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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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.
to
40
503
268
64
3
265
567
9
60
144
1
3
8
31
62
30
15
1,103
835
815
600
283
243
212
188
131
119
119
118
117
99
84
74
37
33
364
253
122
123
100
390
327
502
318
94
73
73
Height
to
Width
to
835
545
666
84
65
34
26
17
Style: Modern
Box, Bulgari Watch Case, Black Leather with Cardboard Box, 1990.
By Bulgari
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Box, Bulgari watch case, black leather with cardboard box, 1990.
Case, Bulgari watch box, very good condition, black leather box with cardboard box,...
Category
Late 20th Century French Modern Boxes
Materials
Leather
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
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
Vintage Brass and Copper Woven Box
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This round vintage box features an intricate woven pattern crafted from alternating brass and copper strips, creating a rich interplay of warm metallic tones. The basket-like texture...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
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
$720 / item
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
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
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
Ceramic Bird Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Succulent Bird Jewelry Box
Hand Painted by Winnie Mchunu and Sculpted by Motsamai Sello
The Succulent Bird Jewelry Box is a stunning ceramic art piece ...
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
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
$354 Sale Price / item
20% Off
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
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
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
Don Shoemaker Parquetry Work Box for Senal SA, Mexico, Label
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Great parquetry box, designed for Don Shoemaker, label, Senal SA.
Category
1960s Mexican Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Wood
Ceramic Protea With Bird Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Protea, Hoopoe Jewelry Box
Hand-Painted by Zinhle Nene & Sculpted by Sbusiso Ndaba
Love Art Ceramic, South Africa, 2024
The Protea, Hoopoe Jewelry Box is a stunning work of ceramic ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
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
$348 Sale Price / item
30% Off
Ken Beldin, Wood, Copper, Ceramic, Primitive Art, Jewelry Box
By Ken Beldin
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful jewelry box by the known American artist Ken Belgian. He worked in Taxco, Mexico in a modern/primitive style craft . This wooden box ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mexican Modern Boxes
Materials
Copper
Polished Black Jewel Chest with Gold-Plated Hardware
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Jewel chest in polished ebony. The two side doors close, by key, the five drawers. And on the side you have two necklace bars. The drawers are organized to...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Gold Plate
$4,500 / item
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
Ceramic Elephant Teapot , hand made in South Africa
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
Ceramic Pomegranate And Butterfly Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Pomegranate Butterfly Jewelry Box
Introducing the Pomegranate Butterfly Jewelry Box, an exquisite ceramic piece from Love Art Ceramic, crafted in...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
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
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
Ceramic Chameleon Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Presenting the delightful "Succulent, Chameleon Jewelry Box," a captivating piece of ceramic art from South Africa, brought to life in 2024 by the creative talents of Motsamai Sello ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
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
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
Ghidini 1961 Knotted Cherry Medium Box in Copper-Plated Brass by Nika Zupanc
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
Ceramic Pomegranate Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Pomegranate, Butterfly Jewelry Box
Discover the captivating "Pomegranate, Butterfly Jewelry Box," a remarkable piece of ceramic art crafted in South Africa by the creative minds of ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
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
Armored Jewel Safe Polished Carbon Fiber Front and 3 Watch Winders
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Armored jewelry safe covered in polished carbon front. Drawers in white leather, , inside is lined for jewelry and watches with pull out necklace holder...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Steel
Agresti Tempo Unico Watch Winder
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Watch winder for automatic watch. Leather lined. Winder made in Switzerland, battery operated. Available in polished red briar, polished ebony, or polishe...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Leather, Wood
