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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Raaquu Hoseki Raku Pottery Vase, Obvara, Handmade Ceramic, Malaysia
Located in Petaling Jaya, MY
Hoseki (宝石) ~ (n) gem The Hoseki Vase is named “gem” in Japanese for its slightly angular shape. Wide-mouthed with a textured finish and soft edges, it adds a classy touch to any dé...
Category

2010s Malaysian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Copper

Dokutsu Raku Fired Pottery Vase, Obvara, Handmade Ceramic Home Decor
Located in Petaling Jaya, MY
Dokutsu ( 洞窟 ) ~ (n) cavern The Dokutsu Vase displays a modern style with its hollowed center. It would go very well with our Umi Vase or perfectly fine on its own as well. Our Dok...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Malaysian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Copper

Egg Seed Pod Rattle Ceramic Sculpture Coastal Glaze
Located in Kingston, NY
Handbulit ceramic sculpture by Demetria Chappo. This 6in sculpture sits nicely on a desk, tabletop, bookshelf or grouped with other sculptures. Its tactile qualities and small size a...
Category

2010s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

André Ricard 'Olympic Torch Prototype' for Barcelona 1992 Games, circa 1992
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Olympic torch prototype (PT) in chromed plastic for Barcelona '92 by André Ricard. Manufactured in Spain, circa 1990. In good original condition, w...
Category

1990s Spanish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Chrome

Set/6 Ceramic Pots & jars, White & Cream, Handmade in Portugal by Lusitanus Home
Located in Lisboa, PT
Set/6 ceramic pots & vases, Lusitanus Home Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Lusitanus Home. This beautiful set includes three ceramic pots with lid and three vases,...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Discus Seed Pod Ceramic Sculpture SandDune Glaze / Neutral Toned Decor
Located in Kingston, NY
Handbulit ceramic sculpture. The Seed Pod Discus Sculptures are shaped by hand and etched with infinite grooves. These tactile stoneware pods are inspired by nature hikes and walks a...
Category

2010s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

MILO (20th century School) "Dancer" Sculpture
Located in Madrid, ES
MILO (20th century School) "Dancer" Sculpture Bronze with medal patina, signed, marble base H. 29 cm good condition
Category

20th Century French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Contemporary White Cream Ceramic Watering Can for Vases and Garden
Located in Milano, IT
Altea is a handmade ceramic watering can. It has to be filled with water from the head and poured from both horns. With her proud feminine bearing...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Bonsai "Purple Thoughts", Handmade in Italy, Sculpture, Contemporary Design
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The Purple Thoughts bonsai is inspired by the beautiful Japanese trees and their flowering. The materials are wood and metals, representing both the strength of life and the roots ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Aluminum

Modern Snail Pedestal Sculpture Beige Brass Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Snail decorative Pedestal, Modern Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by GF Modern. Snail is the perfect standing piece of art to enhance any interior. A unique design with...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Gold Leaf, Brass

Love Art Ceramic Bushbaby Candlesticks Hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
The ceramic Bushbaby candlestick by Love Art Ceramic, hand-sculpted by Sfiso Mvelase and painted by Sabelo Nene, is a vibrant celebration of South African flora and fauna. The piece ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Love Art Ceramics Crocodile Ornament, hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
The ceramic Crocodile ornament by Love Art Ceramic is a homage to African culture. Hand-painted by Nozipho Ntshalintshali and hand-sculpted by Sondel...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Love Art Ceramics Elephant Ornament, hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
The ceramic elephant ornament, meticulously hand-painted by Nozipho Ntshalintshali and sculpted by Sondelani Ntshalintshali, epitomizes the vibrant artistic tradition of Love Art Cer...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Vase 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

