Skip to main content

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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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

to
77
551
265
64
3
262
615
7
64
152
1
4
8
33
63
33
15
1,124
819
621
295
242
209
184
130
127
119
117
114
91
85
70
39
31
370
263
126
111
107
445
315
514
318
137
116
73
Height
to
Width
to
880
604
707
84
65
43
34
26
Style: Modern
Black Acrylic Small Round Box 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

Tafi Small Onyx Oval Box
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
Tafi oval box, it is made entirely by hand in alpaca metal and onyx stone. It comes in three different sizes and you can choose between four different onyx stone colors: black, white/cream, blue or bordeaux Our pieces are made by hand. One of a kind. All natural stones may vary in color. About AIREDELSUR: With its rustic chic personality and the elegant designs of Marcelo Lucini...
Category

2010s Argentine Modern Boxes

Materials

Stone, Onyx

Vintage Japanese Ball Shaped Plastic Tea Caddy Storage Containers, Set of 3
Located in San Carlos, CA
🍵 Elevate Your Storage: Set of 3 Japanese Natsume Tea Caddies! 🍵 Enhance your storage solutions with a touch of elegance and functionality with our wonderful set of three hard pla...
Category

1980s Japanese Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Plastic

Sleek R&Y Augousti Inlaid Brass and Shell Box, Paris C.1990
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Sleek R&Y Augousti Inlaid Brass and Shell Box, Paris C.1990 Unmarked, Attributed to the R&Y Augousti Studios Made during the unparalleled style of 1990s Paris, this sleek, unmarked ...
Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass

Vintage Stanley Szwarc Stainless Steel Rectangular Large Box With Designs
By Stanley Szwarc
Located in North Miami, FL
This fabulous long and unusual rectangular box is polished satin stainless steel. The dimensions of the work on top have flower like bursts in Industrial and floral forms. It is not ...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Stainless Steel

Ceramic Bird Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Succulent Bird Jewelry Box Hand Painted by Winnie Mchunu and Sculpted by Motsamai Sello The Succulent Bird Jewelry Box is a stunning ceramic art piece ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

Cigarette Case Fired Enamel on a Fine Hand-Engraved Mountain Landscape Sterling
Located in Firenze, FI
Rectangular table cigarette case with rounded corners in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with translucent fired enamel on a fine hand-engrave...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Sterling Silver, Enamel

Hand Blown Octagonal Murano Glass Box in Smoked Garnet
Located in New York, NY
This sophisticated 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...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Murano Glass

Aimara Medium Alpaca Silver Box
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
The waves on a choppy lake, rough by the wind, inspire the design of alpaca boxes and picture frames of this family, whose name comes from the tribe that dwelled in the North Argenti...
Category

2010s Argentine Modern Boxes

Materials

Metal, Sheet Metal

Set of Twelve Black Shagreen Napkin Rings by Fabio Ltd
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian black shagreen and stainless steel napkin rings with matching black leather boxes designed by Fabio Bergomi for Fabio Ltd / Made in Italy Each ring has diameter 1.5 inches a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Stainless Steel

Première Dame Jewelry Box in Ebony with Bone Inlay by Giordano Vigano
Located in Novedrate, IT
Première Dame” is a jewelry box made of ebony. The inside is divided in different compartments covered in soft suede. The engraved decoration on the lid...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Bone, Ebony

Large Hand Blown Murano Glass Box in Onyx Black W/24 Karat Gold Flecks
Located in New York, NY
This stunning 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 vo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Murano Glass

Neon Green Acrylic Large Round Box 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

Roma Eucalyptus Cigar Case
Located in Milan, IT
A splendid gift idea for cigar lovers or collectors of refined design pieces, this cigar case is masterfully crafted of cedarwood veneered with polished frisé eucalyptus. An elegant and refined classic silhouette that will enrich any style decor, it is enriched with a small and refined metal key, and equipped with a hygrometer and a Boveda holder. With a maximum capacity of 300 cigars, it 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

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

Neon Orange Acrylic Small Round Box 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

Neon Green Acrylic Small Round Box 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

Blue Acrylic Large Round Box 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

Decorative Ceramic Box Orange and Black Colors by Jean Grison
Located in Neuilly-en- sancerre, FR
Jean Grison Elegant and delicate decorative ceramic box by the French artist. Many ceramic colors effects. Signed under the base, circa 2000. Original good conditions. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

Contemporary Decorative Box Handmade Crystal and Boise De Rose by Ghirò Studio
Located in Pieve Emanuele, Milano
2023 Collection of Decorative boxes by Ghiró Studio. The type of craftsmanship and the materials used for the production make this box a unique object, in fact it is impossible to...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Glass, Rosewood

