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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Piccolo Intreccio Armored Armoire Braided White and Pink Leather
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

Wonderful Alfonse La Paglia Georg Jensen Sterling Silver Modernist Box Handle
Located in Roslyn, NY
Alphonse La Paglia sterling silver modern covered box with unusual handle on the lid. Lovely vintage condition. Measures: 4" H x 3" W x ...
Category

1940s Danish Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Sterling Silver

Mid-Century Modern Brass Mirror Vanity Box
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This elegant vanity/storage box showcases a striking blend of materials and craftsmanship. Featuring a polished brass handle at the center, the box is topped with beveled mirrored li...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Metal

Watch Box for Nine Watches in Briar with Leather Detail
Located in New York, NY
Elm briar and striped mahogany for your collectable watches. Leather handles. Briar box for nine watches.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Leather, Wood

Gioia Rutenio Contemporary Armored Jewelry Armoire Safe in Ebony
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

Agresti Metal Top G2 Black Armored Chest with 6 Drawers
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

Continental Silver Filigree Decorative Flower Box
Located in London, GB
A continental silver filigree decorative flower box Continental, Early 20th Century 10cm high x 11cm wide x 7cm deep. This delicate and charming piece,...
Category

20th Century European Modern Boxes

Materials

Silver

Solo Lui Black Armoire with 36 Watch Winders
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 36 Swiss made w...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Ebony

Ceramic Protea And Butterfly Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Protea Butterfly Jewelry Box Introducing the Protea Butterfly Jewelry Box, a captivating ceramic piece crafted by Love Art Ceramic in South Afric...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

Ceramic Fish Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
The Fish Novelty Box by Love Art Ceramic is a charming testament to South Africa's vibrant artistic tradition. Hand-sculpted by Sondelani Ntshalintshali and meticulously hand-painted...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

Ceramic Pomegranate And Butterfly Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Pomegranate Butterfly Jewelry Box Introducing the Pomegranate Butterfly Jewelry Box, an exquisite ceramic piece from Love Art Ceramic, crafted in...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

Graphic Pattern Blue / Natural Bone Box
Located in New York, NY
Graphic patterned keepsake box clad in natural and ink blue dyed bone. Tiles are hand set on a wood box.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Modern Boxes

Materials

Bone

Ceramic Frog Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Frog Jewelry Box Hand Painted by Slie and Sculpted by Nathi/Sbusiso Delight in the whimsical charm of the Frog Jewelry Box, a captivating piece of decorat...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

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

Saffron Tissue Box Dark Blue Small in Lacquer Wood Brass, Viya By Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Saffron Tissue Box Dark Blue 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. A...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass

1970s Heavy Brass Turtle Box
Located in Stamford, CT
1970s heavy brass turtle box. Oval shaped brass box with hinge closure and raised brass turtle figurine. No makers mark or signature.
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass

1980s Mid-Century Modern Plexiglass and Vienna Straw Luxury Box 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

Ebony and leather Millemiglia watch box with embroidery Giordano Viganò
Located in Novedrate, IT
The Millemiglia watch case is an elegant box that combines ebony and leather and can hold 3 watches. The exterior is made of Macassar Ebony, a fine dark-colored wood with dense amber...
Category

2010s European Modern Boxes

Materials

Ebony

Vintage Italian Modernist Wood Box
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant rectangular box crafted in wood and finished in a brushed metallic lacquer, Italy, 1970s. The lid features a long inset enamel panel in deep cobalt blue, creating a refined c...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Wood

Jewelry Box Velvet Lined
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful and well-made black and white (off-white) shagreen style (shark skin style) covered jewelry box. Box has beautiful lines with vaulted lid, bras...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Boxes

Materials

Velvet, Resin

Ceramic Box by Nanni Valentini for Ceramica Arcore, Italy, 1970s
Located in Milan, IT
Ceramic box by Nanni Valentini for Ceramica Arcore.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

Modernist Long and Flat Lucite Box, circa 1980
Located in Atlanta, GA
This exceptional modernist lidded box, crafted in Italy circa 1980, embodies both sophistication and practicality with its exquisite Lucite construction. The rare elongated, flat rec...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Lucite, Acrylic

Rectangular Shagreen Box with Brass Trims 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

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

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

Dolcevita 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 mahog...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Polyester, Wood

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

22:15 _ White Ceramic and Platinum Details Handcrafted Jewelry Box
Located in Bologna, Bologna
The white painted ceramic box with lid 22:15 of the 'Meridiane' collection can be the container where you find a candy to relax after dinner, as well as the storage in which to put the jewelry on the night table before going to bed. This object is hand made in refined white ceramic and finished with precious platinum based paint. It is a decorative piece that can be placed in any room of the house and give it a touch of uniqueness. The box is inspired by Casa Malaparte...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Platinum

