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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Multi-Functional Cigar Humidor Cabinet, by Massimo de Munari, Handmade in Italy
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Scroll down and click "view all from Seller" to see more than 400 other unique products. (1.8) Multi-functional cigar humidor and bar, Handmade in Italy Designed by Massimo de Munari...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Ebony

Vintage Gucci Enamel and Gilt Cigarette/Card Case
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A rare vintage Gucci cigarette or card case, featuring the brand’s iconic design elements. The exterior is crafted with a glossy black enamel finish em...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Enamel

English Modern Sterling Silver Box with Saudi Arabia Association
Located in New York, NY
Elizabeth II sterling silver box. Made by Peter Nicholas & Co Ltd in London in 1989. Rectangular with corner bracket supports and hinged open scroll end handles. Cover hinged and fla...
Category

1980s British Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Sterling Silver

Black Polished Wood w/ Extendable Box for 54 Cufflinks
Located in New York, NY
Lockable chest in black polished wood for 54 pairs of cufflinks. This is also extendable up to 90 pairs.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Wood

Modernist Hand-Blown Murano Octagonal Glass Box in Emerald w/ Brass Fittings
Located in New York, NY
This beautifully colored and elegant Modernist Hand-Blown Murano Octagonal Glass Box in Emerald W/Brass Fittings originates from Italy during the 21st Century. Features an octagonal ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass

Thuya Wood Vintage Handmade Jewelry Casket Box Manning of Ireland Irish New
Located in Dublin, Ireland
Absolutely Stunning Lady's or Gentleman's Jewellery Casket of outstanding quality and of generous size, made in Ireland by renowned cabinet makers Mannings of Ireland, using well fig...
Category

Early 2000s Irish Modern Boxes

Materials

Mahogany

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

1950s Murano Green Opaline Jewellery Box with Gilt Metal Edging
Located in London, GB
A 1950s Murano green opaline jewellery box by Cendese with gilt metal edging. There are other available colours and designs under other listings.
Category

1950s French Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Metal

Hand Blown Murano Glass Box in Light Tobacco with Brass Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
A functional yet undoubtedly elegant piece, this large hand-blown Murano glass box is a marriage of Murano glassmaking techniques with the practicality of a tobacco box speaks to the...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass

Large English Modern Sterling Silver Box
Located in New York, NY
Elizabeth II sterling silver box. Made by Padgett & Braham Ltd in London in 1963. Rectangular with straight sides. Cover hinged with gently curved top and tapering tab. Interior ceda...
Category

1960s English Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Sterling Silver

Blue/White Incised Horn Box
Located in New York, NY
Modernist graphic patterned blue and white bone box with hand incised horn tiles. Wood interior.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Modern Boxes

Materials

Bone, Wood, Horn

Dean Santner wood box / jewelry /decorative . Signed
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful wooden box by the well known Dean Santner .
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Boxes

Materials

Wood

Ali Con Le Gioie Jewelry Chest with 4 Drawers
Located in New York, NY
Jewelry chest in briar and mahogany, matte finish, ultra suede lining. 24-karat gold-plated brass accessories. With 4 drawers. Two lockable doors with necklace bars.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Suede, Mahogany

Contemporary Bronze Ashtray, LINES by Reda Amalou, 2015
Located in Paris, FR
The solid bronze ashtray is designed with a patterned removable top. The motif used here, a repetition of lines and voids, has been developed by Reda Amalou and is used in several pieces of the Reda Amalou Collection. The Bronze ashtray is 135 x 135 x 65mm H This design exists also in a tiny incense...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Contemporary Bronze Incense Box or ashtray, LINES by Reda Amalou, 2020
Located in Paris, FR
The bronze incense box or ashtray is designed with a patterned removable top. The motif used here, a repetition of lines and voids, has been developed by Reda Amalou and is used in s...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass, Bronze

White Bone And Brass Keepsake Box
Located in New York, NY
Handmade decorative keepsake, desk box clad in white bone and brass inlay pinstripes.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass

Agresti Gioia Jewelry Armoire
Located in New York, NY
Armored jewelry armoire with inside safe. Numeric digital keypad and emergency key. Available in 4 finishing options; see information below for detail...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Wood

Contemporary American Modern Oval Seashell Jewelry Box
Located in Queens, NY
Contemporary American Modern oval jewelry box with an applied seashell exterior and red velvet interior.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Boxes

Materials

Coral

Cigarette Case red lines and and hand-engraved finishing Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Vertical cigarette case in 925/1000 sterling silver with fire-enameled red stripes and hand-engraved finishing. In a modern contemporary style. Measurements cm. 6 x 2.3 cm high. 11. ...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Sterling Silver, Enamel

