Postmodern Tray / Centerpiece Mas Italia in the Style of Memphis Milano, 1980s
By Memphis Milano
Located in Lille, FR
Postmodern tray / centerpiece Mas Italia in the style of Memphis Milano, 1980s.
Metal
Vintage German Postmodern Tray by Matteo Thun for WMF, 1980s
By Matteo Thun
Located in Hamburg, DE
Vintage German Postmodern Tray by Matteo Thun for WMF, 1980s, in Very Good conditions.
Metal
Postmodern Italian Plastic Tray from Guzzini 1980s
By Guzzini
Located in Hamburg, DE
Postmodern Italian Plastic Tray from Guzzini, 1980s, in Very Good conditions.
Plastic
Postmodern Italian Plastic Tray from Guzzini, 1980s
By Guzzini
Located in Hamburg, DE
Postmodern Italian Plastic Tray from Guzzini, 1980s, in Very Good conditions.
Plastic
Postmodern Design Glass and Wood Tray by Thor, 1996
By Ettore Sottsass
Located in Miami, FL
Postmodern design glass and wood serving tray with handles by Thor, 1996.
Glass, Wood
Post-Modern Tray in Steel and Veneered Plywood in Style of Ettore Sottsass, 80s
By Ettore Sottsass
Located in Roma, IT
We are pleased to offer for sale an elegant and highly decorative postmodern tray produced between the late 1970s and early 1980s by Studio Inox.
Stainless Steel
Recinto tray Alessi Alessandro Mendini Postmodern
By Alessi, Alessandro Mendini
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
"Recinto" table tray designed by Alessandro Mendini for Alessi. Designed in around 2000. Vintage blue color. There are a little trace of use. Over all good condition.
Stainless Steel
Postmodern Italian Yellow Plastic Tray from Guzzini
By Guzzini
Located in Hamburg, DE
Postmodern Italian Yellow Plastic Tray from Guzzini, in Very Good conditions.
Plastic
$279Sale Price|20% Off
Alessi Round Polished Stainless Steel Tray Postmodern
By Alessi
Located in Bochum, NRW
Alessi Round Polished Stainless Steel Tray Postmodern. Round tray with a leased edge. Maker's mark on the bottom.
Stainless Steel
Vintage Postmodern Abstract Original Studio Pottery Tray
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This monumental original studio pottery platter is a striking masterclass in Postmodern abstraction, offering an authoritative presence through its bold, graphic aesthetic. The expan...
Pottery
1980's Italian Postmodern Leather Modernist Paper Desk Tray
Located in San Diego, CA
Elegant Single letter desk tray , postmodern Italian leather wrapped nice original condition.
Leather
Postmodern Double Decker White Oak & Brass Desk Paper Tray
By Lou Hodges
Located in San Diego, CA
Very nice design with rounded corners and brass rods double decker desk paper tray circa 1980's great condition stalish and versatile solid owhite oak construction.
Brass
$1,000Sale Price|66% Off
Rare Postmodern George Kovacs Lamps with Illuminated Display Trays
By George Kovacs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Unique and rare pair of postmodern George Kovacs floor lamps. White tray supported by chrome uprights.
Metal
Postmodern Patinated Brass Double Desk Letter Tray Paper Holder
Located in San Diego, CA
Double letter tray in patinated brass finish with black enamel lining by Mc Donald Products of Buffalo New York. Very nice accent to any executive desk
Brass
Alessi Girotondo Round Stainless Steel Tray Postmodern in Yellow
By Alessi
Located in San Diego, CA
Cut paper dolls motif created by design Duo Stefano Giovannoni and Guido Ventury early production. Beautiful color and condition
Stainless Steel
Italian Postmodern Round Tray with Violet Murano Glass Handles , 1980s
Located in Roma, IT
The defining feature of this postmodern Italian tray is undoubtedly its handles, which emerge from elegant gilt stainless steel details.
Stainless Steel
$220Sale Price / set|20% Off
Postmodern Set of 3 Japanese Lacquerware Serving Trays with Handles
Located in San Diego, CA
A very rare set of 3 lacquerware serving trays, excellent condition never used in gray finish top with black bottom with wrapping handles, made in Japan.
Lacquer
Postmodern Rare Molded Wood Tray Designed by Addison Lanier for Skyconcept
Located in San Diego, CA
Great design on this wavy tray or wine holder . great design with wood balls holding it stamped and dated 1992.
Wood
Postmodern Dansk Space Age Serving Tray & Cutting Board By Gunnar Cyren
By Dansk, Gunnar Cyren
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful rare serving platter designed by Gunnar Cyren for dansk circa 1980's great design with removable cutting board in the middle made of solid birch wood grea striking red color.
