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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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 chaircrafted 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
Contemporary Handmade Dark Brass Bookend HIPPOS, Ancient Greek Forms by Anaktae
Located in Athens, GR
Contemporary, handcrafted bookend, model "Hippos" in oxidized brass, dark oxidation. This bookend is part of the "Althaea Series", a collection of four bookends in brass Inspired by ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Greek Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Spectacular Abstract Totem Single Piece Available justfurnituress
Located in Guazzora, IT
The justfurnituress studio offers plastic recycled products The sculpture similar to a large silk ribbon that winds through the air with grace and lightness. The fluid and sinuous l...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Plastic

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

Cast Bronze Cassette Tape
Located in Chicago, IL
This contemporary bronze classic cassette tape, meticulously cast from life, transforms an obsolete piece of technology into a timeless object of intrigue. At first glance, it baffle...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Silver metal bowl By Bvlgari 20th century
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Silver metal bowl By Bvlgari 20th century Measures: Height: 6.5 centimeters Diameter: 12 centimeters
Category

20th Century French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Contemporary Ceramic Anemone Small Footed Bowl Cartoccio Texture White and Gold
Located in Porcia, IT
A striking work of art, this sculptural bowl is a testament to artistic innovation and craftsmanship. Entirely handmade of paper clay, this bowl has a conical Silhouette with sloping...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Abstract Plastic Black Snake Totem by Justfurnituress Available
Located in Guazzora, IT
Introducing the Magnificent Abstract Black Snake Totem, a unique masterpiece crafted by the renowned Justfurnituress studio. Born in the year 2000 in Italy, this singular piece sta...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Plastic

Modern Art Sculpture Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Nice geometric form in the style of a chair. Cut and welded aluminum parts. Original vintage condition with some scratches, scuffs and patina. Solid and sturdy. It fits flush site-s...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Aluminum

Ann Meranus Signed Bronze Sculpture of a Nude Female Figure
Located in Indianapolis, IN
A bronze sculpture by the American artist and philanthropist Ann Meranus (1931-2023). Standing almost two feet tall, this bronze sculpture depicts a nude female figure standing in a ...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Roger Majorowicz Bronze Modernist Male Sculpture
Located in Dallas, TX
Sculpture depicting an emaciated male hanging from gallows by modernist sculptor, Roger Majorowicz (American, 1931-2014) The Brendan Bass Estate Collection pays homage to the beaut...
Category

20th Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Oblong Striated Hand Carved Onyx Bowl
Located in Norwalk, CT
An elegant oblong large onyx bowl with stunning striations. It has serene tones of cream, pale yellow and white. This one of a kind decorative vessel i...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Onyx

White Ceramic Flower Vase, Kawa Vase #8, Handmade, Organic Sculptural Vessel
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Kawa Vase 08 Tall white ceramic vase with textured raw porcelain exterior surface and clear glazed interior. As a result of the production process each item is one-of-a-kind. Use i...
Category

2010s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Clay, Porcelain

Crystal Water Vase in Murano Glass with Flowers and Gold Leaf Venice Italy 1970s
Located in Villaverla, IT
Crystal Water Vase in Murano Glass with Flowers and Gold Leaf Venice Italy 1970s Entirely handcrafted in the 1970s in Murano, the Venetian island famous for its unrivalled glass tra...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Gold

Kenta Hirai Japanese Contemporary Bentwood Wall Sculpture
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Kenta Hirai created it with the technique "Free form lamination." This sculpture mixes free formed wood sculpture and branch. Wood material is Yoshino Cedar.
Category

2010s Japanese Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Spiral6 Kenta Hirai Japanese Contemporary Bentwood Sculpture
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Kenta Hirai created it with the technique "Free form lamination." This sculpture mixes free formed wood sculpture and branch. Wood materials are Yoshino Cedar, camphor tree and podoc...
Category

2010s Japanese Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Handmade White Ceramic Flower Vase, Kawa Vase #7, Organic Sculptural Porcelain
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Kawa Vase 07 Tall white ceramic vase with textured raw porcelain exterior surface and clear glazed interior. As a result of the production process each item is one-of-a-kind. Use i...
Category

