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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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

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

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

Set/2 Pineapple Ceramic Pots, Black, Handmade in Portugal by Lusitanus Home
Located in Lisboa, PT
Pineapple Decorative Pots, Lusitanus Home Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Lusitanus Home. This beautiful set includes two waterproof ceramic pots with lid, perfect t...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Boxes

Materials

Gold

Hexagonal Brass Silver Decorative Box with Wooden Interior
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This unique hexagonal decorative box combines sleek geometric form with a mix of warm and cool tones. The exterior features a polished brass lid accented with silver-plated edging, c...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass

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

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

Contemporary Iridescent Pearl Crystal Bowl, Brass and Gold 24 Kt 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

Arco Contemporary Armoured Jewelry and Watch Armoire in Canaletto Walnut
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

Set of Four Galvanized Steel Display Cubes — Amsterdam Diesel Flagship Store
Located in Dronten, NL
A rare and highly collectible set of four original display cubes created for the Amsterdam Diesel flagship store. Constructed in galvanized steel, these industrial-modern cubes featu...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Boxes

Materials

Steel

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

Reed Barton Midcentury Modern Sterling Silver Box
Located in New York, NY
Midcentury Modern sterling silver box. Made by Reed & Barton in Taunton, Mass. Long and rectangular with curved corners; cover hinged. Box interior wood lined; cover interior gilt wa...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Boxes

Materials

Sterling Silver

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

Il Confanetto Rosso Matte Jewel Box in Smoke Grey Oak
Located in New York, NY
Jewelry box with removable tray, lockable, lined for earrings, rings, necklaces. Smoke grey oak and red ultrasuede internal lining.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Oak

Polished Black Jewel Box with Gold-Plated Hardware
Located in New York, NY
Jewel box in polished ebony. Lockable by key and with the necklace bar on the top and a removable tray inside. All the hardware is 24-karat pink gold-plated.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Gold Plate

Carbon Fiber Armored Jewel Safe Polished Carbon on 4 Sides and 3 Winders
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

Tiffany Midcentury Modern Sterling Silver Box
Located in New York, NY
Midcentury Modern sterling silver box. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York. Rectangular with straight sides. Cover flat, hinged, and overhanging. Box interior cedar lined. Fully marked...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Boxes

Materials

Sterling Silver

Tiffany American Modern Sterling Silver Box
Located in New York, NY
Modern sterling silver box. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1912. Rectangular with straight sides. Cover hinged with gently curved top and molded rim. Box interior cedar lined....
Category

Early 20th Century American Modern Boxes

Materials

Sterling Silver

Alexandra Von Furstenberg Acrylic Treasure Box in Tulip - 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 Tulip. Made from high-quality Lucite, this chic decor...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Boxes

Materials

Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass

Ceramic Pomegranate Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Pomegranate, Butterfly Jewelry Box Discover the captivating "Pomegranate, Butterfly Jewelry Box," a remarkable piece of ceramic art crafted in South Africa by the creative minds of ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

Leather Jewelry Box Italian Style from Spain
Located in New York, NY
A relatively large European leather and suede jewelry box with removable tray, in the Modern style, circa late-20th century, late 1970s, Spain. Exterior is leather wrapped in a camel...
Category

Late 20th Century Spanish Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass

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

Ceramic Protea And Bird Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Protea, Bird Jewelry Box The "Protea, Bird Jewelry Box," crafted by the talented duo Motsamai Sello and Sabelo Nene at Love Art Ceramic in South Africa,...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

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

Armored Watch Chest in Black, Nine Watch Winders Il Forziere Delle Ore 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 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

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

Agresti Arco Small Armored Chest
Located in New York, NY
Polished white bird’s eye maple or polished walnut matte finish armored chest, 24-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

Gold Plate

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 Tiger Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Royal Violet: Handcrafted Tiger Box" by Love Art Ceramic. Sculpted by Motsamay, painted by Sabelo in regal purple. The unique lid, a masterpiece by two artisans, offers a one-of-a-ki...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

Ceramic Zebra And Monkey Teapot , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Introducing the Ceramic Zebra Teapot from Imvelo Natural Art, a remarkable fusion of artistry and cultural heritage from South Africa. Hand-sculpted by Bernard and hand-painted by Sn...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

Alexandra Von Furstenberg Acrylic Treasure Box in Bronze - 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 Bronze. Made from high-quality Lucite, this chic deco...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Boxes

Materials

Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass

Burl Walnut Thuya Wood Handmade Jewelry Casket Box Manning of Ireland Irish New
Located in Dublin, Ireland
This rare North African Thuya Wood Jewellery Casket was manufactured by the famed manning of Ireland company and is truly a jewel of handcrafted genius. This box is constructed of th...
Category

