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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
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
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
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
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
Black Polished Wood w/ Extendable Box for 54 Cufflinks
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Lockable chest in black polished wood for 54 pairs of cufflinks. This is also extendable up to 90 pairs.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Wood
Ceramic Chameleon Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Succulent Chameleon Jewelry Box
The Succulent Chameleon Jewelry Box is a captivating ceramic decorative art piece that reflects the rich artistic heritage of South Africa. Created in...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African 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
Ceramic Succulent Plant Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Succulent Butterfly Jewelry Box
Hand-Painted by Sabelo Nene, Sculpted by Sbusiso Ndaba
Love Art Ceramic, South Africa, 2024
Introducing the Succ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Ceramic Tortoise Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Tortoise Jewelry Box
Hand-Painted by Jabu Nene, Sculpted by Sfiso Mvelase
Love Art Ceramic, South Africa, 2024
Embracing the rich cultural tapestry of South Africa, the "Tortoise Je...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Ceramic Waterlilies Plant And Frog Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Water Lily Frog Jewelry Box
Hand-Painted by Sabelo Nene, Sculpted by Sfiso Mvelase
Love Art Ceramic, South Africa, 2024
Introducing the Water Lily Frog J...
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 Beet Plant Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Beetroot Beetle Jewelry Box
Hand-Painted by Sabelo Nene, Sculpted by Sfiso Mvelase
Love Art Ceramic, South Africa, 2024
Introducing the Beetroot Beetle...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Ceramic succulent Plant With Bee Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Succulent, Bee Jewelry Box
Hand-Painted by Zinhle Nene & Sculpted by Sbusiso
Love Art Ceramic, South Africa, 2024
The Succulent, Bee Jewelry Box is a st...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Ceramic Monkey Teapot , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
The Monkey Teapot by Senzo Duma Ceramic Arts is a captivating blend of artistry and African cultural symbolism. Hand-sculpted and hand-painted by Senzo Duma in South Africa, this tea...
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
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 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
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 Elephant Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Two Elephant Heads Jewelry Box Hand Painted by Slie and Sculpted by Sbusiso
Discover the charm of South Africa with the exquisite Two Elephant Heads Jewelry Box, a captivating piece ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
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
Ceramic Bee Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Protea Bee Jewelry Box
The Protea Bee Jewelry Box is a stunning ceramic decorative art piece that embodies the vibrant spirit of South Africa’s natural bea...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Ceramic Aloe Vera Plant Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Aloe Jewelry Box Hand Painted by Sabelo Nene and Sculpted by Sbusiso Ndaba
Elevate your space with the captivating Aloe Jewelry Box, a stunning piece of decorative art from Love Art ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African 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
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
Ceramic Aloe Vera Plant Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Aloe Jewelry Box
Hand-Painted by Swelihle Khanyeza, Sculpted by Nathi
Love Art Ceramic, South Africa
Introducing the Aloe Jewelry Box, a breathtaking ceramic art piece that beautifu...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Ceramic Aloe Vera Plant Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Aloe Jewelry Box
Hand-Painted by Swelihle Khanyeza, Sculpted by Sbusiso Ndaba
Love Art Ceramic, South Africa
Introducing the Aloe Jewelry Box, a captivating ceramic piece that pays ...
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 Sfiso Mvelase
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 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 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 Pumpkin Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
A beautiful piece! The combination of glossy white and green colors, along with the unique design of a pumpkin with a removable lid, adds a charming touch. It’s great to hear about ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Ava Box by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Ava box by Fakasaka Design
Dimensions: W 16 cm D 16 cm H 28.5 cm
Materials: black/brown bronze.
FAKASAKA is a design company focused on production of high-end furniture, lighti...
Category
2010s Brazilian Modern Boxes
Materials
Bronze
Ceramic Protea Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Protea, Monkey Jewelry Box Hand Painted by Jabu Nene and Sculpted by Motsamai Sello from Love Art Ceramic
The Protea, Monkey Jewelry Box is a delightful piece of ceramic art, crafte...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Ceramic Lion Head Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Introducing the striking "Lion Head Jewelry Box," a captivating piece of ceramic decorative art crafted by the talented artisans at Love Art Ceramic in South Africa. Sculpted by Nath...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Ceramic Zebra Head Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Zebra Head Jewelry Box Hand-Painted by Zinhle Nene and Sculpted by Sfiso
Introducing the captivating Zebra Head Jewelry Box, a stunning ceramic piece brought to life by the talented...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Monumental Amber Murano Glass Box
Located in London, GB
A Monumental amber Murano glass box with polished brass inner core.
