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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
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
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
"Gioia Crema" Contemporary Armored Jewelry Armoire Safe
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Inside safe in shiny white. 24-karat gold-plated brass accessories. Made in Florence, Italy since, 1949. VAT will be applicable to sales in the UK.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Birdseye Maple
$42,000 / item
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
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
$125 / item
Saffron Tissue Box Black Small in Lacquer Wood
Brass, Viya By Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Saffron Tissue Box Black Small in Lacquer Wood
Brass, Viya By Vikram Goyal
With moniker’s such as red gold, exquisite thread or golden light, saffron captivates us all. Ancie...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
Saffron Tissue Box Ecru Small in Lacquer Wood
Brass, Viya By Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Saffron Tissue Box Ecru Small in Lacquer Wood
Brass, Viya By Vikram Goyal
With moniker’s such as red gold, exquisite thread or golden light, saffron captivates us all. Ancien...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
Hand Blown Murano Glass Box in Black with Bubbles and Chrome Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Discover the epitome of elegance with this exquisite Pulegoso technique box, meticulously crafted in Murano and signed for MOGUL. This box, available in both large and giant sizes, e...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Chrome
Reed
Barton Sterling Silver Cigar Box with Hound Dog Finial
By Reed
Barton
Located in New York, NY
Modern sterling silver cigar box. Made by Reed & Barton in Taunton, Massachusetts, ca 1920. Rectangular with straight sides. Cover hinged with molded rim; on top, cast figural finial...
Category
Early 20th Century American Modern Boxes
Materials
Sterling Silver
Contemporary Armored Jewelry Armoire Safe in White Maple Gioia Artico
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Armoured jewelry cabinet in polished white maple, 24-karat gold-plated brass accessories. Safe can be anchored to the wall with metal screws that are supplied. Opening with digital t...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Maple
Green Onyx Stone Jewelry or Trinket Box with Natural Veining
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This rectangular vintage jewelry or trinket box is beautifully handcrafted from green onyx stone, showcasing the stone’s organic swirls and veining in rich tones of moss green, honey...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Stone
Cream Contemporary Armored Jewelry Chest Safe with Swarovski Crystals
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Armored jewelry chest in beige leather with Swarovski crystals. Drawers are covered with off white leather, inside is lined for jewelry and watch...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Steel
Set of Twelve Red Shagreen Napkin Rings by Fabio Ltd
By Fabio Ltd.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian red shagreen and stainless steel napkin rings with matching red leather boxes designed by Fabio Bergomi for Fabio Ltd / Made in Italy
Each ring has diameter 1.5 inches and wi...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Stainless Steel
$720 Sale Price / set
40% Off
Vintage Red Onyx Stone Jewelry or Trinket Box
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rectangular vintage jewelry or trinket box crafted from richly colored red onyx stone, known for its deep crimson tones, intricate veining, and natural variations of amber and cream....
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Marble
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
Agresti Privato Safe
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
"Agresti 'Privato' safe for jewelry, available in three finishing options. See information below for details of finishing variations.
Copper: Jewelry case in hammered copper finish s...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Steel
2011 Dr. Lakra Wood Tequila Reserva De La Familia Box
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Awesome wood tequila box featuring Dr. Lakra art on every surface. Made to hold Jose Cuervo Tequila Reserva De La Familia, 2011. Very limited edition. Bo...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Boxes
Materials
Wood
21st Century Leather Pedal Paper
Waste Bin Handmade in Italy
By Pinetti
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
A chic and sleek aesthetic for our wastebasket with a black pedal.
Available with a 3 and 5 liter capacity and a soft closing function that will avoid any loud noises. Finished i...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Leather
21st Century Leather Rectangular Tissue Box with Chrome Profile Made in Italy
By Pinetti
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
Masterful artisanal craftsmanship.
Pinetti rectangular tissue box, made in ABS with chrome or gold finishing is covered with genuine waterproof leather and is available with gold ...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Chrome
Large Murano Gold
Amethyst Sommerso Square Box
Located in Westport, CT
A splendid and timeless one of a kind Murano handcrafted large square-shaped clear blown glass box with sommerso floating gold infused deep amethyst pink orb center, customized sizin...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Murano Glass
Hand Blown Murano Glass Box in Amethyst with 24 Karat Gold Flecks
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This evocative and alluring Murano glass box is a magnificent fusion of masterful craftsmanship and natural beauty. Handcrafted on the famed Venetian island of Murano, this box showc...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass, Gold Leaf
Mid Century Decorative Carved Dome Top Valuables Box
Located in Incline Village, NV
Resting on four paw feet and opening via two rear butterfly hinges, this attractive carved dome top box features on the top, an oval highly carved applique cartouche, monogrammed w...
Category
1950s American Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Wood
Saffron Tissue Box Black Large in Lacquer Wood
Brass, Viya By Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Saffron Tissue Box Black 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. Ancie...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
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
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
Set/2 Pots, Ceramic Pots, Green, Handmade in Portugal by Lusitanus Home
Located in Lisboa, PT
Chaucer Pots, Lusitanus Home Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Lusitanus Home.
