Vintage Mid Century Modern Ashtray Bronze
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Mid-Century Bronze Ashtray, 1950s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Bronze Ashtray, 1950s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1950 to 1959
Additional
Category
20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Modern Ashtray Bronze
Materials
Bronze
Mid-Century Bronze Ashtray Walter Bosse attr., Vienna
By Walter Bosse
Located in Andernach, DE
Wonderful small heavy golden bronze ashtray attributed to the hands of Walter Bosse, Vienna
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Modern Ashtray Bronze
Materials
Bronze
Mid-Century Bronze and Leather Armrest Bowl or Ashtray, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Bronze and Leather Armrest Bowl or Ashtray, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed
Category
20th Century Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Modern Ashtray Bronze
Materials
Metal
Beautiful Mid Century standing ashtray made of marble bronze and bamboo
Located in München, DE
Very rare, beautiful mid-century modern standing ashtray.
The ashtray has a round marble base. The
Category
1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Modern Ashtray Bronze
Materials
Marble, Brass, Bronze
Pal-Bell Bronze Whale Ashtray
By Pal-Bell
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bronze ashtray in the shape of a whale, with a curved tail and three grooves at the front of the
Category
Mid-20th Century Israeli Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Modern Ashtray Bronze
Materials
Bronze
Pal-Bell Rectangular Cast Bronze Ashtray
By Pal-Bell
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-century brass Pal-Bell ashtray features a rectangular shape with a deep square hammered well
Category
Mid-20th Century Israeli Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Modern Ashtray Bronze
Materials
Bronze
Esa Fedrigolli Sculptural Bronze Ashtray 1960s
By Esa Fedrigolli
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A sculptural decorative lidded bronze Italian ashtray designed by Esa Fedrigolli for Esart. Signed.
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Modern Ashtray Bronze
Materials
Bronze
Bronze and Brass Ashtray, Franz & Karl Hagenauer, Austria 1950
By Karl Hagenauer, Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Franz Hagenauer
Located in ROUEN, FR
aesthetic of mid-century design !
The ashtray's surface has developed a beautiful patina over time
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Modern Ashtray Bronze
Materials
Brass, Bronze
Solid Patinated English Bronze Crab Cancer Lidded Ashtray 420
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A large and heavy solid Bronze Ashtray in the shape of a Crab. This piece is a compliment as a
Category
20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Modern Ashtray Bronze
Materials
Bronze
Vintage Nautical Cigar Ashtray in Bronze, Scandinavia 1950s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Unusual cigar ashtray in bronze. Its mounted with a large maritime shackle also in bronze. It was
Category
1950s Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Modern Ashtray Bronze
Materials
Bronze
Pal-Bell Ashtray in Cast Bronze by Maurice Ascalon
By Pal-Bell, Maurice Ascalon
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A heavy, cast bronze ashtray by Maurice Ascalon in a nautilus shape has a fluted, flat edge that
Category
Mid-20th Century Israeli Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Modern Ashtray Bronze
Materials
Bronze
Set of Two Wooden Ashtrays with Insets in Bronze
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Set of two wooden ashtrays with inset in bronze. Wood seems to be rosewood.
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Modern Ashtray Bronze
Materials
Bronze
Original Russwood Bronze Baseball Glove Ashtray / Catchall, 1940's
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Original Russwood Bronze Baseball Mitt Glove Ashtray / Catchall, 1940's. Really nice original
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Modern Ashtray Bronze
Materials
Bronze
MCM / Vintage Brass (or Bronze?) Stylized Fish Shaped Ashtray
Located in Warrenton, OR
MCM / Vintage Brass (or Bronze?) Stylized Fish Shaped Ashtray / Cigarette Holder.
UPDATE: Due to
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Modern Ashtray Bronze
Materials
Brass, Bronze, Metal
Lux Leather Pair of Floor Ashtrays with Bronze Top, 1960's, Switzerland
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Mid-century Modern Swiss made Lux Leather Pair of Floor Ashtrays with Bronze top, 1960s
Category
1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Modern Ashtray Bronze
Materials
Metal, Bronze
Crystal Glass Cigar Ashtray with Bronze Bird Figurine, Vintage, Austria, 1950s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Gorgeous large heavy hand crafted Crystal glass Cigar ashtray with a bronze bird figurine. A
Category
1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Modern Ashtray Bronze
Materials
Crystal, Bronze
H 3 in W 5.38 in D 5.13 in
Floor Ashtray in Gold Bronze Faux Bamboo Maison Bagues Style, France, 1970s
By Maison Baguès
Located in Rome, IT
Amazing floor ashtray in gold bronze faux bamboo in the style of Maison Bagues.
