Modern Decorative Objects
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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Alpha Centaury Glass Flower Vase, by Marco Zanini for Memphis Milano Collection
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Alpha Centaury Glass Flower Vase was designed by Marco Zanini in 1982. Signed on the base, please see below for further information.
Marco Zanini was born in Trento in 1954. He ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Glass
Altair Glass Flower Vase, by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano Collection
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Altair Glass Flower Vase was designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1982. Signed on the base, please see below for further information.
Ettore Sottsass was born in Innsbruck in 1917. I...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Glass
34 Agelada Glass Vase, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Agelada Glass Vase with pendant was originally designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1986 for Memphis. It's part of the “Vetri Glass” collection. Made in blown Murano glass, and signed ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Glass
Tobia Scarpa Battuti Vase in Amber Murano Glass
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Battuti vase in Amber Murano glass by Tobia Scarpa and Ludovico Diaz De Santillana for Venini. It evokes a lily standing tall, in tones of Amber and Grape. Its translucent appearance...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Murano Glass
Lino Sabattini Italy Vase "Persepoli" Limited Edition 8/237
Located in Toledo, OH
Lio Sabattini "Persepoli" limited edition vase 8/237 Italy.
Category
20th Century European Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
Yaacov Agam Art
By Yaacov Agam
Located in Weesp, NL
Art Yaacov Agam
Signed and numbered 25/27 from the Meissner Galerie in Hamburg
Measurements: H 33 x W 23 x D 4 cm.
Agam's first solo exhibition was at the ...
Category
1980s French Vintage Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Acrylic, Wood
'Girl and Giraffe' sculptural table lamp, Bronze
By Rinat Design
Located in London, GB
'The Girl and the Giraffe' bronze sculptural table lamp, hand crafted, molded and cast in bronze in the lost wax process.
A whimsical sculpture lamp of a young girl and a giraffe, e...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary British Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Gold Leaf, Bronze
Italian Photo Frame Handmade Wood, Double Heart
Located in Sarezzo, IT
Double Heart is a unique arge Italian hand crafted wood double photo frame by sculptor Massimo Pasini.
Wood is a very warm material and it is very m...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Willow Basket Capponara Shoulder Belt, Portego, Handmade in Italy
By Portego
Located in Stienta, IT
Capponara shoulder belts is a basket made from willows harvested in Vicenza area, Italy.
Mario Brocchi is the maker who grows weaving this natural material, as extremely flexible wh...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Willow
Contemporary Tentacle Hand Blown Glass Vase
Located in Camisano Vicentino, IT
"Contemporary Tentacle Hand Blown Glass Vase" by Simone Crestani
Introducing the Tentacle Vase, a captivating work of art meticulously crafted by the v...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Glass
Contemporary V Lamp Hardwood, Solid Glass and Brass
By Louis Jobst
Located in London, GB
Louis Jobst' V lamp is composed from, a cone, a sphere and a triangle. Their proportions are carefully judged to create a harmonious formation, with each shape ...
Category
2010s British Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Contemporary Ceramic Cartocci Liscia Texture Yellow Decorative Bottle
Located in Porcia, IT
Italian ceramist Paola Paronetto's distinctive style is epitomized in transforming objects of daily use into exclusive decorative yet functional artwork. This remarkable yellow bottl...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
In Stock in Los Angeles, Light Blue Mexico Skull Mini Portable Charger
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Mexico skull mini power bank battery charger
In stock in Los Angeles
"Mr Holder was a shark who loved swimming but could not do it. He was mocked by all the other sharks who call...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Plastic
Bonnie Contemporary LED Medium Pendant, Solid Brass or Chromed
Located in Torslanda, SE
The Bonnie range is designed around the stylized form of a Saffron flower, known around the world for its valuable beauty, fragrance and essence.
Each organic flower-like form is st...
Category
2010s Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Reeve Crystal Bookends by Greg Natale
By Greg Natale
Located in Sydney,, NSW
Inspired by shards of ice, the Reeve Bookend is our newest bookend style. A study in decorative function, these stylish statement grabbing bookends will elegantly support your favourite coffee table...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Crystal
Cocoa Brown Shagreen Picture Frame
Located in New York, NY
Hand made picture frame featuring cocoa brown, ivory genuine shagreen dimensional border. Interior picture size is 6.5 x 4.5 inches.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Glass, Shagreen Stingray
Contemporary Ceramic Cartocci Liscia Texture Royal Blue Decorative Bottle
Located in Porcia, IT
Merging tradition with innovation, this handcrafted sculpture will be a sophisticated accent on any table with its captivating and unique allure. Its bottle-shaped silhouette has an ...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
European Contemporary Red Sculptural Candlesticks by Margit Wittig
Located in London, GB
Margit Wittig has used her sculptural skills to create beautifully-crafted, well-proportioned contemporary candlesticks, which are compositio...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
419-G Hand Crafted Golden Promise Fronds Tray- 22kt Gold Detail by Helen Prior
By Helen Prior
Located in New Paltz, NY
419-G Hand Crafted Golden Promise Fine Fronds Tray With 22kt Gold Detail by Helen Prior
A delicate hand-crafted tray, organic in shape with a torn clay edge in natural speckled ston...
