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Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

MID-CENTURY MODERN STYLE

Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. The style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, is characterized by pieces that were conceived and made in an energetic, optimistic spirit by creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living.

ORIGINS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW

ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS

VINTAGE MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS

The mid-century modern era saw leagues of postwar American architects and designers animated by new ideas and new technology. The lean, functionalist International-style architecture of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus eminences Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius had been promoted in the United States during the 1930s by Philip Johnson and others. New building techniques, such as “post-and-beam” construction, allowed the International-style schemes to be realized on a small scale in open-plan houses with long walls of glass.

Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century modern furniture designs. Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen, who had experimented extensively with molded plywood, eagerly embraced fiberglass for pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair, respectively. 

Architect, writer and designer George Nelson created with his team shades for the Bubble lamp using a new translucent polymer skin and, as design director at Herman Miller, recruited the Eameses, Alexander Girard and others for projects at the legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer. 

Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi devised chairs and tables built of wire mesh and wire struts. Materials were repurposed too: The Danish-born designer Jens Risom created a line of chairs using surplus parachute straps for webbed seats and backrests.

The Risom lounge chair was among the first pieces of furniture commissioned and produced by celebrated manufacturer Knoll, a chief influencer in the rise of modern design in the United States, thanks to the work of Florence Knoll, the pioneering architect and designer who made the firm a leader in its field. The seating that Knoll created for office spaces — as well as pieces designed by Florence initially for commercial clients — soon became desirable for the home.

As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century furniture designers caught the spirit.

Classically oriented creators such as Edward Wormley, house designer for Dunbar Inc., offered such pieces as the sinuous Listen to Me chaise; the British expatriate T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings switched gears, creating items such as the tiered, biomorphic Mesa table. There were Young Turks such as Paul McCobb, who designed holistic groups of sleek, blond wood furniture, and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in minimalist teak dining tables and lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.

Generations turn over, and mid-century modern remains arguably the most popular style going. As the collection of vintage mid-century modern chairs, dressers, coffee tables and other furniture for the living room, dining room, bedroom and elsewhere on 1stDibs demonstrates, this period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.

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Style: Mid-Century Modern
Large Square Natural Malachite Jewelry or Vanity Box
Large Square Natural Malachite Jewelry or Vanity Box

Large Square Natural Malachite Jewelry or Vanity Box

$520

Large Square Natural Malachite Jewelry or Vanity Box

Located in Haddonfield, NJ

Large Malachite Jewelry or Vanity Box. Malachite is a green copper carbonate mineral. It is part of the monolithic crystal system and has a silky luster. The malachite for this box w...

Category

1990s American Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Machiche

Signed Gabriella Crespi Decorative Jewelry Box in Lucite and Brass, Italy 1970s
Signed Gabriella Crespi Decorative Jewelry Box in Lucite and Brass, Italy 1970s

Signed Gabriella Crespi Decorative Jewelry Box in Lucite and Brass, Italy 1970s

$1,741

Signed Gabriella Crespi Decorative Jewelry Box in Lucite and Brass, Italy 1970s

By Gabriella Crespi

Located in Roma, IT

Stunning mid-century decorative box designed and signed by Gabriella Crespi. Made in a beautiful combination of gilt brass and clear lucite, this stylish box was made in Italy during...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Chrome

Vintage Bronze Turtle Trinket Box, Solid Cast Design from the 1950s
Vintage Bronze Turtle Trinket Box, Solid Cast Design from the 1950s

Vintage Bronze Turtle Trinket Box, Solid Cast Design from the 1950s

$361

Vintage Bronze Turtle Trinket Box, Solid Cast Design from the 1950s

Located in Linkebeek, BE

Box - Decoration - 1950s Measures : 17x9cm H: 5,5cm Bronze turtle-shaped trinket or jewelry box. Material: Solid cast bronze. Function: Can be used as a trinket box, jewelry box, or...

