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Mid Century Italian Pottery

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Midcentury Italian Pottery Candleholders
Midcentury Italian Pottery Candleholders

Midcentury Italian Pottery Candleholders

By Aldo Londi

Located in Oak Harbor, OH

mid century Italian pottery candle holders are in vintage condition. One of the vessels has a small

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Pottery

Mid-Century Italian Pottery Vase attributed to Bertoncello, 1960s
Mid-Century Italian Pottery Vase attributed to Bertoncello, 1960s

Mid-Century Italian Pottery Vase attributed to Bertoncello, 1960s

By Bertoncello

Located in Hamburg, DE

Mid-Century Italian Pottery Vase attributed to Bertoncello, 1960s, in Very Good conditions

Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic

Mid-Century Italian Pottery Carafe Vase by Aldo Londi for Bitossi, 1960s
Mid-Century Italian Pottery Carafe Vase by Aldo Londi for Bitossi, 1960s

Mid-Century Italian Pottery Carafe Vase by Aldo Londi for Bitossi, 1960s

By Aldo Londi

Located in Hamburg, DE

Mid-Century Italian Pottery Carafe Vase by Aldo Londi for Bitossi, 1960s, in Very Good conditions

Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic

Mid-Century Italian Pottery Owl Sculpture by Aldo Londi for Bitossi, 1960s
Mid-Century Italian Pottery Owl Sculpture by Aldo Londi for Bitossi, 1960s

Mid-Century Italian Pottery Owl Sculpture by Aldo Londi for Bitossi, 1960s

By Aldo Londi

Located in Hamburg, DE

Mid-Century Italian Pottery Owl Sculpture by Aldo Londi for Bitossi, 1960s, in Very Good conditions

Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Tall Mid-Century Italian Pottery Ocean Ship Motif Floor Vase, 1960s
Tall Mid-Century Italian Pottery Ocean Ship Motif Floor Vase, 1960s

Tall Mid-Century Italian Pottery Ocean Ship Motif Floor Vase, 1960s

Located in Nuernberg, DE

An amazing ceramic Mid-Century Modern floor vase made in Italy, circa 1960s. This is a heavy floor

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic

Mid-Century Italian Pottery Table Lamp by Marbro in the Manner of Zaccagnini
Mid-Century Italian Pottery Table Lamp by Marbro in the Manner of Zaccagnini

Mid-Century Italian Pottery Table Lamp by Marbro in the Manner of Zaccagnini

By Ugo Zaccagnini

Located in Kennesaw, GA

This is an Italian pottery lamp by Marbro Lamp Company. It is done in the manner of Ugo Zaccagnini

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Organic Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Italian Ceramic Watering Pot, Blue, 1960s Design
Mid-Century Modern Italian Ceramic Watering Pot, Blue, 1960s Design

Mid-Century Modern Italian Ceramic Watering Pot, Blue, 1960s Design

Located in Hamburg, DE

Mid-Century Italian Pottery Watering Pot, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969

Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Planters, Cachepots and Jardinières

Materials

Ceramic

Rosenthal Netter Italian Mid Century Vase Bitossi Paisley Aldo Londi c 1950/1960
Rosenthal Netter Italian Mid Century Vase Bitossi Paisley Aldo Londi c 1950/1960

Rosenthal Netter Italian Mid Century Vase Bitossi Paisley Aldo Londi c 1950/1960

By Aldo Londi, Rosenthal Netter

Located in New York, NY

Classic Mid Century Italian pottery vase with incised decoration, signed Italy numbered, and

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Pottery

Alvino Bagni Box for Raymor
Alvino Bagni Box for Raymor

Alvino Bagni Box for Raymor

By Alvino Bagni, Raymor

Located in W Allenhurst, NJ

Beautiful example of mid century Italian pottery. Alvino Bagli for Raymor lidded box in a great

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Pottery

Mid Century Ceramic Pottery Bottle Decanter
Mid Century Ceramic Pottery Bottle Decanter

Mid Century Ceramic Pottery Bottle Decanter

By Fantoni

Located in Miami, FL

palette and painterly banding. The overall composition reflects classic mid-century studio pottery

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Pottery

Materials

Pottery

Mid-Century Modern Italian Gilt Art Pottery Leaf Tray
Mid-Century Modern Italian Gilt Art Pottery Leaf Tray

