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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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.
to
31
502
267
65
3
264
567
9
59
143
1
3
8
30
62
29
15
1,101
834
815
600
283
240
209
192
131
121
120
119
118
98
85
74
38
33
362
252
119
122
101
390
322
502
319
93
73
73
Height
to
Width
to
834
544
665
84
65
34
26
17
Style: Modern
American Modern Shell Box
Located in Queens, NY
Contemporary rectangular Box with sea shell veneer
Category
20th Century American Modern Boxes
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
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
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
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
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
Maitland Smith Brown Penshell Cube Decorative Box
Located in Stamford, CT
1980s decorative pen shell cube box attributed to Maitland Smith. Medium brown pen shell with dark gray tessellated stone accents. Wood lined box. No ma...
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Shell, Wood
Neon Pink 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, centerpiece on your table or even to decorate you kids bedroom...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Boxes
Materials
Acrylic
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
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
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
United Artists Vintage Roby Mouro Pink Panther Swag Money Box
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A delightful vintage United Artists composite Pink Panther Swag money box signed Roby Mouro and dating from around 1982. The money box is produced under license by the United Artists...
Category
1980s Unknown Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Composition
Marble Jewelry Box or Decorative Vanity Box
Located in New York, NY
A substantial white marble and agate jewelry box or decorative vanity box. Box is square, predominately white marble, with an agate square surrounded by chrome lid detail. A great pi...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Boxes
Materials
Onyx, Marble, Metal, Chrome
$220 Sale Price
20% Off
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
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
Modernist Handblown Murano Glass Box in Olive Green w/ Polished Brass Fittings
Located in New York, NY
This Modernist hand-blown Murano glass box in luxurious olive green exudes both craftsmanship and contemporary elegance. Designed and executed in Italy during the 21st century, this...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
Rectangular table cigarette case two-tone fire-enamelled stripes Salimbeni.
Located in Firenze, FI
Rectangular table cigarette case with rounded upper long sides, in 925/100 sterling silver and two-tone fire-enamelled stripes in a modern contemp...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Sterling Silver, Enamel
Onyx Marble Jewelry Box Belgium
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
Modernist Hand-Blown Murano Glass Box in Muted Green w/ 24 Karat Gold & Brass
Located in New York, NY
This Modernist Hand-Blown Murano Glass Box in muted green is a magnificent piece that showcases the brilliance of traditional Venetian craftsmanship infused with contemporary design ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
Set Tronador Square Bordeaux, Blue, Cream, Onyx Stone Boxes
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
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
Tronador Medium Mini Box, Brown 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
Guardian Luxury Safe 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, Suede
$23,500 / item
Cigarette case black in the shape of a packet. Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Cigarette case in the shape of a packet of long cigarettes in 925/1000 sterling silver with black fired enamel in Art Deco style, early 1900s. With lost hinge, i.e. semi-invisible. ...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Sterling Silver, Enamel
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
Celestial Tissue Box Black Large in Lacquer Wood & Brass, Viya By Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Celestial Tissue Box Black Large in Lacquer Wood & Brass, Viya By Vikram Goyal
Whether it’s the dense, intricate patterns of clouds on the walls of the Badal Mahal, Rajasthan or...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
Modernist Tall Box with Wood Marquetry Patchwork, 1970s
Located in Atlanta, GA
This remarkable modernist decorative box dates back to the 1970s. The piece boasts a tall structure that will capture anyone's attention. The box is square and features an interior m...
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Metal, Chrome
Italian 1960s Black Train Case in Leather
Located in Milan, IT
Italian 1960s train case in leather.
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Crocodile
Porteño Medium Black & Cream Hand Painted Wood Box
By AIREDELSUR
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
The urban and cosmopolitan Porteño family carries the spirit of the ones born in Buenos Aires city or “Porteño”, as they are commonly known. Its boxes, trays and flower vases have a ...
Category
2010s Argentine Modern Boxes
Materials
Wood
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
$600 Sale Price
20% Off
SET Glaciar Small, Large, Silver Alpaca & Bordeaux Onyx Stone Box
By AIREDELSUR
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
Measurements :
7.8" x 4.7" x 3.5"
10.6" x5.5" x 3.5"
Glaciar collection is meticulously handcrafted by our local artisans with these rectangular onyx pieces set around alpaca silver...
Category
2010s South American Modern Boxes
Materials
Stone, Onyx, Metal
Bone, Horn Patchwork Box
Located in New York, NY
Decorative keepsake, jewelry box clad in geometric horn and bone tiles, some with hand engraving, lined in wood. A great addition to any desk or coffee table.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Boxes
Materials
Bone, Horn, Wood
Hand Blown Murano Glass Box in Black with Bubbles and Chrome Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Discover the epitome of elegance with this exquisite Pulegoso technique box, meticulously crafted in Murano and signed for MOGUL. This box, available in both large and giant sizes, e...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Chrome
Ceramic Covered Container by Trudi Battershall
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Trudi Battershall Ceramic box. Crackle-glaze earthenware. In very nice shape, signed to bottom. The artist did a series of boxes that share the look of this one, sometimes boxes t...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Rare Maitland-Smith Oversized Tessellated Marble Stone Box
Located in Atlanta, GA
Maitland-Smith designed this spectacular lidded box. The piece was crafted circa 1980. The box features a tessellated marble, stone, travertine, and brass composition. The pyramidal ...
