Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture
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
- Emerged during the mid-20th century
- Informed by European modernism, Bauhaus, International style, Scandinavian modernism and Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture
- A heyday of innovation in postwar America
- Experimentation with new ideas, new materials and new forms flourished in Scandinavia, Italy, the former Czechoslovakia and elsewhere in Europe
CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
- Simplicity, organic forms, clean lines
- A blend of neutral and bold Pop art colors
- Use of natural and man-made materials — alluring woods such as teak, rosewood and oak; steel, fiberglass and molded plywood
- Light-filled spaces with colorful upholstery
- Glass walls and an emphasis on the outdoors
- Promotion of functionality
MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
- Charles and Ray Eames
- Eero Saarinen
- Milo Baughman
- Florence Knoll
- Harry Bertoia
- Isamu Noguchi
- George Nelson
- Danish modernists Hans Wegner and Arne Jacobsen, whose emphasis on natural materials and craftsmanship influenced American designers and vice versa
ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS
- Eames lounge chair
- Nelson daybed
- Florence Knoll sofa
- Egg chair
- Womb chair
- Noguchi coffee table
- Barcelona chair
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 legendary 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.
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
Japanese Important Bronze Lady With A Newport Hat
Located in South Burlington, VT
Japan a lovely, sensitive cast bronze sculpture of a woman proudly showing her Newport Hat.
Designed and cast by by noted Japanese mid century sculptor Tabath Isao.
This is a cla...
Category
20th Century Japanese Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Chinese Framed Water Color of a Man and Woman
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Interesting Chinese framed watercolor depicting a man deep in meditative thought with a woman and two children. Beautifully drawn with intricate details. The man sits on his mat with...
Category
20th Century Chinese Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Glass, Wood, Paper
Collection of Abstract Japanese Calligraphy Prints
By Sōfu Teshigahara
Located in Atlanta, GA
Collection of abstract Japanese calligraphy prints, possibly after Sofu Teshigahara, Japan, circa 1970s. These were from a collection that we purchase...
Category
1970s Japanese Vintage Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Glass, Wood, Paper
Vintage Chinese Natural Wood Side Table with Two Drawers and Crackled Ice Shelf
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese vintage natural wood side table from the mid-20th century, with two drawers and 'crackled ice' shelf. Born in China during th...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Iron
Wild Blue Vintage Turkish Mohair Rug
Located in New York, NY
A mid-20th century one of a kind Turkish sirt rug woven with Mohair wool. The piece has been over-dyed giving it a wild ethereal feel to it. These pieces are inspired by traditional ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Turkish Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Mohair, Wool
19th Century Chinese Rug
Located in New York, NY
19th century Chinese rug in shades of creamy white and blue irregular thin striped motif throughout with 4 symbolic Chinese figures signaturi...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Wool
Elegant Silver Sake Cup made to commemorate the Osaka World Expo of 1970
Located in Doornspijk, NL
This silver sake cup mas made especially for the 1970 Osaka World Expo.
Its is marked 24 KBP.
Category
1970s Japanese Vintage Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Silver
Ancient Chinese Camel with a Sancai Glaze.
Located in Schagen, NL
This absolute stunning positioned camel was manufactured in China, circa 1960s and finished with a Sancai glaze. It's saddlebags show a man's face. Free shipping to Continental Europ...
Category
1960s Chinese Vintage Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Midcentury Cloisonné Lamp by Wilshire House
Located in Rio Vista, CA
A rare midcentury Chinese cloisonné table lamp made of a long neck bronze vase decorated with a floral foliate pattern in shades of pink over a dark texture diamond pattern background. Sold by Wilshire...
Category
20th Century Chinese Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Metal
Hand-Carved Japanese Stump Table with Slate Top
Located in Atlanta, GA
Hand-carved Japanese stump table with slate top, believed to be circa 1950s, possibly earlier. This table has an incredible hand-carved base, made out o...
Category
1950s Japanese Vintage Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Slate
Sirt Vintage Turkish Striped Mohair Rug
Located in New York, NY
A mid-20th century one of a kind Turkish Sirt rug woven with mohair wool. These pieces are inspired by traditional tribal weaving's but they are used mostly for decorative purposes a...
