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Brutalist Religious Items

BRUTALIST STYLE

The design of brutalist furniture encompasses that which is crafted, hewn and worked by hand — an aesthetic rebuke (or, at least, a counterpoint) to furniture that is created using 21st-century materials and technology. Lately, the word “brutalist” has been adopted by the realms of furniture design and the decorative arts to refer to chairs, cabinets, tables and accessory pieces such as mirror frames and lighting that are made of rougher, deeply textured metals and other materials that are the visual and palpable antithesis of the sleek, smooth and suave. 

ORIGINS OF BRUTALIST FURNITURE DESIGN

CHARACTERISTICS OF BRUTALIST FURNITURE DESIGN 

  • Use of industrial materials — tubular steel, concrete, glass, granite
  • Prioritizes functionalism, minimalism and utilization of negative space
  • Spare silhouettes, pronounced geometric shapes
  • Stripped-down, natural look; rugged textures, modular construction
  • Interiors featuring airy visual flow and reliance on neutral palettes

BRUTALIST FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW

VINTAGE BRUTALIST FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS

The term brutalism — which derives from the French word brut, meaning “raw” — was coined by architecture critic Reyner Banham to describe an architectural style that emerged in the 1950s featuring monumental buildings, usually made of unornamented concrete, whose design was meant to project an air of strength and solidity.

Le Corbusier essentially created the brutalist style; its best-known iterations in the United States are the Whitney Museum of American Art, which was designed by Marcel Breuer, and Paul Rudolph's Yale Art and Architecture Building. The severe style might have been the most criticized architectural movement of the 20th century, even if it was an honest attempt to celebrate the beauty of raw material. But while the brutalist government buildings in Washington, D.C., seemingly bask in their un-beauty, brutalist interior design and decor is much more lyrical, at times taking on a whimsical, romantic quality that its exterior counterparts lack.

Paul Evans is Exhibit A for brutalist furniture design. His Sculpture Front cabinets laced with high-relief patinated steel mounts have become collector's items nonpareil, while the chairs, coffee table and dining table in his later Cityscape series and Sculpted Bronze series for Directional Furniture are perhaps the most expressive, attention-grabbing pieces in American modern design. Other exemplary brutalist designers are Silas Seandel, the idiosyncratic New York furniture designer and sculptor whose works in metal — in particular his tables — have a kind of brawny lyricism, and Curtis Jere, a nom-de-trade for the California team of Curtis Freiler and Jerry Fels, the bold makers of expressive scorched and sheared copper and brass mirror frames and wall-mounted sculptures.

Brutalist furniture and sculptures remain popular with interior designers and can lend unique, eccentric, human notes to an art and design collection in any home.

Find authentic vintage brutalist chairs, coffee tables, decorative objects and other furniture on 1stDibs.

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Style: Brutalist
Modern Bronze Verdigris Menorah
Modern Bronze Verdigris Menorah

Modern Bronze Verdigris Menorah

Located in San Diego, CA

Gorgeous modern bronze verdigris menorah from Israel, circa 1980s. The menorah measures 8"W x 3"D x 10.5"H and is quite heavy and solid. #3787

Category

Mid-20th Century American Brutalist Religious Items

Materials

Bronze

Mid Century Brutalist cast metal Crucifix
Mid Century Brutalist cast metal Crucifix

Mid Century Brutalist cast metal Crucifix

Located in Bern, CH

Mid Century solid metal Brutalist crucifix. Appears to be either brass or brass effect. Name on rear: Frick Angela (assumed to be creator or owner o...

Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Brutalist Religious Items

Materials

Metal

Ermanno Nason Christ of the Glassblowers Murano Glass and Iron Pipes Early 1970s
Ermanno Nason Christ of the Glassblowers Murano Glass and Iron Pipes Early 1970s

Ermanno Nason Christ of the Glassblowers Murano Glass and Iron Pipes Early 1970s

By Ermanno Nason

Located in Tavarnelle val di Pesa, Florence

Intense and passionate glass sculpture from Ermanno Nason, using his favorite glass, the acciaio gray. This warm transparent gray color is often used by glass massiccio Sculptors, w...

