Swid Powell Decorative Objects

The New York City–based tableware company Swid Powell produced some of the most distinctive china and silver of the 1980s in collaboration with international architects and designers. It enjoyed renewed attention in 2007, when the Yale University Art Gallery mounted the exhibition “The Architect’s Table: Swid Powell and Postmodern Design,” celebrating the donation to its collection of the company’s papers.

Swid Powell was established in 1982 by Nan Swid and Addie Powell, who met while working at the modernist furniture company Knoll. Their idea was to translate the aesthetics of postmodern design from the skyscraper to the dining table, and they brought into their preliminary discussions nine prominent architects. Among these were Philip Johnson, Stanley Tigerman and Richard Meier, all of whom expressed enthusiasm about making their designs accessible beyond the small group with the funds to commission buildings from them.

The first Swid Powell collection was launched in 1984, accompanied by a bold, graphic print campaign in keeping with the era’s advertising trends. The company’s best-known collaboration was with Robert Venturi’s Philadelphia-based firm, Venturi, Scott Brown and Associates, whose patterns — particularly the floral design Grandmother inspired by a tablecloth Venturi saw at the home of a colleague's grandmother — adorned Swid Powell porcelain as well as furniture and clothing.

The firm also partnered with architect Richard Meier, whose geometric designs were inspired in part by those of Josef Hoffmann and Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Swid Powell also worked with Arata Isosaki, Ettore Sottsass, Zaha Hadid and George Sowden, creating products that incorporated the bright, saturated colors and popular and historical references, like Classical columns, that animated postmodern design in the 1980s. The Chicago Blue china pattern designed for Swid Powell by the firm Gwathmey Siegel references the distinctive patterns of Frank Lloyd Wright’s leaded glass windows. As you will see in the examples below, Swid Powell continued to produce fine, fashionable homewares throughout the decade and beyond.

Creator: Swid Powell

Steven Holl Patinated Bronze Candlestick for Swid Powell rare Postmodern Memphis

$875

Steven Holl Patinated Bronze Candlestick for Swid Powell rare Postmodern Memphis

By Steven Holl, Swid Powell

Located in San Diego, CA

patinated bronze candlestick designed by American architect Steven Holl for Swid Powell c.1980's , very rare tall candlestick hard to find very collectible in a verdigris finish stamped at the bottom, with some scuff marks due to age solid piece great for postmodern , Memphis mid century home decor.

Category

20th Century American Post-Modern Swid Powell Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Ettore Sottsass Silver Candlesticks for Swid Powell and Reed and Barton

$4,500 / set

Pair of Ettore Sottsass Silver Candlesticks for Swid Powell and Reed and Barton

By Reed & Barton, Ettore Sottsass, Swid Powell

Located in Kansas City, MO

Striking pair of silver plated candlesticks designed by Ettore Sottsass and made by Swid Powell in collaboration with Reed and Barton, 1980s.

Category

1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Swid Powell Decorative Objects

Materials

Silver

Richard Meier Swid Powell Magnifying Glass Mid Century Modern Architect Design

$650

Richard Meier Swid Powell Magnifying Glass Mid Century Modern Architect Design

By Richard Meier, Swid Powell

Located in Atlanta, GA

Modernist Silverplate Magnifying Glass Designed by Richard Meier for Swid Powell, Italy, circa 1980s. Makes the perfect gift for the favorite design lover in your life (even if it's ...

Category

1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Swid Powell Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal, Silver Plate

Swid Powell Italian Silver Plated Chrome Picture Frame by Richard Meier

$950

Swid Powell Italian Silver Plated Chrome Picture Frame by Richard Meier

By Swid Powell, Richard Meier

Located in Los Angeles, CA

The Swid Powell Floating Picture Frame by Richard Meier is a masterclass in refined modern design—architectural in spirit and minimal in execution. Created for Swid Powell, the fram...

