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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Firmamento Milano Pillola Table Lamp by Parisotto and Formenton Architetti
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Please note that VAT is not included in the price. Elegant interior lamp designed as an essential element that creates an evocative light of great comfort. A matte ball of simple and pure form, cut in two perfect halves that diffuse reflected and discreet light. The project line is the essentiality that shapes both the aesthetics and the lighting effect. The light is spread from inside the ball, reflected on the inner shell of the dome and spread on the surface of the table on which it is placed. Designed for the living, its light gives a great atmosphere to the home. The unit features a dimmer enabling custom quality and intensity light. Aldo Parisotto and Massimo Formenton graduated in architecture from the IUAV of Venice. In 1990 they founded their own design firm P+F Parisotto+Formenton Architetti. Their research is oriented towards a range of different design themes, through which they have developed wide experience on both the national and international levels. In the design field they developed a collaboration with leading furniture and lighting companies such as cc-tapis, FontanaArte, Mingardo, Minotti Cucine. In the yacht sector the studio worked for Sanlorenzo, Cantiere del Pardo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Aluminum

African Ceramic Design Vase, hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Introducing the Hand-Painted Design Vase by Senzo Duma Ceramic Arts, directly from South Africa. Handcrafted by Senzo Duma and painted by Zinhle Nene, this 8-inch vase features intri...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Vase 0025 Grès Roux Chamotté by Marta Dervin
Located in Geneve, CH
Vase 0025 Grès Roux Chamotté by Marta Dervin Dimensions: ø7.5 x H 31-35 cm Materials: Stoneware Marta Dervin works with stoneware and porcelain that she shapes by hand to create sim...
Category

2010s French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stoneware

Roger Capron's Wall-mounted Sculpture Portrays a Face Inspired by Picasso.
Located in Stockholm, SE
Roger Capron's Wall-mounted Sculpture Portrays a Face Inspired by Picasso. A Unique piece created in Vallauris, France. Raku, glazes, engravings, and slips. Signed. R. Capron. Emblem...
Category

1990s French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Enamel

DECÒ TERRACOTTA VASE 20th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
DECÒ TERRACOTTA VASE 20th Century Handmade HEIGHT 50 cm WIDTH 26 cm good conditions
Category

20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Terracotta

Orologio da parete con disegno grafico di Kurt B. Delbanco per Morphos 1980 ca.
Located in MIlano, IT
Orologio da parete, con disegno geometrico e grafico con colori primari, nero e grigio. Prodotto da Morphos nel 1980 ca. e disegnato da Kurt B. Delb...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Plastic

Leather Pot Large Glass Vase Covered with Nest Leather Colour Larimar Blue
Located in New York, NY
Leather pot is a transparent glass and soft leather for a family of open vases that can be mixed and matched or used on their own. The Leather Pot vases collection, designed by Poltr...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Leather, Glass

Leather Pot Large Glass Vase Covered in Nest Leather Colour Salgemma 'Rock Salt'
Located in New York, NY
Leather pot is a transparent glass and soft leather for a family of open vases that can be mixed and matched or used on their own. The Leather Pot vases collection, designed by Poltr...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Leather, Glass

In Stock in Los Angeles, Green Rabbit Mini Portable Charger
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Rabbit Mini power bank battery charger In stock in Los Angeles Power bank. You can carry Rabbit MINI in your bag as an external battery for yo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Plastic

In Stock in Los Angeles, Light Blue Rabbit Mini Portable Charger
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Rabbit mini power bank battery charger In stock in Los Angeles Power bank. You can carry Rabbit MINI in your bag as an external battery for your smartphone or any other device. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Plastic

African Ceramic Monkey Urn by Ardmore
Located in North Miami, FL
Introducing the Ardmore Ceramics Hand-Painted Ceramic Urn, a stunning piece of art that seamlessly blends craftsmanship and creativity. This magnificent urn, standing at an impressiv...
Category

2010s South African Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Set of Mushroom Sculptures in Cream Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mushroom Sculpture (Set of 2) Cream Lacquer Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang ...
Category

2010s Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Lacquer

Luna Handmade Blown Glass Candleholder Designed by Aldo Cibic
Located in Milan, IT
Luna is a handmade transparent candle stick in mouth blown glass designed by Aldo Cibic, it is available in three different sizes. This piece is a timeless object whose curvy Silhoue...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Blown Glass