Plastic, Birch
Set of 3 Postmodern Sugar and Milk Tray by Micheal Graves for Alessi, 1980s
By Michael Graves (b.1934)
Located in Hamburg, DE
Postmodern Italian Sugar and Milk Tray by Micheal Graves for Alessi, 1980s, Set of 3, in Very Good conditions.
Metal
1980's Italian Futura Silver-Plate, Wood, Resin Tray By Larry Laslo For Towle
By Larry Laslo, Towle Silversmiths
Located in North Miami, FL
This fabulous vintage 1980's postmodern Italian tray was designed by Larry Laslo for Towle Silversmiths in Italy.
Silver Plate
Set of 2 Tray and Letter Opener by Steve McGugan for Royal Copenhagen, 1980s
By Royal Copenhagen
Located in Hamburg, DE
Postmodern Danish Wave Series Desk Tray and Letter Opener by Steve McGugan for Royal Copenhagen, 1980s, Set of 2, in Very Good conditions.
Metal
Postmodern Italian 1980's Perforated Metal Tray
By Ettore Sottsass
Located in San Diego, CA
Postmodern perforated tray very rare and made in Italy.
Metal
Arthur Court Postmodern Elephant Aluminum Serving Tray
By Arthur Court
Located in Astoria, NY
Arthur Court Postmodern elephant aluminum serving tray in oblong shape, with incised decoration of various elephants.
Aluminum
Postmodern 1980's Italian Metal Serving Tray
By Ettore Sottsass
Located in San Diego, CA
Post-Modern red metal serving tray. High quality construction, made with with thick steel. Made in Italy. 1980s.
Metal
Postmodern Solid Lacquered Wood Tray with Chrome Handles
By Studio Nova By Sommerhuber
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful and rare 1980's solid wood lacquered round serving tray with chrome handles , nice patina and worn finish some marks due to age but its got style and looks.
Chrome
Alessi Girotondo Round Polished Stainless Steel Tray Postmodern
By Alessi
Located in San Diego, CA
Cut paper dolls motif created by design Duo Stefano Giovannoni and Guido Ventury early production.
Stainless Steel
Postmodern Decorative Lucite Tray with Orange Clear & Blue Accents
By Charles Hollis Jones
Located in San Diego, CA
beautiful unique lucite tray Postmodern design simple elegant and unique excellent condition.
Lucite
Postmodern Green Euclid Tray by Michael Graves for Alessi
By Michael Graves (b.1934), Alessi
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A classic design by Memphis Milano-affiliated American postmodern designer and architect Michael Graves for his Euclid line for Alessi, the Italian home goods powerhouse.
Plastic
Postmodern Polished Brass Double Desk Letter Tray Paper Holder
Located in San Diego, CA
Double letter tray in polished brass finish with black enamel lining by emphasis 6000. Very nice accent to any executive's desk! California design.
Brass
Postmodern Stainless Steel & Brass Italian Serving Tray by Inoxbeck
By Alessi
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful elegant mirror polished tray with solid polished brass accent handles, circa 1980s made in Italy by Inoxbeck 18/10, nice clean condition very light wear.
Brass, Stainless Steel
Postmodern Pop Plastic Rectangular Tray Made in Italy by Guzzini
By Guzzini
Located in San Diego, CA
Cool Postmodern plastic tray by Guzzini, made in Italy circa 1980s in great condition.
Plastic
Set of 3 Postmodern Origami Trays by Tair Mercier
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The French duo of Judith Tair, a fashion designer, and Philippe Mercier, an art director, are the creators behind a line of whimsical placemats and plates that were wildly successful...
Plastic
Postmodern Double Deck Desk Letter Tray Cherry Wood & Molded Plastic
Located in San Diego, CA
Great design on this double-deck desk letter tray , molded wave smoke plastic with solid cherry wood sides, and rubber anti-slippery feet.
Plastic, Rubber, Cherry
Postmodern Espresso Cups and a Serving Tray designed by Carlo Giannini
By Carlo Giannini
Located in Doornspijk, NL
Postmodern Espresso Cups and a Serving Tray designed by Carlo Giannini .
Stainless Steel
Postmodern Silver-Plated Serving Plate or Tray Attr. to Lino Sabattini
By Mesa, Lino Sabattini
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1970s - 1980s. This is a great silver plated metal and glass serving dish / centerpiece. Its simple design is attributable to Lino Sabattini. It is marked Mesa. Thi...