Cigarette Case Silver 925 Absolute Striped Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Cigarette case silver 925 , striped and oval section in 925/1000 sterling silver. Opening button and spring opening . Early 20th century Art Deco style. ...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Sterling Silver

Knotted Tissue Box Square Home Office Accessories By André Fu Living
Located in Admiralty, HK
Description: Tissue box Color: Caramel Size: 14 x 14 x 15 H cm Material: PU Collection: Knotted.
Category

2010s Thai Modern Boxes

Materials

Faux Leather

Christian Dior Paris Silver Plate Box with Quartz Stone, circa 1970
Located in Atlanta, GA
This beautiful, modernist silver plate decorative box was crafted in France for the renowned Christian Dior House as part of the Interior Collection. The piece features an elegant, m...
Category

1970s French Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Stone, Quartz, Metal, Silver Plate

Salimbeni Pocket Cigarette Case, 8 Section Sterling Silver Natural
Located in Firenze, FI
Salimbeni Pocket Cigarette Case, octagonal section, in 925/1000 sterling silver. Salimbeni Pocket Cigarette Case has a spring-loaded button and opening Salimbeni Pocket Cigarette C...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Sterling Silver

Rinascimento Humidor
Located in Milan, IT
This iconic humidor is part of Maccarone's Marquetry collection and can hold up to 150 cigars. The design of this humidor, enriched with laser-engraved detail...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Polyester, Wood

A Leather Jewelry Box By Gucci Horsebit ca 1980 s Italy
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A charming jewelry box by Gucci. Dark brown leather with brass horsebit decoration. Beautiful stitching, handmade and signed underneath.
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass

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

Hand-Blown Murano Box in Emerald Green with Brass Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This exquisite Murano box, hand-blown in a vibrant emerald green, is a celebration of Venetian craftsmanship and refined geometry. Its octagonal form is both striking and sculptural,...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass

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

Contemporary Modern, Bebek Chestnut Wood Single-Compartment Box
Located in İstanbul, İstanbul
Istanbul is a wooden box collection inspired by some of towns most iconic buildings: Galata Tower, Hagia Sophia and Bebek Mosque. Each item takes its name from these structures. The ...
Category

2010s Turkish Modern Boxes

Materials

Chestnut

French Modern Zebra Hide Leather Box
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
French Modern Zebra Hide and Leather Box France, circa 1960s A sleek French modern zebra hide and leather box, circa 1960s, is a sophisticated addition to any decor. The box feature...
Category

20th Century French Modern Boxes

Materials

Leather, Zebra Hide

Cigarette case black in the shape of a packet. Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Cigarette case in the shape of a packet of long cigarettes in 925/1000 sterling silver with black fired enamel in Art Deco style, early 1900s. With lost hinge, i.e. semi-invisible. ...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Sterling Silver, Enamel

White Lei Lui Armoire in Birdseye Maple
Located in New York, NY
Armoured jewelry armoire in polished white bird’s-eye maple and 24-karat gold hardware. Inside, safe with biometric opening device. Drawers and pull-out trays lined for jewelry. Six ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Birdseye Maple

Cigar Box two-tone stripes on the lid fire-enameled on guilloche Salimbeni.
Located in Firenze, FI
Large rectangular table cigar box with rounded sides in 925/1000 sterling Silver gold plated with translucent fired enamels on guilloche and hand engraving, with two-tone stripes on ...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Sterling Silver, Enamel, Gold Plate

Modernist Octagonal Handblown Murano Glass Box in Smoked Rose W/ Polished Nickel
Located in New York, NY
This Modernist Octagonal Hand-Blown Murano Glass Box in Smoked Rose, accented with polished nickel fittings, is a refined example of Italian craftsmanship and modern design. Handmade...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Nickel

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

Agresti Bacco E Tabacco Bar Armoire
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

Wood

Box, Case for Tag Heuer Watch, 1990.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Box, case for Tag Heuer watch, 1990. Case, box for Tag Heuer watch, very good condition, box and cardboard box, circa 1990. H: 11.5 cm, W: 14.5 cm, D: 14.5 cm
Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Boxes

Materials

Paper, Wood

Rectangular table cigarette case two-tone fire-enamelled stripes Salimbeni.
Located in Firenze, FI
Rectangular table cigarette case with rounded upper long sides, in 925/100 sterling silver and two-tone fire-enamelled stripes in a modern contemp...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Sterling Silver, Enamel

Bone, Horn Patchwork Box
Located in New York, NY
Decorative keepsake, jewelry box clad in geometric horn and bone tiles, some with hand engraving, lined in wood. A great addition to any desk or coffee table.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Boxes

Materials

Bone, Horn, Wood

Black Buffalo Horn Box
Located in New York, NY
Decorative trinket keepsake box adorned with convex black buffalo heat set tiles. A great addition to any desk or coffee table.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Boxes

