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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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 Leggerezza Hand-Blown Glass Sculptural Octopus Goblet #02
Located in Camisano Vicentino, IT
"Contemporary Leggerezza Hand-Blown Glass Sculptural Goblet #02" by Simone Crestani Introducing the exquisite Decorative Goblet with Fazzoletto Rim, a testament to artistry and refi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Blown Glass

A Modern Brass Hannukah Menorah, Israel circa 1930
Located in New York, NY
This modern designed menorah was made at the start of the modern era in Israel in the 1930's Menorah rests on a curved C-shaped base and has eight connecting pipe-shaped stems branc...
Category

Early 20th Century Israeli Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Christian Dior Home Silver Plate Picture Frame with Engraved Dior Logo, 1990s
Located in Atlanta, GA
This gorgeous Christian Dior Paris silver plate picture frame was manufactured for the Dior Home Collection. The piece boasts a geometric plain shape with the "Dior" logo engraving o...
Category

1990s French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal, Silver Plate

Jaeger LeCoultre, Atmos Clock From 1980 With Full Dial
Located in Greven, DE
Jaeger LeCoultre - Atmos V with full dial Switzerland Gold-plated brass Year of manufacture 1980 Dimensions: H x W x D: 22 x 18 x 13.5 cm Description: Atmos V calibre 526 in a gol...
Category

1980s Swiss Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Longchamp Paris Picture Frame Hand-Stitched Black Leather
Located in Atlanta, GA
Longchamp, Paris, designed and manufactured this elegant modern leather picture frame in the 1980s. The black calfskin leather has a pattern and hand-stitched finish. The easel and b...
Category

1980s French Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Leather, Glass

Ceramic vide-poche by Georges Jouve, France, 1950's
Located in Paris, FR
Blue ceramic vide-poche by Georges Jouve, signed
Category

1950s French Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Large Ceramic Pangolin Sculpture, hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Introducing the "Pangolin Sanctuary" ceramic sculpture, a masterpiece by renowned South African sculptor Thabo Mbhele for Wiseman Ceramics. This larger-than-life piece, standing at 2...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Round Black Glazed Ceramic Vase by Leon Pointu, France, c. 1930
Located in New York City, NY
Glazed ceramic vase. Minimalist, simple shape with a small lip at the opening.
Category

20th Century French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Vintage Boho Van Teal Brass Loop Sculpture
Located in west palm beach, FL
Brass Echoes: The Vintage Boho Van Teal Brass Loop Sculpture is a captivating testament to American creativity. With its sleek lines and timeless design, it channels the spirit of mi...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

An American Brass Shabbat Candle Holder by Maxwell Chayat
Located in New York, NY
This brass Shabbat candlestick holder by Max Chayat is a classic example of the artist's constructivist work in the 20th century. Holder rests on four arched legs of which the cente...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

An Early 20th Century American Brass Hanukkah Menorah
Located in New York, NY
This Early 20th-century "Der Tog" Menorah rests on a dome-shaped stepped base adorned with two fierce Lions of Judah separated by laurel branches. Surmounted by a foliate saucer kno...
Category

Early 20th Century American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Rare Malvina Hoffman Antique Bronze Sculpture “Mask of Anna Pavlova"
By Malvina Hoffman
Located in Shippensburg, PA
MALVINA CORNELL HOFFMAN United States, 1887-1966 "Mask of Anna Pavlova" Verde patinated bronze over raised on acrylic veneered plinth signed on the back "M. HOFFMAN" Item # 404TY...
Category

20th Century American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Steuben Crystal art glass by J Houston Trout 24k Gold Fly
Located in Pasadena, CA
Steuben Crystal art glass by J Houston Trout 24k Gold Fly - 8.75h x 6 wide x 3 deep
Category

