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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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.
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...
Steel
Jeweler, Russia, circa 1900 Malachite, 875/000 silver and Gold Plated
Located in Madrid, ES
Jeweler, Russia, circa 1900. Material: Malachite, 875/000 silver setting, gold plated. Hallmark: Guarantee mark and master's mark. Dimensions: 9.5 x 7 x 4.2 cm. Condition: Slight ...
Malachite
Vintage Onyx Stone Trinket or Jewelry Box
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a rectangular vintage trinket box made from polished green onyx stone, featuring natural banding and soft earthy hues of green, beige, and honey tones. The box has a smooth, ...
Marble
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...
Brass
$600Sale Price|50% Off
Black Shagreen Tissue Box
By Fabio Ltd.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian black Shagreen tissue box with black leather presentation box designed by Fabio Bergomi for Fabio Ltd, made in Italy. Measures: Height...
Shagreen
Giant Hand-Blown Murano Glass Box in Onyx Black with Bubbles and Brass Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Impressive in its scale alone, this stunning hand-blown Murano glass box exudes luxury and refinement. This Pulegoso Murano glass box is a captivating fusion of artistry and function...
Chrome
Ceramic Cheetah Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
The "Cheetah Head Jewelry Box," a stunning creation by South African artists Jabu Nene and Sfiso from Love Art Ceramic, is a remarkable blend of artistry and function. Standing 5 inc...
Ceramic
Italian Mid-Century Wood and Mirrored Box with Brass Knob, 1960s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant Italian decorative box from the 1960s, crafted with a solid wood structure and a refined mirrored lid. The top features a central sculptural brass knob with a concentric spir...
Mirror, Wood
21st Century Leather Ashtray Handcrafted in Italy
By Pinetti
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
Welcome inside Pinetti smoking accessories collection with Vento ashtray. A stainless steel round revolving ashtray with the properly right spaces ...
Metal
2011 Dr. Lakra Wood Tequila Reserva De La Familia Box
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Awesome wood tequila box featuring Dr. Lakra art on every surface. Made to hold Jose Cuervo Tequila Reserva De La Familia, 2011. Very limited edition. Bo...
Wood
Sculptural Italian Brass and Metal Storage Box
Located in London, London
A sculptural, architecturally composed metal box, likely dating from the mid to late 20th century. The form is defined by its stepped, sloping geometry: a wide, tapering base with sh...
Metal, Brass
Rosewood Jewelry Box Inspired by Wharton Esherick, Modern USA Design
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...
Rosewood
Antique German Silver Playing Card Box
Located in New York, NY
German 835 silver playing card box, ca 1920. Rectangular with straight sides. Cover hinged with chamfered tab; top flat with two glazed windows face...
Silver
Hand-Blown Murano Box in Aqua Blue with Silver Flecks and Chrome Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hand-Blown Murano Box in Aqua Blue with Silver Flecks and Chrome Fittings captures the essence of Venetian artistry through an exquisite fusion of form, material, and luminosity. Thi...
Chrome, Silver Leaf
$3,680Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Romeo Rega Brass Pyramid Step Box Sculpture, Desk Accessory Italian 70's
By Romeo Rega
Located in North Miami, FL
This amazing and very special heavy large vintage brass stepped pyramid box and or sculpture designed by Romeo Rega is Italian and now rare. This is from the 70s. It is unmarked but ...
Brass
Fratelli Mannelli Italian Travertine Oval Box with Sculpted Lid
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A sculptural oval travertine box produced by Fratelli Mannelli in Signa (Florence), Italy, during the 1970s. Carved from solid stone, the piece highlights the warm ivory tones, organ...
Travertine
$168Sale Price|25% Off
2000s Mosaic Marquetry Exotic Wood Box signed
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a mosaic marquetry mixed wood decorative box. Inlaid marquetry with hardwoods. Handmade piece symmetrical center star design. Signed J G White 04 Dimensions...
Wood
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...
