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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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 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
Bauhaus Arts and Crafts Modernist Large Aluminum Box, circa 1920
Located in Atlanta, GA
This remarkable early 20th-century modernist aluminum box is a true testament to masterful craftsmanship and innovative design. The rare piece was crafted in Germany circa 1920. Its...
Category

Early 20th Century German Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Metal, Aluminum

Pink Panther Collection Royal Orleans Pottery Pink Panther Mounted Box
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A delightful, Japanese licensed Pink Panther Collection lidded box distributed by Royal Orleans and dated 1981. The ceramic box is of large oval form with a fitted slightly domed cov...
Category

1980s Japanese Vintage Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

Vintage Italian Figural Snail Pill Box in White Metal
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Unusual miniature pill box in the shape of a very detailed snail. These were made in Italy circa 1970-90s usually of 800/1000 silver or alpaca/argentan/German silver (an alloy of zin...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Metal

Glaciar Large Silver Alpaca & Bordeaux Onyx Stone Box
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 Decorative Boxes

Materials

Stone, Onyx, Metal

Tronador Square Cream Onyx Stone Box
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 Decorative Boxes

Materials

Stone, Onyx

Early 20th Century Japanese Gold Maki-E Decorated Jubako (Stacking Box)
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Gold Maki-e decorated Jubako (stacking box), Japan, early 20th century. The background urishi lacquer over wood. Natural scenes with a few figures; tea scene on top surface under a f...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

Tronador Rectangular Blue Onyx Stone Box
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 Decorative Boxes

Materials

Stone, Onyx

Tronador Rectangular Cream Onyx Stone Box
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 Decorative Boxes

Materials

Stone, Onyx

Glaciar Large Silver Alpaca & White Onyx Stone Box
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 Decorative Boxes

Materials

Stone, Onyx, Metal

Glaciar Small Silver Alpaca & Bordeaux Onyx Stone Box
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 Decorative Boxes

Materials

Stone, Onyx, Metal

Vintage Italian Villa La Rotonda Lidded Box
Located in Chicago, IL
A love letter in terracotta to one of the Renaissance’s most influential buildings, this vintage Italian lidded box takes the form of Andrea Palladio’s Villa La Rotonda. Every propor...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Terracotta

Tronador Square Blue Onyx Stone Box
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 Decorative Boxes

Materials

Stone, Onyx

Tafi Large Onyx Oval Box
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
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 four different onyx stone colors: black, white/cream, blue or bordeaux Our pieces are made by hand. One of a kind. All natural stones may vary in color. About AIREDELSUR: With its rustic chic personality and the elegant designs of Marcelo Lucini...
Category

2010s Argentine Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Stone, Onyx

Hermès Paris Ormolu and Carnelian Enamel Pill / Trinket Box, 1960s-1980s
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Hermès Paris Ormolu and Carnelian Enamel Pill/Trinket Box, Made in France, circa 1960s–1980s A chic and finely crafted round Hermès Paris box in ormolu with a striking carnelian-red...
Category

20th Century French Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Enamel, Ormolu

Glaciar Small Silver Alpaca & White Onyx Stone Box
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 Decorative Boxes

Materials

Stone, Onyx, Metal

Onyx Marble Jewelry Box Belgium
Located in New York, NY
A very beautiful, substantial, Belgian, modern brown, caramel, and white onyx marble and brass hinged box, circa early to mid-20th century, Belgium. Box is rectangular in shape and c...
Category

Early 20th Century Belgian Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Marble, Onyx, Brass

Hand-Blown Murano Box in Ruby with Brass Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Hand-Blown Murano Box in Ruby with Brass Fittings is a jewel-like objet d’art, designed to captivate with its opulent radiance and modern silhouette. Crafted in Italy by master g...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Brass

United Artists Vintage Roby Mouro Pink Panther Swag Money Box
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A delightful vintage United Artists composite Pink Panther Swag money box signed Roby Mouro and dating from around 1982. The money box is produced under license by the United Artists...
Category

1980s Unknown Vintage Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Composition

Hand Blown Murano Glass Box with 24 Karat Gold Flecks and Brass Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This stunning and angular square shaped, hand-blown Murano glass box is a treasure to behold. Handcrafted on the historic island of Murano, this box exemplifies the artistry and skil...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Brass, Gold Leaf

21st Century Leather Tilting Lid Waste Bin Handmade in Italy
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
A cylindrical and contemporary silhouette with subtle detail. Our round metal bin with tilting lid is perfectly sized for use in the bathroom. More than 30 harmonious shades can be paired with our modern bathroom...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Leather

Tiffany Large & Heavy American Modern Sterling Silver Box
Located in New York, NY
Large and heavy sterling silver desk box. Made by Tiffany in New York. Rectangular with straight sides. Cover flat and hinged with molded rim. Box interior cedar lined and partitione...
Category

