Postmodern Beige Encased and Hand-blown Glass Decanter Bottle, Italy
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1960s - 1970s. This decanter bottle is part of a three-piece set. It is made in three-color encased glass with green edges and murrines. This is a vintage item, the...
Murano Glass
Vintage Boho Studio Pottery Vase
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A fabulous vintage Boho vase. A chic Postmodern design in pale muted colors.
Pottery
$505Sale Price|25% Off
Postmodern Round Cyan Murano Glass Bottle by Alfredo Barbini, Italy, 1980s
By Alfredo Barbini
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1980s. This bottle is designed by Alfredo Barbini and it is made in Murano glass and etched glass. It is a vintage piece, therefore it might show slight traces of use...
Murano Glass, Glass
$480Sale Price|20% Off
Barbara Brenner Porcelain Vase for Rosenthal
By Rosenthal, Barbara Brenner
Located in Miami, FL
Organic postmodern porcelain vase by Barbara Brenner for Rosenthal, 1980s.
Porcelain
$720Sale Price|20% Off
Barbara Brenner Porcelain Vase for Rosenthal
By Rosenthal, Barbara Brenner
Located in Miami, FL
Organic postmodern porcelain vase by Barbara Brenner for Rosenthal, 1980s.
Porcelain
$960Sale Price|20% Off
Barbara Brenner Porcelain Vase for Rosenthal
By Rosenthal, Barbara Brenner
Located in Miami, FL
Large organic postmodern porcelain vase by Barbara Brenner for Rosenthal, 1980s.
Porcelain
Postmodern Italian Pottery Planter with Flower Stand, 1980s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Postmodern Italian Pottery Planter with Flower Stand, 1980s
Ceramic
Vintage Boho Monumental Studio Pottery Vase
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Perfect as a standalone floor sculpture, centerpiece on a large table, or displayed in a curated vignette, this vase complements boho, postmodern, eclectic, or contemporary spaces al...
Pottery, Paint
Black and White Polka Dot Glass Cone Vase
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Postmodern milk glass cone vase with black polka dots throughout.
Milk Glass
Twisted Vase in White Glazed Ceramic 1980s
By Jan van der Vaart
Located in Meer, VAN
Twisted Vase in White Glazed Ceramic 1980s. This is a wonderful white glazed ceramic vase with a postmodern shape.
Ceramic
$260Sale Price|25% Off
Postmodern Murano Glass Leaf Trinket Bowl / Vide-Poche by Alfredo Barbini, Italy
By Alfredo Barbini
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1970s. This trinket bowl / vide-poche is designed by Alfredo Barbini and it is made in light blue and transparent Murano glass with lines obtained from a mold and then...
Murano Glass
Vintage IKEA Ceramic Vase, Glossy White, Sculptural Design, 1980s
By IKEA
Located in Stockholm, SE
Its minimalist form pairs effortlessly with contemporary, Scandinavian, and postmodern interiors. The vase is in very good vintage condition with light wear consistent with age and ...
Ceramic
1970s Post Modern Blue Ceramic Vase by Rigon for Bertoncello
By Roberto Rigon, Bertoncello
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This 1970s Postmodern blue ceramic vase, designed by Rigon for Bertoncello, is an iconic example of Italian ceramic artistry during the era.
Ceramic
Italy 1990 Post-Modern Orange Murano Glass Vase
Located in Brescia, IT
This Postmodern Murano glass vase has a very glamorous orange tone .
Glass
Vintage Postmodern Ceramic Planter, Glossy Blush Finish, Circa 1980
Located in Fairfield, CA
A large vintage postmodern ceramic planter. Unique organic abstract shape. Glossy pale blush finish to the ceramic.
Ceramic
Italian Murano Glass Hourglass Vase, Cobalt Blue Yellow, 1980s — Cenedese
By Cenedese
Located in Villaverla, IT
Cenedese Murano Glass Hourglass Vase in Cobalt Blue and Yellow, 1980s. This striking postmodern Italian art glass vase features a vibrant jacketed color combination.
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Cut Glass, Murano Glass
Ettore Sottsass Alessio Sarri Pottery Centerpiece Italian Postmodern Memphis
By Ettore Sottsass
Located in Wilton, CT
Vintage Ettore Sottsass ET4 postmodern centerpiece with lopsided walls and garden green glaze produced by Alessio Sarri, circa 1980's. 4 3/4" high, 9 3/4" wide, 9 3/4" deep. Excellen...
Pottery
Gregory Van Pelt for Flute Chicago Black Corrugated Cardboard Floor Vase
By Flute Chicago
Located in Stafford, TX
Gregory Van Pelt for Flute Chicago Monumental Black Corrugated Cardboard Floor Vase on Original Iron Stand, 1980s An exceptional monumental Postmodern floor vase designed by Gregory...
Iron
Dale Chihuly & James Carpenter Glass Blown Vase Signed & Dated 1973
By Dale Chihuly, James Carpenter
Located in San Diego, CA
rare postmodern mouth blown glass vase signed & dated by Studio James Carpenter 1973, JCDA Inc , Dale Chihuly & James Carpenter Collaboration , blown glass signed & etched into the g...