Love Art Ceramics Crocodile Ornament, hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
The ceramic Crocodile ornament by Love Art Ceramic is a homage to African culture. Hand-painted by Nozipho Ntshalintshali and hand-sculpted by Sondel...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Love Art Ceramics Elephant Ornament, hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
The ceramic Elephant ornament by Love Art Ceramic is a testament to African culture. Hand-painted by Nozipho Ntshalintshali and hand-sculpted by Sondelani Ntshalintshali, this 4-inch...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Love Art Ceramics Elephant Ornament, hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
The ceramic Elephant ornament by Love Art Ceramic is a testament to African culture. Hand-painted by Nozipho Ntshalintshali and hand-sculpted by Sondelani Ntshalintshali, this 4-inch...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Love Art Ceramic Elephant Urn, hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
The ceramic Elephant urn, crafted by Love Art Ceramic in South Africa, stands at 20 inches high, 11 inches long, and 11 inches wide. Painted by Jabu Nene and sculpted by Sabelo & Son...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Love Art Ceramics Elephant Ornament, hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
The ceramic elephant ornament, meticulously hand-painted by Nozipho Ntshalintshali and sculpted by Sondelani Ntshalintshali, epitomizes the vibrant artistic tradition of Love Art Cer...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Vase 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

Love Art Ceramic Big Five Stand, hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
The ceramic Big Five sculpture, crafted by artisans at Love Art Ceramic in South Africa, is a beautiful representation of Africa's iconic wildlife: the lion, leopard, rhinoceros, ele...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

COLLINET (20th century School) "Dancer with Hoop" Signed
Located in Madrid, ES
COLLINET (20th century School) "Dancer with Hoop" Signed brown patina bronze, marble pedestal base H. 39 cm good condition
Category

20th Century French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

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

After Salvador DALI " Crucifix " Sculture 20th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
After Salvador DALI " Crucifix " Sculture Gilded bronze crucifix 77 x 60 cm good condition
Category

20th Century Spanish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

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

Vase by Sema Topaloglu
Located in Istanbul, 34
Vases by Sema Topaloglu This vase belongs to a collection of several pieces with different colors Each production is unique and handcrafted. Therefore, it might not be exactly the ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Raaquu Raku Fired Large Oval Vase S/N0000615 Centerpiece Art Series, Malaysia
Located in Petaling Jaya, MY
A mesmerizing sight to behold as soon as the rainbow-like patinas catch your eye. The Oval Vase is a tall, teardrop-shaped design best for adding a touch of elegance and intrigue to ...
Category

2010s Malaysian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Copper

Raaquu Raku Fired Large Oval Vase S/N0000484 Centerpiece Art Series, Malaysia
Located in Petaling Jaya, MY
A mesmerizing sight to behold as soon as the rainbow-like patinas catch your eye. The Oval Vase is a tall, teardrop-shaped design best for adding a touch of elegance and intrigue to ...
Category

2010s Malaysian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Copper

Serpentine Bronze & Pebble Fountain Sculpture
Located in New York, NY
Sculptural Serpentine Bronze and Pebble Electric Fountain. 48" H x 16" W x 16" D.
Category

20th Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Serpentine, Bronze

Green and White Handkerchief Art Glass Vase
Located in New York, NY
A green and white 'handkerchief' art glass vase. Vase is hand-crafted hence the hand blowing tool mark on underside as shown in last image. Vase is white on the inside, light green o...
Category

Early 2000s Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass, Blown Glass

Ceramic Vase "PALOMA" Black Glazed by Gabriella B., Made in Italy
Located in Treviso, IT
Ceramic vase PALOMA white glazed finished cod. B003 S measures: Height 120.0 - Diameter 25.0 cm.  
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Black Marble Low Pedestal Cylinder
Located in Mexico City, MX
Monterrey black marble carved cylinder. Handmade in Mexico by local craftsmen. Production time: 6-8 weeks for items without marble / 13-14 weeks for marble pieces. Shipping +10 addi...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

21st Century Blown Glass "Dafne Bottle"
Located in Milano, IT
Yes, it's true, it's a bottle, a decanter, but it is also an excuse to embellish the table, a even if you only load it with water, the "twisted" processing of the glass, gives ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass, Blown Glass

