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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
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

Twist Large Purple Box
Located in Milan, IT
A captivating and well-balanced interplay of colors and textures makes this round box in fine purple crystal a superb accent piece. Topped by a clear, spherical handle, the cylindric...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Crystal

Hand Blown Octagonal Murano Glass Box in Smoked Garnet
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

Black Acrylic Small Round Box by Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Modern, colorful and fun round box that can be used as a decorative element on a coffee table, desk or nightstand. Serving double duty as a storage box or as a candy bowl. They loo...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Acrylic

Twist Large Crystal Box
Located in Milan, IT
Stunning in its simplicity, this clear crystal box is an expression of rare artisanal craftsmanship. Finely etched grooves following a twisted movement enliven its cylindrical silhouette, creating a tactile texture and mesmerizing optical detail further enhanced by the glistening edges in nickel-plated bronze. A matching lid...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Crystal

Cigarette Case Fired Enamel on a Fine Hand-Engraved Mountain Landscape Sterling
Located in Firenze, FI
Rounded rectangular snuffbox in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with beautiful fire enamelled miniature hand painted by the painter Simone Dainelli inspired by the paintings of Boris Vallejo, in fantastic contemporary style, with hand-engraved frame. Designed by Franco Salimbeni in 1967 and manufactured in Florence in numerous specimens with various subjects and different colors, in the headquarters of the Salimbeni company with completely manual execution by artisan artists with thick slab and large reinforcements suitable for withstanding numerous high-fire enamelled firings at about 800° C. Miniature is a very ancient technique which consists of painting works in small proportions. It was born for the decoration of the first letter of the paragraph of the books. Over the years, however, this technique is refined and enriched, then moving on to precious personal items. hand painted miniatures can be done with multiple different techniques. The most important that we use on our articles are of three kinds: 1) Fire enamel. 2) Water tempera on an ivory plate. 3) Painted on mother-of-pearl. Fire enameled miniatures: On a first layer of enamel generally white or very clear or even transparent suitably liquefied at a temperature of about 750 ° C, the chosen subject is painted using miniature colors which are as many colored crystals, ground and reduced to a very fine, almost impalpable powder washed and purified in distilled water with the addition of small quantities of deoxidizing acids which, diluted with essential oils (usually essential oil of solder), can be mixed to form a palette of colors. With very fine sable hair brushes you draw the subject starting from the perimeter and then gradually adding various layers of color. It is necessary to carry out various firings very often so that the colors harden and are not absorbed by the underlying glaze as, during the subsequent firings at 750 ° C, during liquefaction, it would spread irremediably. Hence the need to form the painting a little at a time, cooking it numerous times. Therefore it is necessary to proceed with numerous retouching, often overlapping different colors that only the painter's experience knows. A beautiful miniature needs from 20 to over 50 firings and is finished when the painter deems he does not have to further intervene. Some colors must have darker tones than others because then, by superimposing the transparent enamel placed at the end of the miniature, they fade. This transparent layer, called “fondant” in jargon, must be smoothed and polished like all other translucent enamel colors. The miniatures with water tempera colors are painted on real ivory...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Gold Plate, Enamel, Sterling Silver

Hand Blown Murano Glass Box Octagonal L in Green with Brass Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This exquisite hand-blown Murano glass box is a true masterpiece that combines the centuries-old artistry of Murano glassmaking with timeless elegance and modern design. Crafted on the storied island of Murano, Italy, this box exemplifies luxury and sophistication. Its octagonal shape adds a touch of geometric intrigue, providing a unique twist on traditional box...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Brass

Hand Blown Murano Glass Box in Crystal with Bubbles and Chrome Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Pulegoso Murano glass box is a captivating fusion of artistry and functionality, crafted on the renowned Venetian Island of Murano. Distinctive for its unique texture, the Puleg...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Chrome

2000s Mosaic Marquetry Exotic Wood Box signed
Located in Chula Vista, CA
AMBIANIC presents Mosaic Marquetry Mixed Wood Decorative Box inlaid marquetry hardwood handmade piece symmetrical center star design. Signed j g white 04 2.25 h x 7.38 x 7.38 Preowne...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Wood

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

Tronador Medium Mini Box, Brown Onyx Stone and Silver Alpaca
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

Modernist Black Mirror Box w/ Beveled & Sliced Gilt Geode Detailing
Located in New York, NY
This sleek and well adorned Modernist Black Mirror Box with Beveled & Sliced Gilt Geode Detailing originates from the United States during the latter half of the 20th Century. Featur...
Category

20th Century American Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Mirror

Japanese Kazaribako Glass Box Kyohei Fujita
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Kazaribako "Ornamented Box" made of glass by Japanese artist Kyohei Fujita (1921-2004) circa 1980s. The hand-blown glass box with fitting lid is of an oval shape, slightly irregula...
Category