Category
Mid-20th Century Turkish Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Mohair, Wool
Zabihi Collectio nSirt Vintage Turkish Mohair Rug
Located in New York, NY
A mid-20th century one of a kind Turkish Sirt rug woven with mohair wool. These pieces are inspired by traditional tribal weaving's but they are used mostly for decorative purposes a...
Category
Mid-20th Century Turkish Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Wool, Mohair
Sirt Vintage Turkish Rug
Located in New York, NY
A mid-20th century one of a kind Turkish Sirt rug woven with mohair wool. These pieces are inspired by traditional tribal weaving's but they are used mostly for decorative purposes a...
Category
Mid-20th Century Turkish Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Wool, Mohair
Sirt Vintage Turkish Rug
Located in New York, NY
A mid-20th century one of a kind Turkish Sirt rug woven with mohair wool. These pieces are inspired by traditional tribal weaving's but they are used mostly for decorative purposes a...
Category
Mid-20th Century Turkish Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Mohair, Wool
Pair of Chinese Red Lacquer End Tables
Located in London, by appointment only
A decorative pair of mid 20th-century Chinese export black and red lacquer side tables. The black lacquer frames inset with vibrant red lacquer panels decorated with birds amongst gr...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Lacquer
Pair of Brutalist Metal Torso Sculptures
Located in North Bergen, NJ
Pair of Mid-Century male and female metal torso sculptures. Very interesting and something you dont see everyday.
Category
1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture
Mid Century Modern VIntage Teak Tripple Armoire with Tambour Door by Austinsuite
By Austinsuite
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Introducing this Mid Century Modern Vintage Teak Tripple Armoire with Tambour Door by Austinsuite, a stunning addition to any mid century furniture collection. This British-made piec...
Category
1960s English Vintage Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Teak
Set of Four 1960's Danish CH32 Chairs by Hans J. Wegner for Carl Hansen & Son
Located in Victoria, BC
We are excited to offer this set of four 1960's Teak CH23 chairs designed by by Hans J. Wegner for Carl Hansen & Søn. Characterized by impeccable craftsmanship and enduring elegance,...
Category
1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Teak
Chinese Vintage Celadon Glazed Garden Stools with Pierced Motifs, Sold Each
Located in Yonkers, NY
Chinese vintage celadon glazed ceramic garden stool from the Mid-20th Century, with pierced and raised motifs, priced and sold each. Created in China during the mid century period, t...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
1960's Danish Afromosia Teak Dining Chairs
Located in Victoria, BC
This set of eight 1960s Danish dining chairs showcases excellent craftsmanship in afrormosia teak, featuring uniquely sculpted frames that exude mid-century charm. The curved backres...
Category
1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Teak
1950’s Hans Olsen Roundette Dining Set for Frem Røjle
By Frem Røjle
Located in Victoria, BC
We are excited to offer this iconic 1950's Hans Olsen Roundette dining set for Frem Røjle, a quintessential example of Danish design. C...
Category
1950s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Leather
1960's Danish Teak Axel Christensen Credenza for ACO Møbler
Located in Victoria, BC
Step into the realm of mid-century modern sophistication with this iconic sideboard from the 1960s, designed by Axel Christensen for ACO Møbler. Crafted from high-quality teak, this ...
Category
1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Teak
1960's Danish Teak Curved Front Credenza by Svend Madsen
Located in Victoria, BC
We are thrilled to offer this exquisite 1960 Danish teak credenza, crafted by the renowned designer Svend Madsen. Featuring a distinctive curved front, this credenza exudes elegance ...
Category
1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Teak
1970s Brazilian MP97 Wood and Leather Sofa by Percival Lafer
Located in Victoria, BC
We're thrilled to unveil our latest Brazilian modern gem: the stunningly restored "MP97" leather sofa, a masterpiece designed by Percival Lafer in 1970s São Paulo. Featuring a robust...
Category
1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Leather
1970’s Danish solid teak dining table by Glostrup Møbelfabrik
Located in Victoria, BC
We are pleased to offer this 1970’s Glostrup Møbelfabrik Danish dining table entirely constructed of solid teak, and meticulously crafted with mortise and tenon leg assembly for last...
