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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
21st Century Leather Door Stop Handcrafed in Italy
By Pinetti
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
Keep your doors open.
Hand-crafted in leather it includes a matching handle which blends into the design, while making it easy to pick up and move between rooms. A soft door stop ...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Leather
Agresti Cassette Del Tempo Chest for 9 Watches
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Chest for 9 watches. Available in elm briar or polished ebony.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Wood
Handcrafted Three Trinket Boxes Mod Geometric Design
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a modern set of three (3) geometric design trinket boxes. Handcrafted wood. Unmarked. Country and designer information not available. Clan modern decorative d...
Category
Late 20th Century Modern Boxes
Materials
Wood
$180 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Large Japanese Kazaribako Glass Box Ancient Captial Kyohei Fujita
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Kazaribako "Ornamented Box" made of glass by Japanese artist Kyohei Fujita (1921-2004) circa 1990s. The hand-blown glass box is substantial in size and weight. It features a hexago...
Category
1990s Japanese Modern Boxes
Materials
Silver
Alfred Dunhill Germany 1990 Decorative Desk Box In Black Leather
Chromed Steel
By Dunhill
Located in Miami, FL
Desk box designed by Dunhill.
Beautiful decorative vintage desk box, created in Germany for Alfred Dunhill, back in the 1990. It was made up in shiny black leather with a discrete f...
Category
1990s German Modern Boxes
Materials
Steel, Chrome
$398 Sale Price / item
20% Off
Tiffany Modern Sterling Silver Box with Bold Wave Edge
By Tiffany
Co.
Located in New York, NY
Midcentury Modern sterling silver box. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York. Rectangular with flat and hinged cover. Sides and front have wraparound low-relief band of imbricated chevro...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Modern Boxes
Materials
Sterling Silver
21st Century Leather Soft Rectangular Tissue Box Handmade in Italy
By Pinetti
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
Just perfect. A must have for your living, for your bedroom, for your bathroom, for your office.
A soft rectangular tissue box in calf leather that comes in a wide range of colors...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Leather
Karl Springer Stunning "Kyoto Box" in Tessellated Penshell 1980s
Signed
Located in New York, NY
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
American Modern Sterling Silver Box by Ubaldo Vitali for Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Modern sterling silver box. Long and rectangular with straight sides and sharp corners; cover hinged with overhanging rim and gently curved top. Box interior cedar lined and partitioned. Cover interior gilt. Nice proportions. Plenty of room for engraving. Fully marked including maker’s (Ubaldo...
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Boxes
Materials
Sterling Silver
Agresti Smart Identity Armoire with 6 Watch Winders
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Interactive armored armoire in matte finish Canaletto walnut or polished Ebony, with emergency key. White leather interior with 6 Swiss made watch winders and secret compartment. Rut...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Leather, Wood
21st Century Leather Origami Box for Closet
Wardrobe Handcrafted in Italy
By Pinetti
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
Cornflower/Lilac Bone Box, 12x7
Located in New York, NY
Modernist Cornflower/Hydrangea lavendar bone keepsake box lined in wood. A great addition to any coffee table, bedside or desk.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Boxes
Materials
Bone
Solo Lui Black Armoire with 18 Watch Winders
By Agresti
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
$225,600 / item
Set/5 Ceramic Pots, White, Handmade in Portugal by Lusitanus Home
By Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Hailey & Henry Pots, Lusitanus Home Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Lusitanus Home.
This beautiful set includes two waterproof ceramic vases and three pots, perfect ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Van Cleef
Arpel Velvet Jewellery Box for a Watch, 1990.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Van Cleef & Arpel velvet jewellery box for a watch, 1990.
Velvet jewellery box for a watch by jeweller Van Cleef & Arpel, presented in its cardboard box, circa 1990.
H: 10 cm, W: 13...
Category
20th Century French Modern Boxes
Materials
Velvet, Wood, Paper
Stella Box Nero
Arabescato 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
$390 / item
Cuscino Radica Brown Leather Watch Case
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Travel leather watch case with capacity for 1 watch in the adjustable leather support. Available in three finishing options: Black leather with poli...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Leather, Wood
$720 / item
21st Century Rio Rectangular Closet Box Handwoven in Italy
By Pinetti
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
The Rio collection, smooth and soft design specially studied for your closet.
A box made with the resistant regenerated leather with two practical holes as handles on the short si...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Leather
Ceramic Protea Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Protea, Butterfly Jewelry Box Hand Painted by Jabu Nene and Sculpted by Sbusiso Ndaba from Love Art Ceramic
This enchanting Protea, Butterfly Jewelry Box is a testament to the vibra...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
21st Century Leather Eyeglasses Box Cover with Mirror Handcrafed in Italy
By Pinetti
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
Combining tradition and modern design to provide an unmistakable flair of luxury and elegance.
