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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Neon Pink Acrylic Christmas Tree Decor 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

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

Onyx Marble Jewelry Trinket Box
Onyx Marble Jewelry Trinket Box
$340 Sale Price
20% Off
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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

Modernist Hand-Blown Murano Glass Box in Black W/ 24Karat Gold Flecks & Brass
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite modernist hand-blown Murano glass box is a testament to the enduring artistry of Venetian glassmakers. Crafted in Italy in the 21st century, the box is a contemporary ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass

Porteño Medium Black & Cream Hand Painted Wood Box
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

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

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

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

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

21st Century Leather Door Stop Handcrafed in Italy
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
Keep your doors open. Hand-crafted in leather it includes a matching handle which blends into the design, while making it easy to pick up and move between rooms. A soft door stop ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Leather

SET Glaciar Small, Large, Silver Alpaca & Bordeaux Onyx Stone Box
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

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

Knotted Tissue Box Square Home Office Accessories By André Fu Living
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

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

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

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

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

Ceramic Restaurant Matchbox by Catie Curry, London Iconic Design, Functional Art
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Matchbox Series is composed of roughly 4”x 6” boxes that make direct references to iconic NYC institutions. These boxes come with slide out inserts that are filled with oversized...
Category

2010s American Modern Boxes

Materials

Ceramic, Clay

Agresti Segreto Armored Jewelry Case
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

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

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

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

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

Contemporary Modern, Aya Chestnut Wood 2-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

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

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

Gioia Intreccio Contemporary Armored Jewelry Armoire Safe
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

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

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

Luxury Exotic Wood and Bronze Dugout by William Stuart for Costantini Design
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

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

Tronador Square Bordeaux 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

Hand Blown Murano Glass Box in Onyx Black w/ 24Karat Gold Flecks
Located in New York, NY
This elegant and impressive modernist decorative box was realized in Murano, Italy- the island off the coast of Venice renowned for centuries for its superlative glass production. It...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Murano Glass

Modern Etched Brass Coaster Bar Set Presented in an Agate Decorated Lucite Box
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

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

SET Tafi Onyx Oval Boxes, Silver Alpaca & Onyx Stone
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

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

Snuff Box Oval curved Green Enamel Guilloche Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Oval curved snuff-box in 925/1000 sterling silver gold-plated with translucent fired enamels on guilloché, above and below. Modern contemporary style. Size cm. 4.5 x 6.5 x 2.3. Weigh...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Gold, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel

Vintage John Miller Studio Pottery Box, 20th Century
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

Lacquered Solid Wood Modern Minimal Modular Drawers from Costantini, Baccello
Located in New York, NY
Baccello lacquered solid wood Modern minimal modular drawers from Costantini. Each unit measures 20" x 20" x 5" high. 6 units as shown. Each one of these units is identical in sha...
Category

2010s Argentine Modern Boxes

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

Hand Blown Murano Glass Box M in Leopard with Brass Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This avant-garde adornment is a unique and eye-catching piece that combines the rich tradition of Murano glassmaking with a contemporary and fashionable design. Handcrafted on the hi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass

Solo Lui Black Armoire with 18 Watch Winders
Located in New York, NY
Armored armoire in polished ebony, brass accessories in Ruthenium. Safe with biometric opening device, drawers and trays lined for watches and jewelry. Available with 18 Swiss made watch...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Ebony

Rectangular Pink Marble Box
Located in Queens, NY
Rectangular marble box with lift-off cover
Category

20th Century American Modern Boxes

Materials

Marble

Hand-Blown Murano Box in Emerald Green with Brass Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Hand-Blown Murano Box in Emerald Green with Brass Fittings captures the allure of old-world Venetian artistry reimagined through a lens of bold, contemporary refinement. Rich eme...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass

Solo Lui Black Armoire with 54 Watch Winders
Located in New York, NY
Armored armoire in polished Ebony, brass accessories in Ruthenium. Safe with biometric opening device, drawers and trays lined for watches and jewelry. Available with 54 Swiss made w...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Ebony

Italian Leather Box Desk Storage
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful Italian black leather desk organizer, circa late-20th century, 1970s, Florence, Italy. This desk piece organizer is black leather, comprised of five (5) boxes with a rich clear lacquered wood back, brass hinges, and a center rest area (shown with car key, and small change purse...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian 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.