, like the famous accompaniment to Caruso song, design doesn’t need more ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Leather, Wood

Ava Box by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Ava box by Fakasaka Design Dimensions: W 16 cm D 16 cm H 28.5 cm Materials: polished bronze. FAKASAKA is a design company focused on production of high-end furniture, lighting,...
Category

2010s Brazilian Modern Boxes

Materials

Bronze

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 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 Boxes

Materials

Other

Ava Box by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Ava box by Fakasaka Design Dimensions: W 16 cm D 16 cm H 28.5 cm Materials: black/brown bronze. FAKASAKA is a design company focused on production of high-end furniture, lighti...
Category

2010s Brazilian Modern Boxes

Materials

Bronze

Eclipse Box by Greg Natale
Located in Sydney,, NSW
The unique Solar collection conjures the spirit of the mystical universe. Natale’s solar candles encompass mysticism and pairs it with clean architectural lines in an evocative and e...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

Continental Silver Filigree Decorative Flower Box
Located in London, GB
A continental silver filigree decorative flower box Continental, Early 20th Century 10cm high x 11cm wide x 7cm deep. This delicate and charming piece,...
Category

20th Century European Modern Boxes

Materials

Silver

Contemporary Decorative Box Handmade Crystal and Boise De Rose by Ghirò Studio
Located in Pieve Emanuele, Milano
2023 Collection of Decorative boxes by Ghiró Studio. The type of craftsmanship and the materials used for the production make this box a unique object, in fact it is impossible to...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Glass, Rosewood

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 Boxes

Materials

Other

Dimensional Triangle Horn Segement Box, Medium
Located in New York, NY
Handmade decorative keepsake box clad in dimensional triangular horn segments, lined in wood. A great addition to any coffee table, dresser or desk.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Boxes

Materials

Horn, 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 Boxes

Materials

Wood

Set/2 Porcelain Pots, Yang Pots, Light Blue, by Lusitanus Home
Located in Lisboa, PT
Set/2 Yang Porcelain Pots, Lusitanus Home Collection by Lusitanus Home. Real chinese porcelain waterproof pots with lids in light-blue, produced by hand with traditional methods. Th...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Boxes

Materials

Porcelain

Natural, Grey Oblong Inlay Box
Located in New York, NY
Handmade natural bone box inlaid with grey bone oblong segments, lined in wood. A great storage solution for your desk or coffee table.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Boxes

Materials

Bone

Aretha Box by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Aretha box by Fakasaka Design Dimensions: W 15 cm D 15 cm H 9.5 cm. Materials: polished bronze. Also available in black/brown bronze. FAKASAKA is a d...
Category

2010s Brazilian Modern Boxes

Materials

Bronze

REM Box by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
REM box by Fakasaka Design Dimensions: W 15.5 cm D 15.5 cm H 13 cm. Materials: polished bronze. FAKASAKA is a design company focused on production of high-end furniture, lighti...
Category

2010s Brazilian Modern Boxes

Materials

Bronze

Mark Small Box by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Mark small box by Fakasaka Design Dimensions: W 10 cm D 10 cm H 6.5 cm. Materials: black/brown bronze. Also available in polished bronze. FAKASAKA is a de...
Category

2010s Brazilian Modern Boxes

Materials

Bronze

Mark Small Box by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Mark small box by Fakasaka Design Dimensions: W 10 cm D 10 cm H 6.5 cm. Materials: polished bronze. Also available in black/brown bronze. FAKASAKA is...
Category

2010s Brazilian Modern Boxes

Materials

Bronze

Joan Small Box by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Joan small box by Fakasaka Design Dimensions: W 10 cm D 10 cm H 6.5 cm. Materials: polished bronze. Also available in black/brown bronze. FAKASAKA is a de...
Category

2010s Brazilian Modern Boxes

Materials

Bronze

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.

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