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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Dimensional Black Carved Bone Box
Located in New York, NY
Handcrafted keepsake, desk box featuring hand carved diamond shaped black bone tiles, lined in wood. A great accessory for a desk or a coffee table.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Boxes
Materials
Bone, Wood
Guaje Oli Gourd by Onora
Located in Geneve, CH
Guaje oli gourd by Onora
Dimensions: 37 x 25 cm
Materials: Gourd, Natural pigments mixed with chia oil and then hand burnished with river stones
Gua...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Boxes
Materials
Other
Amber Murano Glass and Polished Brass Gemstone Treasure Box
By Venfield
Located in New York, NY
This Italian Murano glass and polished brass jewelry box is available for immediate purchase. Variations are available to glass color.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Metal
Guaje Oli Gourd by Onora
Located in Geneve, CH
Guaje Oli Gourd by Onora
Dimensions: 37 x 25 cm
Materials: Gourd, Natural pigments mixed with chia oil and then hand burnished with river stones
Gua...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Boxes
Materials
Other
Set of 3 Xalitla Box by Onora
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 3 Xalitla box by Onora
Dimensions: 25 x 20 cm
Materials: Freehand painted wood
Hand painted tea box from Xalitla, Guerrero. The scenes painted on each piece portray every...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Boxes
Materials
Wood
Xalitla Box by Onora
Located in Geneve, CH
Xalitla box by Onora
Dimensions: 25 x 20 cm
Materials: Freehand painted wood
Hand painted tea box from Xalitla, Guerrero. The scenes painted on each piece portray everyday life ...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Boxes
Materials
Wood
Guaje Oli Gourd by Onora
Located in Geneve, CH
Guaje oli gourd by Onora
Dimensions: 37 x 25 cm
Materials: Gourd, Natural pigments mixed with chia oil and then hand burnished with river stones
Gua...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Boxes
Materials
Other
Guaje Tema Filigrana Gourd by Onora
Located in Geneve, CH
Guaje tema filigrana gourd by Onora
One of a Kind
Dimensions: 40 cm
Materials: Gourd, natural pigments mixed with chia oil and then hand burnished with river stones
Collection ...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Boxes
Materials
Other
Tiffany & Co., Sterling Silver Ball/Sphere/Jewelry Box, Modern, Marked
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Very pretty sterling silver Tiffany & Co. jewelry ball, box, number 35378 Weighted, 7.
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Sterling Silver
Guaje Tema Filigrana Gourd by Onora
Located in Geneve, CH
Guaje Tema Filigrana Gourd by Onora
One of a Kind
Dimensions: D 28 x 24 cm
Materials: Gourd, Natural pigments mixed with chia oil and then hand burnished with river stones
Coll...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Boxes
Materials
Other
Xalitla Box by Onora
Located in Geneve, CH
Xalitla box by Onora
Dimensions: 25 x 20 cm
Materials: Freehand painted wood
Hand painted tea box from Xalitla, Guerrero. The scenes painted on each piece portray everyday life ...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Boxes
Materials
Wood
Xalitla Box by Onora
Located in Geneve, CH
Xalitla box by Onora
Dimensions: 25 x 20 cm
Materials: Freehand painted wood
Hand painted tea box from Xalitla, Guerrero. The scenes painted on each piece portray everyday life ...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Boxes
Materials
Wood
1970s Italian Bamboo Handle Box in Metal and Plexiglass
Located in Milan, IT
A Beautiful 1970s Faux Bamboo handle box in Nickeld Brass and Plexiglass.
A Gem from the 1970s Bling Disco period.
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Nickel
Albert Dahan for Vallauris, Unique Lidded Box in Glazed Stoneware, Ca 1970
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Albert Dahan for Vallauris. Unique lidded chest in glazed stoneware.
Beautiful glaze in shades of blue.
Ca. 1970.
Measures: 21 x 16 cm.
Height: 13.5 cm.
In excellent condition...
