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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Saffron Round Container Ecru in Lacquer Wood
Brass, Viya By Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Saffron Round Container Ecru in Lacquer Wood
Brass, Viya By Vikram Goyal
With moniker’s such as red gold, exquisite thread or golden light, saffron captivates us all. Ancient...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
Saffron Trinket Box Ecru in Lacquer Wood
Brass, Viya By Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Saffron Trinket Box Ecru in Lacquer Wood
Brass, Viya By Vikram Goyal
With moniker’s such as red gold, exquisite thread or golden light, saffron captivates us all. Ancient Rom...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
Rivoli Black Tissue Box Large in Lacquer
Brass, Viya By Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Rivoli Black Tissue Box Large in Lacquer
Brass, Viya By Vikram Goyal
How society rejoiced when Art Deco dared to create a new approach to life, breathing fresh life into archi...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
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
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
Christofle K&T Silver-Plate 3 Tier Cantilever Box Desk Accessory 90
s
Located in North Miami, FL
This fabulous signed Christofle 3-tiered silver-plate box, desk accessory, cocktail table addition and or barware, serving piece cantilevers out. It was designed by KT Studio in 1998...
Category
1990s French Modern Boxes
Materials
Silver Plate
Macassar Wood Hand-Carved Horse Head Tall Box
By Bois
Design
Located in Atlanta, GA
This strikingly tall decorative lidded box is a testament to artisanal craftsmanship, crowned with a masterfully carved horse head that serves as both handle and sculptural focal poi...
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Boxes
Materials
Wood, Macassar
Jewelry Box Purple Charoite Gemstone
Located in New York, NY
A very beautiful, substantial and rare natural purple charoite gemstone mineral jewelry box, circa late-20th century. Charoite is rare gemstone mineral. A beautiful organic pattern g...
Category
Late 20th Century Modern Boxes
Materials
Stone, Chrome
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
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
Piccolo Intreccio Armored Armoire Braided Gold and Black Leather
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Armored jewelry cabinet covered in gold and black hand threaded leather. Varnished outside in metallic gold color. Accessories in 24 karats gold plated brass. Drawers covered in blac...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Metal
Tiffany Midcentury Modern Sterling Silver Box
By Tiffany
Co.
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
$1,160 / item
Blue Ocean 40 cigars Humidor
By Maccarrone
Located in Milan, IT
From the Yacht collection, Blue Ocean 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
$2,500 / item
Hyaline Quartz Brass Box
Located in Milan, IT
A whimsical interplay of form and material, this exquisite box showcases a rectangular silhouette in polished nickel-plated brass and a sublime hyaline quartz...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Other
$2,665 / item
Stella Box Travertine
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
American Contemporary Beige and Brown Round Geometric Jewelry Box
Located in Queens, NY
American Contemporary beige and brown inlaid wood hexagonal geometric jewelry box
Category
20th Century American Modern Boxes
Rectangular Brown Shagreen Box
Located in Queens, NY
Rectangular brown shagreen wood box with a black trim and a lift-off cover
Category
20th Century American Modern Boxes
Modernist Hand-Blown Murano Glass Box in Smoked Rose with 24 Karat Gold Flecks
Located in New York, NY
This Modernist Hand-Blown Murano Glass Box in smoked rose is a sophisticated, one-of-a-kind piece that effortlessly blends timeless Venetian craftsmanship with modern design elegance...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Gold
Modernist Hand Blown Murano Glass Box in Smoked Bronze with Brass Detailing
Located in New York, NY
This beautiful modernist decorative box was realized in Murano, Italy- the island off the coast of Venice renowned for centuries for its superlative glass production. It features a v...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Murano Glass
Giant Hand Blown Murano Glass Box in Onyx Black with Chrome Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Impressive in its scale alone, this stunning hand-blown Murano glass box exudes luxury and refinement. Handcrafted on the historic Venetian Island of Murano, this oversized box comma...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Chrome
Log Jar with Brass Inlay by Marcantonio
Located in Kolkata, IN
Log Jar, an usual object from the Forest collection, has intricate brass and resin inlay to resemble a log of wood, with a cute boney lid.
For his debut creations, Marcantonio int...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
$1,273 / item
Modernist Hand-Blown Murano Glass Box in Muted Green w/ 24 Karat Gold
Brass
Located in New York, NY
This Modernist Hand-Blown Murano Glass Box in muted green is a magnificent piece that showcases the brilliance of traditional Venetian craftsmanship infused with contemporary design ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
Modernist Octagonal Hand-Blown Blackened Garnet Murano Glass Box w/ Nickel
Located in New York, NY
This Modernist Octagonal Hand-Blown Murano Glass Box in blackened garnet is a breathtaking example of Italian artistry and innovation. Crafted in Murano, Italy, during the 21st centu...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Nickel
Modernist Hand-Blown Murano Glass Box in Ultramarine W/ Pulegoso Detailing
Located in New York, NY
This Modernist Hand-Blown Murano Glass Box in ultramarine is a stunning example of craftsmanship and design innovation from Murano, Italy. Handmade in the 21st century using traditio...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
Hand Carved Lapis Lazuli Mosaic Jewelry Box with Marble Interior
Located in New York, NY
Lapis lazuli hand carved mosaic lidded box, with white marble interior.
