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Vintage Postmodern Pink Pottery Decanter Set by Jaru of California
Vintage Postmodern Pink Pottery Decanter Set by Jaru of California

Vintage Postmodern Pink Pottery Decanter Set by Jaru of California

By Jaru

Located in Fairfield, CA

that contrast with the pink base glaze. Measurements: Decanter: 4.75" Dia. x 14.5"H Cups: 2.25" Dia

Category

Late 20th Century Post-Modern Ceramics

Materials

Pottery

Pink Floyd 'The Wall' Original Vintage Movie Poster, Australian, 1982
Pink Floyd 'The Wall' Original Vintage Movie Poster, Australian, 1982

Pink Floyd 'The Wall' Original Vintage Movie Poster, Australian, 1982

By Gerald Scarfe

Located in Devon, GB

Based on Pink Floyd's 1979 narrative concept album of the same name, "The Wall" follows the descent

Category

Vintage 1980s Australian Post-Modern Posters

Materials

Paper

Pink Profiles Desk Light by Atelier Areti
Pink Profiles Desk Light by Atelier Areti

Pink Profiles Desk Light by Atelier Areti

Located in Geneve, CH

Pink Profiles Desk Light by Atelier Areti Dimensions: D 16 x H 40.5 cm. Materials: Powder-coated

Category

2010s German Post-Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal

No. 24 Pink Fringes Dip Dyed Contemporary Art Pendant Lamp by Sander Bottinga
No. 24 Pink Fringes Dip Dyed Contemporary Art Pendant Lamp by Sander Bottinga

No. 24 Pink Fringes Dip Dyed Contemporary Art Pendant Lamp by Sander Bottinga

By Sander Bottinga

Located in Geneve, CH

Pink Charme pendant lamp, Sander Bottinga Dimensions: H 45 (can be customized) x W 38 x D 25 cm

Category

2010s Dutch Post-Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass

Large 1980s Memphis Style Painting on Canvas, Black, Pink, Blue, USA
Large 1980s Memphis Style Painting on Canvas, Black, Pink, Blue, USA

Large 1980s Memphis Style Painting on Canvas, Black, Pink, Blue, USA

By Ettore Sottsass

Located in Chattanooga, TN

dramatic, large-scale canvas, signed boldly “Dana” in playful pink, is a pure embodiment of Memphis design

Category

Vintage 1980s American Post-Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Brass

Pink Ever Rug by Paolo Stella
Pink Ever Rug by Paolo Stella

Pink Ever Rug by Paolo Stella

By Paolo Stella

Located in Geneve, CH

Pink ever rug by Paolo Stella. Dimensions: D 200 x W 300cm (Pile heigh: 1.2 - 3 cm) Materials

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Western European Rugs

Materials

Linen

Pink Frammenti Rug by Giulio Brambilla
Pink Frammenti Rug by Giulio Brambilla

Pink Frammenti Rug by Giulio Brambilla

By Giulio Brambilla

Located in Geneve, CH

Pink Frammenti rug by Giulio Brambilla Dimensions: D 300 x W 200 x H 1.5 cm Materials: NZ wool

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Indian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Haeger Rounded Edge Mauve Pink Postmodern Vide Poche
Haeger Rounded Edge Mauve Pink Postmodern Vide Poche

Haeger Rounded Edge Mauve Pink Postmodern Vide Poche

By Royal Haeger

Located in New York, NY

Postmodern Haeger vide poche catchall. Bold rounded edges make this a standout piece, mauve color is versatile and pairs nicely with many other colors. Perfect for a coffee table, dr...

Category

Vintage 1980s American Post-Modern Ashtrays

Materials

Ceramic

Abstract Pink Alabaster Sculpture by Karen Chera
Abstract Pink Alabaster Sculpture by Karen Chera

Abstract Pink Alabaster Sculpture by Karen Chera

Located in New York, NY

Abstract Pink Alabaster Sculpture by Karen Chera, signed and dated '88. on its original metal base.