Contemporary Ceramic Vulcano Corteccia Texture Lilac Low Vase
Located in Porcia, IT
Dynamic and chic, this versatile vase will diffuse a sophisticated aura into a modern living room or entryway decor. The elegant form of the conical Sil...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

New Modern Fruit Bowl in White Marble, Creator Karen Chekerdjian Stock
Located in Milan, IT
The value of change in a simple act, in stock. Karen Chekerdjian’s new creation puts design front and centre: from one foundation, multiple possibilities. An essential shape and cla...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

Frieze, Coffee Table, Functional Art Sculpture by Eduard Locota
Located in Timisoara, RO
From extremely detailed 3D scans of the most important classical sculptures of all times, Eduard Locota has digitally sliced and extracted the essential portion of the artwork, then ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Balkan Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Acrylic, Fiberglass

Contemporary Modern Sculptural Gear Clock by Clockwork Inc.
By Clockwork Inc.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This stylish freestanding clock features a rich wood finish with unique gear face clock. Brass details and sculptural feel make this piece by Clockw...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Dora Maar Centerpiece Pedestal Bowl
Located in New York, NY
Serve Surrealism. Our larger-than-life Dora Maar Centerpiece Pedestal Bowl is the grand head-turner every dining experience deserves. Inspired by Dora Maar, the French photographer, ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

New Modern Cigarettes and Cigar Ashtray in Black Marble, creator Chiossi Stock
Located in Milan, IT
Tuscan sculptor Michele Chiossi, has found in marble a medium to describe modernity with its myths and symbols, creating the Contemporary collection. An emoji can be a tray; an emoji heart, not necessarily pierced by an arrow, can be a place of creativity in the kitchen, a chopping board or a working surface; a dash; a zigzag; granting the marble a moment of levity, becoming vertical in a vase; reflecting an ideal image of ourselves. Unique objects to be experienced as a couple, to gift to friends, jewels of our daily lives. Time and smoke pass, ashtrays remain. As everlasting as marble, as elegant as a concentric circle of smoke spreading through the air. Chiossi revisits the most Classic of living room...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

Jaeger-LeCoultre Mystery Mantel Clock
Located in Norwich, GB
Jaeger-LeCoultre mystery clock in a Lucite case with beautiful chinoiserie decoration featuring a bird in flight and standing on a gilded stepped bas...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Lucite

Contemporary Ceramic Cactus Vase #1 Colored
Located in Porcia, IT
Italian ceramist Paola Paronetto's Cactus series of decorative objects draws inspiration from the beauty and harmony in nature. Handcrafted of paper c...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Rare Emaux de Longwy Ceramic Boule Vase by Garouste and Bonetti Limited 1 of 5
Located in Miami, FL
This Boule vase “Ornament “ is a rare limited edition numbered 1/5 by Elizabeth Garouste was born in 1949 in Paris and Mattia Bonetti in 1952 in Lugano (Switzerland). They pooled their work from 1980 to dedicate themselves to the creation of pieces of furniture and interior decoration. They start with the decoration of the Palace that Fabrice Eamer asks them to design. Then shortly after, the Néotu Gallery publishes them. Their furniture, baroque and barbarian, surprises, made up of heterogeneous and unusual materials, such as rock, hammered bronze, raffia, leather, skin, logs and glass ... They are at the instigation of fashion "barbaric". For their work, they use references such as the Middle Ages, Africa, through the poetry of Cocteau, the Venetian baroque and neoclassicism. They have also been edited by the “Waiting for the Barbarians” galleries, David Gill, Kréo, Lou Fagotin...
Category

20th Century French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Contemporary Ceramic Cartocci Liscia Texture Yellow Decorative Bottle
Located in Porcia, IT
Italian ceramist Paola Paronetto's distinctive style is epitomized in transforming objects of daily use into exclusive decorative yet functional artwork. This remarkable yellow bottl...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Rock Crystal Wash Basin by ARTISS
Located in Geneve, CH
Rock crystal wash basin by ARTISS Dimensions: D 41.5 x H 1.65 cm Materials: Rock crystal ARTIS is named from artist, whose two -S" stands for natural gem and natural mother shell...
Category

2010s Chinese Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Rock Crystal

Bronze Sculpture by Artiss
Located in Geneve, CH
Bronze sculpture by Artiss Dimensions: L 67 x W 30 x H 57 cm Materials: Mlachite, Bronze Artiss is named from artist, whose two -S" stands for natural gem and natural mother shell. ...
Category

2010s Chinese Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Malachite, Bronze

