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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Set/5 Vases, Ceramic Vases, White, Handmade in Portugal by Lusitanus Home
Located in Lisboa, PT
Henry & Steele Vases, Lusitanus Home Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Lusitanus Home. This beautiful set includes five waterproof ceramic v...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Tronador Square Blue Onyx Stone Box
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

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

Venini Clessidra Hourglass in Amber and Pink Murano Glass
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Clessidra hourglass in grape and pink Murano glass by Paolo Venini and Riedizione. Limited edition in 99 art pieces each. Little grains of sand, im...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

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

DECÒ TERRACOTTA VASE 20th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
DECÒ TERRACOTTA VASE 20th Century Handmade HEIGHT 50 cm WIDTH 26 cm good conditions
Category

20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Terracotta

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

Orologio da parete con disegno grafico di Kurt B. Delbanco per Morphos 1980 ca.
Located in MIlano, IT
Orologio da parete, con disegno geometrico e grafico con colori primari, nero e grigio. Prodotto da Morphos nel 1980 ca. e disegnato da Kurt B. Delb...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Plastic

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

Leather Pot Large Glass Vase Covered in Nest Leather Colour Salgemma 'Rock Salt'
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

In Stock in Los Angeles, Green Rabbit Mini Portable Charger
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Rabbit Mini power bank battery charger In stock in Los Angeles Power bank. You can carry Rabbit MINI in your bag as an external battery for yo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Plastic

In Stock in Los Angeles, Light Blue Rabbit Mini Portable Charger
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Rabbit mini power bank battery charger In stock in Los Angeles Power bank. You can carry Rabbit MINI in your bag as an external battery for your smartphone or any other device. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Plastic

In Stock in Los Angeles, Minnie Mouse White & Silver, Pop Sculpture Figurine
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Scroll down and click "view all from Seller" to see more than 400 other unique products. In Stock in Los Angeles Minnie mouse white and silver, pop sculpture figurine Measures: Heig...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Chrome

Set of Mushroom Sculptures in Cream Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
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

New Modern Fruit Bowl in White Marble, Creator Karen Chekerdjian Stock
Located in Milan, IT
The value of change in a simple act, in stock. Karen Chekerdjian’s new creation puts design front and centre: from one foundation, multiple possibilities. An essential shape and cla...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

Frieze, Coffee Table, Functional Art Sculpture by Eduard Locota
Located in Timisoara, RO
From extremely detailed 3D scans of the most important classical sculptures of all times, Eduard Locota has digitally sliced and extracted the essential portion of the artwork, then ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Balkan Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Acrylic, Fiberglass

Contemporary Ceramic Vulcano Corteccia Texture Lilac Low Vase
Located in Porcia, IT
Dynamic and chic, this versatile vase will diffuse a sophisticated aura into a modern living room or entryway decor. The elegant form of the conical Sil...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Contemporary Modern Sculptural Gear Clock by Clockwork Inc.
By Clockwork Inc.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This stylish freestanding clock features a rich wood finish with unique gear face clock. Brass details and sculptural feel make this piece by Clockw...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Italian Table Clock 20th Century in Capodimonte Porcelain by Tiche
Located in Madrid, ES
Table clock "ARCADIA CLOCK" Italian, 20th century in Capodimonte porcelain by Tiche and gilded metal, decoration with floral motifs topped by a mythological scene. German machine marked "Franz...
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Dali as an Idol, Sculptural Construction W / Mirror, Painting and Found Objects
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

Dora Maar Centerpiece Pedestal Bowl
Located in New York, NY
Serve Surrealism. Our larger-than-life Dora Maar Centerpiece Pedestal Bowl is the grand head-turner every dining experience deserves. Inspired by Dora Maar, the French photographer, ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

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

Rock Crystal Wash Basin by ARTISS
Located in Geneve, CH
Rock crystal wash basin by ARTISS Dimensions: D 41.5 x H 1.65 cm Materials: Rock crystal ARTIS is named from artist, whose two -S" stands for natural gem and natural mother shell...
Category

2010s Chinese Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Rock Crystal

New Modern Cigarettes and Cigar Ashtray in Black Marble, creator Chiossi Stock
Located in Milan, IT
Tuscan sculptor Michele Chiossi, has found in marble a medium to describe modernity with its myths and symbols, creating the Contemporary collection. An emoji can be a tray; an emoji heart, not necessarily pierced by an arrow, can be a place of creativity in the kitchen, a chopping board or a working surface; a dash; a zigzag; granting the marble a moment of levity, becoming vertical in a vase; reflecting an ideal image of ourselves. Unique objects to be experienced as a couple, to gift to friends, jewels of our daily lives. Time and smoke pass, ashtrays remain. As everlasting as marble, as elegant as a concentric circle of smoke spreading through the air. Chiossi revisits the most Classic of living room...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

