Carstens Vase Fat Lava, West Germany, circa 1962
By Carsten Atelier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Carstens Vase Fat Lava. Glaze in different tones of off whites, copper and brown. Made in West
Ceramic
Carstens West German Handled Art Pottery Vase with Cockerels
By Carstens Tönnieshof
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
and very stylish and beautifully hand thrown West German glazed handled vase decorated with
Pottery
$447
H 11.82 in W 5.52 in D 4.73 in
Carstens Vintage, Ceramic Rectangular Vase Marked W Germany 7802-30
By West German Pottery, Carstens Tönnieshof
Located in Verviers, BE
These original Carstens vintage vase was produced in the 1960s in Germany. It is made of ceramic
Ceramic
$1,391 / set
H 15.75 in Dm 8.67 in
Pair of 1970s Vintage Midcentury West German Ceramic Carstens Table Lamps
By Carstens Tönnieshof
Located in Steinheim am Albuch, BW
Gorgeous WGP set consisting of two West German Pottery Table Lamps by Carstens Tönnieshof from the
Ceramic
$400
H 13.78 in W 7.09 in D 7.09 in
Mid-Century 1960s West German Large Fat Lava Ceramic Vase by Carstens Tönnieshof
By Carstens Tönnieshof
Located in COLMAR, FR
This authentic mid-century modern ceramic vase was made by the West German art pottery producer
Ceramic
Carstens Luxus Designer Range Vase Fat Lava, West Germany, circa 1962
By Carstens Tönnieshof, Gerda Heuckeroth
Located in Pymble, NSW
. This style of ceramic from West Germany has become known generically as 'Fat Lava'.
Pottery
$950
H 18.9 in Dm 13.78 in
1970s Large Green Lava Glazed West German Pottery Floor Vase by Carstens Atelier
By Heinz Siery, Carstens Tönnieshof, Carsten Atelier
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
circa 1965. Carstens are considered to be one of the finest producers of West German pottery from the
Ceramic, Clay
$826
H 15.75 in Dm 9.85 in
Large Beehive Vase 7641-40 Dieter Peter Carstens West German Studio Pottery 1970
By Carstens Tönnieshof, Dieter Peter
Located in Sherborne, Dorset
Carstens Tönnieshof in Freden an der Leine, West Germany. Carstens ‘Luxus’ range included this ‘Beehive
Pottery
Carstens Midcentury West German Ceramic Lava Glazed Brown Table Lamp
Located in Queens, NY
Mid-Century (1960s) West German ceramic table lamp fired in a Lava glaze featuring an extended
Metal, Brass
1970s Modernist Fat Lava Brown and Orange Ceramic West German Jug
By Ceramano, Scheurich & Carstens
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This is a 1970s Modernist West German ceramic jug, often referred to as "Fat Lava" pottery. The
Ceramic
Scheurich Large Red and Brown Glaze Bowl, West Germany Pottery
By Carstens Tönnieshof, Bay Keramik, Scheurich Keramik
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Unusual large bowl in dark red and dark espresso brown glaze was made by Scheurich Keramic in West
Ceramic, Pottery
Wabi-Sabi Style Ceramic Vase by Carstens Tönnieshof, West Germany 1960s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Wabi-Sabi style glazed ceramic fat lava vase, fabricated by Carstens Tönnieshof, West Germany 1960s
Ceramic
$4,200
H 30 in W 11 in D 9 in
Carstens Mid-Century West German Ceramic Taupe Fat Lava Glazed Table Lamp
Located in Queens, NY
Mid-Century (1960s) West German ceramic table lamp fired in Fat Lava glaze featuring an extended
Metal, Brass
$600
H 9 in W 6 in D 5.25 in
Carstens of Tönnieshof West German Two-Lobed Form Orange and Black Fat Lava Vase
Located in Queens, NY
West German mid-century two-lobed form ceramic vasew with an abstract striped orange and black fat
Ceramic
West German Carstens Textured Ceramic Lamp by Gerda Heuckeroth
By West German Pottery
Located in New Westminster, British Columbia
This striking West German large-scale pottery lamp is in gorgeous rich shades of cobalt blue
Metal
Midcentury West German Ceramic Floor Vase from Carstens Tonnieshof
By Carstens Tönnieshof
Located in Riga, Latvia
Midcentury West German ceramic floor vase from Carstens Tonnieshof. - Vase number 83-50 - Grey
Ceramic
Unavailable
H 16 in W 5.75 in D 5.75 in
Red Clay Vase by Carstens Tonnieshof, Mid-Century, West German
By Carstens Tönnieshof
Located in New York, NY
Large vase made by Carstens Tönnieshof in West Germany. Makers mark is apparent on the bottom of
Clay
1960s West Germany Handmade Ceramic Vase
By Carstens Tönnieshof, Bay Keramik, Jasba
Located in Tourcoing, FR
1960s West Germany Handmade Ceramic Vase with beige and black color
Ceramic
1960s West Germany Handmade Ceramic Vase
By Carstens Tönnieshof, Bay Keramik, Jasba
Located in Tourcoing, FR
1960s West Germany Handmade Ceramic Vase with orange black color outside and deep black glaze
Ceramic
1960s West Germany Handmade Ceramic Vase
By Bay Keramik, Carstens Tönnieshof, Jasba
Located in Tourcoing, FR
1960s West Germany Handmade Ceramic Vase with orange and oliv color outside and beautiful and
Ceramic
Sold
H 15 in W 6.5 in D 6.25 in
Carstens #7801-40 Brown Pottery Vase with Raised Decoration, West Germany 1960s
By Carstens Tönnieshof
Located in New York, NY
Freden an der Leine (West Germany). Designers included Trude Carstens (wife of Ernst Carstens), Heinz
Pottery
1970s West German Fat Lava Carstens Tonniesh of Floor Vase
By Carstens Tönnieshof
Located in London, England
1970s West German pottery vase with a green, blue and yellow abstract glaze to the textured front
Ceramic
Large West German Pottery Vase
By Carstens Tönnieshof, Scheurich Keramik
Located in New Windsor, NY
Decorated in an autumnal palette. Fully signed on the bottom. Probably Scheurich Keramiks. Excellent, original condition.
