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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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 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

SET Tafi Onyx Oval Boxes, Silver Alpaca Onyx Stone
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

Ceramic Protea Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Protea Butterfly Jewelry Box Hand-Painted by Minenhle Nene, Sculpted by Sbusiso Ndaba Love Art Ceramic, South Africa, 2024 The Protea Butterfly Jewelry Box is a stunning fusion of n...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

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

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

Hand-Painted Dome Top Wood and Brass Decorative Chest
Located in Germantown, MD
A fancy highly decorative, hand painted wooden box in good vintage condition. Heavy solid brass hardware. Meadures 19.5" in width, 10.25" in depth and 14" in height.
Category

Late 20th Century Argentine Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass

Maitland Smith Brown Penshell Cube Decorative Box
Located in Stamford, CT
1980s decorative pen shell cube box attributed to Maitland Smith. Medium brown pen shell with dark gray tessellated stone accents. Wood lined box. No ma...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Shell, Wood

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

Jewelry or Storage Boxes, Set of 2
Jewelry or Storage Boxes, Set of 2
$220 Sale Price / set
20% Off
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

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

Karl Springer Rare Large Painted Goatskin Jewelry Box, USA, 1970s
Located in New York, NY
Karl Springer rare and exquisite large lacquered painted goatskin jewelry box, divided into compartments inside, and completely lined inside and on the bottom with brown felt ending ...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Goatskin, Felt, Wood

Hand Blown Murano Box in Alexandrite with Brass Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This exquisite Murano glass box features the captivating Alexandrite color, renowned for its enchanting color-changing properties. The glass's rich hues shift beautifully under diffe...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass

Agresti Il Mio Tempo Chest for 28 Watches
Located in New York, NY
Lockable chest for 28 watches on holders and laying down. Available in briar or polished ebony.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Wood

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

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

Adura Perle Jewellery Box in Ripple Sycamore and red suede lining
Located in London, GB
Adura Perle jewellery or trinket box designed by Procreo is guaranteed to take centre stage on your dressing table, inside your walk-in wardrobe, or in any room you may decide to hav...
Category

2010s British Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass

Vintage Romeo Rega Brass Large Pyramid Step Box Sculpture Desk Accessory Italian
Located in North Miami, FL
This amazing and very special heavy large vintage brass stepped pyramid box and or sculpture designed by Romeo Rega is Italian and now rare. This is from the 70s. It is unmarked but ...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass

Vintage Striped Horn Inlay Decorative Box
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This elegant rectangular decorative box features a striking striped pattern crafted from natural horn inlays, showcasing rich variations in tone from amber and honey to deep espresso...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Wood

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

Fantastic After Carl Faberge Egg "Mansion at MGM Grand"
Located in Madrid, ES
Fantastic After Carl FABERGE egg "The Mansion at MGM Grand" Yellow enamelled egg, gilt bronze frame resting on a tripod foot, covered with palmet...
Category

20th Century French Modern Boxes

Materials

Malachite, Bronze

Rare Maitland-Smith Oversized Tessellated Marble Stone Box
Located in Atlanta, GA
Maitland-Smith designed this spectacular lidded box. The piece was crafted circa 1980. The box features a tessellated marble, stone, travertine, and brass composition. The pyramidal ...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Stone, Travertine, Marble, Metal, Brass

Matheson Standard Tote by Zach Matheson
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Matheson Standard Tote, designed and produced by Zach Matheson in Washington State, USA in 2024. The design is comprised of recycled post-industrial mesh, Washington and Or...
Category

2010s American Modern Boxes

Materials

Leather, Cord

Modernist Tall Box with Wood Marquetry Patchwork, 1970s
Located in Atlanta, GA
This remarkable modernist decorative box dates back to the 1970s. The piece boasts a tall structure that will capture anyone's attention. The box is square and features an interior m...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Metal, Chrome

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

French Modern Specimen Hardwood Carved Conch Shell Motif Box
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
French Modern Specimen Hardwood Carved Conch Shell Motif Box France, Later 20th Century Realistically carved and modeled of book-matched hardwood as...
Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Boxes

Materials

Hardwood

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

Tronador Medium Mini Box, Brown 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

Supersport 40 Cigars Humidor
Located in Milan, IT
From the Yacht collection, Supersport is the smallest humidor of Maccarrone's collections. Metal accessories are in chromed brass and high gloss grey ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Polyester, Wood

Vintage Orange Glass HInged Box with White Coral Top Black Velvet Interior
Located in North Miami, FL
This absolutely stunning vintage orange glass hinged box has a white piece of organic coral as the top. The inside is a black velvet interior. It is from the 70's and was sold at Sak...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Coral

1980s Modern Silver Plated and Plexiglass Rectangular German Vanity Box
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This German vanity box from the 1980s is a wonderful example of how designers during that period experimented with blending traditional craftsmanship with new materials, resulting in...
Category

Late 20th Century German Modern Boxes

Materials

Silver Plate

Agresti Al Centro Armored Chest in Polished Walnut
Located in New York, NY
Polished walnut armored chest with leather inserts and 24-karat gold-plated accessories. Biometric opening device and emergency key system. Bullets pro...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Blue Ocean Humidor
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