Brass and Silver Embossed Box with Bird Motif
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant vintage brass box featuring a raised silver medallion depicting a detailed bird and floral motif. The contrast between the warm golden brass and cool silver relief adds sophi...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass

R&Y Augousti, shagreen jewelry box, 1990s
Located in Firenze, IT
Stunning shagreen and ebonized wood jewelry box, produced by R&Y Augousti in the 1990s. It is a very sophisticated jewelry box full of elegant details, the doors are closed by a Japa...
Category

1990s French Modern Boxes

Materials

Shagreen, Wood

Contemporary Fiocco Armoire Safe in Shiny White Maple
Located in New York, NY
Polished white bird's-eye maple armored armoire with leather bow, 24-karat gold-plated accessories. Round handle with biometric opening device and emergency key integrated. Inside pullout / pull-out necklace holder and drawers lined for jewelry. Leather handles on drawers. Secret compartment. Available...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Leather, Birdseye Maple

Paw Jar with Brass Inlay by Marcantonio
Located in Kolkata, IN
Paw Jar is a delightful object from the Forest collection. It has intricate brass and resin inlay in blue and pink, with an endearing leafy lid. For his debut creations, Marcanton...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass

Horn Mosaic Decorative Jewelry Cigarette Box Art Deco Modernist Style
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This elegant decorative box showcases a striking geometric mosaic design crafted from natural horn, creating a sophisticated Art Deco meets Modernist aesthetic. The box features a se...
Category

2010s Unknown Modern Boxes

Materials

Horn

Mahogany Ladys Gentlemans Handmade Jewelry Casket Box Manning Ireland Irish New
Located in Dublin, Ireland
This well figured highly hand polished Mahogany jewellery casket with dome fronted detail, was manufactured by the famed manning of Ireland company and is truly a jewel of handcrafte...
Category

Early 2000s Irish Modern Boxes

Materials

Mahogany, Walnut

Set/2 Boxes, White and Light-Blue, Handmade in Portugal by Lusitanus Home
Located in Lisboa, PT
Lanzarote Boxes, Lusitanus Home Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Lusitanus Home. Lanzarote box set includes two wooden boxes, perfect to be displayed together and enr...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Boxes

Materials

Gold Leaf

Vintage Solid / Sterling Silver Box by Sarah Jones - Teddy Bear
Located in Bath, GB
A highly collectable piece of modernist silver, this adorable small is topped with a teddy bear finial. Of course, being hand-made by the well renowned modern silversmith, Sarah Jones, it is lovely quality and the box is heavy made of a heavy gauge of silver. The underside is fully hallmarked for London 1988 together with the maker's mark. This superb heirloom quality box would make a fabulous box for the tooth fairy. It measures 1.89" tall or 4.8cms / 1.18" in diameter or 3 cms and weighs 48 Grams / 1.54 Troy Ounces. Excellent vintage condition. SARAH JONES studied history of medieval art at the University of East Anglia before working for the Greater London Arts Association. In the early 1970's they sent her to interview the ecclesiastical silversmith Michael Murray for their magazine, and he insisted that she make something, a ring, which she sold for £12. This inspired her to take part time training with him before renting a workshop next door in Clerkenwell. Camden Lock Market opened in 1974 and she had a stall there for 8 years, and also exhibited at Goldsmiths' Fair in 1975. In 1979 the Queen, who has the world's largest collection of Faberge flowers...
Category

1980s British Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Sterling Silver

Tiffany Stylish Midcentury Modern Sterling Silver Desk Box
Located in New York, NY
Midcentury Modern sterling silver desk box. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York. Rectangular with straight sides. Cover flat and hinged with rectilinear rim. Box interior cedar lined a...
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, Beetle Jewelry Box Hand-Painted by Jabu Nene, Sculpted by Sbusiso Ndaba Love Art Ceramic, South Africa, 2024 Embodying the vibrant essence of South Africa, the "Protea, Beet...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

Roma Cigar Case with Ashtray
Located in Milan, IT
A singular piece from the Roma Collection, this cigar case boasts a practical and stylish design equipped with a handprinted ceramic ashtray. Masterfully handcrafted of cedar, it combines an ebony and a walnut veneer enriched with a splendid inlay work of a tobacco leaf marking the curved and polished top. Adorned with a small metal key, the piece is also equipped with a hygrometer and Boveda holder. Available 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

Italian Playing Card Box with Dual Decks, 1970s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Charming 1970s Italian playing card box crafted in wood, showcasing the natural knots and swirling grain characteristic of the material. The hinged lid opens to reveal a neatly parti...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Wood

Italian Faux Tortoiseshell and Brass Box, 1970s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant vintage box crafted in Italy in the 1970s, featuring richly patterned faux tortoiseshell panels framed by a brass border. The interior displays the same deep amber and espres...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Acrylic