2010s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Clay, Porcelain

John Ward, Avian Form Stoneware Vessel, Black and White Glaze, c. 1990, signed
Located in Wargrave, Berkshire
John Ward (1938-2023) Avian Form Vessel, circa 1990 stoneware, matt black and white glazes impressed JW seal to base 25cm high, 27cm wide, 16cm deep Condition excellent John Ward ...
Category

1990s British Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stoneware

Tarnished Metal Vessel/Pitcher, Sculptural Object by Raju Peddada - "Platoon"
Located in Chicago, IL
A salutation to a Teutonic creation - that appears deceptively simple, but was incredibly difficult to craft, this tarnished metal vessel is both beautiful and functional. This prot...
Category

Early 2000s Canadian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Silver

White and Grey Jasba Fat Lava Floor Vase with Handle
Located in Antwerp, BE
Large White en Grey Fat Lava Floor Vase with Handle by Jasba Keramik, W- Germany. A german Fat Lava vase with fat belly or bold vase with thick grey grain on. The neck of the vase...
Category

Mid-20th Century German Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Gerard Hofmann, French ceramicist. Perforated vase with ox blood glaze.
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Gerard Hofmann (1917-1965), French ceramicist, own workshop. Perforated vase with ox blood glaze. Handmade. Circa 1960. In excellent condition. Signed. Dimensions: D 9.0 cm x H 9.0 cm.
Category

1960s French Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Gerard Hofmann, French ceramicist, own workshop. Bowl with ox blood glaze
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Gerard Hofmann (1917-1965), French ceramicist, own workshop. Bowl with ox blood glaze. Handmade. Circa 1960. In perfect condition. Signed. Dimensions: L 21.0 cm x H 5.0 cm.
Category

1960s French Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

White Ceramic Flower Vase, Kawa Vase #6, Handmade Organic Sculptural Porcelain
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Kawa Vase 06 Tactile and organic white vase with textured raw porcelain exterior surface and clear glazed interior. As a result of the production process each item is one-of-a-kind....
Category

2010s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Clay, Porcelain

Modern Steel Sculpture Di Vincente
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Nice modern art sculpture. One-of-a-kind. It stands loosely on a vintage marble platform. Semi-gloss black powder-coating. Great for a a garden or interiors and collections...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble, Steel

Polished Silver Vessel/Bowl, Sculptural Object by Raju Peddada - "Lacuna"
Located in Chicago, IL
A remarkable example of minimalist design and natural form, this silver vessel is both beautiful and functional. This proto-type by designer Raju Peddada is a shift in contemporary ...
Category

Early 2000s Canadian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

"Woman in Repose" Bronze Sculpture by Haim Azuz
Located in Wiscasset, ME
Bronze sculpture of a woman in repose by Turkish Israeli sculpture Haim Azuz, b. 1932 This piece is signed and numbered 2 out of an edition of 10 on the lower leg and measures 11...
Category

20th Century Israeli Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

21st Century Abstract Sculpture BLOOD by Renzo Buttazzo
Located in Paris, FR
21st century abstract sculpture BLOOD by Renzo Buttazzo from Italy Sculpture in Lecce Stone Delivered with a certificate of authenticity. Since 1886 Renzo Buttazzo work with Pietra...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone, Limestone, Stainless Steel

21st Century Abstract Sculpture ECLIPSIS by Renzo Buttazzo
Located in Paris, FR
21st century abstract sculpture ECLIPSIS by Renzo Buttazzo from Italy Sculpture in Lecce Stone Delivered with a certificate of authenticity. Since 1886 Renzo Buttazzo work with Pie...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone, Limestone, Stainless Steel

Marble Tray, Bidasar Tone with Leather Straps, Large
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
Bidasar Marble trays with leather straps and brass bottom reinforcement. Bidasar Marble Tray with an unfinished texture. Rain forest Indian marble, also known as Bidasar, is the fine...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