Mid-Century Modern Italian Gilt Art Pottery Leaf Tray

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Italian, mid-century modern, art pottery, leaf-shaped tray or dish with gilt crackle textured

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Ceramic

Vintage ceramic vase, design Aldo Londi, Bitossi Italy 1970s
Vintage ceramic vase, design Aldo Londi, Bitossi Italy 1970s

Vintage ceramic vase, design Aldo Londi, Bitossi Italy 1970s

By Bitossi, Aldo Londi

Located in Miklavž Pri Taboru, SI

Mid-Century Italian pottery vase with Bitossi. The outside surface of the vase is decorated with a

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic

Vintage small ceramic vase, design Aldo Londi, Bitossi, Italy 1970s
Vintage small ceramic vase, design Aldo Londi, Bitossi, Italy 1970s

Vintage small ceramic vase, design Aldo Londi, Bitossi, Italy 1970s

By Bitossi

Located in Miklavž Pri Taboru, SI

Mid-Century Italian pottery vase with Bitossi. The outside surface of the vase is decorated with a

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic

Italian Pottery Deer Head Tureen
Italian Pottery Deer Head Tureen

Italian Pottery Deer Head Tureen

Located in Essex, MA

Realistically decorated in two parts.

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Pottery

Materials

Pottery

Vintage ceramic plate Rimini Blue, design Aldo Londi, Bitossi Italy 1970s
Vintage ceramic plate Rimini Blue, design Aldo Londi, Bitossi Italy 1970s

Vintage ceramic plate Rimini Blue, design Aldo Londi, Bitossi Italy 1970s

By Bitossi

Located in Miklavž Pri Taboru, SI

Mid-Century Italian pottery plate by Bitossi with Rimini Blue pattern. The outside surface of the

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic

Franco Bucci Italian Midcentury Art Pottery Bowl for Laboratorio Pesaro
Franco Bucci Italian Midcentury Art Pottery Bowl for Laboratorio Pesaro

Franco Bucci Italian Midcentury Art Pottery Bowl for Laboratorio Pesaro

By Franco Bucci

Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire

A stylish Modernist midcentury Italian art pottery bowl designed by Franco Bucci for Labortorio

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Pottery

Italian Designer Green Leaf Yellow Flower Pottery Plates
Italian Designer Green Leaf Yellow Flower Pottery Plates

Italian Designer Green Leaf Yellow Flower Pottery Plates

By Ed Langbein

Located in New York, NY

design by designer Ed Langbein, made in Italy, circa mid-20th century. All six plates are marked on back

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Organic Modern Pottery

Materials

Ceramic, Pottery

1960s Roman Foot Italian Design Blue Pottery, Fornasetti
1960s Roman Foot Italian Design Blue Pottery, Fornasetti

1960s Roman Foot Italian Design Blue Pottery, Fornasetti

By Fornasetti

Located in Brescia, IT

1960s Italian Blue pottery, Roman Foot, Attributed to Fornasetti (unmarked)

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Pottery

Italian 1960's Giovanni DeSimone Decorative Pottery Dish
Italian 1960's Giovanni DeSimone Decorative Pottery Dish

Italian 1960's Giovanni DeSimone Decorative Pottery Dish

By Giovanni DeSimone

Located in New York, NY

Italian 1960's hand painted colorful ceramic dish by Giovanni DeSimone, hand crafted in Italy

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Pottery

Bitossi Italian Coil Constructed Covered Orange Pottery Vessel
Bitossi Italian Coil Constructed Covered Orange Pottery Vessel

Bitossi Italian Coil Constructed Covered Orange Pottery Vessel

By Alvino Bagni

Located in New Windsor, NY

bottom, 1966 B, Italy. Circa 1960. Good overall condition with some minor glaze misses and unglazed

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Clay, Pottery

Ed Langbein Mid-Century Modern Hand Painted Italian Hilltop Village Plate
Ed Langbein Mid-Century Modern Hand Painted Italian Hilltop Village Plate

Ed Langbein Mid-Century Modern Hand Painted Italian Hilltop Village Plate

By Ed Langbein

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Mid-Century Modern pottery plates, designed and hand-painted by the American industrial designer Ed

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Pottery

Bitossi by Aldo Londi Rimini Blu Glazed Ceramic Ashtray Vide-Poche, Italy  1960s
Bitossi by Aldo Londi Rimini Blu Glazed Ceramic Ashtray Vide-Poche, Italy  1960s

