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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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

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

1980s Modern Silver Plated and Plexiglass Rectangular German Vanity Box
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This German vanity box from the 1980s is a wonderful example of how designers during that period experimented with blending traditional craftsmanship with new materials, resulting in...
Category

Late 20th Century German Modern Boxes

Materials

Silver Plate

Set Tronador Medium Mini Boxes, Onyx Stone and Silver Alpaca
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

Handpainted Limoges Porcelain Egg Box for Asprey
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine diminutive porcelain dresser or vanity box. By Limoges for Asprey. In the size and shape of an egg. Decorated with handpainted green plants, blue devices, and extensive ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Boxes

Materials

Porcelain

Hand-Blown Amber Murano Glass Box with 24 Karat Gold Flecks
Located in New York, NY
This beautiful modernist decorative box was realized in Murano, Italy- the island off the coast of Venice renowned for centuries for its superlative glass production. It features a v...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Gold

A Leather Jewelry Box By Gucci Horsebit ca' 1980's Italy
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A charming jewelry box by Gucci. Dark brown leather with brass horsebit decoration. Beautiful stitching, handmade and signed underneath.
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass

Agresti Il Cofanetto Jewelry Box
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

Tiffany Modern Sterling Silver Box with Bold Wave Edge
Located in New York, NY
Midcentury Modern sterling silver box. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York. Rectangular with flat and hinged cover. Sides and front have wraparound low-relief band of imbricated chevro...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Boxes

Materials

Sterling Silver

Michael Elkan Live Edge Burl Box
Located in New York, NY
Studio craft raw edge burl box with hinged lid, which conceals 2 compartments. Signed Michael Elkan.
Category

20th Century American Modern Boxes

Materials

Burl

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

1970s French Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Lucite, Plexiglass

Pietra Box Arabescato & Antico by Greg Natale
Located in Sydney,, NSW
Carved from one of four types of authentic marble, the Pietra Box presents a playful fusion of classic materials and modern design. With a complementary stone handle, this decorative...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Boxes

Materials

Marble

Matheson Standard Tote by Zach Matheson
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Matheson Standard Tote, designed and produced by Zach Matheson in Washington State, USA in 2024. The design is comprised of recycled post-industrial mesh, Washington and Or...
Category

2010s American Modern Boxes

Materials

Leather, Cord

Hand-Blown Murano Box in Tobacco with Brass Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This hand-blown Murano box in deep tobacco glass embodies a quiet opulence, crafted with sculptural precision and timeless sophistication. The octagonal silhouette is both striking a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass

Set Tronador Square Bordeaux, Blue, Cream, Onyx Stone Boxes
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

1980s Tavola Oggetti Rectangular Marble Jewelry Box
Located in Farmington Hills, MI
We are very pleased to offer a vintage, sleek, pair of polished stone bookends, circa the 1970s. This set is constructed of solid, heavy-weight marble and skillfully hand-cut and ha...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Marble

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

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

Japanese Kazaribako Glass Box Rare Hagoromo Kyohei Fujita
Located in Atlanta, GA
A brilliant Kazaribako "Ornamented Box" made of glass by Japanese artist Kyohei Fujita (1921-2004) circa 1990s. The hand-blown green glass box featur...
Category

1990s Japanese Modern Boxes

Materials

Silver

Giant Hand Blown Murano Glass Box in Onyx Black with Brass Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Impressive in its scale alone, this stunning hand-blown Murano glass box exudes luxury and refinement. Handcrafted on the historic Venetian island of Murano, this oversized box comma...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass

1980s Modern Clear Plexiglass and Silver Plate Italian Design Square Box
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This Square Box designed and manufactured in Italy embodies the sleek, minimalist aesthetic characteristic of the era's design trends. Constructed from silver plated and clear plexiglass, a durable and transparent thermoplastic material known for its versatility and contemporary appeal, the box exudes a sense of modernity and sophistication. The transparency of the plexiglass allows for a clear view of the contents inside, adding a layer of functionality to its stylish design. The addition of silver plating along the edges or accents of the box enhances its visual appeal, offering a touch of luxury and refinement. The combination of clear plexiglass and silver plate creates a striking contrast, adding depth and interest to the overall design. The square shape of the box reflects the geometric simplicity favored during the 1980s, emphasizing clean lines and symmetry. Its compact size makes it ideal for storing small items or serving as a decorative accent piece on a desk, shelf, or tabletop. Designed and crafted in Italy, a country renowned for its rich tradition of craftsmanship and design innovation, this square box exemplifies the excellence and attention to detail synonymous with Italian design. It has normal signs of use and age visible on the photos. The box is on the style of Gucci Vintage home...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Silver Plate

