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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Ceramic Sable Teapot , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
The Sable Teapot by Senzo Duma Ceramic Arts is a masterpiece of African artistry, hand-sculpted and hand-painted by Senzo Duma himself. Standing 12 inches high, 14 inches long, and 8...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Black Olive Ash Do-Ri Tray by Matthias Scherzinger
Located in Geneve, CH
Olive ash Do-Ri tray by Matthias Scherzinger
Dimensions: L 47.4 x W 19.8 x H 6.5 cm
Materials: olive ash: black stained lacquered
inside tin: hard wax
It all began in Glo...
Category
2010s German Modern Boxes
Materials
Ash
$1,384 / item
Vintage Georg Jensen Sterling Silver Box 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. There are different sizes of this box, this is t...
Category
20th Century Modern Boxes
Materials
Sterling Silver
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
$12,000 / item
Fibra Medium Basket by Sebastian Herkner
Located in Geneve, CH
Fibra medium basket by Sebastian Herkner
Materials: 100% esparto grass.
Technique: Hand-woven in Colombia.
Dimensions: Diameter 47 cm x width 34 x height 10 cm
Available in co...
Category
2010s German Modern Boxes
Materials
Natural Fiber
$546 / item
Alexandra Von Furstenberg Acrylic Treasure Box in Black Smoke - Large 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
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
Set/5 Jars & Pots, White & Mint Green, Handmade in Portugal by Lusitanus Home
Located in Lisboa, PT
Set/5 Ceramic Jars & Pots, Lusitanus Home Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Lusitanus Home.
This beautiful set includes three waterproof ceramic jars and two ceramic...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Boxes
Materials
Gold Leaf
Ceramic Fish Coin Dish , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Fish Coin Dish
Hand Painted by Zinhle Nene and Sculpted by Sbusiso Ndaba
From Love Art Ceramic, South Africa (2024)
Dive into the charm of the Fish Coin Dish, a delightful piece of ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
"Quadra" Square Leather Box Designed by Oscar Maschera
Located in Brooklyn, NY
"Quadra" is a square leather box, designed and manufactured by Oscar Maschera. Genuine Italian leather vegetable tanned. Colors combination to be chosen from the available range: tan...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Leather
Ceramic Tiger Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Tiger Jewelry Box: Hand-Painted by Winnie Mchunu and Sculpted by Sbusiso & Motsamayi
The Tiger Jewelry Box is a remarkable piece of ceramic art that bea...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
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
Alexandra Von Furstenberg Acrylic Treasure Box in Orange - 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 Orange. Made from high-quality Lucite, this chic deco...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Boxes
Materials
Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass
Alexandra Von Furstenberg Acrylic Treasure Box in Snake Print 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 Snake print. Made from high-quality Lucite, this chic...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Boxes
Materials
Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass
Alexandra Von Furstenberg Acrylic Treasure Box in Zebra Print 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 black and white Zebra Print. Made from high-quality L...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Boxes
Materials
Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass
Alexandra Von Furstenberg Acrylic Treasure Box in Ruby - Large 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 Ruby. Made from high-quality Lucite, this ruby red ch...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Boxes
Materials
Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass
Alexandra Von Furstenberg Acrylic Treasure Box in Green - Large 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 neon Green. Made from high-quality Lucite, this chic ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Boxes
Materials
Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass
Alexandra Von Furstenberg Acrylic Treasure Box in Yellow - Large 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 bright Yellow. Made from high-quality Lucite, this ch...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Boxes
Materials
Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass
Vintage Italian Silver Plate and Burgundy Crocodile Buckle Hinged Box
Located in North Miami, FL
This stunning and gorgeous Italian vintage hinged silver plate buckle box has a burgundy crocodile leather buckle part. It was professionally polished and t...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Silver Plate
$5,025 Sale Price
25% Off
Black Polished Humidor with Tray and Cedar Lining
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Polished wooden humidor with tray. Cedar lined. Ruthenium-plated hardware. High class for the happy few.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Wood
$3,000 / item
Alexandra Von Furstenberg Acrylic Treasure Box in Bronze - Large 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 Bronze. Made from high-quality Lucite, this chic deco...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Boxes
Materials
Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass
Alexandra Von Furstenberg Acrylic Treasure Box in Yellow - 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 bright Yellow. Made from high-quality Lucite, this ch...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Boxes
Materials
Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass
Alexandra Von Furstenberg Acrylic Treasure Box in Sapphire - 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 Sapphire. Made from high-quality Lucite, this blue ch...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Boxes
Materials
Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass
Ceramic Cheetah Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
This ceramic Cheetah jewelry box, crafted by Sabelo Nene at Love Art Ceramic studio in South Africa, intertwines African wildlife with artistry. Standi...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Alexandra Von Furstenberg Acrylic Treasure Box in Slate Grey 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 Grey. Made from high-quality Lucite, this chic decora...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Boxes
Materials
Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass
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
$12,000 / item
Ceramic Cheetah Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
The "Cheetah Head Jewelry Box," a stunning creation by South African artists Jabu Nene and Sfiso from Love Art Ceramic, is a remarkable blend of artistry and function. Standing 5 inc...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Modern Serving Tray Calacatta Marble Oak 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
Jewellery Compendium in speckled blue Vellum
By Boucher & Co
Located in Queensland, AU
“There are so many rare and unique materials available to an artist to work with and Vellum is one of my absolute favourites. It is perfect in its imperfections. No two pieces are ev...