Made in France
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Modern Ashtray Bronze
Materials
Metal, Bronze
H 24.02 in W 9.85 in D 9.85 in
Vintage Patinated Cast Bronze Ashtray in the Form of a Whale by Pal-Bell
By Pal-Bell
Located in Nantucket, MA
Mid-Century Modern patinated cast bronze whale-form ashtray made by Pal-Bell.
Category
Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Modern Ashtray Bronze
Materials
Bronze
H 3.25 in W 3.25 in D 4.74 in
Pair of Vintage Pal-Bell Cast Bronze Stylized Snail Ashtrays with Green Patina
By Pal-Bell
Located in Nantucket, MA
Pair vintage patinated cast bronze ashtrays in the form of stylized snails with polished antennae
Category
Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Modern Ashtray Bronze
Materials
Bronze
H 2.63 in W 3.75 in D 4.75 in
French Bronze Round Space Age Ashtray Flower Mould manner of Roger Tallon Orb
By Roger Tallon
Located in Forest, BE
Unique massive bronze mold / ashtray. This is a cute mold of flower processed in a bronze casted
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Modern Ashtray Bronze
Materials
Bronze
Vintage Sculptural Bronzed Metal Ashtray in the shape of a Rooster, Italy 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
cast metal with a bronze finish; this sculptural ashtray is in the shape of a rooster.
A small ash
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Modern Ashtray Bronze
Materials
Metal
H 5.52 in W 6.7 in D 2.37 in
Brass Walter Bosse Hedgehog Sculpture Stacking Ashtrays 1950s Austrian
By Walter Bosse
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Ashtray in painted metal, with a green and gold patina. The artist is Walter bosse, and this model
Category
1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Modern Ashtray Bronze
Materials
Bronze
Pal-Bell Cast Bronze Bowl
By Pal-Bell
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-century cast bronze Pal Bell bowl. Features indented, ribbed exterior with alternating
Category
Mid-20th Century Israeli Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Modern Ashtray Bronze
Materials
Bronze
African massive malachite hand carved Ashtray natural green mineral copper
By Roger Tallon
Located in Forest, BE
Unique massive malachite from copper mines in old began Congo. Natural stone. Perfect as decorative object or for cigars and cigarettes. It is a mix between brutalist and polished pa...
Category
Mid-20th Century Congolese Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Modern Ashtray Bronze
Materials
Bronze
Swedish Art Deco Bronze Candleholder by GAB Featuring Female Nude, 1930s
By GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget
Located in Stockholm, SE
An exceptional and rare Art Deco bronze candleholder/ashtray by Guldsmedsaktiebolaget (GAB), Sweden
Category
Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Modern Vintage Mid Century Modern Ashtray Bronze
Materials
Bronze
Mid-Century Brazilian Modern Bronze Ashtray Catchall, 1960s
Located in Miami, FL
Brazilian mid-century modern solid bronze ashtray or catchall circa 1960s.
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Modern Ashtray Bronze
Materials
Bronze
Mid-Century Modern Bronze Ashtray by Jules Wabbes, 1960s
By Jules Wabbes
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Bronze Ashtray by Jules Wabbes, 1960s
Category
1960s Belgian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Modern Ashtray Bronze
Materials
Bronze
Mid-Century Modern Patinated Bronze Vide Poche or Ashtray
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Mid-Century Modern bronze dish with green patina and rust accent. Can be used as a catch all tray
Category
1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Modern Ashtray Bronze
Materials
Bronze
Bronze fly ashtray, 1970s
Located in Bastia Umbra, IT
Bronze fly ashtray, 1950s.
Beautiful Fly ashtray, 1970s. It can be used as an ashtray or as a decorative object. This collector's item has beautiful details at the top. Present gilt...
