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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
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

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

Black Shagreen Tissue Box
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian black Shagreen tissue box with black leather presentation box designed by Fabio Bergomi for Fabio Ltd, made in Italy. Measures: Height...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Shagreen

Black Shagreen Tissue Box
Black Shagreen Tissue Box
$720 Sale Price
40% Off
Supersport 40 Cigars Humidor
Located in Milan, IT
From the Yacht collection, Supersport is the smallest humidor of Maccarrone's collections. Metal accessories are in chromed brass and high gloss grey ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Polyester, Wood

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

American Midcentury Modern Sterling Silver Box with Lower 48 Map
Located in New York, NY
Midcentury Modern sterling silver box. Rectangular with straight sides. Cover hinged with long tab. Gilt interior. On cover top is engraved map of the Lower 48, which at the time thi...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Boxes

Materials

Sterling Silver

Hand Carved Lapis Lazuli Mosaic Jewelry Box with Marble Interior
Located in New York, NY
Lapis lazuli hand carved mosaic lidded box, with white marble interior. Natural lapis stone has beautiful golden pyrite inclusions, like a sprinkling of fairy dust. The lapis mosaic...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Marble

Set of 2 White Ash Nun Vases by Matthias Scherzinger
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 2 white ash nun vases by Matthias Scherzinger. Limited edition of 30 pieces, each colour each size. Engraved brass-label with number. Dimensions: Small: L 14.5 x W 14.5 x 4...
Category

2010s German Modern Boxes

Materials

Ash

Sunchos Paper Bin by Pauline Deltour
Located in Geneve, CH
Sunchos paper bin by Pauline Deltour Materials: 100% recycled Polypropylene Dimensions: D 22 x W 22 x H 30 cm Available in colors: salmon/ lilac/ turquoise, black/ white, orange/...
Category

2010s German Modern Boxes

Materials

Plastic

Modernist Hand Blown Murano Glass Box in Smoked Bronze with Brass Detailing
Located in New York, NY
This beautiful modernist decorative box was realized in Murano, Italy- the island off the coast of Venice renowned for centuries for its superlative glass production. It features a v...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Murano Glass

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

ZERO Black Nickel and Bronze Valet Tray by OA
Located in Vero Beach, FL
ZERO valet tray in a black polished Nickel with a bronze mesh insert to catch the finest of jewels, keys or special trinkets. The valet tray is the perfect f...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Boxes

Materials

Metal, Bronze

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

Neon Green 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

Set Porteño Black & Cream Hand Painted Wood Boxes
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
8 " x 6" x 4" 12" x 8" x 4" 14" x 10" x 4" The urban and cosmopolitan Porteño family carries the spirit of the ones born in Buenos Aires city or “Porteño”, as they are commonly know...
Category

2010s Argentine Modern Boxes

Materials

Wood

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

Purple 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

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

Architectural Modern Domed Jewelry Box
Located in Chula Vista, CA
AMBIANIC presents Modernist Tiered Wood Sculptural Jewelry Box Dome Steeple top and pull-out drawers 9.5 h x 4 x 4 Preowned vintage condition See all images for details
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Boxes

Materials

Wood

1970s Modern White and Fake Tortoise Shell Lucite Rectangular Italian Vanity Box
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This vanity box is an high quality italian mid-century item, blending practicality with striking aesthetics. This piece captures the era's love for innovative materials and sleek, fu...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Lucite

Modern Jewelry Music Box Gray Gloss Oak Wood
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Music Jewelry Gray Box in Gloss Oak Wood Rectangular Modern Music Box Attic Inc Canoga Park California Stamped underneath 6.25 w x 5.5 d x 3.13 h Preowne...
Category

2010s American Modern Boxes

Materials

Oak

Tafi Small Onyx Oval Box
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
Tafi oval box, it is made entirely by hand in alpaca metal and onyx stone. It comes in three different sizes and you can choose between four different onyx stone colors: black, white/cream, blue or bordeaux Our pieces are made by hand. One of a kind. All natural stones may vary in color. About AIREDELSUR: With its rustic chic personality and the elegant designs of Marcelo Lucini...
Category

