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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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 chair — crafted 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.
Vintage Burl Wood Trinket Box, Mid-20th Century
Located in New York, NY
A relatively small rectangular burl wood trinket box, in the Modern design style, circa mid-20th century. Crafted in a rich burl with a smooth, polished finish. The box works well on...
Wood, Burl
Vintage Burl Wood Box, Mid-20th Century
Located in New York, NY
A rectangular burl wood box, in the Modern design style, circa mid-20th century, Europe. Crafted in a rich burl with a smooth, polished finish. The box works well on a vanity, dresse...
Wood, Burl
1970s Italian Murano Glass Duck Sculpture with Gold Leaf and Controlled Bubbles
Located in Hannover, DE
A charming and finely crafted Italian Murano art glass duck sculpture, dating from approximately the 1970s. The stylized bird was entirely shaped by hand and displays an especially ...
Alabaster, Gold Leaf
Elie Bleu Paris “Flor de Tabacos” Harewood Marquetry Cigar Humidor, with Key
By Elie Bleu
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
French luxury cigar humidor by Elie Bleu Paris from the “Flor de Tabacos” collection, dating to circa 1990. The exterior is veneered in olive-green stained sycamore, traditionally kn...
Brass
Italian Leather Jewelry Box, Mid-20th Century, Italy
Located in New York, NY
An Italian black leather jewelry box with gold tooling, in the Modern style, mid‑20th century, Italy. Crafted in smooth black leather with fine gold trim, the box features a clean re...
Leather, Velvet
Pink Onyx Decorative Bowl Hand-Carved Solid Polished Italian Sculptural Object
Located in Ancona, Marche
This decorative bowl is hand-carved from a solid block of premium Pink Onyx. The polished finish enhances the natural translucency of the onyx, revealing its delicate veining and ton...
Onyx
Large PETER BRAMHALL Glass Orb Sculpture with Internal Glass Threads Dated 1992
Located in New York, NY
Large Blown glass Orb sculpture by PETER BRAMHALL signed and dated 1992 Wonderful color combination of Amber, Magenta, Rust and Green tones used to create this beautiful decorative ...
Blown Glass
Baccarat Large Structured Tapered Clear Crystal Vase, France
By Baccarat
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...
Crystal
Jim Budish Monumental "Chauncey" Bronze Modern Rabbit Sculpture Signed 64 Inches
By Jim Budish 1
Located in Troy, MI
Jim Budish "Chauncey" USA circa 2002 A monumental bronze sculpture by American artist Jim Budish Stylized rabbit form with dramatically elongated ears standing 64 inches tall, rend...
Bronze
Beautiful Baccarat Structured Tapered Clear Crystal Vase , France
By Baccarat
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...
Crystal
Italian Leather Jewelry Box
Located in New York, NY
An Italian dark‑green leather jewelry box with gold embossing, tan suede interior, and three removeable trays, plus base storage, circa late-20th century, Italy. Crafted in deep hunt...
Brass
Modern Brass Candelabra, Golden Banyan, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Modern Brass Candelabra, Golden Banyan, Viya by Vikram Goyal Candelabra in brass. Handmade in India. The Golden Banyan collection draws from the organic density of the banyan tree—...
Brass
Beautiful Murano Glass Vase, Blue Green and Clear, Vintage Italy 1970s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful Murano hand-blown Italian art glass sommerso vase, featuring elegant swirls of green, and blue within clear glass. The flowing, upward-curving rim creates a dynamic and scu...
Art Glass
Hand-Crafted Small Vase by AIREDELSUR & Shiva Safai Green Onyx & Silver Alpaca
By AIREDELSUR
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
AIREDELSUR by SHIVA Some collaborations begin quietly. Shiva Safai, born in Iran and raised in Europe, later shaped by her years in Los Angeles, developed a refined eye across cult...
Stone, Onyx, Metal
Jean René Gauguin “Havtyren” / 'Sea Bull' Sculpture for Bing & Grøndahl, Denmark
By Jean Rene Gauguin
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
An impressive and large glazed ceramic sculpture titled “Havtyren” (Sea Bull) by Jean René Gauguin, created at Bing & Grøndahl, Denmark, in the 1930s. This iconic work is executed in...
