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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Set Picture Frame+Table Box Enamel two-tone ruby red and emerald green Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Rectangular Photo Frame in Gold-Plated 925/1000 Silver: Imagine a frame that frames your most precious memories with elegance and modernity. This frame is made of gold-plated 925/100...
Category
Early 2000s Italian Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Sterling Silver, Enamel, Gold, Gold Plate
Modern Sterling Silver Box with 1930s Australian Imperial Force Association
Located in New York, NY
Modern sterling silver box, ca 1935. Rectangular with straight sides and curved corners. Cover hinged with tapering tab. Cedar lined interior and leather-lined underside.
On cover t...
Category
Mid-20th Century Australian Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Sterling Silver, Enamel
Maitland Smith Large Pink Marble & Brass Box
Located in Stamford, CT
Maitland Smith 1980s large tessellated stone and brass inlay decorative box. Light pink stone with light pink detailing. Brass banding retains unpolished patina.
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Stone, Brass
Limoges France Porcelain Trinket Box
By Limoges
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a Limoges, France Porcelain Trinket Box. It depicts an oval shaped hinged lidded trinket box hand painted with a Post Impressionism art of Vincent Van Gogh painting ( Le Vess...
Category
20th Century French Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Porcelain
Ceramic Leopard Sugar Pot , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Crafted at Senzo Duma Ceramics in South Africa, this ceramic Leopard sugar pot measures 5 inches high, 6 inches long, and 4 inches wide. Artisan Lefu's sculpting skill portrays the l...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
1970s Modern White and Fake Tortoise Shell Lucite Rectangular Italian Vanity Box
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This vanity box is an high quality italian mid-century item, blending practicality with striking aesthetics. This piece captures the era's love for innovative materials and sleek, fu...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Lucite
Ceramic Leopard Sugar Pot , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Crafted at Senzo Duma Ceramics in South Africa, this ceramic Leopard sugar pot measures 4 inches high, 5 inches long, and 5 inches wide. Artisan Thabiso's sculpting expertise capture...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Ceramic Monkey Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
This ceramic Monkey jewelry box, handcrafted by Sabelo Nene at Love Art Ceramic studio in South Africa, stands 6 inches high, 4 inches long, and 4 i...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Ceramic Sable Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
This ceramic Sable jewelry box, handcrafted by Minenhle Nene and Sbusiso at Love Art Ceramic studio in South Africa, stands 6 inches high, 3 inches long, and 3 inches wide. Designed ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Ceramic Giraffe Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
This ceramic Giraffe jewelry box, crafted by Ntokozo Shabalala at Love Art Ceramic studio in South Africa, stands 7 inches high, 4 inches long, and 4 inches wide. Designed in 2023, i...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
English Modern Sterling Silver Horse Box
Located in New York, NY
Elizabeth II sterling silver box. Made by Padgett & Braham Ltd in Birmingham in 1980. Rectangular with straight sides. Cover hinged and tabbed; on top stand a horse and jockey in a f...
Category
1980s British Vintage Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Sterling Silver
1980s Modernist Brass and Walnut Root Italian Rectangular Vanity Box
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This Italian vanity box from the 1980s combines the warmth of walnut root with the sophistication of brass accents, resulting in a piece that is both functional and aesthetically ple...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass
Ceramic Tiger Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
As a symbol deeply rooted in African culture, the tiger holds a special significance. While tigers are not native to Africa, they often symbolize strength, courage, and resilience qu...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Ceramic Tiger Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Royal Violet: Handcrafted Tiger Box" by Love Art Ceramic. Sculpted by Motsamay, painted by Sabelo in regal purple. The unique lid, a masterpiece by two artisans, offers a one-of-a-ki...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Ceramic Tiger Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Title: "Savannah Majesty: Handcrafted Tiger Decorative Box"
Crafted with meticulous care by artisans at Love Art Ceramic, this exquisite tiger decorative box captures the essence of ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Ceramic Tiger Box, hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
This ceramic tiger box from Love Art Ceramic is not just a piece of art; it's a symbol of strength, beauty, and craftsmanship. Handmade by talented artisans Sbusiso and Minenhle Nene...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Scientific Calendar in Brass and Marble for the 40 Years, 1991-2030.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Scientific calendar in brass and marble for the 40 years, 1991-2030.
Scientific calendar in brass and marble, for the 40 years, calendar 1991-2030, crown of a royal family, in its o...
