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Modern Boxes

MODERN STYLE

The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw sweeping social change and major scientific advances — both of which contributed to a new aesthetic: modernism. Rejecting the rigidity of Victorian artistic conventions, modernists sought a new means of expression. References to the natural world and ornate classical embellishments gave way to the sleek simplicity of the Machine Age. Architect Philip Johnson characterized the hallmarks of modernism as “machine-like simplicity, smoothness or surface [and] avoidance of ornament.”

Early practitioners of modernist design include the De Stijl (“The Style”) group, founded in the Netherlands in 1917, and the Bauhaus School, founded two years later in Germany.

Followers of both groups produced sleek, spare designs — many of which became icons of daily life in the 20th century. The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics. While Bauhaus principals Marcel Breuer and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe created furniture from mass-produced, chrome-plated steel, American visionaries like Charles and Ray Eames worked in materials as novel as molded plywood and fiberglass. Today, Breuer’s Wassily chair, Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona chaircrafted with his romantic partner, designer Lilly Reich — and the Eames lounge chair are emblems of progressive design and vintage originals are prized cornerstones of collections.

It’s difficult to overstate the influence that modernism continues to wield over designers and architects — and equally difficult to overstate how revolutionary it was when it first appeared a century ago. But because modernist furniture designs are so simple, they can blend in seamlessly with just about any type of décor. Don’t overlook them.

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Style: Modern
Alfred Dunhill Germany 1990 Decorative Desk Box In Black Leather & Chromed Steel
Alfred Dunhill Germany 1990 Decorative Desk Box In Black Leather & Chromed Steel

Alfred Dunhill Germany 1990 Decorative Desk Box In Black Leather & Chromed Steel

By Dunhill

Located in Miami, FL

Desk box designed by Dunhill. Beautiful decorative vintage desk box, created in Germany for Alfred Dunhill, back in the 1990. It was made up in shiny black leather with a discrete f...

Category

1990s German Modern Boxes

Materials

Steel, Chrome

1980s Modern Tessellated Stone Rectangular Lidded Box
1980s Modern Tessellated Stone Rectangular Lidded Box

1980s Modern Tessellated Stone Rectangular Lidded Box

By Maitland Smith

Located in Farmington Hills, MI

We are very pleased to offer a modern, tessellated stone storage box attributed to Maitland Smith, circa the 1980s. This gorgeous box features a tessellated stone exterior with inlai...

Category

1980s North American Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Marble

Set/2 Boxes, Aged Silver, Handmade in Portugal by Lusitanus Home
Set/2 Boxes, Aged Silver, Handmade in Portugal by Lusitanus Home

Set/2 Boxes, Aged Silver, Handmade in Portugal by Lusitanus Home

By Greenapple

Located in Lisboa, PT

Madagáscar Boxes, Lusitanus Home Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Lusitanus Home. Madagáscar box set includes two wooden boxes, perfect to be displayed together and e...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass

Black Polished Wood w/ Extendable Box for 54 Cufflinks
Black Polished Wood w/ Extendable Box for 54 Cufflinks

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

Maitland Smith Tesseliated Marble Decorative Box
Maitland Smith Tesseliated Marble Decorative Box

Maitland Smith Tesseliated Marble Decorative Box

By Maitland Smith

Located in Pasadena, TX

This is a fine box made by Maitland Smith. The box is made of tesselaited marble and has a teak interior. The top is inlaid with a x designed in marble.

Category

Late 20th Century Philippine Modern Boxes

Materials

Marble

Ceramic  Monkey Jewelry  Box  , hand made in South Africa
Ceramic  Monkey Jewelry  Box  , hand made in South Africa

Ceramic Monkey Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa

By Love Art Ceramic

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

Decorative Ceramic Box Orange and Black Colors by Jean Grison
Decorative Ceramic Box Orange and Black Colors by Jean Grison

Decorative Ceramic Box Orange and Black Colors by Jean Grison

By Jean Grison

Located in Neuilly-en- sancerre, FR

Jean Grison Elegant and delicate decorative ceramic box by the French artist. Many ceramic colors effects. Signed under the base, circa 2000. Original good conditions. ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

Low Murano Emerald Sommerso Glass Rectangular Box, Contemporary
Low Murano Emerald Sommerso Glass Rectangular Box, Contemporary

Low Murano Emerald Sommerso Glass Rectangular Box, Contemporary

Located in Westport, CT

One of a kind Murano handcrafted low rectangular shaped clear blown glass box with floating green orb center creating a beautiful sculptural effect, each box with its own customize...

