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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
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

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

Agresti Cassette Del Tempo Chest for 9 Watches
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

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

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

Carbon Fiber Armored Jewel Safe Polished Carbon on 4 Sides and 3 Winders
Located in New York, NY
Armored jewelry safe covered in polished carbon. Drawers in white leather, inside is lined for jewelry and watches with pullout / pull-out necklac...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Steel

Vintage Italian Round Box 1980's
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Unearth the charm of a Vintage Italian Round Box from the 1980s. Crafted with exquisite Italian finesse, this elegant piece embodies the allure of a bygone era. Its rounded silhouett...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Metal

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

Armored Watch Chest in Black, Nine Watch Winders Il Forziere Delle Ore Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Agresti Il Forziere Delle Ore armored Chests for 9 Winders. Two variations available, please see information below for details. Ebony: Armoire in polished ebony with safe, anchorable to the wall. Biometric opening device and emergency key system. Watch winders entirely made in Switzerland. Secret compartment, inside lined in ultrasuede. Safe covered with polished ebony and black leather. Bulletproof glass...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Leather, Wood

Piccolo Intreccio Armored Armoire Braided White and Pink Leather
Located in New York, NY
Armored jewelry cabinet covered in white and pink hand threaded leather. Varnished outside in pink color. Accessories in 24 karats gold plated brass. Drawers covered in white leather...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Metal

Vintage Italian Modernist Wood Box
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant rectangular box crafted in wood and finished in a brushed metallic lacquer, Italy, 1970s. The lid features a long inset enamel panel in deep cobalt blue, creating a refined c...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Wood

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

Contemporary Iridescent Pearl Crystal Bowl, Brass and Gold 24 Kt 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

Ceramic Elephant Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
This charming ceramic Elephant jewelry box, crafted at Imvelo Natural Art in South Africa, stands 5 inches tall with dimensions of 4 inches in both le...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

Giant Hand Blown Murano Glass Box in Onyx Black with Bubbles and Chrome 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...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Chrome

Tommaso Barbi Ceramic Lidded Box with Red Marbleized Glaze and Gold Detailing
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This elegant lidded box by Tomaso Barbi showcases his signature blend of sculptural form and refined decorative detail. The square box is crafted in ceramic, finished with a striking...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

Ceramic Fish Coin Dish , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Fish Coin Dish Hand Painted by Zinhle Nene and Sculpted by Sbusiso Ndaba From Love Art Ceramic, South Africa (2024) Dive into the charm of the Fish Coin Dish, a delightful piece of ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

Agresti Metal Top G2 Black Armored Chest with 6 Drawers
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...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Metal

Ceramic Leopard Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Crafted by Lefu and Sindy at Senzo Duma Ceramics in South Africa, this ceramic Leopard jewelry box stands 4 inches high, 5 inches long, and 4 inches ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

Large Japanese Kazaribako Glass Box Ancient Captial Kyohei Fujita
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Kazaribako "Ornamented Box" made of glass by Japanese artist Kyohei Fujita (1921-2004) circa 1990s. The hand-blown glass box is substantial in size and weight. It features a hexago...
Category

1990s Japanese Modern Boxes

Materials

Silver

Saffron Tissue Box Black Large in Lacquer Wood & Brass, Viya By Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Saffron Tissue Box Black Large 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

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...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

Rectangular Brown Shagreen Box
Located in Queens, NY
Rectangular brown shagreen wood box with a black trim and a lift-off cover
Category

20th Century American Modern Boxes

Ceramic Frog Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Frog Jewelry Box Hand Painted by Slie and Sculpted by Nathi/Sbusiso Delight in the whimsical charm of the Frog Jewelry Box, a captivating piece of decorat...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

Black and Ivory Striped Bone Inlay Box, Italy
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A sleek and elegant rectangular box, this piece is crafted with a striking black and ivory bone inlay in a bold geometric pattern. Its elongated form makes it perfect for holding jew...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Boxwood

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

R&Y Augousti, shagreen jewelry box, 1990s
Located in Firenze, IT
Stunning shagreen and ebonized wood jewelry box, produced by R&Y Augousti in the 1990s. It is a very sophisticated jewelry box full of elegant details, the doors are closed by a Japa...
Category

1990s French Modern Boxes

Materials

Shagreen, Wood

Saffron Tissue Box White Large in Lacquer Wood & Brass, Viya By Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Saffron Tissue Box White Large 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 Indian Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass

Vintage Italian, Rectangular Cream Bone Inlay Box 1970
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This elegant rectangular box features a refined patchwork of hand-laid cream bone inlay, creating a subtle yet luxurious texture. The smooth, polished finish highlights the natural v...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Driftwood