Category
2010s Australian Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
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
Giant Hand Blown Murano Glass Box in Onyx Black with Bubbles and Chrome Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Impressive in its scale alone, this stunning hand-blown Murano glass box exudes luxury and refinement. This Pulegoso Murano glass box is a captivating fusion of artistry and function...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Chrome
$4,800 Sale Price
25% Off
Ceramic Butterfly Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Succulent Butterfly Jewelry Box
Introducing the exquisite "Succulent Butterfly Jewelry Box," a stunning piece of ceramic decorative art crafted i...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Ghirò Studio Jewel Box in Brass and Glass, 2019
By Ghirò Studio
Located in Milano, IT
Elegant jewelry box signed by the artist Ghirò Studio of Milan. The jewelry box is made of solid glass cut, carved and polished by hand in an elegant covered bowl. Cast brass tie...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
$2,375 Sale Price
20% Off
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
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
20th Century Italian Mushroon shape Silver Box. Embosse and chiselled by hand
Located in VALENZA, IT
Decorative silver 800 mushroom shape box,
The body is embossed and cheased completely by hand.
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Silver
Ceramic Leopard Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
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
Rectangular Shagreen Box with Brass Trims by Ginger Brown
By Ginger Brown
Located in Bourguebus, FR
This modern box by Ginger Brown is handcrafted with shagreen and brass trims striping.
The box is hinged and the interior is lined with a high quality black microsuede.
The col...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
Ceramic Giraffe Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
captivating piece Giraffe Jewelry box. Handmade ceramics often bear the mark of the artisan's skill and creativity, and being made in South Africa likely adds an extra layer of cultu...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
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
Juno Box, Marble and Brass, by Bohinc Studio
By Lara Bohinc
Located in Holland, AMSTERDAM
Bohinc Studio’s new Juno box comprises a large brass body and a smaller round compartment. Details in green ming, red travertine, calcatta and portoro ma...
Category
2010s Portuguese Modern Boxes
Materials
Marble, Brass
$5,688 / item
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
Ghidini 1961 Medium Knotted Cherry Box in Rose Gold Finish
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Medium box available in brass and rose gold finishes.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
Ceramic Protea Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Protea, Beetle Jewelry Box
Hand-Painted by Jabu Nene, Sculpted by Sbusiso Ndaba
Love Art Ceramic, South Africa, 2024
Embodying the vibrant essence of South Africa, the "Protea, Beet...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
20th Century Italian Mushroom shape Silver Box. Enbossed and chiselled by hand
Located in VALENZA, IT
Decorative silver 800 mushroom shape box.
The body is embossed and cheased completely by hand.
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Silver
$1,045 Sale Price
28% Off
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
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
$1,306
Ceramic Tiger Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Title: "Savannah Majesty: Handcrafted Tiger Decorative Box"
Crafted with meticulous care by artisans at Love Art Ceramic, this exquisite tiger decorative box captures the essence of ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Ghidini 1961 Small Knotted Cherry Box in Rose Gold Finish
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Small box available in brass and rose gold finishes.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
Ceramic Leopard Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Crafted with passion by Motsomay and Sabelo at Love Art Ceramic in South Africa, this Leopard jewelry box is a stunning embodiment of African culture. The ceramic piece, measuring 4 ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
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
$950 / item
Ceramic Leopard Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Leopard Jewelry Box: Hand-Painted by Winnie Nene and Sculpted by Sondelani Ntshalintshali
The Leopard Jewelry Box is a striking example of South African ceramic artistry, masterfull...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Ceramic Aloe Vera Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Introducing the enchanting "Aloe, Snail Jewelry Box," a stunning piece of ceramic decorative art from South Africa, created by the talented duo of Motsam...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
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
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
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
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
Handcrafted Three Trinket Boxes Mod Geometric Design
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a modern set of three (3) geometric design trinket boxes. Handcrafted wood. Unmarked. Country and designer information not available. Clan modern decorative d...
Category
Late 20th Century Modern Boxes
Materials
Wood
$180 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Ceramic South African Tiger Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Tiger Jewelry Box: Hand-Painted by Zinhle Nene and Sculpted by Sbusiso & Motsamay
The Tiger Jewelry Box is a stunning piece of ceramic art crafted by Lo...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Watch Box in Black Polished Ebony for Ten Watches La Teca Del Tempo
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Polished black box for 15 watches with ruthenium plated brass.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Wood
Modern boxes for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Modern boxes for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage boxes created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, case pieces and storage cabinets, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Modern boxes made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and North America pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original boxes, popular names associated with this style include Agresti, AIREDELSUR, Lusitanus Home, and Greenapple. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for boxes differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $27 and tops out at $299,000 while the average work can sell for $1,145.
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