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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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

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

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

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

Box shaped “flowers” playing card suit black fired Art Deco style Salimbeni
Box shaped “flowers” playing card suit black fired Art Deco style Salimbeni

Box shaped “flowers” playing card suit black fired Art Deco style Salimbeni

By Salimbeni

Located in Firenze, FI

Box shaped like a “flowers” playing card suit in 925/1000 sterling silver with black fired enamel in Art Deco style, early 1900s. With lost hinge, i.e. semi-invisible. Dimensions cm....

Category

1950s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Gold, Enamel, Sterling Silver

Box shaped “spade” playing card suit black fired Art Deco style Salimbeni
Box shaped “spade” playing card suit black fired Art Deco style Salimbeni

Box shaped “spade” playing card suit black fired Art Deco style Salimbeni

By Salimbeni

Located in Firenze, FI

Box shaped like a “spade” playing card suit in 925/1000 silver with black fired enamel in Art Deco style, early 1900s. With internal hinge. Dimensions cm. 9.5 x 10.7 x 1.8. Weight gr...

Category

1950s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Gold, Sterling Silver, Enamel

Contemporary Decorative Box Handmade Crystal and Boise De Rose by Ghirò Studio
Contemporary Decorative Box Handmade Crystal and Boise De Rose by Ghirò Studio

Contemporary Decorative Box Handmade Crystal and Boise De Rose by Ghirò Studio

By Ghirò Studio

Located in Pieve Emanuele, Milano

2023 Collection of Decorative boxes by Ghiró Studio. The type of craftsmanship and the materials used for the production make this box a unique object, in fact it is impossible to...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Glass, Rosewood

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

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

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

Ceramic Chameleon Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa

By Love Art Ceramic

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

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

By Love Art Ceramic

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

French Sculptured Gilt Bronze Box by Line Vautrin
French Sculptured Gilt Bronze Box by Line Vautrin

French Sculptured Gilt Bronze Box by Line Vautrin

By Line Vautrin

Located in Atlanta, GA

A gilt bronze box or podier by French Jeweler Line Vautrin, in the pattern of "Moise ou la traversee du desert" coric 1940s-1950s. A rare mode in the box, the top surface of the cover illustrates the biblical story of Moses crossing the desert out of Egypt...

Category

Mid-20th Century French Modern Boxes

Materials

Bronze

Garrard English Modern Sterling Silver Box, 1947
Garrard English Modern Sterling Silver Box, 1947

Garrard English Modern Sterling Silver Box, 1947

By Garrard & Co. Ltd.

Located in New York, NY

George VI sterling silver box. Made by Garrard & Co. in London in 1947. Rectangular with straight sides. Cover flat, tabbed, and hinged. Sides have reeded wrapround bands. Cover ...

Category

1940s British Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Sterling Silver

Contemporary Iridescent Pearl Crystal Bowl, Brass and Gold 24 Kt by Ghirò Studio
Contemporary Iridescent Pearl Crystal Bowl, Brass and Gold 24 Kt by Ghirò Studio

Contemporary Iridescent Pearl Crystal Bowl, Brass and Gold 24 Kt by Ghirò Studio

By Ghirò Studio

Located in Pieve Emanuele, Milano

2021 Collection of covered bowls by Ghirò Studio. This covered bowl is one of a kind. The material used and the artisanal and artistic workmanship make it unrepeatable. In fact, two...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Gold, Brass

Watch Box for Five Watches in Polished Black with Ultrasuede Detail
Watch Box for Five Watches in Polished Black with Ultrasuede Detail

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

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

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

Ceramic Tiger Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa

By Love Art Ceramic

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

Ceramic Tiger Box, hand made in South Africa
Ceramic Tiger Box, hand made in South Africa

Ceramic Tiger Box, hand made in South Africa

By Love Art Ceramic

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

Small Box with Decorative Scenes of the Reveillon Aerostat
Small Box with Decorative Scenes of the Reveillon Aerostat

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

Table Box Heart shape Sky tone fire-enameled on guilloche Salimbeni.
Table Box Heart shape Sky tone fire-enameled on guilloche Salimbeni.

Table Box Heart shape Sky tone fire-enameled on guilloche Salimbeni.

