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Midcentury Amberina Glass

Mid-Century Modern Amberina Colored Glass Dish
Mid-Century Modern Amberina Colored Glass Dish

Mid-Century Modern Amberina Colored Glass Dish

By Viking Glass Company

Located in Buchanan, NY

This appealing glass dish features an abstract petal-like design that captures the eye. Its rich

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Centerpieces

Materials

Glass

Mid Century Amberina Glass Dish
Mid Century Amberina Glass Dish

Mid Century Amberina Glass Dish

$220

H 6.25 in Dm 7.25 in

Mid Century Amberina Glass Dish

By Viking Glass Company

Located in Buchanan, NY

This 1960s American glass dish is a striking example of vintage design and craftsmanship. Its

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Glass

Mid Century Modern Amberina Glass Bud Vase
Mid Century Modern Amberina Glass Bud Vase

Mid Century Modern Amberina Glass Bud Vase

Located in Clifton Springs, NY

Striking vintage cylindrical bud vase was hand blown in bright Amberina colorway, featuring shift

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Art Glass, Glass

Large & Impressive Red - Amberina Ribbed Murano Sommerso Vase
Large & Impressive Red - Amberina Ribbed Murano Sommerso Vase

Large & Impressive Red - Amberina Ribbed Murano Sommerso Vase

By Murano Glass Sommerso

Located in Bridgeport, CT

-Century Modern Italian art glass. Dimensions: 15 3/4" H x 5 1/2" W x 5 1/2" D Condition: Please see

Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Art Glass

Jack in the Pulpit Style Mid Century Hobnail Amberina Glass Pitcher Vase
Jack in the Pulpit Style Mid Century Hobnail Amberina Glass Pitcher Vase

Jack in the Pulpit Style Mid Century Hobnail Amberina Glass Pitcher Vase

Located in Deland, FL

Produced in the mid 1970's by Kanawha Glass this exquisite and artfully crafted vase is perfect for

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Art Glass

Stunning Amberina Orange Red Blenko Lamp, Mid-Century Modern
Stunning Amberina Orange Red Blenko Lamp, Mid-Century Modern

Stunning Amberina Orange Red Blenko Lamp, Mid-Century Modern

By Blenko Glass

Located in Pemberton, NJ

Stunning vintage amberina red and orange Blenko lamp with original finial. The original lampshade

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Glass, Walnut

Hand-Blown amberina Art Glass Vase by Blenko
Hand-Blown amberina Art Glass Vase by Blenko

Hand-Blown amberina Art Glass Vase by Blenko

By Blenko Glass

Located in Marinha Grande, PT

A striking hand-blown art glass vase with amberina gradient, fading beautifully from deep ruby red

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Blown Glass

Blenko Attributed Large Amberina Ombre Art Glass Vase
Blenko Attributed Large Amberina Ombre Art Glass Vase

Blenko Attributed Large Amberina Ombre Art Glass Vase

By Blenko Glass

Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire

A very fine, stylish and unusual mid-century mallet shaped art glass vase in amberina orange and

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Blown Glass

Vintage L.E. Smith Ruby Red & Amberina Ribbed Swung Vase 25.25"
Vintage L.E. Smith Ruby Red & Amberina Ribbed Swung Vase 25.25"

Vintage L.E. Smith Ruby Red & Amberina Ribbed Swung Vase 25.25"

$1,000Sale Price|20% Off

H 25.25 in Dm 7 in

Vintage L.E. Smith Ruby Red & Amberina Ribbed Swung Vase 25.25"

By L.E. Smith Glass Company

Located in Atlanta, GA

Measuring 25.25" h x 7" w This striking mid-century swung vase was produced by **L.E. Smith Glass

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Art Glass

Blown Glass Amberina Tangerine Jug Designed by John Nickerson for Blenko
Blown Glass Amberina Tangerine Jug Designed by John Nickerson for Blenko

Blown Glass Amberina Tangerine Jug Designed by John Nickerson for Blenko

By Blenko Glass, John Nickerson

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Blown glass jug designed by John Nickerson and manufactured by Blenko. This design first appeared

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Bottles

Materials

Blown Glass

Blenko Amberina Table Lamp by Winslow Anderson
Blenko Amberina Table Lamp by Winslow Anderson

Blenko Amberina Table Lamp by Winslow Anderson

By Blenko Glass

Located in Cincinnati, OH

A iconic Mid Century blown glass table lamp by the Blenko glass company in a red amber fade called