Early 2000s Irish Modern Boxes

Materials

Mahogany, Walnut

Alexandra Von Furstenberg Acrylic Treasure Box in Zebra Print - Large 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 black and white Zebra Print. Made from high-quality L...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Boxes

Materials

Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass

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

Paradigm Humidor Company Cigar Box Marquetry Wood Inlay
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Paradigm Wood Inlay Marquetry Humidor Cigar Box 5.5 h x 12 w x 9.5 d Preowned vintage Refer to images.
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Boxes

Materials

Wood

Stella Box Travertine Arabescato 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

Vintage Monumental Brass, Gold MIrror and Lucite Italian Box Desk Accessory Rare
Located in North Miami, FL
This stellar and beyond fabulous large vintage 2 part Italian box from the 70's is monumental and from the iconic Casa Bella chic shop in Miami from the time period of the 70's. It i...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass

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

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

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

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

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

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 Jon...
Category

1980s British Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Sterling Silver

Set Tronador Mini Boxes, Bordeaux Onyx Stone and Silver Alpaca
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
Dimensions : 3.1 x 3.1 x 3.9 " 3.9 x 3.9 x 3.2" The shape of the inactive Tronador volcano reminded us of the pyramid shaped idea of our boxes that make up this collection. With a...
Category

2010s Argentine Modern Boxes

Materials

Stone, Onyx

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

Waste Bin in Black Shagreen by R&Y Augousti
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Black Shagreen Waste Bin with Wood Interior by R&Y Augousti is a stunning blend of luxurious craftsmanship and functionality. Its exterior, crafted from hand-selected black shagr...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Modern Boxes

Materials

Wood, Shagreen Stingray

21st Century "Caruso" Jewelry Wood Brown Box handmade, Italy
Located in Turin, IT
Caruso wooden box is handmade from precious type of wood in the workshop of Ivan Paradisi Atelier. Its simple, like the famous accompaniment to Caruso song, design doesn’t need more ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Leather, Wood

Vintage Italian Silver Plate and Burgundy Crocodile Buckle Hinged Box
Located in North Miami, FL
This stunning and gorgeous Italian vintage hinged silver plate buckle box has a burgundy crocodile leather buckle part. It was professionally polished and t...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Silver Plate

Continental Miniature Silver Filigree Decorative Box
Located in London, GB
Crafted with superb skill in silver filigree, this beautiful and delicate box is most likely continental-made, dating from the early 20th century. Its exact origin is unclear, and it...
Category

20th Century European Modern Boxes

Materials

Silver

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

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

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

Table Box Heart shape Sky tone fire-enameled on guilloche Salimbeni.
Located in Firenze, FI
Heart-shaped table box in 925/1000 sterling silver with translucent fired enamel on guilloché above and below. Modern contemporary style. Dimensions cm. 8 x 8.8 high cm. 2.8. Weight ...
Category

1990s Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Gold, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel

Rino Pirovano for Rexite, Italy. 900 Multiplor. Container in red plastic
Located in København, Copenhagen
Rino Pirovano for Rexite, Italy. 900 Multiplor. Container in red plastic with four compartments. 1970s/80s. Designed in 1977. In very good condition, lid with two interior chips. Mar...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Plastic

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

Italian Richard Ginori Jewelry Box Milano
Located in New York, NY
An early Italian porcelain jewelry box, Modern design, by designer Richard Ginori, made in Milano, Italy, circa early-20th century. Marked 'Milano' on original label underside lid, and marked 'Richard Ginori', 'Made in Italy' on underside base, as well as 'decorazione a mano' (hand decoration), all shown in images. Box is square with modern soft lines, rounded corners (top and base), graduated base. Gold detail, dahlia flower and leaf design on top lid, sides, and inside, finished with a gold line detail on lid and base. For other items shown search 1stDibs ref. #s: Opal cocktail ring search 1stDibs ref. #: LU4068223876302 French porcelain box, search 1stDibs ref. #: LU1314243500852 Cartier coffee...
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Porcelain

Dal Negro Treviso Burl Wood and Brass Playing Card Boxes – Set of Three
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant set of three vintage playing card boxes by Dal Negro Treviso, renowned Italian makers of fine game accessories. Each box is beautifully crafted from richly grained burl wood ...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Wood

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

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Birdseye Maple

Giacomo Sinopoli for Liwan s Modernist Chrome and Bronze Box, circa 1970
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning modernist decorative covered box was designed by Giacomo Sinopoli and crafted by Liwan's Rome in 1970. The piece features a large rectangular shape on a chromed metal b...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Metal, Chrome, Bronze, Enamel

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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