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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Natural, Black 3D Bone Box
Located in New York, NY
Hand made dimensional bone box with hand set black centers. Rectangular pieces form a dimensional facade, lined in wood. A great addition to any coffee table to store remote controls...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Boxes
Materials
Bone, Wood
$1,250 / item
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
Ghidini 1961 Small Knotted Cherry Box in Polished Brass
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Small box available in brass and rose gold finishes.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
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
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
Acrylic Red Shorty Box by Alexandra Von Furstenberg
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Alexandra Von Furstenberg Shorty Box in Red are both decorative and functional. Featuring a sleek, low-profile design, these boxes are versatile for various uses. Place the AVF S...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Boxes
Materials
Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass
Ceramic Giraffe Head Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Giraffe Head Jewelry Box
Hand Painted by Winnie Mchunu and Sculpted by Sfiso
The Giraffe Head Jewelry Box is a stunning example of handcrafted ceramic art from Love Art Ceramic in S...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Black Polished Wood w/ Extendable Box for 54 Cufflinks
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Lockable chest in black polished wood for 54 pairs of cufflinks. This is also extendable up to 90 pairs.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Wood
Ceramic Cheetah And Bird Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Cheetah Jewelry Box Hand Painted by Sli Mazibuko and Sculpted by Motsamai Sello
Introduce a touch of South African elegance to your home with the enchanting Cheetah Jewelry Box, a ca...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Italian Lacquered and Brass Box, 1970s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sophisticated Italian decorative box from the 1970s, featuring a cream lacquered body with ribbed detailing and brass corner accents. The sleek rectangular form highlights the refine...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Wood
$315 / set
Karl Springer Unique Hinged Box in Polished Sodalite Stone 1980s 'Signed'
Located in New York, NY
Stunning one-of-a-kind hinged box in polished blue sodalite stone by Karl Springer, American 1980's (shown with original showroom tag from the 1980’s). Blue sodalite is a rare minera...
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Stone, Brass
Black Stripes Ziggurat Boxes by Oeuffice
By Oeuffice
Located in Geneve, CH
Black stripes ziggurat boxes by Oeuffice
Edition: 12 + 2AP
2012
Dimensions: 25 x 25 x 55 cm
Materials: Wood box, acrylic, solid stained wood.
The ...
Category
2010s English Modern Boxes
Materials
Acrylic, Wood
$14,908 / item
Karl Springer Lidded Box with Artisan Lacquered Exterior 1970s
Located in New York, NY
Exquisitely hand-lacquered lidded box with wood motif exterior and interior covered in beige suede by Karl Springer, American 1970's. This box is meticulously crafted. Springer had...
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Suede, Wood, Lacquer
Vintage Signed Silver Plate Textural Hinged Box
Located in North Miami, FL
This lovely vintage silver plate hinged textural small box is signed Raimond. We were advised it was French. It has a black velvet interior. It was re- silver plated and then recentl...
Category
1970s French Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Silver Plate
Hand-Built Glazed Ceramic Jewelry Box with Drawers, Florida Artist Rexx Fischer
Located in Miami, FL
Hand-Built Glazed Ceramic Jewelry Box with Drawers, Florida Artist Rexx Fischer
Offered for sale is a hand-made glazed ceramic jewelry box ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic, Felt
Tempo di Rovere Watch Box for Nine Watches in Oak Smoke Grey
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Chest with two drawers for 9 watches in smoke grey oak. Red ultrasuede internal lining and handles in red leather.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Wood
Knotted Tissue Box Leather Home Office Accessories By André Fu Living
By André Fu
Located in Admiralty, HK
An elegantly detailed tissue box to elevate your daily life. employing refined leather with finely stitched edges, it also features double-knotted detailing. it is a piece that can b...
Category
2010s Thai Modern Boxes
Materials
Leather
Knotted Tissue Box Square Home Office Accessories By André Fu Living
By André Fu
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
Il Passatempo White Chest with Four Watch Winders
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Chest with 4 watch winders. Available in two variations, please see information below for variation details. Ebony: Polished ebony chest with 4 watch winders entirely made in Switzer...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Birdseye Maple
$10,680 / item
Modern Serving Tray Calacatta Marble Cork Handmade in Portugal by Lusitanus Home
Located in Lisboa, PT
Guadiana serving tray, Lusitanus Home Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Lusitanus Home.
A sublime serving tray, Guadiana was designed to uplift layback moments.
A rec...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Boxes
Materials
Marble
Karl Springer "Molding Box" in Multicolor Lacquers 1970s
Located in New York, NY
Hinged “Molding Box” with multi-colored lacquer design and dark green suede interior by Karl Springer, American 1970's. Springer’s superb lacquer work and attention to detail make t...