1940s American Vintage Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Sterling Silver

White Bone And Brass Keepsake Box
Located in New York, NY
Handmade decorative keepsake, desk box clad in white bone and brass inlay pinstripes.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Brass

Finish Samples by Alessandra Delgado Design
Located in Alto da Lapa, SP
Finishing options for Alessandra Delgado Design products. Choose the samples you want for finishing the product, and check with the store for the cost of sending the chosen samples....
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Steel

Large Pyrimidial Horn Box
Located in New York, NY
Textural keepsake box clad in heat set pyrimidial horn elements. A great addition to any desk or coffee table.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Horn, Wood

A Leather Jewelry Box By Gucci Horsebit ca' 1980's Italy
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A charming jewelry box by Gucci. Dark brown leather with brass horsebit decoration. Beautiful stitching, handmade and signed underneath.
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Brass

Agresti Grande Segreto Armored Jewelry Case
Located in New York, NY
Armored jewelry case with pull out necklace bars. See information below for details of item variations. Gold variation: Shiny gold steel. Inside d...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Steel, Brass

Modernist Hand-Blown Murano Glass Box in Tobacco W/ Polished Brass Fittings
Located in New York, NY
This Modernist Hand-Blown Murano Glass Box in radiant smoked tobacco is a vibrant and elegant accessory, handcrafted in Italy during the 21st century. Meticulously created by Murano ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Brass

Italian Travertine and Brass Decorative Box
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A mid-century modern Italian-style travertine and brass box, blending natural stone with sleek metallic accents. It’s both decorative and functional, used for storing small items whi...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Travertine, Brass

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 Decorative Boxes

Materials

Bone, Wood

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 Decorative Boxes

Materials

Bone, Wood, Horn

Large English Modern Sterling Silver Box
Located in New York, NY
Elizabeth II sterling silver box. Made by Padgett & Braham Ltd in London in 1963. Rectangular with straight sides. Cover hinged with gently curved top and tapering tab. Interior ceda...
Category

1960s English Vintage Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Sterling Silver

Jack Ink – Large Studio Glass Lidded Box Signed "Jack Ink A 2028"
Located in Bochum, NRW
Exceptional studio glass box by renowned American-Austrian artist Jack Ink. Glass with inclusions and cast brass.This unique piece features a sinuous, undulating form with a shallow ...
Category

1980s Austrian Vintage Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Brass

Knotted Tissue Box Square Home Office Accessories By André Fu Living
Located in Admiralty, HK
Description: Tissue box Color: Caramel Size: 14 x 14 x 15 H cm Material: PU Collection: Knotted.
Category

2010s Thai Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Faux Leather

Set of Two Travertine Marble & Resin Stack Sphere Sculptures 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 Decorative Boxes

Materials

Travertine

Modernist Plexiglass or Lucite Faceted Box, circa 1960
Located in Atlanta, GA
This exceptional geometric acrylic Lucite lidded box was designed in Italy. The piece was meticulously crafted circa 1960. This substantial box features a modernist shape with an inc...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Acrylic, Lucite

Contemporary Bronze Ashtray, LINES by Reda Amalou, 2015
Located in Paris, FR
The solid bronze ashtray is designed with a patterned removable top. The motif used here, a repetition of lines and voids, has been developed by Reda Amalou and is used in several pieces of the Reda Amalou Collection. The Bronze ashtray is 135 x 135 x 65mm H This design exists also in a tiny incense...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Contemporary Bronze Incense Box or ashtray, LINES by Reda Amalou, 2020
Located in Paris, FR
The bronze incense box or ashtray is designed with a patterned removable top. The motif used here, a repetition of lines and voids, has been developed by Reda Amalou and is used in s...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Alexandra Von Furstenberg Acrylic Treasure Box in Green - Medium Storage Box
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Add a bold pop of modern glamour to your space with this acrylic treasure box by Alexandra Von Furstenberg, featuring a striking neon Green. Made from high-quality Lucite, this chic ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass

Hand Blown Murano Glass Box in Light Tobacco with Brass Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
A functional yet undoubtedly elegant piece, this large hand-blown Murano glass box is a marriage of Murano glassmaking techniques with the practicality of a tobacco box speaks to the...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Brass

Pietra Box Arabescato & Antico by Greg Natale
Located in Sydney,, NSW
Carved from one of four types of authentic marble, the Pietra Box presents a playful fusion of classic materials and modern design. With a complementary stone handle, this decorative...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Marble

Neon Pink Acrylic Christmas Tree Decor by Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Christmas is a season of joy and, for us that means color! Celebrate the season with this colorful, fun and modern Christmas Tree sculptures, and give a new twist to the traditional Christmas color palette. This sculptures will look merry and bright in shelves, fireplace mantle, centerpiece on your table or even to decorate you kids bedroom...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Acrylic

