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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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

Materials

Ceramic

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 Boxes

Materials

Composition

A 1980s Modern Gilt Brass and Lacquer Luxury Box by Gucci
Located in Aci Castello, IT
1980s Modern Gilt Brass and Lacquer Small Luxury Box by Gucci A refined piece of Italian luxury, this 1980s small box by Gucci showcases the brand's iconic blend of elegance and bold...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass

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

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Plexiglass, Acrylic

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 Boxes

Materials

Stone, Onyx, Metal

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 Boxes

Materials

Brass

Sphere table cigarette lighter Red enamel Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Sphere table cigarette lighter in 925/1000 gold-plated sterling silver and translucent fire enamel on guilloché, in a modern contemporary style. Piezoelectric mechanism. Dimensions d...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel

Cigarette Box Rectangular for table blue enamel on guilloche Salimbeni.
Located in Firenze, FI
Rectangular with rounded corners table box for cigarettes in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with translucent enamels on a radial guilloché an...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel

Dolcevita 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

Polyester, Wood

Dolcevita Humidor
Dolcevita Humidor
$9,804 / item
Po Shun Leong Handcrafted Koa Wood Box, USA, 1986
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Po Shun Leong Handcrafted Koa Wood Box, USA, 1986. Signed to the bottom.
Category

20th Century American Modern Boxes

Materials

Wood

Late XIXth Century Metal Safe Box
Located in Barcelona, ES
Vintage safe box manufactured by an unknown designer. Not working, to be used as a decorative case or to be restorated, Manufactured in Spain, circa...
Category

Late 19th Century Spanish Antique Modern Boxes

Materials

Mirror, Wood

Late XIXth Century Metal Safe Box
Late XIXth Century Metal Safe Box
$2,668 Sale Price
50% Off
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 Boxes

Materials

Stone, Onyx, Metal

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 Boxes

Materials

Stone, Onyx, Metal

Dolcevita 40 cigars Humidor
Located in Milan, IT
From the Yacht collection, Supersport is the smallest humidor of Maccarrone's collections. Metal accessories are in chromed brass and high gloss mahog...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Polyester, Wood

Pietra Box Antico & Arabescato 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 Boxes

Materials

Marble

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 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 Boxes

Materials

Stone, Onyx

Tea Caddy - Elie Bleu Paris
By Elie Bleu
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A beautiful vintage tea caddy, made by the French brand Elie Bleu Paris. The box is made of beautifully veneered / greened wood with black piping. Th...
Category

Early 2000s French Modern Boxes

Materials

Silver Plate

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 Boxes

Materials

Brass, Gold Leaf

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 Boxes

Materials

Metal, Sheet Metal

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 Boxes

Materials

Travertine

Hand Blown Murano Glass Box in Amethyst with 24 Karat Gold Flecks
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This evocative and alluring Murano glass box is a magnificent fusion of masterful craftsmanship and natural beauty. Handcrafted on the famed Venetian island of Murano, this box showc...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass, Gold Leaf

Rectangular table cigarette case two-tone fire-enamelled stripes Salimbeni.
Located in Firenze, FI
Rectangular table cigarette case with rounded upper long sides, in 925/100 sterling silver and two-tone fire-enamelled stripes in a modern contemp...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Sterling Silver, Enamel

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 Boxes

Materials

Stone, Onyx

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 Boxes

Materials

Steel

Tessalated Horn Box
Located in New York, NY
Decorative keepsake document box decorated with hand applied rectangular horn pieces. A great addition to any desk, night stand, bookcase or coffee table.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Boxes

Materials

Horn, Wood

Hand Blown Murano Glass Box in Grey W/24 Karat Gold Flecks
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This is a sophisticated and elegant piece that combines modern design elements with the timeless allure of Murano glass. Handcrafted on the historic Venetian Island of Murano, this b...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass, Gold Leaf

Table Cigarette Case floral miniatures and inserts of gold paillons Salimbeni.
Located in Firenze, FI
Octagonal table cigarette case in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with external edges and fired enamels inserted in fine designs in the Baroq...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Sterling Silver, Enamel, Gold, Gold Plate

1990s Modern Silver Plated French Jewelry Box by Studio K.T for 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 Boxes

Materials

Silver Plate

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 Boxes

Materials

Metal

21st Century Rio Rectangular Closet Box Handwoven in Italy
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
The Rio collection, smooth and soft design specially studied for your closet. A box made with the resistant regenerated leather with two practical holes as handles on the short si...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Leather

Acrylic Tulip Shorty Box by Alexandra Von Furstenberg
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Alexandra Von Furstenberg Shorty Box in Tulip are both decorative and functional. Featuring a sleek, low-profile design, these boxes are versatile for various uses. Place the AVF...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Boxes

Materials

Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass

21st Century Prestige Jewellery Box with Leather &Suede Handcrafed in Italy
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
Turning elegance in a modern way. That's what Pinetti did with the Prestige jewellery box. Available in 3 different sizes, our unmistakable lea...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

