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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Modernist Black Mirror Box w/ Beveled & Sliced Gilt Geode Detailing
Located in New York, NY
This sleek and well adorned Modernist Black Mirror Box with Beveled & Sliced Gilt Geode Detailing originates from the United States during the latter half of the 20th Century. Featur...
Category

20th Century American Modern Boxes

Materials

Mirror

Salimbeni Pillbox Semi-Invisible Lid Sterling Silver Natural
Located in Firenze, FI
Salimbeni Pillbox in 925/1000 sterling Silver, oval section with lid with lost hinge, that is, semi-invisible. Salimbeni Pillbox has guilloche with Art Deco early 20th century styl...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Sterling Silver

Contemporary Decorative Box Handmade Crystal and Boise De Rose by Ghirò Studio
Located in Pieve Emanuele, Milano
2023 Collection of Decorative boxes by Ghiró Studio. The type of craftsmanship and the materials used for the production make this box a unique object, in fact it is impossible to...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Glass, Rosewood

Contemporary Jewelry Box Handmade Black Wood and Engraved Glass by Ghirò Studio
Located in Pieve Emanuele, Milano
2022 Collection of Jewelry boxes by Ghirò Studio. This box is perfect synthesis of timeless style, innovative design and Italian craftsmanship excellence. This box is entirely in wood with a matte black finish. The lid is embellished with carefully crafted glass with the utmost precision. The crystal has an amber color finish rich in gold reflections that highlight the various hand-made engravings...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Glass, Wood

Italian Modern Sterling Silver Box
Located in New York, NY
Modern sterling silver box. Rectangular; cover hinged with vertically ribbed rim. Post-1967 Italian marks including maker’s (Fratelli Cacchione) and retailer’s (Carimati) stamps. Wei...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Sterling Silver

Two Garouste and Bonetti Bronze Boxes for the Collection of Herbert Blome 2001
Located in Milan, IT
Two Garouste and Bonetti Bronze Boxes for the Collection of Herbert Blome 2001 Both are fully signed
Category

Early 2000s French Modern Boxes

Materials

Bronze

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 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

Don Shoemaker Parquetry Work Box for Senal SA, Mexico, Label
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Great parquetry box, designed for Don Shoemaker, label, Senal SA.
Category

1960s Mexican Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Wood

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

Murano Glass

XXI Century Italian Sterling Silver Cigar Box
Located in VALENZA, IT
925 Sterling Silver Box for Cigars. The body of the box is completely smooth with sharp corners. A small silver protrusion allows the opening of the box. The interior of the box is m...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Sterling Silver

Privato Biancho white Safe
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

Belt real black python buckle Sterling silver fire enamel hand painted Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Belt in genuine black python reptile with oval buckle in 925/1000 silver with translucent fire enamel on sunburst guilloche and hand-painted miniature depicting a branch of peach blo...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Sterling Silver, Enamel

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

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

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

Alexandra Von Furstenberg Acrylic Treasure Box in Tulip - 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 Tulip. Made from high-quality Lucite, this chic decor...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Boxes

Materials

Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass

American Modernist Geometric Inlaid Two-Tone Wood Lidded Bucket /Vessel, 1950s
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
American Modernist Geometric Inlaid Two-Tone Wood Lidded Bucket /Vessel, 1950s Presenting a tour de force of unknown American modern design, this inlaid two-tone wood lidded bucke...
Category

20th Century American Modern Boxes

Materials

Ash, Walnut, Pine

Armored Armoire in Canaletto Walnut Gioia Noce
Located in New York, NY
Armored armoire in Canaletto walnut, matte finish, gold plated brass accessories.   
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Walnut

Birdie Miller Raised Artisan Jewelry Box
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Birdie Miller Raised Jewelry Box. Looks equally good off of it's raised platform. Made of several woods with rosewood handles. Signed to bottom platform.
Category

1990s American Modern Boxes

Materials

Mahogany, Maple, Rosewood, Walnut

Miniportrait Oval Gray Jewelry Box Mirror in Wood and Steel Sheet 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

Piccolo Intreccio Armored Armoire Braided White and Pink Leather
Located in New York, NY
Armored jewelry cabinet covered in white and pink hand threaded leather. Varnished outside in pink color. Accessories in 24 karats gold plated brass. Drawers covered in white leather...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Metal

Contemporary Modern, Galata Chestnut Wood 2-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