Category
1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Teak
1960s Danish Teak and Oak Freestanding Desk Shelving Unit by Kurt Ostervig
Located in Victoria, BC
We are thrilled to present our finest modular shelving unit discovery yet: an exquisite freestanding creation by Kurt Ostervig from the 1950s. This stunning piece boasts a floating c...
Category
1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Leather
1950s Solid Teak Coffee Table by Peter Hvidt
By Peter Hvidt
Located in Victoria, BC
We have a rarely seen solid teak coffee table designed by Peter Hvidt for France & Daverkosen, all shined up and on display in our Chinatown showroom. This special piece is perfectly...
Category
1950s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Teak
1970s Brazilian Hardwood and Leather MP131 Sofa by Percival Lafer
Located in Victoria, BC
We're excited to unveil our latest addition: an esteemed Brazilian sofa designed by Percival Lafer in the 1970s. Meet the "MP131 Sofa"! Featuring a solid Jatobá arm/leg structure and...
Category
1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Leather
1960s Danish Teak Freestanding Modular Shelving System
Located in Victoria, BC
Fresh to the market we have an elegant 1960's Danish teak freestanding shelving system. Crafted with precision, its fully modular design exudes sophistication, complemented by its gr...
Category
1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Teak
1970s Brazilian MP97 Leather High Back Lounge Chair by Percival Lafer
Located in Victoria, BC
We're thrilled to present an extraordinary Brazilian lounge chair designed by Percival Lafer in the 1970s. The MP97 chair boasts a supremely comfortable foam-injected seat wrapped in...
Category
1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Leather
1960s Danish Teak Coffee Table by Grete Jalk
By Grete Jalk
Located in Victoria, BC
An epitome of Danish modern design, this creation by Grete Jalk showcases a gracefully sculpted surface, upheld by subtly tapered legs, and enhanced by a practical lower tier crafted...
Category
1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Teak
Pair of 1960s Solid Teak Side End Tables by Peter Hvidt
By Peter Hvidt
Located in Victoria, BC
We are pleased to present a pristine pair of solid teak end tables designed by Peter Hvidt for France & Son and crafted during the 1960s. They feature a beautifully pleated rattan lo...
Category
1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Teak
Pair of Mid-Century Chinese Ceramic Polychrome Foo Dogs
Located in San Diego, CA
Great pair of mid-century polychrome glazed ceramic foo dogs from China, circa 1950s. Great detail and a beautiful color combination of yellow, green and brown; the pair measure 14"W...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Pair of Vintage Bamboo Tub Back Armchairs
Located in Ross, CA
Pair vintage bamboo tub chairs with newly upholstered seat cushions.
Category
1980s Unknown Vintage Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Bamboo
Yukio Fukazawa Signed Limited Edition Japanese Abstract Aquatint Etching Print
Located in Studio City, CA
A truly wonderful and sublimely strange Mid-century Modern abstract work by Japanese artist Yukio Fukazawa. (1924-).
The aquatint etching print is pencil hand signed, dated (1958)...
Category
1950s Japanese Vintage Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Paper
1970s Brazilian Wood and Leather MP131 Sofa by Percival Lafer
Located in Victoria, BC
Experience the thrill of owning this rare and exquisite Brazilian sofa designed by Percival Lafer in the 1970s. The "MP131" boasts a sumptuous leather seat, an exceptionally comforta...
Category
1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Leather
Danish Modern Teak Desk Organizer by Pedersen & Hansen Mid Century Modern
Located in Lake Worth, FL
1960s Danish Mid Century modern teak wood desk organizer. From the Select Form series by Georg Petersen, put out by Pedersen & Hansen of Denmark. B...
Category
Late 20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Teak
1960s Danish Solid Teak Bookcase Display Cabinet by Peter Hvidt
By Peter Hvidt
Located in Victoria, BC
This solid teak bookcase / display cabinet designed by Peter Hvidt for Søborg Møbelfabrik is a rare variant with an off white backer and horizontal shelving...