Materials

Horn, Wood

Maison Lancel Paris Chrome Decorative Lidded Box
Located in Atlanta, GA
Maison Lancel Paris designed this stunning lidded box. The piece was crafted in France circa 1980. The minimalist rectangular shape features a sleek design with polished, chromed met...
Category

1980s French Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Jack Ink – Large Studio Glass Lidded Box Signed "Jack Ink A 2028"
Located in Bochum, NRW
Exceptional studio glass box by renowned American-Austrian artist Jack Ink. Glass with inclusions and cast brass.This unique piece features a sinuous, undulating form with a shallow ...
Category

1980s Austrian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass

Natural Malachite Box Cells
Located in Somis, CA
An absolutely beautiful box, crafted from genuine natural malachite. Uncommonly light in color, this rare specimen displays intricate layers of swirling patterns that captivate the e...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Malachite

Fabienne Jouvin-Paris Cloisonne Ouzbek Box, Circa 1980s
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Fabienne Jouvin-Paris Cloisonne 'Ouzbek' Box Designed by artesian Fabienne Jouvin-Paris Made in China, 1980s This stunning Fabienne Jouvin-Paris Cloisonné 'Ouzbek' Box, crafted in t...
Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Modern Boxes

Materials

Copper, Enamel

Constantin Box, A by Colé Italia
Located in Geneve, CH
Constantin box, A by Colé Italia with Agustina Bottoni Dimensions: H.10/13 Ø 28 cm Materials: Jewel box in brushed solid oak wood stained black; brass knob Also available: B- Ca...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass

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

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

Michael Elkan Live Edge Burl Box
Located in New York, NY
Studio craft raw edge burl box with hinged lid, which conceals 2 compartments. Signed Michael Elkan.
Category

20th Century American Modern Boxes

Materials

Burl

Beige Resin Terrazo Bathroom Set by Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Terrazzo bathroom set handcrafted in resin and marble. This unique mix of materials creates trendy pieces that will add visual interest to your bath space, and the minimalist design brings modern touch to any space. This set includes everything you need to upgrade the look and feel of your bathroom, helping you maintain a clean and organized space. Light colors provide a clean look that mixes easily with existing decor. The set can be customized, please contact us for further information. Set includes: 1 Round toothbrush holder 1 Round Liquid soap dispenser...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Boxes

Materials

Marble

Gioia Intreccio Contemporary Armored Jewelry Armoire Safe
Located in New York, NY
Contemporary armored jewelry armoire safe covered in white and beige threaded leather. Inside safe in shiny white. 24-karat gold-plated brass a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Birdseye Maple

21st Century Leather Origami Box for Closet Wardrobe Handcrafted in Italy
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
Our Origami box is an endlessly useful complement for a master closet. Two sizes ideal for organizing your interior. Made with eco-friendly, washable an...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Leather

Tissue Box in Polished Stainless Steel by R&Y Augousti
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Elevate the everyday with this exquisite Polished Stainless Steel Tissue Box by R&Y Augousti, a testament to unparalleled craftsmanship and luxurious materials. Each piece is meticul...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Modern Boxes

Materials

Stainless Steel

Contemporary Modern, Aya Chestnut Wood 2-Compartment Box
Located in İstanbul, İstanbul
Istanbul is a wooden box collection inspired by some of towns most iconic buildings: Galata Tower, Hagia Sophia and Bebek Mosque. Each item takes its name from these structures. The ...
Category

2010s Turkish Modern Boxes

Materials

Chestnut

Chapman Tall Brass Magazine Storage Lidded Box, 1980s
Located in Atlanta, GA
Chapman Manufacturing Company designed this stunning, oversized lidded brass decorative box or magazine storage stand in the 1980s. The box boasts a tall geometric shape and a massiv...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Metal, Brass

Italian Onyx and Brass Jewelry Box with Velvet Lining, 1960
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This vintage jewelry box, crafted from smooth polished onyx, exudes timeless elegance. The natural stone features delicate, earthy veining, complemented by a refined brass trim that ...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Onyx

Italian 1960s Black Train Case in Leather
Located in Milan, IT
Italian 1960s train case in leather.
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Crocodile

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

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

Karl Springer Stunning "Kyoto Box" in Tessellated Penshell 1980s Signed
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Exceptionally crafted "Kyoto Box" in tessellated penshell with brass inlays on top and trim around base by Karl Springer, American 1980's (signed “Karl Sprin...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass

Privato Biancho white Safe
Located in New York, NY
Safe for jewelry, available in three finishing options. See information below for details of finishing variations. Copper: Jewelry case in hammered copper finish steel. Drawers in ma...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Steel

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.