Category

2010s Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Murano Glass

Sable Ceramic Jewelry Box  , hand made in South Africa
Sable Ceramic Jewelry Box  , hand made in South Africa

Sable Ceramic Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa

By Love Art Ceramic

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

Mid-Century Modern Solid Brass Trinket or Jewelry Box
Mid-Century Modern Solid Brass Trinket or Jewelry Box

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 Georg Jensen Sterling Silver Box 1142A by Soren Georg Jensen
Vintage Georg Jensen Sterling Silver Box 1142A by Soren Georg Jensen

Vintage Georg Jensen Sterling Silver Box 1142A by Soren Georg Jensen

By Søren Georg Jensen

Located in Hellerup, DK

A sterling silver Georg Jensen box, design #1142A by Soren “Søren” Georg Jensen from 1965. The lid is a separate piece and lifts off. There are different sizes of this box, this is t...

Category

20th Century Modern Boxes

Materials

Sterling Silver

Agresti Arco Small Armored Chest
Agresti Arco Small Armored Chest

Agresti Arco Small Armored Chest

By Agresti

Located in New York, NY

Polished white bird’s eye maple or polished walnut matte finish armored chest, 24-karat gold plated accessories. Round handle with biometric opening device and emergency key integrated. Inside pull out necklace...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Gold Plate

Tempo di Rovere Watch Box for Nine Watches in Oak Smoke Grey
Tempo di Rovere Watch Box for Nine Watches in Oak Smoke Grey

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

Pair of Decorative Box in Natural Agate Stone with Unique Layered Patterns
Pair of Decorative Box in Natural Agate Stone with Unique Layered Patterns

Pair of Decorative Box in Natural Agate Stone with Unique Layered Patterns

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

Pair of decorative box crafted from natural agate stone. Each box features unique layers, colours, and textures, offering an organic and elegant aesthetic. This decorative box is de...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Boxes

Materials

Agate

Carbon Dream Jewel Chest in Polished Carbon Fibre on 4 sides
Carbon Dream Jewel Chest in Polished Carbon Fibre on 4 sides

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 Protea Jewelry Box  , hand made in South Africa
Ceramic Protea Jewelry Box  , hand made in South Africa

Ceramic Protea Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa

By Love Art Ceramic

Located in North Miami, FL

Protea Butterfly Jewelry Box Hand-Painted by Minenhle Nene, Sculpted by Sbusiso Ndaba Love Art Ceramic, South Africa, 2024 The Protea Butterfly Jewelry Box is a stunning fusion of n...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

Opinion Ciatti Snow.White Object Holder
Opinion Ciatti Snow.White Object Holder

Opinion Ciatti Snow.White Object Holder

By Tal Lancman, Maurizio Galante 2, Opinion Ciatti

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Snow.White, an elegant object holder (available in black or white marble) with an inner mirror and details in galvanic gold brass. Part of Once Upon A Time, the collection designed b...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Marble

Set/5 Ceramic Pots, White, Handmade in Portugal by Lusitanus Home
Set/5 Ceramic Pots, White, Handmade in Portugal by Lusitanus Home

Set/5 Ceramic Pots, White, Handmade in Portugal by Lusitanus Home

By Greenapple

Located in Lisboa, PT

Hailey & Henry Pots, Lusitanus Home Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Lusitanus Home. This beautiful set includes two waterproof ceramic vases and three pots, perf...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

Large Hand Blown Murano Glass Box in Onyx Black W/24 Karat Gold Flecks
Large Hand Blown Murano Glass Box in Onyx Black W/24 Karat Gold Flecks

