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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
22:15 _ White Ceramic and 24-K Gold Details Handcrafted Jewelry Box
By LatoXLato
Located in Bologna, Bologna
The white painted ceramic box with lid 22:15 of the 'Meridiane' collection can be the container where you find a candy to relax after dinner, as well as the storage in which to put the jewelry on the night table before going to bed.
This object is hand made in refined white ceramic and finished with precious 24k gold based paint. It is a decorative piece that can be placed in any room of the house and give it a touch of uniqueness. The box is inspired by Casa Malaparte...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Gold
Rectangular Dark Gray Leather Box
Located in New York, NY
Contemporary rectangular dark gray leather box with two large brass hinges (Made in Italy).
Category
20th Century Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
Playful Large Purple and Yellow Box
Located in Milan, IT
Mysterious and elegant with a playful personality, this crystal box with lid is marked by an impactful aesthetic, ideal to keep accessory favorites organized in a luxury case. An int...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Crystal
Twist Small Crystal Box
Located in Milan, IT
The timeless allure of clear crystal meets elegant textural details and pure volumes in this sublime crystal box. Equipped with a matching lid featuring ...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Crystal
Agresti Rollo Tube Travel Case for 5 Watches
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Travel roll for 4 watches. Capacity for up to 4 watches on the adjustable roll. Available in three finishing options, see information below for details.
Brown: Brown leather and mat...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Leather, Wood
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
22:15 _ White Ceramic and Platinum Details Handcrafted Jewelry Box
By LatoXLato
Located in Bologna, Bologna
The white painted ceramic box with lid 22:15 of the 'Meridiane' collection can be the container where you find a candy to relax after dinner, as well as the storage in which to put the jewelry on the night table before going to bed.
This object is hand made in refined white ceramic and finished with precious platinum based paint. It is a decorative piece that can be placed in any room of the house and give it a touch of uniqueness. The box is inspired by Casa Malaparte...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Platinum
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
Twist Small Purple Box
Located in Milan, IT
This precious box in fine crystal is a glamorous and sleek take on traditional crystal pieces. The enthralling conflict between the gold-plated bronze edges, the purple-hued body, an...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Crystal
1994's 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
Oscar Tusquets Contemporary Leather Starry Pyramid Limited Edition
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Starry Pyramid by Oscar Tusquets and Pere Ventura for Exhibition-event Homo Faber celebrada en Venezia septiembre 2018.
Limited edition of 8
A pyramid shaped tabernacle.
Leather covered faces...
Category
2010s Spanish Modern Boxes
Materials
Leather
Snake Large Round Box
Located in Milan, IT
Also available in a smaller variant, this exclusive, round box is inspired by the symbolism and hypnotizing charm of snakes. Fashioned of clear crystal boasting a pleasant scaled texture, this luxury design is distinguished by a bronze snake plated...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Crystal
22:15 _ White Ceramic and Copper Details Handcrafted Jewelry Box
By LatoXLato
Located in Bologna, Bologna
The white painted ceramic box with lid 22:15 of the 'Meridiane' collection can be the container where you find a candy to relax after dinner, as well as the storage in which to put the jewelry on the night table before going to bed.
This object is hand made in refined white ceramic and finished with precious copper based paint. It is a decorative piece that can be placed in any room of the house and give it a touch of uniqueness. The box is inspired by Casa Malaparte...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Copper
Miniportrait Oval Gray Jewelry Box Mirror in Wood 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
Snake Small Round Box
Located in Milan, IT
This sophisticated box in prized, clear crystal pays homage to snakes, its scaled texture etched to imitate their skin. Rendered in a fierce pose channeling a sense of dynamic tension, a bronze snake plated...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Crystal
Agresti 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
Large Hollywood Chewing Gum Advertising Display Suitcase
Located in Antwerp, BE
Vintage original Hollywood Chewing Gum display suitcase - Advertising display.
This Large suitcase for the French brand of Hollywood Chewing Gum, since 19...
