1960s Lava Stripe Pottery Vessel Jug West Germany
By Scheurich Keramik
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1960s Keramik Pottery Art Water Pitcher Jug West Germany Stamped on bottom attributed to Scheurich Keramik Colorful stripes 15 tall x 12 w x 13d Original vintage condition preowned S...
Ceramic, Pottery
Scheurich Vase Red Brown Tan 203-18 West Germany
By West German Pottery
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fat lava art vases Producer: Scheurich, Germany Decade: 1970s The original vintage vase was produced in the 1970s in Germany. It is made of ceramic pottery in fat lava optic. Super r...
Pottery
Oversize West German "Fat Lava" Vase
By Scheurich Keramik
Located in Highland, IN
Fantastic large West German vase with vivid textural "Fat Lava" glaze by Scheurich. 17.5"h X 8.5"d
Ceramic
1970s Modernist Olive Green Fat Lava Ceramic German Jug Vase
By Scheurich Keramik
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This Fat Lava Ceramic German Jug Vase is a striking example of the bold, sculptural designs characteristic of West German pottery from this era. Known for their use of thick, texture...
Ceramic
$130Sale Price|27% Off
1960's Austrian Ceramic Vase (W.German Keramik)
By Scheurich Keramik
Located in Bern, CH
Late 60's to mid-1970's Austrian (West German Ceramic) Vase with vibrant blue & yellow/orange glaze. Numbered on base: Austria 1525 - 28 Produced in Austria for Carstens Keramik,...
Ceramic
$740Sale Price|24% Off
Midcentury Huge Red Lava Glazed Floor Vase
By Scheurich Keramik
Located in Copenhagen, K
Midcentury huge red lava glazed, pitcher shaped, floor vase. The vase is numbered and attributed Scheurich Keramik.
Ceramic
Vintage West Germany Vases Set of 3, 1970s
By Scheurich Keramik
Located in Asaa, DK
Vintage West Germany vases set of 3, 1970s. Trio of pottery vases from German manufacturer Scheurich. Identical form and size, but with different glaze. Model no. 414 16. Measures: ...
Ceramic
1970s Modernist Red and Black Fat Lava Ceramic German Vase by WGP
By Scheurich Keramik
Located in Aci Castello, IT
A fat lava ceramic vase manufactured in germany in the Seventies by WGP, it's in lovely conditions. The vase is a striking and unique piece of art and design, it embodies the bold an...
Ceramic
Scheurich West German Studio Pottery Vase – Brown & Ochre Fat Lava Glaze
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This vintage West German Scheurich pottery vase exemplifies the refined craftsmanship and earthy aesthetic associated with mid-century European ceramics.
Ceramic
Vintage "Scheurich Keramik" Ceramic Vase, impressed "W.Germany", 1960's
By West German Pottery
Located in Beirut, LB
This vintage West Germany ceramic vase,from mid-20th century, features a classic, bulbous shape with a narrow neck and slightly flared rim. It has an earthy, speckled matte glaze in ...
Ceramic
Fat Lava Vase in Brown and Textured Grey Tones, West Germany, 1960s
By Scheurich Keramik
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Fat lava vase in brown and textured grey tones. Made in West Germany in 1960s. Signature stamp on bottom.
Ceramic
German Fat Lava Vase in Brown Hues, West Germany, 1960s
By Scheurich Keramik
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Fat lava vase made in West Germany in 1960s.
Ceramic
Colorful Fat Lava Pottery "Orange" Vase by Kreutz Ceramics, Germany, 1970s
By Scheurich Keramik
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Pottery ceramic vase Producer: Kreutz Ceramic, Germany Decade: 1970s Original vintage 1970s pottery ceramic vase made in Germany. High quality ...
Ceramic
Three Mis-Matching Fat Lava Vases, West Germany 1960s
By Scheurich Keramik
Located in Barcelona, ES
Three mis-matching fat lava vases fabricated in West Germany in the 1960s.