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Chrome
Vintage Silver Plate, Brass and Ebonized Wood Hinged Box Italian
Located in North Miami, FL
This stunning vintage Italian silver-plate, brass and wood hinged box is a beauty. The twisted brass rope design on the bottom is an interesting element that refines and raises the b...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Silver Plate, Brass
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
Karl Springer Iconic Hinged Box in Yellow Cobra, 1970s
Located in New York, NY
Iconic sculptured box in yellow cobra, piano hinged with interior in suede, by Karl Springer, American 1970s. The craftsmanship on this box is simply superb.
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Chrome
Vintage Arnaldo Pomodoro Bronze Two Part Sculptural Italian Box
Located in North Miami, FL
This sculptural hallmarked fantastic signed Italian vintage bronze 2-part box is by Arnaldo Pomodoro. It has abstract raised forms on top giving both an organic and artistic textural elements. There were 4 different boxes ever done. Pomodoro is a very noted sculptor. The Pomodoro brothers were jewelers before they were sculptors as finely eminent in their work. This is a heavy box of art, sculpture and beauty. It is rectangular and is signed Pomodoro Il Sestante. This is beyond fabulous. It is our favorite special box in our collection. We have had it polished many many years ago so it has some patina on it now. A piece de resistance no doubt. These boxes are hard to come by now and are very collected. It is from the 1970s. This makes a very special desk accessory bronze...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Bronze
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
$4,500 / item
Neon Orange Acrylic Christmas Tree Decor by Paola Valle
By Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Christmas is a season of joy and, for us that means color! Celebrate the season with this colorful, fun and modern Christmas Tree sculptures, and give a new twist to the traditional Christmas color palette. This sculptures will look merry and bright in shelves, fireplace mantle, centerpiece on your table or even to decorate you kids bedroom...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Boxes
Materials
Acrylic
Neon Green Acrylic Christmas Tree Decor by Paola Valle
By Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Christmas is a season of joy and, for us that means color! Celebrate the season with this colorful, fun and modern Christmas Tree sculptures, and give a new twist to the traditional Christmas color palette. This sculptures will look merry and bright in shelves, fireplace mantle, or even to decorate you kids bedroom...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Boxes
Materials
Acrylic
Unique ceramic Tiger Teapot, hand made in South Africa
By Elvis Bonginkosi Mkhize
Located in North Miami, FL
This one-of-a-kind tiger teapot is a striking sculptural creation by Imvelo Studio, hand-sculpted by Sibongiseni Biyela and painted by Natebyron in South Africa. The tiger—rarely dep...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Vintage Green Stone and Brass Inlay Box
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This rectangular vintage jewelry or trinket box features an elegant geometric inlay design crafted from green marble or malachite-patterned stone set within a brass frame. The top sh...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Stone
Mid-Century Modern Solid Brass Trinket or Jewelry Box
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This rectangular mid-century modern box is crafted entirely from solid brass, featuring a brushed satin finish that gives it a warm, understated sheen. The box has a slightly curved ...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
Vintage Red Marble Stone Jewelry or Trinket Box
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant rectangular vintage box is meticulously handcrafted from red marble stone, featuring a stunning mix of deep coral, russet, and sienna tones veined with natural dark lines. Th...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Stone
Green Onyx Stone Jewelry or Trinket Box with Natural Veining
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This rectangular vintage jewelry or trinket box is beautifully handcrafted from green onyx stone, showcasing the stone’s organic swirls and veining in rich tones of moss green, honey...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Stone
Vintage Striped Horn Inlay Decorative Box
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This elegant rectangular decorative box features a striking striped pattern crafted from natural horn inlays, showcasing rich variations in tone from amber and honey to deep espresso...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Wood
Vintage Red Onyx Stone Jewelry or Trinket Box
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rectangular vintage jewelry or trinket box crafted from richly colored red onyx stone, known for its deep crimson tones, intricate veining, and natural variations of amber and cream....
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Marble
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
Ken Beldin, Wood, Copper, Ceramic, Primitive Art, Jewelry Box
By Ken Beldin
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful jewelry box by the known American artist Ken Belgian. He worked in Taxco, Mexico in a modern/primitive style craft . This wooden box ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mexican Modern Boxes
Materials
Copper
Modern Sterling Silver Box with 1930s Australian Imperial Force Association
Located in New York, NY
Modern sterling silver box, ca 1935. Rectangular with straight sides and curved corners. Cover hinged with tapering tab. Cedar lined interior and leather-lined underside.
On cover t...