Category

Late 20th Century American Post-Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Alabaster

Peana Model 2 Pink Object by Eter Design
Peana Model 2 Pink Object by Eter Design

Peana Model 2 Pink Object by Eter Design

Located in Geneve, CH

Peana Model 2 Pink Object by Eter Design Unique Piece. Dimensions: D 21.8 x W 36.1 x H 36.1 cm

Category

2010s American Post-Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Clay

Pink Profiles Pendant Light by Atelier Areti
Pink Profiles Pendant Light by Atelier Areti

Pink Profiles Pendant Light by Atelier Areti

Located in Geneve, CH

Pink Profiles Pendant Light by Atelier Areti Dimensions: D 13.5 x H 67.5 cm. Materials: Powder

Category

2010s German Post-Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Metal

Pink Profiles Desk Light by Atelier Areti
Pink Profiles Desk Light by Atelier Areti

Pink Profiles Desk Light by Atelier Areti

Located in Geneve, CH

Pink Profiles Desk Light by Atelier Areti Dimensions: D 12.3 x H 34.5 cm. Materials: Powder-coated

Category

2010s German Post-Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal

Light Pink Pure Table Lamp by Lab81
Light Pink Pure Table Lamp by Lab81

Light Pink Pure Table Lamp by Lab81

Located in Geneve, CH

Light Pink Pure Table Lamp by Lab81 Dimensions: D 25 x W 44 x H 45 cm. Materials: Polyethylene

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Other

Dancing woman in pink Venetian Murano glass, 1960s
Dancing woman in pink Venetian Murano glass, 1960s

Dancing woman in pink Venetian Murano glass, 1960s

By Murano Glass Sommerso

Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA

Dancing woman in pink Murano Venetian glass, 1960s This exquisite Murano glass dancer, a piece that

Category

20th Century Italian Post-Modern Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Art Glass

Helia Pink Table Lamp by Glass Variations
Helia Pink Table Lamp by Glass Variations

Helia Pink Table Lamp by Glass Variations

Located in Geneve, CH

Helia Pink Table Lamp by Glass Variations Designed by Bina Baitel Dimensions: D 31 x W 22 x H 40 cm

Category

2010s French Post-Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Glass

Elios Blue and Pink O2 Armchair by Babel Brune
Elios Blue and Pink O2 Armchair by Babel Brune

Elios Blue and Pink O2 Armchair by Babel Brune

Located in Geneve, CH

Elios Blue and Pink O2 armchair by Babel Brune Dimensions: D 63 x W 54 x H 67 cm, Seat H 35 cm

Category

2010s French Post-Modern Armchairs

Materials

Steel

Vintage Postmodern Pink Pearlised Leather Swivel Lounge Chair, Natuzzi 1980s
Vintage Postmodern Pink Pearlised Leather Swivel Lounge Chair, Natuzzi 1980s

Vintage Postmodern Pink Pearlised Leather Swivel Lounge Chair, Natuzzi 1980s

By Natuzzi

Located in Hastings, GB

Pale pink pearlised leather swivelling lounge chair by Natuzzi, Italy 1980s. This listing is for

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Post-Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Leather

Pallet Dirty Pink Velvet Black Daybed by Pulpo
Pallet Dirty Pink Velvet Black Daybed by Pulpo

Pallet Dirty Pink Velvet Black Daybed by Pulpo

Located in Geneve, CH

Pallet dirty pink velvet black daybed by Pulpo Dimensions: D200 x W80 x H29 cm Materials: Fabric

Category

2010s German Post-Modern Daybeds

Materials

Leather, Fabric, Foam, Wood

Chloe Pink Portugal Marble Coffee Table by Fred and Juul
Chloe Pink Portugal Marble Coffee Table by Fred and Juul

Chloe Pink Portugal Marble Coffee Table by Fred and Juul

Located in Geneve, CH

Chloe Pink Portugal Marble Coffee Table by Fred and Juul Dimensions: D 72 x W 120 x H 30 cm

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Soft Pink Attachment II Hand Crafted Sculpture by Rachael Heritage
Soft Pink Attachment II Hand Crafted Sculpture by Rachael Heritage

Soft Pink Attachment II Hand Crafted Sculpture by Rachael Heritage

Located in Geneve, CH

Soft Pink Attachment II Hand Crafted Sculpture by Rachael Heritage Each Piece is Unique Dimensions

Category

2010s English Post-Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Other

Set of 6 Dusty Pink Residence Chairs by Kann Design
Set of 6 Dusty Pink Residence Chairs by Kann Design

Set of 6 Dusty Pink Residence Chairs by Kann Design

Located in Geneve, CH

Set of 6 Dusty Pink Residence Chairs by Kann Design Dimensions: D 43 x W 50 x H 77 cm. Materials

Category

2010s French Post-Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Memphis Sculptural in Pink Velvet & Black Legs Dining Chair Vértigo
Memphis Sculptural in Pink Velvet & Black Legs Dining Chair Vértigo

Memphis Sculptural in Pink Velvet & Black Legs Dining Chair Vértigo

By Moanne

Located in Almería, ES

The Vértigo Dining Chair captures the tension between chaos and control. With its sharp silhouette and solid wood frame, it brings graphic structure to the room—an anchor in spaces t...

