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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Saffron Tissue Box Dark Blue Large in Lacquer Wood
Brass, Viya By Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Saffron Tissue Box Dark Blue Large in Lacquer Wood
Brass, Viya By Vikram Goyal
With moniker’s such as red gold, exquisite thread or golden light, saffron captivates us all. A...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
Mahogany Wood Vintage Handmade Jewelry Casket Box Manning of Ireland Irish New
Located in Dublin, Ireland
Absolutely Stunning Ladys or Gentlemans Jewellery Casket of outstanding quality and of generous size, made in Ireland by renowned cabinet makers Mannings of Ireland, using well figur...
Category
Early 2000s Irish Modern Boxes
Materials
Walnut
Bauhaus Arts and Crafts Modernist Large Aluminum Box, circa 1920
By Bauhaus
Located in Atlanta, GA
This remarkable early 20th-century modernist aluminum box is a true testament to masterful craftsmanship and innovative design. The rare piece was crafted in Germany circa 1920. Its...
Category
Early 20th Century German Modern Boxes
Materials
Metal, Aluminum
1980s Elegant Brass and Green Enamel Cigarette Box by Gucci
By Gucci
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This is a captivating, elegant piece of 1980s Gucci Florence craftsmanship. This Vintage Cigarette or Card Case is a fantastic example of the luxury accessories the brand was known f...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass, Enamel
Pink Panther Collection Royal Orleans Pottery Pink Panther Mounted Box
Located in Bishop
s Stortford, Hertfordshire
A delightful, Japanese licensed Pink Panther Collection lidded box distributed by Royal Orleans and dated 1981. The ceramic box is of large oval form with a fitted slightly domed cov...
Category
1980s Japanese Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Tree Full of Parrots Trinket Box in Brass
Semi Precious Stone
Located in Noida, DL
Tree Full of Parrots Trinket Box in Brass
Semi Precious Stone, Viya by Vikram Goyal
A tree full of parrots is a sign of success in aspirations and future endeavours. According to the 17th century Indian manuscript...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
Tronador Rectangular Blue 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
$1,267 / item
Glaciar Large Silver Alpaca
Bordeaux Onyx Stone Box
By AIREDELSUR
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
Glaciar collection is meticulously handcrafted by our local artisans with these rectangular onyx pieces set around alpaca silver flower vases, boxes and trays.
Our pieces are made b...
Category
2010s South American Modern Boxes
Materials
Stone, Onyx, Metal
$1,050 / item
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
$1,100 / item
Tronador Square 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
$1,320 / item
Burl Walnut Thuya Wood Handmade Jewelry Casket Box Manning of Ireland Irish New
Located in Dublin, Ireland
This rare North African Thuya Wood Jewellery Casket was manufactured by the famed manning of Ireland company and is truly a jewel of handcrafted genius. This box is constructed of th...
Category
Early 2000s Irish Modern Boxes
Materials
Mahogany, Walnut
1980s Modernist White and Pink Lucite and Silver Italian Rectangular Vanity Box
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This italian Vanity Box encapsulates the exuberance and style of its era, offering a compelling synthesis of form, function, and aesthetic appeal. It serves as both a practical stora...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Silver
Glaciar Large Silver Alpaca
White Onyx Stone Box
By AIREDELSUR
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
Glaciar collection is meticulously handcrafted by our local artisans with these rectangular onyx pieces set around alpaca silver flower vases, boxes and trays.
Our pieces are made...
Category
2010s South American Modern Boxes
Materials
Stone, Onyx, Metal
$1,070 / item
Tronador Square Blue 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
$1,584 / item
Tea Caddy - Elie Bleu Paris
By Elie Bleu
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A beautiful vintage tea caddy, made by the French brand Elie Bleu Paris.
The box is made of beautifully veneered / greened wood with black piping. Th...
Category
Early 2000s French Modern Boxes
Materials
Silver Plate
Glaciar Small Silver Alpaca
White Onyx Stone Box
By AIREDELSUR
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
Glaciar collection is meticulously handcrafted by our local artisans with these rectangular onyx pieces set around alpaca silver flower vases, boxes and trays.
Our pieces are made...
Category
2010s South American Modern Boxes
Materials
Stone, Onyx, Metal
Italian Alabaster Marble Jewelry Box
Located in New York, NY
An Italian dark brown alabaster marble jewelry box with a blue matte metal hinge. Box can hold jewelry or other small items. A great piece for a...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Marble, Alabaster, Metal
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
$410 / item
Malachite Jewelry Box
Located in New York, NY
A very beautiful and substantial green Malachite decorative or jewelry box, circa late-20th century. This green Malachite box has a hexagon shape with a white onyx marble star with gold gilt detail on top lid. A great decorative piece or jewelry box (as demonstrated), to hold necklaces, rings, earring, cufflinks, etc., on a vanity, nightstand, dresser, desk, credenza, walk-in-closet, etc. Very good condition as shown in images. No chips noted. Dimensions: 3.38" Depth x 4" Width.
Purple charoite box shown also available, search 1stDibs ref. #: LU1314228491742
Green malachite box with cameo, search ref. #: LU1314228492012 (SOLD)
Small gold and malachite turtle...