Natural lapis stone has beautiful golden pyrite inclusions, like a sprinkling of fairy dust. The lapis mosaic...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Lapis Lazuli, Marble
Giant Hand Blown Murano Bow in Alexandrite with Brass Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Impressive in its scale alone, this stunning hand-blown Murano glass box exudes luxury and refinement. This exquisite Murano glass box features the captivating Alexandrite color, ren...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
Onyx Marble Jewelry Trinket Box
Located in New York, NY
A small onyx marble round jewelry or trinket box, in the Modern style, circa 20th century. Box is round with coordinating lid. Tan/neutral tones. A convenient piece to hold small ite...
Category
20th Century Modern Boxes
Materials
Onyx, Marble, Brass
$375 Sale Price
21% Off
R
Y Augousti Shagreen Covered and Mother-of-Pearl Covered Box
Located in Queens, NY
R & Y Augousti Shagreen Covered and Mother-of-Pearl Covered Box
Category
20th Century Unknown Modern Boxes
Materials
Shagreen
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
Neon Orange Acrylic Small Round Box by Paola Valle
By Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Modern, colorful and fun round box that can be used as a decorative element on a coffee table, desk or nightstand. Serving double duty as a storage box or ...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Boxes
Materials
Acrylic
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
$243 Sale Price
25% Off
Set of Four Galvanized Steel Display Cubes — Amsterdam Diesel Flagship Store
By Diesel
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
American Midcentury Modern Sterling Silver Box with Lower 48 Map
Located in New York, NY
Midcentury Modern sterling silver box. Rectangular with straight sides. Cover hinged with long tab. Gilt interior. On cover top is engraved map of the Lower 48, which at the time thi...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Modern Boxes
Materials
Sterling Silver
Roma Rosewood Cigar Case
By Morici
Located in Milan, IT
Showcasing magnificently shaded and luminous brown hues, this cigar case is superbly handcrafted of cedar veneered with rosewood. Holding up to 300 cigars, it is enriched with an exquisite metal key and is equipped with a hygrometer and a Boveda holder. This classic and sophisticated design is 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
$2,300 / item
Modernist Hand-Blown Murano Glass Box in Black W/ 24Karat Gold Flecks
Brass
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite modernist hand-blown Murano glass box is a testament to the enduring artistry of Venetian glassmakers. Crafted in Italy in the 21st century, the box is a contemporary ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
Modernist Handblown Murano Glass Box in Sage Grey W/ Pulegoso Detailing
Nickel
Located in New York, NY
This Modernist Hand-Blown Murano Glass Box in Sage Grey is a stunning example of Venetian glass artistry, blending timeless craftsmanship with modernist sensibilities. Handmade in Mu...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Nickel
Modern Jewelry Music Box Gray Gloss Oak Wood
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Music Jewelry Gray Box in Gloss Oak Wood
Rectangular Modern
Music Box Attic Inc Canoga Park California
Stamped underneath
6.25 w x 5.5 d x 3.13 h
Preowne...
Category
2010s American Modern Boxes
Materials
Oak
Cuba Humidor
By Maccarrone
Located in Milan, IT
This iconic humidor is part of Maccarone's Marquetry collection and can hold up to 150 cigars. The design of this humidor and its vibrant colors are a celebra...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Polyester, Wood
$10,545 / item
Cartier Decorative Box Display Stand, Metal, Modern Design, France
By Cartier
Located in London, England
Découvrez le raffinement du présentoir Cartier, idéal pour mettre en valeur vos bijoux ou montres avec une touche d'élégance. Ce présentoir chic comporte une base blanche immaculée e...
Category
2010s Unknown Modern Boxes
Materials
Metal
$240 Sale Price
64% Off
Supersport 40 Cigars Humidor
By Maccarrone
Located in Milan, IT
From the Yacht collection, Supersport is the smallest humidor of Maccarrone's collections. Metal accessories are in chromed brass and high gloss grey ...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Polyester, Wood
$2,500 / item
Vintage Monumental Brass, Gold MIrror and Lucite Italian Box Desk Accessory Rare
By Casa Bella
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
Minimal design pear wood desk pen box Giordano Viganò
Located in Novedrate, IT
Pen box made of pear wood with a minimalist design. Pear wood has a pinkish color and is distinguished by fine, delicate grain that makes it elegant. The construction of this box is ...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Pearwood
Tronador Rectangular Black Onyx Stone Box
By AIREDELSUR
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
The shape of the inactive Tronador volcano reminded us of the pyramid shaped idea of our boxes that make up this collection. With a rectangular or square base, the box is a reflectio...