Category

2010s Spanish Post-Modern Chairs

Materials

Velvet, Wood, Lacquer

Memphis Sculptural in Pink Velvet & Blue Legs Dining Chair Vértigo
Memphis Sculptural in Pink Velvet & Blue Legs Dining Chair Vértigo

Memphis Sculptural in Pink Velvet & Blue Legs Dining Chair Vértigo

By Moanne

Located in Almería, ES

The Vértigo Dining Chair captures the tension between chaos and control. With its sharp silhouette and solid wood frame, it brings graphic structure to the room—an anchor in spaces t...

Category

2010s Spanish Post-Modern Chairs

Materials

Velvet, Wood, Lacquer

Vano Model 4 Pink Object by Eter Design
Vano Model 4 Pink Object by Eter Design

Vano Model 4 Pink Object by Eter Design

Located in Geneve, CH

Vano Model 4 Pink Object by Eter Design Unique Piece. Dimensions: Ø 11.4 x H 53.4 cm. Materials

Category

2010s American Post-Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Clay

Pink Space Wall Lamp by Dovain Studio
Pink Space Wall Lamp by Dovain Studio

Pink Space Wall Lamp by Dovain Studio

Located in Geneve, CH

Pink space wall lamp by Dovain Studio Dimensions: H 65 x W 30 x D 30 cm Materials: Lacquered

Category

2010s Portuguese Post-Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Metal, Brass

Pink Matt Plopp Standard Cotton Candy Stool by Zieta
Pink Matt Plopp Standard Cotton Candy Stool by Zieta

Pink Matt Plopp Standard Cotton Candy Stool by Zieta

By Zieta

Located in Geneve, CH

Pink Matt Plopp Standard Cotton Candy Stool by Zieta Dimensions: D35 x H50 cm Material: steel

Category

2010s Polish Post-Modern Stools

Materials

Steel

Bare Pink Wall Mirror by OOM Contemporary Glass
Bare Pink Wall Mirror by OOM Contemporary Glass

Bare Pink Wall Mirror by OOM Contemporary Glass

Located in Geneve, CH

Bare Pink Wall Mirror by OOM Contemporary Glass Dimensions: Ø 95 cm. Materials: Silver nitrate on 5

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Wall Mirrors

Materials

Other

Pink and Yellow Parallel Tubes Floor Light by Atelier Areti
Pink and Yellow Parallel Tubes Floor Light by Atelier Areti

Pink and Yellow Parallel Tubes Floor Light by Atelier Areti

Located in Geneve, CH

Pink and Yellow Parallel Tubes Floor Light by Atelier Areti Dimensions: D 12 x H 143 cm. Materials

Category

2010s German Post-Modern Floor Lamps

Materials

Metal

Pink, Black and White Array Floor Light by Atelier Areti
Pink, Black and White Array Floor Light by Atelier Areti

Pink, Black and White Array Floor Light by Atelier Areti

Located in Geneve, CH

Pink, Black, and White Array Floor Light by Atelier Areti Dimensions: D 20 x H 143 cm. Materials

Category

2010s German Post-Modern Floor Lamps

Materials

Metal

Sculptural Pink Plaster Floor Lamp Faux Pencil Reed
Sculptural Pink Plaster Floor Lamp Faux Pencil Reed

Sculptural Pink Plaster Floor Lamp Faux Pencil Reed

By Michael Taylor

Located in Delray Beach, FL

For your consideration is a plaster floor lamp with a pale pink finish made to look like pencil

Category

Late 20th Century American Post-Modern Floor Lamps

Materials

Plaster

Large postmodern pale pink textured plaster triangular coffee table, USA 1980s
Large postmodern pale pink textured plaster triangular coffee table, USA 1980s

