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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
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
Faux Tortoise Shell Decorative Box
By Gumps
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
A faux tortoise shell decorative trinket or jewerly box lined with velvet.
Acquired from the John Traina estate. Mr. Traina was a San Francisco philanthropist, vintner and ...
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Boxes
Materials
Wood, Velvet
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
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
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
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
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
$9,804 / item
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
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
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
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
$360 Sale Price
20% Off
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
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
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
$2,450 / item
Montagnani Firenze Wood Marquetry and Gilt Brass Box, circa 1970
By Montagnani
Located in Atlanta, GA
Discover the artistry of renowned designer Montagnani Firenze with this extraordinary box, a rare Italian masterpiece crafted circa 1970. A true testament to Mid-Century modernist fo...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
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
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
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
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
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
Set of Two Travertine Marble & Resin Stack Sphere Sculptures by Paola Valle
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
Tiffany Smart & Modern American Sterling Silver Desk Box
Located in New York, NY
Smart and Modern sterling silver box. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York. Rectangular with straight sides. Cover flat and hinged with slight overhang. Stylish Midcentury design. Fully...
Category
Mid-20th Century American 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
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
$4,307 Sale Price
20% Off
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
Wonderful French Lalique Coppelia Crystal Rose Garland Brass Dresser Jewelry Box
By Lalique
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful Vintage French Lalique Coppelia Frosted Crystal With Roses & Garland And A Brass Housing Dresser / Jewelry Box
Category
20th Century French Modern Boxes
Materials
Crystal, Brass
21st Century Prestige Jewellery Box with Leather &Suede Handcrafed in Italy
By Pinetti
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
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
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
$716 Sale Price
20% Off
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
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
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
$128 Sale Price / item
24% Off
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
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
Aimara Medium Alpaca Silver Box
By AIREDELSUR
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
$410 / item
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
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
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
21st Century Leather Pedal Paper & Waste Bin Handmade in Italy
By Pinetti
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
$26,000 / 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
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
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
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
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
Box, Case for Tag Heuer Watch, 1990.
By TAG Heuer
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
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
Mirror of Enchantment Classic Wall Safe
By Agresti
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
$45,000 / item
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
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
$2,300 / item
Solo Lui Black Armoire with 54 Watch Winders
By Agresti
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
$299,000 / item
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
Adura Perle Jewellery Box in Ripple Sycamore and red suede lining
By Procreo
Located in London, GB
Adura Perle jewellery or trinket box designed by Procreo is guaranteed to take centre stage on your dressing table, inside your walk-in wardrobe, or in any room you may decide to hav...
Category
2010s British Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
"David" Leather Box Designed by Claude Bouchard for Oscar Maschera
Located in Brooklyn, NY
"David" is a leather box, designed by Claude Bouchard and manufactured by Oscar Maschera, made of genuine Italian leather vegetable tanned.
Colors combination to be chosen from the ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Leather
Mahogany Ladys Gentlemans Handmade Jewelry Casket Box Manning Ireland Irish New
Located in Dublin, Ireland
This well figured Mahogany jewellery casket was manufactured by the famed manning of Ireland company and is truly a jewel of handcrafted genius. This box is constructed of the finest...
Category
Early 2000s Irish Modern Boxes
Materials
Mahogany, Walnut
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
$1,500 / item
Gioia Intreccio Contemporary Armored Jewelry Armoire Safe
By Agresti
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
Agresti Il Grande Scrigno Jewelry Armoire
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Agresti Il Grande Scrigno Armoire has twenty lockable drawers are lined for all kinds of jewelry. The three large bottom ones do not have lock. The u...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Wood
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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