Jaeger-LeCoultre Mystery Mantel Clock
Located in Norwich, GB
Jaeger-LeCoultre mystery clock in a Lucite case with beautiful chinoiserie decoration featuring a bird in flight and standing on a gilded stepped bas...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Lucite

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

Bronze Sculpture by Artiss
Located in Geneve, CH
Bronze sculpture by Artiss Dimensions: L 67 x W 30 x H 57 cm Materials: Mlachite, Bronze Artiss is named from artist, whose two -S" stands for natural gem and natural mother shell. ...
Category

2010s Chinese Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Malachite, Bronze

Contemporary Ceramic Cartocci Texture Print White Bowl
Located in Porcia, IT
The contemporary allure of this stunning sculpture will elevate the design of any interior with its handcrafted, unique, and minimal silhouette. A captivating piece inspired by every...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Chinese Citron Baluster Jar
Located in Chicago, IL
Defined by its rounded body, high shoulders and domed lid, the time-honoured look of the Chinese baluster jar is streamlined as a monochrome. This artisan...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Miguel Berrocal Puzzle Sculpture La Mini Cariatide
Located in Washington, DC
Intricate puzzle sculpture by Spanish artist Miguel Berrocal. Sculpture consists of 25 pieces, plus a wearable ring with a brass heart design. Comes complete with original box and book.
Category

1960s Spanish Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Angel Botello Sculpture "Denise", circa 1981, Spain
Located in Girona, Spain
Angel Botello sculpture "Denise". Made with bronze. Very decorative. Signed and numbered 6/6. Certificate. Circa 1970, Spain Angle Botello was born in 1913 in the small town of...
Category

1980s Spanish Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Antinous 'Bitnia 130, Alexandria, Egypt 150 AD the Favorite of Publius Elio
Located in Madrid, ES
Antinous (Bitnia130 - Alexandria, Egypt 150 AD), the favorite of Publius Elio Adriano early 20th century. reproduction in terracotta follows the original of the National Archaeologi...
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Terracotta

Brazilian Leather Baskets
Located in Boston, MA
Leather organizer baskets. Natural color.
Category

2010s Brazilian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Leather

Murano Glass Centerpiece Organic Shape
Located in Murano, VE
Discover Oculus, a mesmerizing blown glass plate boasting an organic, casual shape. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, each piece is a testament to the artistry of glassmak...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

21st Century Zazen Collection Concrete Vase Dark Grey Color, Mod. II
Located in Rome, Lazio
The Zazen line combines organic shapes with the texture of concrete, giving life to a family of four highly recognizable vases. Each vase is produced f...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Cement

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

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

Set of 3 Outdoor Terracotta Vases from the series "Gardenias" by Jaime Hayon
Located in Barcelona, ES
Jaime Hayon designed the Gardenia Vases in terracotta as a complement to his outdoor furniture collection. The three vases are unique in form, illustrating Hyaon's unmistakable hal...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish 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

Sophia Medium White Ceramic and 24-Karat Gold Details Handcrafted Centerpiece
Located in Bologna, Bologna
Elegant and functional, Sophia M centerpiece is crafted by hand and celebrates the heart of Italian cities: the piazza. Exquisitely made of ceramic, Sophia M features a square portic...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Gold

Abstract figure sculpture in white, one of a kind
Located in London, GB
A one of a kind sculpture of an abstract figure in white, handcrafted in full bodied gypsum reinforced with fibreglass matting and jute. The creative process takes multiple stages...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Jute, Plaster

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

Contemporary V Lamp Hardwood, Solid Glass and Brass
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

Limited Edition Perfumes by Allen Jones for Beaux Arts Limited Edition Perfumes
Located in Little Burstead, Essex
We have a small number of these fantastic pieces by the famous English pop artist Allen Jones. They consist of a full bottle of perfume, with a stunning Aluminium sculpture of a sexy...
Category

Late 20th Century German Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Rather Large Carved Marble Tray
Located in Chicago, IL
This rather large hand-carved white marble tray is a statement piece of exceptional beauty and craftsmanship. Its square form with tall tapered sides provides both elegance and pract...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