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 Boxes

Materials

Paper, Wood

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 Boxes

Materials

Terracotta

21st Century Leather Soft Rectangular Tissue Box Handmade in Italy
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
Just perfect. A must have for your living, for your bedroom, for your bathroom, for your office. A soft rectangular tissue box in calf leather that comes in a wide range of colors...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Leather

Wonderful French Lalique Coppelia Crystal Rose Garland Brass Dresser Jewelry Box
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful French Lalique Coppelia Frosted Crystal With Roses & Garland And A Brass Housing Dresser / Jewelry Box
Category

20th Century French Modern Boxes

Materials

Crystal, Brass

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 Boxes

Materials

Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass

21st Century Leather Pedal Paper & Waste Bin Handmade in Italy
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
A chic and sleek aesthetic for our wastebasket with a black pedal. Available with a 3 and 5 liter capacity and a soft closing function that will avoid any loud noises. Finished i...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Leather

Gyrowinder Watch Winder by Döttling
Located in New York, NY
Around the world, Döttling luxury safes find homes among select connoisseurs and enthusiasts of the finest locksmith artisanry. They originate from the Döttling manufactory in Sindel...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Boxes

Materials

Aluminum, Nickel

Guardian Luxury Safe by Döttling
Located in New York, NY
Around the world, Döttling luxury safes find homes among select connoisseurs and enthusiasts of the finest locksmith artisanry. They originate from the Döttling manufactory in Sindel...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Boxes

Materials

Leather, Suede

Black Buffalo Horn Box
Located in New York, NY
Decorative trinket keepsake box adorned with convex black buffalo heat set tiles. A great addition to any desk or coffee table.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Boxes

Materials

Horn, Wood

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 Boxes

Materials

Sterling Silver

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 Boxes

Materials

Wood

Lune 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

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 Boxes

Materials

Copper, Enamel

Round Box enamel light blue and black Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Round box in 925/1000 sterling silver gold-plated with translucent fired enamel on guilloché in a modern contemporary style. Dimensions: diameter cm. 7.5 height cm. 3.8, Weight g. 24...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Gold, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel

Hand-Blown Murano Box in Emerald Green with Brass Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This exquisite Murano box, hand-blown in a vibrant emerald green, is a celebration of Venetian craftsmanship and refined geometry. Its octagonal form is both striking and sculptural,...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass

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 Boxes

Materials

Silver Plate

Jaeger-LeCoultre Watch Box in Leather and Wood, 1990.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Jaeger-LeCoultre watch box in leather and wood, 1990. Jaeger-LeCoultre watch box in leather and wood in its cardboard case, circa 1990. H: 14 cm, W: 18 cm, D: 15 cm
Category

20th Century French Modern Boxes

Materials

Leather, Wood

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 Boxes

Materials

Brass

Mirror of Enchantment Classic Wall Safe
Located in New York, NY
Safe with spy glass, options of different frames. This safe can be organized to display all types of collections and valuables. The mirror reflects when of...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Wood

Agresti Lei Lui Armoire with Safe
Located in New York, NY
Armored jewelry armoire in matte Canaletto walnut or polished white bird’s eye maple and 24 karats gold hardware. Inside, safe with biometric o...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Gold

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 Boxes

Materials

Stone, Onyx

Elongated Octagonal Lidded Tessellated Bone Box in the Style of Enrique Garcel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A well crafted wooden Octagonal box with Tessellated bone inlay - lidded and ready for many different contents, from desk accessories to television remotes, jewelry, letters, memento...
Category

20th Century Modern Boxes

Materials

Bone, Wood

Large Horn Oval Tiled Box
Located in New York, NY
Eye catching textural keepsake document box clad in heat set horn tiles which feature a raised oval center.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Boxes

Materials

Horn, Wood

Solo Lui Black Armoire with 54 Watch Winders
Located in New York, NY
Armored armoire in polished Ebony, brass accessories in Ruthenium. Safe with biometric opening device, drawers and trays lined for watches and jewelry. Available with 54 Swiss made w...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Ebony

Low Murano Emerald Sommerso Glass Rectangular Box, Contemporary
Located in Westport, CT
One of a kind Murano handcrafted low rectangular shaped clear blown glass box with floating green orb center creating a beautiful sculptural effect, each box with its own customize...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Murano Glass

Il Bauletto Jewelry Box in Briar and Mahogany
Located in New York, NY
Jewelry box in briar and mahogany, matte finish, ultra suede lining. 24-karat gold plated brass accessories. With removable tray and necklace bar.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Suede, Mahogany

Gioia Intreccio Contemporary Armored Jewelry Armoire Safe
Located in New York, NY
Contemporary armored jewelry armoire safe covered in white and beige threaded leather. Inside safe in shiny white. 24-karat gold-plated brass a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Birdseye Maple

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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