Skip to main content

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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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

to
45
557
215
72
1
1
213
629
5
40
125
1
3
5
16
41
28
14
1,087
801
678
283
235
189
184
134
126
109
105
104
88
83
75
39
25
350
260
128
112
98
402
333
481
291
126
102
82
Height
to
Width
to
844
569
667
80
69
37
32
20
Style: Modern
Waste Bin in White Shagreen by R&Y Augousti
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The White 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

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

Solid Brass Dish
Solid Brass Dish
$375 / item
Ceramic Cheetah Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Crafted with precision by Love Art Ceramic in South Africa, this ceramic Cheetah jewelry box is a tribute to African wildlife. Standing 5 inches high, ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

Box, Case for Tag Heuer Watch, 1990.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Box, case for Tag Heuer watch, 1990. Case, box for Tag Heuer watch, very good condition, box and cardboard box, circa 1990. H: 11.5 cm, W: 14.5 cm, D: 14.5 cm
Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Boxes

Materials

Paper, Wood

Tronador Medium Mini Box, Brown Onyx Stone and Silver Alpaca
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 & Grey, Handmade in Portugal by Lusitanus Home
Located in Lisboa, PT
Graham pots, Lusitanus Home Collection, handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Lusitanus Home. This beautiful set includes three waterproof ceramic pots with lid, perfect to be displ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

Sable Ceramic Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Sable Jewelry Box Hand Painted by Sabelo and Sculpted by Sbusiso Discover the enchanting beauty of the Sable Jewelry Box, a remarkable piece of decorative art crafted by Love Art Cer...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

Chic Modernist Lizard Skin Wrapped Box in Natural Tones
Located in New York, NY
A modernist lizard skin match-wrapped box with removable lid. Its interior is lined in a dark brown ultra-suede with lid supports by means of wooden plinths on two opposing sides of ...
Category

Early 2000s Philippine Modern Boxes

Materials

Animal Skin

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

Juno Box, Marble and Brass, by Bohinc Studio
Located in Holland, AMSTERDAM
Bohinc Studio’s new Juno box comprises a large brass body and a smaller round compartment. Details in green ming, red travertine, calcatta and portoro ma...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Boxes

Materials

Marble, Brass

Ceramic Buffalo And Monkey Sculpture , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Senzo Duma Ceramics presents a striking ceramic Buffalo & Monkey sculpture, standing 9 inches tall with dimensions of 11 inches in length and 5 inches in width. Hand-painted by Mlu, ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

Modernist Bookmatched Walnut Decorative Box with Smoky Quartz Embellishment
Located in New York, NY
This sophisticated modernist box was realized in the United States during the 21st century. It features a cubic body in bookmatched walnut with an embellishment (that doubles as a ha...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Boxes

Materials

Quartz

Mid Century Decorative Carved Dome Top Valuables Box
Located in Incline Village, NV
Resting on four paw feet and opening via two rear butterfly hinges, this attractive carved dome top box features on the top, an oval highly carved applique cartouche, monogrammed w...
Category

1950s American Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Wood

Cigarette Case Fired Enamel on a Fine Hand-Engraved Mountain Landscape Sterling
Located in Firenze, FI
Rectangular table cigarette case with rounded corners in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with translucent fired enamel on a fine hand-engrave...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Sterling Silver, Enamel

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Tessellated Stone Boxes by Maitland Smith
Located in New York, NY
This elegant pair of modernist boxes were realized by the celebrated 20th century design firm Maitland Smith in the Philippines, circa 1980. They feature two cylindrical bodies- one ...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Stone

Asprey Sterling Silver and Rose Gold Compact, circa 1960
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
An elegant compact poudrier by Asprey in sterling silver and rose gold. Exquisite craftsmanship, finished on all sides. Weighs 125 grams.
Category

1960s British Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Sterling Silver

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

3 Color Jewelry Box by Konrad Olejnik
Located in Roeselare, BE
I want to offer a beautiful, handmade, turned jewelry box. The box is made of three types of wood, zebrano, wild cherry, padouk. Danish oil and wax finish. If you are looking for som...
Category