Category
Mid-20th Century Australian Modern Boxes
Materials
Sterling Silver, Enamel
Ceramic Lion Head Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Introducing the striking "Lion Head Jewelry Box," a captivating piece of ceramic decorative art crafted by the talented artisans at Love Art Ceramic in South Africa. Sculpted by Nath...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Karl Springer Set of Stunning Polished Petrified Wood Orbs on Custom Bases 1980s
Located in New York, NY
Set of 3 polished petrified wood orbs on custom metal bases by Karl Springer, American 1980's (retain original labels from the 1980s showing the original pric...
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Stone, Metal, Brass
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
Acrylic Black Shorty Box by Alexandra Von Furstenberg
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Alexandra Von Furstenberg Shorty Box in Black are both decorative and functional. Featuring a sleek, low-profile design, these boxes are versatile for various uses. Place the AVF...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Boxes
Materials
Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass
Set/8 Ceramic Jars & Pots, White & Pink, Handmade in Portugal by Lusitanus Home
Located in Lisboa, PT
Set/8 Ceramic Jars & Pots, Lusitanus Home Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Lusitanus Home.
This beautiful set includes five ceramic jars and three ceramic pots, both ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Acrylic Cubic Box in Red by Designer Alexandra Von Furstenberg
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Cubic Treasure Box in Red by Alexandra Von Furstenberg a striking fusion of modern design and functional elegance. Crafted from premium acrylic, this 5" cube is perfect for showc...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Boxes
Materials
Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass
R & Y Augousti Shagreen Covered and Mother-of-Pearl Covered Box
Located in Queens, NY
R & Y Augousti Shagreen Covered and Mother-of-Pearl Covered Box
Category
20th Century Unknown Modern Boxes
Materials
Shagreen
Karl Springer Hinged Box in Brown and Black Cobra, 1980s
Located in New York, NY
Hinged box covered in brown and black cobra with interior covered in moiré silk by Karl Springer, American 1980's. The craftsmanship and attention to detail are superb.
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Chrome
Cuscino Rosso Watch Case Black Leather
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Travel leather watch case with polished red briar sides. It contains 1 watch in the adjustable leather support.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Leather, Wood
$720 / item
Vintage Stanley Szwarc Stainless Steel Rectangular Large Box With Designs
By Stanley Szwarc
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
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
Polished Black Jewel Box with Gold-Plated Hardware
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Jewel box in polished ebony. Lockable by key and with the necklace bar on the top and a removable tray inside. All the hardware is 24-karat pink gold-plated.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Gold Plate
$1,680 / item
Modern Serving Tray Calacatta Marble Ebony 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
Tempo Unico Brown Watch Winder in Polished Briar and Leather Lined by Agrest
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Watch winder in polished briar for automatic watch. Leather lined. Winder made in Switzerland, battery operated.
Watch is not included with winder.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Leather, Wood
XXI Century Italian Sterling Silver Modern Table Box
Located in VALENZA, IT
XXI Century Italian Sterling Silver Modern Table Box
Modern style 925 sterling silver table box.
The box is square in shape and the edge of the body is lined.
The lid is hinged and h...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Boxes
Materials
Sterling Silver
1960s Snake Skin Covered Box
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful snake skin covered box lacquered in a natural bone color. Wonderful vintage condition.
Category
1960s Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Wood
Ceramic Wild Dog Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Introducing the enchanting "Wild Dog Jewelry Box," a remarkable piece of ceramic decorative art crafted by the talented artisans at Love Art Ceramic in S...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Porteño Large Black & Cream Hand Painted Wood Box
By AIREDELSUR
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
The urban and cosmopolitan Porteño family carries the spirit of the ones born in Buenos Aires city or “Porteño”, as they are commonly known. Its boxes, trays and flower vases have a ...
Category
2010s Argentine Modern Boxes
Materials
Wood
Watch Box for Five Watches in Polished Black with Ultrasuede Detail
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
Fornasetti Wooden and Metal Box Champagne Black/White Hand Painted
By Fornasetti
Located in MILANO, IT
Like all Fornasetti accessories, the boxes turn an everyday action into an aesthetic experience. The Fornasetti boxes are a whimsical place to keep your most precious items.
This ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Jewelry Box by Giacomo Sinopoli (attr) for Liwan's Rome Italy 1970s
Located in Palermo, IT
Very elegant steel and glass jewelery box, attributable to Giacomo Sinopoli, made by Liwan's Roma, with "Liwan's Rome Italy" brand embedded under the bottom. The box is made of chrom...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Metal
Italian modern brown ABS wall organizer Utensilo by Maurer and Becker, 1970s
By Ingo Maurer
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern ABS wall organizer Utensilo by Ingo Maurer and Dorothee Becker, 1970s
Wall organizer or display model Utensilo, entirely in brown ABS plastic. On the front it has seve...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Metal
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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