Dolcevita 40 cigars Humidor
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 mahog...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Polyester, Wood

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

Italian Richard Ginori Jewelry Box Milano
Located in New York, NY
An early Italian porcelain jewelry box, Modern design, by designer Richard Ginori, made in Milano, Italy, circa early-20th century. Marked 'Milano' on original label underside lid, and marked 'Richard Ginori', 'Made in Italy' on underside base, as well as 'decorazione a mano' (hand decoration), all shown in images. Box is square with modern soft lines, rounded corners (top and base), graduated base. Gold detail, dahlia flower and leaf design on top lid, sides, and inside, finished with a gold line detail on lid and base. For other items shown search 1stDibs ref. #s: Opal cocktail ring search 1stDibs ref. #: LU4068223876302 French porcelain box, search 1stDibs ref. #: LU1314243500852 Cartier coffee...
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Porcelain

Contemporary American Modern Oval Seashell Veneer Jewelry Box
Located in Queens, 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

Saffron Round Container Dark Blue in Lacquer Wood & Brass, Viya By Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Saffron Round Container Dark Blue in Lacquer Wood & Brass, Viya By Vikram Goyal With moniker’s such as red gold, exquisite thread or golden light, saffron captivates us all. An...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass

Rivoli Black Tissue Box Large in Lacquer & Brass, Viya By Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Rivoli Black Tissue Box Large in Lacquer & Brass, Viya By Vikram Goyal How society rejoiced when Art Deco dared to create a new approach to life, breathing fresh life into archi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass

Continental Miniature Silver Filigree Decorative Box
Located in London, GB
Crafted with superb skill in silver filigree, this beautiful and delicate box is most likely continental-made, dating from the early 20th century. Its exact origin is unclear, and it...
Category

20th Century European Modern Boxes

Materials

Silver

Ceramic Box by Nanni Valentini for Ceramica Arcore, Italy, 1970s
Located in Milan, IT
Ceramic box by Nanni Valentini for Ceramica Arcore.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

Rectangular Shagreen Box with Brass Trims by Ginger Brown
Located in Bourguebus, FR
This modern box by Ginger Brown is handcrafted with shagreen and brass trims striping. The box is hinged and the interior is lined with a high quality black microsuede. The col...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass

Continental Silver Filigree Decorative Flower Box
Located in London, GB
A continental silver filigree decorative flower box Continental, Early 20th Century 10cm high x 11cm wide x 7cm deep. This delicate and charming piece,...
Category

20th Century European Modern Boxes

Materials

Silver

Modern Serving Tray Calacatta Marble Cork Handmade in Portugal by Lusitanus Home
Located in Lisboa, PT
Antuã serving tray, Lusitanus Home Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Lusitanus Home. A sublime serving tray, Antuã was design to uplift layback moments. A rectang...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Boxes

Materials

Marble, Onyx

1994's Ancella Armchair project by M. Lovi for Giovannetti Collezioni
Located in Casalguidi, IT
A unique bedroom armachair - elegant, comfortable and functional at the same time. Ancella is suitable for the bedroom and dressing-room. Beechwood frame. Shape-retaining polyuretha...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Mark Small Box by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Mark small box by Fakasaka Design Dimensions: W 10 cm D 10 cm H 6.5 cm. Materials: black/brown bronze. Also available in polished bronze. FAKASAKA is a de...
Category

2010s Brazilian Modern Boxes

Materials

Bronze

1980s Mid-Century Modern Plexiglass and Vienna Straw Luxury Box by Dior Home
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This exquisite, authentic vintage Dior Home luxury box from the 1980s is a stunning example of Mid-Century Modern design. It features a classic, rectangular structure crafted from Pl...
Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Boxes

Materials

Wicker, Lucite

Macassar Wood Hand-Carved Horse Head Tall Box
By Bois & Design
Located in Atlanta, GA
This strikingly tall decorative lidded box is a testament to artisanal craftsmanship, crowned with a masterfully carved horse head that serves as both handle and sculptural focal poi...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Boxes

Materials

Wood, Macassar

Handcrafted Brass Box with Wheat Relief Design
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a handcrafted brass box featuring a beautifully embossed wheat motif on the lid. The relief design depicts two wheat stalks with gracefully curved leaves, symbolizing growth ...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Brass and Nickel Silver Relief Box with Wheat Motif
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Box features a finely crafted relief of wheat stalks rendered in brass and nickel silver. The design captures the timeless symbolism of growth and prosperity, beautifully expressed t...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Metal