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Bronze

FORNASETTI Playing Cards Box
FORNASETTI Playing Cards Box

FORNASETTI Playing Cards Box

$1,200

FORNASETTI Playing Cards Box

By Fornasetti, Piero Fornasetti

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Vintage poker playing cards box in walnut wood and metal case, it holds two packs of cards / designed by Piero Fornasetti, made in Italy in the 1970s Length: 5.5 inches / Width: 4 in...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Metal

Steen Kepp XXth Century Stoneware Brown Ceramic Jewelry Box 1975 La Borne
Steen Kepp XXth Century Stoneware Brown Ceramic Jewelry Box 1975 La Borne

Steen Kepp XXth Century Stoneware Brown Ceramic Jewelry Box 1975 La Borne

$1,625

Steen Kepp XXth Century Stoneware Brown Ceramic Jewelry Box 1975 La Borne

By Steen Kepp

Located in Neuilly-en- sancerre, FR

Steen Kepp - La Borne Realised circa 1975-1980 Large brown stoneware ceramic box. Jewelry or decorative box Signed under the base Original perfect condition Measure...

Category

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

Mid-Century Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Wood Lined Dresser or Table Box
Mid-Century Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Wood Lined Dresser or Table Box

Mid-Century Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Wood Lined Dresser or Table Box

$2,400

Mid-Century Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Wood Lined Dresser or Table Box

By Tiffany & Co.

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A fine signed silver box. By Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. With a later, wood-lined interior. Marked to the base. Simply wonderful Tiffany design! Date: Mid-20th Cent...

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Sterling Silver

Christian Dior per Dior Home Scatola Decorativa Zucca in Silverplate, 1970s
Christian Dior per Dior Home Scatola Decorativa Zucca in Silverplate, 1970s

Christian Dior per Dior Home Scatola Decorativa Zucca in Silverplate, 1970s

$464

Christian Dior per Dior Home Scatola Decorativa Zucca in Silverplate, 1970s

By Dior Home, Christian Dior

Located in Naples, IT

Elegante scatola decorativa a forma di zucca disegnata da Christian Dior per la sua collezione Home degli anni '70. Questa bella scatola decorativa con coperchio è realizzata in meta...

Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Silver Plate

Paolo De Poli Mid-Century Wood and Enamel Box, circa 1950
Paolo De Poli Mid-Century Wood and Enamel Box, circa 1950

Paolo De Poli Mid-Century Wood and Enamel Box, circa 1950

$1,800

Paolo De Poli Mid-Century Wood and Enamel Box, circa 1950

By Paolo De Poli, Gio Ponti

Located in Atlanta, GA

Paolo De Poli Enamel Box – Attributed to Gio Ponti, Italy, Circa 1950 This exceptional Mid-Century lidded box is a rare and collectible work of Italian design, meticulously crafted b...

Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Metal, Copper, Enamel

Vintage Raymor Lidded Ceramic Flower Box Turquoise And White Italian, 1960's
Vintage Raymor Lidded Ceramic Flower Box Turquoise And White Italian, 1960's

Vintage Raymor Lidded Ceramic Flower Box Turquoise And White Italian, 1960's

$596Sale Price|25% Off

Vintage Raymor Lidded Ceramic Flower Box Turquoise And White Italian, 1960's

By Raymor

Located in North Miami, FL

This lovely vintage Italian hallmarked lidded ceramic flower box by Raymor is from the 60's. The colors are turquoise, white with outlines of gray charcoal. The hallmarks read 03529 ...

Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

1950's Decorative Brutalist MCM Inlaid Burl Speciman Wood Box by Norman Brumm
1950's Decorative Brutalist MCM Inlaid Burl Speciman Wood Box by Norman Brumm

1950's Decorative Brutalist MCM Inlaid Burl Speciman Wood Box by Norman Brumm

$350

1950's Decorative Brutalist MCM Inlaid Burl Speciman Wood Box by Norman Brumm

Located in Red Lion, PA

1950s Decorative Brutalist MCM Inlaid Burl Specimen Wood Box by Norman Brumm This small but striking 1950s decorative box by Norman Brumm showcases the artist’s signature Brutalist ...

Category

1950s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Brass

Russian Fedoskino Lacquered Box "Morning in a Pine Forest", Family Bear 1965
Russian Fedoskino Lacquered Box "Morning in a Pine Forest", Family Bear 1965

Russian Fedoskino Lacquered Box "Morning in a Pine Forest", Family Bear 1965

$406

Russian Fedoskino Lacquered Box "Morning in a Pine Forest", Family Bear 1965

Located in Labrit, Landes

Hand-painted and lacquered box. The illustration is maned "Morning in a Pine Forest" and it represents a bear family the mother and three little bears playing in the forest. Fedoskin...