Metal
Postmodern Tray or Centerpiece by Mas Italia, Italy, 1980s
By Memphis Milano
Located in Lille, FR
Postmodern tray or centerpiece by MAS Italia, Italy, 1980s.
Metal
Vintage Italian Postmodern Tray
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Embrace the bold, playful aesthetic of late 20th-century Italian design with this striking postmodern serving tray. Drawing clear inspiration from the iconic Memphis Group movement, ...
Wood
Postmodern 1980's Perforated Metal Tray
By Ettore Sottsass
Located in San Diego, CA
Post-Modern yellow and black perforated metal tray. 1980s.
Metal
Rare Cutting Tray by Guzzini Italy Postmodern Design
By Guzzini
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful and very rare cutting tray by Guzzini Italy, solid wood with plastic handles and cutting flatware, circa 1980's.
Stainless Steel
Claudia Reese Postmodern Art Pottery Ceramic Vide-Poche Trays
By Claudia Reese
Located in Astoria, NY
Claudia Reese Postmodern art pottery glazed ceramic elongated pair of vide-poche trays, stamped with makers mark on the side.
Ceramic
Postmodern Italian Leather & Walnut Serving Tray by Arte & Cuoio
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful elegant solid walnut tray with handles wrapped in patinated leather , by arte & Cuoio , made in Italy circa 1980's great detail with elegant white cord touch in the corners...
Leather, Walnut
Sold
H 11.25 in W 11.5 in D 13.75 in
Postmodern Red Japanese Perforated Metal Letter Tray Desk Set 1980s
Located in San Diego, CA
A wonderful Post-Modern red enamel perforated metal desk set. It includes a letter tray with sliding trays, stapler, pencil cup and storage container. Japan.
Metal
Sold
H 11.25 in W 11.5 in D 13.75 in
Postmodern Black Enameled Japanese Perforated Metal Letter Tray Desk Memphis Era
Located in San Diego, CA
A wonderful Post-Modern black enamel perforated metal desk tray with sliding trays versatile and unique.
Metal
Sold
H 6.75 in W 10 in D 13.75 in
1980s Postmodern Tiered Letter File Tray in Red with Chrome Accents Joe Colombo
By Kartell, Joe Colombo
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Desk tray 1980s Postmodern tiered office file tray in red chrome accents Joe Colombo Era Mid-Century Modern stylish desk tray in red plastic with chrome frame. 1980s USA Joe Colombo ...
Chrome
Sold
H 1.75 in W 12.5 in D 14 in
Postmodern Polished Stainless Steel Hors d'oeuvre Tray by Tom Kovacs for Alessi
By Alessi
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice postmodern polished stainless steel hors d'oeuvre tray by Tom Kovacs for Alessi, circa 2000's.
Stainless Steel
Orange Lacquer Tray
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful modern style/Postmodern period orange lacquer tray, circa late 20th century.
Composition
Black Modern Tray
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful modern style/Postmodern period black lacquer style tray, circa late 20th century.
Composition
Arts & Crafts Sterling Tray by Kalo
By The Kalo Shop
Located in Litchfield, CT
The form is extremely modern, effortlessly blending the Chicago aesthetic with a heady awareness of the global design narrative that would encompass Modern, Deco, Industrial, and Pos...
Red Postmodern Side Table/Trolley with Quaderna Pattern, 1980s
Located in Ixelles, Bruxelles
Design Period - Eighties Measurements - Width 48 cm x Depth 69 cm x Height 55 cm Materials - Metal, Glass Color - Red, Black, White Condition - Good Comments - Light wear consistent...
Metal
Sold
H 28.35 in W 27.17 in D 18.12 in
Black Postmodern Bar Wagon/Serving Trolley with Quaderna Pattern, 1980s
Located in Ixelles, Bruxelles
Design Period - Eighties Measurements - Width 46 cm x depth 69 cm x height 72 cm. Materials - Metal, Glass Color - Black, White Light wear consistent with age and use.
Metal
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
CHARACTERISTICS OF POSTMODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
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 Mendini — a 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.
It's hard to resist the allure of a beautiful pool. So, go ahead and daydream about whiling away your summer in paradise.
Alessandro Mendini, Michael Graves, Ettore Sottsass and other design luminaries contributed to this unusual collection of porcelain wares representing a time capsule of late-20th-century decorative art.
Aided by photos taken of the maestro in his Milan studio, we honor the influential design talent who died last month at 87.
Adam Charlap Hyman and Andre Herrero, rising young design talents, are debuting a new, eclectic line of textiles.