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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Modern Cast Brass, Chiseled Timber and Resin Dawa Cocktail Bar Set
Located in Bothas Hill, KZN
The Dawa luxury bar set is a great addition to any home cocktail bar. These items can be bought individually or as a set. The set consists of the following: The Ice bucket's body ...
Category

2010s South African Modern Boxes

Materials

Copper, Brass

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

21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

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

2010s Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Metal

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

Late 20th Century German Modern Boxes

Materials

Silver Plate

Box in Polished Bronze by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Ashtray, box in polished bronze by FAKASAKA Design Dimensions: W 15.5 x D 15.5 x H 13 cm Materials: Polished bronze.  
Category

2010s Brazilian Modern Boxes

Materials

Bronze

Giacomo Sinopoli for Liwan's Modernist Chrome and Bronze Box, circa 1970
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning modernist decorative covered box was designed by Giacomo Sinopoli and crafted by Liwan's Rome in 1970. The piece features a large rectangular shape on a chromed metal b...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Metal, Chrome, Bronze, Enamel

Aretha Box by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Aretha box by Fakasaka Design Dimensions: W 15 cm D 15 cm H 9.5 cm. Materials: black/brown bronze. Also available in polished bronze. FAKASAKA is a d...
Category

2010s Brazilian Modern Boxes

Materials

Bronze

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

Silver Plate and Wood Box with Agate Stone Slab Decor, circa 1980
Located in Atlanta, GA
This exceptional modernist silver-plate lidded box has a design reminiscent of Gabriella Crespi's prestigious production. The rare piece was expertly crafted in Italy circa 1980. The...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Agate, Stone, Metal, Silver Plate

Jewelry Box Purple Charoite Gemstone
Located in New York, NY
A very beautiful, substantial and rare natural purple charoite gemstone mineral jewelry box, circa late-20th century. Charoite is rare gemstone mineral. A beautiful organic pattern g...
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Boxes

Materials

Stone, Chrome

Modernist Long and Flat Lucite Box, circa 1980
Located in Atlanta, GA
This exceptional modernist lidded box, crafted in Italy circa 1980, embodies both sophistication and practicality with its exquisite Lucite construction. The rare elongated, flat rec...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Lucite, Acrylic

Mid Century Decorative Carved Dome Top Valuables Box
Located in Incline Village, NV
Resting on four paw feet and opening via two rear butterfly hinges, this attractive carved dome top box features on the top, an oval highly carved applique cartouche, monogrammed w...
Category

1950s American Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Wood

Tronador Rectangular 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

Italian Playing Card Box with Dual Decks, 1970s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Charming 1970s Italian playing card box crafted in wood, showcasing the natural knots and swirling grain characteristic of the material. The hinged lid opens to reveal a neatly parti...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Wood

Wicker Bamboo Tissue Box Cover Holder
Located in New York, NY
A wicker bamboo tissue box cover, circa 1970s. Box is all bamboo with a beautiful marque opening on top. Dimensions: 5.5" D x 10.25" W x 3.13" Height.
Category

Mid-20th Century Asian Modern Boxes

Materials

Bamboo, Wicker

Cuba Humidor
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

Cuba Humidor
$10,340 / item
Christofle K&T Silver-Plate 3 Tier Cantilever Box Desk Accessory 90's French
Located in North Miami, FL
This fabulous signed Christofle 3-tiered silver-plate box, desk accessory, cocktail table addition and or barware, serving piece cantilevers out. It was designed by KT Studio in 1998...
Category

1990s French Modern Boxes

Materials

Silver Plate

Nero Forziere Contemporary Chest Safe in Black Polished Wood
Located in New York, NY
Brass-plated, 24-karat gold accessories. Unique features of this certified product includes: High level steel with several layers of chrome carbides for straightening Internal hinges...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Wood

Spanish Cedar Cigar Tray, by Massimo de Munari, Handmade in Italy
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

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

Modernist Hand-Blown Murano Glass Box in Ultramarine & Phthalo w/ Polished Brass
Located in New York, NY
This Modernist Hand-Blown Murano Glass Box in Ultramarine and Phthalo is an extraordinary blend of bold color, artisanal craftsmanship, and contemporary design. Made in Murano, Italy...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass

Ceramic bird by Barbara Delfosse, France, 1960s
Located in Paris, FR
bird ceramic box by Barbara Delfosse, La Borne, France, 1960's Signed
Category

1960s French Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

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

Lg Alessendro Albrizzi Faceted Lucite Gem Ice Bucket or Candy Container
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A beautiful luxurious octagonal faceted Gem Lucite ice bucket or candy container with swiveling lid and brass machined hinge pin. The inside is perfectly bowled out measuring 8.5", a...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Lucite

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

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass

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

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass

Saffron Trinket Box Black Large in Lacquer Wood & Brass, Viya By Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Saffron Trinket Box Black Large in Lacquer Wood & Brass, Viya By Vikram Goyal With moniker’s such as red gold, exquisite thread or golden light, saffron captivates us all. Anci...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass

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

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass

Saffron Trinket Box Ecru in Lacquer Wood & Brass, Viya By Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Saffron Trinket Box Ecru in Lacquer Wood & Brass, Viya By Vikram Goyal With moniker’s such as red gold, exquisite thread or golden light, saffron captivates us all. Ancient Rom...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass

Sculpted Mahogany Wood Coin Bank Art Object
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Studio Craft. Form + function. One-of-a-kind. Staved and sculpted wood. Original vintage condition, minor wear with nice patina consistent with age and use. Presents well for decor a...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Boxes

