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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
52
567
203
107
1
1
201
674
6
37
119
1
1
3
4
15
40
26
14
1,070
877
775
669
274
223
182
181
127
124
113
111
100
88
81
71
43
25
342
258
207
110
108
442
330
475
296
165
165
164
Height
to
Width
to
877
595
693
135
79
32
20
17
Style: Modern
Neon Green Acrylic Large Round Box by Paola Valle
By Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Modern, colorful and fun round box that can be used as a decorative element on a coffee table, desk or nightstand. Serving double duty as a storage box or as a candy bowl.
They loo...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Boxes
Materials
Acrylic
Wicker Bamboo Tissue Box Cover Holder
Located in New York, NY
A wicker bamboo tissue box cover, circa 1970s. Box is all bamboo with a beautiful marque opening on top. Dimensions: 5.5" D x 10.25" W x 3.13" Height.
Category
Mid-20th Century Asian Modern Boxes
Materials
Bamboo, Wicker
Hand Blown Murano Glass Box in Grey with 24 Karat Gold Flecks and Brass Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This is a sophisticated and elegant piece that combines modern design elements with the timeless allure of Murano glass. Handcrafted on the historic Venetian island of Murano, this b...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass, Gold Leaf
Table Box Fired Enamel on Guillochè Arab-Style Ornament Sterling Silver Salimben
Located in Firenze, FI
Rectangular box with rounded corners in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with translucent fired enamel on guillochè with hand-engraved and enamelled Arab-style ornament. Dimensio...
Category
1990s Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
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
Polished Black Jewel Box with Gold-Plated Hardware
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Jewel box in polished ebony. Lockable by key and with the necklace bar on the top and a removable tray inside. All the hardware is 24-karat pink gold-plated.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Gold Plate
Vintage Hinged Brass Frog Box
Located in North Miami, FL
This lovely polished vintage brass frog box is hinged. It is from the 70's and charming. It has a background of black wash on the brass. The label says Made In Korea. The forms are i...
Category
1970s Korean Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
Hyaline Quartz Brass Box
Located in Milan, IT
A whimsical interplay of form and material, this exquisite box showcases a rectangular silhouette in polished nickel-plated brass and a sublime hyaline quartz...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Other
Black and White English Marble Stone Jewelry Box
Located in New York, NY
An English modern style black and white marble stone jewelry or trinket box, circa late-20th century, England. Box has tapered corners and is polished sm...
Category
Late 20th Century English Modern Boxes
Materials
Stone, Marble
Tronador Square 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
Giant Hand Blown Murano Bow in Alexandrite with Brass Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Impressive in its scale alone, this stunning hand-blown Murano glass box exudes luxury and refinement. This exquisite Murano glass box features the captivating Alexandrite color, ren...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
Tafi Medium Onyx Oval Box
By AIREDELSUR
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
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 four different onyx stone colors: black, white/cream, blue or bordeaux
Our pieces are made by hand. One of a kind.
All natural stones may vary in color.
About AIREDELSUR:
With its rustic chic personality and the elegant designs of Marcelo Lucini...
Category
2010s Argentine Modern Boxes
Materials
Stone, Onyx
Blue Acrylic Small Round Box by Paola Valle
By Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Modern, colorful and fun round box that can be used as a decorative element on a coffee table, desk or nightstand. Serving double duty as a storage box or as a candy bowl.
They loo...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Boxes
Materials
Acrylic
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
Lucite, Velvet
Contemporary Fiocco Armoire Safe in Shiny White Maple
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Polished white bird's-eye maple armored armoire with leather bow, 24-karat gold-plated accessories. Round handle with biometric opening device and emergency key integrated. Inside pullout / pull-out necklace holder and drawers lined for jewelry. Leather handles on drawers. Secret compartment. Available...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Leather, Birdseye Maple
Christofle K&T Silver-Plate 3 Tier Cantilever Box Desk Accessory
Located in North Miami, FL
This fabulous signed Christofle 3-tiered silver-plate box, desk accessory, cocktail table addition and or barware, serving piece cantilevers out. It was designed by KT Studio in 1998...
Category
1990s French Modern Boxes
Materials
Silver Plate
Judith Leiber Swarovski Crystals Temari Ball Minaudier / Clutch
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a Judith Leiber Swarovski Crystals Minaudiere / Clutch. It depicts a gold and silver tone metal globe shaped minaudière. It is adorned with multiple clear and silver like col...