1990s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Gold

Sculptural Chain Wall Art by Elizabeth Tripp
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Ceramic sculptural chain wall art in brown finish by acclaimed ceramicist Elizabeth Tripp Provides texture to any space, formal or casual
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Pair Of Contemporary Decorative Flower Vases, English, Art Glass, Posy Sleeve
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a pair of contemporary decorative flower vases. An English, art glass and straw silk posy sleeve by Margaret Johnson. Striking colour with a fascinating textured finish Dis...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass

Sculptural Chain Wall Art by Elizabeth Tripp
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Ceramic Wall Hanging made by acclaimed ceramicist Elizabeth Tripp Sculptural handmade links can be configured to your preferred size and layout The cream matte finish provides an ear...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Jacques DUVAL-BRASSEUR (né en 1934) Branche vers 1980
Located in PARIS, FR
Jacques DUVAL-BRASSEUR (né en 1934) Branche, vers 1980 Laiton formé et soudé, feuillage décoré de fines tranches d’agate serties. Long. : 40 cm Provenance : vente Chochon-Barré-Alla...
Category

20th Century French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Agate, Brass

Untitled XXXXXII. Glazed Ceramic Sculpture
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Untitled XXXXXII, by Charo Oquet Glazed Ceramic 16 H in x 8 W in. x 4 D in. 2019 These gravity-defying ceramics stacked constructions struggle to soar beyond the boundaries of the s...
Category

2010s Dominican Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Glass

"Beach-Combed Mochaware" 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

Monumental 1980's Ceramic Vessel
Located in Chicago, IL
Monumental 1980's Ceramic Vessel from the Collection of Ruth Horwich 22" highX 25" wide X 8" depth Beautiful colors, Glazed ceramic with slot in top, double sided designs.
Category

1980s North American Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Leather Tray, Large A Rectangular Tray, Handmade - Color: Zinc
Located in Curitiba, Parana
Monochrome Collection Trays For different uses, the line of Monochrome Trays can be used separately or as a set. Their sizes are customizable, so use your creativity to build a uniq...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Leather

Ron Arad Limited Sculpture Paintitain't
Located in Krefeld, DE
Ron Arad, limited sculpture in the way of a tube of paint. Massive metal, with the original cardboard box, packing material in the box is popcorn. Edition Lippert, Wilkens Partner fr...
Category

1990s European Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

New Modern Vase in Travertine and Marble, Designer Ivan Colominas STOCK
Located in Milan, IT
Vase in Travertine Navona and Emperor dark marbles. Size: 15×31,7 cm., 5,9x12,4 in. smooth finishing. Commercial name: Tivoli Vase L, Tivoli Collection by the Spanish designer Ivan C...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Travertine, Marble

New Modern Vase in Travertine and Marble, Designer Ivan Colominas STOCK
Located in Milan, IT
Vase in Travertine Navona and Emperador dark marbles. Size: 14x25,7 cm, 5,5 x 10,11 in. smooth finishing. Commercial name: Tivoli Vase S, Tivoli Collection by the Spanish designer Iv...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Travertine, Marble

New Modern Centerpiece in Travertine and Marble, Designer Ivan Colominas STOCK
Located in Milan, IT
Centerpiece in Travertine Navona and Emperador dark. Size: 37×14.5 cm. - 14,5×5,7 in.. smooth finishing. Commercial name: Tivoli Centerpiece in marble, Tivoli Collection by the Span...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Travertine, Marble

Rosso Levanto Marble Pedestal Bowl XL
Located in EINDHOVEN, NB
Introducing our Rosso Levanto Marble Pedestal Bowl, a fusion of style and functionality. Handcrafted with precision from premium Rosso Levanto marble, this stunning bowl with its ped...
Category

2010s Dutch Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

Grande Vaso in vetro di Murano iridescente di Sergio Asti Eosina, anni '70
Located in Mariano Del Friuli, GO
Bellissimo Vaso di Murano di Vetro eosina che da un effetto iridescente rappresentando i colori dell'iride e riflessi mobili e cangianti. In perfette condizioni!!
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Brass Nautilus Sea Shell Animal Sculpture, Wine Cooler, Vase, Planter
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stylish modernist polished brass animal sculpture is an ultra-chic decorative piece. Use it as a wine cooler or bottler holder, this bar accessory boasts a whimsical sculptural ...
Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal, Brass