1980s Japanese Vintage Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Silver

Hand Blown Murano Glass Box in Crystal with Bubbles and Brass Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Pulegoso Murano glass box is a captivating fusion of artistry and functionality, crafted on the renowned Venetian Island of Murano. Distinctive for its unique texture, the Puleg...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Brass

Hand Blown Murano Glass Box in Amber with 24 Karat Gold Flecks and Brass Fitting
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The marriage of amber and 24-karat gold lends a mesmerizing allure to this enchanting hand-blown glass box from Murano, Italy. The warmth from this piece emanates a sense of luxury ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Brass, Gold Leaf

Four Vessels with Indonesian Lids in Silver
Located in Roma, IT
There are four vessels with Indonesian lids in silver. Dimensions: 1, Height 3.5 cm, width 10.5 cm, length 4.5 cm 2, Height 4 cm, diameter 10 cm 3, Height 4 cm, diameter 6 cm ...
Category

20th Century Indonesian Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Silver

Hand Blown Murano Glass Box M in Leopard with Brass Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This avant-garde adornment is a unique and eye-catching piece that combines the rich tradition of Murano glassmaking with a contemporary and fashionable design. Handcrafted on the hi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Brass

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 Decorative Boxes

Materials

Glass, Rosewood

Karl Springer Set of Stunning Polished Petrified Wood Orbs on Custom Bases 1980s
Located in New York, NY
Set of 3 polished petrified wood orbs on custom metal bases by Karl Springer, American 1980's (retain original labels from the 1980s showing the original pric...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Stone, Metal, Brass

Handcrafted Three Trinket Boxes Mod Geometric Design
Located in Chula Vista, CA
AMBIANIC presents Mod Set Three Geometric Design Trinket Boxes Handcrafted Wood Art 2 h x 4 x 4 Original vintage Refer to images for details
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Wood

Giant Hand-Blown Murano Glass Box in Onyx Black with Bubbles and Brass Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Impressive in its scale alone, this stunning hand-blown Murano glass box exudes luxury and refinement. This Pulegoso Murano glass box is a captivating fusion of artistry and function...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Chrome

Danish Modern Enameled Abstract Teak Table Box
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Danish modern enameled abstract teak table box We are pleased to offer a Danish modern enameled abstract teak table box, this rectangular piece combines functionality and artistic e...
Category

20th Century Danish Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Copper, Enamel

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

Contemporary 'Pixel' Jewelry Box Handmade Black Wood and Glass by Ghirò Studio
Located in Pieve Emanuele, Milano
2022 Collection of Jewelry boxes by Ghirò Studio. 'Pixel' is perfect synthesis of timeless style, innovative design and italian craftsmanship excellence. This box is entirely in woo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Glass, Wood

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

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

Giant Hand Blown Murano Glass Box in Onyx Black with Brass Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Impressive in its scale alone, this stunning hand-blown Murano glass box exudes luxury and refinement. Handcrafted on the historic Venetian island of Murano, this oversized box comma...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Brass

Hand Blown Murano Glass Box in Black with Bubbles and Chrome Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Discover the epitome of elegance with this exquisite Pulegoso technique box, meticulously crafted in Murano and signed for MOGUL. This box, available in both large and giant sizes, e...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Chrome

Hand Blown Murano Glass Box in Black with Bubbles and Brass Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Black Pulegoso Murano glass box is a captivating fusion of artistry and functionality, crafted on the renowned Venetian island of Murano. Distinctive for its unique texture, the...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Brass

Giant Hand Blown Murano Glass Box in Onyx Black with Bubbles and Chrome Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Impressive in its scale alone, this stunning hand-blown Murano glass box exudes luxury and refinement. This Pulegoso Murano glass box is a captivating fusion of artistry and function...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Chrome

Karl Springer Iconic Hinged Box in Yellow Cobra, 1970s
Located in New York, NY
Iconic sculptured box in yellow cobra, piano hinged with interior in suede, by Karl Springer, American 1970s. The craftsmanship on this box is simply superb.
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Chrome

Italian Modern Sterling Silver Box
Located in New York, NY
Modern sterling silver box. Rectangular; cover hinged with vertically ribbed rim. Post-1967 Italian marks including maker’s (Fratelli Cacchione) and retailer’s (Carimati) stamps. Wei...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Sterling Silver

1960s Snake Skin Covered Box
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful snake skin covered box lacquered in a natural bone color. Wonderful vintage condition.
Category

1960s Vintage Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Wood

Italian Modernist Black Marble, Lapis, Tiger, Pink Rhodochrosite Butterfly Box
Located in North Miami, FL
This stunning and hard to find vintage modernist Pietra Dura Italian stone hinged box has an elaborate butterfly in the center of the black marbl...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Marble