Ceramic, Pottery
Sold
H 14.97 in W 6.5 in D 5.91 in
Carstens Tönnieshof Impressive West German Stylized Art Pottery Vase
By Carstens Tönnieshof
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A large and impressive Midcentury West German tall abstract floral design art pottery vase by
Ceramic
Sold
H 13.86 in Dm 7.29 in
Mid-Century Modern West German Pottery Vase by Dieter Peter for Carstens, 1970s
By Carstens Tönnieshof, Dieter Peter
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
1970s. Carstens are considered by many, to have been the best producers of West German Pottery and
Clay
Red Floor Vase by Carstens Tönnieshof, West Germany, Large Size
By Carstens Tönnieshof
Located in Retie, BE
Large handled floor vase by Pottery Carstens Tönnieshof, West Germany. Vintage fat lava red
Ceramic
19th Century Japanese Imari Temple Jar with Fluted Lid, Meiji Period
Located in Miami, FL
19th Century Japanese Imari Temple Jar with Fluted Lid, Meiji Period Hand-Painted Porcelain A very fine 19th-century Japanese Imari temple jar, Meiji Period, beautifully hand-painte...
Porcelain
Raku-fired Wabi Sabi Miniature Moon Vase
By MONDAYS
Located in Brooklyn, NY
One-of-a-kind Raku-fired vase. Imperfectly round. Made in our Brooklyn studio then fired in a New Jersey back yard, All dimensions are approximate as each piece is handmade. Slig...
Ceramic
$2,661 / set
H 4.73 in Dm 4.18 in
Cenedese Pair of Midcentury 1970s Italian Round Black & Clear Murano Glass Vases
By Antonio da Ros, Cenedese
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Antonio da Ros for Cenedese pair of large and heavy vintage Mid-Century modern Italian Murano round, circular glass vases or oversized tealight / candle holders, circa 1965-1975. Lar...
Blown Glass, Murano Glass
Rosso Levanto Marble Narrow Bowl
By Kiwano Concept
Located in Eindhoven, NB
Introducing our exquisite Rosso Levanto Marble NARROW Bowl, a fusion of elegance and functionality. Crafted from luxurious Levanto marble stone, this stunning bowl is a testament to ...
Marble
$17,181 / item
H 53.15 in W 125.99 in D 59.06 in
Oval Brass and Parchment Chandelier by Diego Mardegan for Glustin Luminaires
By Diego Mardegan
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
Beautiful chandelier by Diego Mardegan for Glustin Luminaires, this other version of the spider chandelier has longer arms on the sides giving the oval shape. The metal arms paint...
Metal, Brass
Swedish Designer, Wall Light, Pine, Sweden, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A pine wall light designed and produced in Sweden, 1970s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 7.32” H x 4.7” W x 3.63” D Back Plate Dimensions (inches): n/a Bulb Specifications: E-14 Bulb ...
Pine
Vintage Transparent Murano Glass Vase by Barovier and Toso, Italy
By Barovier&Toso
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1930s - 1940s. This vase is made in hand-blown Murano glass. It is a vintage item, therefore it might show slight traces of use, but it can be considered as in excell...
Murano Glass
Curved Rattan Shelf
Located in Oxford, GB
Indulge your space with the unique aesthetic of this Pencil Reed Rattan Curved Floating Shelf. Crafted from natural materials, this shelf exudes quality and longevity. Its curved des...
Rattan
$822Sale Price / item|47% Off
H 33.47 in W 19.69 in D 19.69 in
Dining Chairs by Henning Kjærnulf, Model Razoblade, Denmark, Oak
By Henning Kjærnulf
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Set of striking dining chairs by Henning Kjærnulf, made of oak and honey coloured lambskin. Refreshing design with bold Baroque coming together nicely with Mid-Century Modernism. M...
