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Modern Knife 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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Christofle : "Orly", 113 pieces Cutlery set by Lino Sabatitni - 1957
Christofle : "Orly", 113 pieces Cutlery set by Lino Sabatitni - 1957

Christofle : "Orly", 113 pieces Cutlery set by Lino Sabatitni - 1957

By Christofle

Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR

"Orly" 113 pieces cutlery set by Christofle in its original wood boxes 5wood and paper branded) designed by Lino Sabattini in 1957 Wood box dimensions : H 11 cm x W 37.5 cm x D 31 c...

Category

1950s French Vintage Modern Knife Boxes

Materials

Metal, Silver Plate

Cutlery and wine sets from Lorenzi
Cutlery and wine sets from Lorenzi

Cutlery and wine sets from Lorenzi

Located in Milano, IT

This cutlery and wine accessory set, crafted by the prestigious Lorenzi manufactory in Milan, represents the pinnacle of Italian craftsmanship. The blades are forged from durable sta...

Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Knife Boxes

Materials

Stainless Steel

Gucci Vintage Carving Set
Gucci Vintage Carving Set

Gucci Vintage Carving Set

By Gucci

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Gucci carving set, consisting of a carving knife and a two-pronged fork, housed in a fitted case. The case is lined with velvet at the base and satin on the lid, where the "Gucci Ita...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Knife Boxes

Materials

Steel

Media Knife Block by Piscina in Ceramic with Glaze Options Available
Media Knife Block by Piscina in Ceramic with Glaze Options Available

Media Knife Block by Piscina in Ceramic with Glaze Options Available

By Piscina

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Crafted in ceramic and now filled with organic black rice, the Media Knife Block by Piscina reimagines a functional kitchen essential as a striking sculptural statement. Designed by ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Knife Boxes

Materials

Ceramic, Walnut

White K’block Knife Box by Lassen
White K’block Knife Box by Lassen

White K’block Knife Box by Lassen

Located in Geneve, CH

White k’block knife box by Lassen Dimensions: d 12 x w 12 x h 24 cm Materials: Metal Weight: 1.90 Kg K’Block is a statement piece in your interior design, that catches the eye and turns an otherwise commonplace item into an interesting design object in your kitchen. The minimalist block can be used for a variety of purposes, and the removable insert lets you store your knives for easy access while you cook. If the insert is removed, you will have a beautiful container for ladles and other cooking implements, that you can keep next to the stove. K’Block is designed with inspiration from the sleek expression of the Kubus candleholder. The box itself is made from CDF and melamine, which makes the knife holder water-resistant to any watermarks, that may occur. The removable insert can also be put into the dishwasher, which makes the block easy to clean. K’Block comes with 4 field pads, that can be placed under the bottom of the knife holder to avoid scratches in e.g., the tabletop. K’Block will look beautifully in combination with by Lassen’s Frame boxes, Roll’In or the iconic Kubus Vases, that also can be used for your kitchen items...

Category

2010s Danish Modern Knife Boxes

Materials

Metal

Dark Grey K’block Knife Box by Lassen
Dark Grey K’block Knife Box by Lassen

Dark Grey K’block Knife Box by Lassen

Located in Geneve, CH

Dark grey k’block knife box by Lassen Dimensions: D 12 x W 12 x H 24 cm Materials: Metal Weight: 1.90 Kg K’Block is a statement piece in your interior design, that catches the eye and turns an otherwise commonplace item into an interesting design object in your kitchen. The minimalist block can be used for a variety of purposes, and the removable insert lets you store your knives for easy access while you cook. If the insert is removed, you will have a beautiful container for ladles and other cooking implements, that you can keep next to the stove. K’Block is designed with inspiration from the sleek expression of the Kubus candleholder. The box itself is made from CDF and melamine, which makes the knife holder water-resistant to any watermarks, that may occur. The removable insert can also be put into the dishwasher, which makes the block easy to clean. K’Block comes with 4 field pads, that can be placed under the bottom of the knife holder to avoid scratches in e.g., the tabletop. K’Block will look beautifully in combination with by Lassen’s Frame boxes, Roll’In or the iconic Kubus Vases, that also can be used for your kitchen items...

Category

2010s Danish Modern Knife Boxes

Materials

Metal

Light Grey K’block Knife Box by Lassen
Light Grey K’block Knife Box by Lassen

Light Grey K’block Knife Box by Lassen

Located in Geneve, CH

Light grey k’block knife box by Lassen Dimensions: d 12 x w 12 x h 24 cm Materials: Metal Weight: 1.90 Kg K’Block is a statement piece in your interior design, that catches the eye and turns an otherwise commonplace item into an interesting design object in your kitchen. The minimalist block can be used for a variety of purposes, and the removable insert lets you store your knives for easy access while you cook. If the insert is removed, you will have a beautiful container for ladles and other cooking implements, that you can keep next to the stove. K’Block is designed with inspiration from the sleek expression of the Kubus candleholder. The box itself is made from CDF and melamine, which makes the knife holder water-resistant to any watermarks, that may occur. The removable insert can also be put into the dishwasher, which makes the block easy to clean. K’Block comes with 4 field pads, that can be placed under the bottom of the knife holder to avoid scratches in e.g., the tabletop. K’Block will look beautifully in combination with by Lassen’s Frame boxes, Roll’In or the iconic Kubus Vases, that also can be used for your kitchen items...

Category

2010s Danish Modern Knife Boxes

Materials

Metal

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Previously Available Items
Media Knife Block by Piscina in Ceramic with Glaze Options Available
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Media Knife Block by Piscina in Ceramic with Glaze Options Available

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Made in ceramic and filled with ground walnut shell, our Media Knife Block transforms a traditionally banal object into a captivating focal point. Aiming ...

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Evelyn and Jerry Jerome Ackerman, Knife Holder/Wood Wall Sculpture /Panel, Titled
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Set of Six Cartier Solid Sterling Silver & Gold Cutlery Dining Knives 6
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ON SALE Brass Set of Twelve Fruit Knives Horn Bone Handle on a Stand, Bohemia
ON SALE Brass Set of Twelve Fruit Knives Horn Bone Handle on a Stand, Bohemia

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Modern knife boxes for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Modern knife 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 knife boxes created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, wall decorations and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Modern knife boxes made in a specific country, there are Europe, Denmark, and Scandinavia pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original knife boxes, popular names associated with this style include Design Center 1991, Era Industries, Evelyn & Jerome Ackerman, and Nino Basso. 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 knife boxes differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $244 and tops out at $1,077 while the average work can sell for $348.