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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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 Monkey Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
A beautifully crafted ceramic piece! Handmade items often carry a unique charm and character. The fact that it's made in South Africa adds to its appeal, as it likely reflects the c...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Vintage Black Lacquer & Gilded Papier-Mâché Box - Asia - Late 20th Century
Located in Chatham, ON
Vintage hand painted and gold gilded papier-mâché box with removeable lid - featuring three gilded lotus flowers to the lid and an intricate double band of decoration to the edge - u...
Category
Late 20th Century Asian Modern Boxes
Materials
Paper
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
Ash Do-Ri Tray by Matthias Scherzinger
Located in Geneve, CH
Ash Do-Ri tray by Matthias Scherzinger.
Dimensions: L 47.4 x W 19.8 x H 6.5 cm.
Materials: ash: white stained lacquered.
inside tin: hard wax.
Also available in Olive Ash and ...
Category
2010s German Modern Boxes
Materials
Ash
Small La Che Basket by Sebastian Herkner
Located in Geneve, CH
Small La Che basket by Sebastian Herkner
Materials: 100 % natural fique agave.
Technique: Hand-woven in Colombia.
Dimensions: Diameter 43 cm x Height 22 cm
Available in colors:...
Category
2010s German Modern Boxes
Materials
Natural Fiber
Lg Alessendro Albrizzi Faceted Lucite Gem Ice Bucket or Candy Container
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A beautiful luxurious octagonal faceted Gem Lucite ice bucket or candy container with swiveling lid and brass machined hinge pin. The inside is perfectly bowled out measuring 8.5", a...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Lucite
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
Pair of Smoky Rock Crystal Quartz Lamps with Silvered Wood Bases
Located in New York, NY
A fine pair of smoky rock crystal quartz lamps with silvered wood bases. The rock crystal is hand-cut and hand-polished into geometric shapes. When the lamps are lit the smoky rock c...
Category
20th Century French Modern Boxes
Materials
Rock Crystal, Quartz
Orange and Black Decorative Ceramic Box by Jean Grison French Art
By Jean Grison
Located in Neuilly-en- sancerre, FR
Jean Grison
Original and decorative ceramic box
Signed under the base, realized circa 2000
Elegant orange and black ceramic colors effects
Original good condition
Meas...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Fornasetti Wooden and Metal Box Champagne Black/White Hand Painted
By Fornasetti
Located in MILANO, IT
Like all Fornasetti accessories, the boxes turn an everyday action into an aesthetic experience. The Fornasetti boxes are a whimsical place to keep your most precious items.
This ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Metal
Black Shagreen Tissue Box
By Fabio Ltd.
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
Mappin & Webb English Modern Sterling Silver Box, 1965
Located in New York, NY
Elizabeth II sterling silver box. Made by Mappin & Webb in Birmingham in 1965. Rectangular with straight sides. Cover hinged with flat top and scalloped tab. Interior cedar-lined and...
Category
1960s British Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Sterling Silver
Macassar Wood Hand-Carved Horse Head Tall Box
By Bois & Design
Located in Atlanta, GA
This extra tall decorative lidded box has an incredible hand-carved horse head on the top. The piece features an all-height square shape, made in Macassar wood, handmade and hand-car...
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Boxes
Materials
Wood, Macassar
Small Caracol Keepsake Box in Silver Bronze and White Marble from Elan Atelier
By Elan Atelier
Located in New York, NY
Caracol keepsake box is comprised of a hand carved base in black or white marble with a solid old gold bronze or matte silver bronze top. An elegant vide-poche or jewelry box.
Smal...
Category
2010s European Modern Boxes
Materials
Marble, Bronze
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
Neon Orange 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 ...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Boxes
Materials
Acrylic
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
Reed & Barton Midcentury Modern Sterling Silver Box
Located in New York, NY
Midcentury Modern sterling silver box. Made by Reed & Barton in Taunton, Mass. Long and rectangular with curved corners; cover hinged. Box interior wood lined; cover interior gilt wa...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Modern Boxes
Materials
Sterling Silver
Mid Century Decorative Carved Dome Top Valuables Box
Located in Incline Village, NV
Resting on four paw feet and opening via two rear butterfly hinges, this attractive carved dome top box features on the top, an oval highly carved applique cartouche, monogrammed w...
Category
1950s American Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Wood
Montagnani Marquetry and Gilt Brass Box, Italy circa 1970
By Montagnani
Located in Atlanta, GA
Montagnani Firenze designed this sophisticated decorative box, which was crafted in Italy circa 1970. Its Mid-Century modernist design boasts an elongated rectangular flat shape, wit...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
Classic Midcentury Modern Sterling Silver Box by Poole
Located in New York, NY
Midcentury Modern sterling silver box. Made by Poole in Taunton, Mass. Rectangular with straight sides and lobed bracket feet applied at corners. Cover hinged and curved. Box interio...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Modern Boxes
Materials
Sterling Silver
Hand Blown Murano Glass Box in Onyx Black with Brass 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
Brass
Garrard English Modern Sterling Silver Box, 1947
Located in New York, NY
George VI sterling silver box. Made by Garrard & Co. in London in 1947. Rectangular with straight sides. Cover flat, tabbed, and hinged. Sides have reeded wrapround bands. Cover top ...
Category
1940s British Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Sterling Silver
Tronador Large Mini Box, Brown Onyx Stone and Silver Alpaca
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
3 Color Jewelry Box by Konrad Olejnik
Located in Roeselare, BE
I want to offer a beautiful, handmade, turned jewelry box. The box is made of three types of wood, zebrano, wild cherry, padouk. Danish oil and wax finish. If you are looking for som...