Category

1960s Russian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Paper

Lucite and Silver Plate Large Modernist Box, circa 1970
Lucite and Silver Plate Large Modernist Box, circa 1970

Lucite and Silver Plate Large Modernist Box, circa 1970

$900

Lucite and Silver Plate Large Modernist Box, circa 1970

By Studio Italia Design

Located in Atlanta, GA

This striking modernist box evokes the sophisticated artistry of renowned Italian designers such as Tommaso Barbi, Gabriella Crespi, or Willy Rizzo. The rare piece was crafted in Ita...

Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Metal, Silver Plate

Modernist Wood and Enamel vanity Box by J. Capo Esmaltes, Spain, 1970's
Modernist Wood and Enamel vanity Box by J. Capo Esmaltes, Spain, 1970's

Modernist Wood and Enamel vanity Box by J. Capo Esmaltes, Spain, 1970's

$1,025

Modernist Wood and Enamel vanity Box by J. Capo Esmaltes, Spain, 1970's

By Capo Esmaltes

Located in BARCELONA, ES

Beautiful modernist jewelry box designed and produced by J. Capo Esmaltes in Spain during the 1970's. This handcrafted woodbox with blue and yellow enamel details is a true work of a...

Category

1970s Spanish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Enamel

Los Castillo Taxco Mixed Stone Mosaic and Brass Box with Giraffe Motif, Mexico
Los Castillo Taxco Mixed Stone Mosaic and Brass Box with Giraffe Motif, Mexico

Los Castillo Taxco Mixed Stone Mosaic and Brass Box with Giraffe Motif, Mexico

$575

Los Castillo Taxco Mixed Stone Mosaic and Brass Box with Giraffe Motif, Mexico

By Los Castillo

Located in San Diego, CA

A striking mid-century modern decorative box by the renowned Los Castillo workshop of Taxco, Mexico. This finely crafted rectangular box features a warm patinated brass body topped w...

Category

Mid-20th Century Mexican Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Malachite, Brass, Bronze

Scatola decorativa Italiana in Bambù e Ottone 1960s
Scatola decorativa Italiana in Bambù e Ottone 1960s

Scatola decorativa Italiana in Bambù e Ottone 1960s

$631Sale Price|20% Off

Scatola decorativa Italiana in Bambù e Ottone 1960s

Located in Palermo, Sicily

Particolare Scatola Decorativa in bambù intrecciato e Ottone design Italiano 1960.

Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Brass

Three MCM Italian Alabaster and Brass Claw Dolphin Footed Lidded Jewelry Boxes
Three MCM Italian Alabaster and Brass Claw Dolphin Footed Lidded Jewelry Boxes

Three MCM Italian Alabaster and Brass Claw Dolphin Footed Lidded Jewelry Boxes

$760Sale Price / set|20% Off

Three MCM Italian Alabaster and Brass Claw Dolphin Footed Lidded Jewelry Boxes

Located in Haarlem, NL

Set of three hand carved Italian alabaster claw and dolphin footed decorative boxes in blue, orange and beige coloured alabaster. I fell in love with their beautiful shiny colours and the heaviness of the material of these jewellery boxes with hinged lids, brass claw feet, brass dolphin feet...

Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Alabaster, Brass

Fornasetti Enamel Metal Mahogany Box
Fornasetti Enamel Metal Mahogany Box

Fornasetti Enamel Metal Mahogany Box

$900

Fornasetti Enamel Metal Mahogany Box

By Fornasetti

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Vintage decorative matches box with enamel metal portraying a hot air balloon and mahogany wood insert / designed by Piero Fornasetti, made in Italy in the 1960s Length: 4.5 inches /...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Metal

Bakelite Minaudière Box
Bakelite Minaudière Box

Bakelite Minaudière Box

$525

Bakelite Minaudière Box

Located in New York, NY

Bakelite minaudière box. Vintage Italian bakelite tortoise box with hinged mirrored removable lid, hinged lid double compartments and two open comp...

