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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Italian Brass Box, 1970s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a brass box from Italy, circa 1970, featuring a sleek, polished surface with a stepped, ribbed base design. The piece reflects the clean geometric lines and bold metallic fin...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass

JEWELRY CASE - GALUCHARME GALUCHARME genuine leather shagreen light pink
Located in Spilimbergo, IT
Design Modern and precious coating merge in this box shaped like a small trunk that opens to show cigarettes, or playing cards, or even favorite jewelry. Part of the exclusive G...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass

Samples Vienna Chair
Located in Milan, Lombardy
Samples of wood for chairs. Included in the envelope - 1 piece beech wood natural finishing - 1 piece Cane, straw - 1 piece Beech wood stained Canaletto walnut - 1 piece Colé I...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Wood

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

Lacquered Solid Wood Modern Minimal Modular Drawers from Costantini, Baccello
Located in New York, NY
Baccello lacquered solid wood Modern minimal modular drawers from Costantini. Each unit measures 20" x 20" x 5" high. 6 units as shown. Each one of these units is identical in sha...
Category

2010s Argentine Modern Boxes

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

French Sculptured Gilt Bronze Box 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

Maitland Smith Tessellated Rosso Levanto Marble Box, ca 1990s
Located in Cathedral City, CA
Exquisite Maitland Smith Tessellated Rosso Levanto Marble Box, ca 1990s. This octagonal slope sided box is clad in a beautiful tessellated rosso levanto marble and accented with a ...
Category

Late 20th Century Philippine Modern Boxes

Materials

Marble, Brass

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

A Box by J. Muckey
By J. Muckey
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A rare walnut box by J.Muckey-a craftsman active in the 1970's.
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

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

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

Tessellated Faux Horn Covered Box
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful tessellated faux horn decorative box made in France. Gorgeous detail work inside and out. Add some French style to you design project.
Category

1980s French Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Resin

Black Stripes Ziggurat Boxes by Oeuffice
Located in Geneve, CH
Black stripes ziggurat boxes by Oeuffice Edition: 12 + 2AP 2012 Dimensions: 25 x 25 x 55 cm Materials: Wood box, acrylic, solid stained wood. The ...
Category

2010s English Modern Boxes

Materials

Acrylic, Wood

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

Paw Jar with Brass Inlay by Marcantonio
Paw Jar with Brass Inlay by Marcantonio
$1,015 Sale Price / item
20% Off
Studio Mixed Woods Vanity Jewelry Box 1981 Robert Belander
Located in Los Angeles, CA
California craft design. One-of-a-kind. Handmade of mirrored glass, teak, walnut knob, feet and finials with cedar bottom. Fine original vintage condition. No damage or repairs. Pres...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Boxes

Materials

Glass, Teak, Walnut

Giant Hand Blown Murano Glass Box in Crystal with 24-Karat Gold Flecks
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Impressive in its scale alone, this exquisite Murano glass box is a masterpiece of luxurious craftsmanship, featuring a pristine crystal body adorned with shimmering 24-karat gold fl...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass, Gold Leaf

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

Hand-Blown Murano Box in Aqua Blue with Silver Flecks and Chrome Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hand-Blown Murano Box in Aqua Blue with Silver Flecks and Chrome Fittings captures the essence of Venetian artistry through an exquisite fusion of form, material, and luminosity. Thi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Boxes

Materials

Chrome, Silver Leaf

Vintage John Miller Studio Pottery Box, 20th Century
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A stunning vintage Studio Pottery stoneware lidded box applied with an arrangement of irregular cut shapes decorated in blue, brown and cream colored glazes on a light mottled creame...
Category

20th Century British Modern Boxes

Materials

Pottery, Stoneware

Box shaped “flowers” playing card suit black fired Art Deco style Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Box shaped like a “flowers” playing card suit in 925/1000 sterling silver with black fired enamel in Art Deco style, early 1900s. With lost hinge, i.e. semi-invisible. Dimensions cm....
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Gold, Sterling Silver, Enamel

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

Reed & Barton Sterling Silver Cigar Box with Hound Dog Finial
Located in New York, NY
Modern sterling silver cigar box. Made by Reed & Barton in Taunton, Massachusetts, ca 1920. Rectangular with straight sides. Cover hinged with molded rim; on top, cast figural finial...
Category

Early 20th Century American Modern Boxes

Materials

Sterling Silver

Italian Lacquered and Brass Box, 1970s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sophisticated Italian decorative box from the 1970s, featuring a cream lacquered body with ribbed detailing and brass corner accents. The sleek rectangular form highlights the refine...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Wood

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

Giant Hand Blown Murano Bow in Alexandrite with Brass Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Impressive in its scale alone, this stunning hand-blown Murano glass box exudes luxury and refinement. This exquisite Murano glass box features the captivating Alexandrite color, ren...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass

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

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

Maitland Smith Large Pink Marble & Brass Box
Located in Stamford, CT
Maitland Smith 1980s large tessellated stone and brass inlay decorative box. Light pink stone with light pink detailing. Brass banding retains unpolished patina.
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Stone, Brass

Constantin Box, A by Colé Italia
Located in Geneve, CH
Constantin box, A by Colé Italia with Agustina Bottoni Dimensions: H.10/13 Ø 28 cm Materials: Jewel box in brushed solid oak wood stained black; brass knob Also available: B- Ca...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass

Wood Box
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Incredible wood box.   
Category

1940s French Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Wood

Wood Box
Wood Box
$2,137
Waste Bin in Black Shagreen by R&Y Augousti
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Black Shagreen Waste Bin with Wood Interior by R&Y Augousti is a stunning blend of luxurious craftsmanship and functionality. Its exterior, crafted from hand-selected black shagr...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Modern Boxes

Materials

Wood, Shagreen Stingray

Set of Twelve Black Shagreen Napkin Rings by Fabio Ltd
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian black shagreen and stainless steel napkin rings with matching black leather boxes designed by Fabio Bergomi for Fabio Ltd / Made in Italy Each ring has diameter 1.5 inches a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Stainless Steel

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

Modernist Tall Box with Wood Marquetry Patchwork, 1970s
Located in Atlanta, GA
This remarkable modernist decorative box dates back to the 1970s. The piece boasts a tall structure that will capture anyone's attention. The box is square and features an interior m...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Acrylic Slate Grey Shorty Box by Alexandra Von Furstenberg
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Alexandra Von Furstenberg Shorty Box in Slate Grey are both decorative and functional. Featuring a sleek, low-profile design, these boxes are versatile for various uses. Place th...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Boxes

Materials

Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass

Isa Box 1694 by Filippo Dini
Located in Milan, IT
Stunningly crafted in glossy ebony, the glorious Isa Box features a hand engraved 24k gold plated brass top and is adorned with bevel edged horn inserts. Measuring 21 x 13 cm with a ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Gold Plate, Brass

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

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

Cigarette Case Fired Enamel on a Fine Hand-Engraved Mountain Landscape Sterling
Located in Firenze, FI
Rectangular table cigarette case with rounded corners in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with translucent fired enamel on a fine hand-engrave...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Sterling Silver, Enamel

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

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

large unique decorative handmade grey smoked ceramic box by ATOI circa 2010
Located in Neuilly-en- sancerre, FR
ATOI (born in 1987) Large unique handmade smoked ceramic decorative box circa 2010 Original good condition height 35 cm Large 15 cm
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

Hand-Blown Murano Box in Ruby with Brass Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hand-Blown Murano Box in Ruby with Brass Fittings is a radiant celebration of color, craftsmanship, and Italian elegance. Meticulously hand-blown in Murano, this striking piece showc...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass

Secret Watch Jewellery and Pen Display Box. Macassar Ebony leather and Shagreen.
Located in Queensland, AU
This intriguing box of drawers has four very secret, independent, opening mechanisms and provides storage for watches, jewellery including rings, cufflinks and earrings. It was cre...
Category

2010s Australian Modern Boxes

Materials

Nickel

21st Century Atena Leather Closet Box Handcrafted in Italy
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
Pure design with a special magnetic closing. The family of three Atena boxes made with eco-friendly and washable regenerated leather is perfect for a modern closet...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Leather

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

American flag in glazed presentation cabinet
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Here we present a traditionally folded American flag in glazed cabinet. Complete with certificate to say that the flag was flown over the capital and presented by the architect of t...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Boxes

Materials

Fabric, Glass, Teak

Chaumet Velvet Watch Box for One Watch, 1990.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Chaumet velvet watch box for one watch, 1990. Chaumet watch box, case in its box, circa 1990. H: 9.5 cm, W: 12.5 cm, D: 11 cm
Category

20th Century French Modern Boxes

Materials

Velvet

Box shaped “quadri” playing card suit red fired Art Deco style Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Box shaped like a “quadri” playing card suit in 925/1000 sterling silver with red fired enamel in Art Deco style, early 1900s. With internal hinge. Dimensions cm. 10.4 x 12.3 x 1.8. ...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Gold, Sterling Silver, Enamel

Box shaped “spade” playing card suit black fired Art Deco style Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Box shaped like a “spade” playing card suit in 925/1000 silver with black fired enamel in Art Deco style, early 1900s. With internal hinge. Dimensions cm. 9.5 x 10.7 x 1.8. Weight gr...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Gold, Sterling Silver, Enamel

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

Bowl, Jean François Reboul
Located in Paris, FR
Bowl by Jean François Reboul made of clay and enamel using Raku technique. 2019. “Certificate of Authenticity” provided by the gallery. Jean...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Boxes

Materials

Enamel

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

Giant Hand Blown Murano Glass Box in in Crystal with Bubbles and Brass Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Impressive in its scale alone, this stunning hand-blown Murano glass box exudes luxury and refinement. This Pulegoso Murano glass box is a captivating fusion of artistry and function...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass

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
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

GLOVER - Studio Pottery Raku Box - Turquoise Interior - Signed - Circa 1980's
Located in Chatham, ON
GLOVER - Vintage wheel thrown studio pottery dome lidded smoked raku box - unglazed exterior - bright turquoise glaze to the interior - signed on the base - c...
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

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

Italian Leather Desk Organizer 5 Box Storage Area
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful Italian black leather desk organizer, circa late-20th century, 1970s, Florence, Italy. This desk piece organizer is black leather, comprised of five (5) boxes with a rich clear lacquered wood back, brass hinges, and a center rest area (shown with car key, and small change purse...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass

Neon Orange 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

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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