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Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Set of Four Traditional Plaster Figures , circa 1950
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Set of 4 traditional religious plaster figures. Made in traditional Catalan atelier in Olot, Spain, circa 1950. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, ...
Category

1950s Spanish Vintage Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Plaster

Antique Church Traditional Altar Cloth, circa 1950
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Traditional religious altar cloth artwork of a Spanish church. Made in traditional Catalan atelier in Olot, Spain, circa 1950. In original condition,...
Category

1950s Spanish Vintage Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Fabric

“The Big Nude” SUMO Book by Helmut Newton 'Unopened', 1990s
Located in Renens, CH
“The Big Nude” SUMO book, original edition, signed by Helmut Newton from an edition of 10,000 prints for Taschen. Please note that our edition is in its original packaging. The book itself has never been opened and has still its original seal. Helmut Newton’s SUMO...
Category

1990s German Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Plaster Virgin Traditional Figure in a Wooden Altar, circa 1950
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Traditional religious plaster figure of a virgin in a wooden altar. Made in traditional Catalan atelier in Olot, Spain, circa 1950. In original condition, with minor wear consi...
Category

1950s Spanish Vintage Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Plaster, Wood

Cartier France 60-18 130 Santos Galaxy Aviator Rimless Sunglasses COA
Located in Dayton, OH
Cartier 60-18 130 Santos Galaxy rectangular aviator style sunglasses; made in France. Serial number 3577306. Red hard shell case, original box, and Certific...
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Plaste Traditional Figure of a Saint, circa 1950
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Traditional religious plaster figure of a saint. Made in traditional Catalan atelier in Olot, Spain, circa 1950. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use,...
Category

1950s Spanish Vintage Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Plaster

Black Lacquered Dot Vase Crystals
By dlsc
Located in New York, NY
This vase is a nice petite vase to keep in a small area. This was up-cycled. I knew at once this was going to be part of my This was going to be part of my Jet and Silver group. My A...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Crystal, Metal

World of Cyberpunk 2077 HC De Luxe Collection Comic Book Published Jul 2020 by D
Located in North Hollywood, CA
World of Cyberpunk 2077 HC (2020 Dark Horse) comic book Includes Book and CD 1st printing. 1st Edition Published Jul 2020 by Dark Horse By Marcin Batylda. The deluxe edition fea...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Plaster Virgin Traditional Figure, circa 1950
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Traditional religious plaster figure of a virgin. Made in traditional Catalan atelier in Olot, Spain, circa 1950. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and...
Category

1950s Spanish Vintage Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Plaster

Rare Vintage 1980s Lenci Doll, Serial Number 46
Located in Plainview, NY
The Lenci doll is one of the most beautiful dolls ever made. This rare beautiful vintage original Lenci Doll from 1980s. The doll was purchased from the Nu...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Fabric, Wool

Somso Anatomical Horse Model, 1950s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Somso anatomical horse model - zoology model - veterinary model. This vintage school model - educational model dates circa 1950s and is made of plaster ...
Category

Mid-20th Century German Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Plaster, Wood

Beautiful Pez Dispenser Popart Clown Advertising Chalkboard Vintage Austria 1970
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Stunning Pop Art PEZ dispenser Advertising chalkboard from Austria. Made of plastic, circa 1970s. Found at an estate sale in Vienna Austria. A nice addit...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Plastic

Hermanos Calavera, Traicionera in Walnut by Miguel and Ilse Silva
Located in Omro, WI
These handsome but quirky brothers designed by Miguel and Ilse Silva for Wooda are the result of an engaging mix of personality, love, fun and mischievousness. Los Hermanos Calavera(...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Hardwood, Maple, Oak, Walnut

Set of 8 Antique Fishing Rods and Parts, circa 1900
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Set of 8 antique fishing big fishing rods and parts. Made in Spain, circa 1900. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patin...
Category

Early 1900s Spanish Antique Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Plaster, Wood

Cabinet of Curiosities Drawer Sculptural Artwork, circa 1950
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Cabinet of curiosities of plaster figures and pieces in a wooden niche. Made in traditional Catalan atelier in Olot, Spain, circa 1950. Olot has a long tradition in the product...
Category

1950s Spanish Vintage Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Plaster, Wood

Asymmetrical Metal Bowl Exterior Paved Crystals
By dlsc
Located in New York, NY
Asymmetrical Metal Bowl Paved Crystals: The two in this photo are only for color.This is sold as a single piece (Silver). My aim as an Artist is to do things that have never been se...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Crystal, Metal, Gold Leaf