21st Century Abstract Lamp Sculpture CARUSA by Renzo Buttazzo
Located in Paris, FR
21st century abstract lamp sculpture CARUSA by Renzo Buttazzo from Italy Sculpture in Lecce Stone Delivered with a certificate of authenticity. Since 1886 Renzo Buttazzo work with ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone, Limestone, Stainless Steel

Pink Glass Water Balloon Sculptures Trio 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

Art Glass, Blown Glass, Glass

A fine pair of modular Sterling Silver Garrido candlesticks "Arco Iris"
Located in Aachen, DE
A fine pair of modular Sterling Silver candlesticks "Arco Iris" made in 2006 by Juan & Paloma Garrido for Damian Garrido Orfebre in a limited edition of 8. This is the 7th copy from ...
Category

Early 2000s Spanish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

21st Century Abstract lamp Sculpture SEME by Renzo Buttazzo
Located in Paris, FR
21st century abstract lamp sculpture SEME by Renzo Buttazzo from Italy Sculpture in Lecce Stone Delivered with a certificate of authenticity. Since 1886 Renzo Buttazzo work with Pi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone, Limestone, Stainless Steel

"Bouquet" Memory Jug by Michael Thompson
Located in Chicago, IL
Based in Chicago, IL, contemporary artist Michael Thompson creates unique kites, collages and mixed media works assembled from material fragments of past and present collected in his...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone

Olio Ceramic Vase by Arianna De Luca
Located in Geneve, CH
Olio vase by Arianna De Luca Dimensions: height 23 x diameter 16 cm Materials: Ceramic Olio vase is part of the Folcloristica series. A collection inspired by the mood and lifesty...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Ardmore Ceramic Elephant Teapot, hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
In the heart of South Africa, Ardmore Ceramics unveils a marvel: the Elephant Teapot. Crafted by Agnes Ndlovu Ntshalintshali and painted by Ottilia Nxumalo, it stands 7 inches tall, ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Tarnished Metal Vessel/Bowl, Sculptural Object by Raju Peddada - "Lacuna"
Located in Chicago, IL
A remarkable example of minimalist design and natural form, this tarnished metal vessel is both beautiful and functional. This proto-type by designer Raju Peddada is a shift in cont...
Category

Early 2000s Canadian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Brushed Metal Vessel/Bowl, Sculptural Object by Raju Peddada - "Lacuna"
Located in Chicago, IL
A remarkable example of minimalist design and natural form, this brushed metal vessel is both beautiful and functional. This proto-type by designer Raju Peddada is a shift in contem...
Category

Early 2000s Canadian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Polished Silver Vessel/Pitcher, Sculptural Object by Raju Peddada - "Platoon"
Located in Chicago, IL
A salutation to a Teutonic creation - that appears deceptively simple, but was incredibly difficult to craft, this silver vessel is both beautiful and functional. This proto-type by...
Category

Early 2000s Canadian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Silver

Aluminum. Vessel/Challis, Sculptural Object by Raju Peddada
Located in Chicago, IL
A remarkable example of minimalist design and natural form, this aluminum vessel is both beautiful and functional. This proto-type by designer Raju Peddada is a shift in contemporar...
Category

Early 2000s Canadian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Aluminum

Bronze Vessel/Challis, Sculptural Object by Raju Peddada - "Wotan"
Located in Chicago, IL
A remarkable example of minimalist design and natural form, this bronze vessel is both beautiful and functional. This proto-type by designer Raju Peddada is a shift in contemporary ...
Category

Early 2000s Canadian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Glass Banana in Clear
Located in Richmond, VA
Casted glass banana in clear by Devon Made Glass Fruit inspired by blown glass fruit makers and collectors from the 1960's. The light playful approach to everyday fruit is contrasted...
Category

2010s Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

Glass Water Balloon Sculptures Trio 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

Large Pinky Pac-Man Ghost - Glass Sculpture by Dylan Martinez
Located in East Quogue, NY
These whimsical Pac-Man Ghost sculptures pay homage to the iconic 1980s video game characters while transcending their pixelated origins, inviting viewers to embark on a visual journ...
Category