Category

1970s Italian Vintage Brutalist Religious Items

Materials

Iron

Brutalist Figurative Rabbi Menorah in Bronze by Ruth Bloch / Block
Brutalist Figurative Rabbi Menorah in Bronze by Ruth Bloch / Block

Brutalist Figurative Rabbi Menorah in Bronze by Ruth Bloch / Block

By Ruth Bloch 1

Located in San Diego, CA

Gorgeous brutalist figurative "rabbi" menorah in bronze with gold overlay finish by Ruth Bloch / Block (i've seen it spelled both ways and the piece is signed the latter), circa 1980...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Brutalist Religious Items

Materials

Bronze

Brutalist Mid Century cast metal Crucifix
Brutalist Mid Century cast metal Crucifix

Brutalist Mid Century cast metal Crucifix

Located in Bern, CH

Mid Century solid metal Brutalist crucifix. Name on rear: Martin Kilchhofer (believed to be the recipient as a communion gift). This style of crucifix was often given as a communion ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Brutalist Religious Items

Materials

Metal

Brutalist Handmade Christ made of steel and bronze details
Brutalist Handmade Christ made of steel and bronze details

Brutalist Handmade Christ made of steel and bronze details

Located in Mexico City, CDMX

Circa 1970. We offer this Brutalist Handmade Christ made of steel and bronze details. Fantastic patina and great vintage conditions.

Category

1970s North American Vintage Brutalist Religious Items

Materials

Brass, Iron

Mid-Century Brutalist Sakral Bronze Maria and Jesus Figurine, 1960s
Mid-Century Brutalist Sakral Bronze Maria and Jesus Figurine, 1960s

Mid-Century Brutalist Sakral Bronze Maria and Jesus Figurine, 1960s

Located in Hamburg, DE

Mid-Century Brutalist Sakral Bronze Maria and Jesus Figurine, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969. Additional information: Materials: Metal Color: Brown Styles: Br...

Category

20th Century Brutalist Religious Items

Materials

Metal

Mid Century cast metal Brutalist Crucifix
Mid Century cast metal Brutalist Crucifix

Mid Century cast metal Brutalist Crucifix

Located in Bern, CH

Mid Century cast metal Brutalist crucifix. Britalist style. Name on rear: Erwin Högger (likely the recipient as a communion gift). This style of cruci...

Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Brutalist Religious Items

Materials

Metal

Mid-20th Century Israeli Brass and Iron Memorial Candle by David Palombo
Mid-20th Century Israeli Brass and Iron Memorial Candle by David Palombo

Mid-20th Century Israeli Brass and Iron Memorial Candle by David Palombo

By David Palombo

Located in New York, NY

Pierced brass cylinder and iron base form this beautiful Memorial candle, crafted in brutalist style by David Palombo. Reminiscent of the Pillar of Fire, which provides a scared elem...

Category

Mid-20th Century Israeli Brutalist Religious Items

Materials

Brass, Iron

Mid-20th Century Israeli Brutalist Iron Candlesticks  by David Palombo
Mid-20th Century Israeli Brutalist Iron Candlesticks  by David Palombo

Mid-20th Century Israeli Brutalist Iron Candlesticks by David Palombo

By David Palombo

Located in New York, NY

Hand forged, iron Shabbat candlesticks in the style known as "Brutalism," David Palombo, Jerusalem, Israel, circa 1955. David Palombo (1920-1966) was a sculptor and painter born ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Israeli Brutalist Religious Items

Materials

Iron

Mid-20th Century Israeli Brutalist Iron Hanukkah Lamp by David Palombo
Mid-20th Century Israeli Brutalist Iron Hanukkah Lamp by David Palombo

Mid-20th Century Israeli Brutalist Iron Hanukkah Lamp by David Palombo

By David Palombo

Located in New York, NY

A uniquely shaped Hanukkah lamp crafted in a brutalist style by David Palombo. Impressively massive, this Hanukkah lamp intimates playful motives, both animalistic and anatomical in ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Israeli Brutalist Religious Items

Materials

Iron

Mid-20th Century Brutalist Iron Hanukkah Lamp Menorah by David Palombo
Mid-20th Century Brutalist Iron Hanukkah Lamp Menorah by David Palombo

Mid-20th Century Brutalist Iron Hanukkah Lamp Menorah by David Palombo

By David Palombo

Located in New York, NY

Hand forged, iron Hanukkah lamp Menorah in the style known as “Brutalism”, David Palombo, Jerusalem, Israel, circa 1950. David Palombo (1920-1966), was a sculptor and painter. He wa...

Category

Mid-20th Century Israeli Brutalist Religious Items

Materials

Iron

Brutalist Menorah Candelabra Cast Aluminium & Brass  David Marshall Handmade
Brutalist Menorah Candelabra Cast Aluminium & Brass  David Marshall Handmade

Brutalist Menorah Candelabra Cast Aluminium & Brass David Marshall Handmade

By David Marshall

Located in Benahavis, AN

The candelabra was created by David Marshall, from sand cast aluminium and brass. We use recycled materials all our pieces are handmade, mounted and finished in our foundry and workshop in Spain. It is certified authentic by the Artist David Marshall with his signature. He is insipired by nature and the landscaps making useful art with cast brass and alumium materials. We also make bespoke designs for clients, like signage for condominums,private homes, Hotels & Restaurants , awards for Charity...