Category
20th Century American Modern Boxes
Materials
Crystal
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
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
Tafi Large Onyx Oval Box
By AIREDELSUR
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
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 four different onyx stone colors: black, white/cream, blue or bordeaux
Our pieces are made by hand. One of a kind.
All natural stones may vary in color.
About AIREDELSUR:
With its rustic chic personality and the elegant designs of Marcelo Lucini...
Category
2010s Argentine Modern Boxes
Materials
Stone, Onyx
Rinascimento Humidor
By Maccarrone
Located in Milan, IT
This iconic humidor is part of Maccarone's Marquetry collection and can hold up to 150 cigars. The design of this humidor, enriched with laser-engraved detail...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Polyester, Wood
Set Tronador Large Mini Boxes, 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
Architectural Modern Domed Jewelry Box
Located in Chula Vista, CA
AMBIANIC presents
Modernist Tiered Wood Sculptural Jewelry Box
Dome Steeple top and pull-out drawers
9.5 h x 4 x 4
Preowned vintage condition
See all images for details
Category
Late 20th Century Modern Boxes
Materials
Wood
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
Purple Acrylic Large Round Box by Paola Valle
By Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Modern, colorful and fun round box that can be used as a decorative element on a coffee table, desk or nightstand. Serving double duty as a storage box or as a candy bowl.
They loo...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Boxes
Materials
Acrylic
Wonderful Alfonse La Paglia Georg Jensen Sterling Silver Modernist Box Handle
Located in Roslyn, NY
Alphonse La Paglia sterling silver modern covered box with unusual handle on the lid.
Lovely vintage condition.
Measures: 4" H x 3" W x 2.5" H
Approximate 193 g sil...
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Sterling Silver
Tafi Small Onyx Oval Box
By AIREDELSUR
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
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 four different onyx stone colors: black, white/cream, blue or bordeaux
Our pieces are made by hand. One of a kind.
All natural stones may vary in color.
About AIREDELSUR:
With its rustic chic personality and the elegant designs of Marcelo Lucini...
Category
2010s Argentine Modern Boxes
Materials
Stone, Onyx
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
Waste Bin White Shagreen by R&Y Augousti
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The White Shagreen Waste Bin with Wood Interior by R&Y Augousti is a stunning blend of luxurious craftsmanship and functionality. Its exterior, crafted from hand-selected shagreen, b...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Modern Boxes
Materials
Shagreen Stingray, Wood
Hand Blown Murano Glass Box with 24 Karat Gold Flecks and Brass Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Murano Glass Jewelry Box in Crystal with 24 Karat Gold Flecks embodies elegance and sophistication with its timeless design and luxurious m...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass, Gold Leaf
Vintage Signed Silver Plate Textural Hinged Box
Located in North Miami, FL
This lovely vintage silver plate hinged textural small box is signed Raimond. We were advised it was French. It has a black velvet interior. It was re- silver plated and then recentl...
Category
1970s French Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Silver Plate
Neon Orange 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 Hand-Blown Murano Gray Bullicante Detailed & Brass Fitted Glass Box
Located in New York, NY
This sleek and beautifully formed Modernist Hand-Blown Murano Glass Box W/Grey Bullicante Detailing and Brass Fittings originates from Italy during the 21st Century. This box is rect...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
Piccolo Intreccio Armored Armoire Braided Gold and Black Leather
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Armored jewelry cabinet covered in gold and black hand threaded leather. Varnished outside in metallic gold color. Accessories in 24 karats gold plated brass. Drawers covered in blac...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Metal
Two Garouste and Bonetti Bronze Boxes for the Collection of Herbert Blome 2001
Located in Milan, IT
Two Garouste and Bonetti Bronze Boxes for the Collection of Herbert Blome 2001
Both are fully signed
Category
Early 2000s French Modern Boxes
Materials
Bronze
Ceramic Protea Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Protea, Butterfly Jewelry Box Hand Painted by Jabu Nene and Sculpted by Sbusiso Ndaba from Love Art Ceramic
This enchanting Protea, Butterfly Jewelry Box is a testament to the vibra...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
21st Century Kelly Decorative Hexagonal Box in Leather Handcrafed in Italy
By Pinetti
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
The refinement of resin meets the softness of italian leather.
An elegant lid with a mother of pearl look beautifully complete the hexagonal bases fully covered inside and outside...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Leather, Wood, Resin
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
Modernist Hand-Blown Murano Spotted Jet Black & Clear Glass Box w/ Brass Fitting
Located in New York, NY
This chic and sophisticated Modernist Hand-Blown Murano Glass Box in Spotted Jet Black & Clear Glass W/Brass Fittings originates from Italy during the 21st Century. Features a rectil...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
21st Century Astrea Square Box with Walnut Wood & Leather Handmade in Italy
By Pinetti
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
Astrea boxes: Square or rectangular?