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Stone, Travertine, Marble, Metal, Brass
Ali Con Le Gioie Jewelry Chest with 4 Drawers
By Agresti
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
$2,500 / item
Jewelry or Storage Boxes, Set of 2
Located in New York, NY
A set of two (2) white/cream hue resin laminate over wood jewelry or storage boxes. A matching/coordinating set of boxes convenient for holding jewelry (as ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Boxes
Materials
Laminate, Wood
$275 / set
Rivoli Black Tissue Box Small in Lacquer & Brass, Viya By Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Rivoli Black Tissue Box Small in Lacquer & Brass, Viya By Vikram Goyal
How society rejoiced when Art Deco dared to create a new approach to life, breathing fresh life into archi...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
Knotted Tissue Box Square Home Office Accessories By André Fu Living
By André Fu
Located in Admiralty, HK
Description: Tissue box
Color: Caramel
Size: 14 x 14 x 15 H cm
Material: PU
Collection: Knotted.
Category
2010s Thai Modern Boxes
Materials
Faux Leather
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
Marble Stone Jewelry Box, England
Located in New York, NY
A substantial English black and white marble stone jewelry or decorative (trinket) box, in the Modern style, circa late-20th century, England. Box is rec...
Category
Late 20th Century English Modern Boxes
Materials
Stone, Marble
Geometric Mother-of-Pearl and Horn Inlay Decorative Box
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This elegant rectangular box showcases a striking geometric design created from alternating strips of dark horn and shimmering mother-of-pearl inlay. The pattern forms a mesmerizing ...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Mother-of-Pearl
Lucite and Velvet Jewelry Box with Storage Drawers
Located in New York, NY
A Lucite and velvet jewelry box with storage draws, in the Modern style, circa late-20th century. Box has ample room with four (4) storage draws lined with r...
Category
Late 20th Century Modern Boxes
Materials
Velvet, Lucite
Ebony Cigar Humidor, Bar & Watch Winder, by Massimo de Munari, Handmade in Italy
By DeART
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
Giant Hand Blown Murano Glass Box in Onyx Black with Chrome 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
Chrome
Agresti Al Centro Armored Chest in Polished Walnut
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Polished walnut armored chest with leather inserts and 24-karat gold-plated accessories. Biometric opening device and emergency key system. Bullets pro...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Leather, Walnut
$130,500 / item
Salimbeni Pocket Cigarette Case, 8 Section Sterling Silver Natural
By Salimbeni
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
Danish Modern Enameled Abstract Teak Table Box
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Danish modern enameled abstract teak table box
We are pleased to offer
a Danish modern enameled abstract teak table box, this rectangular piece combines functionality and artistic e...
Category
20th Century Danish Modern Boxes
Materials
Copper, Enamel
$716 Sale Price
20% Off
TRONADOR Rectangular Brown 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
$1,100 / item
Contemporary Modern, Aya Chestnut Wood 2-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
$128 Sale Price / item
24% Off
Agresti Segreto Armored Jewelry Case
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Armored jewelry case with pullout / pull-out necklace bars. See information below for details of item variations.
Gold variation: Shiny gold stee...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass, Steel
Tronador Square Bordeaux 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
$1,320 / item
Ceramic Monkey Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
This ceramic Monkey jewelry box, handcrafted by Sabelo Nene at Love Art Ceramic studio in South Africa, stands 6 inches high, 4 inches long, and 4 i...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Modern Etched Brass Coaster Bar Set Presented in an Agate Decorated Lucite Box
By Egg Designs
Located in Bothas Hill, KZN
These modern brass coasters are etched with a snakeskin animal pattern and are presented in a Lucite box decorated with a Rose Quartz Agate cabochon.
This unique and bespoke coaster set is part of the Egg Designs Dawa luxury bar set collection and will be a great addition to any home cocktail...
Category
2010s South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Quartz, Brass
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
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
Luxury Exotic Wood and Bronze Dugout by William Stuart for Costantini Design
By Costantini
Located in New York, NY
Luxury Exotic Wood and Bronze Dugout by William Stuart for Costantini Design
3.75" H x 1.75 W x 0.5" D
Costantini founder William Stuart has bough...
Category
2010s Argentine Modern Boxes
Materials
Bronze
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
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
Vintage John Miller Studio Pottery Box, 20th Century
By John Miller
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A stunning vintage Studio Pottery stoneware lidded box applied with an arrangement of irregular cut shapes decorated in blue, brown and cream colored glazes on a light mottled creame...
Category
20th Century British Modern Boxes
Materials
Pottery, Stoneware
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.
More Ways To Browse
Antique Counter Box
Antique Tibetan Boxes
Antique Travel Vanity Case
Antique Vintage Metal Box
Art Deco Enamel Vanity Cases
Baccarat Casket Box
Blue Lacquer Box
Burled Wood Box
Coffre Fort
Crab Box
Cuba Cigar
Dutch Brass Box
Green Marble Box
Indian Marquetry
Japanese Inro Box
Japanese Inro Boxes
Limoges Blue Box
Marquetry Music Box