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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Giant Hand Blown Murano Glass Box in Onyx Black with Brass Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Impressive in its scale alone, this stunning hand-blown Murano glass box exudes luxury and refinement. Handcrafted on the historic Venetian island of Murano, this oversized box comma...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
1980s Tavola Oggetti Rectangular Marble Jewelry Box
By Oggetti
Located in Farmington Hills, MI
We are very pleased to offer a vintage, sleek, pair of polished stone bookends, circa the 1970s. This set is constructed of solid, heavy-weight marble and skillfully hand-cut and ha...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Marble
Exotic Solid Wood Modern Minimal Modular Drawer Units from Costantini, Baccello
By Costantini
Located in New York, NY
Each one of these units is identical in shape but highlights the natural variations of the Argentine Rosewood from which they are made. Combine them to make a functional storage unit...
Category
2010s Argentine Modern Boxes
Materials
Wood
Lune Box by Greg Natale
By Greg Natale
Located in Sydney,, NSW
The unique Solar collection conjures the spirit of the mystical universe. Natale’s solar candles encompass mysticism and pairs it with clean architectural lines in an evocative and e...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
$90 / item
Handcrafted Three Trinket Boxes Mod Geometric Design
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a modern set of three (3) geometric design trinket boxes. Handcrafted wood. Unmarked. Country and designer information not available. Clan modern decorative d...
Category
Late 20th Century Modern Boxes
Materials
Wood
$180 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Artisan Rosewood Jewelry Box
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Beautifully made Rosewood Jewelry Box. 2 Triangular Lids open to reveal a velvet lined interior. Carved handle makes it easy to access interio...
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Rosewood
21st Century Leather Soft Rectangular Tissue Box Handmade in Italy
By Pinetti
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
Just perfect. A must have for your living, for your bedroom, for your bathroom, for your office.
A soft rectangular tissue box in calf leather that comes in a wide range of colors...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Leather
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
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
Adura Perle Jewellery Box in Ripple Sycamore and red suede lining
By Procreo
Located in London, GB
Adura Perle jewellery or trinket box designed by Procreo is guaranteed to take centre stage on your dressing table, inside your walk-in wardrobe, or in any room you may decide to hav...
Category
2010s British Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
Cute Ceramic Leopard butterdish, hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Leopard Butter Dish – Handcrafted by Love Art Ceramics
Bursting with charm and vitality, this one-of-a-kind leopard butter dish is a joyful tribute to South Africa’s most iconic pre...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Gioia Rutenio Contemporary Armored Jewelry Armoire Safe in Ebony
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Polished ebony contemporary armored armoire. Matte finish, ruthenium accessories. Inside drawers for jewelry, with fronts covered in white leather. Safe can be anchored to the wall w...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Ebony
Set of Twelve Red Shagreen Napkin Rings by Fabio Ltd
By Fabio Ltd.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian red shagreen and stainless steel napkin rings with matching red leather boxes designed by Fabio Bergomi for Fabio Ltd / Made in Italy
Each ring has diameter 1.5 inches and wi...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Stainless Steel
$720 Sale Price / set
40% Off
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
Hand Blown Murano Glass Box in Amethyst with 24 Karat Gold Flecks
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This evocative and alluring Murano glass box is a magnificent fusion of masterful craftsmanship and natural beauty. Handcrafted on the famed Venetian island of Murano, this box showc...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass, Gold Leaf
21st Century Leather Pedal Paper & Waste Bin Handmade in Italy
By Pinetti
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
A chic and sleek aesthetic for our wastebasket with a black pedal.
Available with a 3 and 5 liter capacity and a soft closing function that will avoid any loud noises. Finished i...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Leather
Fornasetti Wooden and Metal Box Champagne Black/White Hand Painted
By Fornasetti
Located in MILANO, IT
Like all Fornasetti accessories, the boxes turn an everyday action into an aesthetic experience. The Fornasetti boxes are a whimsical place to keep your most precious items.
This ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Metal
21st Century Leather Rectangular Tissue Box with Chrome Profile Made in Italy
By Pinetti
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
Masterful artisanal craftsmanship.
Pinetti rectangular tissue box, made in ABS with chrome or gold finishing is covered with genuine waterproof leather and is available with gold ...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Chrome
21st Century Rio Rectangular Closet Box Handwoven in Italy
By Pinetti
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
The Rio collection, smooth and soft design specially studied for your closet.