2010s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass

Large Inky Pac-Man Ghost - Glass Sculpture by Dylan Martinez
Located in East Quogue, NY
These whimsical Pac-Man Ghost sculptures pay homage to the iconic 1980s video game characters while transcending their pixelated origins, inviting viewers to embark on a visual journ...
Category

2010s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass

'Solari brothers' double-dial flag clock, italy 1980s
Located in Genova, IT
Clock manufactured by 'Solari Udine' model timac 30 from 1986. Flag-shaped with double dial and double movement. The original movement was replaced with two battery-operated quart...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Paul Philp, Contemporary Ceramic Moon Vase, 51cm high, signed
Located in Wargrave, Berkshire
Paul Philp (British, born 1941) Contemporary hand built stoneware Moon Vase 51cm high, 46cm wide, 7cm deep Stamped with potter’s seal to base In perfect condition Paul Philp ( born...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stoneware

Italian modern brutalist style Bronze sculpture by Edmondo Cirillo, 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern brutalist style Bronze sculpture by Edmondo Cirillo, 1970s Bronze sculpture with reference to the brutalist style. The shape is rounded U, thicker in the center and th...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Pink Flamingo Ceramic Sculpture Centerpiece, Handmade Without Mold, new 2023
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The piece is a unique representation of a Pink Flamingo in a modern way. The animal is gently painted with a pink different shades. The flamingo lives in Italy especially in Sicily. ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Paint

Peter Voulkos Studio Vase
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Peter Voulkos (1924-2002) - Black Studio pot, circa 1953-1955. Signed “Voulkos” on the base. Voulkos, an American artist of Greek descent, was known for his Abstract Expressionist ceramic...
Category

1950s American Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Clay

Tessalated Horn Box
Located in New York, NY
Decorative keepsake document box decorated with hand applied rectangular horn pieces. A great addition to any desk, night stand, bookcase or coffee table.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Horn, Wood

Vases by Sema Topaloglu
Located in Istanbul, 34
Vases by Sema Topaloglu Vases with different colors, is handcrafted. Therefore each production is unique and might not be exactly the same as visual. Sema Topaloglu Studio is kno...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

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 Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood, Macassar

Vases by Sema Topaloglu
Located in Istanbul, 34
Vases by Sema Topaloglu Vases with different colors, is handcrafted. Therefore each production is unique and might not be exactly the same as visual. Sema Topaloglu Studio is kno...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass, Art Glass

Sergio Bustamante Fish Boy Series Fantasy Figural Large Hand Painted Sculpture
Located in Topeka, KS
Magnificent vintage Sergio Bustamante “Fish Boy” Series Fantasy Figural large-scale hand painted ceramic signed sculpture. Beautiful, repaired condition, keeping in mind that this is...
Category

1980s Mexican Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Paint

"Lunarejo" Sheep Wool Basket, by Inês Schertel, Brazilian Contemporary Design
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
This white wool basket by Inês Schertel is an exquisite illustration of Brazilian contemporary modern design. The piece is crafted using traditional methods, showcasing the organic a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Wool

Enzo Torcoletti Abstract Travertine Sculpture
Located in Chicago, IL
Discover the elegance of minimalist modern art with this striking abstract sculpture titled "Stela" by the acclaimed artist Enzo Torcoletti. Hand-carved in 1989, this piece is crafte...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Travertine, Marble

Glass Lemon in Lilac
Located in Richmond, VA
Casted glass lemon in dichroic lilac by Devon Made inspired by blown glass fruit makers and collectors from the 1960's. The light playful approach to everyday fruit is contrasted wit...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

Christian Dior Home Sterling Silver Picture Frame Iconic Pied de Poule Design
Located in Atlanta, GA
This charming Christian Dior Paris sterling silver picture frame boasts a geometric square shape with a raised pied de poule pattern. The back and easel are in shiny lacquered wood w...
Category

1980s French Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal, Sterling Silver

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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