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Modern Decorative Objects

MODERN STYLE

The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw sweeping social change and major scientific advances — both of which contributed to a new aesthetic: modernism. Rejecting the rigidity of Victorian artistic conventions, modernists sought a new means of expression. References to the natural world and ornate classical embellishments gave way to the sleek simplicity of the Machine Age. Architect Philip Johnson characterized the hallmarks of modernism as “machine-like simplicity, smoothness or surface [and] avoidance of ornament.”

Early practitioners of modernist design include the De Stijl (“The Style”) group, founded in the Netherlands in 1917, and the Bauhaus School, founded two years later in Germany.

Followers of both groups produced sleek, spare designs — many of which became icons of daily life in the 20th century. The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics. While Bauhaus principals Marcel Breuer and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe created furniture from mass-produced, chrome-plated steel, American visionaries like Charles and Ray Eames worked in materials as novel as molded plywood and fiberglass. Today, Breuer’s Wassily chair, Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona chaircrafted with his romantic partner, designer Lilly Reich — and the Eames lounge chair are emblems of progressive design and vintage originals are prized cornerstones of collections.

It’s difficult to overstate the influence that modernism continues to wield over designers and architects — and equally difficult to overstate how revolutionary it was when it first appeared a century ago. But because modernist furniture designs are so simple, they can blend in seamlessly with just about any type of décor. Don’t overlook them.

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Style: Modern
Gaetano Pesce Indian Summer Vase L Resin Grey Turquoise
Located in barasso, IT
Indian Summer vase - Clear grey, matt turquoise Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Measures: L - ø 22cm x H 36cm Colours: Clear grey an...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Resin

Bauhaus Arts and Crafts Modernist Large Aluminum Box, circa 1920
Located in Atlanta, GA
This remarkable early 20th-century modernist aluminum box is a true testament to masterful craftsmanship and innovative design. The rare piece was crafted in Germany circa 1920. Its...
Category

Early 20th Century German Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal, Aluminum

Sculptural Ceramic White Kawa Vase 3/set, Tactile, Tall, Leather-cast Porcelain
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A set of 3 tactile and organic porcelain vases with leather textured exterior surface and clear glazed interior. As a result of the production process each item is one-of-a-kind. Set...
Category

2010s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Clay, Porcelain

Gucci Silvered and Gilded Square Picture Frame, circa 1970
Located in Atlanta, GA
Incorporate a hint of classical elegance into your private interior with this exquisite Gucci-designed picture frame, a true masterpiece from the brand's prestigious Interior Collect...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Gold Plate, Chrome

Oval Horn Tiled Keepsake Box
Located in New York, NY
Hand made keepsake box clad in steam pressed convex oval horn elements. A great addition to any book case or desk.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Horn, Wood

Jay Strongwater Tiger Lily & Bees Enamel Swarovski Crystal Picture Photo Frame
Located in Dayton, OH
Jay Strongwater enameled brass picture frame and miniature floral print. Rectangular frame trimmed with swirling vines and enameled tiger lily blossom and bee studded with blue and g...
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

In-Stock, Kawa Vases Pair, White Porcelain, Organic, Small Vases
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A pair of tactile and organic porcelain vases with leather textured exterior surface and clear glazed interior. As a result of the production process each item is one-of-a-kind. Set ...
Category

2010s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Porcelain

Christian Dior Interior Collection Sterling Silver Picture Frame, circa 1980
Located in Atlanta, GA
An exceptional Christian Dior Paris sterling silver photo frame designed from the Dior Interior Collection. The stunning piece was meticulously crafted in France circa 1980. This tal...
Category

1980s French Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Sterling Silver

Marcello Furlan Murano Art Glass Picture Frame, Italy circa 1980
Located in Atlanta, GA
A rare and striking work of Murano artistry, this stunning picture frame was designed by Marcello Furlan for L.I.P. and handcrafted in Italy in 1989. Sculpted from richly hued amethy...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass, Art Glass, Murano Glass, Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass

Candelabra by Sandra Kravitz for Rosenthal, "Tree of Light " Menorah
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Mixed metal Jewish themed candelabra, designed by Sandra Kravitz presented by the Jacob Rosenthal Collection. The bottom is stamped Rosenthal and Sandra Kravitz.
Category

Mid-20th Century German Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal, Brass

Pink Panther Collection Royal Orleans Pottery Pink Panther Mounted Box
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A delightful, Japanese licensed Pink Panther Collection lidded box distributed by Royal Orleans and dated 1981. The ceramic box is of large oval form with a fitted slightly domed cov...
Category