Our glasses box has a wood base and enough space to store up to eight pairs of glass...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Leather, Wood
American Midcentury Modern Sterling Silver Desk Box
By Andrew A. Taylor
Located in New York, NY
Midcentury Modern sterling silver desk box. Rectangular with straight sides. Cover hinged with gently curved top and molded rim. Box interior cedar-lined and partitioned. Fully marke...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Modern Boxes
Materials
Sterling Silver
Bacco Bar Armoire in Shiny Ebony
By Agresti
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
Ebony
$34,500 / item
1980s Mid-Century Modern Plexiglass and Vienna Straw Luxury Box by Dior Home
By Dior Home
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This exquisite, authentic vintage Dior Home luxury box from the 1980s is a stunning example of Mid-Century Modern design. It features a classic, rectangular structure crafted from Pl...
Category
Late 20th Century French Modern Boxes
Materials
Wicker, Lucite
$855 Sale Price
20% Off
Gucci Ceramic Catchall with Gilt Box, Italy 1980s
By Gucci
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant and refined, this ceramic catchall by Gucci dates to the 1980s and reflects the brand’s iconic blend of luxury and functionality. The deep green glaze is accentuated by the c...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Contemporary Black Armored Jewel Safe Chest with Swarovski Crystals
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Armored jewelry chest in black leather with Swarovski crystals. Drawers are covered with black leather, inside is lined for jewelry and watches w...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Crystal, Steel
Orange, Natural Bone Cheveron Box
Located in New York, NY
Cheveron patterned keepsake, letter box made from dyed orange and natural bone. Box has a wood lining.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Boxes
Materials
Bone, Palmwood
"Rettangolare" Leather Box Designed by Oscar Maschera
Located in Brooklyn, NY
"Rettangolare" is a leather box, designed and manufactured by Oscar Maschera. Genuine Italian leather vegetable tanned. Colors combination to be chosen from the available range: tan,...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Leather
$826 Sale Price / item
15% Off
Grand Malachite Stone Box With Brass Banding, *8.5" Round
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This is a stunning Grand Malachite Stone Box With Brass Banding,
This is quite a large box as it is 8.5" across and is 2" high.
The inside is as found witch tells me the it could b...
Category
1950s Unknown Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Malachite
Vintage Signed Chrome, Brass, Black Resin Hinged Monumental Sculptural Box Italy
Located in North Miami, FL
This stunning and sculptural monumental beautifully made Italian hinged heavy box is signed and stamped Linea Ble Roma. It is from the 20th century and is comprised of chrome, brass ...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass, Chrome
Forziere Ore Bianche White Chest with Nine Watch Winders
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Counter size armoured chest in shiny white bird’s eye maple. Bullets proof glass (6 Joule out of 8), emergency opening system, leds lights. Nine high tech winders entirely made in Sw...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Birdseye Maple
$65,400 / item
Alexandra Von Furstenberg Acrylic Treasure Box in Pink - Large 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 hot Pink. Made from high-quality Lucite, this chic de...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Boxes
Materials
Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass
Piccolo Intreccio Armored Armoire Braided White and Pink Leather
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Armored jewelry cabinet covered in white and pink hand threaded leather. Varnished outside in pink color. Accessories in 24 karats gold plated brass. Drawers covered in white leather...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Metal
Contemporary American Modern Seashell Music Box / Jewelry Box
Located in Queens, NY
Contemporary American Modern music box / jewelry box with an exterior finished in beige and pink speckled seashells, which opens along a hinged edge to a red velvet interior, with a ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Boxes
Materials
Coral
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
Vintage Italian, Rectangular Cream Bone Inlay Box 1970
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This elegant rectangular box features a refined patchwork of hand-laid cream bone inlay, creating a subtle yet luxurious texture. The smooth, polished finish highlights the natural v...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Driftwood
Box, Mont Blanc Jewellery Case, 1990.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Box, Mont Blanc jewellery case, 1990.
Case, Mont Blanc jewellery box, very good condition, box, circa 1990.
H: 4 cm, L: 17 cm, D: 17 cm
Category
Late 20th Century French Modern Boxes
Materials
Fabric
Rectangular Pink Marble Box
Located in Queens, NY
Rectangular marble box with lift-off cover
Category
20th Century American Modern Boxes
Materials
Marble
Alexandra Von Furstenberg Acrylic Treasure Box in Slate Grey - Large 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 Slate Grey. Made from high-quality Lucite, this chic decorative ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Boxes
Materials
Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass
Agresti Segreto Armored Jewelry Case
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Armored jewelry case with pullout / pull-out necklace bars. See information below for details of item variations.
Gold variation: Shiny gold stee...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass, Steel
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
Agito Watch Winder Cabinet with glass front, marquetry decoration and lacquered
By Procreo
Located in London, GB
Agito watch cabinet offers 6 automatic mechanical watch winders in the main section of the watch box with pre-programmed watch rotators offering personal...