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
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
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
Ceramic Protea Plant Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Protea Jewelry Box
Hand-Painted by Swelihle Khanyeza, Sculpted by Sfiso Mvelase
Love Art Ceramic, South Africa
Introducing the Protea Jewelry Box, a charming ceramic piece that beau...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
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
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
Ceramic Frog Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Frog Jewelry Box Hand Painted by Slie and Sculpted by Nathi/Sbusiso
Delight in the whimsical charm of the Frog Jewelry Box, a captivating piece of decorat...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Ceramic Bird Protea Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Protea Bird Jewelry Box
Hand Painted by Jabu and Sculpted by Sbusiso
The Protea Bird Jewelry Box is a beautifully crafted ceramic art piece from Love Art Ceramic, created by the tal...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Ceramic Tiger Box, hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
This ceramic tiger box from Love Art Ceramic is not just a piece of art; it's a symbol of strength, beauty, and craftsmanship. Handmade by talented artisans Sbusiso and Minenhle Nene...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Hand-Blown Murano Box in Aqua Blue with Silver Flecks and Chrome Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hand-Blown Murano Box in Aqua Blue with Silver Flecks and Chrome Fittings captures the essence of Venetian artistry through an exquisite fusion of form, material, and luminosity. Thi...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Boxes
Materials
Chrome, Silver Leaf
Vintage Georg Jensen Sterling Silver Box w/ gilt lid 1142A by Soren Georg Jensen
Located in Hellerup, DK
A sterling silver Georg Jensen box, design #1142A by Soren (Søren) Georg Jensen from 1965. The lid is a separate piece and lifts off, the top surface of the lid is gilt. There are di...
Category
20th Century Modern Boxes
Materials
Sterling Silver
Tempo Unico Rosso Red Watch Winder Lined in Leather
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Watchwinder in polished red briar for automatic watch. Leather lined. Winder made in Switzerland, battery operated.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Leather
$1,680 / item
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
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
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
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
Ceramic Tiger Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Royal Violet: Handcrafted Tiger Box" by Love Art Ceramic. Sculpted by Motsamay, painted by Sabelo in regal purple. The unique lid, a masterpiece by two artisans, offers a one-of-a-ki...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Pixel Ziggurat Boxes by Oeuffice
By Oeuffice
Located in Geneve, CH
Pixel Ziggurat boxes by Oeuffice
Edition: 12 + 2AP
2012
Dimensions: 25 x 25 x 55 cm
Materials: Wood box, acrylic
The Pixel edition is a playful interpretation of the Ziggurat ...
Category
2010s English Modern Boxes
Materials
Acrylic, Wood
$15,167 / item
Tempo Unico Brown Watch Winder in Polished Briar and Leather Lined by Agrest
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Watch winder in polished briar for automatic watch. Leather lined. Winder made in Switzerland, battery operated.
Watch is not included with winder.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Leather, Wood
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
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
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
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
$1,061 Sale Price
28% Off
Pair of Lacquered Wood Boxes, China, 20th Century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
"Pair of Lacquered wood boxes, China, 20th century"
6 cups each inside, perfect condition.
Category
20th Century Chinese Modern Boxes
Materials
Wood
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
Italian modern plastic storage for Olivetti, 1970s
By Olivetti
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern plastic storage for Olivetti, 1970s
White plastic storage box. It has three compartments, two of equal size and one larger. The logo is printed on two sides.
It can al...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Plastic
Walnut Do-Ri Tray by Matthias Scherzinger
Located in Geneve, CH
Walnut Do-Ri tray by Matthias Scherzinger.
Dimensions: L 47.4 x W 19.8 x H 6.5 cm.
Materials: Europe walnut lacquered
inside tin: hard wax.
Also available in olive ash and Eur...
Category
2010s German Modern Boxes
Materials
Walnut
$1,406 / item
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
$1,326
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.
More Ways To Browse
Antique Counter Box
Antique Tibetan Boxes
Antique Travel Vanity Case
Antique Vintage Metal Box
Art Deco Enamel Vanity Cases
Baccarat Casket Box
Blue Lacquer Box
Burled Wood Box
Coffre Fort
Crab Box
Cuba Cigar
Dutch Brass Box
Green Marble Box
Indian Marquetry
Japanese Inro Box
Japanese Inro Boxes
Limoges Blue Box
Marquetry Music Box