Category
1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Teak
Midcentury Vintage Burmese Rattan Coffee Table with X-Form Cross Stretcher
Located in Yonkers, NY
A vintage Burmese rattan coffee table from the mid-20th century, with X-form cross stretcher. Born in Burma during the midcentury period, this charming coffee table features a pure s...
Category
Mid-20th Century Burmese Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Rattan
Rare Ceramic Vase / Sculpture by Alessio Tasca, 1968
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare Ceramic Vase / Sculpture by Alessio Tasca, 1968
Additional Information:
Material: Ceramic
Style: Mid century, Italian
Produced in Italy
Dimensi...
Category
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Wayne Transitional Farm Table
Located in Carmel, CA
The Wayne Transitional Farm Table is part of the Modern Hepburn collection that sets a standard in sophisticated and timeless furniture while remaining practical and functional for e...
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Hardwood
Roger Ottoman
Located in Carmel, CA
The Roger Ottoman is part of the Modern Hepburn collection that sets a standard in sophisticated and timeless furniture while remaining practical and functional for everyday modern living.
Inspired by the magic of genuine human connection found with a family heirloom and memories from repeated use, Ashley invites a reminiscing approach to design, pulling elements of style from the past. The original designs evolved from her cherished antiques, one-of-a-kind dresses, and jewelry handed down by her grandmothers. Classic to edgy reflections combine to define style and future memories.
The Rogers Ottoman is perfect for those looking to add a stylish yet comfortable touch to their living space. Featuring a 2-inch cushion for maximum comfort when sitting and a white oak shelf...
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Steel
Vintage Framed Art Print, Numbered and Signed
Located in Seattle, WA
Vintage framed Art Print. Numbered and signed.
Dimensions. 21 1/4 W; 1 1/4 D; 21 1/4 H.
Category
1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Metal
Midcentury Original Art Work Don Quixote by Arrigo Ghedini
By Salvador Dalí, Tanguy
Located in San Diego, CA
Arrigo Ghedini (1905-1997) was born to a wealthy northern Italian family and initially trained in economics, though soon turned to painting and stage design. He married a fellow arti...
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Enamel
Stefan Lokos Framed Abstract Oil on Canvas "Tuscan Hillside" Very Good Condition
By Stefan Lokos
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Description: Stefan Lokos (Hungarian, 1913-1994) abstract oil painting on canvas. This is an unsigned work that resembles a Tuscan landscape. It is a high quality painting with pigme...
Category
1970s Hungarian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Canvas, Paint
Japanese Mid-Century Modern Studio Pottery Vase
Located in New York, NY
Japanese Mid-Century Modern art studio pottery vase with luster glaze on diminutive tripod legs.
Category
Mid-20th Century Japanese Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Pottery
Japanese Mid-Century Modern Art Studio Ceramic Vase
Located in New York, NY
Japanese Mid-Century Modern art studio ceramic pottery vase, marked on the bottom. In great vintage condition with age-appropriate wear and use.
Category
Mid-20th Century Japanese Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Mid-Century Modern Japanese Style Ten-Sided Tenmoku Glazed Stoneware Studio Vase
Located in Studio City, CA
A wonderfully designed, richly colored, deep brown, Tenmoku like glazed handmade artisan vase. Really quite stunning in person. It changes color subtlety and textures depending on perspective.
From a home of that collected top midcentury art and furniture...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Stoneware
Hakata Wasaki Japanese Ceramic Nativity Scene Figurines
Located in New York, NY
Japanese ceramic nativity scene figurines made by Hakata Wasaki in the 1950s. The set comprises fourteen elements with hand painted figures and a wood...
Category
1950s Japanese Vintage Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Mid-century Modern asian art and furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Mid-Century Modern asian art and furniture 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 asian art and furniture created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include asian art and furniture, seating, wall decorations and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, hardwood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Mid-Century Modern asian art and furniture made in a specific country, there are Europe, Denmark, and Scandinavia pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original asian art and furniture, popular names associated with this style include Peter Hvidt, Finn Juhl, Tomio Kinoshita, and Marcel Breuer. 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 asian art and furniture differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $68 and tops out at $20,000 while the average work can sell for $1,650.
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