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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
English Modern Sterling Silver Horse Box
Located in New York, NY
Elizabeth II sterling silver box. Made by Padgett & Braham Ltd in Birmingham in 1980. Rectangular with straight sides. Cover hinged and tabbed; on top stand a horse and jockey in a f...
Category
1980s British Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Sterling Silver
Kate Noakes, 'Sea Shell' Tea Caddy veneered with metal inlaid with gesso
By Kate Noakes
Located in Newmarket, GB
A Victorian wooden tea caddy that has been reconditioned and reimagined by British designer and maker Kate Noakes. Kate uses a process she has developed of cutting her original desig...
Category
2010s British Modern Boxes
Materials
Metal, Sheet Metal
Set Porteño Black & Cream Hand Painted Wood Boxes
By AIREDELSUR
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
8 " x 6" x 4"
12" x 8" x 4"
14" x 10" x 4"
The urban and cosmopolitan Porteño family carries the spirit of the ones born in Buenos Aires city or “Porteño”, as they are commonly know...
Category
2010s Argentine Modern Boxes
Materials
Wood
Set/2 Porcelain Vases, Tang Vases, White, Handmolded & Hand Decorated
Located in Lisboa, PT
Set/2 Tang Porcelain Vases, Lusitanus Home Collection by Lusitanus Home.
Real chinese porcelain vase produced by hand with traditional methods. Waterproof. The nacre finish makes ea...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Boxes
Materials
Porcelain
Set/5 Ceramic Pots, White, Handmade in Portugal by Lusitanus Home
By Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Hailey & Henry Pots, Lusitanus Home Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Lusitanus Home.
This beautiful set includes two waterproof ceramic vases and three pots, perfect ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Tronador Square Blue 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
Set/2 Wooden Boxes, Beige, Gold Leaf, Handmade in Portugal by Lusitanus Home
By Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Dandara Boxes, Lusitanus Home Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Lusitanus Home.
Dandara box set includes two wooden boxes, perfect to be displayed together and enrich ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass, Gold Leaf, Metal
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
Agresti Gioia Intreccio Contemporary Armored Jewelry Armoire Safe
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Agresti Gioia Intreccio; contemporary armored jewelry armoire safe covered in white and beige threaded leather. Inside safe in shiny white. 24-...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Birdseye Maple
Set/5 Ceramic Pots, White & Grey, Handmade in Portugal by Lusitanus Home
Located in Lisboa, PT
Graham pots, Lusitanus Home Collection, handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Lusitanus Home.
This beautiful set includes three waterproof ceramic pots with lid, perfect to be displ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Set/8 Ceramic Jars & Pots, White & Pink, Handmade in Portugal by Lusitanus Home
Located in Lisboa, PT
Set/8 Ceramic Jars & Pots, Lusitanus Home Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Lusitanus Home.
This beautiful set includes five ceramic jars and three ceramic pots, both ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Agresti "Gioia Crema" Contemporary Armored Jewelry Armoire Safe
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Agresti Gioia Crema; contemporary armored jewelry armoire safe in cream colored polished bird's eye maple. Inside safe in shiny white. 24-karat...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Birdseye Maple
1990s Modern Design Silver Plated French Jewelry Box by Christofle
Located in Aci Castello, IT
A stylish three-level round silver-plated box, designed by KT Studio for Christofle in 1998 with input from Thomas Keller and Adam Tihany, is a remarkable piece of modernist craftsma...
Category
Late 20th Century French Modern Boxes
Materials
Silver Plate
Modernist Java Shagreen Box with Sculptural Bronze Handle by R&Y Augousti
Located in New York, NY
This refined and sophisticated modernist box was realized by the celebrated Parisian design firm R&Y Agousti. It features a volumetric circular java shagreen body that opens via a re...
Category
20th Century French Modern Boxes
Materials
Bronze
Ceramic Monkey Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
This ceramic monkey box is a unique and whimsical creation handcrafted in South Africa. Its clever design features a removable lid that forms half of the monkey's body, with the othe...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Ceramic Tiger Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Behold the exquisite craftsmanship of South African artisans in this charming ceramic tiger box. Handmade with love and painted with intricate detail, it showcases the majestic beaut...