Category
1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Modern Ashtray Bronze
Materials
Bronze
Vintage Italian Lighter by Esa Fredigolli 1960s
By Esa Fedrigolli
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A sculptural decorative lighter bronze Italian lighter designed by Esa Fedrigolli for Esart. Signed
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Modern Ashtray Bronze
Materials
Bronze
Bronze Sculpture Ashtray or Paperweight
Located in London, GB
Hand-sculpted and bronze cast ashtray or paper weight is made in the 1970s and is signed. The shape
Category
1970s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Modern Ashtray Bronze
Materials
Bronze
Bosse Baller Cat Bronze Corkscrew Vienna Austria, 1950s Mid-Century Modern
By Walter Bosse
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Bosse was an Austrian designer known for his contributions to the Mid-Century Modern style. He was born
Category
1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Modern Ashtray Bronze
Materials
Bronze
H 3.38 in W 3.5 in D 1.75 in
Erhard & Sohne Sculptural Ashtray, Brass(Bronze?) Stylized Fish/Whale Shape
By Erhard & Söhne
Located in Warrenton, OR
functional metal art from the mid-century modern era.
Good vintage condition; we found no chips, cracks, or
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Modern Ashtray Bronze
Materials
Brass, Bronze
Stackable Bronze Ashtrays or Salt Cellars Jars of Porcupine Family
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Family of six small stackable hedgehogs bowls in cast bronze.
The super cute set of porcupines
Category
Mid-20th Century Greek Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Modern Ashtray Bronze
Materials
Bronze
Monique Gerber French Small Bronze Rock Form Vide Poche or Ashtray
By Monique Gerber
Located in Chicago, IL
French artist Monique Gerber vintage sculptural bronze abstract rock form vide poche or ashtray
Category
1970s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Modern Ashtray Bronze
Materials
Bronze
Willy Rizzo Mid-Century Dark Amber Lucite and Chrome Italian Ashtray, 1970s
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Roma, IT
excellent ashtray allows enriching a midcentury studio or a modern living room.
Born in Naples, Willy
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Modern Ashtray Bronze
Materials
Metal, Chrome
H 1.38 in W 6.7 in D 6.7 in
Wah Ming Chang "Bronze Originals of California" Ashtray c.1960
By Wah Ming Chang
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
An impressive, heavy solid bronze mid-century ashtray designed by California artist and
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Modern Ashtray Bronze
Materials
Silver, Copper
Raymor Style Vintage Bronze Black Gold Glazed Ceramic Asymmetric Ashtray Italy
By Raymor
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage glazed black, bronze and gold Ceramic ashtray, vide poche, catchall attributed to Raymor
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Modern Ashtray Bronze
Materials
Ceramic
H 3.5 in W 9 in D 8 in
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Candlesticks by Schneider France
By Charles Schneider
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of mid-century modern candlesticks by Schneider, France. These modern candlesticks or candle
Category
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Modern Ashtray Bronze
Materials
Crystal
Bremen Town Musicians Bronze Figurine Bosse Style Era, Midcentury Modern German
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1960s bronze miniature figurine, in the style of Walter Bosse. Nice addition to your
Category
1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Modern Ashtray Bronze
Materials
Bronze
H 2.5 in W 1.13 in D 0.88 in
Paul Evans Patchwork Copper Large and Small Humidors w Cigar Ashtray, c 1970s
By Directional, Paul Evans, C.C.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
smaller sized humidor box (6" x 6") along with a large cigar sized ashtray (8" x 8") which can also be
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Modern Ashtray Bronze
Materials
Bronze, Copper, Pewter
H 3.75 in W 10 in D 10 in
Leaf Bronze Trays Midcentury, Italy
Located in Albano Laziale, Rome/Lazio
ashtray. Stands on small legs.
Category
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Modern Ashtray Bronze
Materials
Bronze
Large French Silvered Bronze Box Line Vautrin
By Line Vautrin
Located in Atlanta, GA
A silvered bronze poudrier box "Ammonite" by French Parisian art jeweler Line Vautrin (1913-1997
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Modern Ashtray Bronze
Materials
Bronze
Alexandre Kelety Bronze Art Deco
By Alexandre Kéléty
Located in NANTES, FR
style he reuses to create everyday objects such as ashtrays or electric lamps. His bronze is often
Category
Mid-20th Century Art Deco Vintage Mid Century Modern Ashtray Bronze
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Carl Aubock Mid-century Magazine Rack in Brass and Brown Leather, Austria 1960s.