Category
2010s Argentine Modern Boxes
Materials
Stone, Onyx
$1,100 / item
Saffron Tissue Box White Large in Lacquer Wood
Brass, Viya By Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Saffron Tissue Box White 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. Ancien...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
Ceramic Leopard Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Leopard Jewelry Box
Hand-Painted by Slindelo Mazibuko, Sculpted by Motsamai Sello
Love Art Ceramic, South Africa, 2024
Introducing the Leo Jewelry Box, a charming ceramic piece that...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Black Acrylic Large Round Box by Paola Valle
By Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Modern, colorful and fun round box that can be used as a decorative element on a coffee table, desk or nightstand. Serving double duty as a storage box or as a candy bowl.
They loo...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Boxes
Materials
Acrylic
$240 / item
Egidio Broggi, Italy Silver Plate and Gold Plate Swirled Box, circa 1980
Located in Atlanta, GA
This is a fantastic silver plate decorative box created by Italian designer Egidio Broggi, Milano. The rare piece was crafted in Italy circa 1980. This impressive box features an ove...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Metal, Silver Plate
Celestial Tissue Box Black Large in Lacquer Wood
Brass, Viya By Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Celestial Tissue Box Black Large in Lacquer Wood
Brass, Viya By Vikram Goyal
Whether it’s the dense, intricate patterns of clouds on the walls of the Badal Mahal, Rajasthan or...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
Reed
Barton Midcentury Modern Sterling Silver Box
By Reed
Barton
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
Geometric Mother-of-Pearl and Horn Inlay Decorative Box
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This elegant rectangular box showcases a striking geometric design created from alternating strips of dark horn and shimmering mother-of-pearl inlay. The pattern forms a mesmerizing ...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Mother-of-Pearl
Wicker Bamboo Tissue Box Cover Holder
Located in New York, NY
A wicker bamboo tissue box cover, circa 1970s. Box is all bamboo with a beautiful marque opening on top. Dimensions: 5.5" D x 10.25" W x 3.13" Height.
Category
Mid-20th Century Asian Modern Boxes
Materials
Bamboo, Wicker
Birra vintage da collezione di Birra Peroni, Italia, anni
70
Located in Manzano, IT
Aggiungete un tocco di storia della birra italiana alla vostra collezione con questa cassa di plastica vintage Birra Peroni, un pezzo autentico degli anni Settanta. Originariamente u...
Category
20th Century Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Plastic
Box shaped “quadri” playing card suit red fired Art Deco style Salimbeni
By Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Box shaped like a “quadri” playing card suit in 925/1000 sterling silver with red fired enamel in Art Deco style, early 1900s. With internal hinge. Dimensions cm. 10.4 x 12.3 x 1.8. ...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Gold, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Neon Green Acrylic Large Round Box by Paola Valle
By Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Modern, colorful and fun round box that can be used as a decorative element on a coffee table, desk or nightstand. Serving double duty as a storage box or as a candy bowl.
They loo...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Boxes
Materials
Acrylic
Hand-Blown Murano Giant Box in Emerald Green with Brass Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
An object of striking allure, this monumental Murano glass box radiates refinement through its sculptural geometry and richly saturated emerald hue. The clarity of the hand-blown cry...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
Modernist Off White Ceramic Lidded Box with Stylized Apple Motif by Rosenthal
By Rosenthal
Located in New York, NY
This sophisticated ceramic lidded box was realized by the esteemed maker Rosenthal. It features a round body with a sculptural pull in the form of a...
Category
20th Century German Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Silver Plate and Wood Box with Agate Stone Slab Decor, circa 1980
Located in Atlanta, GA
This exceptional modernist silver-plate lidded box has a design reminiscent of Gabriella Crespi's prestigious production. The rare piece was expertly crafted in Italy circa 1980. The...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Agate, Stone, Metal, Silver Plate
Aretha Box by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Aretha box by Fakasaka Design
Dimensions: W 15 cm D 15 cm H 9.5 cm.
Materials: black/brown bronze.
Also available in polished bronze.
FAKASAKA is a d...
Category
2010s Brazilian Modern Boxes
Materials
Bronze
$1,685 / item
white and black japanese form stoneware ceramic box by ATOI circa 2010
Located in Neuilly-en- sancerre, FR
ATOI (Born in 1987)
Large abstract stoneware ceramic black and white ceramic decorative box
Signed
original perfect condition
Circa 2010
Height 18 cm
Large 17 cm
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
large unique decorative handmade grey smoked ceramic box by ATOI circa 2010
Located in Neuilly-en- sancerre, FR
ATOI (born in 1987)
Large unique handmade smoked ceramic decorative box
circa 2010
Original good condition
height 35 cm
Large 15 cm
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
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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