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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Contemporary American Modern Oval Seashell Jewelry Box
Located in New York, NY
Contemporary American Modern oval jewelry box with an applied seashell exterior and red velvet interior.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Boxes
Materials
Coral
Bitossi Lidded Box in Glazed Ceramic with Fused Glass Mosaic, circa 1960s
By Bitossi
Located in New York City, NY
Bitossi Glazed Ceramic Lidded Box with Fused Glass Mosaic, Italy, c. 1960s
Additional Information:
Materials: Ceramic
Origin: Italy
Period: 1950-1979
Creation Date: c. 1960s
...
Category
20th Century Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
English Modern Sterling Silver Box
Located in New York, NY
English Modern sterling silver box. Tall and rectangular with curved corners. Cover hinged with gently curved top and double-scroll tab. Box interior cedar-lined with open leather-li...
Category
Early 20th Century English Modern Boxes
Materials
Sterling Silver
Brass Box with Embossed Fish Silhouttes from Saks Fifth Avenue India
Located in New York, NY
Decorative brass box made by Saks Fifth Avenua, India. Embossed with fish silhouttes on each face with two small brass circular handles on each side. Natural patina.
Property fro...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
Bronze Hinged Box with Face Signed and Dated
Located in North Miami, FL
This fabulous bronze heavy hinged box is signed and dated MIrko 1990. There is a dimensional, textural and theatrical face on the right hand side. Artist signed. It has been professi...
Category
1990s American Modern Boxes
Materials
Bronze
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
Judith Leiber Swarovski Crystal Floral Minaudiere / Clutch
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a Judith Leiber Swarovski crystals minaudiere / clutch. It depicts a gold tone metal heart shaped minaudiere adorned with a large peony flower with green leaves in the front ...
Category
20th Century American Modern Boxes
Materials
Crystal, Metal
Orange, Natural Bone Cheveron Box
Located in New York, NY
Cheveron patterned keepsake, letter box made from dyed orange and natural bone. Box has a wood lining.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Boxes
Materials
Bone, Palmwood
Hand Blown Murano Glass Box in Onyx Black with Murine Detailing
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
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
Contemporary American Modern Seashell Music Box / Jewelry Box
Located in New York, 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
Mademoiselle Georges Box II by Thomas Dariel
Located in Geneve, CH
Mademoiselle Georges box II by Thomas Dariel, Maison Dada
Measures: D 13 x H 25 cm
Material : Glossy glazed ceramic
Mademoiselle Georges hails its name from Marguerite Georges, ...
Category
2010s French Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Log Jar with Brass Inlay by Marcantonio
Located in Kolkata, IN
Log Jar, an usual object from the Forest collection, has intricate brass and resin inlay to resemble a log of wood, with a cute boney lid.
For his debut creations, Marcantonio int...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
Vintage Japanese Ball Shaped Plastic Tea Caddy Storage Containers, Set of 3
Located in San Carlos, CA
🍵 Elevate Your Storage: Set of 3 Japanese Natsume Tea Caddies! 🍵
Enhance your storage solutions with a touch of elegance and functionality with our wonderful set of three hard pla...
Category
1980s Japanese Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Plastic
Spanish Cedar Cigar Tray, 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)
Useful accessory in premium kiln dried Spanish cedar pres...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Cedar
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
Karl Springer Set of Stunning Polished Petrified Wood Orbs on Custom Bases 1980s
Located in New York, NY
Set of 3 polished petrified wood orbs on custom metal bases by Karl Springer, American 1980's (retain original labels from the 1980s showing the original pric...
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Stone, Brass, Metal
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
21st Century Lily Decorative Box in Nubuck Leather Handcrafed in Italy
By Pinetti
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
The sophistication of nubuck leather inspired this collection.
Lily is our new family of decorative boxes embellished by tone on tone embroidery. Two finishing, three sizes and f...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Metal
Modern Serving Tray Calacatta Marble Cork Handmade in Portugal by Lusitanus Home
Located in Lisboa, PT
AntuĂŁ serving tray, Lusitanus Home Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Lusitanus Home.
