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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Sphere table cigarette lighter Red enamel Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Sphere table cigarette lighter in 925/1000 gold-plated sterling silver and translucent fire enamel on guilloché, in a modern contemporary style. Piezoelectric mechanism. Dimensions d...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Wonderful French Lalique Coppelia Crystal Rose Garland Brass Dresser Jewelry Box
By Lalique
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful Vintage French Lalique Coppelia Frosted Crystal With Roses & Garland And A Brass Housing Dresser / Jewelry Box
Category
20th Century French Modern Boxes
Materials
Crystal, Brass
Vintage Italian Villa La Rotonda Lidded Box
Located in Chicago, IL
A love letter in terracotta to one of the Renaissance’s most influential buildings, this vintage Italian lidded box takes the form of Andrea Palladio’s Villa La Rotonda. Every propor...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Terracotta
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
$45,000 / item
Large English Modern Sterling Silver Box, 1963
Located in New York, NY
Elizabeth II sterling silver box. Made by Padgett & Braham Ltd in London in 1963. Rectangular with straight sides. Cover hinged with gently curved top and tapering tab. Interior ...
Category
1960s English Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Sterling Silver
Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co. Clear Crystal Heart-Shaped Lidded Jewelry Box
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous modern clear crystal heart-shaped lidded jewelry box or trinket box
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Japan, Circa Late 20th Century
Measures: 4.13"W x 4"D x 2"H.
Very...
Category
Late 20th Century Japanese Modern Boxes
Materials
Crystal
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
Scientific Calendar in Brass and Marble for the 40 Years, 1991-2030.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Scientific calendar in brass and marble for the 40 years, 1991-2030.
Scientific calendar in brass and marble, for the 40 years, calendar 1991-2030, crown of a royal family, in its o...
Category
20th Century European Modern Boxes
Materials
Marble, Brass
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
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
White Lei Lui Armoire in Birdseye Maple
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Armoured jewelry armoire in polished white bird’s-eye maple and 24-karat gold hardware. Inside, safe with biometric opening device. Drawers and pull-out trays lined for jewelry. Six ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Birdseye Maple
$176,400 / item
Contemporary Bronze Ashtray, LINES by Reda Amalou, 2015
Located in Paris, FR
The solid bronze ashtray is designed with a patterned removable top. The motif used here, a repetition of lines and voids, has been developed by Reda Amalou and is used in several pieces of the Reda Amalou Collection.
The Bronze ashtray is 135 x 135 x 65mm H
This design exists also in a tiny incense...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass, Bronze
Jack Ink – Large Studio Glass Lidded Box Signed "Jack Ink A 2028"
Located in Bochum, NRW
Exceptional studio glass box by renowned American-Austrian artist Jack Ink. Glass with inclusions and cast brass.This unique piece features a sinuous, undulating form with a shallow ...
Category
1980s Austrian Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
Hand Blown Murano Glass Box in Light Tobacco with Brass Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
A functional yet undoubtedly elegant piece, this large hand-blown Murano glass box is a marriage of Murano glassmaking techniques with the practicality of a tobacco box speaks to the...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
Mini Ceramic Restaurant Matchbox by Catie Curry Ceramics, Functional Art
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Matchbox Series is composed of roughly 2”x 3” 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
Chapman Tall Brass Magazine Storage Lidded Box, 1980s
Located in Atlanta, GA
Chapman Manufacturing Company designed this stunning, oversized lidded brass decorative box or magazine storage stand in the 1980s. The box boasts a tall geometric shape and a massiv...
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Metal, Brass
Contemporary Bronze Incense Box or ashtray, LINES by Reda Amalou, 2020
Located in Paris, FR
The bronze incense box or ashtray is designed with a patterned removable top. The motif used here, a repetition of lines and voids, has been developed by Reda Amalou and is used in s...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass, Bronze
Mini Ceramic Restaurant Matchbox - Commerce Inn
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Mini Matchbox Series is composed of roughly 2”x 3” boxes that make direct references to iconic NYC institutions. These boxes come with slide out inserts that are filled with matc...