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

Christian Dior Paris Silver Plate Box with Quartz Stone Finial, 1970s
Located in Atlanta, GA
This beautiful modernist silver plate decorative box was crafted in France for the renowned Christian Dior House for his Home Collection. The piece features an elegant minimalist rou...
Category

1970s French Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone, Quartz, Metal, Silver Plate

Pair of glasses attributed to Barovier and Toso
Located in Lugo, IT
Pair of glass and bubble vases attributed to Barovier and Toso. One smaller Good conditions. Thank you
Category

1940s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Gaius Julius Caesar - Caricature Head in Hand-Carved Oak, 1970s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Well it does not look much like what we know about the Roman Emperor Gajus Julius Caesar's facial appearance. But given the inscription to its back Julius - 44 (Caesar died in 44 bef...
Category

20th Century Danish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Oak

Posacenere stile Jean Luce Saint Gobain Fontana Arte
Located in Lugo, IT
Posacenere nello stile di Jean Luce per Saint Gobain o produzione Fontana Arte. Buone condizioni. Grazie
Category

1970s French Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

Large David Gil for Bennington Pottery Black Vase
Located in Sarasota, FL
Large vase designed by David Gil for Bennington pottery in 2017. Unusual shape and size with great stature. In good condition.
Category

2010s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Pottery

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

Contemporary Pop Art Bust in Concrete and Paint, Felix Bachmann 2024
Located in Berlin, DE
Experience the vibrant energy of contemporary pop art bust by Felix Bachmann, created in 2024. Crafted from concrete and adorned with bold paint strokes, it embodies the fusion of mo...
Category

2010s German Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Concrete

Ceramic Custom Made Large Urn 1980s Purple, Lavender & Teal Glaze Gold Trim
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Not only is it the largest Urn/Vessel we have ever offered, it is the most beautiful. The estate we purchased it from had amazing artwork as well and the urn was prominently displaye...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Pottery

Striped Wood Catchall
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Square wood catchall in both oak and rosewood with a deep round center well. The dish showcases two darker stripes of rosewood down the center. A fun place to hold jewelry, keys or t...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Oak, Rosewood

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

Mario Lopez Torres Pig Sculpture, Signed c. 1970s
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Mario Lopez Torres Pig Sculpture, Signed, 1970s An exquisite vintage Mario Lopez Torres Pig Sculpture, signed and dated circa 1970s, exudes charm and character. Crafted of woven wic...
Category

Late 20th Century Mexican Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal, Brass

Large Signed Anna Sykora Sgraffito Vase
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine Modern studio vase. Anna Sykora, vases Sgraffito vases, 2014. Porcelain, terra sigillata By Anna Sykora. With a white porcelain body with a light grey terra sigillata slip...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Pottery

Rosso Levanto Marble Narrow Bowl
Located in EINDHOVEN, NB
Introducing our exquisite Rosso Levanto Marble Bowl, a fusion of elegance and functionality. Crafted from luxurious Rosso Levanto marble, this stunning bowl is a testament to timeles...
Category

2010s Dutch Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

Donna Karan Lenox Signed Limited Edition Embrace Porcelain Vase / Vessel
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine limited edition porcelain vase. By Donna Karan for Lenox Porcelain. Entitled: "Embrace". This collaborative line partnering Donna Karan (of DKNY) design with America's lead...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Scientific Calendar in Brass and Marble for the 40 Years, 1991-2030.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Scientific calendar in brass and marble for the 40 years, 1991-2030. Scientific calendar in brass and marble, for the 40 years, calendar 1991-2030, crown of a royal family, in its o...
Category