Category
1970s French Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Stoneware
Guaje Flores Gourd by Onora
Located in Geneve, CH
Guaje Flores Gourd by Onora
One of a Kind
Dimensions: 40 cm
Materials: Gourd, Natural pigments mixed with chia oil and then hand burnished with river stones
Monumental one of a...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Boxes
Materials
Other
20th Century Blue and White Stoneware Ceramic Decorativ Ebox by C Poulsen, 1980
Located in Neuilly-en- sancerre, FR
Charlotte Poulsen - La Borne
Unique piece signed at the base
Original stoneware ceramic decorative box by Charlotte Poulsen
Blue and white colors
Original perfect conditi...
Category
Late 20th Century French Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Carved Wood Villagers Trinket Box
Located in Countryside, IL
Carved wood villagers trinket box
This box measures: 21 wide x 11 deep x 10 inches high
This box is in good vintage condition with one hinge in need of repair, key is attached...
Category
2010s American Modern Boxes
Materials
Wood
Modern Glass Swizzle Stick Bar Set Presented in an Agate Decorated Lucite Box
By Egg Designs
Located in Bothas Hill, KZN
These modern hand forged glass swizzle sticks have a clear glass stem with zebra striped glass heads. They are presented in a Lucite box decorated...
Category
2010s South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Quartz, Brass
Modern Copper Straw Bar Set Presented in an Agate Decorated Lucite Box
By Egg Designs
Located in Bothas Hill, KZN
These modern copper straws are presented in a Lucite box decorated with a Rose Quartz Agate cabochon.
This unique and bespoke copper straw set is part of the Egg Designs Dawa luxury bar set collection and will be a great addition to any home cocktail bar...
Category
2010s South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Quartz, Copper, Brass
Modern Etched Brass Coaster Bar Set Presented in an Agate Decorated Lucite Box
By Egg Designs
Located in Bothas Hill, KZN
These modern brass coasters are etched with a snakeskin animal pattern and are presented in a Lucite box decorated with a Rose Quartz Agate cabochon.
This unique and bespoke coaster set is part of the Egg Designs Dawa luxury bar set collection and will be a great addition to any home cocktail...
Category
2010s South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Quartz, Brass
Italian Brown and Blue Alabaster Marble Jewelry or Desk 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. Marked made in Italy on bottom as shown in image #15 and ...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Alabaster, Marble, Metal
Burl Wood Jewelry Box with Vanity Mirror
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful vintage oval burl wood jewelry box with hand-held vanity mirror/top, circa 20th century, Europe. A great piece for a desk, vanity, ni...
Category
Mid-20th Century European Modern Boxes
Materials
Mirror, Wood, Burl
Miniportrait Dot Jewelry Box Mirror/ Gray Wood, Steel Sheet by Portego
By Portego
Located in Stienta, IT
Designed by Studio Lido for Portego.
Made in Italy
The dot Miniportrait is part of the boxes line that reproduces the plissé of oriental fans.
It's expertisely manufactured carving ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Wood
Roma Rosewood Cigar Case
By Morici
Located in Milan, IT
Showcasing magnificently shaded and luminous brown hues, this cigar case is superbly handcrafted of cedar veneered with rosewood. Holding up to 300 cigars, it is enriched with an exquisite metal key and is equipped with a hygrometer and a Boveda holder. This classic and sophisticated design is 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
Roma Brown Rosewood Cigar Case
By Morici
Located in Milan, IT
An elegant and refined collector's piece, this cigar case will add an accent of sophisticated flair to any modern or traditional interior. The perfect gift for a cigar lover, it flaunts a classic silhouette handcrafted of cedarwood, venereed in lacquered rosewood. Enriched with a small metal key, it is equipped with a hygrometer and Boveda holder. The piece can come 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
Japanese Kazaribako Glass Box by Kyohei Fujita
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Kazaribako "Ornamented Box" made of glass by Japanese artist Kyohei Fujita (1921-2004) circa 1990. Graduated from the Tokyo Academy of Arts, Department of Metal Crafts at nineteen. At twenty-six he entered the Iwata Glass...
