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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
21st Century Atena Leather Closet Box Handcrafted in Italy
By Pinetti
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
Pure design with a special magnetic closing.
The family of three Atena boxes made with eco-friendly and washable regenerated leather is perfect for a modern closet...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Leather
Contemporary Fiocco Armoire Safe in Shiny White Maple
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Polished white bird's-eye maple armored armoire with leather bow, 24-karat gold-plated accessories. Round handle with biometric opening device and emergency key integrated. Inside pullout / pull-out necklace holder and drawers lined for jewelry. Leather handles on drawers. Secret compartment. Available...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Leather, Birdseye Maple
$66,000 / item
French Sculptured Gilt Bronze Box by Line Vautrin
By Line Vautrin
Located in Atlanta, GA
A gilt bronze box or podier by French Jeweler Line Vautrin, in the pattern of "Moise ou la traversee du desert" coric 1940s-1950s.
A rare mode in the box, the top surface of the cover illustrates the biblical story of Moses crossing the desert out of Egypt...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Modern Boxes
Materials
Bronze
Waste Bin White Shagreen by R&Y Augousti
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The White 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 shagreen, b...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Modern Boxes
Materials
Wood, Shagreen Stingray
Waste Bin in Black Oak Detail by R&Y Augousti
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Black Oak Detail Waste Bin by R&Y Augousti exemplifies understated luxury, blending meticulous craftsmanship with premium materials. Handcrafted from rich black oak, the structur...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Modern Boxes
Materials
Wood, Oak
Hand Blown Murano Glass Box in Grey with 24 Karat Gold Flecks and Brass Fittings
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
Piccolo Intreccio Armored Armoire Braided Gold and Black Leather
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Armored jewelry cabinet covered in gold and black hand threaded leather. Varnished outside in metallic gold color. Accessories in 24 karats gold plated brass. Drawers covered in blac...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Metal
1994s Ancella Armchair Project by M. Lovi for Giovannetti Collezioni
Located in Casalguidi, IT
A unique bedroom armachair - elegant, comfortable and functional at the same time. Ancella is suitable for the bedroom and dressing-room.
Beechwood frame. Shape-retaining polyuretha...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Fabric, Wood
large unique decorative handmade grey smoked ceramic box by ATOI circa 2010
Located in Neuilly-en- sancerre, FR
ATOI (born in 1987)
Large unique handmade smoked ceramic decorative box
circa 2010
Original good condition
height 35 cm
Large 15 cm
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Large smoked ceramic grey decorative box or pot by ATOI circa 2010 35 cm unique
Located in Neuilly-en- sancerre, FR
ATOI (born in 1987)
Large unique handmade ceramic box or decorative pot by ATOI
Signed under the base
Smoked ceramic grey color
Circa 2010
height 35 cm
Large 15 cm
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Orange, Natural Bone Cheveron Box
Located in New York, NY
Cheveron patterned keepsake, letter box made from dyed orange and natural bone. Box has a wood lining.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Boxes
Materials
Bone, Palmwood
Black Polished Box for 20 Pens with Suede and Leather Detail
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Black polished wooden pen box with anti-tarnish suede and leather handles for your collection of writing instruments.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Suede, Wood
Hand Blown Murano Glass Box in Onyx Black with 24 Karat Gold Flecks
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This elegant hand-blown glass box is a striking example of the artistry and sophistication of Murano glassmaking. Handcrafted on the historic Venetian Island of Murano, this oversize...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass, Gold Leaf
Vintage Umbrella Stand in Briar and Gilded Finish - 1990s
Located in Manzano, IT
An elegant umbrella stand with a refined and timeless design, made in the 1990s. The frame features briarwood panels with warm, natural grain, framed by gold-colored aluminum profile...
Category
18th Century and Earlier Italian Antique Modern Boxes
Materials
Aluminum
Black, Beige, Brass Striped Box
Located in New York, NY
Modernist keepsake, document box clad in Black, White resin stripes accented with brass inlay stripes.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
$625 / item
21st Century Leather Cigar Ashtray Handcrafted in Italy
By Pinetti
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
For poker nights. A Compact design with a single cigar rest, this piece serves both as an ashtray and support for the cigar. It is made out of polished stee...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Metal
Smart & Modern American Sterling Silver Desk Box by Tiffany
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. Box i...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Modern Boxes
Materials
Sterling Silver
Polished White Jewel Box in Bird's-Eye Maple with Gold-Plated Hardware
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Shiny white bird's-eye maple shiny jewel box with 24-karat pink gold hardware. Necklace on the top and removable tray.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Birdseye Maple
21st Century Kelly Decorative Hexagonal Box in Leather Handcrafed in Italy
By Pinetti
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
The refinement of resin meets the softness of italian leather.
An elegant lid with a mother of pearl look beautifully complete the hexagonal bases fully covered inside and outside...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Resin, Leather, Wood
Bowl, Jean François Reboul
Located in Paris, FR
Bowl by Jean François Reboul made of clay and enamel using Raku technique. 2019.
