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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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 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
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
Oval Horn Tiled Keepsake Box
Located in New York, NY
Hand made keepsake box clad in steam pressed convex oval horn elements. A great addition to any book case or desk.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Boxes
Materials
Horn, Wood
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
A 1980s Modern Gilt Brass and Lacquer Luxury Box by Gucci
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
$1,227 Sale Price
20% Off
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
$316 Sale Price
20% Off
Glaciar Large Silver Alpaca & Bordeaux Onyx Stone Box
By AIREDELSUR
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
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 Boxes
Materials
Stone, Onyx
$1,320 / item
Tronador Rectangular Cream 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 Boxes
Materials
Stone, Onyx
$1,100 / item
Modernist Plexiglass or Lucite Faceted Box, circa 1960
Located in Atlanta, GA
This exceptional geometric acrylic Lucite lidded box was designed in Italy. The piece was meticulously crafted circa 1960. This substantial box features a modernist shape with an inc...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Acrylic, Lucite
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 Boxes
Materials
Stone, Onyx
$1,267 / item
White Bone And Brass Keepsake Box
Located in New York, NY
Handmade decorative keepsake, desk box clad in white bone and brass inlay pinstripes.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
$725 / item
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 Black Ebony Polished Wood Box for 24 Cufflinks with Leather Detail
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Box for 54 pairs of cufflinks in black polished wood with leather handles.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Ebony
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
Alabaster, Marble, Metal
$495 Sale Price
20% Off
Glaciar Small Silver Alpaca & Bordeaux Onyx Stone Box
By AIREDELSUR
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
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
$9,995 / item
Glaciar Large Silver Alpaca & White Onyx Stone Box
By AIREDELSUR
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
$1,070 / item
Tronador Square 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 Boxes
Materials
Stone, Onyx
$1,584 / item
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
Tafi Large Onyx Oval Box
By AIREDELSUR
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
Tafi oval box, it is made entirely by hand in alpaca metal and onyx stone. It comes in three different sizes and you can choose between four different onyx stone colors: black, white/cream, blue or bordeaux
Our pieces are made by hand. One of a kind.
All natural stones may vary in color.
About AIREDELSUR:
With its rustic chic personality and the elegant designs of Marcelo Lucini...
Category
2010s Argentine Modern Boxes
Materials
Stone, Onyx
$740 / item
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
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
Glaciar Small Silver Alpaca & White Onyx Stone Box
By AIREDELSUR
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
Dolcevita 40 cigars Humidor
By Maccarrone
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
$2,500 / item
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
$2,975 / item
Jewelry box attributed to Maison Bague / Maria Pergay bamboo
Located in Lugo, IT
Jewelry box attributed to Maison Bague / Maria Pergay.
Good condition.
Thank you
Category
1960s French Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Silver Plate
Modernist Hand-Blown Murano Glass Box in Tobacco W/ Polished Brass Fittings
Located in New York, NY
This Modernist Hand-Blown Murano Glass Box in radiant smoked tobacco is a vibrant and elegant accessory, handcrafted in Italy during the 21st century. Meticulously created by Murano ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
Onyx Marble Jewelry Box Belgium
Located in New York, NY
A very beautiful, substantial, Belgian, modern brown, caramel, and white onyx marble and brass hinged box, circa early to mid-20th century, Belgium. Box is rectangular in shape and c...
Category
Early 20th Century Belgian Modern Boxes
Materials
Marble, Onyx, Brass
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
21st Century Leather Tilting Lid Waste Bin Handmade in Italy
By Pinetti
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
A cylindrical and contemporary silhouette with subtle detail.
Our round metal bin with tilting lid is perfectly sized for use in the bathroom.
More than 30 harmonious shades can be paired with our modern bathroom...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Leather
Hermès Paris Ormolu and Carnelian Enamel Pill / Trinket Box, 1960s-1980s
By Hermès
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Hermès Paris Ormolu and Carnelian Enamel Pill/Trinket Box, Made in France, circa 1960s–1980s
A chic and finely crafted round Hermès Paris box in ormolu with a striking carnelian-red...