Category
2010s American Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic, Clay
Vintage Gucci Enamel and Gilt Cigarette/Card Case
By Gucci
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A rare vintage Gucci cigarette or card case, featuring the brand’s iconic design elements. The exterior is crafted with a glossy black enamel finish em...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Enamel
Modernist Octagonal Handblown Murano Glass Box in Smoked Rose W/ Polished Nickel
Located in New York, NY
This Modernist Octagonal Hand-Blown Murano Glass Box in Smoked Rose, accented with polished nickel fittings, is a refined example of Italian craftsmanship and modern design. Handmade...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Nickel
Rinascimento Humidor
By Maccarrone
Located in Milan, IT
This iconic humidor is part of Maccarone's Marquetry collection and can hold up to 150 cigars. The design of this humidor, enriched with laser-engraved detail...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Polyester, Wood
$7,230 / item
White Bone And Brass Keepsake Box
Located in New York, NY
Handmade decorative keepsake, desk box clad in white bone and brass inlay pinstripes.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
$725 / item
Modernist Hand-Blown Murano Glass Box in Tobacco W/ Polished Brass Fittings
Located in New York, NY
This Modernist Hand-Blown Murano Glass Box in radiant smoked tobacco is a vibrant and elegant accessory, handcrafted in Italy during the 21st century. Meticulously created by Murano ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
1950s Murano Green Opaline Jewellery Box with Gilt Metal Edging
Located in London, GB
A 1950s Murano green opaline jewellery box by Cendese with gilt metal edging.
There are other available colours and designs under other listings.
Category
1950s French Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Metal
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
Set Tronador Large Mini Boxes, Brown & Cream Onyx Stone and Silver Alpaca
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
Vintage Onyx Stone Trinket or Jewelry Box
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a rectangular vintage trinket box made from polished green onyx stone, featuring natural banding and soft earthy hues of green, beige, and honey tones. The box has a smooth, ...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Marble
Contemporary American Modern Oval Seashell Jewelry Box
Located in Queens, NY
Contemporary American Modern oval jewelry box with an applied seashell exterior and red velvet interior.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Boxes
Materials
Coral
Maison Lancel Paris Chrome Decorative Lidded Box
By Lancel Paris
Located in Atlanta, GA
Maison Lancel Paris designed this stunning lidded box. The piece was crafted in France circa 1980. The minimalist rectangular shape features a sleek design with polished, chromed met...
Category
1980s French Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Metal, Chrome
3 Color Jewelry Box by Konrad Olejnik
Located in Roeselare, BE
I want to offer a beautiful, handmade, turned jewelry box. The box is made of three types of wood, zebrano, wild cherry, padouk. Danish oil and wax finish. If you are looking for som...
Category
2010s Belgian Modern Boxes
Materials
Cherry, Padouk, Zebra Wood
$492 / item
Yves Saint Laurent Decorative Box with Silk Liner
Located in New York, NY
This sleek and beautifully rendered Yves Saint Laurent Decorative Box W/ Silk Inlay originates from France during the 20th Century. A cylindrical composition with a hinged lid and ci...
Category
20th Century French Modern Boxes
Materials
Stainless Steel
Modernist Hand-Blown Murano Octagonal Glass Box in Emerald w/ Brass Fittings
Located in New York, NY
This beautifully colored and elegant Modernist Hand-Blown Murano Octagonal Glass Box in Emerald W/Brass Fittings originates from Italy during the 21st Century. Features an octagonal ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
Beige Resin Terrazo Bathroom Set by Paola Valle
By Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Terrazzo bathroom set handcrafted in resin and marble. This unique mix of materials creates trendy pieces that will add visual interest to your bath space, and the minimalist design brings modern touch to any space. This set includes everything you need to upgrade the look and feel of your bathroom, helping you maintain a clean and organized space.
Light colors provide a clean look that mixes easily with existing decor.