A box made with the resistant regenerated leather with two practical holes as handles on the short si...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Leather
Woven Rattan and Chrome Inlay Box
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This sophisticated mid-century rectangular box features a beautifully woven rattan surface accented with bold diagonal chrome inlays, creating a striking balance between natural text...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Chrome
Black Walnut Sewing Box by Frank Buschmann Handcrafted with Traditional Joinery
Located in Carnota, A Coruña, Galicia
Sewing Box by Frank Buschmann – A Fusion of Craftsmanship and Innovation
This handcrafted sewing box transcends its traditional function as a mere storage solution, offering a profo...
Category
2010s Spanish Modern Boxes
Materials
Hardwood
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
Jewelry Box Velvet Lined
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful and well-made black and white (off-white) shagreen style (shark skin style) covered jewelry box. Box has beautiful lines with vaulted lid, bras...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Boxes
Materials
Velvet, Resin
Vintage Tortoiseshell Inlay Wooden Box
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful vintage rectangular wooden box featuring a striking tortoiseshell-patterned inlay framed in dark wood. The rich amber, cream, and deep brown tones create a bold, organic de...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Wood
Ceramic Leopard Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Leopard Jewelry Box: Hand-Painted by Winnie Nene and Sculpted by Sondelani Ntshalintshali
The Leopard Jewelry Box is a striking example of South African ceramic artistry, masterfull...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Watch Box for Nine Watches in Briar with Leather Detail
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Elm briar and striped mahogany for your collectable watches. Leather handles. Briar box for nine watches.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Leather, Wood
Ceramic Spider Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Pomegranate Monkey Jewelry Box
The Pomegranate Monkey Jewelry Box is a stunning piece of ceramic decorative art created in South Africa by the talented artisans at Love Art Ceramic. ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
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
$1,712
Solo Lui Black Armoire with 36 Watch Winders
By Agresti
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 36 Swiss made w...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Ebony
$270,000 / item
Gucci Ceramic Catchall with Gilt Box, Italy 1980s
By Gucci
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant and refined, this ceramic catchall by Gucci dates to the 1980s and reflects the brand’s iconic blend of luxury and functionality. The deep green glaze is accentuated by the c...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
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
Green Onyx Stone Jewelry or Trinket Box with Natural Veining
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This rectangular vintage jewelry or trinket box is beautifully handcrafted from green onyx stone, showcasing the stone’s organic swirls and veining in rich tones of moss green, honey...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Stone
Set/2 Pots, Ceramic Pots, Green, Handmade in Portugal by Lusitanus Home
Located in Lisboa, PT
Chaucer Pots, Lusitanus Home Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Lusitanus Home.
This beautiful set includes two waterproof ceramic pots with lid, perfect to be displayed together and enrich your room decor.
Each piece has its own elegant silhouette in mint-green glazed ceramic with gloss finish plus hand turned beech wood base and lid lacquered in bronze gold-powder.
Set of 2 Ceramic Pots Chaucer...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass, Gold Leaf
American Modern Shell Box
Located in Queens, NY
Contemporary rectangular Box with sea shell veneer
Category
20th Century American Modern Boxes
Vintage Red Onyx Stone Jewelry or Trinket Box
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rectangular vintage jewelry or trinket box crafted from richly colored red onyx stone, known for its deep crimson tones, intricate veining, and natural variations of amber and cream....
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Marble
Ceramic Fish Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
The Fish Novelty Box by Love Art Ceramic is a charming testament to South Africa's vibrant artistic tradition. Hand-sculpted by Sondelani Ntshalintshali and meticulously hand-painted...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
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 ...
Category
1940s Danish Vintage 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
Ceramic Protea Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Protea Butterfly Jewelry Box
Hand-Painted by Minenhle Nene, Sculpted by Sbusiso Ndaba
Love Art Ceramic, South Africa, 2024
The Protea Butterfly Jewelry Box is a stunning fusion of n...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Set/5 Ceramic Pots, White & Grey, Handmade in Portugal by Lusitanus Home
Located in Lisboa, PT
Graham pots, Lusitanus Home Collection, handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Lusitanus Home.