Materials

Mahogany

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

Blackbuck Round Trinket Box in Brass & Semi Precious Stone, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Blackbuck Round Trinket Box in Brass & Semi Precious Stone, Viya by Vikram Goyal In "The Book of Dreams”, the 17th century Indian manuscript, a ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass

Dal Negro Treviso Burl Wood and Brass Playing Card Box
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant vintage playing card boxes by Dal Negro Treviso, renowned Italian makers of fine game accessories. Each box is beautifully crafted from richly grained burl wood veneer, frame...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Wood

Contemporary Jewelry Box Handmade Black Wood and Engraved Glass by Ghirò Studio
Located in Pieve Emanuele, Milano
2022 Collection of Jewelry boxes by Ghirò Studio. This box is perfect synthesis of timeless style, innovative design and Italian craftsmanship excellence. This box is entirely in wood with a matte black finish. The lid is embellished with carefully crafted glass with the utmost precision. The crystal has an amber color finish rich in gold reflections that highlight the various hand-made engravings...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Glass, Wood

Blue Ocean Humidor
Located in Milan, IT
This iconic humidor is part of Maccarone's Yacht collection and can hold up to 150 cigars. Metal accessories in chromed brass and high gloss mahogany and mapl...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass

Blue Ocean Humidor
Blue Ocean Humidor
$9,805 / item
Hyaline Quartz Brass Box
Located in Milan, IT
A whimsical interplay of form and material, this exquisite box showcases a rectangular silhouette in polished nickel-plated brass and a sublime hyaline quartz...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Other

Aimara Medium 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

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

Hand-Blown Murano Box in Emerald Green with Brass Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This exquisite Murano box, hand-blown in a vibrant emerald green, is a celebration of Venetian craftsmanship and refined geometry. Its octagonal form is both striking and sculptural,...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass

Stella Box Nero & Arabescato By Greg Natale
Located in Sydney,, NSW
With a celestial silhouette, the Stella Box evokes the textures and terrains of lunar landscapes in contour and materiality. Carved from marble with a sculptural handle, the Stella B...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Boxes

Materials

Marble

Italian Round Wood and Tortoiseshell Box, 1970s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Charming Italian round box from the 1970s, crafted in warm wood with a contrasting faux-tortoiseshell lid. Both the interior and underside are lined in deep green felt, giving the pi...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Wood

Reed & Barton Midcentury Modern Sterling Silver Box
Located in New York, NY
Midcentury Modern sterling silver box. Made by Reed & Barton in Taunton, Mass. Long and rectangular with curved corners; cover hinged. Box interior wood lined; cover interior gilt wa...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Boxes

Materials

Sterling Silver

Italian Travertine and Marble Box, 1970s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Minimalist Italian stone box from the 1970s, crafted in natural travertine with a contrasting lid featuring an inlaid triangular panel of dark marble. The combination of porous, text...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Travertine

Hand Blown Murano Glass Box with 24 Karat Gold Flecks and Brass Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Murano Glass Jewelry Box in Crystal with 24 Karat Gold Flecks embodies elegance and sophistication with its timeless design and luxurious m...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass, Gold Leaf

White Maple Jewel Box by Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Maple Jewel Box in White.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Maple

Stella Box Travertine & Arabescato By Greg Natale
Located in Sydney,, NSW
With a celestial silhouette, the Stella Box evokes the textures and terrains of lunar landscapes in contour and materiality. Carved from marble with a sculptural handle, the Stella B...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Boxes

Materials

Marble

Modernist Hand-Blown Murano Glass Box in Ultramarine W/ Pulegoso Detailing
Located in New York, NY
This Modernist Hand-Blown Murano Glass Box in ultramarine is a stunning example of craftsmanship and design innovation from Murano, Italy. Handmade in the 21st century using traditio...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass

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

Jeweler, Russia, circa 1900 Malachite, 875/000 silver and Gold Plated
Located in Madrid, ES
Jeweler, Russia, circa 1900. Material: Malachite, 875/000 silver setting, gold plated. Hallmark: Guarantee mark and master's mark. Dimensions: 9.5 x 7 x 4.2 cm. Condition: Slight ...
Category

Early 20th Century Russian Modern Boxes

Materials

Malachite

Roma Eucalyptus Cigar Case
Located in Milan, IT
A splendid gift idea for cigar lovers or collectors of refined design pieces, this cigar case is masterfully crafted of cedarwood veneered with polished frisé eucalyptus. An elegant and refined classic silhouette that will enrich any style decor, it is enriched with a small and refined metal key, and equipped with a hygrometer and a Boveda holder. With a maximum capacity of 300 cigars, it 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

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

Agresti Rollo Tube Travel Case for 5 Watches
Located in New York, NY
Travel roll for 4 watches. Capacity for up to 4 watches on the adjustable roll. Available in three finishing options, see information below for details. Brown: Brown leather and mat...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Leather, Wood

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

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

20th Century Modern Boxes

Materials

Onyx, Marble, Brass

Onyx Marble Jewelry Trinket Box
Onyx Marble Jewelry Trinket Box
$375 Sale Price
21% Off
American Contemporary Beige and Brown Round Geometric Jewelry Box
Located in Queens, NY
American Contemporary beige and brown inlaid wood hexagonal geometric jewelry box
Category

20th Century American Modern Boxes

Karl Springer Chic Lidded Box with Green Shagreen Lacquer Top 1980s (Signed)
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
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

Purple 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 ...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Boxes

Materials

Acrylic

Blue Ocean 40 cigars Humidor
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

Supersport Double Ashtray
Located in Milan, IT
From the Yacht collection, our Dolcevita double Ashtray is the perfect detail for any luxurious enviroment. The ashtray is total high gloss varnished ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Gold

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.