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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
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 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
Miniportrait Dot Jewelry Box Mirror/ Gray Wood, Steel Sheet by Portego
By Portego
Located in Stienta, IT
Designed by Studio Lido for Portego.
Made in Italy
The dot Miniportrait is part of the boxes line that reproduces the plissé of oriental fans.
It's expertisely manufactured carving ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Wood
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
$1,125 Sale Price
25% Off
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
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
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
Acrylic White Shorty Box by Alexandra Von Furstenberg
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Alexandra Von Furstenberg Shorty Box in White 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
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
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
Stanley Szwarc Stainless Steel Rectangular Large Box Vintage
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
$2,175 Sale Price
25% Off
Miniportrait Oval BLU 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 car...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Wood
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
Miniportrait Dot Jewelry Box Mirror in Cherrywood and Steel Sheet by Portego
By Portego
Located in Stienta, IT
Designed by Studio Lido for Portego.
Made in Italy
The dot Miniportrait is part of the boxes line that reproduces the plissé of oriental fans.
It's expertisely manufactured carving ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Wood
Italian Mahogany and Chrome Modernist Decorative Box, 1970s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian mahogany and chrome modernist decorative box, 1970s.
Long rectangular shape with Minimalist design. Framing in polished chromed metal with a unique decoration on the top. In...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Chrome
Natural, Grey Oblong Inlay Box
Located in New York, NY
Handmade natural bone box inlaid with grey bone oblong segments, lined in wood. A great storage solution for your desk or coffee table.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Boxes
Materials
Bone
$695 / item
Black, Beige, Brass Striped Box
Located in New York, NY
Modernist keepsake, document box clad in Black, White resin stripes accented with brass inlay stripes.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
$625 / item
Chest with 4 Watch Winders Il Passatempo Agresti
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Agresti Il Passatempo chest with 4 watch winders. Available in two variations, please see information below for variation details.
Ebony: Polished ebony chest with 4 watch winders en...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Leather, Wood
Ceramic Genet Cat Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Crafted by the skilled hands of South African artisans, this ceramic Genet cat jewelry box is a masterpiece of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Carbon Fiber Armored Jewel Safe Polished Carbon on 4 Sides and 3 Winders
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Armored jewelry safe covered in polished carbon. Drawers in white leather, inside is lined for jewelry and watches with pullout / pull-out necklac...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Steel
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
Ceramic Buffalo And Genet Cat Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
The Buffalo & genet cat jewelry box from Senzo Duma Ceramics is a testament to South African artistry. Hand-sculpted by Thabiso and hand-painted by Nqoh,...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Brutalist Signed Hand Made Dresser Box
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A large lidded box with natural black tourmaline crystals. Purchased in Sicily. We think the metal used is nickel, it is non magnetic. Beautifully han...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Rock Crystal, Nickel
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
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
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
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
$950 / item
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
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
$33,000 / item
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
Satin Bowl, Jean François Reboul
Located in Paris, FR
Satin bowl by Jean François Reboul made of clay and enamel using Raku technique in 2019.
“Certificate of Authenticity” provided by the gallery.
...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Boxes
Materials
Enamel
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
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
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
$2,100 Sale Price
25% Off
Karl Springer Exceptional Lidded Box in Tessellated Travertine 1980s 'Signed'
Located in New York, NY
Exceptionally crafted table top box in tessellated travertine with wood interior by Karl Springer, American 1980's (signed "Karl Springer" on bottom). This box has a nice scale and t...
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Travertine
Alexandra Von Furstenberg Acrylic Treasure Box in Lagoon - 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 Lagoon. Made from high-quality Lucite, this chic blue...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Boxes
Materials
Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass
Japanese Lacquer Padded Teapot Caddy
Located in Savannah, GA
Antique Japanese hand-painted lacquer teapot caddy.
Interior is padded and fitted for blue and white porcelain teapot.
The teapot stands 4¼ inches tall and features a fish on one si...
Category
Mid-20th Century Japanese Modern Boxes
Materials
Porcelain, Lacquer
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
Ceramic Monkey Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
This ceramic monkey box is a unique and whimsical creation handcrafted in South Africa. Its clever design features a removable lid that forms half of the mo...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
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
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
Wonderful French Lalique Coppelia Crystal Rose Garland Brass Dresser Jewelry Box
By Lalique
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful Vintage French Lalique Coppelia Frosted Crystal With Roses & Garland And A Brass Housing Dresser / Jewelry Box
Category
20th Century French Modern Boxes
Materials
Crystal, Brass
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
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
Alexandra Von Furstenberg Acrylic Treasure Box in Black Smoke - Medium 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 black and white Black Smoke pattern. Made from high-q...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Boxes
Materials
Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass
Hand Made Abstract Sculptural Glazed Ceramic Box. Fitted Lid
Located in Miami, FL
Hand Built Abstract Sculptural Glazed Ceramic Box. Fitted Lid
Offered for sale is a handmade abstract form ceramic box that is signed and dated by Rexx Fischer. The box is both func...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
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
English Modern Wood Box with Sterling Silver Golf Club & Ball, 1927
By H.J. Cooper & Co Ltd
Located in New York, NY
English Modern ebonized wood box with sterling silver mounts, 1927. Rectangular with straight sides; cover hinged with flat top and silver rim. Mounted to top is golf club and ball o...
Category
1920s British Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Sterling Silver
Ceramic Leaves Mug , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
The hand-sculpted Leaves mug by Senzo Duma Ceramics in South Africa embodies a fusion of artistry and cultural symbolism. Crafted from ceramic, it stands 4 inches tall, measures 5 in...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Carbon Dream Jewel Chest in Polished Carbon Fibre on 4 sides
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Safe covered in polished carbon fibre drawers in white leather and lined for jewelry/watches. Ruthenium accessories. Round handle with biometric opening and emergency key system inte...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Metal
Black Polished Chest for 28 Watches
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
$3,500 / item
Ceramic Hyena Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Hyena Jewelry Box
Hand-Painted by Jabu Nene, Sculpted by Unknown
Love Art Ceramic, South Africa, 2023
The Hyena Jewelry Box is a striking piece of ceramic art that captures the esse...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Corru Vessel no4 – Modern Handmade Glazed Ceramic and Carved Sapele Wood Lid
Located in Philadelphia, PA
The fourth in an ongoing series of large vessels in corrugated texture works. Most of these works incorporate a second material in the making of a lid or top. This work features a ha...
Category
2010s American Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic, Stoneware, Sapele Wood
Ceramic Protea jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
This ceramic protea box is a stunning testament to the artistry of South African craftsmanship. Handmade and painted with meticulous detail, it captures the beauty of the iconic prot...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
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 of...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Wood
Ceramic Aloe jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Crafted with care and creativity, this one-of-a-kind aloe vera-shaped box is a delightful fusion of nature and art. Handmade with meticulous attention to detail, its gentle curves an...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Black Polished Box for 20 Pens with Suede and Leather Detail
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Black polished wooden pen box with anti-tarnish suede and leather handles for your collection of writing instruments.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Suede, Wood
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
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
Vintage Lucite Box with Foiled Enameled Cloisonné Blue Abstract Top Signed
Located in North Miami, FL
This vintage lucite and mixed-media box, vessel or container has a removable foiled enameled cloisonné top with a spectacular signed artistic design. The colors of the enamel top are...
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Enamel, Foil
$956 Sale Price
26% Off
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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