Italian Alabaster Marble Catchall Vide-Poche
Located in New York, NY
An Italian alabaster marble catchall vide-poche, circa mid-20th century or earlier, Italy. Piece is oblong with an oblong bowl to hold jewelry, pen/pencil or other small items on a d...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Alabaster, Marble

Hand Made Custome Glass Locust Sculpture
Located in Pasadena, CA
Hand Made Custome Glass Locust Sculpture. Very playful and wonderful squared body design. The antlers are are a green glass that curves outward. There are metal cylinders seperating ...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

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

Raaquu Mizu Raku Pottery Trinket Bowl - Carbon Copper - Handmade Ceramic Gift
Located in Petaling Jaya, MY
Mizu ( 水 ) ~ (n) water Our Mizu bowl comes with 3 short legs. It would look elegant on its own or as a keeper of trinkets or potpourri. This Mizu bowl is the kind of piece to creat...
Category

2010s Malaysian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Copper

Handmade Spikes White Round Ceramic Vase
Located in Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, AR
Beautiful white round ceramic vase, perfect for displaying your favorite flower arrangements. Offering a unique view from every angle, this round ceramic vase crosses the line between functionality and ornament. Use it as a fully functional flower vase or as an adornment for your home. All vases...
Category

2010s Argentine Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Pottery, Clay

Desk Set of Natural Stone Oxide Slate Minimalist Design Handmade in Spain Meddel
Located in VALVERDE DEL MAJANO, CL
Desk Set of Natural Stone Oxide Slate Minimalist Design Handmade in Spain Meddel Transform your workspace with our elegant rust slate screen rest, made in Spain. This subtly designed...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone, Slate

Ceramic Vase "OPHELIA" Black Glazed by Gabriella B., Made in Italy
Located in Treviso, IT
Ceramic vase OPHELIA black glazed cod. C003 measures: Height 120.0 - Diameter 25.0 cm.  
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Desk Set of Natural Stone Black Slate Minimalist Design Handmade in Spain Meddel
Located in VALVERDE DEL MAJANO, CL
Desk Set of Natural Stone Black Slate Minimalist Design Handmade in Spain Meddel Add a touch of sophistication and style to your office with our black slate screen rest, crafted from...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone, Slate

Vase Solifl'Or Pluie H - Set
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A simple, contemporary style along with the matte, white finesse of the porcelain will add a unique French touch to your table and to your home decor. Design by Kaoline. Solifl...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Brass Dice
Located in Paonia, CO
The (wh)ORE HAüS STUDIOS small goods collection was made for those that wanted to experience the (wh)ORE HAüS brand without committing to our larger pieces. The brass dice are made o...
Category

2010s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Nomon Mini Oj Wall Clock By Jose Maria Reina
Located in Brooklyn, NY
It is increasingly common to see a wall clock located anywhere in a house without regard to traditional areas such as the kitchen. This has a reason to be: This type of clocks has become an original decorative element. A design clock like the Nomon mini OJ gives great personality to any room where you place it and thanks to its dimensions of just 50 cm in diameter it also makes it a jovial and curious object. A wall can be completely empty but when you place an adhesive clock on it, it will be rightly decorated without the need to add any other decorative element. Only with its presence a wall clock can enrich a place without recharging it much more since its design will be enough. It is the kind of magic that you achieve when having a Nomon OJ mini clock...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Polystyrene

Les Ottomans "The Peacock Design" Oval Iron Tray by Matthew Williamson
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Matthew Williamson one of the most well known fashion designer has created a tabletop and textile collection for Les-Ottomans. Colors is a must in all Williamsons’ designs as well as the peacock’s references that are here revealed in several new and original patterns. This listing is showing the famous Peacock design by Matthew Williamson on an oval iron tray. Matthew Williamson is an award-winning British designer renowned for his use of kaleidoscopic color, intricate patterns and designs inspired by nature and travel. A graduate from the prestigious Central Saint Martins College, Matthew Williamson showed his critically-acclaimed debut catwalk collection ‘Electric Angels’ in 1997. In recent years, Matthew’s design DNA has translated seamlessly into interiors. Interior design commissions include the courtyard garden at Blakes Hotel in London, the bridal suite at Aynhoe Park, Oxfordshire and suite 67 at Belmond La Residencia. His range of branded products in the luxury lifestyle and interiors arena includes wallpapers and fabrics with Osborne & Little, rugs with The Rug Company, stationery with Museums & Galleries, lighting with one. World and luxury home fragrance...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Iron

