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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
English Modern Sterling Silver Box with Saudi Arabia Association
Located in New York, NY
Elizabeth II sterling silver box. Made by Peter Nicholas & Co Ltd in London in 1989. Rectangular with corner bracket supports and hinged open scroll end handles. Cover hinged and fla...
Category
1980s British Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Sterling Silver
Agresti Arco Small Armored Chest
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Polished white bird’s eye maple or polished walnut matte finish armored chest, 24-karat gold plated accessories. Round handle with biometric opening device and emergency key integrated. Inside pull out necklace...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Gold Plate
Contemporary Fiocco Armoire Safe in Shiny White Maple
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Polished white bird's-eye maple armored armoire with leather bow, 24-karat gold-plated accessories. Round handle with biometric opening device and emergency key integrated. Inside pullout / pull-out necklace holder and drawers lined for jewelry. Leather handles on drawers. Secret compartment. Available...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Leather, Birdseye Maple
$58,000 / item
Cigarette Case red lines and and hand-engraved finishing Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Vertical cigarette case in 925/1000 sterling silver with fire-enameled red stripes and hand-engraved finishing. In a modern contemporary style. Measurements cm. 6 x 2.3 cm high. 11. ...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Sterling Silver, Enamel
Alfred Dunhill Germany 1990 Decorative Desk Box In Black Leather & Chromed Steel
By Dunhill
Located in Miami, FL
Desk box designed by Dunhill.
Beautiful decorative vintage desk box, created in Germany for Alfred Dunhill, back in the 1990. It was made up in shiny black leather with a discrete f...
Category
1990s German Modern Boxes
Materials
Steel, Chrome
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
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
Brass, Gold Leaf, Metal
Alexandra Von Furstenberg Acrylic Treasure Box in Zebra Print - Large Box
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Add a bold pop of modern glamour to your space with this acrylic treasure box by Alexandra Von Furstenberg, featuring a striking black and white Zebra Print. Made from high-quality L...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Boxes
Materials
Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass
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
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
$43,700 / item
Ceramic Pomegranate Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Pomegranate, Butterfly Jewelry Box
Discover the captivating "Pomegranate, Butterfly Jewelry Box," a remarkable piece of ceramic art crafted in South Africa by the creative minds of ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Judith Leiber Millennium Minaudiere, Clutch and/or Purse
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a Judith Leiber minaudiere, clutch and/or purse. It depicts a small rectangular metal box wrapped with an ocean blue palette, green, yellow, brown and beige color paper illus...
Category
20th Century American Modern Boxes
Materials
Crystal, Metal
$2,239 Sale Price
20% Off
Square Brown Leather Box
Located in Queens, NY
Square brown wood box covered in fur with a lift-off cover.
Category
20th Century American Modern Boxes
Materials
Wood, Fur, Leather
Italian modern brown ABS wall organizer Utensilo by Maurer and Becker, 1970s
By Ingo Maurer
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern ABS wall organizer Utensilo by Ingo Maurer and Dorothee Becker, 1970s
Wall organizer or display model Utensilo, entirely in brown ABS plastic. On the front it has seve...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Metal
Il Confanetto Rosso Matte Jewel Box in Smoke Grey Oak
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Jewelry box with removable tray, lockable, lined for earrings, rings, necklaces. Smoke grey oak and red ultrasuede internal lining.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Oak
Maitland Smith Horn, Abalone and Wood Hinged Octagonal Box Vintage Rare
Located in North Miami, FL
This exquisite and rare vintage Maitland Smith large hinged box box has a beautiful medallion on top of a black stone set into brass. The box is a beautiful combination of horn, abal...
Category
1970s Philippine Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
$2,400 Sale Price
25% Off
Ceramic Protea jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
This ceramic protea box is a stunning testament to the artistry of South African craftsmanship. Handmade and painted with meticulous detail, it captures the beauty of the iconic prot...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
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
Ceramic Bird Protea Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Protea Bird Jewelry Box
Hand Painted by Jabu and Sculpted by Sbusiso
The Protea Bird Jewelry Box is a beautifully crafted ceramic art piece from Love Art Ceramic, created by the tal...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
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
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
$1,653 Sale Price
20% Off
Alexandra Von Furstenberg Acrylic Treasure Box in Black - Medium Storage Box
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Add a bold pop of modern glamour to your space with this acrylic treasure box by Alexandra Von Furstenberg, featuring a striking Black. Made from high-quality Lucite, this chic decor...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Boxes
Materials
Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass
Grand Malachite Stone Box With Brass Banding, *8.5" Round
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This is a stunning Grand Malachite Stone Box With Brass Banding,
This is quite a large box as it is 8.5" across and is 2" high.
The inside is as found witch tells me the it could b...
