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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
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 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

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 Leopard Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Crafted by Lefu and Sindy at Senzo Duma Ceramics in South Africa, this ceramic Leopard jewelry box stands 4 inches high, 5 inches long, and 4 inches ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

Alexandra Von Furstenberg Acrylic Treasure Box in Black Smoke - Medium Box
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Add a bold pop of modern glamour to your space with this acrylic treasure box by Alexandra Von Furstenberg, featuring a striking black and white Black Smoke pattern. Made from high-q...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Boxes

Materials

Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass

Ceramic Leopard Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
The "Leopard Head Jewelry Box," crafted by South African artists Jabu Nene and Sfiso Mvelase of Love Art Ceramic, is a stunning piece that beautifully blends functionality with artis...
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

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

Carbon Dream Jewel Chest in Polished Carbon Fibre on 4 sides
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 Waterlilies Plant Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Water Lily Dragonfly Jewelry Box Hand-Painted by Sabelo Nene, Sculpted by Sfiso Mvelase Love Art Ceramic, South Africa, 2024 Introducing the Water...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

Black Polished Chest for 28 Watches
Located in New York, NY
Chest in black polished wood. A lockable box for 28 watches.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Wood

Ceramic Genet Cat Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Crafted by the skilled hands of South African artisans, this ceramic Genet cat jewelry box is a masterpiece of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

Alexandra Von Furstenberg Acrylic Treasure Box in Leopard - 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 Leopard Print. Made from high-quality Lucite, this ch...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Boxes

Materials

Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass

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

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 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

Alexandra Von Furstenberg Acrylic Treasure Box in X 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 X print. Made from high-quality Lucit...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Boxes

Materials

Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass

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

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

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 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

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

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

Agresti Al Centro Armored Chest in Polished Walnut
Located in New York, NY
Polished walnut armored chest with leather inserts and 24-karat gold-plated accessories. Biometric opening device and emergency key system. Bullets pro...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Watch Box in Black Polished Ebony for Ten Watches La Teca Del Tempo
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 Buffalo And Monkey Sculpture , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Senzo Duma Ceramics presents a striking ceramic Buffalo & Monkey sculpture, standing 9 inches tall with dimensions of 11 inches in length and 5 inches in width. Hand-painted by Mlu, ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

Ceramic Elephant Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
The ceramic Elephant jewelry box, crafted by Swelihle Khanyeza and hand-sculpted by an unnamed artisan at Love Art Ceramic in South Africa, stands as ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

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

Ceramic Monkey Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
This ceramic Monkey jewelry box, handcrafted by Sabelo Nene at Love Art Ceramic studio in South Africa, stands 6 inches high, 4 inches long, and 4 i...
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

Four Vessels with Indonesian Lids in Silver
Located in Roma, IT
There are four vessels with Indonesian lids in silver. Dimensions: 1, Height 3.5 cm, width 10.5 cm, length 4.5 cm 2, Height 4 cm, diameter 10 cm 3, Height 4 cm, diameter 6 cm ...
Category

20th Century Indonesian Modern Boxes

Materials

Silver

Set of Twelve Red Shagreen Napkin Rings by Fabio Ltd
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian red shagreen and stainless steel napkin rings with matching red leather boxes designed by Fabio Bergomi for Fabio Ltd / Made in Italy Each ring has diameter 1.5 inches and wi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Stainless Steel

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

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
Box
$1,308
Ceramic Box by Nanni Valentini for Ceramica Arcore, Italy, 1970s
Located in Milan, IT
Ceramic box by Nanni Valentini for Ceramica Arcore.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

Blue and Gold Enamel Box
Located in New York, NY
Contemporary blue and gold enamel box with lid. Condition: Excellent, minor wear consistent with age and use. Width: 7.5” Depth: 6” Height: 5.25”
Category

2010s Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Copper, Enamel

Metal and sharkskin furniture box - Galucharme Black
Located in Spilimbergo, IT
Add a touch of luxury and sophistication to your environments with the Galucharme Black furniture box, an exclusive work by designer Nino Basso. Made of polished nickel-plated brass...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Metal

Corru Vessel no4 – Modern Handmade Glazed Ceramic and Carved Sapele Wood Lid
Located in Philadelphia, PA
The fourth in an ongoing series of large vessels in corrugated texture works. Most of these works incorporate a second material in the making of a lid or top. This work features a ha...
Category

2010s American Modern Boxes

Materials

Ceramic, Stoneware, Sapele Wood

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.   h: 9cm , d: 9cm
Category

20th Century German Modern Boxes

Materials

Porcelain

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

Shagreen & Sycamore Bubble Box
Located in Queensland, AU
This elegant jewellery box from the Boucher & Co Collection was completely handmade in the Boucher & Co workrooms in Toowoomba, Australia. The design of this special piece was insp...
Category

2010s Australian Modern Boxes

Materials

Nickel

Shagreen & Sycamore Bubble Box
Shagreen & Sycamore Bubble Box
$8,160 Sale Price
20% Off
Unique Jewelry Box by Atelier George
Located in Geneve, CH
Unique jewelry box by Atelier George One of a Kind Dimensions: Ø 90 cm Materials: Handblown glass Also available in ivory and light grey The Moire coll...
Category