Oak
$7,816 / item
H 39.38 in W 9.85 in D 31.5 in
Parchment, Brass and Glass Table Lamp by Diego Mardegan for Glustin Luminaires
By Diego Mardegan
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
Ventola table lamp by the artist Diego Mardegan exclusively for Glustin Luminaires. Beautiful two ways shade made of a brass structure, parchemin paper and waxed fabric hold by an...
Brass
Lladró Rhinoceros Beetle Figurine by José Luis Santes
By José Luis Santes, Lladro
Located in New York City, NY
An innovative porcelain and metal creation inspired by one of the fascinating creatures in nature. Part of the Awesome Insects Collection. This original piece is made in glazed porce...
Metal
$2,081 / set
H 8.47 in Dm 2.76 in
Pair of Green Table Lamps DL/21 by Annelise & Per Linnemann-Schmidt for Palshus
By Palshus, Annelise Linnemann-Schmidt, Per Linnemann-Schmidt
Located in Rotterdam, NL
Two charming Danish chamotte (texture clay) table lamps model DL/21 with impressed decoration by Annelise and Per Linnemann-Schmidt for Palshus, Denmark, 1960s. Palshus produced a...
Clay
$544 / item
H 19.69 in Dm 9.85 in
Armona - Handmade Ceramic Table Lamp Marine Blue With Tapered Lampshade
Located in Braga, PT
Handmade Ceramic Lamp by DEBARRO in Portugal Dimensions: H 50 x Ø 25 cm, including lampshade Materials: Glazed Ceramic and Brass Bulb: E27 LED (not included) All our lamps can will ...
Brass
On Hold|$2,044
H 14.97 in Dm 7.49 in
Pair of Danish Stoneware Table lamps with brown beige glaze, M. Andersen 1960s
By Michael Andersen & Son, Marianne Starck
Located in København K, 84
This exquisite pair of ceramic lamps, created by Marianne Starck for Michael Andersen & Son on the island of Bornholm, embodies the essence of mid-century Danish design. These lamps,...
Stoneware
$1,064Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 15.75 in Dm 8.67 in
Pair of Royal Copenhagen Blue Table Lamps by Nils Thorsson, Danish Modern, 1970s
By Fog & Mørup, Nils Thorsson, Royal Copenhagen
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Pair of table lamps designed by Nils Thorsson for Royal Copenhagen and Fog & Mørup and made circa 1970s. They have a tactile abstract decor with black on dark blue. Included is a se...
Ceramic, Fabric
$435Sale Price / item|20% Off
H 15.7 in W 9.8 in D 14.2 in
Traditional terracotta Jar Made of Clay Handcrafted by the Moroccan Potter Aïcha
Located in Marseille, FR
- Handbuilt freckles terracotta jar - made of clay collected from the potter's surroundings. - made in the Moroccan Rif mountains by the potter Aïcha. Approximate measurements: ...
Clay, Earthenware
Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. The style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, is characterized by pieces that were conceived and made in an energetic, optimistic spirit by creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living.
ORIGINS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS
VINTAGE MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS
The mid-century modern era saw leagues of postwar American architects and designers animated by new ideas and new technology. The lean, functionalist International-style architecture of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus eminences Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius had been promoted in the United States during the 1930s by Philip Johnson and others. New building techniques, such as “post-and-beam” construction, allowed the International-style schemes to be realized on a small scale in open-plan houses with long walls of glass.
Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century modern furniture designs. Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen, who had experimented extensively with molded plywood, eagerly embraced fiberglass for pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair, respectively.
Architect, writer and designer George Nelson created with his team shades for the Bubble lamp using a new translucent polymer skin and, as design director at Herman Miller, recruited the Eameses, Alexander Girard and others for projects at the legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer.
Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi devised chairs and tables built of wire mesh and wire struts. Materials were repurposed too: The Danish-born designer Jens Risom created a line of chairs using surplus parachute straps for webbed seats and backrests.
The Risom lounge chair was among the first pieces of furniture commissioned and produced by celebrated manufacturer Knoll, a chief influencer in the rise of modern design in the United States, thanks to the work of Florence Knoll, the pioneering architect and designer who made the firm a leader in its field. The seating that Knoll created for office spaces — as well as pieces designed by Florence initially for commercial clients — soon became desirable for the home.
As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century furniture designers caught the spirit.
Classically oriented creators such as Edward Wormley, house designer for Dunbar Inc., offered such pieces as the sinuous Listen to Me chaise; the British expatriate T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings switched gears, creating items such as the tiered, biomorphic Mesa table. There were Young Turks such as Paul McCobb, who designed holistic groups of sleek, blond wood furniture, and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in minimalist teak dining tables and lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.
Generations turn over, and mid-century modern remains arguably the most popular style going. As the collection of vintage mid-century modern chairs, dressers, coffee tables and other furniture for the living room, dining room, bedroom and elsewhere on 1stDibs demonstrates, this period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.
Smoking might have fallen out of fashion, but these ashtrays have enduring design appeal.
Having created extravagant homes for reality TV’s biggest stars, the designer is stepping into the spotlight with his first book.
The Finnish talent created nature-inspired pieces, from furniture to jewelry, with phenomenal staying power.