Blown Glass
Dealbata Porcelain Vase by Alessandro Mendini for Zanotta, '1987'
By Zanotta, Alessandro Mendini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An amazing postmodern white porcelain vase designed by Alessandro Mendini (born 1931) for Zanotta's "Edizioni" collection and produced in limited numbers.
Porcelain
$832Sale Price|34% Off
Postmodern Tessellated Stone Inlay Mod Cachepot / Planter Attrib. Maitland-Smith
By Maitland Smith
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Postmodern Tessellated Stone Inlay Mod Cachepot/PPlanter, Attributed to Maitland-Smith, Circa 1980s This striking postmodern tessellated stone inlay cachepot/planter, attributed to...
Stone
Pair of Italian Murano Glass Red Cylinder Vases, Turquoise Interior, Cenedese
By Cenedese
Located in Villaverla, IT
Striking pair of Italian Murano glass architectural cylinder presentation vases showcases bold Postmodern color-blocking and minimalist discipline by the renowned furnace Cenedese.
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass
Post-Modern Solid Marble Orb Vase in Green Granite, Sculptural Stone Vessel
Located in San Diego, CA
A beautifully proportioned postmodern stone vase, carved from a single block of solid marble with a softly rounded orb form.
Marble
Alessandro Mendini & Lapo Binazzi for Alessi, Vase '100% Make Up', Italy 1992
By Ettore Sottsass, Alessi, Memphis Milano, Alessandro Mendini
Located in Malmö, SE
A postmodern limited-edition porcelain vase with lid from the first edition of the “100% Make-Up” series by Alessi Tendentse, Italy, released in 1992.
Ceramic
Memphis-era decor of Debut Vase – Michael Boehm & Yves Galgon for Rosenthal
By Rosenthal
Located in Berlin, DE
Trained in Hannover (Werkkunstschule, 1965–70) and Hamburg (Hochschule für Bildende Künste, 1970–77) before relocating to Spain, his porcelain work is prized for its energetic abstra...
Porcelain
1980s Flavio Poli Modern Pink Blue and Yellow Sommerso Murano Glass Tall Vase
By Flavio Poli
Located in Aci Castello, IT
Whether placed as a centerpiece or added to a collection of mid-century and postmodern glass, this vase serves as a bold statement of color and craftsmanship.
Murano Glass
Sasaki by Ward Bennett Post-Modern Lead Crystal Geometric Vase / Catchall, Japan
By Ward Bennett
Located in San Diego, CA
A sophisticated Postmodern lead crystal vase or sculptural catchall designed by Ward Bennett for Sasaki, Japan, circa 1980s.
Crystal
Post-Modern Ceramic Sculptural Vase by MarCo M.A.C. Sculpture, California 1980s
By MAC
Located in San Diego, CA
A striking Postmodern ceramic vase by MarCo for M.A.C. Sculpture, California, dating to the 1980s.
Ceramic
Alessandro Mendini x Luigi Ontani 100% Make-Up Limited Lidded Vase, Alessi, 1992
By Luigi Ontani, Alessi, Alessandro Mendini
Located in Vienna, AT
A postmodern limited-edition porcelain vase with lid from the first edition of the “100% Make-Up” series by Alessi Tendentse, Italy, released in 1992.
Porcelain
Postmodern Art Deco Style Plant Stand in the Shape of an Elegant Lady
Located in Doornspijk, NL
This large stylized plant stand is made of wood. It has the shape of an elegant lady dressed up in the style of the Art Deco heydays. Above her head she carries a planter that serves...
Wood
Geometric Twin-Column Ceramic Vase "Space Age," Italy, 1970
Located in Conversano, IT
A graphic, Space Age / postmodern object that doubles as a twin-stem vase.
Ceramic
$140Sale Price|71% Off
Postmodern Pink Ceramic Floral Vase
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Exceptional vintage Postmodern ceramic floor vase. Features a glossy pink finish with flowers etched around the bust and base.
Ceramic
Postmodern Studio Ceramic Vase Signed
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Postmodern ceramic vase in a pastel palette with black interior, circa 1980s.
Ceramic
$96Sale Price|67% Off
Postmodern Light Green Scalloped Ceramic Vase
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Incredible vintage postmodern ceramic vase. Features a gloss might green finish with a scalloped shape.
Ceramic
$135Sale Price|65% Off
Postmodern Circular Cream Vase by Haeger
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Introducing the Postmodern Circular Cream Vase by Haeger, an elegant piece that doubles as both a functional vase and a standalone sculpture.
Ceramic
$156Sale Price|60% Off
Postmodern Black Gloss Vase by Haeger
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Immerse in the allure of postmodern design with this Black Gloss Vase by Haeger.