Brass and Silver Embossed Box with Bird Motif
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant vintage brass box featuring a raised silver medallion depicting a detailed bird and floral motif. The contrast between the warm golden brass and cool silver relief adds sophi...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass

Paw Jar with Brass Inlay by Marcantonio
Located in Kolkata, IN
Paw Jar is a delightful object from the Forest collection. It has intricate brass and resin inlay in blue and pink, with an endearing leafy lid. For his debut creations, Marcanton...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass

Leather Jewelry Box Italian Style from Spain
Located in New York, NY
A relatively large European leather and suede jewelry box with removable tray, in the Modern style, circa late-20th century, late 1970s, Spain. Exterior is leather wrapped in a camel...
Category

Late 20th Century Spanish Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass

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...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

22:15 _ White Ceramic and Platinum Details Handcrafted Jewelry Box
Located in Bologna, Bologna
The white painted ceramic box with lid 22:15 of the 'Meridiane' collection can be the container where you find a candy to relax after dinner, as well as the storage in which to put the jewelry on the night table before going to bed. This object is hand made in refined white ceramic and finished with precious platinum based paint. It is a decorative piece that can be placed in any room of the house and give it a touch of uniqueness. The box is inspired by Casa Malaparte...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Platinum

Vintage Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Figural Pear Box with a Gilt Interior
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed vintage silver box. By Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. In the form of a pear. With a gold wash to the interior. Marked to the base. Simply wonderful Tiffany...
Category

20th Century Modern Boxes

Materials

Sterling Silver

grey and brown stoneware woodfiring ceramic boxe by B. Chassang unique piece
Located in Neuilly-en- sancerre, FR
Brigitte Chassang Unique handamde ceramic Grey and brown stoneware woodfiring decorative ceramic boxe by Brigitte Chassang Realised in 2025 Original perfect condition Signed h...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

Roma Cigar Case with Ashtray
Located in Milan, IT
A singular piece from the Roma Collection, this cigar case boasts a practical and stylish design equipped with a handprinted ceramic ashtray. Masterfully handcrafted of cedar, it combines an ebony and a walnut veneer enriched with a splendid inlay work of a tobacco leaf marking the curved and polished top. Adorned with a small metal key, the piece is also equipped with a hygrometer and Boveda holder. Available with a wooden case upholstered with eco-leather, please ask the Concierge for details. This box is supplied with an handmade wooden suitcase...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Metal

Ceramic Tiger Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
As a symbol deeply rooted in African culture, the tiger holds a special significance. While tigers are not native to Africa, they often symbolize strength, courage, and resilience qu...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

Vintage Solid / Sterling Silver Box by Sarah Jones - Teddy Bear
Located in Bath, GB
A highly collectable piece of modernist silver, this adorable small is topped with a teddy bear finial. Of course, being hand-made by the well renowned modern silversmith, Sarah Jones, it is lovely quality and the box is heavy made of a heavy gauge of silver. The underside is fully hallmarked for London 1988 together with the maker's mark. This superb heirloom quality box would make a fabulous box for the tooth fairy. It measures 1.89" tall or 4.8cms / 1.18" in diameter or 3 cms and weighs 48 Grams / 1.54 Troy Ounces. Excellent vintage condition. SARAH JONES studied history of medieval art at the University of East Anglia before working for the Greater London Arts Association. In the early 1970's they sent her to interview the ecclesiastical silversmith Michael Murray for their magazine, and he insisted that she make something, a ring, which she sold for £12. This inspired her to take part time training with him before renting a workshop next door in Clerkenwell. Camden Lock Market opened in 1974 and she had a stall there for 8 years, and also exhibited at Goldsmiths' Fair in 1975. In 1979 the Queen, who has the world's largest collection of Faberge flowers...
Category

1980s British Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Sterling Silver

1980s Modern Silver Plated and Plexiglass Rectangular German Vanity Box
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This German vanity box from the 1980s is a wonderful example of how designers during that period experimented with blending traditional craftsmanship with new materials, resulting in...
Category

Late 20th Century German Modern Boxes

Materials

Silver Plate

Modern Cast Brass, Chiseled Timber and Resin Dawa Cocktail Bar Set
Located in Bothas Hill, KZN
The Dawa luxury bar set is a great addition to any home cocktail bar. These items can be bought individually or as a set. The set consists of the following: The Ice bucket's body ...
Category

2010s South African Modern Boxes

Materials

Copper, Brass

Ceramic Hoopoe Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
This hoopoe jewelry ceramic box is a true treasure, meticulously crafted by hand and painted with care by South African artists. Its unique design features one of the wings serving a...
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.