Category
2010s British Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
Box, Bulgari Watch Case, Black Leather with Cardboard Box, 1990.
By Bulgari
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Box, Bulgari watch case, black leather with cardboard box, 1990.
Case, Bulgari watch box, very good condition, black leather box with cardboard box,...
Category
Late 20th Century French Modern Boxes
Materials
Leather
1980s Modern Tessellated Stone Rectangular Lidded Box
Located in Farmington Hills, MI
We are very pleased to offer a modern, tessellated stone storage box attributed to Maitland Smith, circa the 1980s. This gorgeous box features a tessellated stone exterior with inlai...
Category
1980s North American Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Marble
Ceramic Zebra Head Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Zebra Head Jewelry Box Hand-Painted by Zinhle Nene and Sculpted by Sfiso
Introducing the captivating Zebra Head Jewelry Box, a stunning ceramic piece brought to life by the talented...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Handcrafted Brass Box with Wheat Relief Design
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a handcrafted brass box featuring a beautifully embossed wheat motif on the lid. The relief design depicts two wheat stalks with gracefully curved leaves, symbolizing growth ...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Metal
Signed
Numbered Silver-Plated Engraved Box by Cleto Munari
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An exquisite silver-plated decorative box designed by Cleto Munari, featuring a finely engraved dual portrait on its lid. The artwork showcases two expressive faces drawn in Munari’s...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Brass and Nickel Silver Relief Box with Wheat Motif
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Box features a finely crafted relief of wheat stalks rendered in brass and nickel silver. The design captures the timeless symbolism of growth and prosperity, beautifully expressed t...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Metal
Woven Rattan and Chrome Inlay Box
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This sophisticated mid-century rectangular box features a beautifully woven rattan surface accented with bold diagonal chrome inlays, creating a striking balance between natural text...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Chrome
Asprey Sterling Silver and Rose Gold Compact, circa 1960
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
An elegant compact poudrier by Asprey in sterling silver and rose gold. Exquisite craftsmanship, finished on all sides. Weighs 125 grams.
Category
1960s British Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Sterling Silver
Rectangular Shagreen Box with Brass Trims by Ginger Brown
By Ginger Brown
Located in Bourguebus, FR
This modern box by Ginger Brown is handcrafted with shagreen and brass trims striping.
The box is hinged and the interior is lined with a high quality black microsuede.
The col...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
Alexandra Von Furstenberg Acrylic Treasure Box in Magenta Smoke - Medium 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 purple and white Magenta Smoke. Made from high-qualit...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Boxes
Materials
Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass
Walnut Matte Chest
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Polished walnut armoured chest, matte finish, 24 karats gold plated accessories. Round handle with biometric opening device and emergency key integrated. Inside pull out necklace hol...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Walnut
$32,000 / item
Modern Serving Tray Calacatta Marble Cork Handmade in Portugal by Lusitanus Home
Located in Lisboa, PT
Antuã serving tray, Lusitanus Home Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Lusitanus Home.
A sublime serving tray, Antuã was design to uplift layback moments.
A rectang...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Boxes
Materials
Marble, Onyx
Gioia Rutenio Contemporary Armored Jewelry Armoire Safe in Ebony
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Polished ebony contemporary armored armoire. Matte finish, ruthenium accessories. Inside drawers for jewelry, with fronts covered in white leather. Safe can be anchored to the wall w...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Ebony
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
Modern Serving Tray Calacatta Marble Eucalyptus Handmade Portugal Lusitanus Home
Located in Lisboa, PT
Guadiana serving tray, Lusitanus Home Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Lusitanus Home.
Guadiana is a sublime serving tray, designed to uplift layback moments. Handcra...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Boxes
Materials
Marble
Acrylic Pink Shorty Box by Alexandra Von Furstenberg
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Alexandra Von Furstenberg Shorty Box in Pink are both decorative and functional. Featuring a sleek, low-profile design, these boxes are versatile for various uses. Place the AVF ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Boxes
Materials
Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass
Ceramic Cheetah Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
This ceramic Cheetah jewelry box, crafted by Sabelo Nene at Love Art Ceramic studio in South Africa, intertwines African wildlife with artistry. Standi...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
1980s Tavola Oggetti Rectangular Marble Jewelry Box
By Oggetti
Located in Farmington Hills, MI
We are very pleased to offer a vintage, sleek, pair of polished stone bookends, circa the 1970s. This set is constructed of solid, heavy-weight marble and skillfully hand-cut and ha...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Marble
Agresti Metal Top G2 Black Armored Chest with 6 Drawers
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Metal top chest with GRADE 2 safe. Shiny black steel. Contents 6 drawers lined to store all sorts of jewels and necklace bar. Brass plated 24-karat gold accessories.
Unique featur...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Metal
$33,000 / item
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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