Pottery
Brass Photo Frame, Jaipur Repoussé, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Brass Photo Frame, Jaipur Repoussé, Viya by Vikram Goyal Photo frame in brass. Handmade in India. Repoussé involves hammering low-relief designs into malleable metal sheets from th...
Brass
Decorative Brass Bowl, Himalaya Small, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Decorative Brass Bowl, Himalaya Small, Viya by Vikram Goyal Bowl in brass. Handmade in India. Perhaps no greater ascent - physically or spiritually - is imagined than in the Himala...
Brass
Brass Photo Frame, Tokyo Song, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Brass Photo Frame, Tokyo Song, Viya by Vikram Goyal Photo frame in brass. Handmade in India. Repoussé involves hammering low-relief designs into malleable metal sheets from the rev...
Brass
Large Murano Art Glass Owl Sculpture Figurine, Italy 1970s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A striking, mouth-blown Murano glass figurine of an owl, crafted using the famed Sommerso technique. This elegant piece features a rich color transition from deep green to light gree...
Murano Glass
Contemporary Brass Bowl, Evil Eye Small with Semi Precious, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Contemporary Brass Bowl, Evil Eye Small with Semi Precious Inserts, Viya by Vikram Goyal Bowl in brass with semi precious inserts. Handmade in India. The collection reimagines a pr...
Brass
Lacquered Tissue Box with Brass, Saffron Black Small, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Lacquered Tissue Box with Brass, Saffron Black Small, Viya by Vikram Goyal Lacquered tissue box with brass. Handmade in India. With moniker’s such as red gold, exquisite thread or ...
Brass
Lacquered Tissue Box with Brass, Saffron Ecru Small, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Lacquered Tissue Box with Brass, Saffron Ecru Small, Viya by Vikram Goyal Lacquered tissue box with brass. Handmade in India. With moniker’s such as red gold, exquisite thread or g...
Brass
Decorative Photo Frame with Brass, Dreamscape, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Decorative Photo Frame with Brass & Semi Precious Inserts, Dreamscape, Viya by Vikram Goyal Photo frame in brass with semi precious inserts. Handmade in India. Repoussé involves ha...
Brass
Vintage wooden box with polish horn decoration and stainless steel Italy
Located in London, GB
Vintage wooden box with polish horn decoration and stainless steel rim Italy, Three interior compartments, which could have been intended for: Playing cards (such as bridge or poker...
Stainless Steel
Leather Travel Picture Frame or Keepsake Wallet for Photos, Papers, by T Anthony
By T. Anthony
Located in New York, NY
A red Bordeaux leather travel picture frame and keepsake wallet from American luxury house T. Anthony, made in Germany, circa mid to late‑20th century (1960s–1970s). Crafted in smoot...
Brass
Vintage Tridacna Gigas Clam Shell, Nautical Decor, 1980s
Located in Vilnius, LT
Large vintage natural shell clam "Tridacna gigas" from Indo-Pacific region. Good vintage condition.
Shell
Henry Moore "Reclining Figure: Pea Pod", Bronze, 1982
By Henry Moore
Located in Astoria, NY
Henry Moore (British, 1898-1986) "Reclining Figure: Pea Pod" Patinated Bronze Sculpture, 1982, signed "Moore" and numbered edition "2/9" to base. 4.25" H x 8.5" W x 4" D. Pro...
Bronze
Gaetano Pesce Indian Summer Vase L Resin Clear Aqua, Mauve
Located in barasso, IT
Indian Summer vase - Clear Aqua, Mauve Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Measures: L - ø 22cm x H 36cm Colours: Clear Aqua, Mauve Mate...
Resin
Contemporary Gaetano Pesce Spaghetti Vase L Resin Light Ruby Olive Green
Located in barasso, IT
Spaghetti Light Ruby, Olive Green Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Measures: L ø 22cm x H 36cm Colours: Light Ruby Olive Green Mater...