Category
Late 20th Century Modern Boxes
Materials
Malachite, Onyx
$1,850
Dolcevita 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
Polyester, Wood
$9,995 / item
Jay Rogers 1992 Exotic Wood Box with mystery drawers
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Jay Rogers 1992 Three drawer exotic wood Box. Box looks like cubes rolling off the main body, but three of the boxes open!. Signed inside bottom drawer. Very nice condition.
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Boxes
Materials
Zebra Wood
XX Century Italian Sterling Silver table box
Located in VALENZA, IT
A smooth, handcrafted sterling silver table box.
The slightly curved structure of the box features a hinged lid that fits snugly against the base.
The box is suitable for a prestigio...
Category
1990s Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Sterling Silver
Cigarette Box Rectangular for table blue enamel on guilloche Salimbeni.
Located in Firenze, FI
Rectangular with rounded corners table box for cigarettes in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with translucent enamels on a radial guilloché an...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Glaciar Small Silver Alpaca
Bordeaux Onyx Stone Box
By AIREDELSUR
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
Glaciar collection is meticulously handcrafted by our local artisans with these rectangular onyx pieces set around alpaca silver flower vases, boxes and trays.
Our pieces are made b...
Category
2010s South American Modern Boxes
Materials
Stone, Onyx, Metal
Oval Horn Tiled Keepsake Box
Located in New York, NY
Natural horn tiled wood box featuring a convex oval center. Tiles are steam and heat pressed and assembled by hand.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Boxes
Materials
Wood, Horn
Tafi Large Onyx Oval Box
By AIREDELSUR
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
$740 / item
Ceramic Restaurant Matchbox - Sadelles
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Matchbox Series is composed of roughly 4”x 6” boxes that make direct references to iconic NYC institutions. These boxes come with slide out inserts that are filled with oversized...
Category
2010s American Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic, Clay
Ceramic Restaurant Matchbox
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Matchbox Series is composed of roughly 4”x 6” boxes that make direct references to iconic NYC institutions. These boxes come with slide out inserts that are filled with oversized...
Category
2010s American Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic, Clay
Stella Box Blue Onyx
Terreno Gold By Greg Natale
By Greg Natale
Located in Sydney,, NSW
With a celestial silhouette, the Stella Box evokes the textures and terrains of lunar landscapes in contour and materiality. Carved from marble with a sculptural handle, the Stella B...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Boxes
Materials
Marble
Jewelry box attributed to Maison Bague / Maria Pergay bamboo
Located in Lugo, IT
Jewelry box attributed to Maison Bague / Maria Pergay.
Good condition.
Thank you
Category
1960s French Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Silver Plate
Vintage Italian Villa La Rotonda Lidded Box
Located in Chicago, IL
A love letter in terracotta to one of the Renaissance’s most influential buildings, this vintage Italian lidded box takes the form of Andrea Palladio’s Villa La Rotonda. Every propor...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Terracotta
Tiffany American Modern Sterling Silver Box
By Tiffany
Co.
Located in New York, NY
Modern sterling silver box. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1912. Rectangular with straight sides. Cover hinged with gently curved top and molded rim. Box interior cedar lined....
Category
Early 20th Century American Modern Boxes
Materials
Sterling Silver
Hand-Blown Murano Box in Ruby with Brass Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Hand-Blown Murano Box in Ruby with Brass Fittings is a jewel-like objet d’art, designed to captivate with its opulent radiance and modern silhouette. Crafted in Italy by master g...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
$2,975 / item
Wonderful French Lalique Coppelia Crystal Rose Garland Brass Dresser Jewelry Box
By Lalique
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful Vintage French Lalique Coppelia Frosted Crystal With Roses & Garland And A Brass Housing Dresser / Jewelry Box
Category
20th Century French Modern Boxes
Materials
Crystal, Brass
Italian Specimen Agate and Alabaster Hinged Table Box, Circa 1950s
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Italian Specimen Agate and Alabaster Hinged Table Box, Circa 1950s
This elegant Italian specimen agate and alabaster hinged table box, dating to the circa 1950s, is a refined exampl...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Agate, Alabaster, Metal
Hand Blown Murano Glass Box with 24 Karat Gold Flecks and Brass Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This stunning and angular square shaped, hand-blown Murano glass box is a treasure to behold. Handcrafted on the historic island of Murano, this box exemplifies the artistry and skil...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass, Gold Leaf
Tessellated Faux Horn Covered Box
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful tessellated faux horn decorative box made in France. Gorgeous detail work inside and out. Add some French style to you design project.
Category
1980s French Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Resin
Wonderful French Lalique Coppelia Crystal Rose Garland Brass Dresser Jewelry Box
By Lalique
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful French Lalique Coppelia Frosted Crystal With Roses & Garland And A Brass Housing Dresser / Jewelry Box
Category
20th Century French Modern Boxes
Materials
Crystal, Brass
21st Century Leather Tilting Lid Waste Bin Handmade in Italy
By Pinetti
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
A cylindrical and contemporary silhouette with subtle detail.