Box, Mont Blanc Jewellery Case, 1990.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Box, Mont Blanc jewellery case, 1990. Case, Mont Blanc jewellery box, very good condition, box, circa 1990. H: 4 cm, L: 17 cm, D: 17 cm
Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Boxes

Materials

Fabric

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

Silver Plate and Wood Box with Agate Stone Slab Decor, circa 1980
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning modernist silver-plate lidded box has a design reminiscent of Gabriella Crespi's elegant production. The rare piece was crafted in Italy circa 1980. The minimalist rect...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Agate, Stone, Metal, Silver Plate

TRONADOR Rectangular Brown Onyx Stone Box
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

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

Tissue Box in Polished Stainless Steel by R&Y Augousti
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Elevate the everyday with this exquisite Polished Stainless Steel Tissue Box by R&Y Augousti, a testament to unparalleled craftsmanship and luxurious materials. Each piece is meticul...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Modern Boxes

Materials

Stainless Steel

Tabletop Humidor 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

Leather

Vintage Romeo Rega Brass Large Pyramid Step Box Sculpture Desk Accessory Italian
Located in North Miami, FL
This amazing and very special heavy large vintage brass stepped pyramid box and or sculpture designed by Romeo Rega is Italian and now rare. This is from the 70s. It is unmarked but ...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass

Tissue Box in White Shagreen by R&Y Augousti
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The White Shagreen Tissue Box by R&Y Augousti is a sublime expression of modern elegance and meticulous craftsmanship. Encased in luxurious shagreen, its textured finish exudes refin...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Modern Boxes

Materials

Shagreen Stingray

Black Walnut Sewing Box by Frank Buschmann Handcrafted with Traditional Joinery
Located in Carnota, A Coruña, Galicia
Sewing Box by Frank Buschmann – A Fusion of Craftsmanship and Innovation This handcrafted sewing box transcends its traditional function as a mere storage solution, offering a profo...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Boxes

Materials

Hardwood

Montagnani Firenze Wood Marquetry and Gilt Brass Box, circa 1970
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

Vintage Signed Chrome, Brass, Black Resin Hinged Monumental Sculptural Box
Located in North Miami, FL
This stunning and sculptural monumental beautifully made Italian hinged heavy box is signed and stamped Linea Ble Roma. It is from the 20th century and is comprised of chrome, brass ...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass, Chrome

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

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

Roma Brown Rosewood Cigar Case
Located in Milan, IT
An elegant and refined collector's piece, this cigar case will add an accent of sophisticated flair to any modern or traditional interior. The perfect gift for a cigar lover, it flaunts a classic silhouette handcrafted of cedarwood, venereed in lacquered rosewood. Enriched with a small metal key, it is equipped with a hygrometer and Boveda holder. The piece can come with a wooden case upholstered with eco-leather, please ask the Concierge for details. This box is supplied with an handmade wooden suitcase...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Metal

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

Hand Carved Lapis Lazuli Mosaic Jewelry Box with Marble Interior
Located in New York, NY
Lapis lazuli hand carved mosaic lidded box, with white marble interior. Natural lapis stone has beautiful golden pyrite inclusions, like a sprinkling of fairy dust. The lapis mosaic...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Marble

Tronador Rectangular Cream Onyx Stone Box
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

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

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 Chameleon Ornament , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Bring the spirit of Africa into your holiday décor with Love Art Ceramic's Chameleon ornament. Hand-crafted by Nozipho Ntshalintshali and Sondelani Ntshalintshali, this 4-inch tall, ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