All Glass Modern Backgammon Game Table by Impatia
Located in Milan, IT
The Tuttuno leather edition backgammon game table is designed to accommodate two players with a built-in backgammon playing surface. The minimalistic design gives off the unique impression that the table is floating. This Tuttuno table features a unique low-iron glass structure supported by an inner genuine leather top trim, finished off with a premium Alcantara playing surface which is laser printed with the backgammon board. This table is exclusively made 100% in Italy and sourced from the highest quality of materials. Accessories Included: 1 custom leather backgammon box + cheker set 2 dice shakers...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Chrome

Wicker & Bamboo Adult Tricycle
Located in Hudson, NY
This wicker and bamboo adult tricycle is sure to garner attention. Made in the 1980s, the steel frame is artfully wrapped with wicker and bamboo and com...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Antique Religious Book Sculptural Artwork, circa 1950
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Antique religious book artwork consisting of four books tied together by a thread. One volume of the Roman Missal published in Catalan by an Unknown ed...
Category

1950s Spanish Vintage Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Antique Virgin Sculpture on a Wooden Glass Door Cabinet, circa 1940
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Antique cabinet with a slide glass door containing an antique plaster sculpture of a virgin, dressed with hand-tailored clothes. Manufacture...
Category

1940s Spanish Vintage Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood, Glass

Paved Small Crystal Bowl Jet, Aurum, CLC
By dlsc
Located in New York, NY
This cast metal tray's shape is beautiful the way it moves in an undulating manner is stunning. When you hold it In your hand you feel substance.This is part of my basics available i...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Crystal, Metal

Plaster Baby Jesus and Antique Book Sculptural Artwork, circa 1950
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Baby Jesus plater figure and antique book artwork. Made in traditional Catalan atelier in Olot, Spain, circa 1950. Olot has a long tradition in the production of sculptures and...
Category

1950s Spanish Vintage Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Plaster, Wood

23K Gold Leaf and Ostrich Feather Trim Metal Bowl
By dlsc
Located in New York, NY
23K Gold Leaf Metal Bowl Peacock Feathers: This is a stunner! The asymmetrical shaped bowl offers a beautiful swoop of lines.This bowl feels substantial in t...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal, Gold Leaf

A set of four sterling silver crab-form boxes by Buccellati
Located in London, GB
A set of four sterling silver crab-form boxes by Buccellati Italian, 20th Century Height 5cm, width 11cm, depth 7cm Crafted by Mabuti in Milan, Italy, and...
Category

20th Century Italian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Coral, Silver, Sterling Silver

Asymmetrical Small Metal Dish Crystals
By dlsc
Located in New York, NY
Asymmetrical Metal Tray Crystal Edge: Photo 2 shows two different items. This is for only the asymmetrical dish featured in the main photo. This smart dish is the perfect accessory f...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Crystal, Metal, Gold Leaf

Swirl: Glass, Natural Guinea Feather, Burnt Peacock, Jet Crystals
By dlsc
Located in New York, NY
Swirl: Glass, Natural Guinea Feather, Burnt Peacock, Jet Crystals This piece is a one of a kind.This is done with applied beautiful natural guinea feathers...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Crystal

Embellished Jar with Leather Pave Orchid
By dlsc
Located in New York, NY
I would keep this Black Lacquered Jar on my desk by my computer. I would often open the lid to see the hidden surprise inside.The surprise is a lamb leather ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Crystal

Antique Church Traditional Altar Cloth, circa 1950
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Traditional religious altar cloth artwork of a Spanish church. Made in traditional Catalan atelier in Olot, Spain, circa 1950. In original condition,...
Category

1950s Spanish Vintage Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Fabric

Pave Jar Leather Petals with Crystal center
By dlsc
Located in New York, NY
This collectable Jar is the perfect piece to keep with your vanity tray. This along with your perfume bottles will certainly make a gorgeous statement.Why not keep this on your desk or a side table perhaps on a curated section on a shelf. There are many things you can keep inside rings, bracelets, earrings to name a few. The glass is painted then sealed with a top coat.It is then given to my Pave specialist who has 28 years experience of making accessories with world renown accessory company's.The crystals used...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Crystal

Small Asymmetrical Metal Bowl 20K Silver Caplain Leaf
By dlsc
Located in New York, NY
Small Asymmetricalmetal bowl 20k silver caplain leaf: The little compact dish is the perfect piece to place with an arrangement on a table in any room in the house. The effect that ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal, Gold Leaf

