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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Set of 2 Porcelain Shu Pots with Lid, Green White, Handmolded & Handpainted
Located in Lisboa, PT
Set/2 Shu Porcelain Pots, Lusitanus Home Collection by Legend of Asia.
Real chinese porcelain waterproof pots with lids in white and green, produced by hand with traditional methods...
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
Set/2 Pots, Ceramic Pots, Green, Handmade in Portugal by Lusitanus Home
Located in Lisboa, PT
Chaucer Pots, Lusitanus Home Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Lusitanus Home.
This beautiful set includes two waterproof ceramic pots with lid, perfect to be displayed together and enrich your room decor.
Each piece has its own elegant silhouette in mint-green glazed ceramic with gloss finish plus hand turned beech wood base and lid lacquered in bronze gold-powder.
Set of 2 Ceramic Pots Chaucer...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Boxes
Materials
Gold Leaf, Brass
Set/2 Pineapple Ceramic Pots, White, 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 wa...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Boxes
Materials
Gold
Set/2 Boxes, Aged Silver, Handmade in Portugal by Lusitanus Home
By Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Madagáscar Boxes, Lusitanus Home Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Lusitanus Home.
Madagáscar box set includes two wooden boxes, perfect to be displayed together and e...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Boxes
Materials
Brass
Set/5 Vases, Ceramic Vases, White, Handmade in Portugal by Lusitanus Home
By Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Steele & Hardy Vases, Lusitanus Home Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Lusitanus Home.
This beautiful set includes five waterproof ceramic vases, perfect to be display...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Set/2 Boxes, White and Light-Blue, Handmade in Portugal by Lusitanus Home
By Greenapple
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
Set/5 Jars & Pots, White & Mint Green, Handmade in Portugal by Lusitanus Home
Located in Lisboa, PT
Set/5 Ceramic Jars & Pots, Lusitanus Home Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Lusitanus Home.
This beautiful set includes three waterproof ceramic jars and two ceramic...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Boxes
Materials
Gold Leaf
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
Ceramic Cheetah Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Crafted with precision by Love Art Ceramic in South Africa, this ceramic Cheetah jewelry box is a tribute to African wildlife. Standing 5 inches high, 4 inches long, and 8 inches wid...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Ceramic Wild Dog Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Crafted by Love Art Ceramic in South Africa, this ceramic Wild Dog jewelry box is a testament to indigenous craftsmanship. Standing 6 inches high, 3 inches long, and 3 inches wide, i...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Ceramic Leopard Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Crafted with meticulous care by Love Art Ceramic in South Africa, this ceramic Leopard jewelry box epitomizes the fusion of art and functionality. Standing 6 inches high, 6 inches lo...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Ceramic Monkey Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
This ceramic Monkey jewelry box, handcrafted by Sabelo Nene at Love Art Ceramic studio in South Africa, stands 6 inches high, 4 inches long, and 4 inches wide. Designed in 2023, it r...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Ceramic Giraffe Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
This ceramic Giraffe jewelry box, crafted by Ntokozo Shabalala at Love Art Ceramic studio in South Africa, stands 7 inches high, 4 inches long, and 4 inches wide. Designed in 2023, i...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Ceramic Sable Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
This ceramic Sable jewelry box, handcrafted by Minenhle Nene and Sbusiso at Love Art Ceramic studio in South Africa, stands 6 inches high, 3 inches long, and 3 inches wide. Designed ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Ceramic Cheetah Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
This ceramic Cheetah jewelry box, crafted by Sabelo Nene at Love Art Ceramic studio in South Africa, intertwines African wildlife with artistry. Standing 6 inches high, 4 inches long...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Ceramic Beetle Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
This ceramic Beetle jewelry box, handcrafted by Winnie and sculpted by Sbusiso at Love Art Ceramic studio in South Africa, is a captivating blend of artistry and functionality. Measu...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Ceramic Elephant Head Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
This ceramic Elephant head jewelry box is a stunning embodiment of African culture. Handcrafted by Jabu and sculpted by Sbusiso Ndaba at Love Art Ceramic studio, it measures 5 inches...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
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 Zebra Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
This ceramic Zebra jewelry box, measuring 5 inches high, 3 inches in length, and 3 inches wide, is a charming testament to African craftsmanship. Hand-painted by Zinhle Nene, its sur...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Ceramic Leopard Head Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
This ceramic Leopard head jewelry box is a unique blend of craftsmanship and symbolism. Standing 5 inches high, with a length of 4 inches and a width of 4 inches, it's a striking acc...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Ceramic Genet Cat Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Crafted by the skilled hands of South African artisans, this ceramic Genet cat jewelry box is a masterpiece of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design. Standing at 6 inches...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Ceramic Cheetah Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
This ceramic Cheetah jewelry box, crafted by Minenhle Nene and Motsamay at Love Art Ceramics, celebrates the majestic beauty of African wildlife. Hand-painted with intricate details,...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
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
Ceramic Giraffe Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
captivating piece Giraffe Jewelry box. Handmade ceramics often bear the mark of the artisan's skill and creativity, and being made in South Africa likely adds an extra layer of cultu...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Ceramic Monkey Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
A beautifully crafted ceramic piece! Handmade items often carry a unique charm and character. The fact that it's made in South Africa adds to its appeal, as it likely reflects the c...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
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
Ceramic Monkey Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
This handcrafted ceramic monkey box is a delightful creation from the talented artisans of South Africa. Shaped like a seated monkey enjoying a banana, its clever design features the...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
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
Vavona Burl Walnut Wooden Irish Lady's Jewelry Casket Box by Manning Ireland New
Located in Dublin, Ireland
This Vavona Wooden Jewelry 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 woods ava...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Irish Modern Boxes
Materials
Walnut, Burl
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
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 mo...
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
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
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
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 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 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
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
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
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
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
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 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
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
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 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
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
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
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 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
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
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 round shape with a lid ornate with a large quartz stone...
Category
1970s French Vintage Modern Boxes
Materials
Stone, Quartz, Metal, Silver Plate
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
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
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
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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