Bitossi by Aldo Londi Rimini Blu Glazed Ceramic Ashtray Vide-Poche, Italy 1960s

By Aldo Londi, Bitossi

Located in Valencia, VC

distinctive designs and craftsmanship, making them sought after by collectors of mid-century Italian pottery

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Dishes and Vide-Poche

Materials

Ceramic

Large Mid-Century Rimini Blu Pottery Bowl by Aldo Londi for Bitossi, 1960s
Large Mid-Century Rimini Blu Pottery Bowl by Aldo Londi for Bitossi, 1960s

Large Mid-Century Rimini Blu Pottery Bowl by Aldo Londi for Bitossi, 1960s

By Aldo Londi

Located in Hamburg, DE

-Century Modern Brand: Bitossi Designer: Aldo Londi Country of Origin: Italy Item Type: Vintage, Antique or

Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Ceramic

SET of midcentury Italy Grottaglie Drink Set Jug + 5 cups art pottery
SET of midcentury Italy Grottaglie Drink Set Jug + 5 cups art pottery

SET of midcentury Italy Grottaglie Drink Set Jug + 5 cups art pottery

Located in Landshut, BY

beautiful elegant artful Italian midcentury Drinks Set includes 5 cups Famous art pottery from

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Pottery

1970's Pair of Decorative Hand Painted Italian Pottery footed Cups by DeSimone
1970's Pair of Decorative Hand Painted Italian Pottery footed Cups by DeSimone

1970's Pair of Decorative Hand Painted Italian Pottery footed Cups by DeSimone

By Giovanni de Simone

Located in San Diego, CA

Beautiful and rare decorative pair of hand-painted Italian dessert footed cups by DeSimone, circa

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Pottery

Vintage Italian Striped Glazed Ceramic Vase
Vintage Italian Striped Glazed Ceramic Vase

Vintage Italian Striped Glazed Ceramic Vase

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

This striking vintage ceramic vase is an exemplary piece of Mid-Century Italian pottery, highly

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic

Remini blue vase by Aldo Londi for Flavia Bitossi Italy
Remini blue vase by Aldo Londi for Flavia Bitossi Italy

Remini blue vase by Aldo Londi for Flavia Bitossi Italy

By Flavia Montelupo

Located in NICE, FR

create depth and visual interest, making it a fine example of mid-century Italian pottery. The vase’s

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Vintage Hand-Painted Italian Pottery Water Pitcher by Montopola Arno
Vintage Hand-Painted Italian Pottery Water Pitcher by Montopola Arno

Vintage Hand-Painted Italian Pottery Water Pitcher by Montopola Arno

Located in San Diego, CA

Vintage hand-painted Italian pottery water pitcher by Montopola Arno, circa 1960s. The piece is in

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Ceramic

Vintage 1960s Italian Glazed Ceramic Tray Trio
Vintage 1960s Italian Glazed Ceramic Tray Trio

Vintage 1960s Italian Glazed Ceramic Tray Trio

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

playful yet refined energy of mid-century Italian pottery, specifically the bold color palettes and

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Platters and Serveware

Materials

Ceramic

Vintage Italian Glazed Ceramic Turnip
Vintage Italian Glazed Ceramic Turnip

Vintage Italian Glazed Ceramic Turnip

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

the superior artisanal quality and whimsical energy associated with mid-century Italian pottery and

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Hollywood Regency Natural Specimens

Materials

Ceramic

Vintage 1960s Italian Glazed Ceramic Pitcher
Vintage 1960s Italian Glazed Ceramic Pitcher

Vintage 1960s Italian Glazed Ceramic Pitcher

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

tactile finish reflect the playful yet refined energy of mid-century Italian pottery, making it a standout

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Pitchers

Materials

Ceramic

Vintage Italian Glazed Ceramic Bell Peppers
Vintage Italian Glazed Ceramic Bell Peppers

Vintage Italian Glazed Ceramic Bell Peppers

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

luxury and artisanal quality synonymous with mid-century Italian pottery. These vibrant accents bring an

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Hollywood Regency Natural Specimens

Materials

Ceramic

Sculptural Mid-Century Set of 10 Bertoncello Roberto Rigon Vases, Italy 1960s
Sculptural Mid-Century Set of 10 Bertoncello Roberto Rigon Vases, Italy 1960s