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

Vase Vessel Decorative Sculpture White Onyx Marble Hand-carved Italy
Located in Ancona, Marche
Luxurious small vase sculpted by hand from a solid block of white onyx. Vase dimensions: D 13, H 22 cm. The polished finishing underlines the transparency of the onyx making this a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Onyx

Bronze Sculpture by Miguel Fernando López, "Milo", Dancing Female Nude
Located in Berlin, DE
Bronze sculpture by Miguel Fernando López, signed "Milo", Dancing Female Nude This elegant bronze sculpture was created by the renowned artist Miguel Fernando López and is signed wi...
Category

20th Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Contemporary Wood Geometric Totem Sculpture Pole in Oak Wood Rust Effect Lacquer
Located in Porto, Vila Nova de Gaia
Elevate your home decor with our modern totem, a timeless statement piece that seamlessly blends the organic warmth of oak wood with the modernity of a rust effect in a geometric sha...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood, Oak, Lacquer

Poole Midcentury Modern Classical Sterling Silver Box
Located in New York, NY
Midcentury Modern sterling silver box. Made by Poole in Taunton, Mass. Rectangular with straight sides. Cover hinged with curved top. Cast corner bracket supports in form of Classica...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Sterling Silver

Artistic Handmade Murano Glass Sculpture Gold Soul "Anima"
Located in Murano, VE
Anima is a collection of exquisite sculptures crafted by our skilled artisans in our factory in Murano. Each sculpture embodies the essence of life and spirituality, taking the form ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Pink Marble Pedestal Bowl Large
Located in EINDHOVEN, NB
A substantial pink marble bowl with unique white veining rests atop a pedestal for a grand presentation of fruits and vegetables. Exposure to the ...
Category

2010s Dutch Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

Costantini Diego Modern Crystal Murano Glass Infinity Sculpture with Butterflies
Located in Murano, Venezia
Handmade Crystal Pulegoso Murano glass sculpture infinity with 21 in paste multicolored butterflies attached with magnet. Modern sculpture ideal for a modern and rustic classic environment, for everyone. This work was carried out in collaboration between the Made Murano Glass...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass

"White Gold" Heart Vases Set of 5 Pieces, Handmade in Italy, 2021, Hand Painted
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The heart collection is the result of the extravagant creativity of two innovative designers, who are inspired especially by the human body. This collection is made by beautiful p...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Gold Leaf

Venini Murrine Romane Multicolor Bowl by Carlo Scarpa
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Venini Murrine Romane bowl in multicolor by Carlo Scarpa. Numbered Edition. These Murrine are called “roman” due to their graphic signs and because they...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Maria Vessel, Handmade in Portugal
Located in Macieira de Sarnes, PT
Maria Vessel in Midnight Blue Designed by Project 213A in 2020 Handmade Stoneware This vase is inspired by the Greco-Roman period, having a timeless appearance and finished with a contemporary textured shiny glaze. Each piece develops its own distinctive character with shades of black as it goes through the firing process. No two pieces will look alike...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stoneware

Tête-à-tête Set of Two Candleholder in Metal Designed by Aldo Cibic
Located in Milan, IT
Tête-à-tête is a set of two metallic candleholder available in two materials: silver plate metal and brass. It is a small object which gives the illusion that the candles are floati...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Silver Plate, Brass

Ornamental by Lameice Abu Aker Mouth-Blown Cups " Eye Candy"
Located in Jerusalem, IL
This piece is designed by Lameice Abu Aker a Palestinian designer based in Jerusalem. mouth-blown, lampworked, and shaped, in Jaba' a small village in the Palestinian Territories. pr...
Category

2010s Palestinian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Blown Glass

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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