Modern Boxes
MODERN STYLE
The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw sweeping social change and major scientific advances — both of which contributed to a new aesthetic: modernism. Rejecting the rigidity of Victorian artistic conventions, modernists sought a new means of expression. References to the natural world and ornate classical embellishments gave way to the sleek simplicity of the Machine Age. Architect Philip Johnson characterized the hallmarks of modernism as “machine-like simplicity, smoothness or surface [and] avoidance of ornament.”
Early practitioners of modernist design include the De Stijl (“The Style”) group, founded in the Netherlands in 1917, and the Bauhaus School, founded two years later in Germany.
Followers of both groups produced sleek, spare designs — many of which became icons of daily life in the 20th century. The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics. While Bauhaus principals Marcel Breuer and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe created furniture from mass-produced, chrome-plated steel, American visionaries like Charles and Ray Eames worked in materials as novel as molded plywood and fiberglass. Today, Breuer’s Wassily chair, Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona chair — crafted with his romantic partner, designer Lilly Reich — and the Eames lounge chair are emblems of progressive design and vintage originals are prized cornerstones of collections.
It’s difficult to overstate the influence that modernism continues to wield over designers and architects — and equally difficult to overstate how revolutionary it was when it first appeared a century ago. But because modernist furniture designs are so simple, they can blend in seamlessly with just about any type of décor. Don’t overlook them.
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Style: Modern
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
Agresti Privato Safe
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
"Agresti 'Privato' safe for jewelry, available in three finishing options. See information below for details of finishing variations.
Copper: Jewelry case in hammered copper finish s...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Steel
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
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
Set of Two Travertine Marble & Resin Stack Sphere Sculptures by Paola Valle
By Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Our stack sphere sculptures can be used as a decorative element on a coffee table, bookshelf, console etc. Their warm hue and curved lines add the right amount of visual interest without overwhelming additional decor. The mix of marble and resin make an incredible combo, a mix that is modern, fun and harmonious. You can place the small sphere on top of the big one or you can separate them and create a new piece.
They are sold by set of two in different sizes.
Material: travertine marble and traslucid brown with marbled brown resin
Measurements:
Small: Travertine sphere...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Boxes
Materials
Travertine
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
Chapman Tall Brass Magazine Storage Lidded Box, 1980s
Located in Atlanta, GA
Chapman Manufacturing Company designed this stunning, oversized lidded brass decorative box or magazine storage stand in the 1980s. The box boasts a tall geometric shape and a massiv...
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Metal, Brass
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
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
Reed & Barton Sterling Silver Cigar Box with Hound Dog Finial
Located in New York, NY
Modern sterling silver cigar box. Made by Reed & Barton in Taunton, Massachusetts, ca 1920. Rectangular with straight sides. Cover hinged with molded rim; on top, cast figural finial...
Category
Early 20th Century American Modern Boxes
Materials
Sterling Silver
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
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
Italian Leather Desk Organizer 5 Box 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
Natural Horn Keepsake Box
Located in New York, NY
Keepsake /Jewelry box featuring heat set molded natural horn elements.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Boxes
Materials
Horn, Wood
Jewelry box attributed to Maison Bague / Maria Pergay bamboo
Located in Lugo, IT
Jewelry box attributed to Maison Bague / Maria Pergay.
Good condition.
Thank you
Category
1960s French Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Silver Plate
Aimara Medium Alpaca Silver Box
By AIREDELSUR
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
The waves on a choppy lake, rough by the wind, inspire the design of alpaca boxes and picture frames of this family, whose name comes from the tribe that dwelled in the North Argenti...
Category
2010s Argentine Modern Boxes
Materials
Metal, Sheet Metal
$410 / item
Watch Box for Nine Watches in Polished Black with Suede and Leather
By Agresti
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
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
$125 / item
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
Blue Ocean Humidor
By Maccarrone
Located in Milan, IT
This iconic humidor is part of Maccarone's Yacht collection and can hold up to 150 cigars. Metal accessories in chromed brass and high gloss mahogany and mapl...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
$9,804 / item
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
Low Murano Emerald Sommerso Glass Rectangular Box, Contemporary
Located in Westport, CT
One of a kind Murano handcrafted low rectangular shaped clear blown glass box with floating green orb center creating a beautiful sculptural effect, each box with its own customize...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Murano Glass
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
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
Agresti Smart Identity Armoire with 6 Watch Winders
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Interactive armored armoire in matte finish Canaletto walnut or polished Ebony, with emergency key. White leather interior with 6 Swiss made watch winders and secret compartment. Rut...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Leather, Wood
James Bearden Containment Box #2
Located in New York, NY
Sculptural "Containment" box, a vessel in blackened steel, dyed bronze, and red glass enamel by American artist James Bearden. Number 2 in a series. Top lifts off revealing an abstra...