Category

1930s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Brass

Mexican Modernist "Metales Casados" Box by Los Castillos
Mexican Modernist "Metales Casados" Box by Los Castillos

Mexican Modernist "Metales Casados" Box by Los Castillos

$700

Mexican Modernist "Metales Casados" Box by Los Castillos

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Period Style: Mexican Modern Designer: Humberto Castillo Manufacturer: Los Castillos

Category

1950s Mexican Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Silver, Brass, Copper

Walter Bosse Austrian Lacquered Brass Cigarette Box
Walter Bosse Austrian Lacquered Brass Cigarette Box

Walter Bosse Austrian Lacquered Brass Cigarette Box

$1,087Sale Price|25% Off

Walter Bosse Austrian Lacquered Brass Cigarette Box

By Herta Baller

Located in New York, NY

Walter Bosse for Herta Baller polished cast brass square box with patinated stripe lid, Austria, circa 1950's.

Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Brass

Maison Cartier Modernist Luxury Copper Enigma Box, France circa 1950
Maison Cartier Modernist Luxury Copper Enigma Box, France circa 1950

Maison Cartier Modernist Luxury Copper Enigma Box, France circa 1950

$2,200

Maison Cartier Modernist Luxury Copper Enigma Box, France circa 1950

By Cartier

Located in Atlanta, GA

Cartier designed this stunning luxury copper and brass box. An extraordinary and captivating creation by Cartier, this rare copper and brass box—crafted in France circa 1950—is a mas...

Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Brass, Copper

Line Vautrin Signed Gilt Bronze Beauty Box "Voici Des Fleurs..." c.1940, France
Line Vautrin Signed Gilt Bronze Beauty Box "Voici Des Fleurs..." c.1940, France

Line Vautrin Signed Gilt Bronze Beauty Box "Voici Des Fleurs..." c.1940, France

$11,016

Line Vautrin Signed Gilt Bronze Beauty Box "Voici Des Fleurs..." c.1940, France

By Line Vautrin

Located in Brussels, BE

Beautiful Line Vautrin signed bronze beauty or compact box, circa 1940, France. Gilt bronze, with inscribed the first 2 lines of the poem "Green" by Paul Verlaine, and decor of hear...

Category

1940s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Bronze

Small Dome-Shaped Rectangular Wood Metal Trinket Jewelry Box, 1950's
Small Dome-Shaped Rectangular Wood Metal Trinket Jewelry Box, 1950's

Small Dome-Shaped Rectangular Wood Metal Trinket Jewelry Box, 1950's

$180

Small Dome-Shaped Rectangular Wood Metal Trinket Jewelry Box, 1950's

Located in Haddonfield, NJ

Vintage 1950's Dome-Shaped Jewelry Box. This decorative long rectangular hinged trinket box would be impressive for display or functional for jewelry. The interior features solid woo...

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Brass, Pewter

Metal, 1970s Stars and Stripes Roadie Box
Metal, 1970s Stars and Stripes Roadie Box

Metal, 1970s Stars and Stripes Roadie Box

$198

Metal, 1970s Stars and Stripes Roadie Box

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A wonderful Roadie or Evil Knievel stage box, ready for goggles to boots, from bags to books... reminiscent of.

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Metal

Pol Chambost 20th century design blue modern ceramic decorative jewelry box
Pol Chambost 20th century design blue modern ceramic decorative jewelry box

Pol Chambost 20th century design blue modern ceramic decorative jewelry box

$1,149

Pol Chambost 20th century design blue modern ceramic decorative jewelry box

By Pol Chambost

Located in Neuilly-en- sancerre, FR

Pol Chambost Realised circa 1950 20th century design Blue ceramic decorative or jeelry box by Pol Chambost Signed under the base Original perfect condition Height 18 cm Large 23 cm

Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

Alabaster Casket Box with Brass Closure and Paw Feet
Alabaster Casket Box with Brass Closure and Paw Feet

Alabaster Casket Box with Brass Closure and Paw Feet

$370

Alabaster Casket Box with Brass Closure and Paw Feet

Located in Los Angeles, CA

An elegant alabaster box or casket accented with brass trim and closure, raised gracefully on decorative paw feet. Carved from luminous alabaster, the body of the box showcases the s...

Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Alabaster, Brass

Italian Florentine Mid-Century Leather Ring Box Fleur-de-Lis Decoration
Italian Florentine Mid-Century Leather Ring Box Fleur-de-Lis Decoration

Italian Florentine Mid-Century Leather Ring Box Fleur-de-Lis Decoration

$170

Italian Florentine Mid-Century Leather Ring Box Fleur-de-Lis Decoration

Located in Haddonfield, NJ

Very charming Mid-Century small rectangular Italian hand crafted box in leather and gold embossed with fleur-de-lis decoration. This tiny box can be used to store your favorite piece...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Leather

1950s Brazilian Bronze Souvenir Box with Inlaid Historic Coins by Alberti
1950s Brazilian Bronze Souvenir Box with Inlaid Historic Coins by Alberti

1950s Brazilian Bronze Souvenir Box with Inlaid Historic Coins by Alberti

$595

1950s Brazilian Bronze Souvenir Box with Inlaid Historic Coins by Alberti

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Bronze Souvenir Box with Inlaid Historic Coins by Alberti, Brazil, circa 1950s Dimensions: 2.5" Diameter x 1.25" H A finely crafted mid-century bronze so...

Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Brass

Chinese Style Lacquered Brush or Pencil Box Painted Butterfly, circa 1940
Chinese Style Lacquered Brush or Pencil Box Painted Butterfly, circa 1940

Chinese Style Lacquered Brush or Pencil Box Painted Butterfly, circa 1940

$192

Chinese Style Lacquered Brush or Pencil Box Painted Butterfly, circa 1940

Located in Labrit, Landes

Lacquered paintbrush or pensil box, made in the chinese style. In this painting features a butterfly and flowers. The key is not the original but it does correspond to the lock. Good...

Category

1940s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Wood

Les roseaux à visage humain et Le lit de la rivière by Line Vautrin, France
Les roseaux à visage humain et Le lit de la rivière by Line Vautrin, France

Les roseaux à visage humain et Le lit de la rivière by Line Vautrin, France

$33,669 / set

Les roseaux à visage humain et Le lit de la rivière by Line Vautrin, France

By Line Vautrin

Located in Uccle, BE

Reeds with Human Faces and The Riverbed, a set of two boxes. (Les roseaux à visage humain et le lit de la rivière) by Line Vautrin. Set of two gilt bronze boxes, titled Reeds with Hu...

Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Bronze

Vintage Money Bank Drum in Blue Glass & Silver Plate, 1970s
Vintage Money Bank Drum in Blue Glass & Silver Plate, 1970s

Vintage Money Bank Drum in Blue Glass & Silver Plate, 1970s

$116

Vintage Money Bank Drum in Blue Glass & Silver Plate, 1970s

Located in Esbjerg, DK

Small decorative Money Bank in the shape of a drum. It's made from silver plated metal and cobalt blue glass. You get access to its content by turning the lid. Manufactured by Viener...

Category

1970s Hong Kong Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Silver Plate

Collection of Five Geometric Banks by Diego Mathai for Banamex
Collection of Five Geometric Banks by Diego Mathai for Banamex

Collection of Five Geometric Banks by Diego Mathai for Banamex

$1,000 / set

Collection of Five Geometric Banks by Diego Mathai for Banamex

By Diego Matthai

Located in Mexico City, CDMX

Designed by renowned Mexican industrial designer Diego Mathai for Banamex (Banco Nacional de México), this complete collection of five sculptural banks exemplifies the optimism and m...

Category

1970s Mexican Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Iron

Gabriella Crespi Lucite and Chrome Decorative Box, Italy 1970s
Gabriella Crespi Lucite and Chrome Decorative Box, Italy 1970s

Gabriella Crespi Lucite and Chrome Decorative Box, Italy 1970s

$3,497

Gabriella Crespi Lucite and Chrome Decorative Box, Italy 1970s

By Gabriella Crespi

Located in Rome, IT

Rare box in lucite and chrome in the shape of a rhombus signed by the Italian designer Gabriella Crespi as shown in photos. Made in Italy in the 1970s. Conditions are good consid...

Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Apple Lidded vanity box in brass, Italy, 1970's
Apple Lidded vanity box in brass, Italy, 1970's

Apple Lidded vanity box in brass, Italy, 1970's

$757

Apple Lidded vanity box in brass, Italy, 1970's

Located in BARCELONA, ES

Superb vanity box designed and produced in Italy during the 1970's. Elegant and sophisticated apple shaped box in brass, a beautiful item to display in your home Ref:1703.

Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Brass

FORNASETTI Malachite Box
FORNASETTI Malachite Box

FORNASETTI Malachite Box

$1,800

FORNASETTI Malachite Box

By Fornasetti, Piero Fornasetti

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Vintage decorative rectangular lacquered walnut wood box with motif golden guns on green malachite / designed by Piero Fornasetti, made in Italy in the 1970s Original mark at the fel...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Wood

Siberian Nephrite Jade Mid Century Decorative / Jewelry Box, Russia, c. 1970
Siberian Nephrite Jade Mid Century Decorative / Jewelry Box, Russia, c. 1970

Siberian Nephrite Jade Mid Century Decorative / Jewelry Box, Russia, c. 1970

$2,389

Siberian Nephrite Jade Mid Century Decorative / Jewelry Box, Russia, c. 1970

Located in London, GB

A rare and beautiful quality mid century decorative box made of translucent Siberian green nephrite jade stone, made in Russia (Soviet Union at the time), c. 1970. The green of the ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Russian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Jade, Onyx

Smart Italian Red Jasper Stone Box c.1950
Smart Italian Red Jasper Stone Box c.1950

Smart Italian Red Jasper Stone Box c.1950

$1,629

Smart Italian Red Jasper Stone Box c.1950

Located in Bath, GB

A wonderful smart mid-century modern Italian box made from red jasper stone and lined in onyx. A gilt metal hinge joins the top and bottom of the box. Red Jasper is a microcrysta...

Category

1850s Italian Antique Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Stone

Tiffany Midcentury Modern Box with Enameled Flowers & Butterflies
Tiffany Midcentury Modern Box with Enameled Flowers & Butterflies

Tiffany Midcentury Modern Box with Enameled Flowers & Butterflies

$5,000

Tiffany Midcentury Modern Box with Enameled Flowers & Butterflies

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 and hinged with slight overhang; top decorated with engraved and...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Sterling Silver, Enamel

Aldo Londi Bitossi Box, Ceramic, Blue, Gold, Geometric, Signed
Aldo Londi Bitossi Box, Ceramic, Blue, Gold, Geometric, Signed

Aldo Londi Bitossi Box, Ceramic, Blue, Gold, Geometric, Signed

$3,500

Aldo Londi Bitossi Box, Ceramic, Blue, Gold, Geometric, Signed

By Bitossi, Aldo Londi

Located in New York, NY

Bitossi Box, Ceramic, Blue, Gold, Geometric, Signed. Small scale lidded box with gold glazed geometric zig-zag pattern over a Rimini blue glaze. Signed on the underside 854.

Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

Mid Century Mexican Silver Plate and Mother of Pearl Lidded Box
Mid Century Mexican Silver Plate and Mother of Pearl Lidded Box

Mid Century Mexican Silver Plate and Mother of Pearl Lidded Box

$550

Mid Century Mexican Silver Plate and Mother of Pearl Lidded Box

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Rousing lidded box with form and function, handcrafted in silver plate on hammered copper decorated in mother of pearl. Stamped Mexico on the bottom. As seen in the last photo of the...

Category

20th Century Mexican Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Silver Plate, Copper

"Fantastical Bird, " Mid Century Box by Ottaviani in Silver, Enamel and Rosewood
"Fantastical Bird, " Mid Century Box by Ottaviani in Silver, Enamel and Rosewood

"Fantastical Bird, " Mid Century Box by Ottaviani in Silver, Enamel and Rosewood

$1,800Sale Price|20% Off

"Fantastical Bird, " Mid Century Box by Ottaviani in Silver, Enamel and Rosewood

By Ottaviani

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Beautifully crafted of hammered silver -- now with a soft, old silver patina -- enamel and rosewood, this exceptional decorative box depicts a wildly imaginative crane-like bird with...

Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Silver

Walter Bosse Brass Lidded Box, Austria, c.1955
Walter Bosse Brass Lidded Box, Austria, c.1955

Walter Bosse Brass Lidded Box, Austria, c.1955

$650

Walter Bosse Brass Lidded Box, Austria, c.1955

By Walter Bosse

Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA

Walter Bosse Brass Lidded Box, Austria, c.1955. Stamped " BOSSE AUSTRIA " to the bottom.