Large postmodern pale pink textured plaster triangular coffee table, USA 1980s

Located in Hastings, GB

Large postmodern pale pink textured plaster triangular coffee table, USA 1980s. Great shape and

Category

Late 20th Century American Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Plaster, Plywood

Set of 5 Postmodern Pink Upholstered Dining Chairs with Cantilever Base
Set of 5 Postmodern Pink Upholstered Dining Chairs with Cantilever Base

Set of 5 Postmodern Pink Upholstered Dining Chairs with Cantilever Base

Located in Freehold, NJ

This set of five postmodern style dining chairs feature vintage pink upholstery with tufted backs

Category

Late 20th Century American Post-Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Postmodern Pink Scavo Glass Decorative Fish Figure, Italy
Postmodern Pink Scavo Glass Decorative Fish Figure, Italy

Postmodern Pink Scavo Glass Decorative Fish Figure, Italy

Located in Bresso, Lombardy

Made in Italy, 1980s. This fish is made in scavo glass. It is vintage, therefore it might show slight traces of use, but it can be considered as in excellent original condition. Mea...

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Murano Glass

Pink Aura Wall Mirror by OOM Contemporary Glass
Pink Aura Wall Mirror by OOM Contemporary Glass

Pink Aura Wall Mirror by OOM Contemporary Glass

Located in Geneve, CH

Pink Aura Wall Mirror by OOM Contemporary Glass Dimensions: Ø 96 cm. Materials: 24k gold luster and

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Wall Mirrors

Materials

Enamel

Helle Erbium Pink Cast Glass Sculpture by Bowen Liu
Helle Erbium Pink Cast Glass Sculpture by Bowen Liu

Helle Erbium Pink Cast Glass Sculpture by Bowen Liu

Located in Geneve, CH

Helle Erbium Pink Cast Glass Sculpture by Bowen Liu Dimensions: D 2.25 x W 5 x H 7 cm Materials

Category

2010s American Post-Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Other

Pink Matt Tafla O5 Wall Mirror by Zieta
Pink Matt Tafla O5 Wall Mirror by Zieta

Pink Matt Tafla O5 Wall Mirror by Zieta

By Zieta

Located in Geneve, CH

Pink Matt Tafla O5 Wall Mirror by Zieta Dimensions: D6 x W40 x H60 cm Material: steel Available

Category

2010s Polish Post-Modern Wall Mirrors

Materials

Steel

Hender Model 6 Pink Object by Eter Design
Hender Model 6 Pink Object by Eter Design

Hender Model 6 Pink Object by Eter Design

Located in Geneve, CH

Hender Model 6 Blue Object by Eter Design Unique Piece. Dimensions: D 15.3 x W 18.2 x H 62.3 cm. Materials: Clay. Sustainable - Eco-friendly. Handmade. Each piece may vary slightl...

Category

2010s American Post-Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Clay

Surreal Scandinavian Baby Body Ceramic Spice Rack in Pink Glaze
Surreal Scandinavian Baby Body Ceramic Spice Rack in Pink Glaze

Surreal Scandinavian Baby Body Ceramic Spice Rack in Pink Glaze

Located in Esbjerg, DK

/shelf for wall mount. Executed in ceramic and applied with a vibrant pink glaze. Please take a note of

Category

Early 2000s Scandinavian Post-Modern Shelves

Materials

Ceramic

Olaf Pink Cast Glass Side Table by Fred and Juul
Olaf Pink Cast Glass Side Table by Fred and Juul

Olaf Pink Cast Glass Side Table by Fred and Juul

Located in Geneve, CH

Olaf Pink Cast Glass Side Table by Fred and Juul Dimensions: D 20 x W 20 x H 50 cm. Materials

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Side Tables

Materials

Glass

Pale Pink Lampshade Nina Table Lamp by HARTO
Pale Pink Lampshade Nina Table Lamp by HARTO

Pale Pink Lampshade Nina Table Lamp by HARTO

Located in Geneve, CH

Pale Pink Lampshade Nina Table Lamp by HARTO Dimensions: W 23 x D 23 x H 44.2 cm. Materials: Solid

Category

2010s Portuguese Post-Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Aluminum

Pink Ombre Venus Vase by Elyse Graham
Pink Ombre Venus Vase by Elyse Graham

Pink Ombre Venus Vase by Elyse Graham

Located in Geneve, CH

Pink Ombre venus vase by Elyse Graham Dimensions: W 14 x D 14 x H 38 cm Materials: Plaster, Resin

