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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Pair of Tiffany Modern Classical Sterling Silver Candlesticks
Located in New York, NY
Pair of American Modern Classical sterling silver candlesticks, ca 1925. Each: Faceted column applied with bead-and-reel borders at top and bottom; raised hexagonal foot and detachab...
Category

Early 20th Century American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Sterling Silver

Hand Made Yellow and white small Memphis Style Vase
Located in Rümmingen, BW
Shipping Note: If your region or country is not listed under the shipping options, please contact us directly. We are offering a small vase made in the Memphis Style. Its graphic fo...
Category

Mid-20th Century German Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Clay, Pottery

English Modern Sterling Silver Horse Box
Located in New York, NY
Elizabeth II sterling silver box. Made by Padgett & Braham Ltd in Birmingham in 1980. Rectangular with straight sides. Cover hinged and tabbed; on top stand a horse and jockey in a f...
Category

1980s British Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Sterling Silver

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

1980s Mexican Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Paint

Plexiglass Sculpture - Two Screen Printed Multiples Signed and Numbered - 100 pcs.
Located in Milano, IT
Multiple work made in 100 pieces, consisting of two faceted plexiglass solids, signed dated on one side. Born in 1954 in Montebelluna, in the province of Treviso. Of Veneto origin, ...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Plexiglass

Macassar Wood Hand-Carved Horse Head Tall Box
By Bois & Design
Located in Atlanta, GA
This extra tall decorative lidded box has an incredible hand-carved horse head on the top. The piece features an all-height square shape, made in Macassar wood, handmade and hand-car...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood, Macassar

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

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

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone, Limestone, Stainless Steel

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

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass, Art Glass

Gucci Italy Chrome and Gold Plate Picture Frame with Bamboo Design
Located in Atlanta, GA
Italian designer Gucci designed this elegant picture photo frame in the 1980s. Rectangular shape with dimensional shape in chromed metal with gold plate bamboo-carved design accents ...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Vases 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

Lucie Rie, Tall Stoneware Vase, circa 1978, impressed seal mark
Located in Wargrave, Berkshire
Lucie Rie (1902-1995) Tall vase, circa 1978 Stoneware, with white and mottled brown glazes, craquelure effect 29.5cm high, 12.5cm wide, 9cm deep Impressed with artist's seal
Category

1970s British Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stoneware

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

Late 20th Century American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Travertine, Marble

21st Century Abstract Sculpture INSTABILITY 80 cm height by Renzo Buttazzo
Located in Paris, FR
21st century abstract sculpture INSTABILITY by Renzo Buttazzo from Italy Sculpture in Lecce Stone Delivered with a certificate of authenticity. Since 1886 Renzo Buttazzo work with ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone, Limestone, Stainless Steel

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

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

21st Century Abstract Sculpture BODY 80 cm height by Renzo Buttazzo
Located in Paris, FR
21st century abstract sculpture BODY by Renzo Buttazzo from Italy Sculpture in Lecce Stone Delivered with a certificate of authenticity. Since 1886 Renzo Buttazzo work with Pietra ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone, Limestone, Stainless Steel

21st Century Abstract Sculpture MORFICA 80 cm height by Renzo Buttazzo
Located in Paris, FR
21st century abstract sculpture MORFICA by Renzo Buttazzo from Italy Sculpture in Lecce Stone Delivered with a certificate of authenticity. Since 1886 Renzo Buttazzo work with Piet...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone, Limestone, Stainless Steel

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

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

21st Century Abstract Sculpture FLEXUOSA 80 cm height by Renzo Buttazzo
Located in Paris, FR
21st century abstract sculpture FLEXUOSA by Renzo Buttazzo from Italy Sculpture in Lecce Stone Delivered with a certificate of authenticity. Since 1886 Renzo Buttazzo work with Pie...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone, Limestone, Stainless Steel

21st Century Abstract Sculpture EAR 80 cm height by Renzo Buttazzo
Located in Paris, FR
21st century abstract sculpture EAR by Renzo Buttazzo from Italy Sculpture in Lecce Stone Delivered with a certificate of authenticity. Since 1886 Renzo Buttazzo work with Pietra L...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone, Limestone, Stainless Steel