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Malmö, SE
collectible of modern designers. A rather odd duck in the world of decorative arts, he was a peculiar talent
Category
1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Modern Ashtray Bronze
Materials
Brass
H 19.69 in W 11.03 in D 6.7 in
Italian Modern Mirrored Stereo Headboard Suede King Bed & Nightstands by Verardo
By Verardo
Located in Chattanooga, TN
with stereo, 8-track, phone and ashtray. Although the phone and 8-track are not in working order, the
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Modern Ashtray Bronze
Materials
Suede, Mirror
H 59 in W 135 in D 100 in
1960s Bronze Murano Blown Glass Italian Bowl with Copper and Gold Flecks
By Barovier&Toso
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage Bronze and White Murano Glass with Copper and Gold Flecks Italian Bowl, 1960s.
Amazing
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Modern Ashtray Bronze
Materials
Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Murrine
Large Haeger Modern Ceramic Drip Glaze Vase Vessel Raku Collection
By Haeger
Located in Chesterfield, NJ
, whose style appeared to straddle Art Deco and Mid-Century Modern. Subsequent designers such as Eric
Category
1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Mid Century Modern Ashtray Bronze
Materials
Ceramic
Walter Bosse Brass Cat Figurine Jewelry Ring Holder, Baller Austria, 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Bosse was an Austrian designer known for his contributions to the Mid-Century Modern style. He was born
Category
1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Modern Ashtray Bronze
Materials
Bronze
H 7.5 in W 3.25 in D 1.13 in
Walter Bosse Brass Cat Figurine Bottle Stopper Pourer, Baller Austria, 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Austrian designer known for his contributions to the Mid-Century Modern style. He was born in Vienna
Category
1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Modern Ashtray Bronze
Materials
Brass, Bronze
H 5.25 in W 1.63 in D 1.5 in
Walter Bosse Brass Cat Figurine Bottle Stopper Pourer, Baller Austria, 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Austrian designer known for his contributions to the Mid-Century Modern style. He was born in Vienna
Category
1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Modern Ashtray Bronze
Materials
Brass, Bronze
H 4.5 in W 1.63 in D 1.5 in
Walter Bosse Brass Cat Figurine Pen Holder Stand, Baller Austria, 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Austrian designer known for his contributions to the Mid-Century Modern style. He was born in Vienna
Category
1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Modern Ashtray Bronze
Materials
Brass, Bronze
Walter Bosse Brass Cat Figurine Pen Holder Stand, Baller Austria, 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Austrian designer known for his contributions to the Mid-Century Modern style. He was born in Vienna
Category
1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Modern Ashtray Bronze
Materials
Bronze, Brass
Set of 4 Carl Aubock 1950s Brass Egg Cups Holders for Illums Bolighus, Denmark
By Illums Bolighus, Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Malmö, SE
Auböck II was one of the quirkiest and most delightful and collectible of modern designers. A rather odd
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Modern Ashtray Bronze
Materials
Brass
Michel Jaubert sculptural table lamp France 1970
By Michel Jaubert
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
hand-shaped table lamp! It's like a sculpture made of solid bronze on a sleek black painted wooden base
Category
1970s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Modern Ashtray Bronze
Materials
Bronze
Art Deco Dancer Werkstatte Hagenauer Vienna Brass Polished Wood, Designed 1930s
By Karl Hagenauer
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
large amount of furniture, from the end of the 19th century to the mid-20th century. In 1970, the brand
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Art Deco Vintage Mid Century Modern Ashtray Bronze
Materials
Bronze
H 10.04 in W 8.27 in D 3.43 in
Helmut Schaffenacker Ulm, Germany Abstract Ceramic Fish Plaque, ca 50s
By Helmut Friedrich Schäffenacker
Located in Cathedral City, CA
bronze, wood, stone, metals and paper. His range included ceramic animals, plaques, paintings and
Category
1950s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Modern Ashtray Bronze
Materials
Ceramic
Cesar Baldaccini ( 1921-1998 ) Vase model Argos for Daum France 1970
By Daum, César Baldaccini
Located in palm beach, FL
for the National Museum of Modern Art7. The same year, he exhibited at the Salon de Mai. The following
Category
1970s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Modern Ashtray Bronze
Materials
Glass
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Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass Under $1,000
Antique and Vintage Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Mid-Century Modern Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
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Vintage Mid Century Modern Ashtray Bronze For Sale on 1stDibs
Find many varieties of an authentic piece of vintage mid century modern ashtray bronze available at 1stDibs. An item from our selection of vintage mid century modern ashtray bronze — often made from metal, bronze and brass — can elevate any home. You’ve searched high and low for the perfect choice in our collection of vintage mid century modern ashtray bronze — we have versions that date back to the 20th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 20th Century are available. An object in our assortment of vintage mid century modern ashtray bronze is a generally popular piece of furniture, but those created in mid-century modern styles are sought with frequency. A well-made option in this array of vintage mid century modern ashtray bronze has long been a part of the offerings for many furniture designers and manufacturers, but those produced by Esa Fedrigolli, Hermès and John Prip are consistently popular.