Category

2010s American Post-Modern Vases

Materials

Resin, Plaster

Postmodern 80s Sectional Sofa, Pink Floral Upholstery, USA, c. 1980s
Postmodern 80s Sectional Sofa, Pink Floral Upholstery, USA, c. 1980s

Postmodern 80s Sectional Sofa, Pink Floral Upholstery, USA, c. 1980s

Located in Rancho Cucamonga, CA

showcasing a bold curved silhouette with pink floral fabric. This piece blends playful 1980s aesthetics with

Category

Late 20th Century American Post-Modern Sectional Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Foam

Postmodern Brutalist Green and Pink and White Floor Lamp
Postmodern Brutalist Green and Pink and White Floor Lamp

Postmodern Brutalist Green and Pink and White Floor Lamp

Located in Delray Beach, FL

fusion of green, pink, and white, its design is a nod to the audacious 80s. Drawing inspiration from

Category

20th Century American Post-Modern Floor Lamps

Materials

Ceramic

Pink To Be Rug by Paolo Stella
Pink To Be Rug by Paolo Stella

Pink To Be Rug by Paolo Stella

By Paolo Stella

Located in Geneve, CH

Pink To Be rug by Paolo Stella Dimensions: D 60 x W 100 cm (Pile heigh: 1.2 - 3 cm) Materials

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Western European Rugs

Materials

Linen

Angular postmodern vintage  pink / mauve leather armchair by Brayton, USA 1980s
Angular postmodern vintage  pink / mauve leather armchair by Brayton, USA 1980s

Angular postmodern vintage pink / mauve leather armchair by Brayton, USA 1980s

By Brayton International

Located in Hastings, GB

Angular postmodern pink/mauve leather armchair by Brayton International, USA 1980s. The leather is

Category

Late 20th Century American Post-Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Leather

Pink Tube and Rectangle Wall Light by Atelier Areti
Pink Tube and Rectangle Wall Light by Atelier Areti

Pink Tube and Rectangle Wall Light by Atelier Areti

Located in Geneve, CH

Pink Tube and Rectangle Wall Light by Atelier Areti Dimensions: D 12 x W 10 x H 30 cm. Materials

Category

2010s German Post-Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Metal

Shiro Kuramata Acrylic Pink Vase, Large Japanese Postmodern
Shiro Kuramata Acrylic Pink Vase, Large Japanese Postmodern

Shiro Kuramata Acrylic Pink Vase, Large Japanese Postmodern

By Shiro Kuramata

Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

Shiro Kuramata acrylic pink vase large model. Mint condition. Pink and clear acrylic bock with

Category

Vintage 1980s Japanese Post-Modern Vases

Materials

Glass, Acrylic

Set of 2 Hold On Pink Wall Objects by Haus Otto
Set of 2 Hold On Pink Wall Objects by Haus Otto

Set of 2 Hold On Pink Wall Objects by Haus Otto

Located in Geneve, CH

Set of 2 Hold On Pink Wall Objects by Haus Otto Dimensions: D25 x W26.5 x H13 cm Each Materials

Category

2010s German Post-Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Textile, Foam, Wood

Postmodern Italian Vintage Pink Marble Nesting Tables-- Set of 3
Postmodern Italian Vintage Pink Marble Nesting Tables-- Set of 3

Postmodern Italian Vintage Pink Marble Nesting Tables-- Set of 3

Located in Basel, BS

Beautiful solid marble nesting tables, with differing heights, to nest accordingly. Can be arranged in many different configurations. Incredible veining on the marble. Stunning set...

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

The Bride Medium Pink Pendant Lamp by Mammalampa
The Bride Medium Pink Pendant Lamp by Mammalampa

The Bride Medium Pink Pendant Lamp by Mammalampa

Located in Geneve, CH

The Bride Medium Pink Pendant Lamp by Mammalampa Unique Piece. Designed by Ieva Kalēja. Dimensions

Category

2010s Latvian Post-Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Paper

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Post Modern Pink For Sale on 1stDibs

Choose from an assortment of styles, material and more with respect to the post modern pink you’re looking for at 1stDibs. Frequently made of metal, glass and fabric, every post modern pink was constructed with great care. There are 505 variations of the antique or vintage post modern pink you’re looking for, while we also have 355 modern editions of this piece to choose from as well. Your living room may not be complete without a post modern pink — find older editions for sale from the 20th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 21st Century. A post modern pink is a generally popular piece of furniture, but those created in modern, mid-century modern and Art Deco styles are sought with frequency. You’ll likely find more than one post modern pink that is appealing in its simplicity, but Shiro Kuramata, Sarah Merenda and Gerald Scarfe produced versions that are worth a look.