This beautiful set includes two waterproof ceramic pots with lid, perfect to be displayed together and enrich your room decor.
Each piece has its own elegant silhouette in mint-green glazed ceramic with gloss finish plus hand turned beech wood base and lid lacquered in bronze gold-powder.
Set of 2 Ceramic Pots Chaucer...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass, Gold Leaf
Tiffany Smart
Modern American Sterling Silver Desk Box
By Tiffany
Co.
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
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
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
Humidor in Black Polished Ebony Avana Nera
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Humidor for 100 cigars in ebony polished. Cedar lining. Two humidification units and hygrometer. Removable tray.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Cedar, Ebony
$3,120 / item
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
$1,680 / item
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 Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Zebra Jewelry Box
Hand Painted by Jabu Nene, Sculpted by Motsamai Sello
Love Art Ceramic, South Africa
The Zebra Jewelry Box is a stunning ceramic mas...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Arco Contemporary Armoured Jewelry and Watch Armoire in Canaletto Walnut
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Polished walnut contemporary armored armoire. Matte finish, 4-karat gold-plated accessories. Round handle with biometric opening device and emergency key integrated. Inside pull out necklace...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Walnut
Ceramic Protea Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Protea, Monkey Jewelry Box Hand Painted by Jabu Nene and Sculpted by Motsamai Sello from Love Art Ceramic
The Protea, Monkey Jewelry Box is a delightful piece of ceramic art, crafte...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
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
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
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 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
Scientific Calendar in Brass and Marble for the 40 Years, 1991-2030.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Scientific calendar in brass and marble for the 40 years, 1991-2030.
Scientific calendar in brass and marble, for the 40 years, calendar 1991-2030, crown of a royal family, in its o...
Category
20th Century European Modern Boxes
Materials
Marble, Brass
Ceramic Lion Head Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Introducing the striking "Lion Head Jewelry Box," a captivating piece of ceramic decorative art crafted by the talented artisans at Love Art Ceramic in South Africa. Sculpted by Nath...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Ceramic succulent Plant With Bird Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Succulent, Bird Jewelry Box
Hand-Painted by Zinhle Nene & Sculpted by Motsamai Sello
Love Art Ceramic, South Africa, 2024
The Succulent, Bird Jewelry B...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Watch Box for Nine Watches in Polished Black with Suede and Leather
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
For your collectable watches, black polished box with suede dividers and leather handles. Box holds nine watches.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Suede, Wood
Carbon Fiber Armored Jewel Safe Polished Carbon on 4 Sides and 3 Winders
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Armored jewelry safe covered in polished carbon. Drawers in white leather, inside is lined for jewelry and watches with pullout / pull-out necklac...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Steel
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
Tommaso Barbi Ceramic Lidded Box with Red Marbleized Glaze and Gold Detailing
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This elegant lidded box by Tomaso Barbi showcases his signature blend of sculptural form and refined decorative detail. The square box is crafted in ceramic, finished with a striking...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Vintage Italian Round Box 1980
s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Unearth the charm of a Vintage Italian Round Box from the 1980s. Crafted with exquisite Italian finesse, this elegant piece embodies the allure of a bygone era. Its rounded silhouett...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage 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
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
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
Armored Watch Chest in Black, Nine Watch Winders Il Forziere Delle Ore Agresti
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Agresti Il Forziere Delle Ore armored Chests for 9 Winders. Two variations available, please see information below for details.
Ebony: Armoire in polished ebony with safe, anchorable to the wall. Biometric opening device and emergency key system. Watch winders entirely made in Switzerland. Secret compartment, inside lined in ultrasuede. Safe covered with polished ebony and black leather. Bulletproof glass...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Leather, Wood
Ceramic Tortoise Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Tortoise Jewelry Box
Hand-Painted by Jabu Nene, Sculpted by Sfiso Mvelase
Love Art Ceramic, South Africa, 2024
Embracing the rich cultural tapestry of South Africa, the "Tortoise Je...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Ceramic Elephant Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
This charming ceramic Elephant jewelry box, crafted at Imvelo Natural Art in South Africa, stands 5 inches tall with dimensions of 4 inches in both le...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
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
"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
Ceramic Giraffe Head Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Giraffe Head Jewelry Box
Hand Painted by Winnie Mchunu and Sculpted by Sfiso
The Giraffe Head Jewelry Box is a stunning example of handcrafted ceramic art from Love Art Ceramic in S...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Black and Ivory Striped Bone Inlay Box, Italy
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A sleek and elegant rectangular box, this piece is crafted with a striking black and ivory bone inlay in a bold geometric pattern. Its elongated form makes it perfect for holding jew...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Boxwood
Contemporary Iridescent Pearl Crystal Bowl, Brass and Gold 24 Kt by Ghirò Studio
By Ghirò Studio
Located in Pieve Emanuele, Milano
2021 Collection of covered bowls by Ghirò Studio.
This covered bowl is one of a kind. The material used and the artisanal and artistic workmanship make it unrepeatable. In fact, two...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Gold, Brass
Mirror of Enchantment Classic Wall Safe with 3 Watch Winders
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
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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