Category
20th Century French Modern Boxes
Materials
Enamel, Ormolu
Early 20th Century Japanese Gold Maki-E Decorated Jubako (Stacking Box)
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Gold Maki-e decorated Jubako (stacking box), Japan, early 20th century. The background urishi lacquer over wood. Natural scenes with a few figures; tea scene on top surface under a f...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Modern Boxes
Materials
Wood, Lacquer
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
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
$150 / item
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
$1,699 Sale Price
20% Off
XL Black Buffalo Horn Box
Located in New York, NY
Eyecatching textural large scale keepsake, document box clad in heat set black buffalo tiles which feature a raised oval center.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Boxes
Materials
Horn, Wood
Large Pyrimidial Horn Box
Located in New York, NY
Textural keepsake box clad in heat set pyrimidial horn elements. A great addition to any desk or coffee table.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Boxes
Materials
Horn, Wood
Wonderful French Lalique Coppelia Crystal Rose Garland Brass Dresser Jewelry Box
By Lalique
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
SET Glaciar Small, Large, Silver Alpaca & Bordeaux Onyx Stone Box
By AIREDELSUR
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
Karl Springer Rare Large Painted Goatskin Jewelry Box, USA, 1970s
Located in New York, NY
Karl Springer rare and exquisite large lacquered painted goatskin jewelry box, divided into compartments inside, and completely lined inside and on the bottom with brown felt ending ...
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Goatskin, Felt, Wood
Lune Box by Greg Natale
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
$90 / item
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
$26,000 / item
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, Wood, Horn
Neon Pink Acrylic Christmas Tree Decor by Paola Valle
By Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Christmas is a season of joy and, for us that means color! Celebrate the season with this colorful, fun and modern Christmas Tree sculptures, and give a new twist to the traditional Christmas color palette. This sculptures will look merry and bright in shelves, fireplace mantle, centerpiece on your table or even to decorate you kids bedroom...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Boxes
Materials
Acrylic
Marble Stone Jewelry Box, England
Located in New York, NY
A substantial English black and white marble stone jewelry or decorative (trinket) box, in the Modern style, circa late-20th century, England. Box is rec...
Category
Late 20th Century English Modern Boxes
Materials
Stone, Marble
Italian Travertine and Brass Decorative Box
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A mid-century modern Italian-style travertine and brass box, blending natural stone with sleek metallic accents. It’s both decorative and functional, used for storing small items whi...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Travertine, Brass
Armored Jewelry Armoire La Grande Fortezza Agresti
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Armored jewelry armoire with pull out necklace bar. Available in malachite or white bird's eye maple. See below for more details about finishin...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Malachite, Brass
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
Black Polished Wood w/ Extendable Box for 54 Cufflinks
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Lockable chest in black polished wood for 54 pairs of cufflinks. This is also extendable up to 90 pairs.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Wood
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
Set Tronador Square Bordeaux, Blue, Cream, Onyx Stone Boxes
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 Boxes
Materials
Stone, Onyx
Vintage Gucci Enamel and Gilt Cigarette/Card Case
By Gucci
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A rare vintage Gucci cigarette or card case, featuring the brand’s iconic design elements. The exterior is crafted with a glossy black enamel finish em...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Enamel
Agresti Grande Segreto Armored Jewelry Case
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Armored jewelry case with pull out necklace bars. See information below for details of item variations.
Gold variation: Shiny gold steel. Inside d...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Steel, Brass
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
$23,500 / item
Ali Con Le Gioie Jewelry Chest with 4 Drawers
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Jewelry chest in briar and mahogany, matte finish, ultra suede lining. 24-karat gold-plated brass accessories. With 4 drawers. Two lockable doors with necklace bars.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Suede, Mahogany
$2,500 / item
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
Lacquered Solid Wood Modern Minimal Modular Drawers from Costantini, Baccello
By Costantini
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
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
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
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
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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