Skip to main content

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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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

to
38
560
238
64
3
235
624
7
52
137
1
1
4
8
22
49
31
15
1,119
818
623
303
237
205
186
130
126
118
114
112
91
82
70
39
31
368
263
118
122
109
426
321
500
305
134
113
75
Height
to
Width
to
862
586
687
82
67
48
34
27
Style: Modern
Italian Brass Box, 1970s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a brass box from Italy, circa 1970, featuring a sleek, polished surface with a stepped, ribbed base design. The piece reflects the clean geometric lines and bold metallic fin...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass

Set/5 Ceramic Pots, White, Handmade in Portugal by Lusitanus Home
Located in Lisboa, PT
Hailey & Henry Pots, Lusitanus Home Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Lusitanus Home. This beautiful set includes two waterproof ceramic vases and three pots, perfect ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

Ali Con Le Gioie Jewelry Chest with 4 Drawers
Located in New York, NY
Jewelry chest in briar and mahogany, matte finish, ultra suede lining. 24-karat gold-plated brass accessories. With 4 drawers. Two lockable doors with necklace bars.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Suede, Mahogany

Agresti Bacco E Tabacco Bar Armoire
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

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

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

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

Vintage Gucci Enamel and Gilt Cigarette/Card Case
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

Alexandra Von Furstenberg Acrylic Treasure Box in Green - Medium Storage Box
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Add a bold pop of modern glamour to your space with this acrylic treasure box by Alexandra Von Furstenberg, featuring a striking neon Green. Made from high-quality Lucite, this chic ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Boxes

Materials

Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass

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 Small gold and malachite turtle...
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Boxes

Materials

Malachite, Onyx

Multi-Functional Cigar Humidor Cabinet, by Massimo de Munari, Handmade in Italy
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Scroll down and click "view all from Seller" to see more than 400 other unique products. (1.8) Multi-functional cigar humidor and bar, Handmade in Italy Designed by Massimo de Munari...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Ebony

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

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

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

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

Il Bauletto Jewelry Box in Briar and Mahogany
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

Giant Hand Blown Murano Glass Box in Ruby with Brass Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Discover the epitome of elegance with this exquisite Murano glass box, meticulously crafted in Murano, Italy. Available in both large and giant sizes, this box exudes sophistication ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass

Agresti Cassette Del Tempo Chest for 9 Watches
Located in New York, NY
Chest for 9 watches. Available in elm briar or polished ebony.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Wood

Box, Case for Tag Heuer Watch, 1990.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Box, case for Tag Heuer watch, 1990. Case, box for Tag Heuer watch, very good condition, box and cardboard box, circa 1990. H: 11.5 cm, W: 14.5 cm, D: 14.5 cm
Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Boxes

Materials

Paper, Wood

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

Maison Mercier Modernist Amber and Clear Lucite Box, circa 1970
Located in Atlanta, GA
This exquisite modernist acrylic Lucite lidded box, expertly crafted in France circa 1970, is a striking embodiment of refined design and artistic sophistication. Echoing the disting...
Category

1970s French Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Lucite

Armored Jewelry Armoire La Grande Fortezza Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Armored jewelry armoire with pull out necklace bar. Available in malachite or white bird's eye maple. See below for more details about finishin...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Malachite, Brass

Table Box Enamel two-tone ruby red and emerald green Salimbeni.
Located in Firenze, FI
Rectangular table box in 925/1000 gold-plated sterling silver with translucent fired enamel stripes on guilloche, two-tone ruby red and emerald green, in a modern contemporary style....
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel, Gold

Brass Inlay Blue Dyed Bone Box
Located in New York, NY
Handd dyed bone blue keepsake box with 3 brass inlay stripes.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass

Salimbeni Pocket Cigarette Case, 8 Section Sterling Silver Natural
Located in Firenze, FI
Salimbeni Pocket Cigarette Case, octagonal section, in 925/1000 sterling silver. Salimbeni Pocket Cigarette Case has a spring-loaded button and opening Salimbeni Pocket Cigarette C...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Sterling Silver

Vintage Fendi Pequin Stripe Trinket Box
Located in San Diego, CA
Unique and interesting trinket box by Fendi. This vintage piece from the early 1990s is made in leather and covered in the classic Fendi Pequin stripe fabric design. This piece ope...
Category

1990s Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Leather, Fabric

Charoite Jewelry Box
Located in New York, NY
A very beautiful, substantial and rare natural purple charoite jewelry box, circa late-20th century. Charoite is rare mineral. A beautiful organic pattern graces this charoite stone;...
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Boxes

Materials

Stone, Chrome

Agresti Gioia Jewelry Armoire
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

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

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

Studio Mixed Woods Vanity Mirror / Jewelry Box 1981 Robert Belander
Located in Los Angeles, CA
California craft design. One-of-a-kind. Handmade of teak wood, walnut pull, feet and finials with cedar bottom and mirrored glass. Fine original vintage condition. No damage or repa...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Boxes

Materials

Glass, Teak, Walnut

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

Impressive Unique Piece Art Glass and Brass Box with Lid by Jack Ink
Located in Bochum, NRW
Amazing, large glass lidded box, by Jack Ink. Sinuous form with shallow domed lid, ribbed wall. Colorless glass, with inclusions and fusings. Shallow estuarine and cast brass. Unique...
Category