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Blown Glass, Walnut

Large Vintage Glass Amberina Vase with Stopper by John Nickerson for Blenko
Large Vintage Glass Amberina Vase with Stopper by John Nickerson for Blenko

Large Vintage Glass Amberina Vase with Stopper by John Nickerson for Blenko

By Blenko Glass, John Nickerson

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Large blown glass amberina/tangerine lidded jar designed by John Nickerson for Blenko (model number

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Jars

Materials

Blown Glass

Recent Sales

Winslow Anderson Design Blenko Amberina Fish Vase
Winslow Anderson Design Blenko Amberina Fish Vase

Winslow Anderson Design Blenko Amberina Fish Vase

Unavailable

H 9 in W 12 in D 4.75 in

Winslow Anderson Design Blenko Amberina Fish Vase

By Winslow Anderson

Located in Papaikou, HI

Anderson. This one, in one of Blenko's signature color combinations called "amberina", which is this red to

Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Glass

Materials

Blown Glass

Blenko Mid Century Modern Amberina Glass Ashtray
Blenko Mid Century Modern Amberina Glass Ashtray

Blenko Mid Century Modern Amberina Glass Ashtray

Unavailable

H 1.5 in W 10.1 in Dm 10.1 in

Blenko Mid Century Modern Amberina Glass Ashtray

Located in Greenport, NY

Blenko Mid Century Modern Amberina Glass Ashtray Mid 20th century Blenko amberina large textured

Category

Mid-20th Century Barware

Pair of scupltural Amberina decanter by Wayne Husted for Blenko
Pair of scupltural Amberina decanter by Wayne Husted for Blenko

Pair of scupltural Amberina decanter by Wayne Husted for Blenko

By Wayne Husted, Blenko Glass

Located in New York, NY

in vintage 'Historic Period' Blenko glass (1947-74) and mid-20th century Empoli glass. Damon has

Category

Vintage 1960s American Glass

Materials

Blown Glass

Monumental Blenko Amberina Floor Decanter
Monumental Blenko Amberina Floor Decanter

Monumental Blenko Amberina Floor Decanter

Unavailable

H 24 in Dm 9.25 in

Monumental Blenko Amberina Floor Decanter

By Blenko Glass

Located in New York, NY

Striking amberina floor decanter by Blenko. The piece is big and beautiful! Please contact for

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Glass

Massive 2 foot tall 1965 Architectural Decanter by Joel Myers for Blenko

Massive 2 foot tall 1965 Architectural Decanter by Joel Myers for Blenko

By Joel Philip Myers, Blenko Glass

Located in New York, NY

1965 catalog. ___ All our glass is vintage mid-20thC hand blown art glass. Items are guaranteed

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Glass

1964 Amberina Teardrop Bottle by Joel Philip Myers for Blenko

1964 Amberina Teardrop Bottle by Joel Philip Myers for Blenko

By Joel Philip Myers, Blenko Glass

Located in New York, NY

and expert in vintage 'Historic Period' Blenko glass (1947-74) and mid-20th century Empoli glass

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vases

1967 Coral Textured amberina decanter by Joel Philip Myers for Blenko
1967 Coral Textured amberina decanter by Joel Philip Myers for Blenko

1967 Coral Textured amberina decanter by Joel Philip Myers for Blenko

By Joel Philip Myers, Blenko Glass

Located in New York, NY

mid-20th century Empoli glass. Damon has published numerous articles http://www.cultureobject.com

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

1967 Controlled Bubble Amberina vase by Joel Philip Myers for Blenko

1967 Controlled Bubble Amberina vase by Joel Philip Myers for Blenko

By Joel Philip Myers, Blenko Glass

Located in New York, NY

and expert in vintage 'Historic Period' Blenko glass (1947-74) and mid-20th century Empoli glass

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vases

Vintage Wayne Husted Amberina Blown Glass "Bubble" Vase
Vintage Wayne Husted Amberina Blown Glass "Bubble" Vase

Vintage Wayne Husted Amberina Blown Glass "Bubble" Vase

By Wayne Husted, Blenko Glass

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Blown glass vase designed in 1961 by Wayne Husted for Blenko (model number 6041). Attractive

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Glass

Materials

Blown Glass

Blenko Amberina Covered Jar
Blenko Amberina Covered Jar

Blenko Amberina Covered Jar

Sold

H 11.75 in Dm 10 in

Blenko Amberina Covered Jar

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Blenko Amberina covered Jar perfect in every way. The Amberina series coloring goes from a yellow

Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Glass

Materials

Blown Glass

Mid-Century Modern, Amberina, Blenko Glass, Moonshine Jug
Mid-Century Modern, Amberina, Blenko Glass, Moonshine Jug

Mid-Century Modern, Amberina, Blenko Glass, Moonshine Jug

By Blenko Glass

Located in Nantucket, MA

Mid-20th century Blenko glass moonshine jug in amberina - large size of rounded bell form having a

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Blown Glass

John Nickerson For Blenko Mid-Century Modern Amberina Glass Bowl
John Nickerson For Blenko Mid-Century Modern Amberina Glass Bowl

John Nickerson For Blenko Mid-Century Modern Amberina Glass Bowl

By Blenko Glass, John Nickerson

Located in Astoria, NY

Mid-Century Modern large Blenko centerpiece bowl in amberina glass in red and gold, designed by

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Decorative Bowls

Materials

Glass

Massive Mid Century Blenko American Art Glass Ruby Amberina Centerpiece Vase
Massive Mid Century Blenko American Art Glass Ruby Amberina Centerpiece Vase

Massive Mid Century Blenko American Art Glass Ruby Amberina Centerpiece Vase

By Blenko Glass

Located in San Diego, CA

Excellent mid century Blenko art glass handmade cube-shaped vase. Slightly pinched sides with

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Blown Glass

Joel Myers for Blenko Mid Century Tall Blown Amberina Glass Floor Decanter, 1969
Joel Myers for Blenko Mid Century Tall Blown Amberina Glass Floor Decanter, 1969

Joel Myers for Blenko Mid Century Tall Blown Amberina Glass Floor Decanter, 1969

By Blenko Glass, Joel Myers

Located in Miami, FL

REDUCED FROM $650....Wonderful and large mid-century blown glass floor decanter by Joel Myers for

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Bottles

Materials

Blown Glass

American Midcentury Rare Blenko Amberina Crackle Glass Vase
American Midcentury Rare Blenko Amberina Crackle Glass Vase

American Midcentury Rare Blenko Amberina Crackle Glass Vase

By Blenko Glass

Located in San Diego, CA

Striking handkerchief Blenko amberina glass Vase bowl, excellent condition no chips or cracks.

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Decorative Bowls

Materials

Blown Glass

Tall Massive Collectible Amberina Glass Handkerchief Vase by Blenko
Tall Massive Collectible Amberina Glass Handkerchief Vase by Blenko

Tall Massive Collectible Amberina Glass Handkerchief Vase by Blenko

By Blenko Glass, Wayne Husted

Located in San Diego, CA

Beautiful colors on this large Blenko amberina glass vase, circa 1970's excellent condition.

Category

20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Blown Glass

Collectible Amberina Glass 213SL Strata Vase by Blenko Signed and Dated 2005
Collectible Amberina Glass 213SL Strata Vase by Blenko Signed and Dated 2005

Collectible Amberina Glass 213SL Strata Vase by Blenko Signed and Dated 2005

By Blenko Glass, Wayne Husted

Located in San Diego, CA

Beautiful colors on this large Blenko amberina glass vase, circa 2005 retains label and embossed in

Category

20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Blown Glass

Eight Tangerine Amberina 60s Italian Empoli Rossini Glass Decanters Blenko Style
Eight Tangerine Amberina 60s Italian Empoli Rossini Glass Decanters Blenko Style

Eight Tangerine Amberina 60s Italian Empoli Rossini Glass Decanters Blenko Style

By Rossini, Blenko Glass

Located in Haarlem, NL

Very pretty set of eight 1960s Italian Empoli Rossini glass decanters in the ever-popular colour

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Glass

Materials

Blown Glass, Glass

Mid-Century Modern Blenko Glass Amberina Vase
Mid-Century Modern Blenko Glass Amberina Vase

Mid-Century Modern Blenko Glass Amberina Vase

By Blenko Glass, Wayne Husted

Located in San Diego, CA

Beautiful mouth blown Blenko glass flower vase, in very collectible amberina glass.

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Blown Glass

1960s Wayne Husted for Blenko Amberina Footed Decanter with Flame Stopper
1960s Wayne Husted for Blenko Amberina Footed Decanter with Flame Stopper

1960s Wayne Husted for Blenko Amberina Footed Decanter with Flame Stopper

By Wayne Husted

Located in Palm Springs, CA

Large footed amberina decanter with flame stopper designed by Wayne Husted for Blenko, circa 1960s

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Glass

Materials

Blown Glass

Blenko Amberina Glass Bowl
Blenko Amberina Glass Bowl

Blenko Amberina Glass Bowl

Sold

H 3.25 in W 6.75 in D 7.5 in

Blenko Amberina Glass Bowl

By Blenko Glass

Located in New York, NY

This is a (five) sided red and yellow bowl with legs that elevate it and a unique pattern cast on the bottom.