Category
20th Century European Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Marble, Brass
English Modern Sterling Silver Box, 1938
By W.H. Manton Ltd. 1
Located in New York, NY
George VI sterling silver box. Made by WH Manton in Birmingham in 1938. Rectangular with curved corners. Cover hinged with gently curved top and tapering tab. Cedar-lined and partiti...
Category
1930s British Vintage Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Sterling Silver
Hand Made Abstract Sculptural Glazed Ceramic Box. Fitted Lid
Located in Miami, FL
Hand Built Abstract Sculptural Glazed Ceramic Box. Fitted Lid
Offered for sale is a handmade abstract form ceramic box that is signed and dated by Rexx Fischer. The box is both func...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Mappin & Webb English Modern Sterling Silver Box, 1965
Located in New York, NY
Elizabeth II sterling silver box. Made by Mappin & Webb in Birmingham in 1965. Rectangular with straight sides. Cover hinged with flat top and scalloped tab. Interior cedar-lined and...
Category
1960s British Vintage Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Sterling Silver
1980s Modernist Silver Plated Italian Round Box
Located in Aci Castello, IT
A silver plated and brass round box designed and manufactured in Italy in the Eighties. It's il very good condition overall, on the lid, inside a brass frame there is an abstract met...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Silver Plate
Large Hand Blown Murano Glass Box in Onyx Black W/24 Karat Gold Flecks
Located in New York, NY
This stunning modernist decorative box was realized in Murano, Italy- the island off the coast of Venice renowned for centuries for its superlative glass production. It features a vo...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Murano Glass
English Modern Sterling Silver Box with Scottish Agate Thistle
Located in New York, NY
English Modern sterling silver box, 1919. Rectangular with straight sides. Cover curved and hinged with short tab; on top inlaid agate in form of stylized thistle in rondel. Silver l...
Category
1910s British Vintage Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Agate, Sterling Silver
1980s Modernist White and Pink Lucite and Silver Italian Rectangular Vanity Box
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This italian Vanity Box encapsulates the exuberance and style of its era, offering a compelling synthesis of form, function, and aesthetic appeal. It serves as both a practical stora...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Silver
1990s Modern Design Silver Plated French Jewelry Box by Christofle
Located in Aci Castello, IT
A stylish three-level round silver-plated box, designed by KT Studio for Christofle in 1998 with input from Thomas Keller and Adam Tihany, is a remarkable piece of modernist craftsma...
Category
Late 20th Century French Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Silver Plate
Large English Modern Sterling Silver Box, 1914
Located in New York, NY
George V sterling silver box. Made by Sampson Mordan in London in 1914. Rectangular with straight sides and curved corners. Cover hinged with tapering tab and gently curved top. Ceda...
Category
1910s British Vintage Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Sterling Silver
French Vintage Silver Plate Bamboo Design Hinged Small Box Desk Accessory
Located in North Miami, FL
This lovely vintage silver-plate hinged box has raised and textural designs of bamboo forms in rows. The interior is wood and stained black. It is a heavy gage and makes a fabulous d...
Category
1970s French Vintage Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Silver Plate
21st Century Luxury 200 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 Decorative Boxes
Materials
Walnut
Blue and Gold Enamel Box
Located in New York, NY
Contemporary blue and gold enamel box with lid.
Condition: Excellent, minor wear consistent with age and use.
Width: 7.5”
Depth: 6”
Height: 5.25”
Category
2010s Italian Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Copper, Enamel
Large French Table Box Made Of Colored Epoxy Resin
Located in Prato, Tuscany
We kindly suggest that you read the entire description, as with it we try to give you detailed technical and historical information to ensure the authenticity of our objects.
Origina...
Category
Early 2000s French Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Epoxy Resin
Antique German Silver Playing Card Box
Located in New York, NY
German 800 silver playing card box, ca 1920. Rectangular with straight sides. Cover hinged with chamfered tab; top flat with two glazed windows face...
Category
Early 20th Century German Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Silver
Woven Bone Document, Keepsake Box
Located in New York, NY
Contemporary document, keepsake box featuring bone tiles in a cheveron pattern over a wood structure. A great solution for remote control storage, or as a desk accessory.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Bone, Wood, Bentwood
XXI Century Italian Sterling Silver Modern Table Box
Located in VALENZA, IT
XXI Century Italian Sterling Silver Modern Table Box
Modern style 925 sterling silver table box.
The box is square in shape and the edge of the body is lined.
