Modern Boxes
MODERN STYLE
The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw sweeping social change and major scientific advances — both of which contributed to a new aesthetic: modernism. Rejecting the rigidity of Victorian artistic conventions, modernists sought a new means of expression. References to the natural world and ornate classical embellishments gave way to the sleek simplicity of the Machine Age. Architect Philip Johnson characterized the hallmarks of modernism as “machine-like simplicity, smoothness or surface [and] avoidance of ornament.”
Early practitioners of modernist design include the De Stijl (“The Style”) group, founded in the Netherlands in 1917, and the Bauhaus School, founded two years later in Germany.
Followers of both groups produced sleek, spare designs — many of which became icons of daily life in the 20th century. The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics. While Bauhaus principals Marcel Breuer and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe created furniture from mass-produced, chrome-plated steel, American visionaries like Charles and Ray Eames worked in materials as novel as molded plywood and fiberglass. Today, Breuer’s Wassily chair, Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona chair — crafted with his romantic partner, designer Lilly Reich — and the Eames lounge chair are emblems of progressive design and vintage originals are prized cornerstones of collections.
It’s difficult to overstate the influence that modernism continues to wield over designers and architects — and equally difficult to overstate how revolutionary it was when it first appeared a century ago. But because modernist furniture designs are so simple, they can blend in seamlessly with just about any type of décor. Don’t overlook them.
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Style: Modern
Ceramic Leopard Sugar Pot , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Crafted at Senzo Duma Ceramics in South Africa, this ceramic Leopard sugar pot measures 5 inches high, 6 inches long, and 4 inches wide. Artisan Lefu's sculpting skill portrays the l...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Ceramic Fish Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
The Fish Novelty Box by Love Art Ceramic is a charming testament to South Africa's vibrant artistic tradition. Hand-sculpted by Sondelani Ntshalintshali and meticulously hand-painted...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Ceramic Cheetah Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Cheetah Jewelry Box Hand Painted by Slie and Sculpted by Sbusiso
Experience the elegance of South Africa with the exquisite Cheetah Jewelry Box, a beautifully crafted piece from Love...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Ceramic Protea And Bird Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Protea, Bird Jewelry Box
The "Protea, Bird Jewelry Box," crafted by the talented duo Motsamai Sello and Sabelo Nene at Love Art Ceramic in South Africa,...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Modern Etched Brass Coaster Bar Set Presented in an Agate Decorated Lucite Box
By Egg Designs
Located in Bothas Hill, KZN
These modern brass coasters are etched with a snakeskin animal pattern and are presented in a Lucite box decorated with a Rose Quartz Agate cabochon.
This unique and bespoke coaster set is part of the Egg Designs Dawa luxury bar set collection and will be a great addition to any home cocktail...
Category
2010s South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Quartz, Brass
Ceramic Chameleon Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Succulent Chameleon Jewelry Box
Hand Painted by Winnie Nene and Sculpted by Motsamai Sello
The Succulent Chameleon Jewelry Box is a delightful ceram...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Ceramic Bird Protea Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Protea Bird Jewelry Box
Hand Painted by Jabu and Sculpted by Sbusiso
The Protea Bird Jewelry Box is a beautifully crafted ceramic art piece from Love Art Ceramic, created by the tal...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Ceramic Monkey Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
This handcrafted ceramic monkey box is a delightful creation from the talented artisans of South Africa. Shaped like a seated monkey enjoying a banana, its ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Birdie Miller Raised Artisan Jewelry Box
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Birdie Miller Raised Jewelry Box. Looks equally good off of it's raised platform. Made of several woods with rosewood handles. Signed to bottom platform.
Category
1990s American Modern Boxes
Materials
Mahogany, Maple, Rosewood, Walnut
Ceramic Tiger Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Royal Violet: Handcrafted Tiger Box" by Love Art Ceramic. Sculpted by Motsamay, painted by Sabelo in regal purple. The unique lid, a masterpiece by two artisans, offers a one-of-a-ki...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Ceramic Locust Coin Dish , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Locust Coin Dish
Hand Painted by Zinhle Nene and Sculpted by Sbusiso Ndaba
From Love Art Ceramic, South Africa (2024)
Introducing the Locust Coin Dish, a striking piece of ceramic a...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Ceramic Protea With Bird Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Protea, Hoopoe Jewelry Box
Hand-Painted by Zinhle Nene & Sculpted by Sbusiso Ndaba
Love Art Ceramic, South Africa, 2024
The Protea, Hoopoe Jewelry Box is a stunning work of ceramic ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
American Modern Sterling Silver Box by Ubaldo Vitali for Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Modern sterling silver box. Long and rectangular with straight sides and sharp corners; cover hinged with overhanging rim and gently curved top. Box interior cedar lined and partitio...