1980s Austrian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass

Cigar Box two-tone stripes on the lid fire-enameled on guilloche Salimbeni.
Located in Firenze, FI
Large rectangular table cigar box with rounded sides in 925/1000 sterling Silver gold plated with translucent fired enamels on guilloche and hand engraving, with two-tone stripes on ...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Sterling Silver, Enamel, Gold Plate

Beige Resin Terrazo Bathroom Set 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

Présentoir de la luxueuse marque Cartier France
Located in London, England
Découvrez le raffinement du présentoir Cartier, idéal pour mettre en valeur vos bijoux ou montres avec une touche d'élégance. Ce présentoir chic comporte une base blanche immaculée e...
Category

2010s Unknown Modern Boxes

Materials

Metal

Dean Santner wood box / jewelry /decorative . Signed
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful wooden box by the well known Dean Santner .
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Boxes

Materials

Wood

Eclipse Box by Greg Natale
Located in Sydney,, NSW
The unique Solar collection conjures the spirit of the mystical universe. Natale’s solar candles encompass mysticism and pairs it with clean architectural lines in an evocative and e...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

Vavona Burl Walnut Wooden Irish Lady's Jewelry Casket Box by Manning Ireland New
Located in Dublin, Ireland
This Vavona Wooden Jewelry Casket was manufactured by the Famed Manning of Ireland Company and is truly a Jewel of handcrafted genius. This box is constructed of the finest woods ava...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Irish Modern Boxes

Materials

Walnut, Burl

Bijoux Jewelry Chest in Briar and Mahogany
Located in New York, NY
Jewelry chest in briar and mahogany, matte finish, ultrasuede lining, 24 karats gold plated brass accessories. With necklace bars, lockable doors and 6 drawers. Adjustable mirror on ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Suede, Mahogany

Agresti Arco Large Armored Chest
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

Table Cigarette Case floral miniatures and inserts of gold paillons 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

Italian Modern Sterling Silver Box
Located in New York, NY
Modern sterling silver box. Rectangular with curved corners. Cover hinged and tabbed with gently curved top. Post-1967 Italian marks including maker’s stamp (Marzi & Pellegrini), and...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Sterling Silver

Humidor in Black Polished Ebony Avana Nera
Located in New York, NY
Humidor for 100 cigars in ebony polished. Cedar lining. Two humidification units and hygrometer. Removable tray.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Cedar, Ebony

Artisan Rosewood Jewelry Box
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Beautifully made Rosewood Jewelry Box. 2 Triangular Lids open to reveal a velvet lined interior. Carved handle makes it easy to access interio...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Rosewood

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

Privato Biancho white Safe
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

Onyx Marble Jewelry Box
Located in New York, NY
A very beautiful, substantial, Belgian, modern brown, caramel, and white onyx marble and brass hinged box, circa early to mid-20th century, Belgium. Box is rectangular in shape and c...
Category

Early 20th Century Belgian Modern Boxes

Materials

Marble, Onyx, Brass

Mahogany Ladys Gentlemans Handmade Jewelry Casket Box Manning Ireland Irish New
Located in Dublin, Ireland
This well figured Mahogany jewellery casket was manufactured by the famed manning of Ireland company and is truly a jewel of handcrafted genius. This box is constructed of the finest...
Category

Early 2000s Irish Modern Boxes

Materials

Mahogany, Walnut

Giant Hand Blown Murano Glass Box in Ruby with Brass Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Discover the epitome of elegance with this exquisite Murano glass box, meticulously crafted in Murano, Italy. Available in both large and giant sizes, this box exudes sophistication ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass

Polished White Jewel Box in Bird's-Eye Maple with Gold-Plated Hardware
Located in New York, NY
Shiny white bird's-eye maple shiny jewel box with 24-karat pink gold hardware. Necklace on the top and removable tray.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Birdseye Maple

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

Modernist Long and Flat Lucite Box, circa 1980
Located in Atlanta, GA
This exceptional modernist lidded box, crafted in Italy circa 1980, embodies both sophistication and practicality with its exquisite Lucite construction. The elongated, flat rectangu...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Lucite, Plexiglass, Acrylic

Hand-Blown Murano Box in Emerald Green with Brass Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This exquisite Murano box, hand-blown in a vibrant emerald green, is a celebration of Venetian craftsmanship and refined geometry. Its octagonal form is both striking and sculptural,...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass

Contemporary Modern, Bebek Chestnut Wood Single-Compartment Box
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

Tiffany & Co., Sterling Silver Ball/Sphere/Jewelry Box, Modern, Marked
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Very pretty sterling silver Tiffany & Co. jewelry ball, box, number 35378 Weighted, 7.
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Sterling Silver

Large English Modern Sterling Silver Box
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 ceda...
Category

1960s English Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Sterling Silver

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

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

Tiffany Smart & Modern American Sterling Silver Desk Box
Located in New York, NY
Smart and Modern sterling silver box. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York. Rectangular with straight sides. Cover flat and hinged with slight overhang. Stylish Midcentury design. Fully...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Boxes

Materials

Sterling Silver

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.

Recently Viewed

View All