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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
1980s Elegant Brass and Green Enamel Cigarette Box by Gucci
1980s Elegant Brass and Green Enamel Cigarette Box by Gucci

1980s Elegant Brass and Green Enamel Cigarette Box by Gucci

By Gucci

Located in Aci Castello, IT

This is a captivating, elegant piece of 1980s Gucci Florence craftsmanship. This Vintage Cigarette or Card Case is a fantastic example of the luxury accessories the brand was known f...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass, Enamel

Mahogany Wood Vintage Handmade Jewelry Casket Box Manning of Ireland Irish New
Mahogany Wood Vintage Handmade Jewelry Casket Box Manning of Ireland Irish New

Mahogany Wood Vintage Handmade Jewelry Casket Box Manning of Ireland Irish New

Located in Dublin, Ireland

Absolutely Stunning Ladys or Gentlemans Jewellery Casket of outstanding quality and of generous size, made in Ireland by renowned cabinet makers Mannings of Ireland, using well figur...

Category

Early 2000s Irish Modern Boxes

Materials

Walnut

Bauhaus Arts and Crafts Modernist Large Aluminum Box, circa 1920
Bauhaus Arts and Crafts Modernist Large Aluminum Box, circa 1920

Bauhaus Arts and Crafts Modernist Large Aluminum Box, circa 1920

By Bauhaus

Located in Atlanta, GA

This remarkable early 20th-century modernist aluminum box is a true testament to masterful craftsmanship and innovative design. The rare piece was crafted in Germany circa 1920. Its...

Category

Early 20th Century German Modern Boxes

Materials

Metal, Aluminum

Pink Panther Collection Royal Orleans Pottery Pink Panther Mounted Box
Pink Panther Collection Royal Orleans Pottery Pink Panther Mounted Box

Pink Panther Collection Royal Orleans Pottery Pink Panther Mounted Box

By United Artists

Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire

A delightful, Japanese licensed Pink Panther Collection lidded box distributed by Royal Orleans and dated 1981. The ceramic box is of large oval form with a fitted slightly domed cov...

Category

1980s Japanese Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

Glaciar Large Silver Alpaca & Bordeaux Onyx Stone Box
Glaciar Large Silver Alpaca & Bordeaux Onyx Stone Box

Glaciar Large Silver Alpaca & Bordeaux Onyx Stone Box

By AIREDELSUR

Located in Buenos Aires, AR

Glaciar collection is meticulously handcrafted by our local artisans with these rectangular onyx pieces set around alpaca silver flower vases, boxes and trays. Our pieces are made b...

Category

2010s South American Modern Boxes

Materials

Stone, Onyx, Metal

1980s Modernist White and Pink Lucite and Silver Italian Rectangular Vanity Box
1980s Modernist White and Pink Lucite and Silver Italian Rectangular Vanity Box

1980s Modernist White and Pink Lucite and Silver Italian Rectangular Vanity Box

Located in Aci Castello, IT

This italian Vanity Box encapsulates the exuberance and style of its era, offering a compelling synthesis of form, function, and aesthetic appeal. It serves as both a practical stora...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Silver

Tronador Square Cream Onyx Stone Box
Tronador Square Cream Onyx Stone Box

Tronador Square Cream Onyx Stone Box

By AIREDELSUR

Located in Buenos Aires, AR

The shape of the inactive Tronador volcano reminded us of the pyramid shaped idea of our boxes that make up this collection. With a rectangular or square base, the box is a reflectio...

Category

2010s Argentine Modern Boxes

Materials

Stone, Onyx

AIMARA Large Alpaca Silver Box
AIMARA Large Alpaca Silver Box

AIMARA Large Alpaca Silver Box

By AIREDELSUR

Located in Buenos Aires, AR

The waves on a choppy lake, rough by the wind, inspire the design of alpaca boxes and picture frames of this family, whose name comes from the tribe that dwelled in the North Argenti...

Category

2010s Argentine Modern Boxes

Materials

Metal, Sheet Metal

Tronador Rectangular Blue Onyx Stone Box
Tronador Rectangular Blue Onyx Stone Box

Tronador Rectangular Blue Onyx Stone Box

By AIREDELSUR

Located in Buenos Aires, AR

The shape of the inactive Tronador volcano reminded us of the pyramid shaped idea of our boxes that make up this collection. With a rectangular or square base, the box is a reflectio...