Category
1990s Japanese Modern Boxes
Materials
Art Glass
Studio Pottery Storage or Vase Vessel with Lid
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A black Glazed Studio pottery piece with lid that works well as a vase or could be used on a desk or work station to hold pens, papers or e...
Category
20th Century Modern Boxes
Materials
Pottery
Contemporary Iridescent Pearl Crystal Bowl, Brass and Gold 24 Kt by Ghirò Studio
By Ghirò Studio
Located in Pieve Emanuele, Milano
2021 Collection of covered bowls by Ghirò Studio.
This covered bowl is one of a kind. The material used and the artisanal and artistic workmanship make it unrepeatable. In fact, two...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Gold, Brass
Stanley Szwarc Stainless Steel Rectangular Large Box Vintage
Located in North Miami, FL
This fabulous long and unusual rectangular box is polished satin stainless steel. The dimensions of the work on top have flower like bursts in Industrial and floral forms. It is not ...
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Stainless Steel
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
Agresti Forziere Armored Jewelry Chest
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Armored jewelry chest with pullout / pull-out necklace bars. Available in three finishing variations. See information below for details of finish...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
Modern Marble Trinket Box
Located in New York, NY
Modern marble trinket box in black veined Egyptian marble, with label on bottom.
Category
20th Century Egyptian Modern Boxes
Materials
Marble
Miniportrait Dot Jewelry Box Mirror in Cherrywood and Steel Sheet by Portego
By Portego
Located in Stienta, IT
Designed by Studio Lido for Portego.
Made in Italy
The dot Miniportrait is part of the boxes line that reproduces the plissé of oriental fans.
It's expertisely manufactured carving ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Wood
Aldo Tura Lacquered Goatskin Pyramid Ice Bucket or Wine Cooler Sculpture
By Aldo Tura
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An exceptional example of an uncommon Aldo Tura design, this pyramid form wine cooler or ice bucket comprises a lacquered goatskin parchment body with a lacquered mahogany underside,...
Category
20th Century Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Plastic, Mahogany, Goatskin
Michael Elkan Live Edge Burl Box
Located in New York, NY
Studio craft raw edge burl box with hinged lid, which conceals 2 compartments. Signed Michael Elkan.
Category
20th Century American Modern Boxes
Materials
Burl
Miniportrait Oval Jewelry Box Mirror in Cherrywood and Steel Sheet by Portego
By Portego
Located in Stienta, IT
Designed by Studio Lido for Portego.
Made in Italy
The Oval Miniportrait is part of the boxes line that reproduces the plissé of oriental fans.
It's expertisely manufactured carving...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Wood
Solid Brass Dish
Located in Paonia, CO
The (wh)ORE HAüS STUDIOS small goods collection was made for those that wanted to experience the (wh)ORE HAüS brand without committing to our larger pieces. Our Solid Brass Dish...
Category
2010s American Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
Italian 1960s Black Train Case in Leather
Located in Milan, IT
Italian 1960s train case in leather.
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Crocodile
Karl Springer White Snake Skin Lidded Box with Semi Precious Stone, 1970s
Located in New York, NY
Artisan box in white snake skin on outside with a semi-precious stone on top by Karl Springer, American 1970's. The craftsmanship on Springer’s pieces is unsurpassed.
