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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Ceramic Monkey Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Pomegranate Monkey Jewelry Box The Pomegranate Monkey Jewelry Box is a stunning piece of ceramic decorative art created in South Africa by the talented...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

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

Waste Bin in Black Oak Detail by R&Y Augousti
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Black Oak Detail Waste Bin by R&Y Augousti exemplifies understated luxury, blending meticulous craftsmanship with premium materials. Handcrafted from rich black oak, the structur...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Modern Boxes

Materials

Wood, Oak

Acrylic Cubic Box in Lagoon by Designer Alexandra Von Furstenberg
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Cubic Treasure Box in Lagoon by Alexandra Von Furstenberg a striking fusion of modern design and functional elegance. Crafted from premium acrylic, this 5" cube is perfect for sh...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Boxes

Materials

Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass

20th Century Silver Box, Hungary, circa 1980
Located in Cagliari, IT
Magnificent box in sterling silver and wood. On the lid are set reproductions of ancient coins of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. In fact the producer of this article, Artex, was a bra...
Category

1980s Hungarian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Silver

Novelty Solid Silver Box by Theo Fennell - 1986
Located in Bath, GB
A highly collectable heavy, solid sterling silver box signed on the underside by the famed London silversmith and Jeweller, Theo Fennel. The box is hand crafted in the form of a tru...
Category

1990s British Modern Boxes

Materials

Sterling Silver

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

Danish Modern Enameled Abstract Teak Table Box
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Danish modern enameled abstract teak table box We are pleased to offer a Danish modern enameled abstract teak table box, this rectangular piece combines functionality and artistic e...
Category

20th Century Danish Modern Boxes

Materials

Copper, Enamel

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

Hand-Built Glazed Ceramic Jewelry Box with Drawers, Florida Artist Rexx Fischer
Located in Miami, FL
Hand-Built Glazed Ceramic Jewelry Box with Drawers, Florida Artist Rexx Fischer Offered for sale is a hand-made glazed ceramic jewelry box ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Boxes

Materials

Ceramic, Felt

Isa Box 1693 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

Solo Lui Black Armoire with 18 Watch Winders
Located in New York, NY
Armored armoire in polished ebony, brass accessories in Ruthenium. Safe with biometric opening device, drawers and trays lined for watches and jewelry. Available with 18 Swiss made watch...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Ebony

Vintage Japanese Ball Shaped Plastic Tea Caddy Storage Containers, Set of 3
Located in San Carlos, CA
🍵 Elevate Your Storage: Set of 3 Japanese Natsume Tea Caddies! 🍵 Enhance your storage solutions with a touch of elegance and functionality with our wonderful set of three hard pla...
Category

1980s Japanese Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Plastic

Modernist Translucent Glass Stylized Egyptian Eye of Horus Dish by Rosenthal
Located in New York, NY
This stunning modernist dish was realized by the esteemed German maker Rosenthal. It offers a sinuously curved ellipsoid form with raised sides and a central circular depression. The form suggests the ancient Egyptian symbol of the Eye of Horus...
Category

20th Century German Modern Boxes

Materials

Glass

Decorative Ceramic Box Orange and Black Colors by Jean Grison
Located in Neuilly-en- sancerre, FR
Jean Grison Elegant and delicate decorative ceramic box by the French artist. Many ceramic colors effects. Signed under the base, circa 2000. Original good conditions. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

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

Hand Blown Murano Glass Box in Black with Bubbles and Brass Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Black Pulegoso Murano glass box is a captivating fusion of artistry and functionality, crafted on the renowned Venetian island of Murano. Distinctive for its unique texture, the...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass

Hand Blown Murano Glass Box in Onyx Black with Murine Detailing
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

Hand Blown Murano Glass Box in Crystal with Bubbles and Brass Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Pulegoso Murano glass box is a captivating fusion of artistry and functionality, crafted on the renowned Venetian Island of Murano. Distinctive for its unique texture, the Puleg...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass

Waste Bin in White Shagreen Detail by R&Y Augousti
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The White Shagreen Detail Waste Bin by R&Y Augousti is a masterful blend of elegance and functionality, crafted with meticulous attention to detail. Encased in luxurious white shagre...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Modern Boxes

Materials

Wood, Shagreen Stingray

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

Ghidini 1961 Small Knotted Cherry Box in Polished Brass
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Small box available in brass and rose gold finishes.   
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass

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

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Ebony

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

Acrylic Cubic Box in Red by Designer Alexandra Von Furstenberg
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Cubic Treasure Box in Red by Alexandra Von Furstenberg a striking fusion of modern design and functional elegance. Crafted from premium acrylic, this 5" cube is perfect for showc...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Boxes

Materials

Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass

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

Polished Black Jewel Chest with Gold-Plated Hardware
Located in New York, NY
Jewel chest in polished ebony. The two side doors close, by key, the five drawers. And on the side you have two necklace bars. The drawers are organized to...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Gold Plate

Hand Blown Murano Glass Box M in Leopard with Brass Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This avant-garde adornment is a unique and eye-catching piece that combines the rich tradition of Murano glassmaking with a contemporary and fashionable design. Handcrafted on the hi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass

French Modern Stitched Leather Rectangular Table Box
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
French Modern Stitched leather Rectangular table box France, later 20th century French modern leather table box, reminiscent of Jacques Adnet works. This stately rectangular box ...
Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Boxes

Materials

Leather, Fabric

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
Seguso Murano opalescent yellow decorative /jewelry lidded box .
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful murano glass box in an opaline yellow color lidded / covered .
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Murano Glass

Modernist Hand-Blown Murano Gray Bullicante Detailed & Brass Fitted Glass Box
Located in New York, NY
This sleek and beautifully formed Modernist Hand-Blown Murano Glass Box W/Grey Bullicante Detailing and Brass Fittings originates from Italy during the 21st Century. This box is rect...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass

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

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Boxes

Materials

Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass

Tronador Medium Mini Box, Brown 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

Twist Small Crystal Box
Located in Milan, IT
The timeless allure of clear crystal meets elegant textural details and pure volumes in this sublime crystal box. Equipped with a matching lid featuring ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Crystal

Acrylic Cubic Box in Black by Designer Alexandra Von Furstenberg
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Cubic Treasure Box in Black by Alexandra Von Furstenberg a striking fusion of modern design and functional elegance. Crafted from premium acrylic, this 5" cube is perfect for sho...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Boxes

Materials

Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass

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

2010s Argentine Modern Boxes

Materials

Stone, Onyx

Hand Blown Murano Glass Box in Onyx Black with 24 Karat Gold Flecks
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This elegant hand-blown glass box is a striking example of the artistry and sophistication of Murano glassmaking. Handcrafted on the historic Venetian Island of Murano, this oversize...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass, Gold Leaf

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

Twist Small Purple Box
Located in Milan, IT
This precious box in fine crystal is a glamorous and sleek take on traditional crystal pieces. The enthralling conflict between the gold-plated bronze edges, the purple-hued body, an...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Crystal

Hand Blown Murano Glass Box in Onyx Black with Chrome Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Discover the epitome of elegance with this exquisite Murano glass box, meticulously crafted in Murano, Italy. Available in both large and giant sizes, this box exudes sophistication ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Chrome

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

21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Modern Boxes

Materials

Wood, Shagreen Stingray

Neon Green Acrylic Christmas Tree Decor by Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Christmas is a season of joy and, for us that means color! Celebrate the season with this colorful, fun and modern Christmas Tree sculptures, and give a new twist to the traditional Christmas color palette. This sculptures will look merry and bright in shelves, fireplace mantle, or even to decorate you kids bedroom...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Boxes

Materials

Acrylic

Ken Beldin, Wood, Copper, Ceramic, Primitive Art, Jewelry Box
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful jewelry box by the known American artist Ken Belgian. He worked in Taxco, Mexico in a modern/primitive style craft . This wooden box ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mexican Modern Boxes

