Skip to main content

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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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

to
43
461
291
65
3
288
526
9
69
160
1
5
10
34
73
31
15
1,142
831
606
288
254
223
187
133
126
122
121
111
104
84
73
37
36
363
258
123
127
86
412
328
516
330
95
73
72
Height
to
Width
to
817
566
657
84
65
25
17
17
Style: Modern
Hand-Blown Murano Box in Ruby with Chrome Fittings
Hand-Blown Murano Box in Ruby with Chrome Fittings

Hand-Blown Murano Box in Ruby with Chrome Fittings

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Hand-Blown Murano Box in Ruby with Chrome Fittings is a radiant celebration of color, craftsmanship, and Italian elegance. Meticulously hand-blown in Murano, this striking piece show...

Category

2010s Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Chrome

Italian Alabaster Marble Jewelry Box
Italian Alabaster Marble Jewelry Box

Italian Alabaster Marble Jewelry Box

Located in New York, NY

An Italian dark brown alabaster marble jewelry box with a blue matte metal hinge. Box can hold jewelry or other small items. A great piece for a...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Marble, Alabaster, Metal

Burl Walnut  Thuya Wood Handmade Jewelry Casket Box Manning of Ireland Irish New
Burl Walnut  Thuya Wood Handmade Jewelry Casket Box Manning of Ireland Irish New

Burl Walnut Thuya Wood Handmade Jewelry Casket Box Manning of Ireland Irish New

Located in Dublin, Ireland

This rare North African Thuya Wood Jewellery Casket was manufactured by the famed manning of Ireland company and is truly a jewel of handcrafted genius. This box is constructed of th...

Category

Early 2000s Irish Modern Boxes

Materials

Mahogany, Walnut

Pink Panther Collection Royal Orleans Pottery Pink Panther Mounted Box
Pink Panther Collection Royal Orleans Pottery Pink Panther Mounted Box

Pink Panther Collection Royal Orleans Pottery Pink Panther Mounted Box

By United Artists

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

Ceramic Restaurant Matchbox by Catie Curry, NYC Iconic Design, Functional Art
Ceramic Restaurant Matchbox by Catie Curry, NYC Iconic Design, Functional Art

Ceramic Restaurant Matchbox by Catie Curry, NYC Iconic Design, Functional Art

Located in Brooklyn, NY

The Matchbox Series is composed of roughly 4”x 6” boxes that make direct references to iconic NYC institutions. These boxes come with slide out inserts that are filled with oversized...

Category

2010s American Modern Boxes

Materials

Ceramic, Clay

1980s Modernist White and Pink Lucite and Silver Italian Rectangular Vanity Box
1980s Modernist White and Pink Lucite and Silver Italian Rectangular Vanity Box

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 Boxes

Materials

Silver

Mahogany Ladys Gentlemans Handmade Jewelry Casket Box Manning Ireland Irish New
Mahogany Ladys Gentlemans Handmade Jewelry Casket Box Manning Ireland Irish New

Mahogany Ladys Gentlemans Handmade Jewelry Casket Box Manning Ireland Irish New

Located in Dublin, Ireland

This well figured highly hand polished Mahogany jewellery casket with dome fronted detail, was manufactured by the famed manning of Ireland company and is truly a jewel of handcrafte...

Category

Early 2000s Irish Modern Boxes

Materials

Mahogany, Walnut

Waste Bin in Black Shagreen by R&Y Augousti
Waste Bin in Black Shagreen by R&Y Augousti

Waste Bin in Black Shagreen by R&Y Augousti

By R & Y Augousti

Located in West Hollywood, CA

The Black Shagreen Waste Bin with Wood Interior by R&Y Augousti is a stunning blend of luxurious craftsmanship and functionality. Its exterior, crafted from hand-selected black s...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Modern Boxes

Materials

Wood, Shagreen Stingray

A Leather Jewelry Box By Gucci Horsebit ca' 1980's Italy
A Leather Jewelry Box By Gucci Horsebit ca' 1980's Italy

A Leather Jewelry Box By Gucci Horsebit ca' 1980's Italy

By Gucci

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 Boxes

Materials

Brass

Italian Brass-Banded Wood Box, 1970s
Italian Brass-Banded Wood Box, 1970s

Italian Brass-Banded Wood Box, 1970s

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A distinctive Italian decorative box crafted from richly grained wood and accented with hand-applied vertical brass bands across the lid, creating a rhythmic, architectural compositi...