Brass

Blue Ocean Humidor
Blue Ocean Humidor
$9,995 / item
Set/5 Ceramic Pots, White Grey, Handmade in Portugal by Lusitanus Home
Located in Lisboa, PT
Graham pots, Lusitanus Home Collection, handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Lusitanus Home. This beautiful set includes three waterproof ceramic pots with lid, perfect to be displ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

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

Roma Brown Rosewood Cigar Case
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

Lucite and Velvet Jewelry Box with Storage Drawers
Located in New York, NY
A Lucite and velvet jewelry box with storage draws, in the Modern style, circa late-20th century. Box has ample room with four (4) storage draws lined with r...
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Boxes

Materials

Velvet, Lucite

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

Japanese Kazaribako Glass Box Rare Hagoromo Kyohei Fujita
Located in Atlanta, GA
A brilliant Kazaribako "Ornamented Box" made of glass by Japanese artist Kyohei Fujita (1921-2004) circa 1990s. The hand-blown green glass box featur...
Category

1990s Japanese Modern Boxes

Materials

Silver

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

James Bearden Containment Box #2
Located in New York, NY
Sculptural "Containment" box, a vessel in blackened steel, dyed bronze, and red glass enamel by American artist James Bearden. Number 2 in a series. Top lifts off revealing an abstra...
Category

2010s American Modern Boxes

Materials

Steel, Bronze, Enamel

Giant Hand Blown Murano Glass Box in Ruby 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

Tronador Rectangular Black Onyx Stone Box
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

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

Tissue Box in White Shagreen by R&Y Augousti
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The White Shagreen Tissue Box by R&Y Augousti is a sublime expression of modern elegance and meticulous craftsmanship. Encased in luxurious shagreen, its textured finish exudes refin...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Modern Boxes

Materials

Shagreen Stingray

Eclipse Box by Greg Natale
Located in Sydney,, NSW
The unique Solar collection conjures the spirit of the mystical universe. Natale’s solar candles encompass mysticism and pairs it with clean architectural lines in an evocative and e...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

Tiffany Smart Modern American Sterling Silver Desk Box
Located in New York, NY
Smart and Modern sterling silver box. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York. Rectangular with straight sides. Cover flat and hinged with slight overhang. Stylish Midcentury design. Fully...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Boxes

Materials

Sterling Silver

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

Table Cigarette Case floral miniatures and inserts of gold paillons Salimbeni.
Located in Firenze, FI
Octagonal table cigarette case in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with external edges and fired enamels inserted in fine designs in the Baroq...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Sterling Silver, Enamel, Gold, Gold Plate

Natural Horn Keepsake Box
Located in New York, NY
Keepsake /Jewelry box featuring heat set molded natural horn elements.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Boxes

Materials

Horn, 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

1980s Elegant Brass and Green Enamel Cigarette Box by Gucci Florence
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

Onyx Marble Jewelry Trinket Box
Located in New York, NY
A small '70s modern hexagon shaped onyx box with lid, circa 1970s. Box is multicolored onyx, in a hexagon shape with lid and feet. A nice piece to hold small items on a desk, or smal...
Category

1970s Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Onyx

Onyx Marble Jewelry Trinket Box
Onyx Marble Jewelry Trinket Box
$340 Sale Price
20% Off
Handpainted Limoges Porcelain Egg Box for Asprey
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine diminutive porcelain dresser or vanity box. By Limoges for Asprey. In the size and shape of an egg. Decorated with handpainted green plants, blue devices, and extensive ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Boxes

Materials

Porcelain

Round Box enamel light blue and black Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Round box in 925/1000 sterling silver gold-plated with translucent fired enamel on guilloché in a modern contemporary style. Dimensions: diameter cm. 7.5 height cm. 3.8, Weight g. 24...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Gold, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel

Hand Carved Lapis Lazuli Mosaic Jewelry Box with Marble Interior
Located in New York, NY
Lapis lazuli hand carved mosaic lidded box, with white marble interior. Natural lapis stone has beautiful golden pyrite inclusions, like a sprinkling of fairy dust. The lapis mosaic...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Marble

Table Box Enamel two-tone ruby red and emerald green Salimbeni.
Located in Firenze, FI
Rectangular table box in 925/1000 gold-plated sterling silver with translucent fired enamel stripes on guilloche, two-tone ruby red and emerald green, in a modern contemporary style....
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel, Gold

Giant Hand Blown Murano Glass Box in Ruby 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

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

Marble Jewelry Box or Decorative Vanity Box
Located in New York, NY
A substantial white marble and agate jewelry box or decorative vanity box. Box is square, predominately white marble, with an agate square surrounded by chrome lid detail. A great pi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Boxes

Materials

Onyx, Marble, Metal, Chrome

Contemporary Pixel Jewelry Box Handmade Black Wood and Glass by Ghirò Studio
Located in Pieve Emanuele, Milano
2022 Collection of Jewelry boxes by Ghirò Studio. 'Pixel' is perfect synthesis of timeless style, innovative design and italian craftsmanship excellence. This box is entirely in woo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Glass, Wood

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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