Ceramic
Large West Germany Pottery Vase by Bodo Mans for BAY Keramik, W-G, 1960s
By Scheurich Keramik
Located in Barcelona, ES
Large and rare West Germany pottery vase, made by BAY Keramik, 1960s. Marked West Germany 1016-33. Designed by Bodo Mans in his "Reims" pattern.
Ceramic
Large 1960s Scheurich Engobe Ceramic Vase, West German Art Pottery 293-42
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Striking West German art pottery vase by Scheurich, marked '293-42' on the underside. Produced during the golden age of German ceramics from the 1950s through 1970s, when over 100 ma...
Ceramic
West Germany design ceramic wall / ceiling lamp, 1970’s
By Scheurich Keramik
Located in Delft, NL
West Germany design ceramic wall / ceiling lamp, 1970’s
Ceramic
Unique pair of Large Scheurich Ceramic Lamps with New Custom Lampshades
Located in Rijssen, NL
A rare pair of 2 ceramic table lamps by Scheurich Ceramics, Germany 1970s. Sculptural piece, made of handmade ceramic with a new custom made matching lamp shade by René Houben. The ...
Metal, Brass
$150Sale Price|40% Off
Stein Keramik Vase - West Germany Ceramic
By Scheurich Keramik
Located in Bern, CH
West German decorative vase produced by Fat Lava Keramik (W.Germany) in the early to mid-1970s. Features a black and white crackle glaze. Numbered on base: W.Germany 44-20 (20cm in h...
Ceramic
$230Sale Price|20% Off
1960’s Scheurich Keramik West German Ceramic Vase 268-51
Located in Bern, CH
1960’s Scheurich Keramik West German Ceramic Vase. Numbered on base: W. Germany 268-51. With pillar box red glaze.
Ceramic
Extra Large Fat Lava Teak Table Light Base by Krösselbach Ceramic, Germany 1970s
By Scheurich Keramik
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Fat lava table light base Producer: Krösselbach Ceramics, Germany Decade: 1970s This original vintage light base was produced in the 1970s by Krö...
Ceramic
Extraordinary Vintage Pottery Fat Lava Vase Made by Ü-Keramik WGP Germany 1970s
By Scheurich Keramik
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Fat lava art vase super rare orange, black coloration Producer: Ü- Keramik, UEBELACKER, Germany Decade: 1970s Description: This original vinta...
Ceramic
$1,505Sale Price|20% Off
Brown green Fat Lava ceramic lamp East Germany 1960s Scheurich
By West German Pottery
Located in Valladolid, ES
Amazing Fat Lava ceramic piece, East Germany, 1960s, by Scheurich Keramic ,Original lampshade. Fat Lava ceramic base in the shape of a vase with a handle, with a rich contrast of te...
Ceramic, Fabric, Cotton
Large Abstract Op Art Pottery Foreign Vase by Scheurich Ceramics, Germany, 1960s
By Bay Keramik
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Pottery ceramic vase Producer: Scheurich FOREIGN Ceramic, Germany Decade: 1960s Original vintage 1960s pottery ceramic vase made in Germany. Hi...
Ceramic
Vintage Scheurich West German Vases MCM Fat Lava Ceramic Pair, Brown Drip Glaze
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful pair of vintage Scheurich West Germany ceramic vases, model 295-15, featuring the iconic fat lava textured pattern and rich brown drip-glaze finish. Produced in the 1960s–1...
Ceramic
S and G Keramik Monumental Classic Style German Ceramic Floor Vase
By Scheurich & Greulich Keramik
Located in Topeka, KS
Wonderful monumental ceramic floor vase in brown and antique white classic double handled style by S and G Keramik of Germany. In good vintage condition. There is one small glaze chi...
Ceramic
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 piece features a bold and striking design typical of the era, with a glossy brown glaz...
Ceramic
Vintage 1950s Ceramic West German Studio Pottery, Germany Bauhaus, 1950s
By Scheurich Keramik, Roth Keramik
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Pottery ceramic vase Decade: 1950s Oriding: Germany Original vintage 1950s pottery ceramic vase in Germany. High quality German production with a n...
