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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Large and Heavy American Modern Sterling Silver Box by Tiffany
Located in New York, NY
Large and heavy sterling silver desk box. Made by Tiffany in New York. Rectangular with straight sides. Cover flat and hinged with molded rim. Cedar lined and partitioned. Fully mark...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Modern Boxes
Materials
Sterling Silver
Hand Blown Murano Box in Amber with Bubbles and Brass Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This exquisite Murano glass box features a luxurious amber color that radiates warmth and sophistication. The piece is meticulously handcrafted by master artisans in Murano, Italy, s...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Murano Glass
Walnut Matte Chest
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Polished walnut armoured chest, matte finish, 24 karats gold plated accessories. Round handle with biometric opening device and emergency key integrated. Inside pull out necklace hol...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Walnut
Hand Blown Murano Glass Box in Onyx Black with 24 Karat Gold Flecks
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This elegant hand-blown glass box is a striking example of the artistry and sophistication of Murano glassmaking. Handcrafted on the historic Venetian Island of Murano, this oversize...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass, Gold Leaf
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...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Chrome
Ceramic Monkey Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Crafted by Love Art Ceramics in South Africa, this enchanting Monkey Jewelry Box is a testament to African artistry. Hand-sculpted by Sondelani Ntsh...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Maitland Smith Tessellated Marble and Tortoise Shell Box
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Maitland Smith tessellated stone box with a mother of pearl finial handle. The interior of the box is lined with a black felt and has a removable lid. The box rests on sterling silver ball and claw feet as well as the entirety of the box is framed with a sterling silver border.
History and craftsmanship for nearly four decades Maitland-Smith has been in the business of creating exquisite and unique decorative accessories, lighting and accent furniture and elegant mirrors from our La Barge Collection. Founded by a London antiques dealer with the eye of a connoisseur, Maitland-Smith has carried on the tradition of creating stunning accents for the home of the highest quality. From the beginning, our many workrooms have been artisan based and employ time-honored techniques developed before the machine age. Many of these skills date back to the world’s earliest civilizations, and are associated with Fine quality furniture and decorative arts. Maitland-Smith is well-known for many handcrafted specialties, including hand carved tropical mahogany, handcut and inlaid exotic wood veneers, lost wax cast metal mounts and decorative objects, as well as, traditional vegetable tanned and hand-tooled leather. Other areas of expertise include finely executed porcelains, sophisticated finishing techniques, and detailed hand painting. Maitland Smith draws inspiration from great works from the 18th, 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries and in collaboration with design partners Tony Duquette Studios and its president, Hutton Wilkinson and also Celerie Kemble, Donald Bustraan...
Category
Late 20th Century Philippine Modern Boxes
Materials
Stone, Marble, Sterling Silver
Cornflower/Lilac Bone Box, 12x7
Located in New York, NY
Modernist Cornflower/Hydrangea lavendar bone keepsake box lined in wood. A great addition to any coffee table, bedside or desk.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Boxes
Materials
Bone
Seguso, Large Murano Glass, Corroso, Uranium Leaded Box /Jar Attb Flavio Poli
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Great modern vintage green glow glass, in this leaded box/jar. Attributed to Flavio Poli.
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Art Glass, Murano Glass
Segreto Bianco White Contemporary Armored Jewelry Case Safe
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Armoured jewelry safe with pull out necklace bars. Shiny white steel. Inside drawers in polished ebony, 24 karats gold plated brass accessories.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass, Steel
Hand Blown Murano Glass Box in Grey with 24 Karat Gold Flecks
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This is a sophisticated and elegant piece that combines modern design elements with the timeless allure of Murano glass. Handcrafted on the historic Venetian island of Murano, this b...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass, Gold Leaf
Hand Blown Murano Box in Amber with Bubbles and Brass Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This exquisite Murano glass box features a luxurious amber color that radiates warmth and sophistication. The piece is meticulously handcrafted by master artisans in Murano, Italy, s...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
Eclipse Box by Greg Natale
By Greg Natale
Located in Sydney,, NSW
The unique Solar collection conjures the spirit of the mystical universe. Natale’s solar candles encompass mysticism and pairs it with clean architectural lines in an evocative and e...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Hand Blown Murano Glass Box in Amber with Brass Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The exquisite octagonal jewel box in brilliant amber is a captivating blend of traditional craftsmanship and luxurious aesthetics. Handcrafted on the historic island of Murano, this ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
Bespoke Hand Crafted Contemporary Asian Modernist Crafts Jewelry / Trinket Box
By Jason Design
Located in Buffalo, NY
Large 40" wide Bespoke Hand Crafted Contemporary Asian Modernist , Crafts Jewelry / Trinket Box by Jason Wrench / Wrench Woodworks, Highly skilled wood-worker , Hand crafted . Stunn...
