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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Forziere Ore Bianche White Chest with Nine Watch Winders
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Counter size armoured chest in shiny white bird’s eye maple. Bullets proof glass (6 Joule out of 8), emergency opening system, leds lights. Nine high tech winders entirely made in Sw...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Birdseye Maple
Ceramic Frog Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
This delightful ceramic jewelry box by Love Art Ceramics is a charming fusion of African artistry and nature-inspired design. Measuring 2 inches in height, 3 inches in width, and 4 i...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Il Passatempo Chest with Four Winders in Oak Smoke Grey
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Case in smoked grey oak with four Swiss-made winders, red leather lining, touch switch, glass display window. Brass accessories with ruthenium finish.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Wood, Leather
Hand-Blown Murano Box in Emerald Green with Brass Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This exquisite Murano box, hand-blown in a vibrant emerald green, is a celebration of Venetian craftsmanship and refined geometry. Its octagonal form is both striking and sculptural,...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
Hand-Blown Murano Box in Emerald Green with Brass Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This exquisite Murano box, hand-blown in a vibrant emerald green, is a celebration of Venetian craftsmanship and refined geometry. Its octagonal form is both striking and sculptural,...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
Hand-Blown Murano Box in Emerald Green with Brass Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Hand-Blown Murano Box in Emerald Green with Brass Fittings captures the allure of old-world Venetian artistry reimagined through a lens of bold, contemporary refinement. Rich eme...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
Hand-Blown Murano Giant Box in Emerald Green with Brass Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
An object of striking allure, this monumental Murano glass box radiates refinement through its sculptural geometry and richly saturated emerald hue. The clarity of the hand-blown cry...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
Black Acrylic Large Round Box by Paola Valle
By Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Modern, colorful and fun round box that can be used as a decorative element on a coffee table, desk or nightstand. Serving double duty as a storage box or as a candy bowl.
They loo...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Boxes
Materials
Acrylic
Cuscino Rosso Red Leather Watch Case
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Travel leather watch case with capacity for 1 watch in the adjustable leather support. Available in three finishing options: Black leather with poli...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Leather, Wood
Isa Box 1694 by Filippo Dini
Located in Milan, IT
Stunningly crafted in glossy ebony, the glorious Isa Box features a hand engraved 24k gold plated brass top and is adorned with bevel edged horn inserts. Measuring 21 x 13 cm with a ...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Gold Plate, Brass
Isa Box 1693 by Filippo Dini
Located in Milan, IT
Stunningly crafted in glossy ebony, the glorious Isa Box features a hand engraved 24k gold plated brass top and is adorned with bevel edged horn inserts. Measuring 21 x 13 cm with a ...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Gold Plate, Brass
Playful Large Pink and Gray Box
Located in Milan, IT
This glamorous box fashioned of prized crystal couples a variety of different uses with a stunning aesthetic made to impress. A densely fluted texture enlivens the whole silhouette, which features a gray-hued lid with a clear, spherical finial, protecting the contents tucked in the bright pink storage...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Crystal
Ceramic Zebra And Monkey Teapot , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Introducing the Ceramic Zebra Teapot from Imvelo Natural Art, a remarkable fusion of artistry and cultural heritage from South Africa. Hand-sculpted by Bernard and hand-painted by Sn...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Modern Serving Tray Calacatta Marble Walnut Handmade Portugal Lusitanus Home
Located in Lisboa, PT
Guadiana serving tray, Lusitanus Home Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Lusitanus Home.
Guadiana is a sublime serving tray, designed to uplift layback moments. Handcra...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Boxes
Materials
Marble
Modern Serving Tray Calacatta Marble Eucalyptus 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
Ceramic Wild Dog Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Wild Dog Jewelry Box Hand-Painted by Minehle Nene and Sculpted by Motsamai Sello
The Wild Dog Jewelry Box from Love Art Ceramic is a stunning piece of d...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
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
Ceramic succulent Plant With Bee Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Succulent, Bee Jewelry Box
Hand-Painted by Zinhle Nene & Sculpted by Sfiso Mvelase
Love Art Ceramic, South Africa, 2024
Introducing the enchanting Succu...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Privato Nero Black Safe
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Safe for jewelry, available in three finishing options. See information below for details of finishing variations. Copper: Jewelry case in hammered copper finish steel. Drawers in ma...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Steel
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
5 Mailbox by Lluis Clotet & Oscar Tusquets
Located in Geneve, CH
5 Mailbox by Lluis Clotet & Oscar Tusquets
Dimensions: D 32 x W 40 x H 40 cm
Materials: Made up of steel sheets painted in a black polyester powder coating (RAL 9005). Doors in p...