Category

20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Brass

Neoclassic Modernist Brass Urn, Box or Tea Caddy, circa 1960
Neoclassic Modernist Brass Urn, Box or Tea Caddy, circa 1960

Neoclassic Modernist Brass Urn, Box or Tea Caddy, circa 1960

$650

Neoclassic Modernist Brass Urn, Box or Tea Caddy, circa 1960

By Fine English Company

Located in Atlanta, GA

This stylish neoclassical Mid-Century modernist decorative lidded box or tea caddy has a rectangular shape with a streamlined construction. The tabernacle box was crafted in England ...

Category

1960s English Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Metal, Brass

Vintage Lane Cedar Box
Vintage Lane Cedar Box

Vintage Lane Cedar Box

$275

Vintage Lane Cedar Box

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

This iconic miniature cedar chest by Lane is a timeless piece of American craftsmanship, originally designed as a "hope chest" salesman sample or a graduation gift. Constructed from ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Metal

Brass tube Box / Cigarette Case Signed by Gabriella Gabriella Crespi, Italy 70s
Brass tube Box / Cigarette Case Signed by Gabriella Gabriella Crespi, Italy 70s

Brass tube Box / Cigarette Case Signed by Gabriella Gabriella Crespi, Italy 70s

$917

Brass tube Box / Cigarette Case Signed by Gabriella Gabriella Crespi, Italy 70s

By Gabriella Crespi

Located in Roma, IT

I'm offering for sale a rare cylindrical box, designed and signed in the 1970s by Italian designer Gabriella Crespi. The cylindrical tube shape suggests that this vintage box was mos...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Brass

Wood and Perforated Metal Box, Italy 1970s
Wood and Perforated Metal Box, Italy 1970s

Wood and Perforated Metal Box, Italy 1970s

$464

Wood and Perforated Metal Box, Italy 1970s

Located in Naples, IT

Decorative tabletop box with a charming perforated metal cover revealing a warm dark wood background.

Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Metal

Large French Wood Fleur De Lis Painted Domed Shaped Box
Large French Wood Fleur De Lis Painted Domed Shaped Box

Large French Wood Fleur De Lis Painted Domed Shaped Box

$245

Large French Wood Fleur De Lis Painted Domed Shaped Box

Located in Haddonfield, NJ

Exquisite French wood box featuring the ever classic fleur-de-lis surrounding the exterior. This 1960's box could be used for storage or jewelry and would certainly make a statement ...

Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Wood, Paint

Aldo Londi for Bitossi Italian Mid-Century Ceramic Box -- Fused Glass Fish Motif
Aldo Londi for Bitossi Italian Mid-Century Ceramic Box -- Fused Glass Fish Motif

Aldo Londi for Bitossi Italian Mid-Century Ceramic Box -- Fused Glass Fish Motif

$975

Aldo Londi for Bitossi Italian Mid-Century Ceramic Box -- Fused Glass Fish Motif

By Aldo Londi, Bitossi

Located in Minneapolis, MN

Here is a richly textured and visually compelling Italian ceramic box by Aldo Londi for Bitossi, dating to the mid-20th century and retailed by Raymor. The rectangular form is distin...

Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

1950s Onyx Mineral Stone Jewelry Box / Hinged Box
1950s Onyx Mineral Stone Jewelry Box / Hinged Box

1950s Onyx Mineral Stone Jewelry Box / Hinged Box

$1,277

1950s Onyx Mineral Stone Jewelry Box / Hinged Box

Located in Barcelona, ES

Mid-Century Modern hinged box veneered in fine Onyx stone, Spain, 1950s. This exquisite vintage 1950s rectangular box is all constructed with onyx and features a brass hinge. This tr...

Category

Mid-20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Stone, Onyx, Brass

Mid-century Modern decorative boxes for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Mid-Century Modern decorative 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 decorative boxes created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Mid-Century Modern decorative boxes made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and France pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original decorative boxes, popular names associated with this style include Bitossi, Line Vautrin, Piero Fornasetti, and Gabriella Crespi. 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 decorative boxes differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $22 and tops out at $34,396 while the average work can sell for $850.

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