The set can be customized, please contact us for further information.
Set includes:
1 Round toothbrush holder
1 Round Liquid soap dispenser...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Boxes
Materials
Marble
Christian Dior Paris Silver Plate Box with Quartz Stone, circa 1970
Located in Atlanta, GA
This beautiful, modernist silver plate decorative box was crafted in France for the renowned Christian Dior House as part of the Interior Collection. The piece features an elegant, m...
Category
1970s French Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Stone, Quartz, Metal, Silver Plate
Italian Onyx and Brass Jewelry Box with Velvet Lining, 1960
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This vintage jewelry box, crafted from smooth polished onyx, exudes timeless elegance. The natural stone features delicate, earthy veining, complemented by a refined brass trim that ...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Onyx
Dean Santner wood box / jewelry /decorative . Signed
By Dean Santner
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful wooden box by the well known Dean Santner .
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Boxes
Materials
Wood
Constantin Box, A by Colé Italia
Located in Geneve, CH
Constantin box, A by Colé Italia with Agustina Bottoni
Dimensions: H.10/13 Ø 28 cm
Materials: Jewel box in brushed solid oak wood stained black; brass knob
Also available: B- Ca...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
$450 / item
French Modern Zebra Hide & Leather Box
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
French Modern Zebra Hide and Leather Box
France, circa 1960s
A sleek French modern zebra hide and leather box, circa 1960s, is a sophisticated addition to any decor. The box feature...
Category
20th Century French Modern Boxes
Materials
Leather, Zebra Hide
$716 Sale Price
20% Off
Black Buffalo Horn Box
Located in New York, NY
Decorative trinket keepsake box adorned with convex black buffalo heat set tiles. A great addition to any desk or coffee table.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Boxes
Materials
Horn, Wood
Vintage Black Lacquer & Gilded Papier-Mâché Box - Asia - Late 20th Century
Located in Chatham, ON
Vintage hand painted and gold gilded papier-mâché box with removeable lid - featuring three gilded lotus flowers to the lid and an intricate double band of decoration to the edge - u...
Category
Late 20th Century Asian Modern Boxes
Materials
Paper
Cigarette Case red lines and and hand-engraved finishing Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Vertical cigarette case in 925/1000 sterling silver with fire-enameled red stripes and hand-engraved finishing. In a modern contemporary style. Measurements cm. 6 x 2.3 cm high. 11. ...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Sterling Silver, Enamel
Gioia Intreccio Contemporary Armored Jewelry Armoire Safe
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Contemporary armored jewelry armoire safe covered in white and beige threaded leather. Inside safe in shiny white. 24-karat gold-plated brass a...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Birdseye Maple
Privato Biancho white Safe
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Safe for jewelry, available in three finishing options. See information below for details of finishing variations. Copper: Jewelry case in hammered copper finish steel. Drawers in ma...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Steel
$10,320 / item
Fantastic After Carl Faberge Egg "Mansion at MGM Grand"
Located in Madrid, ES
Fantastic After Carl FABERGE egg "The Mansion at MGM Grand"
Yellow enamelled egg, gilt bronze frame resting on a tripod foot, covered with palmet...
Category
20th Century French Modern Boxes
Materials
Malachite, Bronze
Contemporary Modern, Bebek Chestnut Wood Single-Compartment Box
By DAY Studio
Located in İstanbul, İstanbul
Istanbul is a wooden box collection inspired by some of towns most iconic buildings: Galata Tower, Hagia Sophia and Bebek Mosque. Each item takes its name from these structures. The ...
Category
2010s Turkish Modern Boxes
Materials
Chestnut
$77 Sale Price / item
24% Off
Salimbeni Pillbox Semi-Invisible Lid Sterling Silver Natural
Located in Firenze, FI
Salimbeni Pillbox in 925/1000 sterling Silver, oval section with lid with lost hinge, that is, semi-invisible.