Category

1970s Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Wood

Italian Green & Plum Specimen Marble Box, Alabaster Interior, Florence, 1970s
Italian Green & Plum Specimen Marble Box, Alabaster Interior, Florence, 1970s

Italian Green & Plum Specimen Marble Box, Alabaster Interior, Florence, 1970s

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Italian Green & Plum Specimen Marble Box with Alabaster Interior, Florence, Mid-20th Century 4.75" W x 3.25" D x 1.25" H This elegant Italian decorative box is crafted in richly fig...

Category

20th Century Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Bronze

Vintage Italian Figural Snail Pill Box in White Metal
Vintage Italian Figural Snail Pill Box in White Metal

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

Large Modern Decorative Box in Horn and Wood, Textural Design, Spain
Large Modern Decorative Box in Horn and Wood, Textural Design, Spain

Large Modern Decorative Box in Horn and Wood, Textural Design, Spain

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 Boxes

Materials

Horn, Wood

Thuya Wood Vintage Handmade Jewelry Casket Box Manning of Ireland Irish New
Thuya Wood Vintage Handmade Jewelry Casket Box Manning of Ireland Irish New

Thuya Wood Vintage Handmade Jewelry Casket Box Manning of Ireland Irish New

Located in Dublin, Ireland

Absolutely Stunning Lady's or Gentleman's Jewellery Casket of outstanding quality and of generous size, made in Ireland by renowned cabinet makers Mannings of Ireland, using well fig...

Category

Early 2000s Irish Modern Boxes

Materials

Mahogany

United Artists Vintage Roby Mouro Pink Panther Swag Money Box
United Artists Vintage Roby Mouro Pink Panther Swag Money Box

United Artists Vintage Roby Mouro Pink Panther Swag Money Box

By United Artists

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

Ceramic Restaurant Matchbox - Sadelles
Ceramic Restaurant Matchbox - Sadelles

Ceramic Restaurant Matchbox - Sadelles

Located in Brooklyn, NY

The Matchbox Series is composed of roughly 4”x 6” boxes that make direct references to iconic NYC institutions. These boxes come with slide out inserts that are filled with oversized...

Category

2010s American Modern Boxes

Materials

Ceramic, Clay

Tessellated Faux Horn Covered Box
Tessellated Faux Horn Covered Box

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 Boxes

Materials

Resin

Blue/White Incised Horn Box
Blue/White Incised Horn Box

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 Boxes

Materials

Bone, Horn, Wood

Bauhaus Arts and Crafts Modernist Large Aluminum Box, circa 1920
Bauhaus Arts and Crafts Modernist Large Aluminum Box, circa 1920

Bauhaus Arts and Crafts Modernist Large Aluminum Box, circa 1920

By Bauhaus

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 Boxes

Materials

Metal, Aluminum

Agresti Oro Jewelry Chest
Agresti Oro Jewelry Chest

Agresti Oro Jewelry Chest

From $4,500 / item

Red BurlwoodEbonyWhite Bird's Eye Maple

Agresti Oro Jewelry Chest

By Agresti

Located in New York, NY

Lockable jewelry chest with 5 drawers, two pullout / pull-out necklace bars, and lined in ultra-suede. Accessories in 24 karats gold plated brass...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass

French Modern Zebra Hide & Leather Box
French Modern Zebra Hide & Leather Box

French Modern Zebra Hide & Leather Box

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

French Modern Zebra Hide and Leather Box France, circa 1960s A sleek French modern zebra hide and leather box, circa 1960s, is a sophisticated addition to any decor. The box feature...

Category

20th Century French Modern Boxes

Materials

Leather, Zebra Hide

Ceramic Restaurant Matchbox
Ceramic Restaurant Matchbox

Ceramic Restaurant Matchbox

Located in Brooklyn, NY

The Matchbox Series is composed of roughly 4”x 6” boxes that make direct references to iconic NYC institutions. These boxes come with slide out inserts that are filled with oversized...