Our round metal bin with tilting lid is perfectly sized for use in the bathroom.
More than 30 harmonious shades can be paired with our modern bathroom...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Leather
Italian Fossil Marble (Lumachella) Specimen Stone Box, Circa 1960s
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Italian Fossil Marble (Lumachella) Specimen Stone Box, Circa 1960s
Two pieces, Lid and and Base
This sculptural Italian specimen marble box dates to the circa 1960s and is crafted ...
Category
20th Century Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Marble
Elsa Peretti for Tiffany
Co. Clear Crystal Heart-Shaped Lidded Jewelry Box
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous modern clear crystal heart-shaped lidded jewelry box or trinket box
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Japan, Circa Late 20th Century
Measures: 4.13"W x 4"D x 2"H.
Very...
Category
Late 20th Century Japanese Modern Boxes
Materials
Crystal
Armored Jewelry Armoire La Grande Fortezza Agresti
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Armored jewelry armoire with pull out necklace bar. Available in malachite or white bird's eye maple. See below for more details about finishin...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Malachite, Brass
Il Bauletto Jewelry Box in Briar and Mahogany
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Jewelry box in briar and mahogany, matte finish, ultra suede lining. 24-karat gold plated brass accessories. With removable tray and necklace bar.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Suede, Mahogany
$1,320 / item
Agresti Lei Lui Armoire with Safe
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Armored jewelry armoire in matte Canaletto walnut or polished white bird’s eye maple and 24 karats gold hardware. Inside, safe with biometric o...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Gold
Agresti Arco Large 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 integrat...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Gold Plate
Mini Ceramic Restaurant Matchbox - Commerce Inn
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Mini Matchbox Series is composed of roughly 2”x 3” boxes that make direct references to iconic NYC institutions. These boxes come with slide out inserts that are filled with matc...
Category
2010s American Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic, Clay
Gyrowinder Watch Winder by Döttling
Located in New York, NY
Around the world, Döttling luxury safes find homes among select connoisseurs and enthusiasts of the finest locksmith artisanry. They originate from the Döttling manufactory in Sindel...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Boxes
Materials
Aluminum, Nickel
$26,000 / item
Agresti Oro Jewelry Chest
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Lockable jewelry chest with 5 drawers, two pullout / pull-out necklace bars, and lined in ultra-suede. Accessories in 24 karats gold plated brass...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
Agresti Grande Segreto Armored Jewelry Case
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Armored jewelry case with pull out necklace bars. See information below for details of item variations.
Gold variation: Shiny gold steel. Inside d...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass, Steel
Agresti Black Ebony Polished Wood Box for 24 Cufflinks with Leather Detail
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Box for 54 pairs of cufflinks in black polished wood with leather handles.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Ebony
Large Pyrimidial Horn Box
Located in New York, NY
Textural keepsake box clad in heat set pyrimidial horn elements. A great addition to any desk or coffee table.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Boxes
Materials
Horn, Wood
Natural, Black 3D Bone Box
Located in New York, NY
Hand made dimensional bone box with hand set black centers. Rectangular pieces form a dimensional facade, lined in wood. A great addition to any coffee table to store remote controls...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Boxes
Materials
Bone, Wood
$1,250 / item
Maison Mercier Modernist Amber and Clear Lucite Box, circa 1970
Located in Atlanta, GA
This exquisite modernist acrylic Lucite lidded box, expertly crafted in France circa 1970, is a striking embodiment of refined design and artistic sophistication. Echoing the disting...
Category
1970s French Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Lucite
Agresti Il Cofanetto Jewelry Box
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Lockable jewelry box with removable tray, lined for earrings, rings, necklaces. Available in polished ebony, polished red burl wood or white bird’s...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Wood
Lacquered Solid Wood Modern Minimal Modular Drawers from Costantini, Baccello
By Costantini
Located in New York, NY
Baccello lacquered solid wood Modern minimal modular drawers from Costantini.
Each unit measures 20" x 20" x 5" high. 6 units as shown.
Each one...
Category
2010s Argentine Modern Boxes
Materials
Wood
Set Tronador Large Mini Boxes, Brown
Cream 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
Modernist Hand-Blown Murano Glass Box in Tobacco W/ Polished Brass Fittings
Located in New York, NY
This Modernist Hand-Blown Murano Glass Box in radiant smoked tobacco is a vibrant and elegant accessory, handcrafted in Italy during the 21st century. Meticulously created by Murano ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
Mirror of Enchantment Classic Wall Safe
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Safe with spy glass, options of different frames. This safe can be organized to display all types of collections and valuables. The mirror reflects when of...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Wood
$45,000 / item
Sphere table cigarette lighter Red enamel Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Sphere table cigarette lighter in 925/1000 gold-plated sterling silver and translucent fire enamel on guilloché, in a modern contemporary style. Piezoelectric mechanism. Dimensions d...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Vintage Italian Figural Snail Pill Box in White Metal
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Unusual miniature pill box in the shape of a very detailed snail. These were made in Italy circa 1970-90s usually of 800/1000 silver or alpaca/argentan/German silver (an alloy of zin...
Category
Late 20th Century 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.
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