By Salimbeni, Giorgio Salimbeni

Located in Firenze, FI

Heart-shaped table box in 925/1000 sterling silver with translucent fired enamel on guilloché above and below. Modern contemporary style. Dimensions cm. 8 x 8.8 high cm. 2.8. Weight ...

Category

1990s Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Gold, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel

Handcrafted Brass Box with Wheat Relief Design
Handcrafted Brass Box with Wheat Relief Design

Handcrafted Brass Box with Wheat Relief Design

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This is a handcrafted brass box featuring a beautifully embossed wheat motif on the lid. The relief design depicts two wheat stalks with gracefully curved leaves, symbolizing growth ...

Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Metal

Etched Metal Box With Nude Line Figure
Etched Metal Box With Nude Line Figure

Etched Metal Box With Nude Line Figure

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Etched line drawing of a nude figure on its smooth, polished metal surface. The delicate engraving captures the elegance of the human form with graceful, fluid lines—an homage to cla...

Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Chrome

Set of 2 Acacia Nun Vases by Matthias Scherzinger
Set of 2 Acacia Nun Vases by Matthias Scherzinger

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

Italian Vintage Brass & Steel Lidded Box, 1970
Italian Vintage Brass & Steel Lidded Box, 1970

Italian Vintage Brass & Steel Lidded Box, 1970

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Striking mid-century modern rectangular box crafted from polished brass and steel, featuring a hinged lid with a curved handle. The clean, geometric form is enhanced by the contrast ...

Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Metal

Decorative Faux Bone Intarsia Box

Decorative Faux Bone Intarsia Box

Located in Queens, NY

Contemporary faux bone woven design rectangular lidded box

Category

20th Century American Modern Boxes

Materials

Bone

Pair of Lacquered Wood Boxes, China, 20th Century
Pair of Lacquered Wood Boxes, China, 20th Century

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. Contact us before ordering to confirm product availability.

Category

20th Century Chinese Modern Boxes

Materials

Wood

Hand-Blown Murano Box in Aqua Blue with Silver Flecks and Chrome Fittings
Hand-Blown Murano Box in Aqua Blue with Silver Flecks and Chrome Fittings

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

Tommaso Barbi Ceramic Lidded Box with Red Marbleized Glaze and Gold Detailing
Tommaso Barbi Ceramic Lidded Box with Red Marbleized Glaze and Gold Detailing

Tommaso Barbi Ceramic Lidded Box with Red Marbleized Glaze and Gold Detailing

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This elegant lidded box by Tomaso Barbi showcases his signature blend of sculptural form and refined decorative detail. The square box is crafted in ceramic, finished with a striking...

Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

English Modern Sterling Silver Box with Scottish Agate Thistle
English Modern Sterling Silver Box with Scottish Agate Thistle

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

1994's Ancella Armchair project by M. Lovi for Giovannetti Collezioni
1994's Ancella Armchair project by M. Lovi for Giovannetti Collezioni

1994's Ancella Armchair project by M. Lovi for Giovannetti Collezioni

Located in Casalguidi, IT

A unique bedroom armachair - elegant, comfortable and functional at the same time. Ancella is suitable for the bedroom and dressing-room. Beechwood frame. Shape-retaining polyuretha...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Vintage Lucite & Woven Rattan Storage Box with Brass Trim
Vintage Lucite & Woven Rattan Storage Box with Brass Trim

Vintage Lucite & Woven Rattan Storage Box with Brass Trim

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Stylish vintage storage box featuring a woven rattan design encased in clear amber-toned lucite, accented with a sleek brass-trimmed lid. This piece beautifully blends natural textur...

Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Rattan, Lucite

Rectangular Shagreen Box with Brass Trims by Ginger Brown
Rectangular Shagreen Box with Brass Trims by Ginger Brown

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

Waste Bin in White Shagreen Detail by R&Y Augousti
Waste Bin in White Shagreen Detail by R&Y Augousti

Waste Bin in White Shagreen Detail by R&Y Augousti

By R & Y Augousti

Located in West Hollywood, CA

The White Shagreen Detail Waste Bin by R&Y Augousti is a masterful blend of elegance and functionality, crafted with meticulous attention to detail. Encased in luxurious white shagre...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Modern Boxes

Materials

Wood, Shagreen Stingray

Vintage Wooden Woven Jewelry Box
Vintage Wooden Woven Jewelry Box

Vintage Wooden Woven Jewelry Box

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Beautiful vintage wooden jewelry box featuring an intricate woven wood exterior and a long, rectangular silhouette. The detailed basketweave...

Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Wood

Giant Hand Blown Murano Glass Box in in Crystal with Bubbles and Chrome Fittings
Giant Hand Blown Murano Glass Box in in Crystal with Bubbles and Chrome Fittings

Giant Hand Blown Murano Glass Box in in Crystal 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

Sunchos Basket I by Pauline Deltour
Sunchos Basket I by Pauline Deltour

Sunchos Basket I by Pauline Deltour

Located in Geneve, CH

Sunchos basket I by Pauline Deltour Materials: 100% recycled Polypropylene Dimensions: D 30 x W 30 x H 53 cm Available in colors: salmon/ lilac/ turquoise, black/ white, orange/ ...

Category

2010s German Modern Boxes

Materials

Plastic

Set of 4 Light Grey Frame 14 Box by Lassen
Set of 4 Light Grey Frame 14 Box by Lassen

Set of 4 Light Grey Frame 14 Box by Lassen

Located in Geneve, CH

Set of 4 light grey frame 14 box by Lassen Dimensions: d 10 x w 10 x h 7 cm Materials: Finér, Melamin, Melamine, Metal, Veneer Weight: 1.10 Kg Frame box is a square box in a c...

Category

2010s Danish Modern Boxes

Materials

Metal, Other

Large Acacia Nun Vase by Matthias Scherzinger
Large Acacia Nun Vase by Matthias Scherzinger

Large Acacia Nun Vase by Matthias Scherzinger

Located in Geneve, CH

Large acacia nun vase by Matthias Scherzinger Limited Edition of 30 pieces, each color each size Engraved brass-label with number Dimensions: L 19 x W 19 x H 73 cm Materials: Aca...

Category

2010s German Modern Boxes

Materials

Wood

Italian Mahogany and Chrome Modernist Decorative Box, 1970s
Italian Mahogany and Chrome Modernist Decorative Box, 1970s

Italian Mahogany and Chrome Modernist Decorative Box, 1970s

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Italian mahogany and chrome modernist decorative box, 1970s. Long rectangular shape with Minimalist design. Framing in polished chromed metal with a unique decoration on the top. In...

Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Chrome

Italian Polished Brass Lidded Box, 1970s
Italian Polished Brass Lidded Box, 1970s

Italian Polished Brass Lidded Box, 1970s

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A refined Italian lidded box crafted in polished brass with a softly domed cover and clean, circular profile. The smooth, reflective surface emphasizes the purity of its form, while ...

Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass

Modern Serving Tray Calacatta Marble Oak Handmade Portugal Lusitanus Home
Modern Serving Tray Calacatta Marble Oak Handmade Portugal Lusitanus Home

Modern Serving Tray Calacatta Marble Oak Handmade Portugal Lusitanus Home

By Greenapple, 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

Set of Three of Gordon Bunshaft's from SOM Architects Personal Pipes
Set of Three of Gordon Bunshaft's from SOM Architects Personal Pipes

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

Modern Serving Tray Calacatta Marble Cork Handmade in Portugal by Lusitanus Home
Modern Serving Tray Calacatta Marble Cork Handmade in Portugal by Lusitanus Home

Modern Serving Tray Calacatta Marble Cork Handmade in Portugal by Lusitanus Home

By Greenapple, Lusitanus Home

Located in Lisboa, PT

Antuã serving tray, Lusitanus Home Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Lusitanus Home. A sublime serving tray, Antuã was design to uplift layback moments. A rectang...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Boxes

Materials

Onyx, Marble

Albert Dahan for Vallauris, Unique Lidded Box in Glazed Stoneware, Ca 1970
Albert Dahan for Vallauris, Unique Lidded Box in Glazed Stoneware, Ca 1970

Albert Dahan for Vallauris, Unique Lidded Box in Glazed Stoneware, Ca 1970

Located in København, Copenhagen

Albert Dahan for Vallauris. Unique lidded chest in glazed stoneware. Beautiful glaze in shades of blue. Ca. 1970. Measures: 21 x 16 cm. Height: 13.5 cm. In excellent condition...

Category

1970s French Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Stoneware

Unique Jewelry Box by Atelier George
Unique Jewelry Box by Atelier George

Unique Jewelry Box by Atelier George

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

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.