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Multi-gemstone
Playful Large Pink and Gray Box
Located in Milan, IT
This glamorous box fashioned of prized crystal couples a variety of different uses with a stunning aesthetic made to impress. A densely fluted texture enlivens the whole silhouette, which features a gray-hued lid with a clear, spherical finial, protecting the contents tucked in the bright pink storage...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Crystal
Orbicular Jasper Chest
By Didoni
Located in Milan, IT
Boasting a modern flair, this small chest with hinged lid is manufactured with the distinct and alluring orbicular jasper. Reminiscent of a volcanic eruption, spots, and shades of wh...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Precious Stone
Luxury Crocodile Billiards Game Set with Chrome & Glass Detailing
By IMPATIA
Located in Milan, IT
With a continued desire to push the boundaries of luxury design within the game table industry, IMPATIA unveils a brand new contemporary billiards set crafted from genuine crocodile ...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Chrome
Ghidini 1961 Knotted Cherry Medium Box in Copper-Plated Brass by Nika Zupanc
Located in Villa Carcina, IT
Fiasco. Guilt. Fear of love. A place to hide all the things we secretly desire yet are too scared to utter. The luscious things the perfect lover knows are never to be told. She drea...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Copper
Playful Large Purple/Clear Box
Located in Milan, IT
Stylish and elegant, this square box is a flattering accent for a side table or vanity desk, best for storing treats for guests, trinkets, or precious jewelry. The body in pure cryst...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Crystal
Agresti Bijoux Jewelry Chest in Briar and Mahogany
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Jewelry chest in briar and mahogany, matte finish, ultrasuede lining, 24 karats gold plated brass accessories. With necklace bars, lockable doors and 6 drawers. Adjustable mirror on ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Suede, Mahogany
Agresti Privato Safe
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
"Agresti 'Privato' safe for jewelry, available in three finishing options. See information below for details of finishing variations.
Copper: Jewelry case in hammered copper finish s...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Steel
Small Chest in Quartz
By Didoni
Located in Milan, IT
Inspired by the Italian Renaissance, this splendid small rectangular chest boasts a sophisticated and eclectic allure. Meticulously manufactured, it combines three refined gemstones: lapis lazuli on the checked top, mother of pearl enhancing the edges on the hinged lid, and a splendidly green malachite making up the sides of the piece. The base of this small chest...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Quartz
Maitland Smith Leather Wrapped Lidded Jewelry Box
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Maitland Smith brown leather decoration embellished with an embossed silver tone pattern, interior lined with brown lacquer.
Category
1980s Philippine Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Leather
Twist Large Purple Box
Located in Milan, IT
A captivating and well-balanced interplay of colors and textures makes this round box in fine purple crystal a superb accent piece. Topped by a clear, spherical handle, the cylindric...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Crystal
Bespoke Orange Alligator Backgamoon Chip Set Box
By IMPATIA
Located in Milan, IT
With a continued desire to push the boundaries of luxury design within the game table industry, IMPATIA unveils a brand new contemporary Backgammon chip...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Chrome
Twist Large Crystal Box
Located in Milan, IT
Stunning in its simplicity, this clear crystal box is an expression of rare artisanal craftsmanship. Finely etched grooves following a twisted movement enliven its cylindrical silhouette, creating a tactile texture and mesmerizing optical detail further enhanced by the glistening edges in nickel-plated bronze. A matching lid...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Crystal
Snake Rectangular Box
Located in Milan, IT
A symbol of rebirth, the snake motif is the decorative focus of this luxury box in fine, clear crystal. A subtly scaled design enlivens the box's sides, cre...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Crystal
Small Brass Beetle Secret Box
Located in Milan, IT
Lined in velvet and topped with a beetle, this box has everything required to keep precious objects safe. An eye-catching accent for any space, the brass box is designed and crafted ...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
Small Caracol Keepsake Box in Silver Bronze and White Marble from Elan Atelier
By Elan Atelier
Located in New York, NY
Caracol keepsake box is comprised of a hand carved base in black or white marble with a solid old gold bronze or matte silver bronze top. An elegant vide-poche or jewelry box.
Smal...
Category
2010s European Modern Boxes
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Mini Portrait Dot Jewelry Box Mirror or Blue Wood, Steel Sheet by Portego
By Portego
Located in Stienta, IT
Designed by Studio Lido for Portego.
Made in Italy
The dot Mini portrait is part of the boxes line that reproduces the plissé of oriental fans.
It's...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Wood
Hyaline Quartz Brass Box
Located in Milan, IT
A whimsical interplay of form and material, this exquisite box showcases a rectangular silhouette in polished nickel-plated brass and a sublime hyaline quartz...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Other
Large Brass Beetle Secret Box
Located in Milan, IT
Crafted in brass and lined in velvet, this original box by Florentine luxury experts Badari features a Hercules beetle topper, ready to face any intruder. An eye-catching accent for ...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
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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