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Decorative Bowls

Materials

Glass

Mid Century Blenko Amberina Glass Table Lamp by Wayne Husted, 1962
Mid Century Blenko Amberina Glass Table Lamp by Wayne Husted, 1962

Mid Century Blenko Amberina Glass Table Lamp by Wayne Husted, 1962

By Wayne Husted, Blenko Glass

Located in Miami, FL

REDUCED FROM $1200....Mid-Century Modern Amberina colored glass table lamp designed by Wayne Husted

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Blown Glass

Mid-Century Blenko Amberina Blown Glass "Bubble" Vase by Wayne Husted
Mid-Century Blenko Amberina Blown Glass "Bubble" Vase by Wayne Husted

Mid-Century Blenko Amberina Blown Glass "Bubble" Vase by Wayne Husted

By Wayne Husted, Blenko Glass

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Blown glass vase designed in 1961 by Wayne Husted for Blenko (model number 6041). Attractive

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Blown Glass

Vintage Blenko Style Amberina Red & Orange Glass Vase
Vintage Blenko Style Amberina Red & Orange Glass Vase

Vintage Blenko Style Amberina Red & Orange Glass Vase

By Blenko Glass

Located in East Quogue, NY

, amberina vase, vintage glass, vintage vase, mid-century modern, modern design, mcm, homeware, tableware

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Blown Glass

Blenko Amberina Stoppered Bottle
Blenko Amberina Stoppered Bottle

Blenko Amberina Stoppered Bottle

Sold

H 21.25 in Dm 6 in

Blenko Amberina Stoppered Bottle

By Blenko Glass

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Blenko Amberina stoppered bottle that transitions from pale yellow up to a dark blood orange color

Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bottles

Materials

Blown Glass

Barovier Toso Murano Red Orange Amberina Gold Italian Art Glass Bowl
Barovier Toso Murano Red Orange Amberina Gold Italian Art Glass Bowl

Barovier Toso Murano Red Orange Amberina Gold Italian Art Glass Bowl

By Barovier&Toso

Located in Kissimmee, FL

Free shipping worldwide! See details below description. Murano handblown red orange amberina

Category

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

Materials

Gold Leaf

Wonderful Blenko Blown Art Glass Amberina Tangerine Orange Yellow Large Vase
Wonderful Blenko Blown Art Glass Amberina Tangerine Orange Yellow Large Vase

Wonderful Blenko Blown Art Glass Amberina Tangerine Orange Yellow Large Vase

By Blenko Glass

Located in Roslyn, NY

A Wonderful Blenko Blown Art Glass Amberina Tangerine Orange Yellow Large Vase Signed On Thew

Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Art Glass

Blown Glass Amberina Decanter with Stopper by Wayne Husted for Blenko
Blown Glass Amberina Decanter with Stopper by Wayne Husted for Blenko

Blown Glass Amberina Decanter with Stopper by Wayne Husted for Blenko

By Blenko Glass, Wayne Husted

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Blown glass decanter with original button stopper designed in the 1960s by Wayne Husted for Blenko

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Bottles

Materials

Blown Glass

Vintage Geometric Amberina Pillar Vase Designed by Joel Myers for Blenko
Vintage Geometric Amberina Pillar Vase Designed by Joel Myers for Blenko

Vintage Geometric Amberina Pillar Vase Designed by Joel Myers for Blenko

By Blenko Glass

Located in Brooklyn, NY

1969 Blenko catalog. Scarcely seen amberina / tangerine example in bandings of red, orange, and

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Art Glass

Dramatic 1960's Amberina Blenko Glass grouping
Dramatic 1960's Amberina Blenko Glass grouping

Dramatic 1960's Amberina Blenko Glass grouping

Located in New York, NY

and expert in vintage 'Historic Period' Blenko glass (1947-74) and mid-20th century Empoli glass

Category

Vintage 1960s American Glass

Totemic 1967 Amberina Decanter by Joel Philip Myers for Blenko

Totemic 1967 Amberina Decanter by Joel Philip Myers for Blenko

Located in New York, NY

vintage 'Historic Period' Blenko glass (1947-74) and mid-20th century Empoli glass. Damon has published