A sublime serving tray, AntuĂŁ was design to uplift layback moments.
A rectang...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Boxes
Materials
Onyx, Marble
Set/2 Boxes, White and Light-Blue, Handmade in Portugal by Lusitanus Home
By Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Lanzarote Boxes, Lusitanus Home Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Lusitanus Home.
Lanzarote box set includes two wooden boxes, perfect to be displayed together and enr...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Boxes
Materials
Gold Leaf
Contemporary American Modern Conch and Cowrie Seashell Jewelry Box
Located in New York, 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
Contemporary American Modern Small Circular Seashell Jewelry Box
Located in New York, NY
Contemporary American Modern small circular jewelry box with an applied seashell exterior and black interior.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Boxes
Materials
Coral
Brass Vanity Vessels with Brass Box
Located in Paonia, CO
The (wh)ORE HAĂĽS STUDIOS small goods collection was made for those that wanted to experience the (wh)ORE HAĂĽS brand without committing to our larger pieces. Our brass vessels with the solid brass box are made with spun brass for the vessels and solid brass for the box. This pice looks great containing small items on a vanity. Contains 4 vessels...
Category
2010s American Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
Wood Box
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Incredible wood box.
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Category
1940s French Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Wood
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
Contemporary American Modern Oval Seashell Veneer Jewelry Box
Located in New York, NY
Contemporary American Modern oval jewelry box with an applied brown and beige seashell exterior and green velvet interior.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Boxes
Materials
Coral
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...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Boxes
Materials
Wood
Neon Green Acrylic Small Round Box by Paola Valle
By Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De MĂ©xico, 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
Agresti Gioia Jewelry Armoire
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Armored jewelry armoire with inside safe. Numeric digital keypad and emergency key. Available in 4 finishing options; see information below for detail...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Wood
Agresti Ali Con Le Gioie Jewelry Chest with 4 Drawers
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Jewelry chest in briar and mahogany, matte finish, ultra suede lining. 24-karat gold-plated brass accessories. With 4 drawers. Two lockable doors with necklace bars.
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Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Suede, Mahogany
Guaje Oli Gourd by Onora
Located in Geneve, CH
Guaje Oli Gourd by Onora
Dimensions: 37 x 25 cm
Materials: Gourd, Natural pigments mixed with chia oil and then hand burnished with river stones
Gua...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Boxes
Materials
Other
Karl Springer Exceptional Lidded Box in Tessellated Travertine 1980s 'Signed'
Located in New York, NY
Exceptionally crafted table top box in tessellated travertine with wood interior by Karl Springer, American 1980's (signed "Karl Springer" on bottom). This box has a nice scale and t...
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Travertine
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
Knotted Tissue Box André Fu Living New Leath Home Office Accessories Modern
By André Fu
Located in CENTRAL, HK
An elegantly detailed tissue box to elevate your daily life. employing refined leather with finely stitched edges, it also features double-knotted detailing. it is a piece that can b...
Category
2010s Thai Modern Boxes
Materials
Leather
Lacquered Solid Wood Modern Minimal Modular Drawers from Costantini, Baccello
By Costantini
Located in New York, NY
Baccello lacquered solid wood Modern minimal modular drawers from Costantini.
Each unit measures 20" x 20" x 5" high. 6 units as shown.
Each one...
Category
2010s Argentine Modern Boxes
Materials
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
Arnolfo di Cambio Cigar / Cigarette Box by Joe Colombo in Years '68 Bilia Series
By Joe Colombo
Located in Biella, IT
Arnolfo di Cambio cigar/cigarette box by Joe Colombo in years '68 bilia series.
Glass perfect condition and silver plate with light fading.
Measure large 8 inches x deep 5" x...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Silver Plate
Knotted Tissue Box Square André Fu Living New PU Home Office Accessories Modern
By André Fu
Located in CENTRAL, HK
Description: Tissue box
Color: Grey
Size: 14 x 14 x 15 H cm
Material: PU
Collection: Knotted.
