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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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

Italian Lapis Lazuli, Rock Crystal, & Moss Agate Table Box, Vermeil Hinge, 1970s
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Italian Lapis Lazuli, Rock Crystal, and Moss Agate Table Box with Vermeil Hinge, Circa 1970s A refined and sculptural Italian table box dating to the 1970s, expertly composed of thr...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Agate, Lapis Lazuli, Rock Crystal, Silver

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

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

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
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 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

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

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

Marble Heart Box by Ducceschi
Located in Fairfield, CA
A vintage marble heart shaped box. Swivel top with beautiful natural veining and gray coloring to the stone. Perfect for using as a jewelry box. Made in Italy by Ducceschi, original ...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Marble

Postmodern Marble Box circa 1980
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Postmodern Marble Box circa 1980
Category

20th Century Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Stone, Marble

Postmodern Marble Box circa 1980
Postmodern Marble Box circa 1980
$262 Sale Price
25% Off
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

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

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

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

21st Century Leather Door Stop Handcrafed in Italy
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
Keep your doors open. Hand-crafted in leather it includes a matching handle which blends into the design, while making it easy to pick up and move between rooms. A soft door stop ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Leather

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

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

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

21st Century Leather Eyeglasses Box Cover with Mirror Handcrafed in Italy
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
Combining tradition and modern design to provide an unmistakable flair of luxury and elegance. Our glasses box has a wood base and enough space to store up to eight pairs of glass...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Leather, Wood

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

21st Century Igea Sanitizing Box Handmade in Italy
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
An instant touch of class, wherever displayed. A smart solution for your rooms, stores, showrooms, yachts, hotel or meeting rooms; ideal to maintain your environments clean and sanit...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Leather

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

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

TRONADOR Rectangular Brown 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

Hand Blown Murano Glass Box in Titanio with Brass Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This hand blown glass box is a stunning example of the renowned artistry and craftsmanship that Murano glass is celebrated for. Handcrafted on the historic Venetian island of Murano,...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass

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

Impressive Unique Piece Art Glass and Brass Box with Lid by Jack Ink
Located in Bochum, NRW
Amazing, large glass lidded box, by Jack Ink. Sinuous form with shallow domed lid, ribbed wall. Colorless glass, with inclusions and fusings. Shallow estuarine and cast brass. Unique...
Category

1980s Austrian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass

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

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

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
$2,682 Sale Price
50% Off
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

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

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

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

21st Century Leather Tilting Lid Waste Bin Handmade in Italy
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

Luxury Exotic Wood and Bronze Dugout by William Stuart for Costantini Design
Located in New York, NY
Luxury Exotic Wood and Bronze Dugout by William Stuart for Costantini Design 3.75" H x 1.75 W x 0.5" D Costantini founder William Stuart has bough...
Category

2010s Argentine Modern Boxes

Materials

Bronze

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

Set/5 Ceramic Pots, White, Handmade in Portugal by Lusitanus Home
Located in Lisboa, PT
Hailey & Henry Pots, Lusitanus Home Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Lusitanus Home. This beautiful set includes two waterproof ceramic vases and three pots, perfect ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

Pietra Box Travertine & Rose 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

Christian Dior Paris Silver Plate Box with Quartz Stone, circa 1970
Located in Atlanta, GA
This beautiful, modernist silver plate decorative box was crafted in France for the renowned Christian Dior House as part of the Interior Collection. The piece features an elegant, minimalist round shape with an ornate lid and a large quartz stone...
Category

1970s French Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Stone, Quartz, Metal, Silver Plate

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

Cigarette Case Silver 925 Absolute Striped Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Cigarette case silver 925 , striped and oval section in 925/1000 sterling silver. Opening button and spring opening . Early 20th century Art Deco style. ...
Category

1970s Italian 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

Pietra Box Arabescato & Antico 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

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

20th Century Tessellated Bone Trinket Box
Located in Bradenton, FL
An elegant modern style tessellated bone trinket box with black felt-lined interior. Mostly cream in color, but does have hints of light pink througho...
Category

20th Century Philippine Modern Boxes

Materials

Bone, Felt

Hand Carved Lapis Lazuli Mosaic Jewelry Box with Marble Interior
Located in New York, NY
Lapis lazuli hand carved mosaic lidded box, with white marble interior. Natural lapis stone has beautiful golden pyrite inclusions, like a sprinkling of fairy dust. The lapis mosaic...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Marble

Tronador Rectangular Black 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

Maison Mercier Modernist Amber and Clear Lucite Box, circa 1970
Located in Atlanta, GA
This exquisite modernist acrylic Lucite lidded box, crafted in France circa 1970, is a striking embodiment of refined design and artistic sophistication. Echoing the distinguished wo...
Category

1970s French Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Lucite, Plexiglass

Contemporary Modern, Bebek Chestnut Wood Single-Compartment Box
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

Rinascimento Humidor
Located in Milan, IT
This iconic humidor is part of Maccarone's Marquetry collection and can hold up to 150 cigars. The design of this humidor, enriched with laser-engraved detail...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Polyester, Wood

Tissue Box in White Shagreen by R&Y Augousti
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The White Shagreen Tissue Box by R&Y Augousti is a sublime expression of modern elegance and meticulous craftsmanship. Encased in luxurious shagreen, its textured finish exudes refin...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Modern Boxes

Materials

Shagreen Stingray

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

Roma Cigar Case with Ashtray
Located in Milan, IT
A singular piece from the Roma Collection, this cigar case boasts a practical and stylish design equipped with a handprinted ceramic ashtray. Masterfully handcrafted of cedar, it combines an ebony and a walnut veneer enriched with a splendid inlay work of a tobacco leaf marking the curved and polished top. Adorned with a small metal key, the piece is also equipped with a hygrometer and Boveda holder. Available with a wooden case upholstered with eco-leather, please ask the Concierge for details. This box is supplied with an handmade wooden suitcase...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Metal

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

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

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

Alexandra Von Furstenberg Acrylic Treasure Box in Pink - 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 hot Pink. Made from high-quality Lucite, this chic de...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Boxes

Materials

Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass

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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