Ceramic
$1,239Sale Price|20% Off
Space Age. Huge handmade ceramic table lamp by Cases, Spain, 1960s
By Knabstrup, Scheurich Keramik
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Space Age, Brutalist and Mid-Century styles. Very much in the style of the German ceramic creations of Scheurich, and the Danish ceramic creations of Knabstrup Atelier and Jytte Treb...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Pair of Sculptural Ceramic Table Lamps, West Germany
By Scheurich Keramik, Bay Keramik, Carstens Tönnieshof
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
West German pottery table lamps with abstract geometric pattern is decorated with mottled off-white glaze. Warm colors of the glaze are accented by bronze fittings and socket. Minima...
Brass
Puigdemont Ceramics. French Riviera turned and handmade table lamp, Spain, 1950s
By Serra Studio, Puigdemont, Vallauris, Scheurich Keramik, Bitossi
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Signed on the base (see last photo). Collectible piece. Mid-Century Modern, Safari, Tiki, Palm Beach Regency, Farmhouse, French Provincial and Atomic Era style.
Ceramic
Carstens Tönnieshof Set of Bowl and Vase, West Germany Ceramics 1960s
By Bay Keramik, Carstens Tönnieshof, Scheurich Keramik
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Set of a bowl and small vessel or bud vase was made by Carstens Tönnieshof with complex green, teal, beige, and gold glaze. The bowl has monochromatic black glaze on the bottom surf...
Gold
Puigdemont ceramics. Set of 2 large French Provincial wall plates, Spain, 1950s
By Vallauris, Bitossi, Scheurich Keramik, Puigdemont, Josep Vilà Clara Garriga
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Handmade in turned ceramic, with geometric art decorations in brown, yellow and olive green tones, very typical of the 50s and 60s. Mid-Century Modern, Safari, Tiki, Palm Beach Rege...
Ceramic
West German Fat Lava Vase by Dumler & Breiden, 1960's
By Dümler & Breiden, Otto Meier, Scheurich Keramik, Heinz Siery
Located in Philadelphia, PA
West German Fat Lava Vase by Dümler & Breiden, 1960's The vase is grey, brown and dark green and is numbered 310 / 22. "nice color and shape" "in good as found vintage condition"
Pottery
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.
Whether it’s a Chinese Han dynasty glazed ceramic wine vessel, a work of Murano glass or a hand-painted Scandinavian modern stoneware piece, a fine vase brings a piece of history into your space as much as it adds a sophisticated dynamic.
Like sculptures or paintings, antique and vintage vases are considered works of fine art. Once offered as tributes to ancient rulers, vases continue to be gifted to heads of state today. Over time, decorative porcelain vases have become family heirlooms to be displayed prominently in our homes — loved pieces treasured from generation to generation.
The functional value of vases is well known. They were traditionally utilized as vessels for carrying dry goods or liquids, so some have handles and feature an opening at the top (where they flare back out). While artists have explored wildly sculptural alternatives over time, the most conventional vase shape is characterized by a bulbous base and a body with shoulders where the form curves inward.
Owing to their intrinsic functionality, vases are quite possibly versatile in ways few other art forms can match. They’re typically taller than they are wide. Some have a neck that offers height and is ideal for the stems of cut flowers. To pair with your mid-century modern decor, the right vase will be an elegant receptacle for leafy snake plants on your teak dining table, or, in the case of welcoming guests on your doorstep, a large ceramic floor vase for long tree branches or sticks — perhaps one crafted in the Art Nouveau style — works wonders.
Interior designers include vases of every type, size and style in their projects — be the canvas indoors or outdoors — often introducing a splash of color and a range of textures to an entryway or merely calling attention to nature’s asymmetries by bringing more organically shaped decorative objects into a home.
On 1stDibs, you can browse our collection of vases by material, including ceramic, glass, porcelain and more. Sizes range from tiny bud vases to massive statement pieces and every size in between.