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Boxes
Materials
Sterling Silver
Ceramic Aloe jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Sculpted with care and creativity, this one-of-a-kind aloe vera-shaped box is a delightful fusion of nature and art. Handmade with meticulous attention to detail, its gentle curves a...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Perlino and Marble "Rovinette" Business Card Holder, Ilaria Bianchi
Located in Geneve, CH
Perlino and marble "Rovinette" business card holder - Ilaria Bianchi
Dimensions: 5 x 5 x 16 cm
Materials: Pink Perlino, Macauba marble
Rovinette, the new desk...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Marble
1994s 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
Small Caribe Chic Basket 1 by Sebastian Herkner
Located in Geneve, CH
Small caribe chic basket 1 by Sebastian Herkner
Materials: Galvanized and powder-coated tubular steel. PVC strings are made from recycled pla...
Category
2010s German Modern Boxes
Materials
Steel
Agresti Privato Safe
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
"Agresti 'Privato' safe for jewelry, available in three finishing options. See information below for details of finishing variations.
Copper: Jewelry case in hammered copper finish s...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Steel
Giant Hand Blown Murano Glass Box in Emerald Green with Brass Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This rectangular emerald green Giant Green Murano Box is a stunning testament to the beauty and artistry of Murano glass. Handcrafted on the historic ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
Morpho Blue Butterfly Frame in White Oak and Brass by Cam Crockford
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Morpho blue butterfly frame in white oak and brass by Cam Crockford
Additional Information:
Materials: White oak - brass - linen - blue morpho butterfly...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
Table Box Enamel two-tone ruby red and emerald green Salimbeni.
Located in Firenze, FI
Rectangular table box in 925/1000 gold-plated sterling silver with translucent fired enamel stripes on guilloche, two-tone ruby red and emerald green, in a modern contemporary style....
Category
Early 2000s Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel, Gold
Small Caribe Chic Basket 3 by Sebastian Herkner
Located in Geneve, CH
Small Caribe Chic basket 3 by Sebastian Herkner
Materials: Galvanized and powder-coated tubular steel. PVC strings are made from recycled pla...
Category
2010s German Modern Boxes
Materials
Steel
Sunchos Basket III by Pauline Deltour
Located in Geneve, CH
Sunchos basket III by Pauline Deltour
Materials: 100% recycled Polypropylene
Dimensions: D 31 x W 26 x H 26 cm
Available in colors: salmon/ lilac/ turquoise, black/ white, orange...
Category
2010s German Modern Boxes
Materials
Plastic
Aimara Medium Alpaca Silver Box
By AIREDELSUR
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
Arnolfo di Cambio Cigar / Cigarette Box by Joe Colombo in Years '68 Bilia Series
By Joe Colombo
Located in Biella, IT
Arnolfo di Cambio cigar/cigarette box by Joe Colombo in years '68 bilia series.
Glass perfect condition and silver plate with light fading.
Measure large 8 inches x deep 5" x...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
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
Blue Ocean Humidor
By Maccarrone
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
Contemporary Jewelry Box Handmade Black Wood and Engraved Glass by Ghirò Studio
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
22:15 _ White Ceramic and 24-K Gold Details Handcrafted Jewelry Box
By LatoXLato
Located in Bologna, Bologna
The white painted ceramic box with lid 22:15 of the 'Meridiane' collection can be the container where you find a candy to relax after dinner, as well as the storage in which to put the jewelry on the night table before going to bed.
This object is hand made in refined white ceramic and finished with precious 24k gold based paint. It is a decorative piece that can be placed in any room of the house and give it a touch of uniqueness. The box is inspired by Casa Malaparte...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Gold
Italian Modern Sterling Silver Box
Located in New York, NY
Modern sterling silver box. Cube; cover hinged with vertically ribbed rim. Interior has detachable frame for holding cigars and cigarettes. Post-1967 Italian marks including maker’s ...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Sterling Silver
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 Cast Brass, Chiseled Timber and Resin Dawa Cocktail Bar Set
By Egg Designs
Located in Bothas Hill, KZN
The Dawa luxury bar set is a great addition to any home cocktail bar. This set is a stock item and available to ship. These items can be bought individually, shipping prices would ch...
Category
2010s South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Copper, Brass
Rare Christofle Laque de Chine Box - Sienna.
By Christofle
Located in Bath, GB
A rarely found piece of Christofle "Laque de Chine", part of the Talisman range by the creme de la creme of French silversmiths, Christofle of Paris.
The body is made from silver ...
Category
1980s French Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Silver Plate
Modern Copper Straw Bar Set Presented in an Agate Decorated Lucite Box
By Egg Designs
Located in Bothas Hill, KZN
These modern copper straws are presented in a Lucite box decorated with a Rose Quartz Agate cabochon.
This unique and bespoke copper straw set is part of the Egg Designs Dawa luxury bar set collection and will be a great addition to any home cocktail bar...
Category
2010s South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Quartz, Copper, Brass
Anthracite Carbalho Humidor
By Maccarrone
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
Belt real black python buckle Sterling silver fire enamel hand painted Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Belt in genuine black python reptile with oval buckle in 925/1000 silver with translucent fire enamel on sunburst guilloche and hand-painted miniature depicting a branch of peach blo...