Sculptural Mid-Century Set of 10 Bertoncello Roberto Rigon Vases, Italy 1960s

By Bertoncello, Roberto Rigon

Located in Steinheim am Albuch, BW

of Italian mid-century design. The vases have a height from 11 cm up to 31 cm. Two of the vases are

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Ceramic

Mid-Century Modern Italian Ceramic Vase with Lava Work, Aqua Green
Mid-Century Modern Italian Ceramic Vase with Lava Work, Aqua Green

Mid-Century Modern Italian Ceramic Vase with Lava Work, Aqua Green

Located in Byron Bay, NSW

Art lava stunning vase 1960 Italy. Beautiful aqua green colour and red glazed ceramic handles

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Ceramic

Vintage Italian Glazed Ceramic Persimmons - Set of 2
Vintage Italian Glazed Ceramic Persimmons - Set of 2

Vintage Italian Glazed Ceramic Persimmons - Set of 2

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

synonymous with mid-century Italian pottery and Hollywood Regency aesthetics. Measuring 3.75" in length and

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Hollywood Regency Natural Specimens

Materials

Ceramic

1960s by Angelo Mangiarotti for Brambilla Design Pottery Ashtray
1960s by Angelo Mangiarotti for Brambilla Design Pottery Ashtray

1960s by Angelo Mangiarotti for Brambilla Design Pottery Ashtray

By Fratelli Brambilla, Angelo Mangiarotti

Located in Brescia, IT

Blue pottery ashtray Perfect condition.

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Pottery

Vintage Italian Gilt Tipped Centerpiece Bowl
Vintage Italian Gilt Tipped Centerpiece Bowl

Vintage Italian Gilt Tipped Centerpiece Bowl

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

craftsmanship typical of mid-century Italian pottery. Commanding attention at 16 inches in diameter and 14

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Hollywood Regency Decorative Bowls

Materials

Ceramic

Vintage Italian Glazed Ceramic Eggplant
Vintage Italian Glazed Ceramic Eggplant

Vintage Italian Glazed Ceramic Eggplant

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

green and brown, reflecting the artisanal quality and whimsical energy associated with mid-century

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Hollywood Regency Natural Specimens

Materials

Ceramic

Vintage Boho Italian Glazed Ceramic Fennel
Vintage Boho Italian Glazed Ceramic Fennel

Vintage Boho Italian Glazed Ceramic Fennel

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

object embodies the whimsical luxury and artisanal heritage of mid-century Italian pottery, making it a

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Hollywood Regency Natural Specimens

Materials

Ceramic

Vintage Italian "Faux Bois" Vase, Bellini, 20th Century
Vintage Italian "Faux Bois" Vase, Bellini, 20th Century

Vintage Italian "Faux Bois" Vase, Bellini, 20th Century

By Bellini Studio

Located in Chappaqua, NY

Vintage Italian "Faux Bois" ceramic vase, Bellini, 20th Century. Hand-turned, classic form vase

Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Ceramic

Vintage 1960s Italian Glazed Ceramic Tomato Tureen
Vintage 1960s Italian Glazed Ceramic Tomato Tureen

Vintage 1960s Italian Glazed Ceramic Tomato Tureen

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

charm of mid-century Italian pottery, blending culinary tradition with high-end artisanal flair

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Platters and Serveware

Materials

Ceramic

Carlo Zauli Monumental Wall Plate, Italy, 1970s
Carlo Zauli Monumental Wall Plate, Italy, 1970s

Carlo Zauli Monumental Wall Plate, Italy, 1970s

By Carlo Zauli

Located in Milan, IT

Unique Carlo Zauli monumental wall plate, Italy, 1970s

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Pottery

Two-Handled Jug, Fabulous, Unique Mid-Century Sculptural Piece by Gambone
Two-Handled Jug, Fabulous, Unique Mid-Century Sculptural Piece by Gambone

Two-Handled Jug, Fabulous, Unique Mid-Century Sculptural Piece by Gambone

By Guido Gambone

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Both modern sculpture and practical object, this stunning Mid-Century jug with a curving basket

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Clay

1960s by Giotto Stoppino for Brambilla Italian Design Ceramic White Vase
1960s by Giotto Stoppino for Brambilla Italian Design Ceramic White Vase

1960s by Giotto Stoppino for Brambilla Italian Design Ceramic White Vase

By Fratelli Brambilla, Giotto Stoppino

Located in Brescia, IT

"Aster" series White pottery vase "Brambilla" mark impressed Excellent condition.