Ebony
Hand-Blown Murano Giant Box in Emerald Green with Brass Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
An object of striking allure, this monumental Murano glass box radiates refinement through its sculptural geometry and richly saturated emerald hue. The clarity of the hand-blown cry...
Brass
Vintage French Limoges Porcelain New Orleans Steamboat Form Trinket Box
By Limoges
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Vintage Limoges New Orleans Steamboat form Trinket Box, porcelain, French. Hand painted. Stern paddlewheel. Marked: "Peint main Limoges France" & "New Orleans" on the side. Porcelai...
Brass
Mini Ceramic Restaurant Matchbox - Commerce Inn
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Mini Matchbox Series is composed of roughly 2”x 3” boxes that make direct references to iconic NYC institutions. These boxes come with slide out inserts that are filled with matc...
Ceramic, Clay
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.
Wood
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...
Brass
$600Sale Price / set|50% Off
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...
Stainless Steel
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...
Ceramic
Multi Compartment Brass Box
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A refined mid-century Italian brass gentleman’s travel case, designed with a clean rectangular silhouette and warm patinated finish. The interior reveals a thoughtfully organized lay...
Brass
Ceramic Giraffe Head Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Giraffe Head Jewelry Box Hand Painted by Winnie Mchunu and Sculpted by Sfiso The Giraffe Head Jewelry Box is a stunning example of handcrafted ceramic art from Love Art Ceramic in S...
Ceramic
Set Picture Frame+Table Box Enamel two-tone ruby red and emerald green Salimbeni
By Salimbeni, Giorgio Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Rectangular Photo Frame in Gold-Plated 925/1000 Silver: Imagine a frame that frames your most precious memories with elegance and modernity. This frame is made of gold-plated 925/100...
Sterling Silver, Enamel, Gold, Gold Plate
Giant Hand Blown Murano Glass Box in in Crystal with Bubbles and Brass Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Impressive in its scale alone, this stunning hand-blown Murano glass box exudes luxury and refinement. This Pulegoso Murano glass box is a captivating fusion of artistry and function...
Brass
Ceramic Leopard Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Crafted with passion by Motsomay and Sabelo at Love Art Ceramic in South Africa, this Leopard jewelry box is a stunning embodiment of African culture. The ceramic piece, measuring 4 ...
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...
Sterling Silver
Ceramic Protea And Butterfly Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Protea Butterfly Jewelry Box Introducing the Protea Butterfly Jewelry Box, a captivating ceramic piece crafted by Love Art Ceramic in South Afric...
Ceramic
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 ...
Chrome
Ceramic Protea Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Protea, Beetle Jewelry Box Hand-Painted by Jabu Nene, Sculpted by Sbusiso Ndaba Love Art Ceramic, South Africa, 2024 Embodying the vibrant essence of South Africa, the "Protea, Beet...
Ceramic
Arco Rutenio Contemporary Armored Jewelry Armoire Safe in Ebony finish
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Polished ebony contemporary armored armoire. Rhodium-plated accessories. Round handle with biometric opening device and emergency key integrated. Inside pullout / pull-out necklace holder...
Ebony
Ceramic Wild Dog Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Wild Dog Jewelry Box Hand-Painted by Minehle Nene and Sculpted by Motsamai Sello The Wild Dog Jewelry Box from Love Art Ceramic is a stunning piece of d...
Ceramic
American Midcentury Modern Sterling Silver Desk Box
By Andrew A. Taylor
Located in New York, NY
Midcentury Modern sterling silver desk box. Rectangular with straight sides. Cover hinged with gently curved top and molded rim. Box interior cedar-lined and partitioned. Fully marke...
Sterling Silver
Red Antique Lacquer Trinket Box
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Red Antique Lacquer Trinket Box This trinket box measures: 14 wide x 14 deep x 7.5 inches high This box is in Excellent Vintage Condition with minor marks, dents, and wear. We tak...
Wood, Lacquer
Heart table box Yellow enamel Sterling Silver Salimbeni
By Salimbeni, Giorgio Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Heart-shaped table box in 925/1000 sterling silver with translucent enamel fired on guilloche above and below. Contemporary modern style. Dimensions cm. 9 x 9.5 cm high. 3.Weight gr....