Category

Vintage 1960s American Glass

Trio of 1960's amberina Blenko designs by Joel Philip Myers
Trio of 1960's amberina Blenko designs by Joel Philip Myers

Trio of 1960's amberina Blenko designs by Joel Philip Myers

Located in New York, NY

'Historic Period' Blenko glass (1947-74) and mid-20th century Empoli glass. Damon has published numerous

Category

Vintage 1960s American Glass

Mid- Century Blenko Glass Large Amberina Vase By, Wayne Husted
Mid- Century Blenko Glass Large Amberina Vase By, Wayne Husted

Mid- Century Blenko Glass Large Amberina Vase By, Wayne Husted

By Wayne Husted, Blenko Glass

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Large Blenko handblown glass tangerine four sided indent vase. Designed by, Wayne Husted, between

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Blown Glass

1965 Ovoid Bottle form vase by Joel Philip Myers for Blenko

1965 Ovoid Bottle form vase by Joel Philip Myers for Blenko

Located in New York, NY

(1947-74) and mid-20th century Empoli glass. Damon has published numerous articles http

Category

Vintage 1960s American Glass

Mid-20th Century Amberina Art Glass Footed Pedestal Ruffle Center Bowl
Mid-20th Century Amberina Art Glass Footed Pedestal Ruffle Center Bowl

Mid-20th Century Amberina Art Glass Footed Pedestal Ruffle Center Bowl

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Mid-20th century American Tangerine Amberina art glass footed pedestal uffle center bowl.

Category

Mid-20th Century American Glass

Materials

Art Glass

1950'S Blenko Crackle Glass Pinched Amberina Decanter
1950'S Blenko Crackle Glass Pinched Amberina Decanter

1950'S Blenko Crackle Glass Pinched Amberina Decanter

By Blenko Glass

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Mid-Century Modern Blenko hand blown glass Amberina tangerine pinched crackle glass decanter with

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Blown Glass

20th Century Blenko Style Blown Art Glass Amberina Optic Decanter & Stopper
20th Century Blenko Style Blown Art Glass Amberina Optic Decanter & Stopper

20th Century Blenko Style Blown Art Glass Amberina Optic Decanter & Stopper

By Blenko Glass

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Mid-20th Century Blenko Style Blown Art Glass Amberina Optic Liquor Decanter With Stopper.

Category

Mid-20th Century American Glass

Materials

Blown Glass

Amberina Vase
Amberina Vase

Amberina Vase

Sold

H 11 in Dm 8.5 in

Amberina Vase

Located in New York, NY

Large scale vase with a beautifully graduated amberina color. Please contact for location.

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Glass

1960s Blenko Glass Amberina Bubble Oval Vase by Wayne Husted
1960s Blenko Glass Amberina Bubble Oval Vase by Wayne Husted

1960s Blenko Glass Amberina Bubble Oval Vase by Wayne Husted

By Blenko Glass

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

1962 Wayne Husted designed for Blenko glass, Amberina organic oval "Bubble" vase.

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Blown Glass

1950'S Blenko Modern Tangerine Amberina Bowl or Vase
1950'S Blenko Modern Tangerine Amberina Bowl or Vase

1950'S Blenko Modern Tangerine Amberina Bowl or Vase

By Blenko Glass

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Rare Blenko Glass Mid-Century Modern tangerine "Ombre" Swedish style vase or bowl. Excellent

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Decorative Bowls

Materials

Blown Glass

Tall Mid Century Modern Glass Vase in Orange Red and Yellow
Tall Mid Century Modern Glass Vase in Orange Red and Yellow

Tall Mid Century Modern Glass Vase in Orange Red and Yellow

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A tall mid-century modern glass vase in fiery shades of orange with accents of golden yellow and

Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Glass

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Midcentury Amberina Glass For Sale on 1stDibs

Find many varieties of an authentic piece of midcentury amberina glass available at 1stDibs. Frequently made of glass, blown glass and art glass, every item from our selection of midcentury amberina glass was constructed with great care. Whether you’re looking for newer or older items, there are earlier versions available from the 20th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 20th Century. Each choice in our collection of midcentury amberina glass bearing Mid-Century Modern hallmarks is very popular. You’ll likely find more than one object in our assortment of midcentury amberina glass that is appealing in its simplicity, but Blenko, Wayne Husted and John Nickerson produced versions that are worth a look.

How Much is a Midcentury Amberina Glass?

The average selling price for a piece of midcentury amberina glass at 1stDibs is $388, while they’re typically $94 on the low end and $3,000 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.