A walnut wood structure and sleek contemporary lines to turn vintage references into modern elegance. A family of four...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Metal
American Modernist Geometric Inlaid Two-Tone Wood Lidded Bucket /Vessel, 1950s
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
American Modernist Geometric Inlaid Two-Tone Wood Lidded Bucket /Vessel, 1950s
Presenting a tour de force of unknown American modern design, this inlaid two-tone wood lidded bucke...
Category
20th Century American Modern Boxes
Materials
Ash, Walnut, Pine
Set Tronador Medium Mini Boxes, 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
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
Contemporary Iridescent Pearl Crystal Bowl, Brass and Gold 24 Kt by Ghirò Studio
By Ghirò Studio
Located in Pieve Emanuele, Milano
2021 Collection of covered bowls by Ghirò Studio.
This covered bowl is one of a kind. The material used and the artisanal and artistic workmanship make it unrepeatable. In fact, two...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Gold, Brass
Brass Vessels (set of 3)
Located in Paonia, CO
The (wh)ORE HAüS STUDIOS small goods collection was made for those that wanted to experience the (wh)ORE HAüS brand without committing to our larger pieces. Our Brass Vessels are mad...
Category
2010s American Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
Modernist Off White Ceramic Lidded Box with Stylized Apple Motif by Rosenthal
By Rosenthal
Located in New York, NY
This sophisticated ceramic lidded box was realized by the esteemed maker Rosenthal. It features a round body with a sculptural pull in the form of a...
Category
20th Century German Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
"David" Leather Box Designed by Claude Bouchard for Oscar Maschera
Located in Brooklyn, NY
"David" is a leather box, designed by Claude Bouchard and manufactured by Oscar Maschera, made of genuine Italian leather vegetable tanned.
Colors combination to be chosen from the ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Leather
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
JEWELRY CASE - GALUCHARME GALUCHARME genuine leather shagreen light pink
Located in Spilimbergo, IT
Design Modern and precious coating merge in this box shaped like a small trunk that opens to show cigarettes, or playing cards, or even favorite jewelry.
Part of the exclusive G...
Category
Early 2000s Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
Bacco Bar Armoire in Shiny Ebony
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Bar armoire with two doors and lid that can be fully opened. Contents: LIEBHERR wine cellar for 12 bottles, temperature ranging +5 to +20, set of 16 hand c...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Ebony
Contemporary Handmade Square Box "Elaphos" in Marble and Brass Handle by Anaktae
By ANAKTAE
Located in Athens, GR
Contemporary, handcrafted, square jewelry box, model "Elaphos" in marble with a deer-shaped handle in cast oxidized brass. Interior suede lining.
Va...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Greek Modern Boxes
Materials
Marble, Brass
Hand Blown Murano Glass Box in Light Tobacco with Brass Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
A functional yet undoubtedly elegant piece, this large hand-blown Murano glass box is a marriage of Murano glassmaking techniques with the practicality of a tobacco box speaks to the...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
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
Contemporary Rocco Egg Box in Antique Copper by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rocco design egg box
Antique copper
Hand repoussé
Contemporary
Each piece is individually crafted and is unique.
Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative re...
Category
2010s Modern Boxes
Materials
Copper
Samples Vienna Chair
Located in Milan, Lombardy
Samples of wood for chairs.
Included in the envelope
- 1 piece beech wood natural finishing
- 1 piece Cane, straw
- 1 piece Beech wood stained Canaletto walnut
- 1 piece Colé I...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Wood
Cloutier brother box
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Charmante boîte par les frères Cloutier, signées.
Category
1960s French Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Contemporary American Modern Conch and Cowrie Seashell Jewelry Box
Located in Queens, NY
Contemporary American Modern rectangular jewelry box with an exterior finished in applied miniature conch and cowrie seashells, which opens to a teal velvet interior.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Boxes
Materials
Coral
Knotted Tissue Box Caramel Home Office Accessories By André Fu Living
By André Fu
Located in Admiralty, HK
Description: Tissue box
Color: Caramel
Size: 27.5 x 15.5 x 7.9 H cm
Material: PU
Collection: Knotted.
Category
2010s Thai Modern Boxes
Materials
Faux Leather
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.