"All My Love" Paved Medium Heart Dish
By dlsc
Located in New York, NY
This stunning heart shaped dish the medium sized version has everything! It is the perfect accent piece for anywhere in your home. Try is on your desk, nightstand, a shelf, your coffee-table, entrance hall table...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

20K Caplain Leaf Metal Bowl Natural Guinea Feather Crystals
By dlsc
Located in New York, NY
20K leaf metal bowl with guinea feathers and jet crystals This tripoint bowl offers a beautiful balance of lines. This bowl has a nice weight to it, it feels substantial in the ha...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Crystal, Gold Leaf

Asymmetrical Metal Bowl Interior Paved Crystals
By dlsc
Located in New York, NY
Asymmetrical Leafed Metal Bowl Paved Crystals: My aim as an Artist is to do things that have never been seen because they were never done. From my research I have never seen these tw...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Crystal, Metal, Gold Leaf

Decorative Pave Jar No Trim
By dlsc
Located in New York, NY
This collectable Jar is the perfect piece to keep with your vanity tray. This along with your perfume bottles will certainly make a gorgeous statement.Why not keep this on your desk or a side table perhaps on a curated section on a shelf. There are many things you can keep inside rings, bracelets, earrings to name a few. The glass is painted then sealed with a top coat.It is then given to my Pave specialist who has 28 years experience of making accessories with world renown accessory company's.The crystals used...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Glass

DC-3 ‘Dakota’ Wingtip Desk
Located in London, GB
The Douglas DC-3 was designed in the mid-1930s as a passenger and freight aircraft, but built during the war years 1941-1945 in large numbers, as the DC-3 (C47) Transport Plane known...
Category

1940s American Vintage Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Aluminum

“Shimmer Melange” Small Heart
By dlsc
Located in New York, NY
This group reminds me of marled yarn which is taking different color strands of yarn and twisting them in a single strand. This group has four color stones mixed together hence the a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Mini Oval Dish Jet and Silvershade Dots
By dlsc
Located in New York, NY
This tray's shape is beautiful the way it moves in an undulating manner is stunning. This too, needed to be rescued and so I up-cycled it. This was going to be part of my Jet + Silve...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Crystal, Metal

20K Silver Leaf with Crystals Embossed Leaves Metal Bowl
By dlsc
Located in New York, NY
20K:bowl embossed leaves with crystals. This bowl is an artisanal special piece. A primmer is applied to smooth out the surface then it is sanded, this process is repeated 2-3 times...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Crystal, Metal, Gold Leaf

Black Lacquered Glass Dish Paved with Silver Shade Dots
By dlsc
Located in New York, NY
This one I don't want to find a new home for. Since this a joy to look at every day. But I would want to share this with the right person, so alas, I'll let it go.... This irregular ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Crystal

"Animal Mix" Lacquered Double Circle Box
By dlsc
Located in New York, NY
"Animal mix double circle box" This box is hand made with sections that are attached by hand. The inner lip is molded to the shape. Then filler is used to...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Feathers

Cabinet of Curiosities Antique Book Sculptural Artwork, circa 1950
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Cabinet of curiosities of plaster pieces and antique book artwork. Made in traditional Catalan atelier in Olot, Spain, circa 1950. Olot has a long tradition in the production o...
Category

1950s Spanish Vintage Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Plaster

Black Lacquer Lotus Box with Peacock Feather Lining
By dlsc
Located in New York, NY
"Black Lacquered Lotus with Peacock Feather Lining" Wow! As it's sister the oval lacquer, this is hand made with sections that are attached by hand. The inner lip is molded to the shape. Then filler is used to cover all of that work. A primmer is applied to smooth out the interior surface then it is sanded.This process is done three times.Once the surface is smooth a first coat...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Feathers

Black Lacquered Oval Box with Peacock Feather Lining
By dlsc
Located in New York, NY
"Black lacquered oval box with peacock feather lining" Wow! This is hand made with sections that are attached by hand. The inner lip is molded to the shape. Then filler is used to cover all of that work. A primmer is applied to smooth out the exterior surface then it is sanded.This process is done three times.Once the surface is smooth a first coat...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Feathers

“Deep in Love” AB Crystals
By dlsc
Located in New York, NY
You will be deeply in love with this gorgeous heart shaped bowl.This bowl has been transformed by mixing 3 color crystals that have been treated with a Aurora Borealis finish. These colors are a wonderful symphony of pastel majesty.The stones are set one at a time which is called Pave. This is a very time consuming process. The Artisan doing this has 28 years experience with this work in the fashion industry. This would be stunning in any room setting, a wall unit in any room or a coffee table. This could also be the perfect accent on a side table or entrance hall table...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Glass

