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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Alexandra Von Furstenberg Acrylic Treasure Box in Slate Grey - Large 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 Slate Grey. Made from high-quality Lucite, this chic decorative ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Boxes
Materials
Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass
Modernist Hand-Blown Murano Glass Box in Muted Green w/ 24 Karat Gold & Brass
Located in New York, NY
This Modernist Hand-Blown Murano Glass Box in muted green is a magnificent piece that showcases the brilliance of traditional Venetian craftsmanship infused with contemporary design ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
Acrylic Cubic Box in Orange by Designer Alexandra Von Furstenberg
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Cubic Treasure Box in Orange by Alexandra Von Furstenberg a striking fusion of modern design and functional elegance. Crafted from premium acrylic, this 5" cube is perfect for sh...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Boxes
Materials
Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass
Solo Lui Black Armoire with 36 Watch Winders
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Armored armoire in polished ebony, brass accessories in ruthenium. Safe with biometric opening device, drawers and trays lined for watches and jewelry. Available with 36 Swiss made w...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Ebony
$270,000 / item
Ceramic Pomegranate And Butterfly Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Pomegranate Butterfly Jewelry Box
Introducing the Pomegranate Butterfly Jewelry Box, an exquisite ceramic piece from Love Art Ceramic, crafted in...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Ceramic Cheetah Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
This ceramic Cheetah jewelry box, crafted by Sabelo Nene at Love Art Ceramic studio in South Africa, intertwines African wildlife with artistry. Standi...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Ceramic Protea Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Protea, Butterfly Jewelry Box Hand Painted by Jabu Nene and Sculpted by Sbusiso Ndaba from Love Art Ceramic
This enchanting Protea, Butterfly Jewelry Box is a testament to the vibra...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Contemporary American Modern Small Circular Seashell Jewelry Box
Located in Queens, 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
Set/5 Ceramic Pots, White & Grey, Handmade in Portugal by Lusitanus Home
Located in Lisboa, PT
Graham pots, Lusitanus Home Collection, handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Lusitanus Home.
This beautiful set includes three waterproof ceramic pots with lid, perfect to be displ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Agito Watch Winder Cabinet with glass front, marquetry decoration and lacquered
By Procreo
Located in London, GB
Agito watch cabinet offers 6 automatic mechanical watch winders in the main section of the watch box with pre-programmed watch rotators offering personal...
Category
2010s British Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
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
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
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
Watch Box in Brown for Five Watches Il Collezionista by Agresti
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Box for 5 watches, lined in protective ultra-suede. Hinge in ruthenium. Available in mahogany or polished ebony.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Ultrasuede, Wood
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 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
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
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
Watch Box for Nine Watches in Briar with Leather Detail
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Elm briar and striped mahogany for your collectable watches. Leather handles. Briar box for nine watches.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Leather, Wood
Ceramic Fish Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
The Fish Novelty Box by Love Art Ceramic is a charming testament to South Africa's vibrant artistic tradition. Hand-sculpted by Sondelani Ntshalintshali and meticulously hand-painted...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Set Tronador Mini Boxes, Bordeaux Onyx Stone and Silver Alpaca
By AIREDELSUR
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
Dimensions :
3.1 x 3.1 x 3.9 "
3.9 x 3.9 x 3.2"
The shape of the inactive Tronador volcano reminded us of the pyramid shaped idea of our boxes that make up this collection. With a...
Category
2010s Argentine Modern Boxes
Materials
Stone, Onyx
Ceramic Bird Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Succulent Bird Jewelry Box
Hand Painted by Winnie Mchunu and Sculpted by Motsamai Sello
The Succulent Bird Jewelry Box is a stunning ceramic art piece ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Ceramic Protea jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
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
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
Modernist Hand-Blown Murano Glass Box in Black W/ 24Karat Gold Flecks & Brass
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite modernist hand-blown Murano glass box is a testament to the enduring artistry of Venetian glassmakers. Crafted in Italy in the 21st century, the box is a contemporary ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
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
Wood Box
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Incredible wood box.
Category
1940s French Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Wood
$2,131
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
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
Horn Mosaic Decorative Jewelry Cigarette Box Art Deco Modernist Style
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This elegant decorative box showcases a striking geometric mosaic design crafted from natural horn, creating a sophisticated Art Deco meets Modernist aesthetic. The box features a se...
