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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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.
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
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
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
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
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
Brass Vase, Jantar Mantar Large, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Brass Vase, Jantar Mantar Large, Viya by Vikram Goyal Vase in brass. Handmade in India. In the celestial chronicles of India, astral observatories emerged as open-air sanctuaries, ...
Brass
Italian Marble Red Burgundy Urn Vase
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful and substantial Italian red burgundy and black marble urn form vase or vessel, Italy. Made from one piece or marble, polished smooth. Piece is Italian; however, label is ...
Marble
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
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
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
$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
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
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
Kawa Vase 22, Large White Organic Porcelain Vase by Luft Tanaka, Kawa Series
By Luft Tanaka
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Large organic ceramic vase. One-of-a-kind. Dimensions 9" dia x 12" height Watertight. Signed and dated on the bottom. Kawa Series by Luft Tanaka Studio The unusual and painstaking...
Ceramic, Clay, Porcelain
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
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
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
Small Duckling Tray in Blue 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
Vase Vessel Sculpture Pink Rose Quartz Marble Collectible Design Handmade Italy
By Barberini & Gunnell, Pieruga Marble
Located in Ancona, Marche
Important sculptural vase carved by hand from a solid block of rare Rose Quartz. Vase dimensions: D 57 x H 50 cm, available in different quartzite, onyx and marbles. Limited editio...
Marble
Contemporary Modernist Pottery Vase Dark Gray Horizontal Texture
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration a contemporary modernist pottery vase in dark gray with horizontal texture. No markings from the maker present. Dimensions: 13" H x 4" diameter at widest poi...
Pottery
$325 / item
Maria Vessel, Handmade in Portugal
By Project 213A
Located in Macieira de Sarnes, PT
Maria Vessel in Brick Designed by Project 213A in 2020 Handmade Stoneware This vase is inspired by the Greco-Roman period, having a timeless appearance and finished with a contempor...
Stoneware
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
White Ceramic Kawa Vases Pair, Porcelain, Organic, Small Vases, Bud Vase
By Luft Tanaka
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 ...
Ceramic, Porcelain
Vase Vessel Sculpture Tulip Block Rose Quartz Handmade Collectible Design Italy
By Barberini & Gunnell, Pieruga Marble
Located in Ancona, Marche
Important sculptural vase carved by hand from a solid block of Rose Quartz. Vase dimensions: L 29 x W 20 x H 53 cm. Available in different onyx and marbles. Limited edition of 35. ...
Rose Quartz
White Murano Art Glass Vase with Burgundy and Black Flame Design
Located in Milano, IT
**Red Murano Art Glass Handkerchief Vase with Black and White Swirl Design** A striking Murano art glass vase, likely dating from the late 20th century, approximately the **1980s–19...
Murano Glass
$533 / item
Rosso Levanto Marble Pedestal Bowl XL
Located in Eindhoven, NB
Introducing our stunning Rosso Levanto marble PEDESTAL Bowl, a captivating fusion of style and utility. Crafted from premium Rosso Levanto marble with Bordeaux red, brown, green colo...
Marble
Pair of Italian Silver Plated Soliflore Handled Vases, Sophisticated Design
By Aldo Cibic
Located in Bochum, NRW
A pair of gorgeous Silver plated Ewer Vases expertly crafted in Italy. These elegant vases boast a gracefully curved handle and a sophisticated mode...
Silver Plate
Large Val Saint Lambert Amethyst Cut-to-Clear Crystal Vase, Xavier Crespo
Located in Cincinnati, OH
This large and heavy signed cased crystal vase was hand-blown in Belgium by Val Saint Lambert and hand-cut by master cutter Xavier Crespo. The piece features the company's rich, deep...
Crystal
Italian Murano Vase by Alessandro Mandruzzato
Located in New York, NY
A very beautiful Italian Murano smoked grey charcoal faceted art glass vase by Alessandro Mandruzzato for Sommerso, circa mid to late-20th century, Italy. Beautiful at any angle. Dim...