Category
2010s Belgian Modern Boxes
Materials
Cherry, Padouk, Zebra Wood
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
Tissue Box in Polished Brass by R&Y Augousti
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Elevate the everyday with this exquisite Polished Brass Tissue Box by R&Y Augousti, a testament to unparalleled craftsmanship and luxurious materials. Each piece is meticulously hand...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
Rino Pirovano for Rexite, Italy. 900 Multiplor. Container in red plastic
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Rino Pirovano for Rexite, Italy. 900 Multiplor.
Container in red plastic with four compartments.
1970s/80s.
Designed in 1977.
In very good condition, lid with two interior chips.
Mar...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Plastic
Set of Twelve Black Shagreen Napkin Rings by Fabio Ltd
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
Ceramic Elephant Teapot , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Elephant Teapot
Hand-Painted by Swelihle Khanyeza, Sculpted by Sbusiso Ndaba
Love Art Ceramic, South Africa, 2024
Introducing the Elephant Teapot, a stunning ceramic piece that beau...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Red Lacquer Jewelry Box with Brass Swan Bird Design
Located in New York, NY
A '70 modern red lacquer or high-gloss 'demi-lune' box with inlayed brass swan bird design, circa 1970s. A chic decorative box for jewelry (as demonstrated)...
Category
1970s Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
Ceramic Wild Dog Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Introducing the enchanting "Wild Dog Jewelry Box," a remarkable piece of ceramic decorative art crafted by the talented artisans at Love Art Ceramic in S...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Turquoise 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
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
Tronador Square Bordeaux 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
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
Sleek R&Y Augousti Inlaid Brass and Shell Box, Paris C.1990
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Sleek R&Y Augousti Inlaid Brass and Shell Box, Paris C.1990
Unmarked, Attributed to the R&Y Augousti Studios
Made during the unparalleled style of 1990s Paris, this sleek, unmarked ...
Category
Late 20th Century French Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
Decorative Ceramic Box Orange and Black Colors by Jean Grison
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
SET Tafi Onyx Oval Boxes, Silver Alpaca & Onyx Stone
By AIREDELSUR
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
7.5" x 3.5" x2"
8" x 4" x2.3"
9" x4.5" x 2.5"
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...
Category
2010s Argentine Modern Boxes
Materials
Stone, Onyx
Playful Large Purple/Clear Box
Located in Milan, IT
Stylish and elegant, this square box is a flattering accent for a side table or vanity desk, best for storing treats for guests, trinkets, or precious jewelry. The body in pure cryst...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Crystal
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
Jewelry or Storage Boxes, Set of 2
Located in New York, NY
A set of two (2) white/cream hue resin laminate over wood jewelry or storage boxes. A matching/coordinating set of boxes convenient for holding jewelry (as ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Boxes
Materials
Laminate, Wood
Bitossi Lidded Box in Glazed Ceramic with Fused Glass Mosaic, circa 1960s
By Bitossi
Located in New York City, NY
Bitossi Glazed Ceramic Lidded Box with Fused Glass Mosaic, Italy, c. 1960s
Additional Information:
Materials: Ceramic
Origin: Italy
Period: 1950-1979
Creation Date: c. 1960s
...
Category
20th Century Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
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
Roma Brown Rosewood Cigar Case
By Morici
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
Oak Jewelry Box by Konrad Olejnik
Located in Roeselare, BE
This is an amazing jewelry box. Perfect for storing keys or watches. The box is handmade. Turned from old oak wood. The bright, natural oak color will make you enchanted! Dimensions:...
Category
2010s Belgian Modern Boxes
Materials
Oak
Giant Hand Blown Murano Glass Box in in Crystal with Bubbles and Chrome 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
Chrome
Blue Acrylic Large 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
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
Set Tronador Square & Rectangular Black Onyx Stone Boxes
By AIREDELSUR
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 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
20th Century Silver Box, Hungary, circa 1980
By Artex
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
Miniportrait Dot Jewelry Box Mirror in Cherrywood and Steel Sheet by Portego
By Portego
Located in Stienta, IT
Designed by Studio Lido for Portego.
Made in Italy
The dot Miniportrait is part of the boxes line that reproduces the plissé of oriental fans.
It's expertisely manufactured carving ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Wood
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
Gabriella Crespi Small Brass Container Box, Italy 1970s
Located in Milan, IT
Gabriella Crespi Small Brass Container Box.
Italy 1970s
Carries the Initials E.L.
Signed at the base Gabriella Crespi.
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
Roma Cigar Case with Ashtray
By Morici
Located in Milan, IT
A singular piece from the Roma Collection, this cigar case boasts a practical and stylish design equipped with a handprinted ceramic ashtray. Masterfully handcrafted of cedar, it combines an ebony and a walnut veneer enriched with a splendid inlay work of a tobacco leaf marking the curved and polished top. Adorned with a small metal key, the piece is also equipped with a hygrometer and Boveda holder. Available with a wooden case upholstered with eco-leather, please ask the Concierge for details. This box is supplied with an handmade wooden suitcase...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Metal
Neon Orange Acrylic Large 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
Roma Eucalyptus Cigar Case
By Morici
Located in Milan, IT
A splendid gift idea for cigar lovers or collectors of refined design pieces, this cigar case is masterfully crafted of cedarwood veneered with polished frisé eucalyptus. An elegant and refined classic silhouette that will enrich any style decor, it is enriched with a small and refined metal key, and equipped with a hygrometer and a Boveda holder. With a maximum capacity of 300 cigars, it is available with a wooden case upholstered with eco-leather, please ask the Concierge for details. This box is supplied with an handmade wooden suitcase...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Metal
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.