This beautiful set includes three waterproof ceramic pots with lid, perfect to be displ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Mirror of Enchantment Classic Wall Safe with 3 Watch Winders
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Safe with spy glass, options of different frames. This safe can be organized to display all types of collections and valuables. The mirror reflects when of...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Wood
Contemporary Armored Jewelry Armoire Safe in White Maple Gioia Artico
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Armoured jewelry cabinet in polished white maple, 24-karat gold-plated brass accessories. Safe can be anchored to the wall with metal screws that are supplied. Opening with digital t...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Maple
Ebony and leather Millemiglia watch box with embroidery Giordano Viganò
Located in Novedrate, IT
The Millemiglia watch case is an elegant box that combines ebony and leather and can hold 3 watches.
The exterior is made of Macassar Ebony, a fine dark-colored wood with dense amber...
Category
2010s European Modern Boxes
Materials
Ebony
Cream Contemporary Armored Jewelry Chest Safe with Swarovski Crystals
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Armored jewelry chest in beige leather with Swarovski crystals. Drawers are covered with off white leather, inside is lined for jewelry and watch...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Steel
Ceramic Cheetah Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
This ceramic Cheetah jewelry box, crafted by Sabelo Nene at Love Art Ceramic studio in South Africa, intertwines African wildlife with artistry. Standi...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
1980s Modern Tessellated Stone Rectangular Lidded Box
Located in Farmington Hills, MI
We are very pleased to offer a modern, tessellated stone storage box attributed to Maitland Smith, circa the 1980s. This gorgeous box features a tessellated stone exterior with inlai...
Category
1980s North American Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Marble
Ceramic Zebra Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Zebra Jewelry Box
Hand Painted by Jabu Nene, Sculpted by Motsamai Sello
Love Art Ceramic, South Africa
The Zebra Jewelry Box is a stunning ceramic mas...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Ceramic Protea Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Protea, Monkey Jewelry Box Hand Painted by Jabu Nene and Sculpted by Motsamai Sello from Love Art Ceramic
The Protea, Monkey Jewelry Box is a delightful piece of ceramic art, crafte...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
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
Humidor in Black Polished Ebony Avana Nera
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Humidor for 100 cigars in ebony polished. Cedar lining. Two humidification units and hygrometer. Removable tray.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Cedar, Ebony
$3,120 / item
Ceramic succulent Plant With Bird Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Succulent, Bird Jewelry Box
Hand-Painted by Zinhle Nene & Sculpted by Motsamai Sello
Love Art Ceramic, South Africa, 2024
The Succulent, Bird Jewelry B...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Saffron Tissue Box Black Small in Lacquer Wood & Brass, Viya By Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Saffron Tissue Box Black Small in Lacquer Wood & Brass, Viya By Vikram Goyal
With moniker’s such as red gold, exquisite thread or golden light, saffron captivates us all. Ancie...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
Saffron Tissue Box Ecru Small in Lacquer Wood & Brass, Viya By Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Saffron Tissue Box Ecru Small in Lacquer Wood & Brass, Viya By Vikram Goyal
With moniker’s such as red gold, exquisite thread or golden light, saffron captivates us all. Ancien...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
$1,680 / item
Vintage Signed Chrome, Brass, Black Resin Hinged Monumental Sculptural Box Italy
Located in North Miami, FL
This stunning and sculptural monumental beautifully made Italian hinged heavy box is signed and stamped Linea Ble Roma. It is from the 20th century and is comprised of chrome, brass ...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass, Chrome
Ceramic Lion Head Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Introducing the striking "Lion Head Jewelry Box," a captivating piece of ceramic decorative art crafted by the talented artisans at Love Art Ceramic in South Africa. Sculpted by Nath...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Agresti Cassette Del Tempo Chest for 9 Watches
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Chest for 9 watches. Available in elm briar or polished ebony.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Wood
Contemporary American Modern Seashell Music Box / Jewelry Box
Located in Queens, NY
Contemporary American Modern music box / jewelry box with an exterior finished in beige and pink speckled seashells, which opens along a hinged edge to a red velvet interior, with a ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Boxes
Materials
Coral
Ceramic Tortoise Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Tortoise Jewelry Box
Hand-Painted by Jabu Nene, Sculpted by Sfiso Mvelase
Love Art Ceramic, South Africa, 2024
Embracing the rich cultural tapestry of South Africa, the "Tortoise Je...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
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
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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