2010s Belgian Modern Boxes

Materials

Cherry, Padouk, Zebra Wood

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

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

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

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

Handcrafted Three Trinket Boxes Mod Geometric Design
Located in Chula Vista, CA
AMBIANIC presents Mod Set Three Geometric Design Trinket Boxes Handcrafted Wood Art 2 h x 4 x 4 Original vintage Refer to images for details
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Boxes

Materials

Wood

Maitland Smith Tessellated Marble and Tortoise Shell Box
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Maitland Smith tessellated stone box with a mother of pearl finial handle. The interior of the box is lined with a black felt and has a removable lid. The box rests on sterling silver ball and claw feet as well as the entirety of the box is framed with a sterling silver border. History and craftsmanship for nearly four decades Maitland-Smith has been in the business of creating exquisite and unique decorative accessories, lighting and accent furniture and elegant mirrors from our La Barge Collection. Founded by a London antiques dealer with the eye of a connoisseur, Maitland-Smith has carried on the tradition of creating stunning accents for the home of the highest quality. From the beginning, our many workrooms have been artisan based and employ time-honored techniques developed before the machine age. Many of these skills date back to the world’s earliest civilizations, and are associated with Fine quality furniture and decorative arts. Maitland-Smith is well-known for many handcrafted specialties, including hand carved tropical mahogany, handcut and inlaid exotic wood veneers, lost wax cast metal mounts and decorative objects, as well as, traditional vegetable tanned and hand-tooled leather. Other areas of expertise include finely executed porcelains, sophisticated finishing techniques, and detailed hand painting. Maitland Smith draws inspiration from great works from the 18th, 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries and in collaboration with design partners Tony Duquette Studios and its president, Hutton Wilkinson and also Celerie Kemble, Donald Bustraan...
Category

Late 20th Century Philippine Modern Boxes

Materials

Stone, Marble, Sterling Silver

Hand Blown Murano Glass Box in Black with Bubbles and Chrome Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Discover the epitome of elegance with this exquisite Pulegoso technique box, meticulously crafted in Murano and signed for MOGUL. This box, available in both large and giant sizes, e...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Chrome

Giant Hand Blown Murano Glass Box in Onyx Black 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 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

Jewellery Compendium in speckled blue Vellum
Located in Queensland, AU
“There are so many rare and unique materials available to an artist to work with and Vellum is one of my absolute favourites. It is perfect in its imperfections. No two pieces are ev...
Category

2010s Australian 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

Vintage Orange Glass HInged Box with White Coral Top Black Velvet Interior
Located in North Miami, FL
This absolutely stunning vintage orange glass hinged box has a white piece of organic coral as the top. The inside is a black velvet interior. It is from the 70's and was sold at Sak...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Coral

French Modern Specimen Hardwood Carved Conch Shell Motif Box
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
French Modern Specimen Hardwood Carved Conch Shell Motif Box France, Later 20th Century Realistically carved and modeled of book-matched hardwood as...
Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Boxes

Materials

Hardwood

Contemporary American Modern Oval Seashell Veneer Jewelry Box
Located in Queens, NY
Contemporary American Modern oval jewelry box with an applied brown and beige seashell exterior and green velvet interior.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Boxes

Materials

Coral

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

Modernist Translucent Glass Stylized Egyptian Eye of Horus Dish by Rosenthal
Located in New York, NY
This stunning modernist dish was realized by the esteemed German maker Rosenthal. It offers a sinuously curved ellipsoid form with raised sides and a central circular depression. The form suggests the ancient Egyptian symbol of the Eye of Horus...
Category

20th Century German Modern Boxes

Materials

Glass

Maitland Smith Tessellated Rosso Levanto Marble Box, ca 1990s
Located in Cathedral City, CA
Exquisite Maitland Smith Tessellated Rosso Levanto Marble Box, ca 1990s. This octagonal slope sided box is clad in a beautiful tessellated rosso levanto marble and accented with a ...
Category