Category

2010s Spanish Brutalist Religious Items

Materials

Brass, Aluminum

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Modern Industrial Menorah in White Oakwood and Steel
Modern Industrial Menorah in White Oakwood and Steel

Modern Industrial Menorah in White Oakwood and Steel

$200Sale Price|55% Off

H 3 in W 10 in D 4 in

Modern Industrial Menorah in White Oakwood and Steel

By Alabama Sawyer

Located in Birmingham, AL

Light up this Hanukkah in style! Our Modern Wood and Steel Menorah is the perfect mix of classic and modern, with sleek steel and warm walnut surfaces that are sure to shine! Don't miss this chance to make your holiday decor ~extra chic~ this year. Display this modern industrial menorah...

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2010s American Brutalist Religious Items

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Vintage Brass Sculpted “Shalom” Menorah/Chanukia
Vintage Brass Sculpted “Shalom” Menorah/Chanukia

Vintage Brass Sculpted “Shalom” Menorah/Chanukia

Located in Delray Beach, FL

Vintage Brass Sculpted Shalom Menorah with polished finish and intricate details. Perfect for Hanukkah celebrations or as a decorative piece. We sell items as acquired, without re...

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Antique Hand Carved Gothic Church Panel of Feeding Pelican as Symbol of Christ
Antique Hand Carved Gothic Church Panel of Feeding Pelican as Symbol of Christ

Antique Hand Carved Gothic Church Panel of Feeding Pelican as Symbol of Christ

Located in Lisse, NL

Stunning religious wall panel in thick relief with strong hook for easy mounting. For the collectors of stunning antique church relics we are also offering this marvelously hand carved pelican sculpture for wall mounting. The character ascribed to the pelican in this context is nearly as fabulous as that of the phœnix. From a clumsy, gluttonous, piscivorous water-bird, it was by the growth of legends transformed into a mystic emblem of Christ, whom Dante terms "Nostro Pelicano". St. Hieronymus gives the story of the pelican restoring its young ones destroyed by serpents as an illustration of the destruction of man by the old Serpent, and his salvation by the blood of Christ. The pelican in Christian art is an emblem of Jesus Christ, by "whose blood we are healed" and it is also a symbol of charity. Many early painters and carvers mistakenly represented it more similar to an eagle (much like in this antique church relic), and not as a natural pelican which is why most people today still are a bit confused at first when this stunning hand carved, symbolic bird is called a pelican. This striking and all hand carved, symbolic panel was originally part of a church or monastery communion rail...

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Early 20th Century European Brutalist Religious Items

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Stunning & Powerful Altar Crucifix with Detailed Bronze Sculpture of Christ 1912
Stunning & Powerful Altar Crucifix with Detailed Bronze Sculpture of Christ 1912

Stunning & Powerful Altar Crucifix with Detailed Bronze Sculpture of Christ 1912

Located in Lisse, NL

Unique table crucifix and a wonderful work of religious art, dated 1912 and numbered. For us the most powerful statement will always be 'the truth will set you free'. It is what we have learned most from the life of Christ and of His teachings and it is the one thing we always think about whenever we look at a crucifix. Anyone who has tried to break down his/her ego and found a clearer consciousness in the process knows how healing and rewarding that journey can be. After that you can only be grateful for all the good things that are bound to come your way. Good things will come your way, because the universe needs people like you. Whomever created this amazing work of religious art too must have been inspired and motivated by the life of Christ, because how ever could anyone create a piece that is of such quality, so beautiful and so powerful at the same time. Both the beautifully designed bronze cross with the King of the Jews inscription and the amazingly detailed bronze corpus of Christ are of a quality that you will only rarely find on the open market. They are perfectly mounted on a stunning marble base and together they create one of the most impressive table or altar crucifixes...

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Early 20th Century European Brutalist Religious Items

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Mid-20th Century Brutalist Iron Hanukkah Lamp Menorah by David Palombo
Mid-20th Century Brutalist Iron Hanukkah Lamp Menorah by David Palombo

Mid-20th Century Brutalist Iron Hanukkah Lamp Menorah by David Palombo

By David Palombo

Located in New York, NY

Hand forged, iron Hanukkah lamp Menorah in the style known as “Brutalism”, David Palombo, Jerusalem, Israel, circa 1950. David Palombo (1920-1966), was a sculptor and painter. He wa...