Blue Acrylic Small Round Box 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

Porteño Small Black Cream Hand Painted Wood Box
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
The urban and cosmopolitan Porteño family carries the spirit of the ones born in Buenos Aires city or “Porteño”, as they are commonly known. Its boxes, trays and flower vases have a ...
Category

2010s Argentine Modern Boxes

Materials

Wood

Oscar Tusquets Contemporary Leather Starry Pyramid Limited Edition
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Starry Pyramid by Oscar Tusquets and Pere Ventura for Exhibition-event Homo Faber celebrada en Venezia septiembre 2018. Limited edition of 8 A pyramid shaped tabernacle. Leather covered faces...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Boxes

Materials

Leather

XXI Century Italian Sterling Silver Cigar Box
Located in VALENZA, IT
925 Sterling Silver Box for Cigars. The body of the box is completely smooth with sharp corners. A small silver protrusion allows the opening of the box. The interior of the box is m...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Sterling Silver

Purple Acrylic Large Round Box 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

Tafi Medium Onyx Oval Box
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
Tafi oval box, it is made entirely by hand in alpaca metal and onyx stone. It comes in three different sizes and you can choose between four different onyx stone colors: black, white/cream, blue or bordeaux Our pieces are made by hand. One of a kind. All natural stones may vary in color. About AIREDELSUR: With its rustic chic personality and the elegant designs of Marcelo Lucini...
Category

2010s Argentine Modern Boxes

Materials

Stone, Onyx

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

Birdseye Maple, Leather

Albert Dahan for Vallauris, Unique Lidded Box in Glazed Stoneware, Ca 1970
Located in København, Copenhagen
Albert Dahan for Vallauris. Unique lidded chest in glazed stoneware. Beautiful glaze in shades of blue. Ca. 1970. Measures: 21 x 16 cm. Height: 13.5 cm. In excellent condition...
Category

1970s French Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Stoneware

Vintage Green Stone and Brass Inlay Box
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This rectangular vintage jewelry or trinket box features an elegant geometric inlay design crafted from green marble or malachite-patterned stone set within a brass frame. The top sh...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Stone

Modernist Hand-Blown Murano Gray Bullicante Detailed Brass Fitted Glass Box
Located in New York, NY
This sleek and beautifully formed Modernist Hand-Blown Murano Glass Box W/Grey Bullicante Detailing and Brass Fittings originates from Italy during the 21st Century. This box is rect...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass

Yellow Quartz Brass Box
Located in Milan, IT
Bridging innovative craftsmanship with refined materials, this elegant box is a sculptural object of understated luxury. The square silhouette, made of polished gilt-plated brass, features a distinctive lid in vibrant yellow quartz...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Other

Set Tronador Large Mini Boxes, Onyx Stone and Silver Alpaca
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

21st Century Igea Sanitizing Box Handmade in Italy
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
An instant touch of class, wherever displayed. A smart solution for your rooms, stores, showrooms, yachts, hotel or meeting rooms; ideal to maintain your environments clean and sanit...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Leather

American Midcentury Modern Sterling Silver Box
By Becht Hartl
Located in New York, NY
Midcentury Modern sterling silver box. Made by Becht & Hartl, Inc. in Newark. Rectangular with straight sides and beaded rim. Cover hinged and gently curved. Box interior cedar lined...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Boxes

Materials

Sterling Silver

Porteño Medium Black Cream Hand Painted Wood Box
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
The urban and cosmopolitan Porteño family carries the spirit of the ones born in Buenos Aires city or “Porteño”, as they are commonly known. Its boxes, trays and flower vases have a ...
Category

2010s Argentine Modern Boxes

Materials

Wood

Polished White Jewel Chest in Birdseye Maple, Gold-Plated Hardware
Located in New York, NY
Shiny white bird’s-eye maple shiny jewel chest with 24-karat pink gold-plated hardware. Two necklace bars. The two doors lock the whole chest.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Birdseye Maple

Hand Blown Murano Glass Box in Onyx Black with Brass Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Discover the epitome of elegance with this exquisite Murano glass box, meticulously crafted in Murano, Italy. Available in both large and giant sizes, this box exudes sophistication ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass

Orange and Black Decorative Ceramic Box by Jean Grison French Art
Located in Neuilly-en- sancerre, FR
Jean Grison Original and decorative ceramic box Signed under the base, realized circa 2000 Elegant orange and black ceramic colors effects Original good condition Meas...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

Ceramic Tiger Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Tiger Jewelry Box: Hand-Painted by Winnie Mchunu and Sculpted by Sbusiso & Motsamayi The Tiger Jewelry Box is a remarkable piece of ceramic art that bea...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