Category

20th Century Italian Modern Swid Powell Decorative Objects

Materials

Silver Plate, Chrome

Pr. Postmodern Silverplate Candlesticks by Richard Meier for Swid Powell, 1980's

$3,000

Pr. Postmodern Silverplate Candlesticks by Richard Meier for Swid Powell, 1980's

By Swid Powell, Richard Meier

Located in New York, NY

Incredible pair of post modern silver plate candlesticks, by Richard Meier for Swid Powell. Very hard to find, especially in pairs, this impre...

Category

1980s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Swid Powell Decorative Objects

Materials

Silver Plate

Richard Meier for Swid Powell Stainless Steel Bowl/Centerpiece

$900

Richard Meier for Swid Powell Stainless Steel Bowl/Centerpiece

By Richard Meier, Swid Powell

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Beautiful post modern design by the well known architect Richard Meier. Measure: 10 inches.

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Post-Modern Swid Powell Decorative Objects

Materials

Stainless Steel

Robert Venturi Post Modern Silver Candleholders for Swid Powell

$4,300 / set

Robert Venturi Post Modern Silver Candleholders for Swid Powell

By Robert Venturi, Swid Powell

Located in Chicago, IL

Robert Venturi Post Modern Silver Candleholders for Swid Powell, Both stamped RVenturi MADE IN ITALY SILVER PLATED with copyright mark.

Category

1980s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Swid Powell Decorative Objects

Materials

Silver Plate

Pair of Swid Powell Silver Plate Postmodern Candlesticks

$1,200 / set

Pair of Swid Powell Silver Plate Postmodern Candlesticks

By Swid Powell

Located in Dallas, TX

Elegant pair of postmodern silver-plated candlesticks by Swid Powell, circa 1980s. Featuring a refined architectural form with cylindrical stems, wide drip pans, and weighted circula...

Category

1990s Swid Powell Decorative Objects

Materials

Silver Plate

Pair of Richard Meier for Swid Powell Silver Plate Post-Modern Bowls

$1,700 / set

Pair of Richard Meier for Swid Powell Silver Plate Post-Modern Bowls

By Swid Powell, Richard Meier

Located in Dallas, TX

A refined matched pair of silver-plated postmodern bowls designed by celebrated architect Richard Meier for Swid Powell, New York, circa 1980s. Executed with Meier’s signature archit...

Category

1980s Vintage Swid Powell Decorative Objects

Materials

Silver Plate

Richard Meier Swid Powell Magnifying Glass in Box Mid Century Modern Architect

$699

Richard Meier Swid Powell Magnifying Glass in Box Mid Century Modern Architect

By Richard Meier, Swid Powell

Located in Atlanta, GA

Modernist Silverplate Magnifying Glass, designed by Richard Meier for Swid Powell, Italy, circa 1980s. Includes original box and cloth bag. It is the perfect gift for the favorite de...

Category

1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Swid Powell Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal, Silver Plate

Richard Meier Postmodern Silverplate Candlestick for Italian Swid Powell, 1980's

$1,450

Richard Meier Postmodern Silverplate Candlestick for Italian Swid Powell, 1980's

By Richard Meier, Swid Powell

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Silver-plated candlestick designed by Richard Meier for Swid Powell, Italy. This striking postmodern design exemplifies Meier’s sculptural, architectural approach, bringing bold pres...

Category

20th Century Italian Post-Modern Swid Powell Decorative Objects

Materials

Silver Plate

Ettore Sottsass Candelstick / Candle Holder, Silver Plate for Swid Powell

$1,100

Ettore Sottsass Candelstick / Candle Holder, Silver Plate for Swid Powell

By Ettore Sottsass, Swid Powell

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This is one icon of Post Modern design by the well known architect Ettore Sottsass.

Category

1980s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Swid Powell Decorative Objects

Materials

Silver Plate

Midcentury Rounded Picture Frame Made in Silver Plate and Teak, Italy, 1970s

$569

H 8.27 in Dm 8.27 in

Midcentury Rounded Picture Frame Made in Silver Plate and Teak, Italy, 1970s

Located in Roma, IT

We are pleased to offer an elegant circular picture frame, almost certainly made in Italy between 1960 and 1970. This vintage round frame is crafted in silver plate with a mahogany-v...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Swid Powell Decorative Objects

Materials

Silver Plate

Pair of 18th Century French Patinated Bronze Candlesticks

$580 / set

H 10.375 in Dm 5.5 in

Pair of 18th Century French Patinated Bronze Candlesticks

Located in Dallas, TX

Cast in France during the 1700s, this pair of bronze candlesticks has a lovely patination, giving them a glossy brown color. The highly contoured and curved bases are mirrored by the...