21st Century Abstract Sculpture EVA 80 cm height by Renzo Buttazzo
Located in Paris, FR
21st century abstract sculpture EVA by Renzo Buttazzo from Italy Sculpture in Lecce Stone Delivered with a certificate of authenticity. Since 1886 Renzo Buttazzo work with Pietra L...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone, Limestone, Stainless Steel

21st Century Abstract Sculpture DNA 80 cm height by Renzo Buttazzo
Located in Paris, FR
21st century abstract sculpture DNA by Renzo Buttazzo from Italy Sculpture in Lecce Stone Delivered with a certificate of authenticity. Since 1886 Renzo Buttazzo work with Pietra L...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone, Limestone, Stainless Steel

21st Century Abstract Sculpture EYE 35 cm height by Renzo Buttazzo
Located in Paris, FR
21st century abstract sculpture ETA by Renzo Buttazzo from Italy Sculpture in Lecce Stone Delivered with a certificate of authenticity. Since 1886 Renzo Buttazzo work with Pietra L...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone, Limestone, Stainless Steel

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 Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

21st Century Abstract Sculpture YANG 80 cm height by Renzo Buttazzo
Located in Paris, FR
21st century abstract sculpture YANG by Renzo Buttazzo from Italy Sculpture in Lecce Stone Delivered with a certificate of authenticity. Since 1886 Renzo Buttazzo work with Pietra ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone, Limestone, Stainless Steel

21st Century Abstract Sculpture ORG 80 cm height by Renzo Buttazzo
Located in Paris, FR
21st century abstract sculpture ORG by Renzo Buttazzo from Italy Sculpture in Lecce Stone Delivered with a certificate of authenticity. Since 1886 Renzo Buttazzo work with Pietra L...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone, Limestone, Stainless Steel

21st Century Abstract Sculpture ADAMO 80 cm height by Renzo Buttazzo
Located in Paris, FR
21st century abstract sculpture ADAMO by Renzo Buttazzo from Italy Sculpture in Lecce Stone Delivered with a certificate of authenticity. Since 1886 Renzo Buttazzo work with Pietra...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone, Limestone, Stainless Steel

21st Century Abstract Sculpture LIQUID 80 cm height by Renzo Buttazzo
Located in Paris, FR
21st century abstract sculpture LIQUID by Renzo Buttazzo from Italy Sculpture in Lecce Stone Delivered with a certificate of authenticity. Since 1886 Renzo Buttazzo work with Pietr...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone, Limestone, Stainless Steel

21st Century Abstract Sculpture WOMAN 80 cm height by Renzo Buttazzo
Located in Paris, FR
21st century abstract sculpture WOMAN by Renzo Buttazzo from Italy Sculpture in Lecce Stone Delivered with a certificate of authenticity. Since 1886 Renzo Buttazzo work with Pietra...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone, Limestone, Stainless Steel

Pair of Whimsical Bird Sculptures
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fun pair of decorative bird sculptures. Welded steel with brass plating. Original vintage condition with patina. No damage or repairs. The small one is 17"h x 5" x 7". Great for int...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass, Steel

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

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Wool

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

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

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

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

Sheep Wool Basket by Inês Schertel, Brazilian Contemporary Design
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
This large basket by Inês Schertel is a beautiful example of Brazilian contemporary modern design, emphasizing organic forms and the use of natural materials. Schertel, renowned for ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary South American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Sheepskin, Wool

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

2010s New Zealand Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

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

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

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

2010s Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

Marble Sculpture by Charles Herndon
Located in Dallas, TX
Carved by Ohio sculptor Charles Herndon, the soft contours of this two piece sculpture create a calm, organic statement in three dimensions. Pedestal is available separately.
Category

1990s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

Aldo Londi for Bitossi, Italy. Ceramic vase with green and blue glaze.
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Aldo Londi (1911–2003) for Bitossi, Italy. Ceramic vase with green and blue glaze in a geometric pattern. Approximately from the 1970s. Marked. In perfect condition. Dimensions: Hei...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

A set of unique fish handmade in Italy, ceramic. Choose those or change colors!
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
Questi artisti toscani riescono con la loro bravura a prendere ispirazione dalle meravigliose colline toscane ma anche dal prezioso mar Tirreno. Un buon bicchiere di vino e il gioco ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Edouard Marcel SANDOZ Bronze Rabbit Sculpture, 1920
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
French Art Deco bronze rabbit sculpture by Edouard Marcel SANDOZ, Paris, Susse Freres Foundry, France, 1920-1928. Rabbit, head turned. Just 7 co...
Category