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Pottery

Marcello Fantoni Bowl Decorated with a Still Life of Italian Vases
Marcello Fantoni Bowl Decorated with a Still Life of Italian Vases

Marcello Fantoni Bowl Decorated with a Still Life of Italian Vases

By Marcello Fantoni

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Marcello Fantoni bowl decorated with a still life of Italian vases Decorated with rich applied

Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Pottery

Midcentury Copper Fruit Bowl Italy
Midcentury Copper Fruit Bowl Italy

Midcentury Copper Fruit Bowl Italy

Located in Albano Laziale, Rome/Lazio

Large and heavy set mid century fruit bowl handmade in solid copper.

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Copper

Italian Ceramic Fruit Bowl
Italian Ceramic Fruit Bowl

Italian Ceramic Fruit Bowl

Located in Albano Laziale, Rome/Lazio

A medium sized handmade ceramic bowl with a basked design decorated with vine leaves and grapes. Is perfect to use for grapes as the fruit is aired well. Marked in the bottom. In goo...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Ceramic

Laveno Guido Andlovitz Ceramic 1930 Italy
Laveno Guido Andlovitz Ceramic 1930 Italy

Laveno Guido Andlovitz Ceramic 1930 Italy

By Guido Andlovitz

Located in Milano, IT

Laveno Guido Andlovitz ceramic vase - 1930 Italy.- Marchio della manifattura sotto la base

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Ceramic

Italian Stoneware Art Centerpiece by Guido Gambone
Italian Stoneware Art Centerpiece by Guido Gambone

Italian Stoneware Art Centerpiece by Guido Gambone

By Guido Gambone

Located in Atlanta, GA

known leaders of the Italian Mid-Century Modernist ceramics movement.

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Stoneware

Italian Vintage white pedestal mantle vase or planter
Italian Vintage white pedestal mantle vase or planter

Italian Vintage white pedestal mantle vase or planter

Located in Bishop's Stortford, GB

Italian Vintage white pedestal mantle vase or planter with 'Italy' stamp on base. Crafted from high

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Ceramic

Large Italian Stoneware Centerpiece by Guido Gambone
Large Italian Stoneware Centerpiece by Guido Gambone

Large Italian Stoneware Centerpiece by Guido Gambone

By Guido Gambone

Located in Atlanta, GA

An impressive and large square stoneware platter by Guido Gambon, Italy, circa 1950s. Beautifully

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Antonia Campi 1950s Italian Vase
Antonia Campi 1950s Italian Vase

Antonia Campi 1950s Italian Vase

$397Sale Price|50% Off

Antonia Campi 1950s Italian Vase

By Antonia Campi, Lavenia

Located in New York, NY

An Antonia Campi for Lavenia pale yellow sculptural ceramic vase.

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Ceramic

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Mid Century Italian Pottery For Sale on 1stDibs

With a vast inventory of beautiful furniture at 1stDibs, we’ve got just the piece of mid century Italian pottery you’re looking for. An item from our selection of mid century Italian pottery — often made from ceramic, pottery and metal — can elevate any home. There are many kinds of the choice in our collection of mid century Italian pottery you’re looking for, from those produced as long ago as the 18th Century to those made as recently as the 20th Century. When you’re browsing for the right object in our assortment of mid century Italian pottery, those designed in Mid-Century Modern, Hollywood Regency and Neoclassical styles are of considerable interest. You’ll likely find more than one option in this array of mid century Italian pottery that is appealing in its simplicity, but Bitossi, Aldo Londi and Raymor produced versions that are worth a look.

How Much is a Mid Century Italian Pottery?

The average selling price for a piece of mid century Italian pottery at 1stDibs is $974, while they’re typically $37 on the low end and $25,000 for the highest priced.

A Close Look at Mid-century Modern Furniture

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.

Questions About Mid Century Italian Pottery
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    To tell if a ceramic piece is Italian pottery, turn it over. Genuine Italian pottery normally has a rough unglazed area. Many pieces bear the mark of the artist or workshop who produced it. Shop a selection of expertly vetted Italian pottery on 1stDibs.