Category

18th Century French Louis XIV Antique Swid Powell Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal, Bronze

1950s Danish Teak Freeform Carved Nut Bowl Table Centerpiece Vintage Modern

$795

H 2 in W 8.5 in D 5.5 in

1950s Danish Teak Freeform Carved Nut Bowl Table Centerpiece Vintage Modern

By Finn Juhl

Located in Hyattsville, MD

Obscure Danish Design Company, AL-BO. Highly finished, thin walled Teak wedge-shaped bowl.

Category

1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Swid Powell Decorative Objects

Materials

Teak

Mid-Century Italian Tennis Racket Picture Frame in Silver-Plated Pewter, 70s

$237

H 1.78 in W 4.93 in D 1.19 in

Mid-Century Italian Tennis Racket Picture Frame in Silver-Plated Pewter, 70s

Located in Roma, IT

We are pleased to offer for sale a refined mid-20th century tabletop frame, an object that combines modern taste with a charming retro appeal. It makes a perfect gift for tennis enth...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Swid Powell Decorative Objects

Materials

Silver Plate, Pewter

Mid century modern Murano glass paperweight, 1960

$308

H 2.37 in Dm 2.76 in

Mid century modern Murano glass paperweight, 1960

Located in Palermo, PA

This elegant Murano glass paperweight features a clear, transparent design with a delicate light blue flower inside. Small, subtle air bubbles are suspended within the glass, adding ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Swid Powell Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Vintage Brass Handled Magnifying Glass

$150

H 0.75 in W 8.75 in D 3.5 in

Vintage Brass Handled Magnifying Glass

By Godinger, Neiman Marcus

Located in San Diego, CA

Vintage brass handled magnifying glass, circa 1980s. #4348

Category

20th Century American Swid Powell Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Mid 20th Century Hermes Horse Head Magnifying Glass, France, Circa 1960

$1,700

H 2 in W 5.5 in D 3.25 in

Mid 20th Century Hermes Horse Head Magnifying Glass, France, Circa 1960

By Hermès

Located in London, GB

Introducing an elegant mid 20th-century Hermes Horse Head Magnifying Glass from France, Circa 1960. The intricately designed horse's head adds a un...

Category

Mid-20th Century French Swid Powell Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Ralph Lauren Art Deco Silver Plate Picture Frame

$395

H 8.75 in W 6.75 in D 5.5 in

Ralph Lauren Art Deco Silver Plate Picture Frame

By Ralph Lauren

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous modern Art Deco silver plate picture frame By Ralph Lauren USA, Circa Late 20th Century Measures: 6.75"W x 5.5"D x 8.75"H. Good original vintage condition.

Category

Late 20th Century American Art Deco Swid Powell Decorative Objects

Materials

Silver Plate

Pair of Candlesticks or Candleholders, Green Patinated Bronze

$47 / set

H 12.6 in W 4.34 in D 4.34 in

Pair of Candlesticks or Candleholders, Green Patinated Bronze

Located in Madrid, ES

Pair of candlestick in patinated bronze. The square-shaped base or washer provides stability to the barrel, which has been shaped into a column with a smooth shaft with a notable wi...

Category

20th Century European Other Swid Powell Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Candlesticks or Candleholders, Patinated Bronze

$47 / set

H 9.85 in W 3.94 in D 3.94 in

Pair of Candlesticks or Candleholders, Patinated Bronze

Located in Madrid, ES

Pair of candlestick in patinated bronze. The base washer shows a decoration based on moldings, while the barrel rises from a pedestal topped by a large pearl and is shaped like a va...