Art Glass, Murano Glass
Exotic Alloy Metal Fruit Bowl, Design Object by Raju Peddada - "Amfortas"
By Raju Peddada
Located in Chicago, IL
This prototype by designer Raju Peddada is a shift in contemporary decorative furnishings with an interactive machine age inspired design that engages, entices, challenges and inspir...
Metal
Contemporary Fish Design Gaetano Pesce Medusa XL Vase Soft Resin White
Located in barasso, IT
Medusa vase - Matt white Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Measures: XL - Ø 30cm x H 56cm Colours: Matt white. Material: RESIN Vase i...
Resin
Brass Vase with Semi Precious Inserts, Glory Lily, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Brass Vase with Semi Precious Inserts, Glory Lily, Viya by Vikram Goyal Vase in brass with semi precious inserts. Handmade in India. The Glory Lily flower dances in paradox, embody...
Brass
Ribera Handmade Round White Ceramic Vase - Stoneware
By OWO Ceramics
Located in Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, AR
Beautiful round white ceramic vase crafted from stoneware clay. Inspired by the vibrant marine life of the reef and the soft motion of ocean waves, this white matte vase showcases a ...
Ceramic, Clay, Pottery, Stoneware
Contemporary Gaetano Pesce Spaghetti Vase L Resin Clear White
Located in barasso, IT
Spaghetti vase, clear, white. Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Measures: L ø 22cm x H 36cm Colours: cl...
Resin
Zazen Collection Concrete Vase, Mod. I
Located in Rome, Lazio
The Zazen line combines organic shapes with the texture of concrete, giving life to a family of four highly recognizable vases. Each vase is produced f...
Cement
Contemporary Gaetano Pesce Pompitu II Vase M Resin Light Fuchsia Green
Located in barasso, IT
Pompitu II vase, clear light fuchsia, matt dust green. Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Measures: M - ø 16cm x H 26cm Colours: Clear...
Resin
Contemporary Gaetano Pesce Clear Special L Vase Resin Mint Fuchsia
Located in barasso, IT
Clear special vase - Matt Mint and Clear Light Fuchsia. Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Measures: L - Ø 22cm x H 36cm Colours: Matt...
Resin
Glaciar Tall Silver Alpaca & Black Onyx Stone Flower Vase
By AIREDELSUR
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...
Stone, Onyx, Metal
Gaetano Pesce Clear Special Vase XL Resin Fuchsia Pink Lilac
Located in barasso, IT
Clear special extra color vase - Clear pink, clear fuchsia, clear lilac, matt pink. Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Measures: XL - ø...
Resin
Large Modernist Fluted White Bisque Vase by Hutschenreuther, Germany, 1970s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This lovely fluted-shaped vase from Hutschenreuther brings a touch of elegant sophistication to any household. Ideal placed by the window or on any end table.
Porcelain
Set Salta Leather Cream & Sugar Alpaca Silver & Leather
By AIREDELSUR
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
Set Salta Leather Coffee & Cream , Alpaca Silver and Goat Leather (3 pieces) 1 Salta Rectangular Tray 8" x 5" x 0.5" 1 Salta Sugar Pot with Spoon 2.2" x 2.5" 1 Salta Creamer 2.75...
Metal
Contemporary Gaetano Pesce Spaghetti Vase XL Resin Clear Gold
Located in barasso, IT
Spaghetti vase, clear and gold. Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Picture showing L size. Measures: XL - ø 30cm x H 56cm Colours: Cle...
Resin
Sculpture Vase Vessel Solid Rare Pure White Onyx Hand Carved in Italy Wavy Shape
By Pieruga Marble, Barberini & Gunnell
Located in Ancona, Marche
Important sculptural vase carved by hand from a solid block of pure white onyx. The vase is hand sculpted, starting from a large block of white onyx which has been carefully selected...
Stone, Marble, Onyx
Vase Vessel Decorative Sculpture White Onyx Marble Hand-carved Italy
By Barberini & Gunnell, Pieruga Marble
Located in Ancona, Marche
Luxurious small vase sculpted by hand from a solid block of white onyx. The polished finishing underlines the transparency of the onyx making this a very precious object. Vase dimen...