Resin
Handmade Candle Holder, Alta in Brass with Precious Stone, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Handmade Candle Holder, Alta in Brass with Precious Stone, Viya by Vikram Goyal. Candle holder in brass with semi precious inserts. Handmade in India. In its arresting and powerful...
Brass
Decorative Marble Sculpture Ornament White Rose Blossom Statuary Handmade Italy
Located in Ancona, Marche
A refined sculpture, entirely handcrafted from a single block of fine Statuario marble. Each piece begins with the careful selection of the marble, chosen for the purity of its tones...
Marble, Statuary Marble
Lacquered Trinket Box with Brass, Saffron Dark Blue Large, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Lacquered Trinket Box with Brass, Saffron Dark Blue Large, Viya by Vikram Goyal Lacquered trinket box with brass. Handmade in India. With moniker’s such as red gold, exquisite thre...
Brass
Contemporary Gaetano Pesce Pompitu II Vase L Soft Resin Light Ruby Cerulean Blue
Located in barasso, IT
Pompitu II vase, Clear Light Ruby Cerulean Blue Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Measures: L ø 22cm x H 36cm Colours: Clear Light Rub...
Resin
$725 / item
Brass Stripe Inlay Blue Bone Box
Located in New York, NY
Handmade keepsake box comprised of dyed blue bone segments inlaid with brass stripe details. A great addition to any coffee table or desk.
Brass
Precision Mobile Modular Kinetic Sculpture
Located in Northport, MI
A striking example of contemporary kinetic design, this “Precision Mobile” by TAIT Design Co. embodies balance, movement, and refined materiality. Crafted in 2015 and made in Detroit...
Stainless Steel, Brass
Brass Photo Frame, Peacock Paradise, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Brass Photo Frame, Peacock Paradise, Viya by Vikram Goyal Photo frame in brass. Handmade in India. Repoussé involves hammering low-relief designs into malleable metal sheets from t...
Brass
Nina Katchadourian Salt & Pepper Snow Globes 2007 Peter Norton Christmas Project
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
A pair of salt and pepper snow globes designed by Nina Katchadourian for the 2007 Peter Norton Family Christmas Project. The molded glass shakers are sealed with rubber stoppers and ...
Metal
Repoussé Patinated Brass Vase, Hokkaido, Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Repoussé Patinated Brass Vase, Hokkaido, Vikram Goyal Repoussé brass vase. Handmade in India. Repoussé involves hammering low-relief designs into malleable metal sheets from the re...
Brass
Gucci Cocoa Brown Stitched Leather Picture Frame, circa 1990
By Gucci
Located in Atlanta, GA
Italian designer Gucci created this exceptional leather picture frame for its Interior Collection. The rare piece was crafted in Italy, circa 1990. The photo frame boasts the timeles...
Leather
European Contemporary Sculptural Door handle, Nickel by Margit Wittig
Located in London, GB
Margit Wittig has used her sculptural skills to create beautifully-crafted, well-proportioned door handles, which are compositions of her unique signature pearl-shaped designs. Eac...
Metal
Sculptural Blue Vase Marble Azul Macaubas Handmade in Italy, Organic Shape
Located in Ancona, Marche
“Le Grand Bleu” is a large sculptural vase, entirely hand-carved from a single block of Azul Macaubas quartzite with stunning blue veining. Each piece begins with the careful selecti...
Marble
Vintage Italian Figural Snail Pill Box in White Metal
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Unusual miniature pill box in the shape of a very detailed snail. These were made in Italy circa 1970-90s usually of 800/1000 silver or alpaca/argentan/German silver (an alloy of zin...
Metal
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...
Resin
Fish Design Gaetano Pesce Spaghetti Special L Vase Resin Amber Mauve
Located in barasso, IT
Spaghetti special vase, Clear Amber, Matt Mauve Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Measures: L - ø 22cm x H 36cm Colours: Clear Amber,...
Resin
Decorative Brass Bowl, Under The Banyan Small, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Decorative Brass Bowl, Under The Banyan Small, Viya by Vikram Goyal Bowl in brass. Handmade in India. Echoing ancient whispers of worship, each object captures the essence of the B...