Ceramic
$594Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ceramic Vase, Hand-Painted, Italian Pino Castagna
By Pino Castagna
Located in Milano, IT
This postmodern vase, whose shape reminds of a deformed cylinder, has been crafted by the Italian artist Pino Castagna in the 1980s.
Ceramic
$96Sale Price|75% Off
Italian Postmodern Cream With Colored Streak Vase
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Wonderful vintage postmodern ceramic vase made in Italy. Features a cream glossy finish with purple, blue pink streaking around the surface.
Ceramic
Postmodern " Memphis" Vase produced by Formia, 1989
Located in Brussels, BE
Postmodern " Memphis" vase produced by Formia, 1989
Glass
Postmodern " Memphis" Vase produced by Formia, 1985
Located in Brussels, BE
Postmodern " Memphis" vase produced by Formia, 1985
Glass
Postmodern " Memphis" vase produced by Formia, 1985
Located in Brussels, BE
Postmodern " Memphis" vase produced by Formia, 1985
Glass
Postmodern" Memphis" vase produced by Formia, 1985
Located in Brussels, BE
Postmodern "Memphis" vase produced by Formia, 1985
Glass
Postmodern Hand Painted and Carved Large Floor Vase
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Elevate your space with the Postmodern Hand Painted and Carved Large Floor Vase, a true artistic statement piece.
Ceramic
Postmodern Vintage Black Red and Orange Ceramic Vase
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Amazing vintage glass vase. Displays a back a red glass exterior with an orange interior.
Glass
Yellow Conic Vase, Postmodern Memphis Milan Style, Italy 1980s
Located in Firenze, IT
Postmodern Yellow Conic vase Italy 1980s ceramic in Memphis Milan style. 27 cm diam x 20 cm H Conditions: excellent, two barely visible small chips.
Ceramic
Klaus Lehmann, Postmodern German Studio Pottery Art Column Vase Sculpture
By Klaus Lehmann
Located in Hamburg, DE
Klaus Lehmann, Postmodern German Studio Pottery Column Art Vase Sculpture, 1981
Pottery
Postmodern Irregular Shaped Grey Earthenware Vase by Rosenthal, Italy
By Rosenthal
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1980s This ceramic vase is marked by Rosenthal. This is a vintage piece, therefore it might show slight traces of use, but it can be considered as in excellent origin...
Earthenware
Two Lucie Kaas, Etc. Postmodern Box and Bud Vase Table Articles
Located in Astoria, NY
Two Postmodern Table Articles, comprising: a Lucie Kaas blue painted metal and composite sculptural bud vase with glass liner, and a covered box illegibly signed and dated "2017" to ...
Metal
$300Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Postmodern Ikebana Vase/Vessel by Studio Nova Japan
Located in San Diego, CA
Incredible pair of postmodern Ikebana vases by Studio Nova Japan. This rare and beautiful vintage piece is an original from which current styles are derived from and dates from the m...
Ceramic
Postmodern Penis Shaped Coat Rack. Inspired by Ettore Sottsass Shiva vase
By Ettore Sottsass
Located in Hurricane, UT
This postmodern coat rack by Greg Palombo is a sculptural work influenced by Ettore Sottsass’ Shiva Vase and questions the idea of classic furniture archetypes.
Wood
Set of 2 Postmodern German Glass Table Lamp and Vase Set, 1980s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Postmodern German Glass Table Lamp and Vase Set from Ambiente Schott Zwiesel, 1980s, Set of 2, in Very Good conditions.
Glass
Peter Secrest Art Studio Glass Vase Pitcher Red Gold Flakes Postmodern 2003
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
The pitcher or vase was hand blown by Peter Secrest in Naples, NY.
Gold
XL PostModern Memphis Ettore Sottsass Ip Murano Blown Glass Sculpture Vase Italy
By Ettore Sottsass
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Exceptional, Stunning and Monumental, post modern, Memphis Era, Ettore Sottsass inspired sculptural vase, Circa 1980, Italy Striking, bold, glass sculptural centerpiece in primary ...
Blown Glass
Postmodern Textured Table Lamp
Located in Bradenton, FL
A postmodern table lamp. The traditional vase shaped body is plaster with a richly textured finish in an earthy terracotta color.
Plaster
Postmodern Pair of Glass Vases by Tamara Aladin for Riihimaen Lasi Oy, Finland
By Tamara Aladin, Riihimäen Lasi Oy
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Finland, 1970s. Designed by Tamara Aladin and manufactured by Riihimaen Lasi Oy. Made in plum purple glass. They are rare and highly collectible item of the Scandinavian desi...
Glass
Postmodern Textured Ceramic Table Lamps - a Pair
Located in Bradenton, FL
A pair of 1980’s postmodern textured table lamps. Ceramic vases are finished in a light-yellow textured plaster with beveled rings around the body and the base.
Ceramic
Postmodern Sculptural Lamps by Pacific Coast - a Pair
Located in Bradenton, FL
A pair of postmodern lamps by Pacific Coast dated 1991. Postmodern sculptural style vases in peach are cast with flowing folds draped to give the look of fabric.
Ceramic
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.
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.