2010s Argentine Modern Boxes

Materials

Stone, Onyx

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

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

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

HOLIDAY GIFT- Vintage Villeroy & Boch Lidded Box of the Series Faces, 1980s
Located in Bochum, NRW
This is a gorgeous and hard-to-find sculptural porcelain box with a lid. It is shaped like a woman's head with a hat; the top of the hat forms the lid. It is not only a highly decora...
Category

1980s French Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Porcelain

Italian Onyx Marble Box
Located in New York, NY
A small 1970s Italian Modern white onyx marble round box. A great piece to hold small items on a desk or vanity area for paperclips or jewelry, such as ring...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Onyx, Marble

Italian Onyx Marble Box
Italian Onyx Marble Box
$220 Sale Price
20% Off
Hand-Blown Murano Giant Box in Emerald Green with Brass Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
An object of striking allure, this monumental Murano glass box radiates refinement through its sculptural geometry and richly saturated emerald hue. The clarity of the hand-blown cry...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass

Birra vintage da collezione di Birra Peroni, Italia, anni '70
Located in Manzano, IT
Aggiungete un tocco di storia della birra italiana alla vostra collezione con questa cassa di plastica vintage Birra Peroni, un pezzo autentico degli anni Settanta. Originariamente u...
Category

20th Century Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Plastic

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

Leather, Birdseye Maple

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

Vintage State Express Cigarettes Metal Cigarette Box with Wooden Interior
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This vintage cigarette box features a sleek metal exterior engraved with the classic State Express Cigarettes crest — an emblem of one of Britain...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Chrome

Liwan’s Italy Modernist Box, 1970s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Refined modernist rectangular box by Liwan’s, Italy, crafted in the 1970s with a clean architectural aesthetic. The piece features a brushed stainless-steel frame with a recessed smo...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Metal

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

Maitland Smith Tessellated Marble and Tortoise Shell Box
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Maitland Smith tessellated stone box with a mother of pearl finial handle. The interior of the box is lined with a black felt and has a removable lid. The box rests on sterling silver ball and claw feet as well as the entirety of the box is framed with a sterling silver border. History and craftsmanship for nearly four decades Maitland-Smith has been in the business of creating exquisite and unique decorative accessories, lighting and accent furniture and elegant mirrors from our La Barge Collection. Founded by a London antiques dealer with the eye of a connoisseur, Maitland-Smith has carried on the tradition of creating stunning accents for the home of the highest quality. From the beginning, our many workrooms have been artisan based and employ time-honored techniques developed before the machine age. Many of these skills date back to the world’s earliest civilizations, and are associated with Fine quality furniture and decorative arts. Maitland-Smith is well-known for many handcrafted specialties, including hand carved tropical mahogany, handcut and inlaid exotic wood veneers, lost wax cast metal mounts and decorative objects, as well as, traditional vegetable tanned and hand-tooled leather. Other areas of expertise include finely executed porcelains, sophisticated finishing techniques, and detailed hand painting. Maitland Smith draws inspiration from great works from the 18th, 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries and in collaboration with design partners Tony Duquette Studios and its president, Hutton Wilkinson and also Celerie Kemble, Donald Bustraan...
Category

Late 20th Century Philippine Modern Boxes

Materials

Stone, Marble, Sterling Silver

Pietra Box Arabescato & Antico by Greg Natale
Located in Sydney,, NSW
Carved from one of four types of authentic marble, the Pietra Box presents a playful fusion of classic materials and modern design. With a complementary stone handle, this decorative...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Boxes

Materials

Marble

Pair of Grey Italian Pottery Covered Table Boxes, 20th Century
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine pair of figural Italian pottery covered boxes. In the form of grey pears with a twig and leaf stem. A charming pair of figural boxes! Marke...
Category

20th Century Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Pottery

Ghidini 1961 Knotted Cherry Medium Box in Brass by Nika Zupanc
Located in Villa Carcina, IT
Fiasco. Guilt. Fear of love. A place to hide all the things we secretly desire yet are too scared to utter. The luscious things the perfect lover knows are never to be told. She drea...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass

Hand-Blown Murano Box in Tobacco with Brass Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This hand-blown Murano box in deep tobacco glass embodies a quiet opulence, crafted with sculptural precision and timeless sophistication. The octagonal silhouette is both striking a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass

Roma Brown Rosewood Cigar Case
Located in Milan, IT
An elegant and refined collector's piece, this cigar case will add an accent of sophisticated flair to any modern or traditional interior. The perfect gift for a cigar lover, it flaunts a classic silhouette handcrafted of cedarwood, venereed in lacquered rosewood. Enriched with a small metal key, it is equipped with a hygrometer and Boveda holder. The piece can come 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

Première Dame Jewelry Box in Ebony with Bone Inlay by Giordano Vigano
Located in Novedrate, IT
Première Dame” is a jewelry box made of ebony. The inside is divided in different compartments covered in soft suede. The engraved decoration on the lid...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Bone, Ebony

James Bearden Containment Box #2
Located in New York, NY
Sculptural "Containment" box, a vessel in blackened steel, dyed bronze, and red glass enamel by American artist James Bearden. Number 2 in a series. Top lifts off revealing an abstra...
Category

2010s American Modern Boxes

Materials

Steel, Bronze, Enamel

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

American Modernist Geometric Inlaid Two-Tone Wood Lidded Bucket /Vessel, 1950s
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
American Modernist Geometric Inlaid Two-Tone Wood Lidded Bucket /Vessel, 1950s Presenting a tour de force of unknown American modern design, this inlaid two-tone wood lidded bucke...
Category

20th Century American Modern Boxes

Materials

Ash, Walnut, Pine

Birra Birra da collezione in plastica di Peroni, Italia, anni '70
Located in Manzano, IT
Cassa di plastica Birra Peroni vintage anni '70 - Birra italiana da collezione Aggiungete un tocco di storia della birra italiana alla vostra collezione con questa cassa di plastica...
Category

20th Century Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Plastic

Turquoise 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

Anthracite Carbalho Humidor
Located in Milan, IT
This iconic humidor is part of Maccarone's Essenza collection and can hold up to 150 cigars. Metal accessories in gold brass and high quality gloss veneer enhance this elegant and re...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Gold, Brass

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

Neon Orange 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

Vintage Umbrella Stand in Briar and Gilded Finish - 1990s
Located in Manzano, IT
Vintage Umbrella Stand in Burl and Gilded Finish - 1990s An elegant umbrella stand with a refined and timeless design, made in the 1990s. The frame features briarwood panels with wa...
Category

18th Century and Earlier European Antique Modern Boxes

Materials

Aluminum

Black 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

Hand Blown Octagonal Murano Glass Box in Smoked Garnet
Located in New York, NY
This sophisticated modernist decorative box was realized in Murano, Italy- the island off the coast of Venice renowned for centuries for its superlative glass production. It features...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Murano Glass

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

Giant Hand Blown Murano Glass Box in Onyx Black with Chrome Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Impressive in its scale alone, this stunning hand-blown Murano glass box exudes luxury and refinement. Handcrafted on the historic Venetian Island of Murano, this oversized box comma...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Chrome

20th Century Tessellated Bone Trinket Box
Located in Bradenton, FL
An elegant modern style tessellated bone trinket box with black felt-lined interior. Mostly cream in color, but does have hints of light pink througho...
Category

20th Century Philippine Modern Boxes

Materials

Bone, Felt

Ghidini 1961 Knotted Cherry Small Box in Brass by Nika Zupanc
Located in Villa Carcina, IT
Fiasco. Guilt. Fear of love. A place to hide all the things we secretly desire yet are too scared to utter. The luscious things the perfect lover knows are never to be told. She drea...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass

Porteño Small Black & Cream Hand Painted Wood Box
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
The urban and cosmopolitan Porteño family carries the spirit of the ones born in Buenos Aires city or “Porteño”, as they are commonly known. Its boxes, trays and flower vases have a ...
Category

2010s Argentine Modern Boxes

Materials

Wood

Cartier Decorative Box Display Stand, Metal, Modern Design, France
Located in London, England
Découvrez le raffinement du présentoir Cartier, idéal pour mettre en valeur vos bijoux ou montres avec une touche d'élégance. Ce présentoir chic comporte une base blanche immaculée e...
Category

2010s Unknown Modern Boxes

Materials

Metal

Piccolo Intreccio Armored Armoire Braided Gold and Black Leather
Located in New York, NY
Armored jewelry cabinet covered in gold and black hand threaded leather. Varnished outside in metallic gold color. Accessories in 24 karats gold plated brass. Drawers covered in blac...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Metal

Set Tronador Large Mini Boxes, Onyx Stone and Silver Alpaca
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

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.