Materials

Copper

Modernist Bookmatched Walnut Decorative Box with Smoky Quartz Embellishment
Located in New York, NY
This sophisticated modernist box was realized in the United States during the 21st century. It features a cubic body in bookmatched walnut with an embellishment (that doubles as a ha...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Boxes

Materials

Quartz

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

Karl Springer Unique Hinged Box in Polished Sodalite Stone 1980s 'Signed'
Located in New York, NY
Stunning one-of-a-kind hinged box in polished blue sodalite stone by Karl Springer, American 1980's (shown with original showroom tag from the 1980’s). Blue sodalite is a rare minera...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Stone, Brass

Vintage Monumental Brass, Gold MIrror and Lucite Italian Box Desk Accessory Rare
Located in North Miami, FL
This stellar and beyond fabulous large vintage 2 part Italian box from the 70's is monumental and from the iconic Casa Bella chic shop in Miami from the time period. It is brass on t...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass

Table Box Heart shape Sky tone fire-enameled on guilloche Salimbeni.
Located in Firenze, FI
Heart-shaped table box in 925/1000 sterling silver with translucent fired enamel on guilloché above and below. Modern contemporary style. Dimensions cm. 8 x 8.8 high cm. 2.8. Weight ...
Category

1990s Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Gold, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel

Christofle K&T Silver-Plate 3 Tier Cantilever Box Desk Accessory 90's
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

Hand Blown Murano Glass Box in Onyx Black w/ 24Karat Gold Flecks
Located in New York, NY
This elegant and impressive modernist decorative box was realized in Murano, Italy- the island off the coast of Venice renowned for centuries for its superlative glass production. It...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Murano Glass

Yellow Quartz Brass Box
Located in Milan, IT
Bridging innovative craftsmanship with refined materials, this elegant box is a sculptural object of understated luxury. The square silhouette, made of polished gilt-plated brass, features a distinctive lid in vibrant yellow quartz...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Other

20th Century Blue and White Stoneware Ceramic Decorativ Ebox by C Poulsen, 1980
Located in Neuilly-en- sancerre, FR
Charlotte Poulsen - La Borne Unique piece signed at the base Original stoneware ceramic decorative box by Charlotte Poulsen Blue and white colors Original perfect conditi...
Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

Table Box Heart shape Red passion fire-enameled on guilloche Salimbeni.
Located in Firenze, FI
Heart-shaped table box in 925/1000 sterling silver gold-plated with translucent fired enamel on guilloché above and below. Modern contemporary style. Dimensions cm. 8.8 x 8 cm high....
Category

1990s Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Gold, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel

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

2010s Thai Modern Boxes

Materials

Faux Leather

Hand Blown Murano Glass Box in Crystal with Bubbles and Chrome Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Pulegoso Murano glass box is a captivating fusion of artistry and functionality, crafted on the renowned Venetian Island of Murano. Distinctive for its unique texture, the Puleg...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Chrome

Mini Portrait Dot Jewelry Box Mirror or Blue Wood, Steel Sheet by Portego
Located in Stienta, IT
Designed by Studio Lido for Portego. Made in Italy The dot Mini portrait is part of the boxes line that reproduces the plissé of oriental fans. It's...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Wood

Set/8 Ceramic Jars & Pots, White & Pink, Handmade in Portugal by Lusitanus Home
Located in Lisboa, PT
Set/8 Ceramic Jars & Pots, Lusitanus Home Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Lusitanus Home. This beautiful set includes five ceramic jars and three ceramic pots, both ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

Bone, Shagreen and Mahogany Jewelry Box or Small Cabinet by R & Y Augousti
Located in Queens, NY
Bone, Shagreen and Mahogany Jewelry Box or Small Cabinet by R & Y Augousti
Category

20th Century Unknown Modern Boxes

Materials

Shagreen

Large Hand Blown Murano Glass Box in Onyx Black W/24 Karat Gold Flecks
Located in New York, NY
This stunning 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 vo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Murano Glass

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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