White Maple Jewel Box by Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Maple Jewel Box in White.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Maple

Italian Round Wood and Tortoiseshell Box, 1970s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Charming Italian round box from the 1970s, crafted in warm wood with a contrasting faux-tortoiseshell lid. Both the interior and underside are lined in deep green felt, giving the pi...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Wood

Italian Marble Lidded Box in Honey and Cream Tones, 1970s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful cylindrical lidded box hand-carved from natural marble, crafted in Italy in the 1970s. The stone displays warm honey, caramel, and cream veining throughout, creating an ele...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Marble

Italian Travertine and Marble Box, 1970s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Minimalist Italian stone box from the 1970s, crafted in natural travertine with a contrasting lid featuring an inlaid triangular panel of dark marble. The combination of porous, text...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Travertine

Ceramic Tiger Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
As a symbol deeply rooted in African culture, the tiger holds a special significance. While tigers are not native to Africa, they often symbolize strength, courage, and resilience qu...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

1994 s Ancella Armchair project by M. Lovi for Giovannetti Collezioni
Located in Casalguidi, IT
A unique bedroom armachair - elegant, comfortable and functional at the same time. Ancella is suitable for the bedroom and dressing-room. Beechwood frame. Shape-retaining polyuretha...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Modern Cast Brass, Chiseled Timber and Resin Dawa Cocktail Bar Set
Located in Bothas Hill, KZN
The Dawa luxury bar set is a great addition to any home cocktail bar. These items can be bought individually or as a set. The set consists of the following: The Ice bucket's body ...
Category

2010s South African Modern Boxes

Materials

Copper, Brass

Black Shagreen Tissue Box
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian black Shagreen tissue box with black leather presentation box designed by Fabio Bergomi for Fabio Ltd, made in Italy. Measures: Height...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Shagreen

Black Shagreen Tissue Box
Black Shagreen Tissue Box
$720 Sale Price
40% Off
Ceramic Hoopoe Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
This hoopoe jewelry ceramic box is a true treasure, meticulously crafted by hand and painted with care by South African artists. Its unique design features one of the wings serving a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

Jeweler, Russia, circa 1900 Malachite, 875/000 silver and Gold Plated
Located in Madrid, ES
Jeweler, Russia, circa 1900. Material: Malachite, 875/000 silver setting, gold plated. Hallmark: Guarantee mark and master's mark. Dimensions: 9.5 x 7 x 4.2 cm. Condition: Slight ...
Category

Early 20th Century Russian Modern Boxes

Materials

Malachite

Hand Made Horn Box
Located in New York, NY
Steam pressed decorative, dimensional horn tiled keepsake/desk box - a great addition to any dresser or book shelf.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Boxes

Materials

Horn, Wood

Modernist Hand-Blown Murano Glass Box in Ultramarine Phthalo w/ Polished Brass
Located in New York, NY
This Modernist Hand-Blown Murano Glass Box in Ultramarine and Phthalo is an extraordinary blend of bold color, artisanal craftsmanship, and contemporary design. Made in Murano, Italy...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass

Sculpted Mahogany Wood Coin Bank Art Object
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Studio Craft. Form + function. One-of-a-kind. Staved and sculpted wood. Original vintage condition, minor wear with nice patina consistent with age and use. Presents well for decor a...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Boxes

Materials

Mahogany

Mark Small Box by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Mark small box by Fakasaka Design Dimensions: W 10 cm D 10 cm H 6.5 cm. Materials: black/brown bronze. Also available in polished bronze. FAKASAKA is a de...
Category

2010s Brazilian Modern Boxes

Materials

Bronze

Blackbuck Round Trinket Box in Brass Semi Precious Stone, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Blackbuck Round Trinket Box in Brass Semi Precious Stone, Viya by Vikram Goyal In "The Book of Dreams”, the 17th century Indian manuscript, a ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass

Saffron Round Container Dark Blue in Lacquer Wood Brass, Viya By Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Saffron Round Container Dark Blue in Lacquer Wood Brass, Viya By Vikram Goyal With moniker’s such as red gold, exquisite thread or golden light, saffron captivates us all. An...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass

Saffron Round Container Black in Lacquer Wood Brass, Viya By Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Saffron Round Container Black 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

Saffron Trinket Box Blue Large in Lacquer Wood Brass, Viya By Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Saffron Trinket Box Dark Blue Large in Lacquer Wood Brass, Viya By Vikram Goyal With moniker’s such as red gold, exquisite thread or golden light, saffron captivates us all. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass

Saffron Trinket Box Black Large in Lacquer Wood Brass, Viya By Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Saffron Trinket 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. Anci...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass

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.