Category
Late 20th Century French Modern Boxes
Materials
Plastic
Agresti Tempo Unico Watch Winder
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Watch winder for automatic watch. Leather lined. Winder made in Switzerland, battery operated. Available in polished red briar, polished ebony, or polishe...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Leather, Wood
Agresti Mirror of Enchantment Classic Wall Safe with 3 Watch Winders
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Safe with spy glass, options of different frames. This safe can be organized to display all types of collections and valuables. The mirror reflects when off. A mobile phone app can t...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Wood
Exotic Solid Wood Modern Minimal Modular Drawer Units from Costantini, Baccello
By Costantini
Located in New York, NY
Each one of these units is identical in shape but highlights the natural variations of the Argentine Rosewood from which they are made. Combine them to make a functional storage unit...
Category
2010s Argentine 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
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
Agresti Contemporary Black Armored Jewel Safe Chest with Swarovski Crystals
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Agresti "Notte D'oriente" armored jewelry chest in black leather with Swarovski crystals. Drawers are covered with black leather, inside is lined...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Crystal, Steel
Agresti Polished Black Jewel Chest with Gold-Plated Hardware
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Jewel chest in polished ebony. The two side doors close, by key, the five drawers. And on the side you have two necklace bars. The drawers are organized to...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Gold Plate
Agresti 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
Agresti Black Ebony Polished Wood Box for 24 Cufflinks with Leather Detail
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Box for 24 pairs of cufflinks in black polished wood with leather handles.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Leather, Wood
Freestanding Yellow / Black Spanish Cedar Cigar Humidor, Handmade in Italy
By DeART
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Scroll down and click "view all from Seller" to see more than 400 other unique products. (1.8)
Freestanding cigar humidor, designed by Massimo de Munari...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Glass, Cedar
Daam Dah 7-1, a Unique Black Glass Lidded Box with Gold Detail by Choi Keeryong
Located in London, GB
Daam Dah 7-1 is a unique black cast glass lidded box with 23.5 carat gold leaf, by the South Korean artist, Choi Keeryong. When casting glass, tiny bubbl...
Category
2010s European Modern Boxes
Materials
Gold Leaf
Agresti Arco Rutenio Contemporary Armored Jewelry Armoire Safe in Ebony finish
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Polished ebony contemporary armored armoire by Agresti.
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
Agresti Mirror of Enchantment Classic Wall Safe
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Safe with spy glass, options of different frames. This safe can be organized to display all types of collections and valuables. The mirror reflects when off. A mobile phone app can t...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Wood
Contemporary Armored Jewelry Armoire Safe in White Maple Gioia Artico Agresti
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Armoured jewelry cabinet in polished white maple, 24-karat gold-plated brass accessories by Agresti.
Safe can be anchored to the wall with metal screws t...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Maple
Floral Design Mother of Pearl Box with Peony Blossoms by Arijian
Located in Namyangju-si, KR
This artwork adopts mother of pearl and lacquer to portray peony blossoms, also known as the king of all flowers and a symbol for beautiful women. The lustrous mother of pearl was used to create such sumptuous flower patterns. The colors inside the lines of mother of pearl were enhanced with lacquer, gold and silver powder, etc. to elevate the vividness and splendor evoking the actual blossoming.
-Luxury Packaging: Wooden Gift...
Category
2010s Korean Modern Boxes
Materials
Wood
Multi-Functional Cigar Humidor Cabinet, by Massimo de Munari, Handmade in Italy
By DeART
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Scroll down and click "view all from Seller" to see more than 400 other unique products. (1.8)
Multi-functional cigar humidor and bar, Handmade in Italy
Designed by Massimo de Munari...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Ebony
20th Century Silver Box, Hungary, circa 1980
By Artex
Located in Cagliari, IT
Magnificent box in sterling silver and wood. On the lid are set reproductions of ancient coins of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
In fact the producer of this article, Artex, was a bra...
Category
1980s Hungarian Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Silver
Monumental Murano Glass Box
Located in London, GB
Monumental blue Murano glass box with polished brass inner core.
Category
2010s Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
"Rettangolare" Leather Box Designed by Oscar Maschera
Located in Brooklyn, NY
"Rettangolare" is a leather box, designed and manufactured by Oscar Maschera. Genuine Italian leather vegetable tanned. Colors combination to be chosen from the available range: tan,...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Leather
Watch Box for Five Watches in Polished Black with Ultrasuede Detail by Agresti
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Box in polished wood for five watches lined in protective ultrasuede. Hinge in Ruthenium. Box only: watches are not included.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Wood
Agresti Gioia Rutenio Contemporary Armored Jewelry Armoire Safe in Ebony
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Polished ebony contemporary armored armoire by Agresti.