Category

20th Century European Other Swid Powell Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Candlesticks or Candleholders, Patinated Bronze

$47 / set

H 9.06 in W 4.34 in D 4.34 in

Pair of Candlesticks or Candleholders, Patinated Bronze

Located in Madrid, ES

Pair of candlestick in patinated bronze. It has a square base with flattened corners and decorated with moldings that create a staggering until almost reaching the barrel, worked as...

Category

20th Century European Other Swid Powell Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Sterling Silver Cymric Candlesticks, Archibald Knox for Liberty and Co

$8,850Sale Price / set|70% Off

H 9.75 in Dm 5.5 in

Pair of Sterling Silver Cymric Candlesticks, Archibald Knox for Liberty and Co

By Archibald Knox

Located in CHARLESTON, SC

Exceedingly Rare and Important pair of Museum quality old English sterling silver Cymric candlesticks. Exceptional example of silver from the Art...

Category

Early 20th Century English Neoclassical Swid Powell Decorative Objects

Materials

Sterling Silver

Previously Available Items

Swid Powell Silver Plate Bowl or Candy Dish by Richard Meier

Sold

H 2.5 in Dm 6 in

Swid Powell Silver Plate Bowl or Candy Dish by Richard Meier

By Swid Powell, Richard Meier

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A beautifully restrained silver-plate bowl designed by Richard Meier for Swid Powell. Sculptural yet understated, the piece stands confidently on its own while remaining perfectly su...

Category

Mid-20th Century Argentine Modern Swid Powell Decorative Objects

Materials

Silver Plate

Pair of Richard Meier “King Richard” Silver-Plated Candlesticks for Swid Powell

Sold

H 9 in Dm 3.5 in

Pair of Richard Meier “King Richard” Silver-Plated Candlesticks for Swid Powell

By Richard Meier, Swid Powell

Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Pair of Richard Meier “King Richard” Silver-Plated Candlesticks for Swid Powell, 1983 Pair of vintage “King Richard” candlesticks designed by American architect Richard Meier for Sw...

Category

1980s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Swid Powell Decorative Objects

Materials

Silver Plate

Architect Richard Meier Design Silverplate Rotating Cross Bowl for Swid Powell

Sold

H 2.5 in Dm 6 in

Architect Richard Meier Design Silverplate Rotating Cross Bowl for Swid Powell

By Richard Meier, Swid Powell

Located in Oakland, CA

Silverplate over brass bowl designed by architect Richard Meier for Swid Powell, referred to as the Cross Bowl, made by Plata Lappas, Buenos Aires for Swid Powell. Unlike the larger ...

Category

1990s Argentine Post-Modern Swid Powell Decorative Objects

Materials

Silver Plate

Swid Powell Candlesticks, Designed by Stern, Italian- Set of 2, c. 1980's

Sold

H 6.5 in Dm 3.5 in

Swid Powell Candlesticks, Designed by Stern, Italian- Set of 2, c. 1980's

By Robert A.M. Stern, Swid Powell

Located in Ross, CA

Set of two stamped Swid Powell Candlesticks, made in Italy in the 1980's. Designed and stamped with architect Robert A.M. Stern's initials. The pattern is called "Century". Swid Pow...

Category

1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Swid Powell Decorative Objects

Materials

Silver Plate

Richard Meier large bowl / centerpiece silver plate for Swid Powell .

Sold

H 2.75 in Dm 11.8 in

Richard Meier large bowl / centerpiece silver plate for Swid Powell .

By Richard Meier, Swid Powell

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Beautiful centerpiece designed by the well known architect Richard Meier . This is a large almost 12 inches diameter .

Category

Late 20th Century Argentine Post-Modern Swid Powell Decorative Objects

Materials

Silver Plate

Swid Powell Italian Silver Plated Chrome Picture Frame by Richard Meier

Sold

H 7.75 in W 8.75 in D 2 in

Swid Powell Italian Silver Plated Chrome Picture Frame by Richard Meier

By Richard Meier, Swid Powell

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A stunning example of Richard Meiers work with Swid Powell. The sliver plated picture frame is a modern piece with a sphere and cylinder which house two pieces of glass floating. ...

