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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Table Box Enamel on Guilloche Hand Painted Miniature Sterling Silver Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Square box in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with translucent fired enamel on guillochè also on the sides. In the center, a beautiful hand painted tempera miniature on a vegetable ivory plate depicting the portrait of a 19th century lady, signed by the painter Anna Maria Manfriani. Dimensions cm. 12 x 12 x 2.5. Weight gr. 618. Designed by Franco Salimbeni in 1976 and manufactured in Florence in some specimens with various subjects and different colors, in the headquarters of the Salimbeni Company with completely manual execution by artisan artists with thick slab and large reinforcements suitable for withstanding numerous enamelled firings at about 800° C. Miniature is a very ancient technique which consists of painting works in small proportions. It was born for the decoration of the first letter of the paragraph of the books. Over the years, however, this technique is refined and enriched, then moving on to precious personal items. Hand painted miniatures can be done with multiple different techniques. The most important that we use on our articles are of three kinds: 1) Fire enamel. 2) Water tempera on an ivory plate. 3) Painted on mother-of-pearl. Fire enameled miniatures: On a first layer of enamel generally white or very clear or even transparent suitably liquefied at a temperature of about 750 ° C, the chosen subject is painted using miniature colors which are as many colored crystals, ground and reduced to a very fine, almost impalpable powder washed and purified in distilled water with the addition of small quantities of deoxidizing acids which, diluted with essential oils (usually essential oil of solder), can be mixed to form a palette of colors. With very fine sable hair brushes you draw the subject starting from the perimeter and then gradually adding various layers of color. It is necessary to carry out various firings very often so that the colors harden and are not absorbed by the underlying glaze as, during the subsequent firings at 750 ° C, during liquefaction, it would spread irremediably. Hence the need to form the painting a little at a time, cooking it numerous times. Therefore it is necessary to proceed with numerous retouching, often overlapping different colors that only the painter's experience knows. A beautiful miniature needs from 20 to over 50 firings and is finished when the painter deems he does not have to further intervene. Some colors must have darker tones than others because then, by superimposing the transparent enamel placed at the end of the miniature, they fade. This transparent layer, called “fondant” in jargon, must be smoothed and polished like all other translucent enamel colors. The miniatures with water tempera colors are painted on real ivory...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel

Ceramic Zebra Head Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Zebra Head Jewelry Box Hand-Painted by Zinhle Nene and Sculpted by Sfiso Introducing the captivating Zebra Head Jewelry Box, a stunning ceramic piece brought to life by the talented...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

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

Polished Briarwood and Mahogany Jewel Box with Gold-Plated Hardware
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...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Wood

Lune Box 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

Exotic Solid Wood Modern Minimal Modular Drawer Units from Costantini, Baccello
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

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 Leather Soft Rectangular Tissue Box Handmade in Italy
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

1980s Tavola Oggetti Rectangular Marble Jewelry Box
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

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

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

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

Paradigm Humidor Company Cigar Box Marquetry Wood Inlay
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

Asprey Sterling Silver and Rose Gold Compact, circa 1960
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.
Category

1960s British Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Sterling Silver

Set of Twelve Red Shagreen Napkin Rings 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

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

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

Adura Perle Jewellery Box in Ripple Sycamore and red suede lining
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

21st Century Leather Pedal Paper & Waste Bin Handmade in Italy
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

21st Century Leather Rectangular Tissue Box with Chrome Profile Made in Italy
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
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

Gioia Rutenio Contemporary Armored Jewelry Armoire Safe in Ebony
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

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

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...
Category

Early 20th Century German Modern Boxes

Materials

Silver

Watch Box for Nine Watches in Polished Black with Suede and Leather
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

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

Fornasetti Wooden and Metal Box Champagne Black/White Hand Painted
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

Mid-Century Modern Brass & Mirror Vanity Box
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This elegant vanity/storage box showcases a striking blend of materials and craftsmanship. Featuring a polished brass handle at the center, the box is topped with beveled mirrored li...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Metal

Tiffany Stylish Midcentury Modern Sterling Silver Desk Box
Located in New York, NY
Midcentury Modern sterling silver desk box. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York. Rectangular with straight sides. Cover flat and hinged with rectilinear rim. Box interior cedar lined a...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Boxes

Materials

Sterling Silver

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

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

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

Watch Box for Nine Watches in Briar with Leather Detail
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

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

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

Solo Lui Black Armoire with 36 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 36 Swiss made w...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Ebony

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

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

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

American Modern Shell Box
Located in Queens, NY
Contemporary rectangular Box with sea shell veneer
Category

20th Century American Modern Boxes

Mirror of Enchantment Classic Wall Safe with 3 Watch Winders
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
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

Cream Contemporary Armored Jewelry Chest Safe with Swarovski Crystals
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

1970s Heavy Brass Turtle Box
Located in Stamford, CT
1970s heavy brass turtle box. Oval shaped brass box with hinge closure and raised brass turtle figurine. No makers mark or signature.
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass

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

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 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

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

Agresti Smart Identity Armoire with 6 Watch Winders
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

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

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

Humidor in Black Polished Ebony Avana Nera
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

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

Notte Di Gioie Shiny Black Men's Jewelry Box
Located in New York, NY
Polished ebony men’s box, removable tray.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Ebony

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

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 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.