English Modern Sterling Silver Picture Frame, 1928
Located in New York, NY
George V sterling silver picture frame. Made by Cohen & Charles in Birmingham in 1928. Flat rectilinear surround with lobed top. On front engine-turning between plain borders; sides ...
Category

1920s British Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Sterling Silver

Contemporary Bust of a Man made out of carved and painted Pine, 2023
Located in Berlin, DE
Crafted in 2023, the Contemporary Bust of a Man breathes life into the age-old tradition of sculptural expression. Hewn from pine, its form emerges from the raw essence of nature, ca...
Category

2010s German Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Plaster, Pine, Paint

"Caress of Water" 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

Pink Glazed Ceramic Shiva Flower Vase by Ettore Sottsass 20th Century Spanish
Located in Barcelona, ES
The Shiva vase is sculpture and vase. It is a symbol of Ettore Sottsass and an icon. Sottsass designed the Shiva Vase when travelling to Barcelona for love in 1973. He encountered m...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Mario Lopez Torres Pig Sculpture, Signed c. 1970s
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Mario Lopez Torres Pig Sculpture, Signed c. 1970s A exquisite vintage Mario Lopez Torres Pig Sculpture, signed and dated circa 1970s, this captivating piece exudes charm and characte...
Category

Late 20th Century Mexican Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass, Metal

Tony Rosenthal Standing Black and White Plus Yellow Floor Sculpture
Located in Chicago, IL
Tony Rosenthal Standing Black and White Plus Yellow Floor Sculpture 1987 Painted aluminum on both sides, signed Tony Rosenthal on the base Dimensions: 60" high 37" wide 8" deep
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Aluminum

Black Metallic Glazed Hand-crafted Ceramic Vase (Eclipse) by James Hicks
Located in New York, NY
This meticulously crafted glazed ceramic vase design features a sleek modern rectangle hollow brick form with circular and triangular openings. This unique piece stands out for its e...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

'Rat Dog' Sculpture in Fiberglass by Finn Stone
Located in Little Burstead, Essex
We love this piece! Number 2 from an edition of 2, the other was sold recently on Saatchi online, and honestly we don't mind rat dog hanging around, he eats no...
Category

2010s English Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Fiberglass

"Genova" Matte Black
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
Created by using a traditional technique of clay slab to fashion all the vase models in limited edition, slip cast and hand finished with layers of glaze and multiple firings. Sculptural and functional design, interior is glazed as well. Available in matte black...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Rare Emaux de Longwy Ceramic Boule Vase by Garouste and Bonetti Limited 1 of 5
Located in Miami, FL
This Boule vase “Ornament “ is a rare limited edition numbered 1/5 by Elizabeth Garouste was born in 1949 in Paris and Mattia Bonetti in 1952 in Lugano (Switzerland). They pooled their work from 1980 to dedicate themselves to the creation of pieces of furniture and interior decoration. They start with the decoration of the Palace that Fabrice Eamer asks them to design. Then shortly after, the Néotu Gallery publishes them. Their furniture, baroque and barbarian, surprises, made up of heterogeneous and unusual materials, such as rock, hammered bronze, raffia, leather, skin, logs and glass ... They are at the instigation of fashion "barbaric". For their work, they use references such as the Middle Ages, Africa, through the poetry of Cocteau, the Venetian baroque and neoclassicism. They have also been edited by the “Waiting for the Barbarians” galleries, David Gill, Kréo, Lou Fagotin...
Category

20th Century French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Pan-Sentience Bronze Sculpture by Sol Bailey Barker, REP by Tuleste Factory
Located in New York, NY
Pan-Sentience by Sol Bailey Barker Bronze 24" x 6.5" x 6.7" Contemplating the sentience of plant life, the symbiotic relationships and the hive mind of the forest or the wood wid...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Bonnie Config 1 Contemporary Custom Extra Large LED Sculptural Chandelier
Located in Torslanda, SE
This piece was designed around the form of the artists newborn daughters eyes, and aptly named after her. Matthew Holleman is originally from New Zealand but now resides in Sweden wh...
Category

2010s Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Slender Ceramic Sculptural Vase Hand-Painted Third-Fire Platinum Luster, Italy
Located in Recanati, IT
Sculptural ceramic vase with a slender shape, handmade in Italy and decorated with precious platinum lustre, the luster process requires three firings of the vase. Dimensions: D 28...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Platinum

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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