Category
2010s Spanish Modern Boxes
Materials
Steel, Stainless Steel
Set/ 3 Ceramic Pieces, Pearl Grey, Handmade in Portugal by Lusitanus Home
Located in Lisboa, PT
Serafim, Rocha and Alcobaça Decorative Pieces, Lusitanus Home Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Lusitanus Home.
This beautiful set includes one waterproof ceramic pot ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Contemporary Shagreen Humidifier Box
Located in Miami, FL
An Art Deco Humidifier Wood Box covered in a Brownish tinted color Shagreen.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Boxes
Materials
Shagreen, Wood
Ceramic Leopard Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Leopard Jewelry Box
Hand-Painted by Slindelo Mazibuko, Sculpted by Motsamai Sello
Love Art Ceramic, South Africa, 2024
Introducing the Leo Jewelry Box, a charming ceramic piece that...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Box
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Box
Mango wood / black finish
Dimensions: length: 28,5 / width: 22 / height 13 cm.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Boxes
Materials
Wood
Box - Case for Cigarettes or Playing Cards Galucharme Black
Located in Spilimbergo, IT
Immerse yourself in luxury with the box-case for cigarettes or playing cards from the Galucharme Black collection, a handcrafted masterpiece signed by renowned designer Nino Basso.
T...
Category
Early 2000s Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
English Modern Sterling Silver Box with Saudi Arabia Association
Located in New York, NY
Elizabeth II sterling silver box. Made by Peter Nicholas & Co Ltd in London in 1989. Rectangular with corner bracket supports and hinged open scroll end handles. Cover hinged and fla...
Category
1980s British Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Sterling Silver
Set/5 Vases, Ceramic Vases, White, Handmade in Portugal by Lusitanus Home
By Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Steele & Hardy Vases, Lusitanus Home Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Lusitanus Home.
This beautiful set includes five waterproof ceramic vases, perfect to be display...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Il Confanetto Rosso Matte Jewel Box in Smoke Grey Oak
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Jewelry box with removable tray, lockable, lined for earrings, rings, necklaces. Smoke grey oak and red ultrasuede internal lining.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Oak
Set of 3 White Ash Nun Vases by Matthias Scherzinger
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 3 white ash nun vases by Matthias Scherzinger
Limited edition of 30 pieces, each colour each size
Engraved brass-label with number
Dimensions: Small: L 14.5 x W 14.5 x 46 c...
Category
2010s German Modern Boxes
Materials
Ash
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
Ceramic Chameleon Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Chameleon Jewelry Box
Introducing the "Chameleon Jewelry Box," a vibrant piece of ceramic art meticulously crafted by Sbusiso Ndaba and Sabelo Nene a...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Ceramic Spider Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Pomegranate Monkey Jewelry Box
The Pomegranate Monkey Jewelry Box is a stunning piece of ceramic decorative art created in South Africa by the talented artisans at Love Art Ceramic. ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African 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
Ceramic Zebra Head Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Zebra Head Jewelry Box Hand-Painted by Zinhle Nene and Sculpted by Sfiso
Celebrate the enchanting spirit of African wildlife with the Zebra Head Jewelry Box, an exquisite ceramic cr...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Ceramic Protea And Hoopoe Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Protea Hoopoe Jewelry Box
Hand-Painted by Sabelo Nene, Sculpted by Sbusiso Ndaba
Love Art Ceramic, South Africa, 2024
Introducing the Protea Hoopoe Jewelry Box, a stunning ceramic p...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Bowl, Jean François Reboul
Located in Paris, FR
Bowl by Jean François Reboul made of clay and enamel using Raku technique. 2019.