Category

2010s American Modern Boxes

Materials

Ceramic, Clay

Agresti Lei Lui Armoire with Safe
Agresti Lei Lui Armoire with Safe

Agresti Lei Lui Armoire with Safe

By Agresti

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

Hand-Blown Murano Box in Ruby with Brass Fittings
Hand-Blown Murano Box in Ruby with Brass Fittings

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

Agresti Arco Large Armored Chest
Agresti Arco Large Armored Chest

Agresti Arco Large Armored Chest

By Agresti

Located in New York, NY

Polished white bird’s-eye maple or polished walnut matte finish armored chest, 24-karat gold-plated accessories. Round handle with biometric opening device and emergency key integrat...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Gold Plate

Il Bauletto Jewelry Box in Briar and Mahogany
Il Bauletto Jewelry Box in Briar and Mahogany

Il Bauletto Jewelry Box in Briar and Mahogany

By Agresti

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

Tea Caddy - Elie Bleu Paris
Tea Caddy - Elie Bleu Paris

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

Agresti Il Cofanetto Jewelry Box
Agresti Il Cofanetto Jewelry Box

Agresti Il Cofanetto Jewelry Box

By Agresti

Located in New York, NY

Lockable jewelry box with removable tray, lined for earrings, rings, necklaces. Available in polished ebony, polished red burl wood or white bird’s...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Wood

Neon Green Acrylic Small Round Box by Paola Valle
Neon Green Acrylic Small Round Box by Paola Valle

Neon Green Acrylic Small Round Box by Paola Valle

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 Boxes

Materials

Acrylic

Sphere table cigarette lighter Red enamel Salimbeni
Sphere table cigarette lighter Red enamel Salimbeni

Sphere table cigarette lighter Red enamel Salimbeni

By Giorgio Salimbeni, 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

White Lei Lui Armoire in Birdseye Maple
White Lei Lui Armoire in Birdseye Maple

White Lei Lui Armoire in Birdseye Maple

By Agresti

Located in New York, NY

Armoured jewelry armoire in polished white bird’s-eye maple and 24-karat gold hardware. Inside, safe with biometric opening device. Drawers and pull-out trays lined for jewelry. Six ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Birdseye Maple

Modernist Hand-Blown Amber Murano Glass Box with Brass Fittings
Modernist Hand-Blown Amber Murano Glass Box with Brass Fittings

Modernist Hand-Blown Amber Murano Glass Box with Brass Fittings

Located in New York, NY

This warm and elegant Modernist Hand-Blown Murano Glass Box in Amber W/ Brass Fittings originates from Italy during the 21st Century. A sleek and minimal piece with incredible hues a...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass

Large English Modern Sterling Silver Box, 1963
Large English Modern Sterling Silver Box, 1963

Large English Modern Sterling Silver Box, 1963

By Padgett & Braham Ltd

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 ...

Category

1960s English Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Sterling Silver

Polished Black Jewel Box with Gold-Plated Hardware
Polished Black Jewel Box with Gold-Plated Hardware

Polished Black Jewel Box with Gold-Plated Hardware

By Agresti

Located in New York, NY

Jewel box in polished ebony. Lockable by key and with the necklace bar on the top and a removable tray inside. All the hardware is 24-karat pink gold-plated.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Gold Plate

Contemporary Modern, Aya Chestnut Wood 2-Compartment Box
Contemporary Modern, Aya Chestnut Wood 2-Compartment Box

Contemporary Modern, Aya Chestnut Wood 2-Compartment Box

By DAY Studio

Located in İstanbul, İstanbul

Istanbul is a wooden box collection inspired by some of towns most iconic buildings: Galata Tower, Hagia Sophia and Bebek Mosque. Each item takes its name from these structures. The ...

Category

2010s Turkish Modern Boxes

Materials

Chestnut

Italian Art Deco Burl Wood and Macassar Ebony Box with Brass Details, 1940s
Italian Art Deco Burl Wood and Macassar Ebony Box with Brass Details, 1940s

Italian Art Deco Burl Wood and Macassar Ebony Box with Brass Details, 1940s

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Elegant Italian Art Deco box crafted in richly figured burl wood, accented with bold geometric inlays of Macassar ebony. The lid features a dynamic diagonal composition, enhanced by ...