2010s French Modern Boxes

Materials

Glass

Set of Three of Gordon Bunshaft's from SOM Architects Personal Pipes
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a set of three personal tobacco pipes that belonged to renowned architect Gordon Bunshaft of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM). These pipes offer a rare and personal glimpse i...
Category

20th Century Unknown Modern Boxes

GAME CARD HOLDER - CIGARETTE HOLDER - genuine leather shagreen
Located in Spilimbergo, IT
The modern design of the shiny metal box in the shape of a trunk is matched by the precious coating genuine shagreen leather melange color green-biege. Elegant piece of furnitur...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Metal, Brass

Met Ziggurat Box by Oeuffice
Located in Geneve, CH
MET ziggurat box by Oeuffice Edition: 12 + 2AP 2018 Dimensions: 22 x 22 x 38 cm Materials: Wood box, acrylic, solid stained wood Other 3 different MET collection boxes available...
Category

2010s English Modern Boxes

Materials

Acrylic, Wood

Set of 2 Round Trays, Fog White, Handmade in Portugal by Lusitanus Home
Located in Lisboa, PT
Set of 2 round trays, Lusitanus Home Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Lusitanus Home. Dimensions: Medium: D.40.5 x H.4cm D.15.94 x H.1.57 In Large: D.51 x H.4cm D.20...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Boxes

Materials

Wood

Pixel Ziggurat Boxes 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

Modern Etched Brass Coaster Bar Set Presented in an Agate Decorated Lucite Box
Located in Bothas Hill, KZN
These modern brass coasters are etched with a snakeskin animal pattern and are presented in a Lucite box decorated with a Rose Quartz Agate cabochon. This unique and bespoke coaster set is part of the Egg Designs Dawa luxury bar set collection and will be a great addition to any home cocktail...
Category

2010s South African Modern Boxes

Materials

Quartz, Brass

Contemporary Unique Black Document Box with Bull Design by Arijian
Located in Namyangju-si, KR
This artwork uses mother of pearl to re-interpret 'A Bull,' which is an iconic work by one of the most celebrated South Korean artists in modern and contemporary painting...
Category

2010s South Korean Modern Boxes

Materials

Wood

22:15 _ White Ceramic and Copper Details Handcrafted Jewelry Box
Located in Bologna, Bologna
The white painted ceramic box with lid 22:15 of the 'Meridiane' collection can be the container where you find a candy to relax after dinner, as well as the storage in which to put the jewelry on the night table before going to bed. This object is hand made in refined white ceramic and finished with precious copper based paint. It is a decorative piece that can be placed in any room of the house and give it a touch of uniqueness. The box is inspired by Casa Malaparte...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Copper

Modern Copper Straw Bar Set Presented in an Agate Decorated Lucite Box
Located in Bothas Hill, KZN
These modern copper straws are presented in a Lucite box decorated with a Rose Quartz Agate cabochon. This unique and bespoke copper straw set is part of the Egg Designs Dawa luxury bar set collection and will be a great addition to any home cocktail bar...
Category

2010s South African Modern Boxes

Materials

Quartz, Copper, Brass

Jean Boggio, Suite of 4 Covered Pots on the Theme of the Circus
Located in Mouscron, WHT
Jean bOGGIO, suite of 4 covered pots on the theme of the circus, Edition Les Héritiers France.
Category

Early 2000s French Modern Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

Floral Design Mother of Pearl Box with Peony Blossoms by Arijian
Located in Namyangju-si, KR
This artwork adopts mother of pearl and lacquer to portray peony blossoms, also known as the king of all flowers and a symbol for beautiful women. The lustrous mother of pearl was used to create such sumptuous flower patterns. The colors inside the lines of mother of pearl were enhanced with lacquer, gold and silver powder, etc. to elevate the vividness and splendor evoking the actual blossoming.    -Luxury Packaging: Wooden Gift...
Category

2010s Korean Modern Boxes

Materials

Wood

Gandia Blasco Fez Candle Box 2 by José A. Gandía-blasco Canales
Located in New York, NY
“All the magic you need for lighting a dinner with friends, a party, your garden, a deserted beach or a romantic dinner where only moonlight could be more attractive” - José A. Gandí...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Boxes

Materials

Aluminum

Morpho Blue Butterfly Frame in White Oak and Brass by Cam Crockford
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Morpho blue butterfly frame in white oak and brass by Cam Crockford Additional Information: Materials: White oak - brass - linen - blue morpho butterfly...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass

Set of 2 Acacia Nun Vases by Matthias Scherzinger
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 2 Acacia Nun vases by Matthias Scherzinger Limited edition of 30 pieces, each colour each size Engraved brass-label with number Dimensions: L 14.5 x W 14.5 x 46 cm L 19 x...
Category

2010s German Modern Boxes

Materials

Wood

Florence Box by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Florence box by Fakasaka Design Dimensions: W 10 cm D 10 cm H 9 cm. Materials: polished bronze. FAKASAKA is a design company focused on production of...
Category

2010s Brazilian Modern Boxes

Materials

Bronze

Gandia Blasco Touareg Large Candle Box by Sandra Figuerola
Located in New York, NY
"This piece, with its standard volume and geometric, universal and contemporary language, has a unity of criteria. The Farol Touareg subtly filters the light, just as the lattices th...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Boxes

Materials

Aluminum

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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