Category

2010s Argentine Modern Boxes

Materials

Stone, Onyx

Burl Walnut  Thuya Wood Handmade Jewelry Casket Box Manning of Ireland Irish New
Burl Walnut  Thuya Wood Handmade Jewelry Casket Box Manning of Ireland Irish New

Burl Walnut Thuya Wood Handmade Jewelry Casket Box Manning of Ireland Irish New

Located in Dublin, Ireland

This rare North African Thuya Wood Jewellery Casket was manufactured by the famed manning of Ireland company and is truly a jewel of handcrafted genius. This box is constructed of th...

Category

Early 2000s Irish Modern Boxes

Materials

Mahogany, Walnut

Glaciar Large Silver Alpaca & White Onyx Stone Box
Glaciar Large Silver Alpaca & White Onyx Stone Box

Glaciar Large Silver Alpaca & White Onyx Stone Box

By AIREDELSUR

Located in Buenos Aires, AR

Glaciar collection is meticulously handcrafted by our local artisans with these rectangular onyx pieces set around alpaca silver flower vases, boxes and trays. Our pieces are made...

Category

2010s South American Modern Boxes

Materials

Stone, Onyx, Metal

Aimara Medium Alpaca Silver Box
Aimara Medium Alpaca Silver Box

Aimara Medium Alpaca Silver Box

By AIREDELSUR

Located in Buenos Aires, AR

The waves on a choppy lake, rough by the wind, inspire the design of alpaca boxes and picture frames of this family, whose name comes from the tribe that dwelled in the North Argenti...

Category

2010s Argentine Modern Boxes

Materials

Metal, Sheet Metal

Tronador Rectangular Cream Onyx Stone Box
Tronador Rectangular Cream Onyx Stone Box

Tronador Rectangular Cream Onyx Stone Box

By AIREDELSUR

Located in Buenos Aires, AR

The shape of the inactive Tronador volcano reminded us of the pyramid shaped idea of our boxes that make up this collection. With a rectangular or square base, the box is a reflectio...

Category

2010s Argentine Modern Boxes

Materials

Stone, Onyx

AIMARA Large Alpaca Silver Box
AIMARA Large Alpaca Silver Box

AIMARA Large Alpaca Silver Box

By AIREDELSUR

Located in Buenos Aires, AR

The waves on a choppy lake, rough by the wind, inspire the design of alpaca boxes and picture frames of this family, whose name comes from the tribe that dwelled in the North Argenti...

Category

2010s Argentine Modern Boxes

Materials

Metal, Sheet Metal

Tronador Square Blue Onyx Stone Box
Tronador Square Blue Onyx Stone Box

Tronador Square Blue Onyx Stone Box

By AIREDELSUR

Located in Buenos Aires, AR

The shape of the inactive Tronador volcano reminded us of the pyramid shaped idea of our boxes that make up this collection. With a rectangular or square base, the box is a reflectio...

Category

2010s Argentine Modern Boxes

Materials

Stone, Onyx

Italian Alabaster Marble Jewelry Box
Italian Alabaster Marble Jewelry Box

Italian Alabaster Marble Jewelry Box

Located in New York, NY

An Italian dark brown alabaster marble jewelry box with a blue matte metal hinge. Box can hold jewelry or other small items. A great piece for a...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Marble, Alabaster, Metal

Dolcevita Humidor
Dolcevita Humidor

Dolcevita Humidor

$9,805 / item

Dolcevita Humidor

By Maccarrone

Located in Milan, IT

This iconic humidor is part of Maccarone's Yacht collection and can hold up to 150 cigars. Metal accessories in chromed brass and high gloss mahogany and mapl...

Category

2010s Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Polyester, Wood

Glaciar Small Silver Alpaca & White Onyx Stone Box
Glaciar Small Silver Alpaca & White Onyx Stone Box

Glaciar Small Silver Alpaca & White Onyx Stone Box

By AIREDELSUR

Located in Buenos Aires, AR

Glaciar collection is meticulously handcrafted by our local artisans with these rectangular onyx pieces set around alpaca silver flower vases, boxes and trays. Our pieces are made...