The lid is hinged and h...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Sterling Silver
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 Decorative Boxes
Materials
Marble, Brass
Top Quality Modernist Walnut Pill Box In English Sterling Silver - 1985
Located in Bath, GB
A truly fine piece of modern silver, hefty and beautifully made from English solid Sterling Silver in the form of a walnut.
The hinged box has a little cut-out in the front to help...
Category
1980s British Vintage Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Sterling Silver
Michael Aram Tooled Silver Metal, Enamel Two Part Box With Brass Flower Top
By Michael Aram
Located in North Miami, FL
This lovely small round 2 part box is an early piece of the designs of MIchael Aram's work from the early 90's. It is a tooled design silver metal on the top of the box with a black...
Category
1990s Indian Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Metal, Brass, Enamel
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 Decorative Boxes
Materials
Stone, Onyx
Rare Christofle Laque de Chine Box - Sienna.
By Christofle
Located in Bath, GB
A rarely found piece of Christofle "Laque de Chine", part of the Talisman range by the creme de la creme of French silversmiths, Christofle of Paris.
The body is made from silver ...
Category
1980s French Vintage Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Silver Plate
Maitland Smith Brown Penshell Cube Decorative Box
Located in Stamford, CT
1980s decorative pen shell cube box attributed to Maitland Smith. Medium brown pen shell with dark gray tessellated stone accents. Wood lined box. No ma...
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Shell, 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 Decorative Boxes
Materials
Chrome
Vintage Black Lacquer & Gilded Papier-Mâché Box - Asia - Late 20th Century
Located in Chatham, ON
Vintage hand painted and gold gilded papier-mâché box with removeable lid - featuring three gilded lotus flowers to the lid and an intricate double band of decoration to the edge - u...
Category
Late 20th Century Asian Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Paper
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 Decorative Boxes
Materials
Sterling Silver
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 Decorative Boxes
Materials
Suede, Wood, Lacquer
Hand-Blown Amber Murano Glass Box with 24 Karat Gold Flecks
Located in New York, NY
This beautiful modernist decorative box was realized in Murano, Italy- the island off the coast of Venice renowned for centuries for its superlative glass production. It features a v...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Gold
Samples Vienna Chair
Located in Milan, Lombardy
Samples of wood for chairs.
Included in the envelope
- 1 piece beech wood natural finishing
- 1 piece Cane, straw
- 1 piece Beech wood stained Canaletto walnut
- 1 piece Colé I...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Wood
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 Decorative Boxes
Materials
Porcelain
Modernist Hand Blown Murano Glass Box in Smoked Bronze with Brass Detailing
Located in New York, NY
This beautiful modernist decorative box was realized in Murano, Italy- the island off the coast of Venice renowned for centuries for its superlative glass production. It features a v...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Murano Glass
Karl Springer Unique Hinged Box in Polished Sodalite Stone 1980s 'Signed'
Located in New York, NY
Stunning one-of-a-kind hinged box in polished blue sodalite stone by Karl Springer, American 1980's (shown with original showroom tag from the 1980’s). Blue sodalite is a rare minera...
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Stone, Brass
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 Decorative Boxes
Materials
Marble
Karl Springer Stunning "Kyoto Box" in Tessellated Penshell 1980s 'Signed'
Located in New York, NY
Exceptionally crafted "Kyoto Box" in tessellated penshell with brass inlays on top and trim around base by Karl Springer, American 1980's (signed “Karl Sprin...
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass
Hand Blown Murano Glass Box in Onyx Black with Murine Detailing
Located in New York, NY
This sophisticated modernist decorative box was realized in Murano, Italy- the island off the coast of Venice renowned for centuries for its superlative glass production. It features...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Murano Glass
Maitland Smith Tessellated Rosso Levanto Marble Box, ca 1990s
Located in Cathedral City, CA
Exquisite Maitland Smith Tessellated Rosso Levanto Marble Box, ca 1990s.
This octagonal slope sided box is clad in a beautiful tessellated rosso levanto marble and accented with a ...
Category
Late 20th Century Philippine Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Marble, Brass
Knotted Tissue Box Square André Fu Living New PU Home Office Accessories Modern
By André Fu
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
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
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
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 Decorative Boxes
Materials
Porcelain
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 Decorative Boxes
Materials
Porcelain
Karl Springer Exceptional Lidded Box in Tessellated Travertine 1980s 'Signed'
Located in New York, NY
Exceptionally crafted table top box in tessellated travertine with wood interior by Karl Springer, American 1980's (signed "Karl Springer" on bottom). This box has a nice scale and t...
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Travertine
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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