How Much is a Post Modern Pink?

Prices for a post modern pink can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, they begin at $0 and can go as high as $1,885,000, while the average can fetch as much as $1,998.

A Close Look at Post-modern Furniture

Postmodern design was a short-lived movement that manifested itself chiefly in Italy and the United States in the early 1980s. The characteristics of vintage postmodern furniture and other postmodern objects and decor for the home included loud-patterned, usually plastic surfaces; strange proportions, vibrant colors and weird angles; and a vague-at-best relationship between form and function.

ORIGINS OF POSTMODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

  • Emerges during the 1960s; popularity explodes during the ’80s
  • A reaction to prevailing conventions of modernism by mainly American architects
  • Architect Robert Venturi critiques modern architecture in his Complexity and Contradiction in Architecture (1966)
  • Theorist Charles Jencks, who championed architecture filled with allusions and cultural references, writes The Language of Post-Modern Architecture (1977)
  • Italian design collective the Memphis Group, also known as Memphis Milano, meets for the first time (1980) 
  • Memphis collective debuts more than 50 objects and furnishings at Salone del Milano (1981)
  • Interest in style declines, minimalism gains steam

CHARACTERISTICS OF POSTMODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

  • Dizzying graphic patterns and an emphasis on loud, off-the-wall colors
  • Use of plastic and laminates, glass, metal and marble; lacquered and painted wood 
  • Unconventional proportions and abundant ornamentation
  • Playful nods to Art Deco and Pop art

POSTMODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW

VINTAGE POSTMODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS

Critics derided postmodern design as a grandstanding bid for attention and nothing of consequence. Decades later, the fact that postmodernism still has the power to provoke thoughts, along with other reactions, proves they were not entirely correct.

Postmodern design began as an architectural critique. Starting in the 1960s, a small cadre of mainly American architects began to argue that modernism, once high-minded and even noble in its goals, had become stale, stagnant and blandly corporate. Later, in Milan, a cohort of creators led by Ettore Sottsass and Alessandro Mendinia onetime mentor to Sottsass and a key figure in the Italian Radical movement — brought the discussion to bear on design.

Sottsass, an industrial designer, philosopher and provocateur, gathered a core group of young designers into a collective in 1980 they called Memphis. Members of the Memphis Group,  which would come to include Martine Bedin, Michael Graves, Marco Zanini, Shiro Kuramata, Michele de Lucchi and Matteo Thun, saw design as a means of communication, and they wanted it to shout. That it did: The first Memphis collection appeared in 1981 in Milan and broke all the modernist taboos, embracing irony, kitsch, wild ornamentation and bad taste.

Memphis works remain icons of postmodernism: the Sottsass Casablanca bookcase, with its leopard-print plastic veneer; de Lucchi’s First chair, which has been described as having the look of an electronics component; Martine Bedin’s Super lamp: a pull-toy puppy on a power-cord leash. Even though it preceded the Memphis Group’s formal launch, Sottsass’s iconic Ultrafragola mirror — in its conspicuously curved plastic shell with radical pops of pink neon — proves striking in any space and embodies many of the collective’s postmodern ideals. 

After the initial Memphis show caused an uproar, the postmodern movement within furniture and interior design quickly took off in America. (Memphis fell out of fashion when the Reagan era gave way to cool 1990’s minimalism.) The architect Robert Venturi had by then already begun a series of plywood chairs for Knoll Inc., with beefy, exaggerated silhouettes of traditional styles such as Queen Anne and Chippendale. In 1982, the new firm Swid Powell enlisted a group of top American architects, including Frank Gehry, Richard Meier, Stanley Tigerman and Venturi to create postmodern tableware in silver, ceramic and glass.

On 1stDibs, the vintage postmodern furniture collection includes chairs, coffee tables, sofas, decorative objects, table lamps and more.