Category

2010s South American Modern Boxes

Materials

Stone, Onyx, Metal

Mahogany Ladys Gentlemans Handmade Jewelry Casket Box Manning Ireland Irish New
Mahogany Ladys Gentlemans Handmade Jewelry Casket Box Manning Ireland Irish New

Mahogany Ladys Gentlemans Handmade Jewelry Casket Box Manning Ireland Irish New

Located in Dublin, Ireland

This well figured highly hand polished Mahogany jewellery casket with dome fronted detail, was manufactured by the famed manning of Ireland company and is truly a jewel of handcrafte...

Category

Early 2000s Irish Modern Boxes

Materials

Mahogany, Walnut

Tiffany American Modern Sterling Silver Box
Tiffany American Modern Sterling Silver Box

Tiffany American Modern Sterling Silver Box

By Tiffany & Co.

Located in New York, NY

Modern sterling silver box. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1912. Rectangular with straight sides. Cover hinged with gently curved top and molded rim. Box interior cedar lined....

Category

Early 20th Century American Modern Boxes

Materials

Sterling Silver

Tafi Large Onyx Oval Box
Tafi Large Onyx Oval Box

Tafi Large Onyx Oval Box

By AIREDELSUR

Located in Buenos Aires, AR

Tafi oval box, it is made entirely by hand in alpaca metal and onyx stone. It comes in three different sizes and you can choose between four different onyx stone colors: black, white/cream, blue or bordeaux Our pieces are made by hand. One of a kind. All natural stones may vary in color. About AIREDELSUR: With its rustic chic personality and the elegant designs of Marcelo Lucini...

Category

2010s Argentine Modern Boxes

Materials

Stone, Onyx

Tea Caddy - Elie Bleu Paris
Tea Caddy - Elie Bleu Paris

Tea Caddy - Elie Bleu Paris

By Elie Bleu

Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant

A beautiful vintage tea caddy, made by the French brand Elie Bleu Paris. The box is made of beautifully veneered / greened wood with black piping. Th...

Category

Early 2000s French Modern Boxes

Materials

Silver Plate

Hand-Blown Murano Box in Ruby with Brass Fittings
Hand-Blown Murano Box in Ruby with Brass Fittings

Hand-Blown Murano Box in Ruby with Brass Fittings

Located in West Hollywood, CA

The Hand-Blown Murano Box in Ruby with Brass Fittings is a jewel-like objet d’art, designed to captivate with its opulent radiance and modern silhouette. Crafted in Italy by master g...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass

Ceramic Restaurant Matchbox - Sadelles
Ceramic Restaurant Matchbox - Sadelles

Ceramic Restaurant Matchbox - Sadelles

Located in Brooklyn, NY

The Matchbox Series is composed of roughly 4”x 6” boxes that make direct references to iconic NYC institutions. These boxes come with slide out inserts that are filled with oversized...

Category

2010s American Modern Boxes

Materials

Ceramic, Clay

Ceramic Restaurant Matchbox
Ceramic Restaurant Matchbox

Ceramic Restaurant Matchbox

Located in Brooklyn, NY

The Matchbox Series is composed of roughly 4”x 6” boxes that make direct references to iconic NYC institutions. These boxes come with slide out inserts that are filled with oversized...

Category

2010s American Modern Boxes

Materials

Ceramic, Clay

21st Century Leather Tilting Lid Waste Bin Handmade in Italy
21st Century Leather Tilting Lid Waste Bin Handmade in Italy

21st Century Leather Tilting Lid Waste Bin Handmade in Italy

By Pinetti

Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia

A cylindrical and contemporary silhouette with subtle detail. Our round metal bin with tilting lid is perfectly sized for use in the bathroom. More than 30 harmonious shades can be paired with our modern bathroom...