Mother of Pearl Decorative Box
Located in New York, NY
Decorative box with hand inlaid mother of pearl shell rectangular tiles.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Modern Boxes

Materials

Shell

Oscar Tusquets Contemporary Leather Starry Pyramid Limited Edition
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Starry Pyramid by Oscar Tusquets and Pere Ventura for Exhibition-event Homo Faber celebrada en Venezia septiembre 2018. Limited edition of 8 A pyramid shaped tabernacle. Leather covered faces...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Boxes

Materials

Leather

Bauhaus Arts and Crafts Modernist Large Aluminum Box, circa 1920
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

Vintage Italian Embossed Leather 'Crocodile' Mens Jewelry Box
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Vintage Italian Embossed Leather 'Crocodile' Mens Jewelry Box Stamped in gilt lettering 'Made in Italy' A vintage Italian Embossed Leather 'Crocodile' Me...
Category

20th Century Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Leather, Suede, Wood

Modern Serving Tray Calacatta Marble Cork Handmade in Portugal by Lusitanus Home
Located in Lisboa, PT
Antuã serving tray, Lusitanus Home Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Lusitanus Home. A sublime serving tray, Antuã was design to uplift layback moments. A rectang...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Boxes

Materials

Marble, Onyx

GAME CARD HOLDER - CIGARETTE HOLDER made of genuine shagreen bluette
Located in Spilimbergo, IT
Design Modern and valuable skin come together in this box in the shape of pannier, ideal for guard playing cards, cigarettes, or again, small jewelry. Part of the exclusive ...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass

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

Karl Springer Stunning "Kyoto Box" in Tessellated Penshell 1980s 'Signed'
Located in New York, NY
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

R&Y Augousti, Paris Shagreen and Lacquered Jewelry Box
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
R&Y Augousti, Paris Shagreen, and Lacquered Jewelry Box  Paris, circa 1990s This exquisite R&Y Augousti Shagreen and Lacquered Jewelry Box, made in Paris circa the 1990s, is a stunning example of sophisticated modern design and superb craftsmanship. Standing 12 inches high, 9.75 inches wide, and 10 inches deep, this table box features a luxurious shagreen exterior complemented by a sleek lacquered finish. The twin doors open to reveal a meticulously designed interior with concealed compartments...
Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Boxes

Materials

Shagreen, Wood, Lacquer

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

Set Porteño Black & Cream Hand Painted Wood Boxes
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
8 " x 6" x 4" 12" x 8" x 4" 14" x 10" x 4" The urban and cosmopolitan Porteño family carries the spirit of the ones born in Buenos Aires city or “Porteño”, as they are commonly know...
Category

2010s Argentine Modern Boxes

Materials

Wood

Modernist Hand-Blown Amber Murano Glass Box with Brass Fittings
Located in New York, NY
This warm and elegant Modernist Hand-Blown Murano Glass Box in Amber W/ Brass Fittings originates from Italy during the 21st Century. A sleek and minimal piece with incredible hues a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass

Notte Di Gioie Shiny Black Men's Jewelry Box
Located in New York, NY
Polished ebony men’s box, removable tray.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Ebony

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

Van Cleef & Arpel Velvet Jewellery Box for a Watch, 1990.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Van Cleef & Arpel velvet jewellery box for a watch, 1990. Velvet jewellery box for a watch by jeweller Van Cleef & Arpel, presented in its cardboard box, circa 1990. H: 10 cm, W: 13...
Category

20th Century French Modern Boxes

Materials

Velvet, Wood, Paper

Watch Box for Nine Watches in Polished Black with Suede and Leather
Located in New York, NY
For your collectable watches, black polished box with suede dividers and leather handles. Box holds nine watches.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Suede, Wood

Sleek R&Y Augousti Inlaid Brass and Shell Box, Paris C.1990
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Sleek R&Y Augousti Inlaid Brass and Shell Box, Paris C.1990 Unmarked, Attributed to the R&Y Augousti Studios Made during the unparalleled style of 1990s Paris, this sleek, unmarked ...
Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass

Ebony Cigar Humidor, Bar & Watch Winder, 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) Freestanding ebony cigar humidor, bar & watch winder, designed by Massimo de Munari...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Ebony

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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