“Certificate of Authenticity” provided by the gallery.
Jean-Fra...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Boxes
Materials
Enamel
Hand Blown Murano Glass Box in Amber with Brass Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The exquisite octagonal jewel box in brilliant amber is a captivating blend of traditional craftsmanship and luxurious aesthetics. Handcrafted on the historic island of Murano, this ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
Waste Bin in Black Shagreen Rhomboid by R&Y Augousti
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Black Shagreen Rhomboid Waste Bin by R&Y Augousti is a masterpiece of functional design, combining luxurious materials and artisanal craftsmanship. Its exterior is adorned with m...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Modern Boxes
Materials
Wood, Shagreen Stingray
Waste Bin in White Shagreen Detail by R&Y Augousti
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The White Shagreen Detail Waste Bin by R&Y Augousti is a masterful blend of elegance and functionality, crafted with meticulous attention to detail. Encased in luxurious white shagre...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Modern Boxes
Materials
Wood, Shagreen Stingray
PARAMARIBO Organizer / Jewelry Box – Oak
Located in Orlando, FL
The PARAMARIBO Handmade Solid Oak Jewelry Box is a timeless piece that unites elegance and functionality in a carefully crafted design. Made from solid oak wood, its side panels and ...
Category
2010s Turkish Modern Boxes
Materials
Wood, Oak
Black, Grey Striped Bone Keepsake Box
Located in New York, NY
Hand made, large scale document/keepsake box clad in hand dyed black, grey bone tiles in a striped pattern. Hand polished, some with hand etching detail.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Modern Boxes
Materials
Bone, Wood
$695 / item
Maitland Smith Tesseliated Marble Decorative Box
Located in Pasadena, TX
This is a fine box made by Maitland Smith.
The box is made of tesselaited marble and has a teak interior.
The top is inlaid with a x designed in marble.
Category
Late 20th Century Philippine Modern Boxes
Materials
Marble
Giant Hand Blown Murano Glass Box in in Crystal with Bubbles and Brass Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Impressive in its scale alone, this stunning hand-blown Murano glass box exudes luxury and refinement. This Pulegoso Murano glass box is a captivating fusion of artistry and function...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
Giant Hand Blown Murano Glass Box in in Crystal with Bubbles and Chrome Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Impressive in its scale alone, this stunning hand-blown Murano glass box exudes luxury and refinement. This Pulegoso Murano glass box is a captivating fusion of artistry and function...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Chrome
Hand Blown Murano Glass Box in Crystal with Bubbles and Chrome Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Pulegoso Murano glass box is a captivating fusion of artistry and functionality, crafted on the renowned Venetian Island of Murano. Distinctive for its unique texture, the Puleg...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Chrome
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
21st Century Rio Rectangular Closet Box Handwoven in Italy
By Pinetti
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
Decorative Faux Bone Intarsia Box
Located in Queens, NY
Contemporary faux bone woven design rectangular lidded box
Category
20th Century American Modern Boxes
Materials
Bone
Hand Blown Murano Glass Box in Amber with 24 Karat Gold Flecks and Brass Fitting
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The marriage of amber and 24-karat gold lends a mesmerizing allure to this enchanting hand-blown glass box from Murano, Italy. The warmth from this piece emanates a sense of luxury ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass, Gold Leaf
Hand Blown Murano Glass Box in Onyx Black with Chrome 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
Chrome
Hand Blown Murano Glass Box in Crystal with Bubbles and Brass Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Pulegoso Murano glass box is a captivating fusion of artistry and functionality, crafted on the renowned Venetian Island of Murano. Distinctive for its unique texture, the Puleg...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
Knotted Tissue Box Caramel Home Office Accessories By André Fu Living
By André Fu
Located in Admiralty, HK
Description: Tissue box
Color: Caramel
Size: 27.5 x 15.5 x 7.9 H cm
Material: PU
Collection: Knotted.
Category
2010s Thai Modern Boxes
Materials
Faux Leather
Knotted Tissue Box Leather Home Office Accessories By André Fu Living
By André Fu
Located in Admiralty, HK
An elegantly detailed tissue box to elevate your daily life. employing refined leather with finely stitched edges, it also features double-knotted detailing. it is a piece that can b...
Category
2010s Thai Modern Boxes
Materials
Leather
Hand Blown Murano Box in Amber with Bubbles and Brass Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This exquisite Murano glass box features a luxurious amber color that radiates warmth and sophistication. The piece is meticulously handcrafted by master artisans in Murano, Italy, s...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
Contemporary Unique Black Document Box with Bull Design by Arijian
Located in Namyangju-si, KR
This artwork uses mother of pearl to re-interpret 'A Bull,' which is an iconic work by one of the most celebrated South Korean artists in modern and contemporary painting...