“Certificate of Authenticity” provided by the gallery.
Jean...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Boxes
Materials
Enamel
Ceramic Tiger Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Tiger Jewelry Box: Hand-Painted by Zimhle and Sculpted by Sbusiso & Sfiso
The Tiger Jewelry Box is a captivating piece of decorative art crafted in Sout...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
English Modern Sterling Silver Box with Scottish Agate Thistle
Located in New York, NY
English Modern sterling silver box, 1919. Rectangular with straight sides. Cover curved and hinged with short tab; on top inlaid agate in form of stylized thistle in rondel. Silver l...
Category
1910s British Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Agate, Sterling Silver
Piccolo Intreccio Armored Armoire Braided White and Pink Leather
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Armored jewelry cabinet covered in white and pink hand threaded leather. Varnished outside in pink color. Accessories in 24 karats gold plated brass. Drawers covered in white leather...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Metal
Gilmour Box by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Gilmour Box by Fakasaka Design
Dimensions: W 28 cm D 12 cm H 10 cm.
Materials: polished bronze.
FAKASAKA is a design company focused on production of high-end furniture, lighting, ...
Category
2010s Brazilian Modern Boxes
Materials
Bronze
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
Large White Ash Nun Vase by Matthias Scherzinger
Located in Geneve, CH
Large white ash nun vase by Matthias Scherzinger.
Limited Edition of 30 pieces, each colour each size.
Engraved brass-label with number.
Dimensions: L 19 x W 19 x H 73 cm.
Materi...
Category
2010s German Modern Boxes
Materials
Ash
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
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
Ceramic Monkey Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
This charming ceramic jewelry box is a testament to both artistry and collaboration. Standing 4 inches tall and 3 inches wide, the box features a unique design that combines function...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Ceramic Crocodile teapot , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Crocodile Teapot: Hand-Painted by Winnie Mchunu and Sculpted by Sbusiso Ndaba
The Crocodile Teapot is an extraordinary piece of ceramic art from South Africa, beautifully merging fu...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
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 Wild Dog Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Crafted by Love Art Ceramic in South Africa, this ceramic Wild Dog jewelry box is a testament to indigenous craftsmanship. Standing 6 inches high, 3 inches...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Lovely Sterling Silver Keepsake Box with Engraved Flowers
Located in New York, NY
Lovely sterling silver keepsake box. Rectangular with straight sides. Cover hinged and tabbed. Cover top has engraved border with dense and overlap...
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Boxes
Materials
Sterling Silver
American Cowhide and Brass Box
Located in Queens, NY
American cowhide upholstered box with brass nail heads.
Category
20th Century American Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
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 Elephant Monkey Teapot , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
The ceramic Elephant and Monkey teapot from Imvelo Natural Art in South Africa is a captivating piece standing 11 inches high, 13 inches long, and 8 inches wide. Hand-sculpted by Ber...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
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
PARAMARIBO Organizer / Jewelry Box – Oak
Located in Karabağlar/Izmir, TR
The PARAMARIBO Handmade Solid Oak Jewelry Box is a timeless piece that unites elegance and functionality in a carefully crafted design. Made from solid oak wood, its side panels and ...
Category
2010s Turkish Modern Boxes
Materials
Wood, Oak
Ceramic Giraffe Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Presenting the Ceramic Giraffe Jewelry Box, an enchanting creation by Imvelo Natural Art, South Africa. Sculpted by Bennet Zondo, hand-painted by Samukelo Gumede, and designed by Sen...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Small Box with Decorative Scenes of the Reveillon Aerostat
Located in Roma, IT
Paris, Age of Louis XVI
Interesting and rare small rectangular box entirely tempera decorated on each face with scenes of the flight demonstrations of the Reveillon Aerostat invente...
Category
Mid-18th Century French Antique Modern Boxes
Materials
Metal
Nero Forziere Contemporary Chest Safe in Black Polished Wood
Located in New York, NY
Brass-plated, 24-karat gold accessories. Unique features of this certified product includes: High level steel with several layers of chrome carbides for straightening Internal hinges...
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.