Category

2010s Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Leather

Hand Blown Murano Glass Box with 24 Karat Gold Flecks and Brass Fittings
Hand Blown Murano Glass Box with 24 Karat Gold Flecks and Brass Fittings

Hand Blown Murano Glass Box with 24 Karat Gold Flecks and Brass Fittings

Located in West Hollywood, CA

This stunning and angular square shaped, hand-blown Murano glass box is a treasure to behold. Handcrafted on the historic island of Murano, this box exemplifies the artistry and skil...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass, Gold Leaf

Blue/White Incised Horn Box
Blue/White Incised Horn Box

Blue/White Incised Horn Box

Located in New York, NY

Modernist graphic patterned blue and white bone box with hand incised horn tiles. Wood interior.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Modern Boxes

Materials

Bone, Wood, Horn

Tessellated Faux Horn Covered Box
Tessellated Faux Horn Covered Box

Tessellated Faux Horn Covered Box

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Beautiful tessellated faux horn decorative box made in France. Gorgeous detail work inside and out. Add some French style to you design project.

Category

1980s French Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Resin

XX Century Italian Sterling Silver table box
XX Century Italian Sterling Silver table box

XX Century Italian Sterling Silver table box

By Arval Argenti Valenza

Located in VALENZA, IT

A smooth, handcrafted sterling silver table box. The slightly curved structure of the box features a hinged lid that fits snugly against the base. The box is suitable for a prestigio...

Category

1990s Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Sterling Silver

Agresti Lei Lui Armoire with Safe
Agresti Lei Lui Armoire with Safe

Agresti Lei Lui Armoire with Safe

By Agresti

Located in New York, NY

Armored jewelry armoire in matte Canaletto walnut or polished white bird’s eye maple and 24 karats gold hardware. Inside, safe with biometric o...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Gold

SET Tafi Onyx Oval Boxes, Silver Alpaca & Onyx Stone
SET Tafi Onyx Oval Boxes, Silver Alpaca & Onyx Stone

SET Tafi Onyx Oval Boxes, Silver Alpaca & Onyx Stone

By AIREDELSUR

Located in Buenos Aires, AR

7.5" x 3.5" x2" 8" x 4" x2.3" 9" x4.5" x 2.5" Tafi oval box, it is made entirely by hand in alpaca metal and onyx stone. It comes in three different sizes and you can choose between...

Category

2010s Argentine Modern Boxes

Materials

Stone, Onyx

Agresti Arco Large Armored Chest
Agresti Arco Large Armored Chest

Agresti Arco Large Armored Chest

By Agresti

Located in New York, NY

Polished white bird’s-eye maple or polished walnut matte finish armored chest, 24-karat gold-plated accessories. Round handle with biometric opening device and emergency key integrat...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Gold Plate

Il Bauletto Jewelry Box in Briar and Mahogany
Il Bauletto Jewelry Box in Briar and Mahogany

Il Bauletto Jewelry Box in Briar and Mahogany

By Agresti

Located in New York, NY

Jewelry box in briar and mahogany, matte finish, ultra suede lining. 24-karat gold plated brass accessories. With removable tray and necklace bar.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Suede, Mahogany

Malachite Jewelry Box
Malachite Jewelry Box

Malachite Jewelry Box

Located in New York, NY

A very beautiful and substantial green Malachite decorative or jewelry box, circa late-20th century. This green Malachite box has a hexagon shape with a white onyx marble star with gold gilt detail on top lid. A great decorative piece or jewelry box (as demonstrated), to hold necklaces, rings, earring, cufflinks, etc., on a vanity, nightstand, dresser, desk, credenza, walk-in-closet, etc. Very good condition as shown in images. No chips noted. Dimensions: 3.38" Depth x 4" Width. Purple charoite box shown also available, search 1stDibs ref. #: LU1314228491742 Green malachite box with cameo, search ref. #: LU1314228492012 (SOLD) Small gold and malachite turtle...

Category

Late 20th Century Modern Boxes

Materials

Malachite, Onyx

Van Cleef & Arpel Velvet Jewellery Box for a Ring, 1990.
Van Cleef & Arpel Velvet Jewellery Box for a Ring, 1990.

Van Cleef & Arpel Velvet Jewellery Box for a Ring, 1990.

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

Van Cleef & Arpel velvet jewellery box for a ring, 1990. Velvet jewellery box for a ring by Van Cleef & Arpel, presented in its cardboard box, circa 1990. H: 8.5 cm, W: 10 cm, D: 10...

