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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Wood Box
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Incredible wood box.   
Category

1940s French Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Wood

Wood Box
Wood Box
$2,134
Rectangular Wood Box with Smoked Glass Lid
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Refined mid-century modern storage box featuring a rectangular wooden base topped with a smoked glass lid. The combination of warm wood grain and dark reflective glass gives it a sle...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Glass

Vintage Brass and Copper Woven Box
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This round vintage box features an intricate woven pattern crafted from alternating brass and copper strips, creating a rich interplay of warm metallic tones. The basket-like texture...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass

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

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

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

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

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

"Quadra" Square Leather Box Designed by Oscar Maschera
Located in Brooklyn, NY
"Quadra" is a square leather box, designed and manufactured by Oscar Maschera. Genuine Italian leather vegetable tanned. Colors combination to be chosen from the available range: tan...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Leather

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

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

1980s Modern Clear Plexiglass and Silver Plate Italian Design Square Box
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This Square Box designed and manufactured in Italy embodies the sleek, minimalist aesthetic characteristic of the era's design trends. Constructed from silver plated and clear plexiglass, a durable and transparent thermoplastic material known for its versatility and contemporary appeal, the box exudes a sense of modernity and sophistication. The transparency of the plexiglass allows for a clear view of the contents inside, adding a layer of functionality to its stylish design. The addition of silver plating along the edges or accents of the box enhances its visual appeal, offering a touch of luxury and refinement. The combination of clear plexiglass and silver plate creates a striking contrast, adding depth and interest to the overall design. The square shape of the box reflects the geometric simplicity favored during the 1980s, emphasizing clean lines and symmetry. Its compact size makes it ideal for storing small items or serving as a decorative accent piece on a desk, shelf, or tabletop. Designed and crafted in Italy, a country renowned for its rich tradition of craftsmanship and design innovation, this square box exemplifies the excellence and attention to detail synonymous with Italian design. It has normal signs of use and age visible on the photos. The box is on the style of Gucci Vintage home...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Silver Plate

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

Set Tronador Square & Rectangular Black Onyx Stone Boxes
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
Dimensions : Rectangular: 25 x 8 x 5 cm // 9.8" x 3.1" x 1.9" Square: 16 x 16 x 10 cm // 6,25" x 6,25" x 3,9" The shape of the inactive Tronador volcano reminded us of the pyram...
Category

2010s Argentine Modern Boxes

Materials

Stone, Onyx

Alexandra Von Furstenberg Acrylic Treasure Box in Sapphire - 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 a striking Sapphire. Made from high-quality Lucite, this blue ch...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Boxes

Materials

Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass

Contemporary Fiocco Armoire Safe in Shiny White Maple
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

Birdseye Maple, Leather

John Glick pottery/stoneware box , jewelry/ table box, signed .
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful box with waved design in stoneware / ceramic. Made by Plum Tree Potters, John Glick.
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

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

Alexandra Von Furstenberg Acrylic Treasure Box in Red - 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 a striking Red. Made from high-quality Lucite, this chic decorat...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Boxes

Materials

Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass

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

Egidio Broggi, Italy Silver Plate and Gold Plate Swirled Box, circa 1980
Located in Atlanta, GA
This is a fantastic silver plate decorative box created by Italian designer Egidio Broggi, Milano. The rare piece was crafted in Italy circa 1980. This impressive box features an ove...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Metal, Silver Plate

Turquoise Acrylic Small Round Box by Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Modern, colorful and fun round box that can be used as a decorative element on a coffee table, desk or nightstand. Serving double duty as a storage box or as a candy bowl. They loo...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Boxes

Materials

Acrylic

Tronador Square Black Onyx Stone Box
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
The shape of the inactive Tronador volcano reminded us of the pyramid shaped idea of our boxes that make up this collection. With a rectangular or square base, the box is a reflectio...
Category

2010s Argentine Modern Boxes

Materials

Stone, Onyx

Bacco Bar Armoire in Shiny Ebony
Located in New York, NY
Bar armoire with two doors and lid that can be fully opened. Contents: LIEBHERR wine cellar for 12 bottles, temperature ranging +5 to +20, set of 16 hand c...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Ebony

Ceramic Covered Container by Trudi Battershall
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Trudi Battershall Ceramic box. Crackle-glaze earthenware. In very nice shape, signed to bottom. The artist did a series of boxes that share the look of this one, sometimes boxes t...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

Set Tronador Mini Boxes, Cream Onyx Stone and Silver Alpaca
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

Modernist Off White Ceramic Lidded Box with Stylized Apple Motif 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

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

Black Polished Box for 20 Pens with Suede and Leather Detail
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

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

Vintage Green Stone and Brass Inlay Box
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This rectangular vintage jewelry or trinket box features an elegant geometric inlay design crafted from green marble or malachite-patterned stone set within a brass frame. The top sh...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Stone

Mid-Century Modern Solid Brass Trinket or Jewelry Box
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This rectangular mid-century modern box is crafted entirely from solid brass, featuring a brushed satin finish that gives it a warm, understated sheen. The box has a slightly curved ...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass

Vintage Red Marble Stone Jewelry or Trinket Box
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant rectangular vintage box is meticulously handcrafted from red marble stone, featuring a stunning mix of deep coral, russet, and sienna tones veined with natural dark lines. Th...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Stone

Green Onyx Stone Jewelry or Trinket Box with Natural Veining
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This rectangular vintage jewelry or trinket box is beautifully handcrafted from green onyx stone, showcasing the stone’s organic swirls and veining in rich tones of moss green, honey...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Stone

Vintage Striped Horn Inlay Decorative Box
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This elegant rectangular decorative box features a striking striped pattern crafted from natural horn inlays, showcasing rich variations in tone from amber and honey to deep espresso...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Wood