1920s French Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Paul Milet for Sevres, France. Pair of ceramic plant pot holders.
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Paul Milet for Sevres, France. A pair of unique ceramic plant pot holders. Hand-decorated with cattails. In excellent condition. Signed. Mid-20th...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Black Earth - Vase o.2
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Black Earth series is a testament to the untamed beauty of California's wilderness, captured in handcrafted ceramic. Each piece is adorned with wild clay foraged from the heart o...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Fermacarte in Vetro di Murano - U. Nespolo in Serie Numerata - Italia - Anni '80
Located in Milano, IT
Originale fermacarte artistico, disegnato da Ugo Nespolo e prodotto in serie limitata a 100 pezzi, firmati dall'autore. Realizzato in vetro di Murano, con scatola e garanzia original...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Animalier leopard Pattern Frame hand painted Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Rectangular photo frame in 925/1000 sterling silver gold-plated with fired enamel, hand-painted with spotted leopard fur type, in a modern contemporary style. External measurements c...
Category

1990s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Gold Plate, Enamel, Sterling Silver

Carl Cunningham-Cole, British ceramicist, own workshop. Large ceramic bowl.
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Carl Cunningham-Cole (1942-2015), British ceramicist, own workshop. Large unique ceramic bowl. Light violet and sand-colored glaze. 1970s. Signed. Perfect condition. Dimensions: Diam...
Category

1970s British Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

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

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Wishbone, a patinated bronze sculpture by the British artist Vivienne Foley
Located in London, GB
'Wishbone' is a limited-edition (3 + 2AP) bronze sculpture on a limestone base by the British artist Vivienne Foley. The first piece has sold from the edition but there are two piece...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Limestone, Bronze

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

Vintage Orange Black and Aqua Green Ceramic Vase by Cortendorf, West Germany
Located in East Quogue, NY
Bright, bold colored orange, black, and aqua green mid-century vase by Cortendorf. A beautiful, bold example of West German Art Pottery from the 19...
Category

Mid-20th Century German Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Pottery

Ceramic Tea Bowl with Brilliant Red Glaze by Toshiko Takaezu
Located in Atlanta, GA
A glazed ceramic tea bowl (chawan) by Japanese American artist Toshiko Takaezu (American, 1922 - 2011). The hand-built form shows slight irregularity and is covered with a brilliant ...
Category

1990s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Bulgari Modern Classical Sterling Silver Vase
Located in New York, NY
Modern Classical sterling silver vase. Made by Sotirio Bulgari in London in 1989. Tapering bowl with faceted and flared rim and gilt interior; short cylindrical stem and round foot w...
Category

1980s British Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Sterling Silver

FOURTEEN CRYSTAL PIECES "SAINT-LOUIS" 20th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
FOURTEEN CRYSTAL PIECES "SAINT-LOUIS" 20th Century French , in molded and cut crystal. Decoration engraved in gold, with plant motifs, consisting of 1 fruit bowl, 2 bottles with lids...
Category

20th Century French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

1986 Jaru Metallic Gold Sphere Orb Ceramic Pottery California
By Jaru
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Jaru 1986 Gold Sphere Orb Ball Ceramic Pottery California maker stamped 4 diameter x 3.5 h Original preowned vintage condition See all images for details
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Black Earth - Vase o.3
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Black Earth series is a testament to the untamed beauty of California's wilderness, captured in handcrafted ceramic. Each piece is adorned with wild clay foraged from the heart o...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Yellow Ochre - Vase o.2
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Yellow Ochre series showcases handcrafted creations adorned with wild clay pigments, drawn from nature's palette, in a symphony of golden hues. Each one-of-a-kind piece in this c...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Black Earth - Vase o.1
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Black Earth series is a testament to the untamed beauty of California's wilderness, captured in handcrafted ceramic. Each piece is adorned with wild clay foraged from the heart o...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

"Huge Moon" Hand Built Ceramic Moon Jar
Located in London, GB
Based on the tradtional Moon jar, this piece has been hand built by Kerry Hastings using the ancient technique of coiling with ropes of clay. The jar is glazed in a white satin glaz...
Category

2010s Scottish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

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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