Category
Early 2000s Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
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
Ceramic Leopard Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Introducing the striking ceramic Leopard jewelry box, a unique creation from Imvelo Natural Art, South Africa. Expertly hand-sculpted by Bennet Zondo and hand-painted by Samukelo Gum...
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
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
Ceramic Elephant Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Introducing a captivating ceramic jewelry box, an exquisite fusion of artistry and cultural heritage, handcrafted by renowned South African artisans. This unique piece, standing 5 inches high, 4 inches long, and 4 inches wide, showcases the combined talents of Samukelo Gumede and Bennet Zondo,
The jewelry box features a beautifully hand-painted elephant design, with its head forming the lid. This design is not just aesthetically pleasing but deeply symbolic within African culture. Elephants, revered as symbols of wisdom, strength, and longevity, hold a special place in African traditions. Their majestic presence and intricate social structures inspire respect and admiration, making them a fitting motif for a piece intended to hold cherished personal items.
Incorporating the rich traditions of South African pottery...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Ceramic Cheetah Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Discover the elegance of African artistry with this enchanting ceramic Cheetah jewelry box, meticulously crafted by the talented Samukelo Gumede and Bennet Zondo at Imvelo Natural Ar...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Saturn and Pluto Box, Marble and Brass, by Bohinc Studio
By Lara Bohinc
Located in Holland, AMSTERDAM
The box’s interlocking shapes reference this year’s exceptional planetary conjunction between Saturn and Pluto. The Saturn and Pluto box features three brass round compartments with tops in calacatta, red travertine and portoro marble.
Handmade in Italy using a mix of handmade metalwork and 3-D milled marble parts. Please note that no two marbles are alike and there will be variations in the pattern as well as in the colour of the pieces.
Please note that even though brass is protected by clear varnish, it may still oxidise over the years which is a natural ageing process.
Each object is individually numbered and comes with a signed Certificate of authenticity to prove that it is Bohinc Studio...
Category
2010s Portuguese Modern Boxes
Materials
Marble, Brass
Ceramic Elephant Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
The "Elephant Head Jewelry Box," meticulously hand-painted by Jabu and sculpted by Sbusiso Ndaba from Love Art Ceramic in South Africa, is a breathtaking celebration of one of nature...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
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
Ceramic Hyena Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Hyena Jewelry Box
Hand-Painted by Jabu Nene, Sculpted by Unknown
Love Art Ceramic, South Africa, 2023
The Hyena Jewelry Box is a striking piece of ceramic art that captures the esse...
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 Zebra Coin Dish , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Zebra Coin Dish
Hand Painted by Zinhle Nene and Sculpted by Sbusiso Ndaba
From Love Art Ceramic, South Africa (2024)
Discover the enchanting Zebra Coin Dish, a remarkable piece of c...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
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
Ceramic Giraffe Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Giraffe Jewelry Box
Hand Painted by Winnie and Sculpted by Sbusiso
The Giraffe Jewelry Box is a stunning piece of ceramic art crafted by the talented artisans Winnie and Sbusiso at ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Ceramic Octupus Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Octopus Jewelry Box Hand Painted by Sli and Sculpted by Sbusiso
Dive into the beauty of marine life with the stunning Octopus Jewelry Box, a unique pie...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Miniportrait Oval Gray Jewelry Box Mirror in Wood and Steel Sheet by Portego
By Portego
Located in Stienta, IT
Designed by Studio Lido for Portego.
Made in Italy
The oval miniportrait is part of the boxes line that reproduces the plissé of oriental fans.
It's expertisely manufactured carving...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Wood
Ceramic Cheetah Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Senzo Duma Ceramics presents a ceramic Cheetah jewelry box, standing 4 inches tall with dimensions of 5 inches in length and 4 inches in width. Hand-sc...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
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
Aretha Box by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Aretha box by Fakasaka Design
Dimensions: W 15 cm D 15 cm H 9.5 cm.
Materials: black/brown bronze.
Also available in polished bronze.
FAKASAKA is a d...
Category
2010s Brazilian Modern Boxes
Materials
Bronze
Ceramic Monkey Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Protea, Monkey Jewelry Box
Hand-Painted by Slindelo Mazibuko, Sculpted by Motsamai Sello
Love Art Ceramic, South Africa, 2024
Introducing the Protea, M...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
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
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
Ceramic Pumpkin Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
This lovely ceramic pumpkin jewelry box is a unique, one-of-a-kind piece handcrafted in South Africa by Love Art Ceramics. Made entirely by hand witho...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Ceramic Beetle Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Introducing the enchanting "Succulent, Beetle Jewelry Box," a striking piece of ceramic art crafted in South Africa in 2024 by the talented duo Motsamai Sello and Minenhle Nene at Lo...
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
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.