Category
2010s Thai Modern Boxes
Materials
Faux Leather
Ghidini 1961 Knotted Cherry Medium Box in Brass by Nika Zupanc
Located in Villa Carcina, IT
Fiasco. Guilt. Fear of love. A place to hide all the things we secretly desire yet are too scared to utter. The luscious things the perfect lover knows are never to be told. She drea...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
Knotted Tissue Box Caramel André Fu Living New Pu Home Office Accessories Modern
By André Fu
Located in CENTRAL, 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
Brutalist Signed Hand Made Dresser Box
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A large lidded box with natural black tourmaline crystals. Purchased in Sicily. We think the metal used is nickel, it is non magnetic. Beautifully han...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Rock Crystal, Nickel
Blue Ocean 40 cigars Humidor
By Maccarrone
Located in Milan, IT
From the Yacht collection, Blue Ocean is the smallest humidor of Maccarrone's collections. Metal accessories are in chromed brass and high gloss mahog...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Polyester, Wood
21st Century Leather Tilting Lid Waste Bin Handmade in Italy
By Pinetti
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
A cylindrical and contemporary silhouette with subtle detail.
Our round metal bin with tilting lid is perfectly sized for use in the bathroom.
More than 30 harmonious shades can be paired with our modern bathroom...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Leather
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
Natural, Black 3D Bone Box
Located in New York, NY
Hand made dimensional bone box with hand set black centers. Rectangular pieces form a dimensional facade, lined in wood. A great addition to any coffee table to store remote controls...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Boxes
Materials
Bone, Wood
Malachite Jewelry Box
Located in New York, NY
A very beautiful and substantial green Malachite decorative or jewelry box, circa late-20th century. This green Malachite box is hexagonal in shape with a white onyx marble star with gold gilt metal detail on top lid. Piece is hand-crafted. Box makes a great decorative or storage jewelry box to hold small items or jewelry such as necklaces (as demonstrated holding), rings, earring, cufflinks, etc., on a vanity, nightstand, dresser, desk, credenza, walk-in-closet, etc. Dimensions: 3.38" Depth x 4" Width.
Purple box shown also available, search 1stDibs ref. #: LU1314228491742
Green malachite box with cameo, search ref. #: LU1314228492012
Small gold and malachite turtle...
Category
Late 20th Century Modern Boxes
Materials
Malachite, 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
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
Sunset Bowl, Jean François Reboul
Located in Paris, FR
Satin bowl by Jean François Reboul made of clay and enamel using Raku technique in 2019.
“Certificate of Authenticity” provided by the gallery.
...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Boxes
Materials
Enamel
Watch Box for Five Watches in Smoke Grey Oak, Red Ultrasuede Detail by Agresti
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Box in polished wood for five watches lined in protective ultrasuede. Hinge in Ruthenium. Box only: watches are not included.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Wood
Contemporary Modern, Bebek Chestnut Wood Single-Compartment Box
By DAY Studio
Located in Ä°stanbul, Ä°stanbul
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
Oak Jewelry Box by Konrad Olejnik
Located in Roeselare, BE
This is an amazing jewelry box. Perfect for storing keys or watches. The box is handmade. Turned from old oak wood. The bright, natural oak color will make you enchanted! Dimensions:...
Category
2010s Belgian Modern Boxes
Materials
Oak
Dolcevita 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
Polyester, Wood
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
Guaje Oli Gourd by Onora
Located in Geneve, CH
Guaje oli gourd by Onora
Dimensions: 37 x 25 cm
Materials: Gourd, Natural pigments mixed with chia oil and then hand burnished with river stones
Gua...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Boxes
Materials
Other
Dimensional Triangle Horn Segement Box, Medium
Located in New York, NY
Handmade decorative keepsake box clad in dimensional triangular horn segments, lined in wood. A great addition to any coffee table, dresser or desk.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Boxes
Materials
Horn, Wood
Natural, Grey Oblong Inlay Box
Located in New York, NY
Handmade natural bone box inlaid with grey bone oblong segments, lined in wood. A great storage solution for your desk or coffee table.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Boxes
Materials
Bone
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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