Seguso, Large Murano Glass, Corroso, Uranium Leaded Box /Jar Attb Flavio Poli
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Great modern vintage green glow glass, in this leaded box/jar. Attributed to Flavio Poli.
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Art Glass, Murano Glass

Ghidini 1961 Knotted Cherry Small 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

Acrylic Cubic Box in Ruby by Designer Alexandra Von Furstenberg
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Cubic Treasure Box in Ruby by Alexandra Von Furstenberg a striking fusion of modern design and functional elegance. Crafted from premium acrylic, this 5" cube is perfect for show...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Boxes

Materials

Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass

Pair of Black and Clear Lucite Decorative Boxes
Located in Chicago, IL
A pair of 1970s modernist Lucite small decorative boxes with black acrylic bases and clear lids. Perfect as a trinket or jewelry box.
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Boxes

Materials

Acrylic, Lucite

Ceramic Leopard Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Crafted by Lefu and Sindy at Senzo Duma Ceramics in South Africa, this ceramic Leopard jewelry box stands 4 inches high, 5 inches long, and 4 inches ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

Architectural Modern Domed Jewelry Box
Located in Chula Vista, CA
AMBIANIC presents Modernist Tiered Wood Sculptural Jewelry Box Dome Steeple top and pull-out drawers 9.5 h x 4 x 4 Preowned vintage condition See all images for details
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Boxes

Materials

Wood

Alexandra Von Furstenberg Acrylic Treasure Box in Magenta Smoke - Large 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 purple and white Magenta Smoke. Made from high-qualit...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Boxes

Materials

Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass

Etched Horn Grid Pattern Box, 11x7
Located in New York, NY
Modernist handmade keepsake box clad in hand etched/scored horn. Horn over wood.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Boxes

Materials

Horn, Wood

Acrylic Cubic Box in Orange by Designer Alexandra Von Furstenberg
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Cubic Treasure Box in Orange by Alexandra Von Furstenberg a striking fusion of modern design and functional elegance. Crafted from premium acrylic, this 5" cube is perfect for sh...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Boxes

Materials

Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass

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

Ceramic Wild Dog Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Wild Dog Jewelry Box Hand-Painted by Minehle Nene and Sculpted by Motsamai Sello The Wild Dog Jewelry Box from Love Art Ceramic is a stunning piece of d...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

Graphic Pattern Blue / Natural Bone Box
Located in New York, NY
Graphic patterned keepsake box clad in natural and ink blue dyed bone. Tiles are hand set on a wood box.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Modern Boxes

Materials

Bone

Karl Springer Stunning Box with Top in Alligator 1970s
Located in New York, NY
Box with base covered in black cobra and top covered in alligator with interior in red suede by Karl Springer, American 1970's. The combination of black and red is very sumptuous. Bo...
Category

1970s North American Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Suede, Wood, Alligator

Ceramic Elephant Teapot , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Elephant Teapot Hand-Painted by Swelihle Khanyeza, Sculpted by Sbusiso Ndaba Love Art Ceramic, South Africa, 2024 Introducing the Elephant Teapot, a stunning ceramic piece that beau...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

2011 Dr. Lakra Wood Tequila Reserva De La Familia Box
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Awesome wood tequila box featuring Dr. Lakra art on every surface. Made to hold Jose Cuervo Tequila Reserva De La Familia, 2011. Very limited edition. Bo...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Boxes

Materials

Wood

Tommaso Barbi Ceramic Lidded Box with Red Marbleized Glaze and Gold Detailing
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This elegant lidded box by Tomaso Barbi showcases his signature blend of sculptural form and refined decorative detail. The square box is crafted in ceramic, finished with a striking...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

Hand-Blown Murano Box in Aqua Blue with Silver Flecks and Chrome Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hand-Blown Murano Box in Aqua Blue with Silver Flecks and Chrome Fittings captures the essence of Venetian artistry through an exquisite fusion of form, material, and luminosity. Thi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Boxes

Materials

Chrome, Silver Leaf

Ceramic Box by Nanni Valentini for Ceramica Arcore, Italy, 1970s
Located in Milan, IT
Ceramic box by Nanni Valentini for Ceramica Arcore.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

Contemporary Iridescent Pearl Crystal Bowl, Brass and Gold 24 Kt 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

Heart table box Yellow enamel Sterling Silver Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Heart-shaped table box in 925/1000 sterling silver with translucent enamel fired on guilloche above and below. Contemporary modern style. Dimensions cm. 9 x 9.5 cm high. 3.Weight gr....
Category

1990s Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Gold, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel

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

Polished White Jewel Chest in Birdseye Maple, Gold-Plated Hardware
Located in New York, NY
Shiny white bird’s-eye maple shiny jewel chest with 24-karat pink gold-plated hardware. Two necklace bars. The two doors lock the whole chest.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Birdseye Maple

Mappin & Webb English Modern Sterling Silver Box, 1965
Located in New York, NY
Elizabeth II sterling silver box. Made by Mappin & Webb in Birmingham in 1965. Rectangular with straight sides. Cover hinged with flat top and scalloped tab. Interior cedar-lined and...
Category

1960s British Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Sterling Silver

Vintage Georg Jensen Sterling Silver Box w/ gilt lid 1142A by Soren Georg Jensen
Located in Hellerup, DK
A sterling silver Georg Jensen box, design #1142A by Soren (Søren) Georg Jensen from 1965. The lid is a separate piece and lifts off, the top surface of the lid is gilt. There are di...
Category

20th Century Modern Boxes

Materials

Sterling Silver

John Glick pottery/stoneware box , jewelry/ table box, signed .
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful box with waved design in stoneware / ceramic. Made by Plum Tree Potters, John Glick.
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

Modern Serving Tray Calacatta Marble Walnut Handmade Portugal Lusitanus Home
Located in Lisboa, PT
Guadiana serving tray, Lusitanus Home Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Lusitanus Home. Guadiana is a sublime serving tray, designed to uplift layback moments. Handcra...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Boxes

Materials

Marble

Miniportrait Oval Jewelry Box Mirror /Coral Cherrywood, Steel Sheet 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

21st Century Coffee Round Paper Bin with Lid Waste Bin Handmade in Italy
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
Nothing like a sleek waste bin in calfskin leather to keep your bathroom looking chic. The cylindrical body is entirely covered by hand with fine calfskin leather in a woven pattern....
Category

2010s Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Leather

Rino Pirovano for Rexite, Italy. 900 Multiplor. Container in red plastic
Located in København, Copenhagen
Rino Pirovano for Rexite, Italy. 900 Multiplor. Container in red plastic with four compartments. 1970s/80s. Designed in 1977. In very good condition, lid with two interior chips. Mar...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Plastic

American Midcentury Modern Sterling Silver Box
By Becht & Hartl
Located in New York, NY
Midcentury Modern sterling silver box. Made by Becht & Hartl, Inc. in Newark. Rectangular with straight sides and beaded rim. Cover hinged and gently curved. Box interior cedar lined...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Boxes

Materials

Sterling Silver

Alexandra Von Furstenberg Acrylic Treasure Box in Snake Print - Large 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 Snake print. Made from high-quality Lucite, this chic...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Boxes

Materials

Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass

Polished Black Jewel Box in Maple and Mahogany
Located in New York, NY
Jewelry chest in polished black bird’s-eye maple and mahogany, ultra suede lining, 24-karat gold-plated brass accessories. With necklace bars, lockable doors and five drawers. Adjust...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Maple

Shagreen & Sycamore Bubble Box
Located in Queensland, AU
This elegant jewellery box from the Boucher & Co Collection was completely handmade in the Boucher & Co workrooms in Toowoomba, Australia. The design of this special piece was insp...
Category

2010s Australian Modern Boxes

Materials

Nickel

Shagreen & Sycamore Bubble Box
Shagreen & Sycamore Bubble Box
$8,160 Sale Price
20% Off
Acrylic Cubic Box in White by Designer Alexandra Von Furstenberg
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Cubic Treasure Box in White by Alexandra Von Furstenberg a striking fusion of modern design and functional elegance. Crafted from premium acrylic, this 5" cube is perfect for sho...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Boxes

Materials

Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass

Acrylic Cubic Box in Sapphire by Designer Alexandra Von Furstenberg
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Cubic Treasure Box in Sapphire by Alexandra Von Furstenberg a striking fusion of modern design and functional elegance. Crafted from premium acrylic, this 5" cube is perfect for ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Boxes

Materials

Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass

Acrylic Cubic Box in Yellow by Designer Alexandra Von Furstenberg
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Cubic Treasure Box in Yellow by Alexandra Von Furstenberg a striking fusion of modern design and functional elegance. Crafted from premium acrylic, this 5" cube is perfect for sh...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Boxes

Materials

Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass

Alexandra Von Furstenberg Acrylic Treasure Box in Palm - 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 Palm print. Made from high-quality Lucite, this chic ...
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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