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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Aimara Medium Alpaca Silver Box
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
The waves on a choppy lake, rough by the wind, inspire the design of alpaca boxes and picture frames of this family, whose name comes from the tribe that dwelled in the North Argenti...
Category

2010s Argentine Modern Boxes

Materials

Metal, Sheet Metal

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

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 of the 70's. It i...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass

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

Late 20th Century American Modern Boxes

Materials

Fabric, Glass, Teak

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

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

21st Century Kelly Decorative Hexagonal Box in Leather Handcrafed in Italy
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
The refinement of resin meets the softness of italian leather. An elegant lid with a mother of pearl look beautifully complete the hexagonal bases fully covered inside and outside...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Leather, Wood, Resin

Neon Green 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

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

Hand-Blown Murano Box in Aqua Blue with Silver Flecks and Chrome Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
An exquisite showcase of contemporary Murano craftsmanship, this hand-blown giant box in aqua blue is a sculptural treasure that blends clarity, luminosity, and refinement. Encased i...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Boxes

Materials

Chrome, Silver Leaf

Roma Eucalyptus Cigar Case
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

Blue 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

Purple 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

Contemporary Decorative Box Handmade Crystal and Boise De Rose by Ghirò Studio
Located in Pieve Emanuele, Milano
2023 Collection of Decorative boxes by Ghiró Studio. The type of craftsmanship and the materials used for the production make this box a unique object, in fact it is impossible to...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Glass, Rosewood

Blue 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

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

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

2010s Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Gold Plate, Brass

Giacomo Sinopoli for Liwan's Modernist Chrome and Bronze Box, circa 1970
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning modernist decorative covered box was designed by Giacomo Sinopoli and crafted by Liwan's Rome in 1970. The piece features a large rectangular shape on a chromed metal b...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Metal, Chrome, Bronze, Enamel

Vintage Italian Embossed Leather 'Crocodile' Mens Jewelry Box
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Vintage Italian Embossed Leather 'Crocodile' Mens Jewelry Box Stamped in gilt lettering 'Made in Italy' A vintage Italian Embossed Leather 'Crocodile' Me...
Category

20th Century Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Leather, 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

Tafi Medium 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

Twist Large Purple Box
Located in Milan, IT
A captivating and well-balanced interplay of colors and textures makes this round box in fine purple crystal a superb accent piece. Topped by a clear, spherical handle, the cylindric...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Crystal

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

Alexandra Von Furstenberg Acrylic Treasure Box in Tulip - Medium Storage Box
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Add a bold pop of modern glamour to your space with this acrylic treasure box by Alexandra Von Furstenberg, featuring a striking Tulip. Made from high-quality Lucite, this chic decor...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Boxes

Materials

Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass

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

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

AIMARA Large Alpaca Silver Box
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
The waves on a choppy lake, rough by the wind, inspire the design of alpaca boxes and picture frames of this family, whose name comes from the tribe that dwelled in the North Argenti...
Category

2010s Argentine Modern Boxes

Materials

Metal, Sheet Metal

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

Hand Blown Murano Glass Box in Grey with 24 Karat Gold Flecks and Brass Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This is a sophisticated and elegant piece that combines modern design elements with the timeless allure of Murano glass. Handcrafted on the historic Venetian island of Murano, this b...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass, Gold Leaf

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

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

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

Orange and Black Decorative Ceramic Box by Jean Grison French Art
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

Waste Bin in Black Shagreen Detail by R&Y Augousti
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Black 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

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

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

Seguso, Large Murano Glass, Corroso, Uranium Leaded Box /Jar Attb Flavio Poli
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Great modern vintage green glow glass, in this leaded box/jar. Attributed to Flavio Poli.
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Art Glass, Murano Glass

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

Porteño Medium 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

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

Late 20th Century Philippine Modern Boxes

Materials

Marble, Brass

Karl Springer Exceptional Lidded Box in Tessellated Travertine 1980s 'Signed'
Located in New York, NY
Exceptionally crafted table top box in tessellated travertine with wood interior by Karl Springer, American 1980's (signed "Karl Springer" on bottom). This box has a nice scale and t...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Travertine

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

Modernist Black Mirror Box w/ Beveled & Sliced Gilt Geode Detailing
Located in New York, NY
This sleek and well adorned Modernist Black Mirror Box with Beveled & Sliced Gilt Geode Detailing originates from the United States during the latter half of the 20th Century. Featur...
Category

20th Century American Modern Boxes

Materials

Mirror

Cute Ceramic Leopard butterdish, hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Leopard Butter Dish – Handcrafted by Love Art Ceramics Bursting with charm and vitality, this one-of-a-kind leopard butter dish is a joyful tribute to South Africa’s most iconic pre...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

Waste Bin in Black Shagreen Rhomboid by R&Y Augousti
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Black 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

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

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

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

2010s Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Leather

Fornasetti Wooden and Metal Box Champagne Black/White Hand Painted
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

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

Black Walnut Sewing Box by Frank Buschmann Handcrafted with Traditional Joinery
Located in Carnota, A Coruña, Galicia
Sewing Box by Frank Buschmann – A Fusion of Craftsmanship and Innovation This handcrafted sewing box transcends its traditional function as a mere storage solution, offering a profo...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Boxes

Materials

Hardwood

Nero Forziere Contemporary Chest Safe in Black Polished Wood
Located in New York, NY
Brass-plated, 24-karat gold accessories. Unique features of this certified product includes: High level steel with several layers of chrome carbides for straightening Internal hinges...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Wood

Black, Beige, Brass Striped Box
Located in New York, NY
Modernist keepsake, document box clad in Black, White resin stripes accented with brass inlay stripes.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Philippine 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 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

Ghidini 1961 Knotted Cherry Small Box in Copper-Plated 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

Copper

Vintage Umbrella Stand in Briar and Gilded Finish - 1990s
Located in Manzano, IT
An elegant umbrella stand with a refined and timeless design, made in the 1990s. The frame features briarwood panels with warm, natural grain, framed by gold-colored aluminum profile...
Category

18th Century and Earlier Italian Antique Modern Boxes

Materials

Aluminum

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

Two Garouste and Bonetti Bronze Boxes for the Collection of Herbert Blome 2001
Located in Milan, IT
Two Garouste and Bonetti Bronze Boxes for the Collection of Herbert Blome 2001 Both are fully signed
Category

Early 2000s French Modern Boxes

Materials

Bronze

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

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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