20th Century European Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble, Brass

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 practicality, while the wonderful beige and gray grain movement in the stone adds a touch of natural sophistication. Perfect for any setting, this versatile tray is ideal for placing on the coffee table of your modern city apartment or on a rustic table in your country house. Use it to display a beautiful array of fruit on your kitchen island or serve a festive charcuterie assortment at your next gathering. Whether used for entertaining or as a decorative accent, this hand-carved marble tray...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

Baccarat Crystal Butterfly Sculpture/Figurine
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a Baccarat Crystal Butterfly sculpture/figurine . It depicts a light yellow color translucent crystal butterfly with its large wings open up supported also by a square crysta...
Category

20th Century French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

"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

Casa Planter No1
Located in Macieira de Sarnes, PT
Casa Planter No 1 in light green Designed by Project 213A in 2023 Artisanal planter created by skilled artisans in Project 213A's own workshop. Hand-sculpted ceramic with textured f...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Clay

Rosewood Mahogany Ladys Handmade Jewelry Casket Box by Manning Ireland Irish New
Located in Dublin, Ireland
This well figured Rosewood jewellery casket was manufactured by the famed manning of Ireland company and is truly a jewel of handcrafted genius. This box is constructed of the finest...
Category

Early 2000s Irish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Mahogany, Walnut

Frank Lloyd Wright Style Modernist White Powder Coated Cold Steel Planter, USA
Located in Miami, FL
Versatile planter or centerpiece rendered in white powder coated cold steel with a clear translucent lucite acrylic insert and a decorative high end faux succulent arrangement. USA,...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Steel

Unique Hand-painted Ceramic Vase (Dancing Squares) by James Hicks
Located in New York, NY
This meticulously crafted hand-painted and hand-glazed glazed ceramic vase design features a sleek modern rectangle hollow brick form painted with an array of hand-drawn and hand-pai...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

New Modern Vase in Various Marble, Creator Arthur Arbesser STOCK
Located in Milan, IT
Vase in black Marquinia, white Michelangelo, Arabescato Vagli Filo Rosso, green Guatemala and Blu Sodalite marbles. Size: 20 x 12 x 32 cm, 7.9 x 4.7 x 12.6 in, smooth finishing. Comm...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

Bronze Patinated Figurine Little Dancer of Fourteen Years by Degas 20th century
Located in Sweden, SE
This stunning cast bronze figurine is made in a rare and original interpretation of Degas' famous work - "Little Dancer of Fourteen Years" (French: La Petite Danseuse de Quatorze Ans...
Category

Mid-20th Century European Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Untitled XXXXI. Glazed Ceramic Sculpture
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Untitled XXXXI, by Charo Oquet Glazed Ceramic 8.5 H in x 10 W in. x 3.5 D in. 2019 These gravity-defying ceramics stacked constructions struggle to soar beyond the boundaries of the...
Category

2010s Dominican Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Glass

Untitled XXXXV. Glazed Ceramic Sculpture
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Untitled XXXXX, by Charo Oquet Glazed Ceramic 14.5 H in x 8 W in. x 8 D in. 2019 These gravity-defying ceramics stacked constructions struggle to soar beyond the boundaries of the s...
Category

2010s Dominican Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Glass

Aztec Agate Stone Stand by Brutalist Be
Located in Geneve, CH
Aztec Agate Stone Stand by Brutalist Be One Of A Kind Dimensions: D 22 x W 23 x H 45 cm. Materials: Brass and agate stone. Brass acid etched black patinated, hand drawn decorative a...
Category

2010s Belgian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Agate, Brass

Untitled XXXXX. Glazed Ceramic Sculpture
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Untitled XXXXX, by Charo Oquet Glazed Ceramic 18 H in x 15 W in. x 5 D in. 2019 These gravity-defying ceramics stacked constructions struggle to soar beyond the boundaries of the sp...
Category

2010s Dominican Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, 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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