Category
2010s American Modern Boxes
Materials
Steel, Bronze, Enamel
Tissue Box in Black Shagreen by R&Y Augousti
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Black 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
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
$127 Sale Price / item
24% Off
Roma Cigar Case with Ashtray
By Morici
Located in Milan, IT
A singular piece from the Roma Collection, this cigar case boasts a practical and stylish design equipped with a handprinted ceramic ashtray. Masterfully handcrafted of cedar, it combines an ebony and a walnut veneer enriched with a splendid inlay work of a tobacco leaf marking the curved and polished top. Adorned with a small metal key, the piece is also equipped with a hygrometer and Boveda holder. Available 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
$3,490 / item
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
Cuscino Radica Brown Leather Watch Case
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Travel leather watch case with capacity for 1 watch in the adjustable leather support. Available in three finishing options: Black leather with poli...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Leather, Wood
$720 / item
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
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
White Lei Lui Armoire in Birdseye Maple
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Armoured jewelry armoire in polished white bird’s-eye maple and 24-karat gold hardware. Inside, safe with biometric opening device. Drawers and pull-out trays lined for jewelry. Six ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Birdseye Maple
$176,400 / item
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
Round Box enamel light blue and black Salimbeni
By Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Round box in 925/1000 sterling silver gold-plated with translucent fired enamel on guilloché in a modern contemporary style. Dimensions: diameter cm. 7.5 height cm. 3.8, Weight g. 24...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Gold, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Postmodern Marble Box circa 1980
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Postmodern Marble Box circa 1980
Category
20th Century Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Stone, Marble
$262 Sale Price
25% Off
Tronador Rectangular Black 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
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
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
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
Modernist Hand Blown Murano Glass Box in Smoked Bronze with Brass Detailing
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
Murano Glass
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
Hand-Blown Murano Giant Box in Tobacco with Brass Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This exquisite octagonal box is a celebration of bold geometry and artisanal finesse, rendered in hand-blown glass in a rich Tobacco hue. The clear-cut architectural silhouette frame...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
Supersport 40 Cigars Humidor
By Maccarrone
Located in Milan, IT
From the Yacht collection, Supersport is the smallest humidor of Maccarrone's collections. Metal accessories are in chromed brass and high gloss grey ...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Polyester, Wood
$2,450 / item
Van Cleef & Arpel Velvet Jewellery Box for a Bracelet, 1990.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Van Cleef & Arpel velvet jewellery box for a bracelet, 1990.
Velvet jewellery box for a bracelet by jeweller Van Cleef & Arpel, presented in its cardboard box, circa 1990.
H: 6.5 cm...
Category
20th Century French Modern Boxes
Materials
Wood, Paper
Paradigm Humidor Company Cigar Box Marquetry Wood Inlay
By Dunhill
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Paradigm Wood Inlay Marquetry Humidor Cigar Box
5.5 h x 12 w x 9.5 d
Preowned vintage
Refer to images.
Category
Late 20th Century Modern Boxes
Materials
Wood
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
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
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
21st Century Leather Door Stop Handcrafed in Italy
By Pinetti
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
Hand Blown Murano Box in Alexandrite with Brass Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This exquisite Murano glass box features the captivating Alexandrite color, renowned for its enchanting color-changing properties. The glass's rich hues shift beautifully under diffe...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
Tissue Box in Black Oak by R&Y Augousti
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Black Oak Tissue Box by R&Y Augousti epitomizes refined minimalism and luxury craftsmanship. Fashioned from premium oak, this tissue box stands as a testament to masterful handcr...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Modern Boxes
Materials
Wood, Oak
Hand Blown Octagonal Murano Glass Box in Smoked Garnet
Located in New York, NY
This sophisticated 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...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Murano Glass
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
Italian Modernist Black Marble, Lapis, Tiger, Pink Rhodochrosite Butterfly Box
By Richard Blow
Located in North Miami, FL
This stunning and hard to find vintage modernist Pietra Dura Italian stone hinged box has an elaborate butterfly in the center of the black marbl...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Lapis Lazuli, Marble
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
Modernist Hand-Blown Murano Octagonal Glass Box in Emerald w/ Brass Fittings
Located in New York, NY
This beautifully colored and elegant Modernist Hand-Blown Murano Octagonal Glass Box in Emerald W/Brass Fittings originates from Italy during the 21st Century. Features an octagonal ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
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
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
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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