Vintage Red Onyx Stone Jewelry or Trinket Box
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rectangular vintage jewelry or trinket box crafted from richly colored red onyx stone, known for its deep crimson tones, intricate veining, and natural variations of amber and cream....
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Marble

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

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

Onyx Marble Jewelry Trinket Box
Located in New York, NY
A small neutral onyx marble round jewelry or trinket box, in the Modern style, circa 20th century. Box is round with coordinating lid. A convenient piece to hold small items, jewelry...
Category

20th Century Modern Boxes

Materials

Onyx, Marble, Brass

Onyx Marble Jewelry Trinket Box
Onyx Marble Jewelry Trinket Box
$380 Sale Price
20% Off
Smart & Modern American Sterling Silver Desk Box by Tiffany
Located in New York, NY
Smart and Modern sterling silver box. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York. Rectangular with straight sides. Cover flat and hinged with slight overhang. Stylish Midcentury design. Box i...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Boxes

Materials

Sterling Silver

American Modern Sterling Silver & Enamel Polo Horse Box
Located in New York, NY
Modern sterling box, ca 1920. Rectangular with straight sides. Cover hinged with overhanging rim and curved top; in black enamel, a polo player on charging pony with raised mallet. C...
Category

Early 20th Century American Modern Boxes

Materials

Sterling Silver, Enamel

Log Jar with Brass Inlay by Marcantonio
Located in Kolkata, IN
Log Jar, an usual object from the Forest collection, has intricate brass and resin inlay to resemble a log of wood, with a cute boney lid. For his debut creations, Marcantonio int...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass

Maison Lancel Paris Chrome Decorative Lidded Box
Located in Atlanta, GA
Maison Lancel Paris designed this stunning lidded box. The piece was crafted in France circa 1980. The minimalist rectangular shape features a sleek design with polished, chromed met...
Category

1980s French Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Marquetry Inlayed Covered Moderne Box
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gorgeous marquetry French decorative box with lid. In the French moderne style. Add some "chic" to your design project. Beautiful detail work inside and out.
Category

1960s French Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Wood

Handpainted Limoges Porcelain Egg Box for Asprey
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine diminutive porcelain dresser or vanity box. By Limoges for Asprey. In the size and shape of an egg. Decorated with handpainted green plants, blue devices, and extensive ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Boxes

Materials

Porcelain

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

Vintage Gucci Makeup Box Lipstick Vault Beveled Mirror
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

AIMARA Large Alpaca Silver Box
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
The waves on a choppy lake, rough by the wind, inspire the design of alpaca boxes and picture frames of this family, whose name comes from the tribe that dwelled in the North Argenti...
Category

2010s Argentine Modern Boxes

Materials

Metal, Sheet Metal

Roma Rosewood Cigar Case
Located in Milan, IT
Showcasing magnificently shaded and luminous brown hues, this cigar case is superbly handcrafted of cedar veneered with rosewood. Holding up to 300 cigars, it is enriched with an exquisite metal key and is equipped with a hygrometer and a Boveda holder. This classic and sophisticated design is 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

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

white and black japanese form stoneware ceramic box by ATOI circa 2010
Located in Neuilly-en- sancerre, FR
ATOI (Born in 1987) Large abstract stoneware ceramic black and white ceramic decorative box Signed original perfect condition Circa 2010 Height 18 cm Large 17 cm
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

Waste Bin in White Shagreen by R&Y Augousti
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The White Shagreen Rhomboid Waste Bin by R&Y Augousti is a masterpiece of functional design, combining luxurious materials and artisanal craftsmanship. Its exterior is adorned with m...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Modern Boxes

Materials

Wood, Shagreen Stingray

Marble and Onyx Jewelry Box or Decorative Vanity Box
Located in New York, NY
A substantial white marble and onyx-agate jewelry box or decorative vanity box. Box is square, predominately white marble, with an onyx-agate square surrounded by chrome lid detail. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Boxes

Materials

Onyx, Marble, Metal, Chrome

Knotted Tissue Box Caramel Home Office Accessories By André Fu Living
Located in Admiralty, HK
Description: Tissue box Color: Caramel Size: 27.5 x 15.5 x 7.9 H cm Material: PU Collection: Knotted.
Category

2010s Thai Modern Boxes

Materials

Faux Leather

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

Alexandra Von Furstenberg Acrylic Treasure Box in Yellow - 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 bright Yellow. Made from high-quality Lucite, this ch...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Boxes

Materials

Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass

Tronador Square Bordeaux Onyx Stone Box
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
The shape of the inactive Tronador volcano reminded us of the pyramid shaped idea of our boxes that make up this collection. With a rectangular or square base, the box is a reflectio...
Category

2010s Argentine Modern Boxes

Materials

Stone, Onyx

Mahogany Ladys Gentlemans Handmade Jewelry Casket Box Manning Ireland Irish New
Located in Dublin, Ireland
This well figured highly hand polished Mahogany jewellery casket with dome fronted detail, was manufactured by the famed manning of Ireland company and is truly a jewel of handcrafte...
Category

Early 2000s Irish Modern Boxes

Materials

Mahogany, Walnut

Black Acrylic Large Round Box by Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Modern, colorful and fun round box that can be used as a decorative element on a coffee table, desk or nightstand. Serving double duty as a storage box or as a candy bowl. They loo...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Boxes

Materials

Acrylic

Large smoked ceramic grey decorative box or pot by ATOI circa 2010 35 cm unique
Located in Neuilly-en- sancerre, FR
ATOI (born in 1987) Large unique handmade ceramic box or decorative pot by ATOI Signed under the base Smoked ceramic grey color Circa 2010 height 35 cm Large 15 cm
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French 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.

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