Category
2010s American Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Gold
Travertine Tea Light Holder Set of Two
Located in EINDHOVEN, NB
Travertine Tea light holders are sold in a set of 2.
Stunning, aesthetic, timeless are words that can be used to describe this elegant and modern ...
Category
2010s Dutch Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Travertine
Carter Acrylic Bowl Brushed Platinum Large
By Greg Natale
Located in Sydney,, NSW
Inspired by the mixed metals of the Studio 54 logo, Carter is a bowl to capture the attention of anyone who loves the night life. Hang up your Halston outfit and place your Elsa Pere...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Platinum
Vase 0025 Grès Roux Chamotté by Marta Dervin
Located in Geneve, CH
Vase 0025 Grès Roux Chamotté by Marta Dervin
Dimensions: ø7.5 x H 31-35 cm
Materials: Stoneware
Marta Dervin works with stoneware and porcelain that she shapes by hand to create sim...
Category
2010s French Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Stoneware
CHIMBORAZO Decorative Volcanic Stone Bowl with Bronze Detail by ANDEAN, In Stock
Located in Quito, EC
Decorative volcanic stone hand-carved bowl from Chimborazo volcano, with lathed bronze base.
Drawing inspiration from the sacral and baroque motifs of Quito, as well as Ecuador’s hi...
Category
2010s Ecuadorean Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Stone, Bronze
Pink Onyx Decorative Bowl Centerpiece Vase Vessel Sculpture Hand Carved, Italy
Located in Ancona, Marche
Bowl sculpted by hand from a solid block of Pink onyx. The polished finishing underlines the transparency of the onyx making this a very precious object.
Bowl dimensions: Medium L ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Onyx, Marble
Marble Tray Marquina Color with Leather Straps, Large
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
Marble trays with leather straps and brass bottom reinforcement. Leather tips on the legs to avoid scratching surfaces.
Marble is a non-foliated m...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble
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 Decorative Objects
Materials
Silver Plate
Marble Tray Reddish Color, with Leather Straps, Large
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
Marble trays with leather straps and brass bottom reinforcement. Leather tips on the legs to avoid scratching surfaces.
Marble is a non-foliated ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble
Set of 4 Italian Modern Elongated Two-Tone Blown Glass Candlestick Holders, 1970
Located in Deland, FL
Introducing an artfully crafted set of four Italian Modern blown glass candlestick holders. Like snowflakes no two are alike and each is ever so slightly different in size and shape....
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Blown Glass
Unique Holding Form by Dust and Form
Located in Geneve, CH
Unique holding form by Dust and Form
Dimensions: D 22.8 x 8.8 H cm
Materials: Porcelain
Origin Form Collection in three finishes: Hand-sanded (our Classic, smooth, bare finish) ...
Category
2010s American Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Stain Glass Butterfy
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Stain glass butterfly by a New York City artist named Gilly. I knew Gilly back in the 1970s and opened a store very briefly in the village calle...
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Art Glass
Set of Mushroom Sculptures in Cream Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mushroom Sculpture (Set of 2)
Cream Lacquer
Hand Repoussé
Limited Edition
Each piece is individually crafted and is unique.
Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang ...
Category
2010s Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Lacquer
Shagreen Photo Frame by Fabio Ltd
By Fabio Ltd.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Multi-color shagreen leather and 24 karat gold-plated picture frame by Fabio Ltd
Measures: Height 13.5 inches, width 11.5 inches, depth 1 inch
Photo size: 8 inches by 10 inches
LAST ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Gold
Monolith by Bravo Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Monolith by Bravo Studio
Monolith GGG1
Materials: Cobarbalita stone
Dimensions: Ø 13 × 16 cm
Monolithic objects in Cobarbalita stone
This new series of objects developed by...
Category
2010s Chilean Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Stone
Roger Capron's Wall-mounted Sculpture Portrays a Face Inspired by Picasso.
Located in Stockholm, SE
Roger Capron's Wall-mounted Sculpture Portrays a Face Inspired by Picasso. A Unique piece created in Vallauris, France. Raku, glazes, engravings, and slips. Signed. R. Capron. Emblem...
Category
1990s French Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Enamel
Phil Rogers Studio Pottery Salt Glazed Unomi with Impressed Panels
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A stylish Marston Pottery salt glazed stoneware studio pottery unomi by renowned potter Philip (Phil) Rogers (British, b.1951) dating from the latter 20th century. The heavily potted...
Category
Late 20th Century English Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Stoneware
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 Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Modigliani style Tete sculpture
Located in New York, NY
Contemporary Modernist style sculpture of a head made of composite materials resting on a black base (style of Modigiani "Tete") (signed and made by Austin Productions 1985)
Category
20th Century Unknown Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Plaster
Contemporary Coral Collection Hand-Blown Glass Vase and Serving Stands
Located in Camisano Vicentino, IT
'Coral Collection Set'
Introducing the exquisite Coral Collection Set, a breathtaking ensemble of hand-blown glass artistry by the renowned Simone Crestani. This elegant set includes...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Glass
Ink Blue/Natural Horn Checkerboard Box
Located in New York, NY
Decorative keepsake/jewelry box clad in hand incised natural horn and ink blue dyed bone tiles hand set on a wood structure. A great addition to any desk or coffee table.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Bone, Wood
Long Bowl in Dark Bronze by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Long bowl in dark bronze by Fakasaka Design
Dimensions: W 41.5 x D 16 x H 9.5 cm
Materials: Dark bronze.