Gold, Enamel, Sterling Silver, Gold Plate
Mini Ceramic Restaurant Matchbox by Catie Curry Ceramics, Functional Art
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Matchbox Series is composed of roughly 2”x 3” boxes that make direct references to iconic NYC institutions. These boxes come with slide out inserts that are filled with oversized...
Ceramic, Clay
$33,000 / item
Agresti Metal Top G2 Black Armored Chest with 6 Drawers
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Metal top chest with GRADE 2 safe. Shiny black steel. Contents 6 drawers lined to store all sorts of jewels and necklace bar. Brass plated 24-karat gold accessories. Unique featur...
Metal
1970s Italian Bamboo Handle Box in Metal and Plexiglass
Located in Milan, IT
A Beautiful 1970s Faux Bamboo handle box in Nickeld Brass and Plexiglass. A Gem from the 1970s Bling Disco period.
Nickel
Giant Hand Blown Murano Glass Box in Onyx Black with Chrome Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Impressive in its scale alone, this stunning hand-blown Murano glass box exudes luxury and refinement. Handcrafted on the historic Venetian Island of Murano, this oversized box comma...
Chrome
Modernist Plexiglass or Lucite Faceted Box, circa 1960
Located in Atlanta, GA
This exceptional geometric acrylic Lucite lidded box was designed in Italy. The piece was meticulously crafted circa 1960. This substantial box features a modernist shape with an inc...
Acrylic, Lucite
$2,239Sale Price|20% Off
Judith Leiber Millennium Minaudiere, Clutch and/or Purse
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a Judith Leiber minaudiere, clutch and/or purse. It depicts a small rectangular metal box wrapped with an ocean blue palette, green, yellow, brown and beige color paper illus...
Crystal, Metal
Karl Springer Stunning "Kyoto Box" in Tessellated Penshell 1980s 'Signed'
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
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...
Brass
Hand-Carved Tafi Medium Onyx Oval Box by AIREDELSUR, Modern Design
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...
Stone, Onyx
Ceramic Bird Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Succulent Bird Jewelry Box Hand Painted by Winnie Mchunu and Sculpted by Motsamai Sello The Succulent Bird Jewelry Box is a stunning ceramic art piece ...
Ceramic
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...
Brass, Steel
Incredible Trio Of Hand Crafted Lacquered Egg Shell Boxes * Free Global Delivery
Located in Portlaoise, IE
This remarkable trio of nesting boxes is a striking example of Vietnamese eggshell lacquer craftsmanship, celebrated for its richly textured and highly decorative finish. Each piece ...
Eggshell, Wood, Lacquer
Box, Bulgari Watch Case, Black Leather with Cardboard Box, 1990.
By Bulgari
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Box, Bulgari watch case, black leather with cardboard box, 1990. Case, Bulgari watch box, very good condition, black leather box with cardboard box,...
Leather
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.
Faux Leather
Polished Briarwood and Mahogany Jewel Box with Gold-Plated Hardware
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Jewelry chest in polished briarwood and mahogany, ultrasuede lining, 24-karat gold plated brass accessories. With necklace bars, lockable doors and five drawers. Adjustable mirror on...
Wood
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...
Ceramic
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...
Gold Leaf, Brass
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...
Ceramic
Italia Silver Round Box by C. Giardetti Firenze, 1960s
Located in Roma, IT
Small circular silvered metal box of clean modernist form with a fitted lid and engraved monogram to the top. The understated cylindrical silhouette reflects the restrained elegance ...
Silver
Asprey Sterling Silver and Rose Gold Compact, circa 1960
By Asprey International Limited
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
An elegant compact poudrier by Asprey in sterling silver and rose gold. Exquisite craftsmanship, finished on all sides. Weighs 125 grams.
Sterling Silver
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...
Maple
Smart & Modern American Sterling Silver Desk Box by Tiffany
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. Box i...
Sterling Silver