Aimara Medium Alpaca Silver Box
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
The waves on a choppy lake, rough by the wind, inspire the design of alpaca boxes and picture frames of this family, whose name comes from the tribe that dwelled in the North Argenti...
Category

2010s Argentine Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Metal, Sheet Metal

Box, Case for Tag Heuer Watch, 1990.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Box, case for Tag Heuer watch, 1990. Case, box for Tag Heuer watch, very good condition, box and cardboard box, circa 1990. H: 11.5 cm, W: 14.5 cm, D: 14.5 cm
Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Paper, Wood

Natural Malachite Box Featuring Cells
Located in Somis, CA
An absolutely beautiful box, crafted from genuine natural malachite. Uncommonly light in color, this rare specimen displays intricate layers of swirling patterns that captivate the e...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Malachite

XL Black Buffalo Horn Box
Located in New York, NY
Eyecatching textural large scale keepsake, document box clad in heat set black buffalo tiles which feature a raised oval center.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Horn, Wood

Fabienne Jouvin-Paris Cloisonne 'Ouzbek' Box, Circa 1980s
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Fabienne Jouvin-Paris Cloisonne 'Ouzbek' Box Designed by artesian Fabienne Jouvin-Paris Made in China, 1980s This stunning Fabienne Jouvin-Paris Cloisonné 'Ouzbek' Box, crafted in t...
Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Copper, Enamel

Lacquered Solid Wood Modern Minimal Modular Drawers from Costantini, Baccello
Located in New York, NY
Baccello lacquered solid wood Modern minimal modular drawers from Costantini. Each unit measures 20" x 20" x 5" high. 6 units as shown. Each one...
Category

2010s Argentine Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Wood

TRONADOR Rectangular Brown Onyx Stone Box
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 Decorative Boxes

Materials

Stone, Onyx

SET Glaciar Small, Large, Silver Alpaca & Bordeaux Onyx Stone Box
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 Decorative Boxes

Materials

Stone, Onyx, Metal

Set Tronador Square Bordeaux, Blue, Cream, Onyx Stone Boxes
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 Decorative Boxes

Materials

Stone, Onyx

Tessellated Faux Horn Covered Box
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful tessellated faux horn decorative box made in France. Gorgeous detail work inside and out. Add some French style to you design project.
Category

1980s French Vintage Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Resin

Marble Stone Jewelry Box, England
Located in New York, NY
A substantial English black and white marble stone jewelry or decorative (trinket) box, in the Modern style, circa late-20th century, England. Box is rec...
Category

Late 20th Century English Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Stone, Marble

Montagnani Firenze Wood Marquetry and Gilt Brass Box, circa 1970
Located in Atlanta, GA
Discover the artistry of renowned designer Montagnani Firenze with this extraordinary box, a rare Italian masterpiece crafted circa 1970. A true testament to Mid-Century modernist fo...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Brass

Hand-Painted Dome Top Wood and Brass Decorative Chest
Located in Germantown, MD
A fancy highly decorative, hand painted wooden box in good vintage condition. Heavy solid brass hardware. Meadures 19.5" in width, 10.25" in depth and 14" in height.
Category

Late 20th Century Argentine Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Brass

1950s Murano Green Opaline Jewellery Box with Gilt Metal Edging
Located in London, GB
A 1950s Murano green opaline jewellery box by Cendese with gilt metal edging. There are other available colours and designs under other listings.
Category

1950s French Vintage Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Metal

Snuff Box Oval curved Green Enamel Guilloche Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Oval curved snuff-box in 925/1000 sterling silver gold-plated with translucent fired enamels on guilloché, above and below. Modern contemporary style. Size cm. 4.5 x 6.5 x 2.3. Weigh...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Gold, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel

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 Decorative Boxes

Materials

Brass

Cigarette Case red lines and and hand-engraved finishing Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Vertical cigarette case in 925/1000 sterling silver with fire-enameled red stripes and hand-engraved finishing. In a modern contemporary style. Measurements cm. 6 x 2.3 cm high. 11. ...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Sterling Silver, Enamel

Neon Green Acrylic Christmas Tree Decor by Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Christmas is a season of joy and, for us that means color! Celebrate the season with this colorful, fun and modern Christmas Tree sculptures, and give a new twist to the traditional Christmas color palette. This sculptures will look merry and bright in shelves, fireplace mantle, or even to decorate you kids bedroom...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Acrylic

Vintage Fendi Pequin Stripe Trinket Box
Located in San Diego, CA
Unique and interesting trinket box by Fendi. This vintage piece from the early 1990s is made in leather and covered in the classic Fendi Pequin stripe fabric design. This piece ope...
Category

1990s Italian Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Leather, Fabric

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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