1980s Japanese Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

A 1980s Modern Gilt Brass and Lacquer Luxury Box by Gucci
Located in Aci Castello, IT
1980s Modern Gilt Brass and Lacquer Small Luxury Box by Gucci A refined piece of Italian luxury, this 1980s small box by Gucci showcases the brand's iconic blend of elegance and bold...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Pineapple Candy / Bonbon Dish or Vide Poche
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed silver bon bon dish. By Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. In the form of a pineapple. Marked to the base. Simply a wonderful Tiffany silver decorative dish! Date:...
Category

20th Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Sterling Silver

Murano Glass Bull Sculpture by Giovanni Dalla Fina
Located in Villaverla, IT
Exquisite Murano Glass Bull Sculpture by Giovanni Dalla Fina This striking and dynamic bull sculpture is a magnificent example of Murano glass artistry, created in the 1990s by the ...
Category

1990s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass

Fish Design Gaetano Pesce Indian Summer L Vase Soft Resin Clear And White
Located in barasso, IT
Indian Summer vase, clear and matt white. Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Measures: L - ø 22cm x H 36cm. Colours: clear and matt wh...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Resin

Emanuele Pantanella Italy Geometric Wood Picture Frame
Located in Atlanta, GA
Emanuele Pantanella (1939-2014), an Italian designer, created this sumptuous picture frame circa 1980. The rare piece boasts a solid, tropical-wood carved construction with a high-gl...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass, Wood

Vintage Art Glass Apple and Pear
Located in Fairfield, CA
A pair of vintage art glass fruit in the shapes of an apple and a pear. Vibrant yellow and orange coloring to the glass with green leaves. Measurements: Apple: 4"Dia x 4.75"H Pear: ...
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass

Rectangle Bubble Vase in Beige Resin by Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Striking and elegant, the Rectangle Bubble Vase has a unique silhouette that brings a modern and playful feel to any space. Styled in built-ins or filled with florals, this vase is a...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

1990 Giulio Lazzotti Mageia Italian Design Black Marble Bird Sculpture
By Mageia Pietrasanta, Giulio Lazzotti
Located in Brescia, IT
Black Marble Bird Giulio Lazzotti Mageia Pietrasanta Italy, 1990 Stunning bird of minimalist design High quality of Manufacture Perfect condiction ...
Category

1990s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

Emilia Castillo Sterling Silver Bowl with Semiprecious Stone Inlay, Mexico
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant and collectible sterling silver bowl by celebrated Mexican designer Emilia Castillo, featuring a hammered surface and inlaid semiprecious stones in a circular formation along...
Category

1980s Mexican Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Multi-gemstone, Sterling Silver

21st Century Karim Rashid Mini Bowl Murano Glass Violet
Located in Brembate di Sopra (BG), IT
Kastle mini bowl, Murano glass, by Karim Rashid, 21st century. Karim Rashid has conceived for Purho a mini collection of bowls and vases characterized by their faceted, structural fo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Louis Vuitton Solid Bronze and Gold-Plated Storefront Plaque, “Malletier à Paris
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Louis Vuitton Solid Bronze and Gold-Plated Storefront Plaque, “Malletier à Paris”—Mid-20th Century A rare and impressive Louis Vuitton architectural nameplate, cast in solid bronze ...
Category

20th Century French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Contemporary Hand Blown Glass Bowl Little Bird Swallow Cute Decorative Crestani
Located in Camisano Vicentino, IT
Rondine Bowl Contemporary Glass Sculpture by Simone Crestani Unique Piece The Rondine Bowl by Simone Crestani is a poetic celebration of lightness and nature, part of his enchanting...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Felix Agostini Modernist Gilt Bronze Candelabra, Candle-holder Candlestick
Located in Atlanta, GA
Boost your interior with the bold sophistication of this exceptional modern bronze candlestick, a striking tribute to the sculptural elegance reminiscent of Felix Agostini's work. Cr...
Category

1960s French Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Modern Catalan Double Sided Ceramic Vase by Isabel Barba-Formosa Spain 1970s
Located in Miami, FL
Hand made in Spain, unusual double side ceramic vessel from the Catalan ceramist Isabel Barba-Formosa (1947-2021). Glazed in dark blue, designed with the top vase and ring, painte...
Category

1970s Spanish Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Pottery

ClassiCon White Limited Edition Brick Screen by Eileen Gray
Located in New York, NY
A LIMITED EDITION of a real work of art ca. 115* 24 187 * Gesamtbreite flach 139 cm * Total width flat 139 cm BRICK SCREEN Designer, Version Designer, Ausführung Product Produkt Fold...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stainless Steel

Hand-Blown Murano Globe Vase in Amber
Located in West Hollywood, CA
A radiant study in light and form, this hand-blown Murano globe vase in amber exudes warmth, brilliance, and artisanal precision. Its multi-faceted silhouette is meticulously cut to ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Onyx Catchall
Located in New York, NY
A substantial green and brown onyx marble catchall, circa mid-20th century. Use to hold pens, jewelry, etc., on a desk, vanity, nightstand, walk-in-closet, etc. Dimensions: 2.63" Hei...
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Onyx, Marble