Category
2010s Brazilian Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Fleur Peters Glass Object Modern Netherlands Studio Fleur Peters 21st century
Located in Antwerpen, BE
Each object from the Shape Series Collection by Studio Fleur Peters is unique. This yellow version is immediately catching the eye with its mixture of och...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Glass, Art Glass
Contemporary Ceramic Cactus Vase #1 Colored
Located in Porcia, IT
Italian ceramist Paola Paronetto's Cactus series of decorative objects draws inspiration from the beauty and harmony in nature. Handcrafted of paper c...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects
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 Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Brazilian Leather Baskets
By Luhome
Located in Boston, MA
Leather organizer baskets. Natural color.
Category
2010s Brazilian Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Leather
In Stock in Los Angeles, Donald Duck Monochrome Blue Pop Sculpture Figurine
By Walt Disney
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Scroll down and click "view all from Seller" to see more than 400 other unique products.
Donald duck monochrome blue, original pop sculpture figurine
Measures: Height 10.6" (27 cm)
...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Plastic
Blue Glass Water Balloon Sculpture by Dylan Martinez
Located in East Quogue, NY
Dylan Martinez’s hyperrealistic water balloons are made of solid sculpted glass sandblasted and acid-etched to resemble real water balloons. The sculptures are made in small batches,...
Category
2010s American Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass
21st Century Enamelled Bronze Sculpture entitled "Surf" by Tim Cotterill
Located in London, GB
An attractive limited edition bronze study of a variegated blue metalic frog in a crouched position with its head raised exhibiting very fine enamel colours and excellent tactile sur...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary British Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Dali as an Idol, Sculptural Construction W / Mirror, Painting and Found Objects
By John Seubert
Located in Chicago, IL
Self-taught artist John Seubert, AKA John Dolly, uses objects he uncovers as he rehabs older homes in Chicago. This piece is constructed with a small framed mirror...
Category
2010s American Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Reclaimed Wood, Paint
Leather Pot Large Glass Vase Covered with Nest Leather Colour Larimar Blue
Located in New York, NY
Leather pot is a transparent glass and soft leather for a family of open vases that can be mixed and matched or used on their own. The Leather Pot vases collection, designed by Poltr...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Leather, Glass
Italian modern Brutalist style Metal sculpture by Edmondo Cirillo, 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern Brutalist style Metal sculpture by Edmondo Cirillo, 1970s
Metal sculpture with a rectangular base with reference to the brutalist style. The artwork is composed of 3 m...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
Mid Century Sven Palmqvist Orrefors Pa Expo 1965 Cobalt Blue Flower Vase 9"
Located in Dayton, OH
Rare mid century Sven Palmqvist for Orrefors Swedish cobalt blue rectangular glass bud vase or flower urn. Marked Orrefors Expo Pa 370-65 and signed Palmqvist on base. Circa 1965.
...
Category
1960s Vintage Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Glass
Large Modernist Steel Outdoor Kinetic Hanging Mobile Sculpture 1980s
Located in Troy, MI
Large Modernist Steel Outdoor Kinetic Hanging Mobile Sculpture 1980s
Large kinetic indoor/outdoor hanging sculpture by Phil Beck c1980. Asym...
Category
20th Century North American Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Steel
Magnificent Spanish Sculpture "Dog" 20th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Magnificent Spanish Sculpture "Dog" 20th Century
golden metal
100cm x 40cm
metallic base
Perfect condition
Category
20th Century Spanish Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
Magnificent Spanish Sculpture "Woman's Body" 20th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Magnificent Spanish Sculpture "Woman's Body" 20th Century
golden metal
85cm x 40cm
metallic base
Perfect condition
Category
20th Century Spanish Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
Untitled XXXXVIII. Glazed Ceramic Sculpture
By Charo Oquet
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Untitled XXXXVIII, by Charo Oquet
Glazed Ceramic
13 H in x 15 W in. x 7 D in.
2019
These gravity-defying ceramics stacked constructions struggle to soar beyond the boundaries of the...
Category
2010s Dominican Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Glass
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 Decorative Objects
Materials
Stone, Onyx
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 Decorative Objects
Materials
Stone, Onyx
Vintage Japanese Modernist Bronze Bird Sculpture c1960s
Located in Oakland, CA
Beautiful vintage Japanese modernist bronze bird sculpture c1960s. Wonderful patina.
Category
1960s Japanese Vintage Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Modern decorative objects for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Modern decorative objects 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 objects created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, asian art and furniture and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, ceramic and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Modern decorative objects 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 decorative objects, popular names associated with this style include Venini, RAAQUU, VG-VGnewtrend, and Mosche Bianche. 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 objects differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $15 and tops out at $6,718,000 while the average work can sell for $1,174.
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