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
This ceramic frog-shaped container, a unique creation from the hands of South African artisans, is a charming blend of whimsy and craftsmanship. Lovingly handcrafted, its playful fro...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Ceramic Aloe jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Sculpted with care and creativity, this one-of-a-kind aloe vera-shaped box is a delightful fusion of nature and art. Handmade with meticulous attention to detail, its gentle curves a...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Ceramic Aloe jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Crafted with care and creativity, this one-of-a-kind aloe vera-shaped box is a delightful fusion of nature and art. Handmade with meticulous attention to detail, its gentle curves an...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Ceramic Aloe jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Crafted with precision by Love Art Ceramic in South Africa, this Aloe jewelry box embodies the essence of African flora. Hand-sculpted by Nathi and adorned with the artistic touch of...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
German modern golden ceramic box Sarastro by Bjorn Wiinblad for Rosenthal 1980s
Located in MIlano, IT
German modern golden ceramic box Sarastro by Bjorn Wiinblad for Rosenthal 1980s
Round vase with lid mod. Sarastro in ceramic. The lid is golden and decorated with two human figures,...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Set Tronador Square Bordeaux, Blue, Cream, Onyx Stone Boxes
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
Set Tronador Large Mini Boxes, Brown & Cream Onyx Stone and Silver Alpaca
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
Poole Midcentury Modern Classical Sterling Silver Box
Located in New York, NY
Midcentury Modern sterling silver box. Made by Poole in Taunton, Mass. Rectangular with straight sides. Cover hinged with curved top. Cast corner bracket supports in form of Classica...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Modern Boxes
Materials
Sterling Silver
Macassar Wood Hand-Carved Horse Head Tall Box
By Bois & Design
Located in Atlanta, GA
This extra tall decorative lidded box has an incredible hand-carved horse head on the top. The piece features an all-height square shape, made in Macassar wood, handmade and hand-car...
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Boxes
Materials
Wood, Macassar
Ceramic Zebra Teapot , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Love Art Ceramic's zebra teapot, sculpted by Sbusiso Ndaba and painted by Sli Mazibuko, this is a unique piece of art these artist only make one never repeat the same piece, embodie...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
1980s Modernist Brass and Walnut Root Italian Rectangular Vanity Box
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This Italian vanity box from the 1980s combines the warmth of walnut root with the sophistication of brass accents, resulting in a piece that is both functional and aesthetically ple...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
Agresti Il Bauletto Jewelry Box in Briar and Mahogany
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Jewelry box in briar and mahogany, matte finish, ultra suede lining. 24-karat gold plated brass accessories. With removable tray and necklace bar.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Suede, Mahogany
Watch Box in Brown for Five Watches Il Collezionista by Agresti
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Box for 5 watches, lined in protective ultra-suede. Hinge in ruthenium. Available in mahogany or polished ebony.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Ultrasuede, Wood
Ceramic Tiger Teapot , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
It seems there might be a misunderstanding here. South Africa doesn't have native tiger populations. Tigers are typically found in parts of Asia, like India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and B...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
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
Pol Chambost Paire de boîtes en forme de pieds 1978 céramique émaillée bleue tur
By Pol Chambost
Located in PARIS, FR
Pol Chambost (1906-1983)
Paire de boîtes en forme de pieds, en céramique émaillée bleue turquoise et motifs dorés. Signées « Pol Chambost » et datées 22.12.78 et 22.12.78 respectivem...
Category
20th Century French Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
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 Tiger Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Title: "Savannah Majesty: Handcrafted Tiger Decorative Box"
Crafted with meticulous care by artisans at Love Art Ceramic, this exquisite tiger decorative box captures the essence of ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Ceramic Bird Box Hand Made In South Africa One Of The Kind
Located in North Miami, FL
Crafted by skilled South African artisans, this captivating box takes the form of a majestic bird, capturing the essence of African wildlife. Its lid, adorned with intricate details,...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Ceramic Tiger Box, hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
This ceramic tiger box from Love Art Ceramic is not just a piece of art; it's a symbol of strength, beauty, and craftsmanship. Handmade by talented artisans Sbusiso and Minenhle Nene...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Pair of Lacquered Wood Boxes, China, 20th Century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
"Pair of Lacquered wood boxes, China, 20th century"
6 cups each inside, perfect condition.
Category
20th Century Chinese Modern Boxes
Materials
Wood
Christian Dior Paris Silver Plate Box with Quartz Stone Finial, 1970s
Located in Atlanta, GA
This beautiful modernist silver plate decorative box was crafted in France for the renowned Christian Dior House for his Home Collection. The piece features an elegant minimalist rou...
Category
1970s French Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Stone, Quartz, Metal, Silver Plate
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
Danish Modern Enameled Abstract Teak Table Box
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Danish modern enameled abstract teak table box
We are pleased to offer
a Danish modern enameled abstract teak table box, this rectangular piece combines functionality and artistic e...
Category
20th Century Danish Modern Boxes
Materials
Copper, Enamel
Rosewood Mahogany Ladys Handmade Jewelry Casket Box by Manning Ireland Irish New
Located in Dublin, Ireland
This well figured Rosewood jewellery casket was manufactured by the famed manning of Ireland company and is truly a jewel of handcrafted genius. This box is constructed of the finest...