Category
2010s American Modern Boxes
Materials
Birdseye Maple, Rosewood, Teak, Walnut
Bone, Shagreen and Mahogany Jewelry Box or Small Cabinet by R & Y Augousti
Located in Queens, NY
Bone, Shagreen and Mahogany Jewelry Box or Small Cabinet by R & Y Augousti
Category
20th Century Unknown Modern Boxes
Materials
Shagreen
XXI Century Italian Sterling Silver Modern Table Box
Located in VALENZA, IT
XXI Century Italian Sterling Silver Modern Table Box
Modern style 925 sterling silver table box.
The box is square in shape and the edge of the body is lined.
The lid is hinged and h...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Boxes
Materials
Sterling Silver
Graphic Pattern Blue / Natural Bone Box
Located in New York, NY
Graphic patterned keepsake box clad in natural and ink blue dyed bone. Tiles are hand set on a wood box.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Modern Boxes
Materials
Bone
British Sterling Silver Cigar Box
Located in New York, NY
Elegant sterling silver cigar box with round corners. Interior lined with cedar and lid with vermeil. Stamped with hallmarks indicating the box was manufactured by Synyer & Beddoes...
Category
Early 1900s English Antique Modern Boxes
Materials
Sterling Silver
Miniportrait Oval BLU Jewelry Box Mirror in Wood and Steel Sheet by Portego
By Portego
Located in Stienta, IT
Designed by Studio Lido for Portego.
Made in Italy
The Oval Miniportrait is part of the boxes line that reproduces the plissé of oriental fans.
It's expertisely manufactured car...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Wood
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
Maison Lancel Paris Chrome Decorative Lidded Box
By Lancel Paris
Located in Atlanta, GA
Maison Lancel Paris designed this stylish decorative lidded box. The piece was crafted in France circa 1980. The minimalist rectangular shape has a sleek design with polished chromed...
Category
1980s French Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Metal, Chrome
French Sculptured Gilt Bronze Box by Line Vautrin
By Line Vautrin
Located in Atlanta, GA
A gilt bronze box or podier by French Jeweler Line Vautrin, in the pattern of "Moise ou la traversee du desert" coric 1940s-1950s.
A rare mode in the box, the top surface of the cover illustrates the biblical story of Moses crossing the desert out of Egypt...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Modern Boxes
Materials
Bronze
Hand Blown Murano Octagonal Glass Box L with 24 Karat Gold Flecks
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The exquisite octagonal jewel box in crystal with 24 karat gold flecks is a captivating blend of traditional craftsmanship and luxurious aesthetics. Handcrafted on the historic islan...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass, Gold Leaf
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
Shagreen & Sycamore Bubble Box
By Boucher & Co
Located in Queensland, AU
This elegant jewellery box from the Boucher & Co Collection was completely handmade in the Boucher & Co workrooms in Toowoomba, Australia.
The design of this special piece was insp...
Category
2010s Australian Modern Boxes
Materials
Nickel
Ghidini 1961 Knotted Cherry Medium Box in Copper-Plated 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
Copper
Black Polished Box for 20 Pens with Suede and Leather Detail
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Black polished wooden pen box with anti-tarnish suede and leather handles for your collection of writing instruments.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Suede, Wood
Modern Serving Tray Calacatta Marble Cork Handmade in Portugal by Lusitanus Home
Located in Lisboa, PT
Guadiana serving tray, Lusitanus Home Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Lusitanus Home.
A sublime serving tray, Guadiana was designed to uplift layback moments.
A rec...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Boxes
Materials
Marble
Soleil Box by Greg Natale
By Greg Natale
Located in Sydney,, NSW
The unique Solar collection conjures the spirit of the mystical universe. Natale’s solar candles encompass mysticism and pairs it with clean architectural lines in an evocative and e...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
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
Pair of Grey Italian Pottery Covered Table Boxes, 20th Century
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine pair of figural Italian pottery covered boxes.
In the form of grey pears with a twig and leaf stem.
A charming pair of figural boxes!
Marke...
Category
20th Century Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Pottery
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 Protea Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Protea, Bird Jewelry Box Hand Painted by Jabu and Sculpted by Sfiso from Love Art Ceramic
The Protea, Bird Jewelry Box is a remarkable piece of ceramic art that captures the vibrant...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Black, Beige, Brass Striped Box
Located in New York, NY
Modernist keepsake, document box clad in Black, White resin stripes accented with brass inlay stripes.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
Contemporary Handmade Rectangular Box "Elaphos" Marble - Brass Handle by Anaktae
By ANAKTAE
Located in Athens, GR
Contemporary, handcrafted, rectangular jewelry box, model "Elaphos" in marble with a deer-shaped handle in cast oxidized brass. Interior suede lining.
Variations are available in cus...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Greek Modern Boxes
Materials
Marble, Brass
Exotic Solid Wood Modern Minimal Modular Drawer Units from Costantini, Baccello
By Costantini
Located in New York, NY
Each one of these units is identical in shape but highlights the natural variations of the Argentine Rosewood from which they are made. Combine them to make a functional storage unit...