Category

20th Century Italian Modern Swid Powell Decorative Objects

Materials

Silver Plate, Chrome

Charles Gwathmey, Robert Siegel, Vintage Swid Powell Silver Plate Courtney Bowl

Sold

H 4 in Dm 11.5 in

Charles Gwathmey, Robert Siegel, Vintage Swid Powell Silver Plate Courtney Bowl

By Gwathmey Siegel & Assoc, Swid Powell

Located in North Miami, FL

This vintage hand hammered silver-plated brass bowl by the architectural team of Robert Siegel and Charles Gwathmey for Swid Powell is one of the most iconic designs made and also on...

Category

1980s Italian Modern Vintage Swid Powell Decorative Objects

Materials

Silver Plate

Postmodern Cross Bowl by Richard Meier for Swid Powell

Sold

H 2.5 in W 6 in D 6 in

Postmodern Cross Bowl by Richard Meier for Swid Powell

By Swid Powell, Richard Meier

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Sometimes referred to as the Cross Bowl and other times as the X-Base Bowl, this postmodern silver-plated bowl is one of Richard Meier’s simplest and most iconic designs for Swid Pow...

Category

Late 20th Century Post-Modern Swid Powell Decorative Objects

Materials

Silver Plate

"Metropolitan" Candlestick by Robert A. M. Stern for Swid Powell

Sold

H 9.13 in Dm 3.5 in

"Metropolitan" Candlestick by Robert A. M. Stern for Swid Powell

By Cleto Munari, Robert A.M. Stern, Swid Powell

Located in Skokie, IL

"Metropolitan" Candlestick by Robert A. M. Stern for Swid Powell A single iconic "Metropolitan" silver-plated candlestick designed by Robert A. M. Stern for Swid Powell. Stern, b. 1...

Category

1980s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Swid Powell Decorative Objects

Materials

Silver Plate, Brass

"Silvershade" Candlestick by Ettore Sottsass for Swid Powell

Sold

H 12.75 in W 3.5 in D 3.5 in

"Silvershade" Candlestick by Ettore Sottsass for Swid Powell

By Cleto Munari, Ettore Sottsass, Swid Powell

Located in Skokie, IL

"Silvershade" Candlestick by Ettore Sottsass for Swid Powell A single "Silvershade" silver-plated candlestick designed by Ettore Sottsass for Swid Powell. Sottsass, 1917-2007, was a...

Category

1980s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Swid Powell Decorative Objects

Materials

Silver Plate, Brass

"Moonlight" Candlestick by Ettore Sottsass for Swid Powell

Sold

H 13.63 in W 2.75 in D 2.5 in

"Moonlight" Candlestick by Ettore Sottsass for Swid Powell

By Ettore Sottsass, Cleto Munari, Swid Powell

Located in Skokie, IL

"Moonlight" Candlestick by Ettore Sottsass for Swid Powell A single "Moonlight" silver -plated and brass candlestick designed by Ettore Sottsass for Swid Powell. Sottsass, 1917-2007...

Category

1980s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Swid Powell Decorative Objects

Materials

Silver Plate, Brass

"Starlight" Candlestick by Ettore Sottsass for Swid Powell

Sold

H 12.88 in W 3.13 in D 3.13 in

"Starlight" Candlestick by Ettore Sottsass for Swid Powell

By Ettore Sottsass, Cleto Munari, Swid Powell

Located in Skokie, IL

A single "Starlight" silver-plated and brass candlestick designed by Ettore Sottsass for Swid Powell. Sottsass, 1917-2007, was a noted 20th century Italian architect and the founder ...

Category

1980s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Swid Powell Decorative Objects

Materials

Silver Plate, Brass

Swid Powell decorative objects for sale on 1stDibs.

Swid Powell decorative objects are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of metal and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Swid Powell decorative objects, although silver editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original decorative objects by Swid Powell were created in the modern style in europe during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider decorative objects by Cleto Munari, Richard Meier, and George Sowden. Prices for Swid Powell decorative objects can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $595 and can go as high as $6,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $1,450.