Category
Early 2000s Irish Modern Boxes
Materials
Mahogany, Walnut
Hand Made Abstract Sculptural Glazed Ceramic Box. Fitted Lid
Located in Miami, FL
Hand Built Abstract Sculptural Glazed Ceramic Box. Fitted Lid
Offered for sale is a handmade abstract form ceramic box that is signed and dated by Rexx Fischer. The box is both func...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
English Modern Sterling Silver Box, 1938
By W.H. Manton Ltd. 1
Located in New York, NY
George VI sterling silver box. Made by WH Manton in Birmingham in 1938. Rectangular with curved corners. Cover hinged with gently curved top and tapering tab. Cedar-lined and partiti...
Category
1930s British Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Sterling Silver
Mappin & Webb English Modern Sterling Silver Box, 1965
Located in New York, NY
Elizabeth II sterling silver box. Made by Mappin & Webb in Birmingham in 1965. Rectangular with straight sides. Cover hinged with flat top and scalloped tab. Interior cedar-lined and...
Category
1960s British Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Sterling Silver
Wonderful French Lalique Coppelia Crystal Rose Garland Brass Dresser Jewelry Box
By Lalique
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful French Lalique Coppelia Frosted Crystal With Roses & Garland And A Brass Housing Dresser / Jewelry Box
Category
20th Century French Modern Boxes
Materials
Crystal, Brass
Contemporary Shagreen Humidifier Box
Located in Miami, FL
An Art Deco Humidifier Wood Box covered in a Brownish tinted color Shagreen.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Boxes
Materials
Shagreen, Wood
1980s Modernist Silver Plated Italian Round Box
Located in Aci Castello, IT
A silver plated and brass round box designed and manufactured in Italy in the Eighties. It's il very good condition overall, on the lid, inside a brass frame there is an abstract met...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Silver Plate
Egidio Broggi Milano, Oversized Silver Plate Swirled Box
Located in Atlanta, GA
A fantastic silverplate-lidded decorative box created by Italian designer Egidio Broggi, Milano. This impressive box features an oversized round shape with a swirled design like a gi...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Metal, Silver Plate
Mid Century Decorative Carved Valuables Box
Located in Incline Village, NV
Resting on four paw feet and opening via two rear butterfly hinges, this attractive carved box is featured on top with an oval highly carved applique cartouche, monogrammed with the ...
Category
1950s American Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Wood
1980s Plexiglass and Vienna Straw Rectangular Box in the manner of Dior Home
By Dior Home
Located in Aci Castello, IT
A lovely rectangular box manufactured in Italy in the manner of Dior home, it's in good conditions overall. The 1980s Italian Box is a striking and distinctive piece that embodies th...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
Modernist Hand-Blown Amber Murano Glass Box with Brass Fittings
Located in New York, NY
This warm and elegant Modernist Hand-Blown Murano Glass Box in Amber W/ Brass Fittings originates from Italy during the 21st Century. A sleek and minimal piece with incredible hues a...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
Two Garouste and Bonetti Bronze Boxes for the Collection of Herbert Blome 2001
Located in Milan, IT
Two Garouste and Bonetti Bronze Boxes for the Collection of Herbert Blome 2001
Both are fully signed
Category
Early 2000s French Modern Boxes
Materials
Bronze
Mademoiselle Georges Box III by Thomas Dariel
Located in Geneve, CH
Mademoiselle Georges box III by Thomas Dariel, Maison Dada
Measures: D 16 x H 21 cm
Material : Glossy glazed ceramic
Mademoiselle Georges hails its name from Marguerite Georges,...
Category
2010s French Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
1980s Tavola Oggetti Rectangular Marble Jewelry Box
By Oggetti
Located in Farmington Hills, MI
We are very pleased to offer a vintage, sleek, pair of polished stone bookends, circa the 1970s. This set is constructed of solid, heavy-weight marble and skillfully hand-cut and ha...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Marble
Vintage Porcelain Capodimonte Trinket Box with Flower Detail
By Capodimonte
Located in East Quogue, NY
Exquisite vintage white Capodimonte square porcelain trinket box with floral detail lid. Simple and elegant, the box lid is adorned with sculpted white flowers with painted 24k Gold ...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic, Porcelain
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
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
Modernist Hand-Blown Murano Spotted Jet Black & Clear Glass Box w/ Brass Fitting
Located in New York, NY
This chic and sophisticated Modernist Hand-Blown Murano Glass Box in Spotted Jet Black & Clear Glass W/Brass Fittings originates from Italy during the 21st Century. Features a rectil...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian 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.
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