Category
2010s Argentine Modern Boxes
Materials
Wood
Rare Maitland-Smith Oversized Tessellated Marble Stone Box
Located in Atlanta, GA
Maitland-Smith designed this spectacular lidded box. The piece was crafted circa 1980. The box features a tessellated marble, stone, travertine, and brass composition. The pyramidal ...
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Stone, Travertine, Marble, Metal, Brass
Karl Springer "Molding Box" in Multicolor Lacquers 1970s
Located in New York, NY
Hinged “Molding Box” with multi-colored lacquer design and dark green suede interior by Karl Springer, American 1970's. Springer’s superb lacquer work and attention to detail make t...
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Chrome
Etched Horn Grid Pattern Box, 11x7
Located in New York, NY
Modernist handmade keepsake box clad in hand etched/scored horn. Horn over wood.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Boxes
Materials
Horn, 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
Blue/White Incised Horn Box
Located in New York, NY
Modernist graphic patterned blue and white bone box with hand incised horn tiles. Wood interior.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Modern Boxes
Materials
Bone, Horn, Wood
Set/2 Wooden Boxes, Beige, Gold Leaf, Handmade in Portugal by Lusitanus Home
By Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Dandara Boxes, Lusitanus Home Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Lusitanus Home.
Dandara box set includes two wooden boxes, perfect to be displayed together and enrich ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Boxes
Materials
Metal, Gold Leaf, Brass
Studio Pottery Storage or Vase Vessel with Lid
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A black Glazed Studio pottery piece with lid that works well as a vase or could be used on a desk or work station to hold pens, papers or e...
Category
20th Century Modern Boxes
Materials
Pottery
Watch Box for Five Watches in Smoke Grey Oak, Red Ultrasuede Detail
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
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
Miniportrait Oval Jewelry Box Mirror /Coral Cherrywood, Steel Sheet by Portego
By Portego
Located in Stienta, IT
Designed by Studio Lido for Portego.
Made in Italy
The oval Miniportrait is part of the boxes line that reproduces the plissé of oriental fans.
It's expertisely manufactured carving...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Wood
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
Bowl, Jean François Reboul
Located in Paris, FR
Bowl by Jean François Reboul made of clay and enamel using Raku technique. 2019.
“Certificate of Authenticity” provided by the gallery.
Jean...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Boxes
Materials
Enamel
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
Black, Grey Striped Bone Keepsake Box
Located in New York, NY
Hand made, large scale document/keepsake box clad in hand dyed black, grey bone tiles in a striped pattern. Hand polished, some with hand etching detail.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Modern Boxes
Materials
Bone, Wood
Mirror of Enchantment Classic Wall Safe with 3 Watch Winders
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Safe with spy glass, options of different frames. This safe can be organized to display all types of collections and valuables. The mirror reflects when of...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Wood
Japanese Kazaribako Glass Box Rare Hagoromo Kyohei Fujita
Located in Atlanta, GA
A brilliant Kazaribako "Ornamented Box" made of glass by Japanese artist Kyohei Fujita (1921-2004) circa 1990s. The hand-blown green glass box featur...
Category
1990s Japanese Modern Boxes
Materials
Silver
Floral Design Mother of Pearl Box with Peony Blossoms by Arijian
Located in Namyangju-si, KR
This artwork adopts mother of pearl and lacquer to portray peony blossoms, also known as the king of all flowers and a symbol for beautiful women. The lustrous mother of pearl was used to create such sumptuous flower patterns. The colors inside the lines of mother of pearl were enhanced with lacquer, gold and silver powder, etc. to elevate the vividness and splendor evoking the actual blossoming.
-Luxury Packaging: Wooden Gift...
Category
2010s Korean Modern Boxes
Materials
Wood
Nero Forziere Black Armoured Chest with 6 Drawers
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Chest of polished ebony 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. Uniqu...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Ebony
GAME CARD HOLDER - CIGARETTE HOLDER - genuine leather shagreen
Located in Spilimbergo, IT
The modern design of the shiny metal box in the shape of a trunk is matched by the precious coating genuine shagreen leather melange color green-biege. Elegant piece of furnitur...
Category
Early 2000s Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Metal, Brass
Set/8 Ceramic Jars & Pots, White & Pink, Handmade in Portugal by Lusitanus Home
Located in Lisboa, PT
Set/8 Ceramic Jars & Pots, Lusitanus Home Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Lusitanus Home.
This beautiful set includes five ceramic jars and three ceramic pots, both ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
RRL Wooden Sliding Lid Crate Ralph Lauren? Perishable Burn Mark Storage Box
Located in Philadelphia, PA
RRL wooden sliding lid crate Ralph Lauren? perishable burn mark storage box.*Price is per crate*. Item features a burned "RRL" and
"Perishable" to sides. ...
Category
Late 20th Century Modern Boxes
Materials
Wood
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.