Category
2010s Unknown Modern Boxes
Materials
Horn
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
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
$1,266 / item
Modernist Hand-Blown Murano Glass Box in Smoked Rose with 24 Karat Gold Flecks
Located in New York, NY
This Modernist Hand-Blown Murano Glass Box in smoked rose is a sophisticated, one-of-a-kind piece that effortlessly blends timeless Venetian craftsmanship with modern design elegance...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Gold
Modernist Handblown Murano Glass Box in Sage Grey W/ Pulegoso Detailing & Nickel
Located in New York, NY
This Modernist Hand-Blown Murano Glass Box in Sage Grey is a stunning example of Venetian glass artistry, blending timeless craftsmanship with modernist sensibilities. Handmade in Mu...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Nickel
Tiffany Stylish Midcentury Modern Sterling Silver Desk Box
Located in New York, NY
Stylish Midcentury Modern sterling silver desk box. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York. Rectangular with straight sides. Cover flat and hinged with rectilinear rim; cover interior gil...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Modern Boxes
Materials
Sterling Silver
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
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
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 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
Ceramic Protea With Bird Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Protea, Hoopoe Jewelry Box
Hand-Painted by Zinhle Nene & Sculpted by Sbusiso Ndaba
Love Art Ceramic, South Africa, 2024
The Protea, Hoopoe Jewelry Box is a stunning work of ceramic ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
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
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
Mithé Espelt boxe
By Mithé Espelt
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Boite par Mithé Espelt décor de trois oiseaux.
Category
1970s French Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic, Wood
$3,797
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
Modernist Off White Ceramic Lidded Box with Stylized Apple Motif by Rosenthal
By Rosenthal
Located in New York, NY
This sophisticated ceramic lidded box was realized by the esteemed maker Rosenthal. It features a round body with a sculptural pull in the form of a...
Category
20th Century German Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Hand Made Horn Box
Located in New York, NY
Steam pressed decorative, dimensional horn tiled keepsake/desk box - a great addition to any dresser or book shelf.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Boxes
Materials
Horn, Wood
$875 / item
Hand Blown Murano Glass Box Large in Amber with Brass Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The infusion of golden amber lends a mesmerizing allure to this enchanting hand-blown glass box from Murano, Italy. The warmth evokes a sense of luxury and sophistication, which is a...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
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
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
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
R&Y Augousti, Paris Shagreen and Lacquered Jewelry Box
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
R&Y Augousti, Paris Shagreen, and Lacquered Jewelry Box
Paris, circa 1990s
This exquisite R&Y Augousti Shagreen and Lacquered Jewelry Box, made in Paris circa the 1990s, is a stunning example of sophisticated modern design and superb craftsmanship. Standing 12 inches high, 9.75 inches wide, and 10 inches deep, this table box features a luxurious shagreen exterior complemented by a sleek lacquered finish.
The twin doors open to reveal a meticulously designed interior with concealed compartments...
Category
Late 20th Century French Modern Boxes
Materials
Shagreen, Wood, Lacquer
$2,144 Sale Price
27% Off
Modern Cast Brass, Chiseled Timber and Resin Dawa Cocktail Bar Set
By Egg Designs
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
GAME CARD HOLDER - CIGARETTE HOLDER made of genuine shagreen bluette
Located in Spilimbergo, IT
Design Modern and valuable skin come together in this box in the shape of pannier, ideal for guard playing cards, cigarettes, or again, small jewelry.
Part of the exclusive ...
Category
Early 2000s Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
Modernist Octagonal Hand-Blown Blackened Garnet Murano Glass Box w/ Nickel
Located in New York, NY
This Modernist Octagonal Hand-Blown Murano Glass Box in blackened garnet is a breathtaking example of Italian artistry and innovation. Crafted in Murano, Italy, during the 21st centu...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Nickel
Karl Springer Chic Lidded Box with Green Shagreen Lacquer Top 1980s (Signed)
Located in New York, NY
Artisan box in black lacquer with hand-lacquered shagreen top and interior in green shagreen printed suede by Karl Springer, American 1980's (signed “Karl Springer” on brass label on...
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
Minimal design pear wood desk pen box Giordano Viganò
Located in Novedrate, IT
Pen box made of pear wood with a minimalist design. Pear wood has a pinkish color and is distinguished by fine, delicate grain that makes it elegant. The construction of this box is ...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Pearwood
Van Cleef & Arpel Velvet Jewellery Box for a Ring, 1990.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Van Cleef & Arpel velvet jewellery box for a ring, 1990.
Velvet jewellery box for a ring by Van Cleef & Arpel, presented in its cardboard box, circa 1990.
H: 8.5 cm, W: 10 cm, D: 10...
Category
20th Century French Modern Boxes
Materials
Velvet, Wood, Paper
Agresti Black Ebony Polished Wood Box for 24 Cufflinks with Leather Detail
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Box for 54 pairs of cufflinks in black polished wood with leather handles.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Ebony
Rino Pirovano for Rexite, Italy. 900 Multiplor. Container in red plastic
Located in København, Copenhagen
Rino Pirovano for Rexite, Italy. 900 Multiplor.
Container in red plastic with four compartments.
1970s/80s.
Designed in 1977.
In very good condition, lid with two interior chips.
Mar...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Plastic
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
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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