Category
1950s Unknown Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Malachite
Tempo di Rovere Watch Box for Nine Watches in Oak Smoke Grey
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Chest with two drawers for 9 watches in smoke grey oak. Red ultrasuede internal lining and handles in red leather.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Wood
Cigarette case black in the shape of a packet. Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Cigarette case in the shape of a packet of long cigarettes in 925/1000 sterling silver with black fired enamel in Art Deco style, early 1900s. With lost hinge, i.e. semi-invisible. ...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Sterling Silver, Enamel
Contemporary American Modern Conch and Cowrie Seashell Jewelry Box
Located in Queens, 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
Ceramic Chameleon Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Presenting the delightful "Succulent, Chameleon Jewelry Box," a captivating piece of ceramic art from South Africa, brought to life in 2024 by the creative talents of Motsamai Sello ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
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
$2,550 Sale Price
25% Off
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
21st Century "Caruso" Jewelry Wood Brown Box handmade, Italy
Located in Turin, IT
Caruso wooden box is handmade from precious type of wood in the workshop of Ivan Paradisi Atelier. Its simple, like the famous accompaniment to Caruso song, design doesn’t need more ...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Leather, Wood
Vintage Umbrella Stand in Briar and Gilded Finish - 1990s
Located in Manzano, IT
An elegant umbrella stand with a refined and timeless design, made in the 1990s. The frame features briarwood panels with warm, natural grain, framed by gold-colored aluminum profile...
Category
18th Century and Earlier Italian Antique Modern Boxes
Materials
Aluminum
Vintage Umbrella Stand in Briar and Gilded Finish - 1990s
Located in Manzano, IT
Vintage Umbrella Stand in Burl and Gilded Finish - 1990s
An elegant umbrella stand with a refined and timeless design, made in the 1990s. The frame features briarwood panels with wa...
Category
18th Century and Earlier European Antique Modern Boxes
Materials
Aluminum
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
Opinion Ciatti Snow.White Object Holder
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Snow.White, an elegant object holder (available in black or white marble) with an inner mirror and details in galvanic gold brass. Part of Once Upon A Time, the collection designed b...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Marble
Ceramic Tiger Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Royal Violet: Handcrafted Tiger Box" by Love Art Ceramic. Sculpted by Motsamay, painted by Sabelo in regal purple. The unique lid, a masterpiece by two artisans, offers a one-of-a-ki...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
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
Cuba 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 and its vibrant colors are a celebra...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Polyester, Wood
$10,339 / item
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
$1,662
Burl Walnut Thuya Wood Handmade Jewelry Casket Box Manning of Ireland Irish New
Located in Dublin, Ireland
This rare North African Thuya Wood Jewellery Casket was manufactured by the famed manning of Ireland company and is truly a jewel of handcrafted genius. This box is constructed of th...
Category
Early 2000s Irish Modern Boxes
Materials
Mahogany, Walnut
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
Ceramic Protea And Hoopoe Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Protea Hoopoe Jewelry Box
Hand-Painted by Sabelo Nene, Sculpted by Sbusiso Ndaba
Love Art Ceramic, South Africa, 2024
Introducing the Protea Hoopoe Jewelry Box, a stunning ceramic p...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African 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
Hand-Blown Murano Giant Box in Emerald Green with Brass Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
An object of striking allure, this monumental Murano glass box radiates refinement through its sculptural geometry and richly saturated emerald hue. The clarity of the hand-blown cry...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
$4,856 Sale Price
25% Off
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
Hexagonal Brass & Silver Decorative Box with Wooden Interior
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This unique hexagonal decorative box combines sleek geometric form with a mix of warm and cool tones. The exterior features a polished brass lid accented with silver-plated edging, c...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
Ceramic Zebra And Monkey Teapot , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Introducing the Ceramic Zebra Teapot from Imvelo Natural Art, a remarkable fusion of artistry and cultural heritage from South Africa. Hand-sculpted by Bernard and hand-painted by Sn...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Vintage Gucci Enamel and Gilt Cigarette/Card Case
By Gucci
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A rare vintage Gucci cigarette or card case, featuring the brand’s iconic design elements. The exterior is crafted with a glossy black enamel finish embossed with the classic interlo...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Enamel
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
Ceramic African Bird Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Crafted by the skilled hands of Sbusiso and painted with intricate detail by Minenhle at Love Art Ceramic in South Africa, this Bird jewelry box measu...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
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
Ceramic Protea And Bird Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Protea, Bird Jewelry Box
The "Protea, Bird Jewelry Box," crafted by the talented duo Motsamai Sello and Sabelo Nene at Love Art Ceramic in South Africa,...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Italian Alabaster Marble Jewelry or Desk Box
Located in New York, NY
An Italian dark brown alabaster marble jewelry box with a blue matte metal hinge. Box can hold jewelry or other small items. A great piece for a desk, vanity, nightstand, walk-in clo...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Marble, Alabaster, Metal
Vintage Gucci Makeup Box Lipstick Vault Beveled Mirror
By Gucci
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Gucci Lipstick Vault Box Beveled mirror
19.5 w x 9.5 d x 2.5 h
Box only. Worn used preowned vintage condition
Refer to images
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Mirror, Paper
Italian Vintage Brass & Steel Lidded Box, 1970
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Striking mid-century modern rectangular box crafted from polished brass and steel, featuring a hinged lid with a curved handle. The clean, geometric form is enhanced by the contrast ...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Metal
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
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
Ink Blue/Natural Horn Checkerboard Box
Located in New York, NY
Decorative keepsake/jewelry box clad in hand incised natural horn and ink blue dyed bone tiles hand set on a wood structure. A great addition to any desk or coffee table.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Boxes
Materials
Bone, Wood
Italian Onyx and Brass Jewelry Box with Velvet Lining, 1960
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This vintage jewelry box, crafted from smooth polished onyx, exudes timeless elegance. The natural stone features delicate, earthy veining, complemented by a refined brass trim that ...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Onyx
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
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
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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