Organic White Ceramic Vase, Kawa Vase 10, Handmade Sculptural Porcelain object
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Kawa Vase 10 Organic white ceramic vase with textured raw porcelain exterior surface and clear glazed interior. As a result of the production process each item is one-of-a-kind. Va...
Category

2010s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Clay, Porcelain

Glaciar Large Silver Alpaca & Bordeaux Onyx Stone Box
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
Glaciar collection is meticulously handcrafted by our local artisans with these rectangular onyx pieces set around alpaca silver flower vases, boxes and trays. Our pieces are made b...
Category

2010s South American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone, Onyx, Metal

Tronador Square Cream Onyx Stone Box
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
The shape of the inactive Tronador volcano reminded us of the pyramid shaped idea of our boxes that make up this collection. With a rectangular or square base, the box is a reflectio...
Category

2010s Argentine Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone, Onyx

Italian Cat's Eye Egg Sculpture
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful small luxury item, an Italian cat's eye egg sculpture decorative object in brown and golden hues polished smooth.
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone

Organic White Ceramic Vase, Kawa Vase 21, Handmade Sculptural Porcelain object
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Kawa Vase 21 Organic white ceramic vase with textured raw porcelain exterior surface and clear glazed interior. As a result of the production process each item is one-of-a-kind. Va...
Category

2010s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Clay, Porcelain

Sterling Silver Gold-Plated Square Photo Frame with Translucent Enamel Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Square photo frame in 9251000 sterling silver gold-plated with translucent fired enamel on guilloché. Modern contemporary style. Cut glass. Blue velvet panel. External dimensions 10...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel

20th C. Bronze Abstract 'Infiniti' Sculpture to Attributed Richard Erdman
By Richard Erdman
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Late 20th Century Bronze Abstract Sculpture with Verdigris Patina, attributed to Richard Erdman (American, b. 1952) Consisting of two pieces, the bronze sculpture and the marble bas...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Tronador Rectangular Cream Onyx Stone Box
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
The shape of the inactive Tronador volcano reminded us of the pyramid shaped idea of our boxes that make up this collection. With a rectangular or square base, the box is a reflectio...
Category

2010s Argentine Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone, Onyx

Set of 5, Kawa Series Porcelain Vases & Bowls, Decor, White Ceramic, Organic
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A set of 5 leather-cast porcelain vases & bowls with textured exterior surface and clear glazed interior. Dynamic and organic in form, the set can be used as a cluster or individuall...
Category

2010s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Porcelain, Clay

Ambrosiá Handmade Crystal Decorative Bowl Set: Arcaico modern crystal bowl
Located in Glendale, CA
The Ambrosiá Footed Crystal Bowl Set is a Multifunctional Luxury Serveware. It is a handcrafted, collectible centerpiece that beautifully merges vi...
Category

2010s Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

Frog Sculpture by Jon Stuart Anderson, signed & dated
Located in Warrenton, OR
Frog Sculpture by Jon Stuart Anderson, signed & dated. This amazing miniature sculpture is by the renowned fimo sculptor Jon Stuart Anderson. It was owned by one person who had k...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Clay

Agresti Black Ebony Polished Wood Box for 24 Cufflinks with Leather Detail
Located in New York, NY
Box for 54 pairs of cufflinks in black polished wood with leather handles.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ebony

Pedro Ramirez Vasquez for Daum Crystal Athena Cubist Torso Female Sculpture
By Daum
Located in Atlanta, GA
This is a spectacular Daum Nancy France crystal Athena art glass paperweight or sculpture designed by the Mexican architect and statesman Pedro Ramirez Vazquez (1919 - 2013). The stu...
Category

1970s French Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

1990s Modernist Black Fat Lava Ceramic German Bison
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This Ceramic Bison by Otto Keramik is a striking and unique piece of ceramic art that epitomizes the design aesthetics of the era. Created by the renowned German pottery studio Otto ...
Category

Late 20th Century German Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

White Bone And Brass Keepsake Box
Located in New York, NY
Handmade decorative keepsake, desk box clad in white bone and brass inlay pinstripes.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

'Pichet Espagnol' from the Madoura Pottery 'AR 245' by Pablo Picasso '1954'
Located in London, GB
'Pichet Espagnol' ceramic piece from the Madoura Pottery (A.R. 245) by Pablo Picasso (1954). A fired, unglazed ceramic pitcher in the form of a stylise...
Category

1950s French Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Baccarat Large Structured Tapered Clear Crystal Vase, France
Located in Rijssen, NL
A crystal masterpiece of beautiful proportions, this vase crystallize the extraordinary know-how of the Baccarat craftsmen. The different cuts in the vase produce a magic visual effe...
Category