How Much is a Vintage Mid Century Modern Ashtray Bronze?
Prices for a piece of vintage mid century modern ashtray bronze can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, they begin at $95 and can go as high as $1,499, while the average can fetch as much as $548.
A Close Look at Mid-century-modern Furniture
Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. The style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, is characterized by pieces that were conceived and made in an energetic, optimistic spirit by creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living.
ORIGINS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
- Emerged during the mid-20th century
- Informed by European modernism, Bauhaus, International style, Scandinavian modernism and Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture
- A heyday of innovation in postwar America
- Experimentation with new ideas, new materials and new forms flourished in Scandinavia, Italy, the former Czechoslovakia and elsewhere in Europe
CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
- Simplicity, organic forms, clean lines
- A blend of neutral and bold Pop art colors
- Use of natural and man-made materials — alluring woods such as teak, rosewood and oak; steel, fiberglass and molded plywood
- Light-filled spaces with colorful upholstery
- Glass walls and an emphasis on the outdoors
- Promotion of functionality
MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
- Charles and Ray Eames
- Eero Saarinen
- Milo Baughman
- Florence Knoll
- Harry Bertoia
- Isamu Noguchi
- George Nelson
- Danish modernists Hans Wegner and Arne Jacobsen, whose emphasis on natural materials and craftsmanship influenced American designers and vice versa
ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS
- Eames lounge chair
- Nelson daybed
- Florence Knoll sofa
- Egg chair
- Womb chair
- Noguchi coffee table
- Barcelona chair
VINTAGE MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS
The mid-century modern era saw leagues of postwar American architects and designers animated by new ideas and new technology. The lean, functionalist International-style architecture of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus eminences Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius had been promoted in the United States during the 1930s by Philip Johnson and others. New building techniques, such as “post-and-beam” construction, allowed the International-style schemes to be realized on a small scale in open-plan houses with long walls of glass.
Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century modern furniture designs. Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen, who had experimented extensively with molded plywood, eagerly embraced fiberglass for pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair, respectively.
Architect, writer and designer George Nelson created with his team shades for the Bubble lamp using a new translucent polymer skin and, as design director at Herman Miller, recruited the Eameses, Alexander Girard and others for projects at the legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer.
Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi devised chairs and tables built of wire mesh and wire struts. Materials were repurposed too: The Danish-born designer Jens Risom created a line of chairs using surplus parachute straps for webbed seats and backrests.
The Risom lounge chair was among the first pieces of furniture commissioned and produced by celebrated manufacturer Knoll, a chief influencer in the rise of modern design in the United States, thanks to the work of Florence Knoll, the pioneering architect and designer who made the firm a leader in its field. The seating that Knoll created for office spaces — as well as pieces designed by Florence initially for commercial clients — soon became desirable for the home.
As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century furniture designers caught the spirit.
Classically oriented creators such as Edward Wormley, house designer for Dunbar Inc., offered such pieces as the sinuous Listen to Me chaise; the British expatriate T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings switched gears, creating items such as the tiered, biomorphic Mesa table. There were Young Turks such as Paul McCobb, who designed holistic groups of sleek, blond wood furniture, and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in minimalist teak dining tables and lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.
Generations turn over, and mid-century modern remains arguably the most popular style going. As the collection of vintage mid-century modern chairs, dressers, coffee tables and other furniture for the living room, dining room, bedroom and elsewhere on 1stDibs demonstrates, this period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.
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