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Tessellated Stone Boxes by Maitland Smith
Located in New York, NY
This elegant pair of modernist boxes were realized by the celebrated 20th century design firm Maitland Smith in the Philippines, circa 1980. They feature two cylindrical bodies- one ...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Stone

John Glick pottery/stoneware box , jewelry/ table box, signed .
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful box with waved design in stoneware / ceramic. Made by Plum Tree Potters, John Glick.
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

Modernist Bookmatched Walnut Decorative Box with Smoky Quartz Embellishment
Located in New York, NY
This sophisticated modernist box was realized in the United States during the 21st century. It features a cubic body in bookmatched walnut with an embellishment (that doubles as a ha...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Quartz

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

Karl Springer Hinged Box in Brown and Black Cobra, 1980s
Located in New York, NY
Hinged box covered in brown and black cobra with interior covered in moiré silk by Karl Springer, American 1980's. The craftsmanship and attention to detail are superb.
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Chrome

Chic Modernist Lizard Skin Wrapped Box in Natural Tones
Located in New York, NY
A modernist lizard skin match-wrapped box with removable lid. Its interior is lined in a dark brown ultra-suede with lid supports by means of wooden plinths on two opposing sides of ...
Category

Early 2000s Philippine Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Animal Skin

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 Decorative Boxes

Materials

Silver Plate, Brass

A Box by J. Muckey
By J. Muckey
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A rare walnut box by J.Muckey-a craftsman active in the 1970's.
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Walnut

Set of Twelve Red Shagreen Napkin Rings 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 Decorative Boxes

Materials

Stainless Steel

Ghidini 1961 Knotted Cherry Small Box in Copper-Plated Brass by Nika Zupanc
Located in Villa Carcina, IT
Fiasco. Guilt. Fear of love. A place to hide all the things we secretly desire yet are too scared to utter. The luscious things the perfect lover knows are never to be told. She drea...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Copper

Ghidini 1961 Small Knotted Cherry Box in Polished Brass
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Small box available in brass and rose gold finishes.   
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Brass

20th Century Italian Mushroon shape Silver Box. Embosse and chiselled by hand
Located in VALENZA, IT
Decorative silver 800 mushroom shape box, The body is embossed and cheased completely by hand.
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Silver

Knotted Tissue Box Leather Home Office Accessories By André Fu Living
Located in Admiralty, HK
An elegantly detailed tissue box to elevate your daily life. employing refined leather with finely stitched edges, it also features double-knotted detailing. it is a piece that can b...
Category

2010s Thai Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Leather

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

Contemporary American Modern Large Seashell Box
Located in Queens, NY
Contemporary American Modern rectangular box, with an applied seashell veneer and green, teal and blue patterned interior.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Coral

Asprey Sterling Silver and Rose Gold Compact, circa 1960
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
An elegant compact poudrier by Asprey in sterling silver and rose gold. Exquisite craftsmanship, finished on all sides. Weighs 125 grams.
Category

1960s British Vintage Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Sterling Silver

Carved Wood Villagers Trinket Box
Located in Countryside, IL
Carved wood villagers trinket box This box measures: 21 wide x 11 deep x 10 inches high This box is in good vintage condition with one hinge in need of repair, key is attached...
Category

2010s American Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Wood

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

Brutalist Signed Hand Made Dresser Box
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A large lidded box with natural black tourmaline crystals. Purchased in Sicily. We think the metal used is nickel, it is non magnetic. Beautifully han...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Rock Crystal, Nickel

Ink Blue/Natural Horn Checkerboard Box
Located in New York, NY
Decorative keepsake/jewelry box clad in hand incised natural horn and ink blue dyed bone tiles hand set on a wood structure. A great addition to any desk or coffee table.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Bone, Wood

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 Decorative Boxes

Materials

Bone

Set/5 Jars & Pots, White & Mint Green, Handmade in Portugal by Lusitanus Home
Located in Lisboa, PT
Set/5 Ceramic Jars & Pots, Lusitanus Home Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Lusitanus Home. This beautiful set includes three waterproof ceramic jars and two ceramic...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Gold Leaf

Set of 2 Round Trays, Fog White, Handmade in Portugal by Lusitanus Home
Located in Lisboa, PT
Set of 2 round trays, Lusitanus Home Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Lusitanus Home. Dimensions: Medium: D.40.5 x H.4cm D.15.94 x H.1.57 In Large: D.51 x H.4cm D.20...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Wood

Karl Springer Stunning Box with Top in Alligator 1970s
Located in New York, NY
Box with base covered in black cobra and top covered in alligator with interior in red suede by Karl Springer, American 1970's. The combination of black and red is very sumptuous. Bo...
Category

1970s North American Vintage Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Alligator, Suede, Wood

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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