Category
Early 2000s Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Sterling Silver, Enamel
Onyx Marble Jewelry Box
Located in New York, NY
A very beautiful, substantial, Belgian, modern brown, caramel, and white onyx marble and brass hinged box, circa early to mid-20th century, Belgium. Box is rectangular in shape and c...
Category
Early 20th Century Belgian Modern Boxes
Materials
Marble, Onyx, Brass
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
Heart table box Yellow enamel Sterling Silver Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Heart-shaped table box in 925/1000 sterling silver with translucent enamel fired on guilloche above and below. Contemporary modern style. Dimensions cm. 9 x 9.5 cm high. 3.Weight gr....
Category
1990s Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Gold, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Ebony Turned Canister, Half Spiral Large
Located in Jersey City, NJ
Curving lines and timeless elegance.
Essentially dark and dense, sustainably sourced, this object is the perfect marriage of extravagance and l’art du savoir-faire.
The preciou...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Mozambican Modern Boxes
Materials
Other
Contemporary American Modern Seashell Music Box / Jewelry Box
Located in Queens, NY
Contemporary American Modern music box / jewelry box with an exterior finished in beige and pink speckled seashells, which opens along a hinged edge to a red velvet interior, with a ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Boxes
Materials
Coral
Silver Box with Deer Ornament on Lid, circa 1940
Located in New York City, NY
Silver Box with Deer Ornament on Lid, France, c. 1940
Elegant silver plated box with a sitting stag adorning the top.
Additional Information:
Materials: Silver Plated Metal
Origin:...
Category
20th Century French Modern Boxes
Materials
Metal
Ceramic Bird Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Introducing the exquisite "Protea, Bird Jewelry Box," a stunning ceramic art piece crafted in South Africa in 2024 by the talented duo Motsamai Sello and ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Tiffany Modern Sterling Silver Box with Bold Wave Edge
Located in New York, NY
Midcentury Modern sterling silver box. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York. Rectangular with flat and hinged cover. Sides and front have wraparound low-relief band of imbricated chevro...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Modern Boxes
Materials
Sterling Silver
American Modern Sterling Silver Box
By Woods & Chatellier
Located in New York, NY
Modern sterling silver box. Made by Woods & Chatellier in New York, ca 1920. Rectangular with straight sides. Cover hinged with molded rim and gently curved top. Box interior cedar-l...
Category
Early 20th Century American Modern Boxes
Materials
Sterling Silver
Tronador Rectangular Cream Onyx Stone Box
By AIREDELSUR
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
Protea And Bird Ceramic Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Protea Bird Jewelry Box
Discover the exquisite Protea Bird Jewelry Box, a remarkable ceramic art piece from Love Art Ceramic, crafted in South Africa in 2024. Standing at 7 inches hi...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Small Brass Beetle Secret Box
Located in Milan, IT
Lined in velvet and topped with a beetle, this box has everything required to keep precious objects safe. An eye-catching accent for any space, the brass box is designed and crafted ...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
Polished Black Jewel Box in Maple and Mahogany
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Jewelry chest in polished black bird’s-eye maple and mahogany, ultra suede lining, 24-karat gold-plated brass accessories. With necklace bars, lockable doors and five drawers. Adjust...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Maple
Neon Green Acrylic Small Round Box by Paola Valle
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
Contemporary American Modern Small Circular Seashell Jewelry Box
Located in Queens, NY
Contemporary American Modern small circular jewelry box with an applied seashell exterior and black interior.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Boxes
Materials
Coral
Lune Box by Greg Natale
By Greg Natale
Located in Sydney,, NSW
The unique Solar collection conjures the spirit of the mystical universe. Natale’s solar candles encompass mysticism and pairs it with clean architectural lines in an evocative and e...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
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
Agresti Arco Small Armored Chest
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Polished white bird’s eye maple or polished walnut matte finish armored chest, 24-karat gold plated accessories. Round handle with biometric opening device and emergency key integrated. Inside pull out necklace...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Gold Plate
AIMARA Large Alpaca Silver Box
By AIREDELSUR
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
Alfred Dunhill Germany 1990 Decorative Desk Box In Black Leather & Chromed Steel
By Dunhill
Located in Miami, FL
Desk box designed by Dunhill.
Beautiful decorative vintage desk box, created in Germany for Alfred Dunhill, back in the 1990. It was made up in shiny black leather with a discrete f...
Category
1990s German Modern Boxes
Materials
Steel, Chrome
Snake Rectangular Box
Located in Milan, IT
A symbol of rebirth, the snake motif is the decorative focus of this luxury box in fine, clear crystal. A subtly scaled design enlivens the box's sides, cre...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Crystal
Ceramic Elephant Head Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
This ceramic Elephant head jewelry box is a stunning embodiment of African culture. Handcrafted by Jabu and sculpted by Sbusiso Ndaba at Love Art Cerami...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African 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.