Late 20th Century Philippine Modern Boxes

Materials

Marble, Brass

Miniportrait Dot Jewelry Box Mirror/ Gray Wood, Steel Sheet 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

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

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

Bacco Bar Armoire in Shiny Ebony
Located in New York, NY
Bar armoire with two doors and lid that can be fully opened. Contents: LIEBHERR wine cellar for 12 bottles, temperature ranging +5 to +20, set of 16 hand c...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Ebony

Scientific Calendar in Brass and Marble for the 40 Years, 1991-2030.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Scientific calendar in brass and marble for the 40 years, 1991-2030. Scientific calendar in brass and marble, for the 40 years, calendar 1991-2030, crown of a royal family, in its o...
Category

20th Century European Modern Boxes

Materials

Marble, 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

Hand Blown Murano Glass Box in Black with Bubbles and Brass Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Black 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...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass

Ceramic Leopard Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Introducing the enchanting "Leopard Jewelry Box," a stunning piece of ceramic decorative art crafted in South Africa by the talented artists from Love Art Ceramic. Sculpted by Motsam...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

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

Garrard English Modern Sterling Silver Box, 1947
Located in New York, NY
George VI sterling silver box. Made by Garrard & Co. in London in 1947. Rectangular with straight sides. Cover flat, tabbed, and hinged. Sides have reeded wrapround bands. Cover top ...
Category

1940s British Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Sterling Silver

Gabriella Crespi Small Brass Container Box, Italy 1970s
Located in Milan, IT
Gabriella Crespi Small Brass Container Box. Italy 1970s Carries the Initials E.L. Signed at the base Gabriella Crespi.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass

Vintage Georg Jensen Sterling Silver Box 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. There are different sizes of this box, this is t...
Category

20th Century Modern Boxes

Materials

Sterling Silver

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

Black Shagreen Tissue Box
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian black Shagreen tissue box with black leather presentation box designed by Fabio Bergomi for Fabio Ltd, made in Italy. Measures: Height...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Shagreen

Black Shagreen Tissue Box
Black Shagreen Tissue Box
$720 Sale Price
40% Off
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

Set of Twelve Black Shagreen Napkin Rings by Fabio Ltd
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian black shagreen and stainless steel napkin rings with matching black leather boxes designed by Fabio Bergomi for Fabio Ltd / Made in Italy Each ring has diameter 1.5 inches a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Stainless Steel

A Box by J. Muckey
By J. Muckey
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A rare walnut box by J.Muckey-a craftsman active in the 1970's.
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Walnut

Hand Blown Murano Octagonal Glass Box L with 24 Karat Gold Flecks
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The exquisite octagonal jewel box in crystal with 24 karat gold flecks is a captivating blend of traditional craftsmanship and luxurious aesthetics. Handcrafted on the historic islan...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass, Gold Leaf

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

Hand-Painted Dome Top Wood and Brass Decorative Chest
Located in Germantown, MD
A fancy highly decorative, hand painted wooden box in good vintage condition. Heavy solid brass hardware. Meadures 19.5" in width, 10.25" in depth and 14" in height.
Category

Late 20th Century Argentine Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass

Miniportrait Oval BLU 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 car...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Wood

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

20th Century Italian Mushroom shape Silver Box. Enbossed and chiselled by hand
Located in VALENZA, IT
Decorative silver 800 mushroom shape box. The body is embossed and cheased completely by hand.
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Silver

Knotted Tissue Box Square Home Office Accessories By André Fu Living
Located in Admiralty, HK
Description: Tissue box Color: Grey Size: 14 x 14 x 15 H cm Material: PU Collection: Knotted.
Category

2010s Thai Modern Boxes

Materials

Faux Leather

Vintage Fendi Pequin Stripe Trinket Box
Located in San Diego, CA
Unique and interesting trinket box by Fendi. This vintage piece from the early 1990s is made in leather and covered in the classic Fendi Pequin stripe fabric design. This piece ope...
Category

1990s Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Leather, Fabric

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.

Recently Viewed

View All