Category

1940s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Wood

Black and Ivory Striped Bone Inlay Box, Italy
Black and Ivory Striped Bone Inlay Box, Italy

Black and Ivory Striped Bone Inlay Box, Italy

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A sleek and elegant rectangular box, this piece is crafted with a striking black and ivory bone inlay in a bold geometric pattern. Its elongated form makes it perfect for holding jew...

Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Boxwood

Modernist Handblown Murano Glass Box in Olive  Green w/ Polished Brass Fittings
Modernist Handblown Murano Glass Box in Olive  Green w/ Polished Brass Fittings

Modernist Handblown Murano Glass Box in Olive Green w/ Polished Brass Fittings

Located in New York, NY

This Modernist hand-blown Murano glass box in luxurious olive green exudes both craftsmanship and contemporary elegance. Designed and executed in Italy during the 21st century, this...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass

Dolcevita Humidor
Dolcevita Humidor

Dolcevita Humidor

$9,805 / item

Dolcevita Humidor

By Maccarrone

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

English Modern Sterling Silver Box with Saudi Arabia Association
English Modern Sterling Silver Box with Saudi Arabia Association

English Modern Sterling Silver Box with Saudi Arabia Association

Located in New York, NY

Elizabeth II sterling silver box. Made by Peter Nicholas & Co Ltd in London in 1989. Rectangular with corner bracket supports and hinged open scroll end handles. Cover hinged and fla...

Category

1980s British Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Sterling Silver

Handmade Modern Decorative Box, Black Bone and Wood, Spain, 2022
Handmade Modern Decorative Box, Black Bone and Wood, Spain, 2022

Handmade Modern Decorative Box, Black Bone and Wood, Spain, 2022

Located in New York, NY

Hand made dimensional bone box with hand set black centers. Rectangular pieces form a dimensional facade, lined in wood. A great addition to any coffee table to store remote controls...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Boxes

Materials

Bone, Wood

Giant Hand Blown Murano Glass Box in Ruby with Brass Fittings
Giant Hand Blown Murano Glass Box in Ruby with Brass Fittings

Giant Hand Blown Murano Glass Box in Ruby with Brass Fittings

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Discover the epitome of elegance with this exquisite Murano glass box, meticulously crafted in Murano, Italy. Available in both large and giant sizes, this box exudes sophistication ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass

Contemporary American Modern Oval Seashell Jewelry Box
Contemporary American Modern Oval Seashell Jewelry Box

Contemporary American Modern Oval Seashell Jewelry Box

Located in Queens, NY

Contemporary American Modern oval jewelry box with an applied seashell exterior and red velvet interior.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Boxes

Materials

Coral

Tiffany American Modern Sterling Silver Box
Tiffany American Modern Sterling Silver Box

Tiffany American Modern Sterling Silver Box

By Tiffany & Co.

Located in New York, NY

Modern sterling silver box. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1912. Rectangular with straight sides. Cover hinged with gently curved top and molded rim. Box interior cedar lined....

Category

Early 20th Century American Modern Boxes

Materials

Sterling Silver

Van Cleef & Arpel Velvet Jewellery Box for a Ring, 1990.
Van Cleef & Arpel Velvet Jewellery Box for a Ring, 1990.

Van Cleef & Arpel Velvet Jewellery Box for a Ring, 1990.

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

Van Cleef & Arpel velvet jewellery box for a ring, 1990. Velvet jewellery box for a ring by Van Cleef & Arpel, presented in its cardboard box, circa 1990. H: 8.5 cm, W: 10 cm, D: 10...

Category

20th Century French Modern Boxes

Materials

Velvet, Wood, Paper

Vintage Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Figural Pear Box with a Gilt Interior
Vintage Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Figural Pear Box with a Gilt Interior

Vintage Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Figural Pear Box with a Gilt Interior

By Tiffany & Co.

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A fine signed vintage silver box. By Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. In the form of a pear. With a gold wash to the interior. Marked to the base. Simply wonderful Tiffany...

Category

20th Century Modern Boxes

Materials

Sterling Silver

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.