Early 2000s French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

Christian Dior Sterling Silver Picture Frame
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Christian Dior Paris sterling silver picture frame boasts an oval shape featuring the iconic CD logo stylized form. The piece was crafted in France circa 1980. The back...
Category

1980s French Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal, Sterling Silver

Set of 9 Vintage 1970s Gunnar Cyren for Dansk Zoo Series Silver Plated Animals
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A set of 9 vintage 1970s Gunnar Cyren for Dansk zoo series silver plated animal paperweights. This is a very fun set of decorative paperweights from the 70s. Each paperweight depicts...
Category

1970s Unknown Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Silver Plate

Tronador Rectangular Blue Onyx Stone Box
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
The shape of the inactive Tronador volcano reminded us of the pyramid shaped idea of our boxes that make up this collection. With a rectangular or square base, the box is a reflectio...
Category

2010s Argentine Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone, Onyx

Eleanor Myers Sculptural Modern Ceramic Vase, Oregon, 1990's
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Eleanor Myers Sculptural Ceramic Vase, Oregon, 1990's.
Category

20th Century American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Rectangle Bubble Vase in Pink Resin by Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Striking and elegant, the Rectangle Bubble Vase has a unique silhouette that brings a modern and playful feel to any space. Styled in built-ins or filled with florals, this vase is a...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

Modernist Plexiglass or Lucite Faceted Box
Located in Atlanta, GA
This exceptional geometric acrylic Lucite lidded box was designed in Italy. The piece was meticulously crafted circa 1960. This substantial box features a modernist shape with an inc...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Acrylic, Lucite

Lull No112 Wooden Totem Sculpture by Joel Escalona – Perfect for Luxury Spaces
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Lull No112 Wooden Totem Sculpture by Joel Escalona – Perfect for Luxury Spaces ——— Balance and tension are at the core of these sculptures. The interplay between the smooth, rounded...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Hardwood

Hermes - Natural Concrete - Design Sculpture Paolo Giordano Classic Cement Cast
Located in MILANO, ML
Contemporary Paolo Giordano Hermes abstract sculpture concrete cement cast grey Hermes is concrete sculpture. It's part of a large work that is also photographic: 'Digital Journey i...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Concrete, Cement

Fish Design Gaetano Pesce Spaghetti Special Vase XL Soft Resin Red Blue
Located in barasso, IT
Spaghetti Special Vase - Clear aqua and coral red Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Measures: XL - ø 30cm x H 56cm Colours: Clear aqu...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Resin

Montagnani Italy Modernist Wood and Metal Picture Frame, circa 1970
Located in Atlanta, GA
Montagnani Firenze designed this stunning picture frame. The rare piece was crafted in Italy circa 1970. The photo frame features a Mid-Century modernist form, with a rectangular sha...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

TRAVERTINE VASE SET of 2, Natural Stone Travertine Decorative Object - Vessel
Located in St Petersburg, US
Giacomo by Haand: A set of 2 travertine vases, each featuring a unique design with varying sphere sizes and tall flower holders. With dimensions of 10 cm (4") in width and 25 cm (10...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Travertine, Marble

All'EDEN Yellow/Clear Handmade Crystal Decorative Bowl – Elegant Artisan Craft
Located in Glendale, CA
All'EDEN Handmade Crystal Decorative Bowl is a vibrant and unique yellow and clear crystal display bowl with new yet classy design. This exquisite bowl is meticulously crafted by sk...
Category

2010s Central American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

Pair of Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co. 'Bone' Ceramic Candlestick Holders
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A pair of fine signed candle holders. In black glazed pottery. By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co. From the 'Bone' series. Measuring 9 3/8" with felt pads to the base of each. Mar...
Category

20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Organic Ceramic Vessel, Kawa Large Vessel 05, Sculptural, Abstract, Porcelain
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Kawa Series Large Vessel 05 Oversized white ceramic vessel with textured porcelain exterior surface and clear glazed interior. Made by casting liquid clay into sewn leather molds, a...
Category

2010s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Porcelain, Clay

Sterling Silver Bird Objet d'Art Mexico
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Original artwork. Limited. Sterling silver top and legs with marble egg form center. Beautiful craftsmanship detailing. Stamped under. Fine original vintage condition with a nice pat...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mexican Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble, Sterling Silver

Modern decorative objects for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Modern decorative objects for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage decorative objects created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, asian art and furniture and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, ceramic and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Modern decorative objects made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and North America pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original decorative objects, popular names associated with this style include Venini, RAAQUU, VG-VGnewtrend, and Mosche Bianche. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for decorative objects differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $15 and tops out at $6,718,000 while the average work can sell for $1,174.

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