"Cutout Oval" Lacquered Partridge Feather Box
By dlsc
Located in New York, NY
This cutout oval box is hand made with sections that are attached by hand. The inner lip is molded to the shape. Then filler is used to cover all of that work. A primmer is applied to smooth out the interior surface then it is sanded.This process is done three times.Once the interior surface is smooth a first coat...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Feathers

Lacquered Paved Teardrop Dish
By dlsc
Located in New York, NY
This teardrop cast metal dish has a substantial weight to it, not too heavy, it feels rich. This item was up-cycled.I was attracted to the shape and knew up setting my eyes on it jus...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Crystal, Metal

“Double Circles” Lacquered Guinea Feather Box with Crystals
By dlsc
Located in New York, NY
A double circle box. Covered in black and ivory Guinea feathers hand applied one feather at a time! This artisanal technique is done with a secret sauce tha...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Crystal

Black Lacquer Glass Dusted Chalk White Crystal Trim
By dlsc
Located in New York, NY
This piece is part of my up-cycled group of objects.I find pieces that have beautiful lines but need to be rescued. In this case I wanted to do a black lacquer finish. With an Artisa...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Glass

Wood Architectural Model, C. 2000's
Located in Locust Valley, NY
Architectural wood model of a modern home. Hand made with excellent craftsmanship. Excellent vintage condition: Light soiling in the form of...
Category

Early 2000s Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Modernist Stainless Steel & Brass Menorah by Shelly Turner for Alef Judaica
Located in San Diego, CA
Modernist chrome & brass menorah by Shelly Turner for Alef Judaica, circa 1990s. The menorah measures 9"W x 2"D x 4.5"H and is signed on the front side. I cannot make out the name; i...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Stainless Steel, Brass

"Gilt Oval" Silver Intricate Patterned 20K Leaf Box
By dlsc
Located in New York, NY
The "Gilt Oval" This box is an attention magnate. It is made with sections that are attached by hand. The inner lip is molded to the shape. Then filler is used to cover all of that ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Gold Leaf

23K Leaf “Glass Boudoir” Bowl Aurum Crystals
By dlsc
Located in New York, NY
This piece is up-cycled. When I found this bowl I knew it would be perfect for the idea I had. My vision was to create a flower inside the bowl that would live forever. So, I cut off...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Crystal, Gold Leaf

Early 20th Century Antique Brass Judaica Menorah by the Bezalel Academy
Located in London, GB
An early 20th century antique brass Judaica Menorah by the Bezalel Academy, Jerusalem Israel, c.1930 Measures: 28cm high x 20cm wide x 5.5cm deep Ma...
Category

Early 20th Century Israeli Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Paved Crystal Bowl Jet, Aurum, CLC
By dlsc
Located in New York, NY
This too, needed to be rescued and so I up-cycled it. This shape is stunning ,stunning, just so chic. The way it moves in an undulating manner is sublime. This is part of my basics a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Crystal, Metal

23K Gold Leaf Metal Tray Embossed Leaves with Crystal Trim
By dlsc
Located in New York, NY
23K: Embossed leaves with crystals. This tray is an artisanal special piece. A primmer is applied to smooth out the surface then it is sanded, this process is repeated 2-3 times. On...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Crystal, Metal, Gold Leaf

Montblanc Meisterstuck Sport 7037 Mens Chronograph Divers Wristwatch
Located in Dayton, OH
Montblanc Meisterstuck Sport chronograph wristwatch model 7037-PL78948. Features a stainless steel case trimmed in black, water resistant 200 meters. Genuine black leather band and a...
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Stainless Steel

“All My Love” Pave Large Heart Dish
By dlsc
Located in New York, NY
This stunning heart shaped dish is the large sized version and it has everything! It is the perfect accent piece for anywhere in your home. Try it on your desk, nightstand, a shelf, your coffee-table, entrance hall table...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Plaste Traditional Figure of a Saint, circa 1950
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Traditional religious plaster figure of a saint. Made in traditional Catalan atelier in Olot, Spain, circa 1950. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and ...
Category

1950s Spanish Vintage Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Plaster

Modern collectibles and curiosities for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Modern collectibles and curiosities 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 collectibles and curiosities created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include more furniture and collectibles, decorative objects, tables and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, paper and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Modern collectibles and curiosities 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 collectibles and curiosities, popular names associated with this style include Gufram Furniture, A$AP Rocky, dlsc, and Lladro. 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 collectibles and curiosities differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $7 and tops out at $96,443 while the average work can sell for $986.

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