Category
2010s South Korean Modern Boxes
Materials
Wood
Ceramic Leopard Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Leopard Jewelry Box
Hand-Painted by Slindelo Mazibuko, Sculpted by Motsamai Sello
Love Art Ceramic, South Africa, 2024
Introducing the Leo Jewelry Box, a charming ceramic piece that...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Ceramic Chameleon Ornament , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Bring the spirit of Africa into your holiday décor with Love Art Ceramic's Chameleon ornament. Hand-crafted by Nozipho Ntshalintshali and Sondelani Ntshalintshali, this 4-inch tall, ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Gioia Rutenio Contemporary Armored Jewelry Armoire Safe in Ebony
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Polished ebony contemporary armored armoire. Matte finish, ruthenium accessories. Inside drawers for jewelry, with fronts covered in white leather. Safe can be anchored to the wall w...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Ebony
Arco Rutenio Contemporary Armored Jewelry Armoire Safe in Ebony finish
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Polished ebony contemporary armored armoire. Rhodium-plated accessories. Round handle with biometric opening device and emergency key integrated. Inside pullout / pull-out necklace holder...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Ebony
Japanese Lacquer Padded Teapot Caddy
Located in Savannah, GA
Antique Japanese hand-painted lacquer teapot caddy.
Interior is padded and fitted for blue and white porcelain teapot.
The teapot stands 4¼ inches tall and features a fish on one si...
Category
Mid-20th Century Japanese Modern Boxes
Materials
Porcelain, Lacquer
Walnut Matte Chest
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Polished walnut armoured chest, matte finish, 24 karats gold plated accessories. Round handle with biometric opening device and emergency key integrated. Inside pull out necklace hol...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Walnut
$32,000 / item
1970s Modern White and Fake Tortoise Shell Lucite Rectangular Italian Vanity Box
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This vanity box is an high quality italian mid-century item, blending practicality with striking aesthetics. This piece captures the era's love for innovative materials and sleek, fu...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Lucite
Privato Nero Black Safe
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Safe for jewelry, available in three finishing options. See information below for details of finishing variations. Copper: Jewelry case in hammered copper finish steel. Drawers in ma...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Steel
$10,320 / item
Vintage Italian Silver Plate Hinged Box With Burgundy Crocodile Buckle 1960's
Located in North Miami, FL
This stunning and gorgeous Italian vintage hinged silver plate buckle box has a burgundy crocodile leather buckle part. It was professionally polished and t...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Silver Plate
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
$1,680 / item
Chaumet Velvet Watch Box for One Watch, 1990.
By Chaumet
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Chaumet velvet watch box for one watch, 1990.
Chaumet watch box, case in its box, circa 1990.
H: 9.5 cm, W: 12.5 cm, D: 11 cm
Category
20th Century French Modern Boxes
Materials
Velvet
Vintage Silver Plate Hinged Box Textural Design France 1970's
Located in North Miami, FL
This lovely vintage silver plate hinged textural small box is signed Raimond. We were advised it was French. It has a black velvet interior. It was re- silver plated and then recentl...
Category
1970s French Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Silver Plate
Table Box Fired Enamel on Guillochè Arab-Style Ornament Sterling Silver Salimben
Located in Firenze, FI
Rectangular box with rounded corners in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with translucent fired enamel on guillochè with hand-engraved and enamelled Arab-style ornament. Dimensio...
Category
1990s Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Black Polished Wood Chest for 55 Pens with Suede and Leather Detail
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Lockable chest in black polished wood. Holds up to 55 pens.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Suede, Wood
Green Marble Box with Bronze Accents and Animal Finial
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant box is crafted from deep green marble with natural veining, giving it a refined and luxurious appearance. It rests on four ornate bronze feet featuring stylized motifs that l...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage 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
Ceramic Genet Cat Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Crafted by the skilled hands of South African artisans, this ceramic Genet cat jewelry box is a masterpiece of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Japanese Kazaribako Glass Box Kyohei Fujita
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Kazaribako "Ornamented Box" made of glass by Japanese artist Kyohei Fujita (1921-2004) circa 1980s. The hand-blown glass box with fitting lid is of an oval shape, slightly irregula...
Category
1980s Japanese Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Silver
Grey, Red Bone Tile Box
Located in New York, NY
Hand Crafted keepsake/desk box featuring hand cut and polished grey and red bone tiles over a wood box.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Modern Boxes
Materials
Bone, Wood
Set/2 Pineapple Ceramic Pots, White, Handmade in Portugal by Lusitanus Home
Located in Lisboa, PT
Pineapple Decorative Pots, Lusitanus Home Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Lusitanus Home.
This beautiful set includes two wa...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Boxes
Materials
Gold
Set/2 Pineapple Ceramic Pots, Black, Handmade in Portugal by Lusitanus Home
Located in Lisboa, PT
Pineapple Decorative Pots, Lusitanus Home Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Lusitanus Home.
This beautiful set includes two waterproof ceramic pots with lid, perfect t...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Boxes
Materials
Gold
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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