Salimbeni Pillbox has guilloche with Art Deco early 20th century styl...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Sterling Silver
Agresti Bacco E Tabacco Bar Armoire
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Bar armoire with two doors and lid that can be fully opened. Contents: LIEBHERR wine cellar for 12 bottles, temperature ranging +5 to +20, set of 16 hand c...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Wood
Neon Green Acrylic Christmas Tree Decor by Paola Valle
By Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Christmas is a season of joy and, for us that means color! Celebrate the season with this colorful, fun and modern Christmas Tree sculptures, and give a new twist to the traditional Christmas color palette. This sculptures will look merry and bright in shelves, fireplace mantle, or even to decorate you kids bedroom...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Boxes
Materials
Acrylic
Onyx Marble Jewelry Trinket Box
Located in New York, NY
A small '70s modern hexagon shaped onyx box with lid, circa 1970s. Box is multicolored onyx, in a hexagon shape with lid and feet. A nice piece to hold small items on a desk, or smal...
Category
1970s Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Onyx
$340 Sale Price
20% Off
Maitland Smith Large Pink Marble & Brass Box
Located in Stamford, CT
Maitland Smith 1980s large tessellated stone and brass inlay decorative box. Light pink stone with light pink detailing. Brass banding retains unpolished patina.
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Stone, Brass
Karl Springer Stunning "Kyoto Box" in Tessellated Penshell 1980s 'Signed'
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Exceptionally crafted "Kyoto Box" in tessellated penshell with brass inlays on top and trim around base by Karl Springer, American 1980's (signed “Karl Sprin...
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
Cigarette Case Silver 925 Absolute Striped Salimbeni
By Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Cigarette case silver 925 , striped and oval section in 925/1000 sterling silver. Opening button and spring opening . Early 20th century Art Deco style.
...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Sterling Silver
Novelty Solid Silver Box by Theo Fennell - 1986
Located in Bath, GB
A highly collectable heavy, solid sterling silver box signed on the underside by the famed London silversmith and Jeweller, Theo Fennel.
The box is hand crafted in the form of a tru...
Category
1990s British Modern Boxes
Materials
Sterling Silver
Montagnani Firenze Wood Marquetry and Gilt Brass Box, circa 1970
By Montagnani
Located in Atlanta, GA
Discover the artistry of renowned designer Montagnani Firenze with this extraordinary box, a rare Italian masterpiece crafted circa 1970. A true testament to Mid-Century modernist fo...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
Natural Malachite Box Cells
Located in Somis, CA
An absolutely beautiful box, crafted from genuine natural malachite. Uncommonly light in color, this rare specimen displays intricate layers of swirling patterns that captivate the e...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Malachite
American ContemporaryTiger Eye Veneer cylindrical container box
Located in Queens, NY
American ContemporaryTiger Eye Veneer cylindrical container box with cover (companion pencil holder REG9078A, paperclip tray REG9078C)
Category
20th Century American Modern Boxes
Materials
Paper
Set Tronador Mini Boxes, Bordeaux Onyx Stone and Silver Alpaca
By AIREDELSUR
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
Dimensions :
3.1 x 3.1 x 3.9 "
3.9 x 3.9 x 3.2"
The shape of the inactive Tronador volcano reminded us of the pyramid shaped idea of our boxes that make up this collection. With a...
Category
2010s Argentine Modern Boxes
Materials
Stone, Onyx
Italian modern brown ABS wall organizer Utensilo by Maurer and Becker, 1970s
By Ingo Maurer
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern ABS wall organizer Utensilo by Ingo Maurer and Dorothee Becker, 1970s
Wall organizer or display model Utensilo, entirely in brown ABS plastic. On the front it has seve...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Metal
Table Cigarette Case floral miniatures and inserts of gold paillons Salimbeni.
By Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Octagonal table cigarette case in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with external edges and fired enamels inserted in fine designs in the Baroq...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Sterling Silver, Enamel, Gold, Gold Plate
Modern Serving Tray Calacatta Marble Eucalyptus Handmade Portugal 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
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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