Matte finish, ruthenium accessories. Inside drawers for jewelry, with fronts covered in white leather.
Safe can be anchored t...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Ebony
Agresti Armored Jewel Safe Polished Carbon Fiber Front and 3 Watch Winders
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Agresti "Carbon Dream" armored jewelry safe covered in polished carbon front. Drawers in white leather, , inside is lined for jewelry and watches with pull out necklace holder...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Steel
Modern Burl Veneer Covered Dresser Box
Located in New York, NY
Modern covered dresser box with burl wood veneer. Measures: 4" H x 9.75" L x 7" D. Minor restoration to one corner of lid.
Category
Late 20th Century Modern Boxes
Materials
Wood, Burl
Ebony Cigar Humidor, Bar & Watch Winder, by Massimo de Munari, Handmade in Italy
By DeART
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Scroll down and click "view all from Seller" to see more than 400 other unique products. (1.8)
Freestanding ebony cigar humidor, bar & watch winder, designed by Massimo de Munari...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Ebony
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
Vintage John Miller Studio Pottery Box, 20th Century
By John Miller
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A stunning vintage Studio Pottery stoneware lidded box applied with an arrangement of irregular cut shapes decorated in blue, brown and cream colored glazes on a light mottled creame...
Category
20th Century British Modern Boxes
Materials
Pottery, Stoneware
Agresti Cream Contemporary Armored Jewelry Chest Safe with Swarovski Crystals
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Agresti "Alba nel Deserto" armored jewelry chest in beige leather with Swarovski crystals. Drawers are covered with off white leather, inside is ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Steel
1800s Antique Wood and Forged Iron Box
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Fabulously aged antique wood box with handles.
Box is adorned with patinated metal trim pieces and forged iron nails.
No maker stamp pre...
Category
19th Century Unknown Antique Modern Boxes
Materials
Metal, Iron
Agresti 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
Black Polished Chest for 28 Watches by Agresti
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Chest in black polished wood. A lockable box for 28 watches.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Wood
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
Gandia Blasco Touareg Small Candle Box by Sandra Figuerola
Located in New York, NY
This piece, with its standard volume and geometric, universal and contemporary language, has a unity of criteria. The Farol Touareg subtly filters the light, just as the lattices tha...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Boxes
Materials
Aluminum
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
Agresti Carbon Fiber Armored Jewel Safe Polished Carbon on 4 Sides and 3 Winders
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Agresti "Carbon Dream" armored jewelry safe covered in polished carbon. Drawers in white leather, inside is lined for jewelry and watches with pul...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Steel
Agresti Arco Metal Safe in White
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Metal safe varnished only in front for recessed placement in existing furniture. Round handle with biometric opening device and emergency key integrated. Se...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Metal
Tempo Unico Rosso Red Watch Winder Lined in Leather by Agresti
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Watchwinder in polished red briar for automatic watch. Leather lined. Winder made in Switzerland, battery operated.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Leather
Agresti Polished White Jewel Chest in Birdseye Maple, Gold-Plated Hardware
By Agresti
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
Ghidini 1961 Medium Knotted Cherry Box in Rose Gold Finish
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Medium box available in brass and rose gold finishes.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
1990s Stainless Steel Funky Art Boxes by Stanley Szwarc
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Sensational stainless steel sculptural art boxes
handmade in the United States by Stanley Szwarc.
1. small box dated March 27, 1998 4.75 w x 1.5 h
2. big box dated February 22, 2002 ...
Category
1990s American Modern Boxes
Materials
Stainless Steel
"Quadra" Square Leather Box Designed by Oscar Maschera
Located in Brooklyn, NY
"Quadra" is a square leather box, designed and manufactured by Oscar Maschera. Genuine Italian leather vegetable tanned. Colors combination to be chosen from the available range: tan...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Leather
Agresti Bacco E Tabacco Bar Armoire
By Agresti
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
Wood
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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