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Mid-20th Century Israeli Brutalist Religious Items

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Iron

Rare Arts & Crafts Standing Floor Crucifix w Stylized Bronze Sculpture of Christ
Rare Arts & Crafts Standing Floor Crucifix w Stylized Bronze Sculpture of Christ

Rare Arts & Crafts Standing Floor Crucifix w Stylized Bronze Sculpture of Christ

Located in Lisse, NL

Rare Gothic revival church crucifix and a wonderful hand crafted work of religious art. Made and marked by Brom, Utrecht (see image 17). Brom of Utrecht was a family (or dynasty) of...

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Early 20th Century Dutch Brutalist Religious Items

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Vintage Postmodern Brutalist Style Chrome and Brass Menorah Candleholder, Signed
Vintage Postmodern Brutalist Style Chrome and Brass Menorah Candleholder, Signed

Vintage Postmodern Brutalist Style Chrome and Brass Menorah Candleholder, Signed

Located in Amityville, NY

Vintage Chanukah Menorah in chromed steel and brass with a geometric form that evokes Brutalist, Postmodern, and even Art Deco skyscraper styles. Angu...

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1990s American Brutalist Religious Items

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Metal, Brass, Steel, Chrome

Rare Solid Bronze Armorial Crest Coat of Arms Lovely Verdigris Patination
Rare Solid Bronze Armorial Crest Coat of Arms Lovely Verdigris Patination

Rare Solid Bronze Armorial Crest Coat of Arms Lovely Verdigris Patination

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely antique solid bronze coat of arms armorial crest with lovely natural verdigris patina This is a very good looking and well made coa...

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20th Century English Brutalist Religious Items

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Bronze

Monumental Sterling Silver Menorah in Mid-Century Modern Style
Monumental Sterling Silver Menorah in Mid-Century Modern Style

Monumental Sterling Silver Menorah in Mid-Century Modern Style

Located in New York, NY

Monumental, sterling silver menorah in Mid-Century Modern style with an elegant, curvilinear design, measuring 21 1/3'' in height by 16 3/4'' f...

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20th Century Portuguese Brutalist Religious Items

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Silver, Sterling Silver

Mid-20th Century Israeli Brass Hanukkah Lamp Menorah
Mid-20th Century Israeli Brass Hanukkah Lamp Menorah

Mid-20th Century Israeli Brass Hanukkah Lamp Menorah

Located in New York, NY

Cast enameled brass Hanukkah Lamp Menorah, Israel, circa 1950. In a form of nine Maccabees holding the candles, the Servant light (Shamash) with ...

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Mid-20th Century Israeli Brutalist Religious Items

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Brass

Early 20th Century Moroccan Brass Hanukkah Lamp Menorah
Early 20th Century Moroccan Brass Hanukkah Lamp Menorah

Early 20th Century Moroccan Brass Hanukkah Lamp Menorah

Located in New York, NY

Hanging brass Hanukkah Lamp Menorah, Morocco, circa 1900. Decorated with openwork, engravings, and with figures of birds on both sides. Made of heavy cast brass, the backplate is pi...

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Early 20th Century Moroccan Brutalist Religious Items

Materials

Brass

Previously Available Items
Swiss Mid Century Brutalist Crucifix, 1965
Swiss Mid Century Brutalist Crucifix, 1965

Swiss Mid Century Brutalist Crucifix, 1965

Sold

H 8.67 in W 10.24 in D 1.38 in

Swiss Mid Century Brutalist Crucifix, 1965

Located in Bern, CH

Swiss Mid Century Brutalist crucifix cast from plaster. Presented as a confirmation gift to Verena Häller in Luzer, Switzerland, 1965. Label on rear:...

Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Brutalist Religious Items

Materials

Plaster

Mid Century Brutalist cast metal Crucifix No.2
Mid Century Brutalist cast metal Crucifix No.2

Mid Century Brutalist cast metal Crucifix No.2

Sold

H 8.27 in W 7.49 in D 0.4 in

Mid Century Brutalist cast metal Crucifix No.2

Located in Bern, CH

Mid Century cast metal Brutalist crucifix. Appears to be either brass or brass effect. Tag on reverse side: 1. Hl Communion - Bruderklaus, Birsfelden - 5. April 1964. Believed to be ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Brutalist Religious Items

Materials

Metal

Solid Brass Brutalist Crucifix
Solid Brass Brutalist Crucifix

Solid Brass Brutalist Crucifix

Sold

H 11.42 in W 9.85 in D 0.79 in

Solid Brass Brutalist Crucifix

Located in Bern, CH

Mid Century solid brass Brutalist crucifix. With very slight oxidization at base, although this is barely visible. Ring at rear for wall hanging.