Onyx
$475 / item
White / Lilac Marble Pedestal Bowl XL
Located in Eindhoven, NB
Introducing our stunning Lilac Marble PEDESTAL Bowl XL, a captivating fusion of style and utility. Crafted from premium white Lilac marble stone, this stunning statement piece with i...
Marble
Contemporary Gaetano Pesce Spaghetti L Vase Soft Resin Orange Dark Lavender
Located in barasso, IT
Spaghetti vase, clear orange, matt dark lavender. Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Measures: L...
Resin
Contemporary Silver Plated Flower Cone shape Vase Handcrafted, Natalia Criado
Located in Milan, IT
Infused with inspiration from geometric forms and ornamental symbolism, our vase seamlessly intertwines modern aesthetics with subtle acknowledgments of craftsmanship and tradition. ...
Art Glass, Blown Glass
Gaetano Pesce Clear Special Vase L Resin Amber Fuchsia Blue
Located in barasso, IT
Clear Special extra colour vase, clear amber, fuchsia and blue Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Measures: L Ø 22cm x H 36cm Colour: C...
Resin
$220 / item
Flat Vase Project by 213A
By Project 213A
Located in Macieira de Sarnes, PT
Flat vase in Shiny Black. Designed by Project 213A in 2021. Handmade Stoneware. Creation demands destruction, taking the old and the typical to conceive th...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Gaetano Pesce Spaghetti Vase L Soft Resin Red
Located in barasso, IT
Spaghetti vase, matt and clear red. Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Measures: L - ø 22cm x H 36cm Colours: Matt and clear red. Mater...
Resin
Contemporary Gaetano Pesce Indian Summer Vase XL Resin Orange Pink
Located in barasso, IT
Indian Summer vase, clear orange, matt pastel pink. Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Measures: XL ...
Resin
Organic White Ceramic Vase, Kawa Vase Zigzag, Sculptural Porcelain object
By Luft Tanaka
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Kawa Vase Zigzag 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....
Ceramic, Clay, Porcelain
Contemporary Gaetano Pesce Indian Summer M Vase Soft Resin Fuchsia Ocean Blue
Located in barasso, IT
Indian Summer vase, clear light fuchsia and matt ocean blue. Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish design collection. Meas...
Resin
"Twisted Tornado” Flower Vase by Lisa Mori in Aluminum and Glass, Italy, 1980s
Located in Brescia, Brescia
A striking and highly sculptural “Twisted Tornado” flower vase, by Lisa Mori, Italy, 1980s. This modernist objet d’art merges a sensuous, vortex-like cast-al...
Aluminum
$220 / item
Flat Vase Project by 213A - Baby blue
By Project 213A
Located in Macieira de Sarnes, PT
Flat vase in Baby blue. Designed by Project 213A in 2021. Handmade Stoneware. Creation demands destruction, taking the old and the typical to conceive the new and particular. The F...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Gaetano Pesce Spaghetti Vase XL Resin Grey Yellow
Located in barasso, IT
Spaghetti vase, grey, yellow. Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Measures: XL ø 30cm x H 56cm Colours: Grey, yellow. Material: RESIN Va...
Resin
$639 / item
Fifi Blue and Amber - Murano Glass Vase
Located in Murano, VE
The exquisite Fifi Murano Glass Vase - a true work of art, handcrafted by skilled artisans at Wave Murano Glass. Known for its exceptional craftsmanship, each vase is carefully handm...
Murano Glass
$451 / item
Travertine Pedestal Bowl XL
Located in Eindhoven, NB
Introducing our stunning beige travertine PEDESTAL bowl XL, a captivating fusion of style and utility. Crafted from premium natural travertine stone this stunning statement piece wit...
Travertine
Set of 3 White Ceramic Kawa Vases, Luft Tanaka, organic, porcelain
By Luft Tanaka
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A set of three white ceramic Kawa Vases by Luft Tanaka Studio. Each item is made by casting porcelain into sewn leather molds and are truly one-of-a-kind. As a result of the product...
Ceramic, Clay, Porcelain