Category

20th Century French Modern Boxes

Materials

Velvet, Wood, Paper

Agresti Oro Jewelry Chest
Agresti Oro Jewelry Chest

Agresti Oro Jewelry Chest

From $4,500 / item

Red BurlwoodEbonyWhite Bird's Eye Maple

Agresti Oro Jewelry Chest

By Agresti

Located in New York, NY

Lockable jewelry chest with 5 drawers, two pullout / pull-out necklace bars, and lined in ultra-suede. Accessories in 24 karats gold plated brass...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass

Horn Mosaic Decorative Jewelry Cigarette Box Art Deco Modernist Style
Horn Mosaic Decorative Jewelry Cigarette Box Art Deco Modernist Style

Horn Mosaic Decorative Jewelry Cigarette Box Art Deco Modernist Style

Located in Bad Säckingen, DE

This elegant decorative box showcases a striking geometric mosaic design crafted from natural horn, creating a sophisticated Art Deco meets Modernist aesthetic. The box features a se...

Category

2010s Unknown Modern Boxes

Materials

Horn

Large Pyrimidial Horn Box
Large Pyrimidial Horn Box

Large Pyrimidial Horn Box

Located in New York, NY

Textural keepsake box clad in heat set pyrimidial horn elements. A great addition to any desk or coffee table.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Boxes

Materials

Horn, Wood

Agresti Il Cofanetto Jewelry Box
Agresti Il Cofanetto Jewelry Box

Agresti Il Cofanetto Jewelry Box

By Agresti

Located in New York, NY

Lockable jewelry box with removable tray, lined for earrings, rings, necklaces. Available in polished ebony, polished red burl wood or white bird’s...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Wood

Jay Rogers 1992 Exotic Wood Box with mystery drawers
Jay Rogers 1992 Exotic Wood Box with mystery drawers

Jay Rogers 1992 Exotic Wood Box with mystery drawers

By Michael Elkan

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Jay Rogers 1992 Three drawer exotic wood Box. Box looks like cubes rolling off the main body, but three of the boxes open!. Signed inside bottom drawer. Very nice condition.

Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Boxes

Materials

Zebra Wood

Agresti Gioia Jewelry Armoire
Agresti Gioia Jewelry Armoire

Agresti Gioia Jewelry Armoire

By Agresti

Located in New York, NY

Armored jewelry armoire with inside safe. Numeric digital keypad and emergency key. Available in 4 finishing options; see information below for detail...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Wood

Gyrowinder Watch Winder by Döttling
Gyrowinder Watch Winder by Döttling

Gyrowinder Watch Winder by Döttling

Located in New York, NY

Around the world, Döttling luxury safes find homes among select connoisseurs and enthusiasts of the finest locksmith artisanry. They originate from the Döttling manufactory in Sindel...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Boxes

Materials

Aluminum, Nickel

Glaciar Small Silver Alpaca & Bordeaux Onyx Stone Box
Glaciar Small Silver Alpaca & Bordeaux Onyx Stone Box

Glaciar Small Silver Alpaca & Bordeaux Onyx Stone Box

By AIREDELSUR

Located in Buenos Aires, AR

Glaciar collection is meticulously handcrafted by our local artisans with these rectangular onyx pieces set around alpaca silver flower vases, boxes and trays. Our pieces are made b...

Category

2010s South American Modern Boxes

Materials

Stone, Onyx, Metal

Modernist Octagonal Hand-Blown Blackened Garnet Murano Glass Box w/ Nickel
Modernist Octagonal Hand-Blown Blackened Garnet Murano Glass Box w/ Nickel

Modernist Octagonal Hand-Blown Blackened Garnet Murano Glass Box w/ Nickel

Located in New York, NY

This Modernist Octagonal Hand-Blown Murano Glass Box in blackened garnet is a breathtaking example of Italian artistry and innovation. Crafted in Murano, Italy, during the 21st centu...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Nickel

Stella Box Irish Green & Emperador By Greg Natale
Stella Box Irish Green & Emperador By Greg Natale

Stella Box Irish Green & Emperador By Greg Natale

By Greg Natale

Located in Sydney,, NSW

With a celestial silhouette, the Stella Box evokes the textures and terrains of lunar landscapes in contour and materiality. Carved from marble with a sculptural handle, the Stella B...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Boxes

Materials

Marble

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.