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Mid-20th Century European Brutalist Religious Items

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Brass

Chaim Gross (Austrian/American, 1904-1991) Mid Century Cast Dark Bronze Menorah
Chaim Gross (Austrian/American, 1904-1991) Mid Century Cast Dark Bronze Menorah

Chaim Gross (Austrian/American, 1904-1991) Mid Century Cast Dark Bronze Menorah

By Chaim Gross

Located in Bridgeport, CT

One of Chaim Gross' signature bronze sculpture of a sinuous Menorah. 1960 design with the seven candle holders. Signed on the base. H. 6 5/8", W. 4 5/8", Depth 2" Condition: Very ...

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Mid-20th Century Brutalist Religious Items

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Bronze

Don Drumm Cast Aluminum Brutalist Fish Menorah
Don Drumm Cast Aluminum Brutalist Fish Menorah

Don Drumm Cast Aluminum Brutalist Fish Menorah

Sold

H 7.25 in W 15.5 in D 3.75 in

Don Drumm Cast Aluminum Brutalist Fish Menorah

By Don Drumm, Donald Drumm

Located in New Windsor, NY

Don Drumm cast aluminum figural fish Menorah. Wonderfully cast detailed brutalist fish. The menorah holds nine skinny tapered candles for Channukah. Signed on the bottom, Drumm. Good...

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1970s American Vintage Brutalist Religious Items

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Aluminum

Mid-20th Century Brutalist Brass Mezuzah Case by David Palombo
Mid-20th Century Brutalist Brass Mezuzah Case by David Palombo

Mid-20th Century Brutalist Brass Mezuzah Case by David Palombo

By David Palombo

Located in New York, NY

A mid-20th century brutalist brass Mezuzah case created by the Israeli artist David Palombo. The Mezuzah case is shaped in the form of rectangular box. T...

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Mid-20th Century Israeli Brutalist Religious Items

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Brass

Mid-20th Century Brutalist Iron Hanukkah Lamp by David Palombo
Mid-20th Century Brutalist Iron Hanukkah Lamp by David Palombo

Mid-20th Century Brutalist Iron Hanukkah Lamp by David Palombo

By David Palombo

Located in New York, NY

Beautiful, massive iron Hanukkah lamp crafted in brutalist style by David Palombo. Uniquely constructed, the candle holders are arranged around a central arch, supported in its midst...

Category

Mid-20th Century Israeli Brutalist Religious Items

Materials

Iron

Mid-20th Century Brutalist Iron Hanukkah Lamp By David Palombo
Mid-20th Century Brutalist Iron Hanukkah Lamp By David Palombo

Mid-20th Century Brutalist Iron Hanukkah Lamp By David Palombo

By David Palombo

Located in New York, NY

An impressive hand forged Hanukkah lamp inspired by Brutalist aesthetic. Hand crafted in Jerusalem, Israel circa 1960, the iron lamp stands with nine rustic candleholders in the shap...

Category

Mid-20th Century Israeli Brutalist Religious Items

Materials

Iron

Mid-20th Century Brutalist Iron Hanukkah Lamp by David Palombo
Mid-20th Century Brutalist Iron Hanukkah Lamp by David Palombo

Mid-20th Century Brutalist Iron Hanukkah Lamp by David Palombo

By David Palombo

Located in New York, NY

An impressive hand forged Hanukkah lamp inspired by Brutalist aesthetic. Hand crafted in Jerusalem, Israel circa 1960, the iron lamp stands with nine drip-shaped rustic candleholders...

Category

Mid-20th Century Israeli Brutalist Religious Items

Materials

Iron

Mid-20th Century Brutalist Iron Hanukkah Lamp by David Palombo
Mid-20th Century Brutalist Iron Hanukkah Lamp by David Palombo

Mid-20th Century Brutalist Iron Hanukkah Lamp by David Palombo

By David Palombo

Located in New York, NY

An impressive hand forged hanukkah lamp inspired by Brutalist aesthetic. Hand crafted in Jerusalem, Israel circa 1960, the iron lamp stands with nine rustic candleholders in traditio...

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Mid-20th Century Israeli Brutalist Religious Items

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Iron

Brutalist religious items for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Brutalist religious items 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 religious items created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include more furniture and collectibles, decorative objects, wall decorations and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, iron and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Brutalist religious items made in a specific country, there are Asia, Israel, and West Asia pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original religious items, popular names associated with this style include David Palombo, David Marshall, Don Drumm, and Donald Drumm. 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 religious items differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $274 and tops out at $81,906 while the average work can sell for $1,850.