Pair of Black and Clear Lucite Decorative Boxes
Located in Chicago, IL
A pair of 1970s modernist Lucite small decorative boxes with black acrylic bases and clear lids. Perfect as a trinket or jewelry box.
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Boxes

Materials

Acrylic, Lucite

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

Gabriella Crespi Small Brass Container Box, Italy 1970s
Located in Milan, IT
Gabriella Crespi Small Brass Container Box. Italy 1970s Carries the Initials E.L. Signed at the base Gabriella Crespi.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass

Sunchos Basket I by Pauline Deltour
Located in Geneve, CH
Sunchos basket I by Pauline Deltour Materials: 100% recycled Polypropylene Dimensions: D 30 x W 30 x H 53 cm Available in colors: salmon/ lilac/ turquoise, black/ white, orange/ ...
Category

2010s German Modern Boxes

Materials

Plastic

Green Marble Box with Bronze Accents and Animal Finial
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant box is crafted from deep green marble with natural veining, giving it a refined and luxurious appearance. It rests on four ornate bronze feet featuring stylized motifs that l...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Marble

Nero Forziere Contemporary Chest Safe in Black Polished Wood
Located in New York, NY
Brass-plated, 24-karat gold accessories. Unique features of this certified product includes: High level steel with several layers of chrome carbides for straightening Internal hinges...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Wood

"Quadra" Square Leather Box Designed by Oscar Maschera
Located in Brooklyn, NY
"Quadra" is a square 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

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

1990s Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Gold, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel

Salimbeni Pillbox Semi-Invisible Lid Sterling Silver Natural
Located in Firenze, FI
Salimbeni Pillbox in 925/1000 sterling Silver, oval section with lid with lost hinge, that is, semi-invisible. Salimbeni Pillbox has guilloche with Art Deco early 20th century styl...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Sterling Silver

Pair of Grey Italian Pottery Covered Table Boxes, 20th Century
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine pair of figural Italian pottery covered boxes. In the form of grey pears with a twig and leaf stem. A charming pair of figural boxes! Marke...
Category

20th Century Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Pottery

Don Shoemaker Parquetry Work Box for Senal SA, Mexico, Label
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Great parquetry box, designed for Don Shoemaker, label, Senal SA.
Category

1960s Mexican Vintage Modern Boxes

Materials

Wood

Ceramic Protea jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
This ceramic protea box is a stunning testament to the artistry of South African craftsmanship. Handmade and painted with meticulous detail, it captures the beauty of the iconic prot...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

Acrylic Slate Grey Shorty Box by Alexandra Von Furstenberg
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Alexandra Von Furstenberg Shorty Box in Slate Grey are both decorative and functional. Featuring a sleek, low-profile design, these boxes are versatile for various uses. Place th...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Boxes

Materials

Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass

Hand Blown Murano Glass Box in Onyx Black with Murine Detailing
Located in New York, NY
This sophisticated 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...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Murano Glass

Ghidini 1961 Knotted Cherry Medium Box in Brass by Nika Zupanc
Located in Villa Carcina, IT
Fiasco. Guilt. Fear of love. A place to hide all the things we secretly desire yet are too scared to utter. The luscious things the perfect lover knows are never to be told. She drea...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass

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

Hand Blown Murano Glass Box with 24 Karat Gold Flecks and Brass Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Murano Glass Jewelry Box in Crystal with 24 Karat Gold Flecks embodies elegance and sophistication with its timeless design and luxurious m...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass, Gold Leaf

Giant Hand Blown Murano Glass Box in Crystal with 24-Karat Gold Flecks
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Impressive in its scale alone, this exquisite Murano glass box is a masterpiece of luxurious craftsmanship, featuring a pristine crystal body adorned with shimmering 24-karat gold fl...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass, Gold Leaf

Waste Bin in Black Shagreen Rhomboid by R&Y Augousti
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Black Shagreen Rhomboid Waste Bin by R&Y Augousti is a masterpiece of functional design, combining luxurious materials and artisanal craftsmanship. Its exterior is adorned with m...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Modern Boxes

Materials

Wood, Shagreen Stingray

Van Cleef Arpel Velvet Jewellery Box for a Ring, 1990.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Van Cleef & Arpel velvet jewellery box for a ring, 1990. Velvet jewellery box for a ring by Van Cleef & Arpel, presented in its cardboard box, circa 1990. H: 8.5 cm, W: 10 cm, D: 10...
Category

20th Century French Modern Boxes

Materials

Velvet, Wood, Paper

Contemporary Rocco Egg Box in Antique Copper by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rocco design egg box Antique copper Hand repoussé Contemporary Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative re...
Category

2010s Modern Boxes

Materials

Copper

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.

Recently Viewed

View All