Large Hand Blown Murano Glass Box in Onyx Black W/24 Karat Gold Flecks

Located in New York, NY

This stunning modernist decorative box was realized in Murano, Italy- the island off the coast of Venice renowned for centuries for its superlative glass production. It features a vo...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Murano Glass

Set/2 Boxes, White and Light-Blue, Handmade in Portugal by Lusitanus Home
Set/2 Boxes, White and Light-Blue, Handmade in Portugal by Lusitanus Home

Set/2 Boxes, White and Light-Blue, Handmade in Portugal by Lusitanus Home

By Greenapple

Located in Lisboa, PT

Lanzarote Boxes, Lusitanus Home Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Lusitanus Home. Lanzarote box set includes two wooden boxes, perfect to be displayed together and enr...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Boxes

Materials

Gold Leaf

Modernist Black Mirror Box w/ Beveled & Sliced Gilt Geode Detailing
Modernist Black Mirror Box w/ Beveled & Sliced Gilt Geode Detailing

Modernist Black Mirror Box w/ Beveled & Sliced Gilt Geode Detailing

Located in New York, NY

This sleek and well adorned Modernist Black Mirror Box with Beveled & Sliced Gilt Geode Detailing originates from the United States during the latter half of the 20th Century. Featur...

Category

20th Century American Modern Boxes

Materials

Mirror

Set/2 Wooden Boxes, Beige, Gold Leaf, Handmade in Portugal by Lusitanus Home
Set/2 Wooden Boxes, Beige, Gold Leaf, Handmade in Portugal by Lusitanus Home

Set/2 Wooden Boxes, Beige, Gold Leaf, Handmade in Portugal by Lusitanus Home

By Greenapple

Located in Lisboa, PT

Dandara Boxes, Lusitanus Home Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Lusitanus Home. Dandara box set includes two wooden boxes, perfect to be displayed together and enrich ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Boxes

Materials

Metal, Gold Leaf, Brass

Walnut Matte Chest
Walnut Matte Chest

Walnut Matte Chest

$32,000 / item

Walnut Matte Chest

By Agresti

Located in New York, NY

Polished walnut armoured chest, matte finish, 24 karats gold plated accessories. Round handle with biometric opening device and emergency key integrated. Inside pull out necklace hol...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Walnut

French ceramic vase/pitcher by Accolay from the middle of XX century
French ceramic vase/pitcher by Accolay from the middle of XX century

French ceramic vase/pitcher by Accolay from the middle of XX century

By Accolay Pottery

Located in LE PRÉ-SAINT-GERVAIS, FR

Accolay Pottery France, 1950s–1960s This ceramic piece was produced by the Accolay pottery workshop in France during the 1950s–1960s. Founded by a group of former students of Alexan...

Category

1960s French Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

Humidor in Black Polished Ebony Avana Nera
Humidor in Black Polished Ebony Avana Nera

Humidor in Black Polished Ebony Avana Nera

By Agresti

Located in New York, NY

Humidor for 100 cigars in ebony polished. Cedar lining. Two humidification units and hygrometer. Removable tray.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Cedar, Ebony

Small Porcelain Pot, Design Vintage 1960.
Small Porcelain Pot, Design Vintage 1960.

Small Porcelain Pot, Design Vintage 1960.

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

Small Porcelain Pot, Design Vintage 1960. Vintage small porcelain pot, design, circa 1960, brand Homas, Germany.    Dimensions : h: 9cm , d: 9cm Conta...

Category

20th Century German Modern Boxes

Materials

Porcelain

Italian Round Wood and Tortoiseshell Box, 1970s
Italian Round Wood and Tortoiseshell Box, 1970s

Italian Round Wood and Tortoiseshell Box, 1970s

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Charming Italian round box from the 1970s, crafted in warm wood with a contrasting faux-tortoiseshell lid. Both the interior and underside are lined in deep green felt, giving the pi...

Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Wood

Il Passatempo White Chest with Four Watch Winders
Il Passatempo White Chest with Four Watch Winders

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  Hoopoe Jewelry Box  , hand made in South Africa
Ceramic  Hoopoe Jewelry Box  , hand made in South Africa

Ceramic Hoopoe Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa

By Love Art Ceramic

Located in North Miami, FL

This hoopoe jewelry ceramic box is a true treasure, meticulously crafted by hand and painted with care by South African artists. Its unique design features one of the wings serving a...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

1960s Snake Skin Covered Box
1960s Snake Skin Covered Box

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

Unique ceramic Tiger Teapot, hand made in South Africa
Unique ceramic Tiger Teapot, hand made in South Africa

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

"Quadra" Square Leather Box Designed by Oscar Maschera
"Quadra" Square Leather Box Designed by Oscar Maschera

"Quadra" Square Leather Box Designed by Oscar Maschera

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

Forziere Ore Bianche White Chest with Nine Watch Winders
Forziere Ore Bianche White Chest with Nine Watch Winders

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 Elephant Teapot  , hand made in South Africa
Ceramic Elephant Teapot  , hand made in South Africa

Ceramic Elephant Teapot , hand made in South Africa

By Love Art Ceramic

Located in North Miami, FL

Elephant Teapot Hand-Painted by Swelihle Khanyeza, Sculpted by Sbusiso Ndaba Love Art Ceramic, South Africa, 2024 Introducing the Elephant Teapot, a stunning ceramic piece that beau...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

Ghidini 1961 Knotted Cherry Small Box in Copper-Plated Brass by Nika Zupanc
Ghidini 1961 Knotted Cherry Small Box in Copper-Plated Brass by Nika Zupanc

Ghidini 1961 Knotted Cherry Small Box in Copper-Plated Brass by Nika Zupanc

By Nika Zupanc, Ghidini 1961

Located in Villa Carcina, IT

Fiasco. Guilt. Fear of love. A place to hide all the things we secretly desire yet are too scared to utter. The luscious things the perfect lover knows are never to be told. She drea...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Copper

Agresti Rollo Tube Travel Case for 5 Watches
Agresti Rollo Tube Travel Case for 5 Watches

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

XXI Century Italian Sterling Silver Modern Table Box
XXI Century Italian Sterling Silver Modern Table Box

XXI Century Italian Sterling Silver Modern Table Box

By Arval Argenti Valenza

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

Piccolo Intreccio Armored Armoire Braided White and Pink Leather
Piccolo Intreccio Armored Armoire Braided White and Pink Leather

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

Dal Negro Treviso Burl Wood and Brass Playing Card Box
Dal Negro Treviso Burl Wood and Brass Playing Card Box

Dal Negro Treviso Burl Wood and Brass Playing Card Box

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Elegant vintage playing card boxes by Dal Negro Treviso, renowned Italian makers of fine game accessories. Each box is beautifully crafted from richly grained burl wood veneer, frame...

Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Wood

Brass and Silver Embossed Box with Bird Motif
Brass and Silver Embossed Box with Bird Motif

Brass and Silver Embossed Box with Bird Motif

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Elegant vintage brass box featuring a raised silver medallion depicting a detailed bird and floral motif. The contrast between the warm golden brass and cool silver relief adds sophi...

Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass

Agresti Forziere Armored Jewelry Chest
Agresti Forziere Armored Jewelry Chest

Agresti Forziere Armored Jewelry Chest

By Agresti

Located in New York, NY

Armored jewelry chest with pullout / pull-out necklace bars. Available in three finishing variations. See information below for details of finish...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass

Polished White Jewel Chest in Birdseye Maple, Gold-Plated Hardware
Polished White Jewel Chest in Birdseye Maple, Gold-Plated Hardware

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

Ceramic Leopard Jewelry Box  , hand made in South Africa
Ceramic Leopard Jewelry Box  , hand made in South Africa

Ceramic Leopard Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa

By Love Art Ceramic

Located in North Miami, FL

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

Category

21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

Mirror of Enchantment Classic Wall Safe
Mirror of Enchantment Classic Wall Safe

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 of...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Wood

Watch Box for Five Watches in Smoke Grey Oak, Red Ultrasuede Detail
Watch Box for Five Watches in Smoke Grey Oak, Red Ultrasuede Detail

Watch Box for Five Watches in Smoke Grey Oak, Red 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

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.