Brass
$1,725 / item
Decorative Brass Bowl, Saffron, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Decorative Brass Bowl, Saffron, Viya by Vikram Goyal Bowl in brass. Handmade in India. With moniker’s such as red gold, exquisite thread or golden light, saffron captivates us all....
Brass
1970 Gianni Pinna Italian Modern Art Wood Sculpture
By Gianni Pinna
Located in Brescia, IT
Gianni Pinna 1970 Wood Modern Sculpture Artist Sign engraved Very Good Condiction
Wood
Vintage Woven Picnic Basket Upholstered in Louis Vuitton Fabric
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Design and purpose best describe this one-of-a-kind custom picnic basket. This basket features an authentic classic Louis Vuitton fabric liner inside the basket as well as a sturdy g...
Fabric, Wicker
$760Sale Price|20% Off
Large Tiffany Elsa Peretti Cobalt Blue Thumbprint Glass Bowl
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co., Tiffany & Co.
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Large Italian vintage cobalt blue thumbprint glass bowl, designed and signed by Elsa Peretti For Tiffany. Impressive piece that we see sitting on a dining, hall or coffee table.
Art Glass
Sculptural Candelabra, Andaman in Brass, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Sculptural Candelabra, Andaman in Brass, Viya by Vikram Goyal. Candelabra in brass. Handmade in India. Hidden deep within the Andaman Islands, lies an ancient sanctuary of caves wh...
Brass
White & Clear Swirl Art Glass Murano Large Handkerchief Bowl, Modern, 1980s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful Murano hand blown Italian art glass handkerchief bowl with some small air bubbles in the glass. A beautiful piece of art for any room. Found at an Estate Sale in Verona, It...
Murano Glass
$104Sale Price|20% Off
Blow Up Basket in Stainless Steel by Fernando and Humber Campana for Alessi
By Alessi, Fernando and Humberto Campana
Located in Miami, FL
Blow Up Basket in stainless steel designed by Fernando and Humberto Campana for Alessi. Brazil's Fernando and Humberto Campana created the artfully playful Alessi Blow Up Basket, a ...
Stainless Steel
Small Duckling Tray in White Resin by Paola Valle
By Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Our Duck and Duckling trays bring a fun and exciting twist to any space, styled in built-ins or filled with eggs, this trays is are versatile as they are playful. Available in two s...
Marble
Rectangle Bubble Vase in Pink Resin by Paola Valle
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...
Marble
Lacquered Tissue Box with Brass, Saffron Dark Blue Small, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Lacquered Tissue Box with Brass, Saffron Dark Blue Small, Viya by Vikram Goyal Lacquered tissue box with brass. Handmade in India. With moniker’s such as red gold, exquisite thread...
Brass
$18Sale Price / item|70% Off
Fin Trivet / Tray from Souda, Anodized Gold, in Stock
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Made using a manufacturing process utilized for railways, medical devices, and electronics, the Fin Trivets bring an Industrial touch to your tabletop. Both durable and multifunction...
Metal, Aluminum
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...
Resin
Pair of Michael & Maureen Banner Sterling Silver 'Floating Forms' Candle Holders
By Michael & Maureen Banner
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine pair of vintage bench made candlesticks. By Michael and Maureen Banner. In sterling silver. Entitled "Floating Forms". Each with a thimble shaped candlecup supported by 3 ...
Sterling Silver
Contemporary Fish Design Gaetano Pesce Pompitu I Vase L Yellow Mauve
Located in barasso, IT
Pompitu I Vase - Clear Yellow, Mauve Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Measures: L - Ø 22cm x H 36cm Colours: Clear Yellow, Mauve Mat...
Resin
Bowl Vase Vessel Centerpiece Imperial Green Marble Handmade Italy Collectible
By Pieruga Marble, Barberini & Gunnell
Located in Ancona, Marche
Bowl sculpted by hand from a solid block of Imperial Green marble. Polished finishing. Dimensions: Small L 35 x W 17 x H 8 cm. Also available:...
Marble
Whether you're a genius gardener or have your florist on speed dial, every stem in your home deserves the best.
Having created extravagant homes for reality TV’s biggest stars, the designer is stepping into the spotlight with his first book.