Brazilian Leather Baskets
Located in Boston, MA
Leather organizer baskets. Natural color.
Category

2010s Brazilian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Leather

Oak Ring Tray by Joseph Vila Capdevila
Located in Geneve, CH
Oak ring tray by Joseph Vila Capdevila Material: Oak Dimensions: ø 35 x 3 cm Weight: 1.25 kg Aparentment is a space for creation and innovation,...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Oak

Set of 3 Outdoor Terracotta Vases from the series "Gardenias" by Jaime Hayon
Located in Barcelona, ES
Jaime Hayon designed the Gardenia Vases in terracotta as a complement to his outdoor furniture collection. The three vases are unique in form, illustrating Hyaon's unmistakable hal...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Contemporary Ceramic Cartocci Texture Print White Bowl
Located in Porcia, IT
The contemporary allure of this stunning sculpture will elevate the design of any interior with its handcrafted, unique, and minimal silhouette. A captivating piece inspired by every...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

21st Century Zazen Collection Concrete Vase Dark Grey Color, Mod. II
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...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Cement

Italian Photo Frame Handmade Wood, Double Heart
Located in Sarezzo, IT
Double Heart is a unique arge Italian hand crafted wood double photo frame by sculptor Massimo Pasini. Wood is a very warm material and it is very m...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

White / Lilac Marble Pedestal Bowl XL
Located in EINDHOVEN, NB
A substantial white marble bowl with unique lilac veining rests atop a pedestal for a grand presentation of fruits and vegetables. Exposure to the acid of citrus fruits can stain...
Category

2010s Dutch Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

Murano Glass Centerpiece Organic Shape
Located in Murano, VE
Discover Oculus, a mesmerizing blown glass plate boasting an organic, casual shape. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, each piece is a testament to the artistry of glassmak...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

European Contemporary Red Sculptural Candlesticks by Margit Wittig
Located in London, GB
Margit Wittig has used her sculptural skills to create beautifully-crafted, well-proportioned contemporary candlesticks, which are compositio...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Frank Lloyd Wright Style Modernist White Powder Coated Cold Steel Planter, USA
Located in Miami, FL
Versatile planter or centerpiece rendered in white powder coated cold steel with a clear translucent lucite acrylic insert and a decorative high end faux succulent arrangement. USA,...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Steel

Contemporary Red Burgundy Pink Glazed Ceramic Explorer Vase No.3 by Jaime Hayon
Located in Barcelona, ES
The shapely forms of the pieces in the Explorer Collection, have been condensed into these vases. They are objects that are part of my cosmos, taken from my drawings. The materialisa...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Sophia Medium White Ceramic and 24-Karat Gold Details Handcrafted Centerpiece
Located in Bologna, Bologna
Elegant and functional, Sophia M centerpiece is crafted by hand and celebrates the heart of Italian cities: the piazza. Exquisitely made of ceramic, Sophia M features a square portic...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Gold

"Genova" Matte Black
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
Created by using a traditional technique of clay slab to fashion all the vase models in limited edition, slip cast and hand finished with layers of glaze and multiple firings. Sculptural and functional design, interior is glazed as well. Available in matte black...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Marcel Duchamp Thonet Readymade "Porte Chapeau"
Located in Sharon, CT
Thonet manufactured this object (11022) around the turn of the century and was illustrated in their 1904 catalog (see photo). In 1917 Duchamp hung one from the ceiling of his New Yor...
Category

Early 20th Century French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Mappin & Webb English Modern Sterling Silver Box, 1965
Located in New York, NY
Elizabeth II sterling silver box. Made by Mappin & Webb in Birmingham in 1965. Rectangular with straight sides. Cover hinged with flat top and scalloped tab. Interior cedar-lined and...
Category

1960s British Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Sterling Silver

Bronze 'Super Egg' Objet d'Art Piet Hein
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Esoteric art object. Simple and mundane. Arresting and bold. Hold it your hand for comfort and energy or cool your cocktail. Solid bronze. Original vintage condition with a nice pati...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Diane Cooper Mixed Media over Wood Wall Mounted Bundle Sculpture
Located in Chicago, IL
Diane Cooper Mixed Media over Wood Wall Mounted Bundle Sculpture, From Ruth Horwich collection. Textures Canvas and Metal About Diane Cooper: Inspired by the visual culture in Japan,...
Category

1990s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Miguel Berrocal Puzzle Sculpture La Mini Cariatide
Located in Washington, DC
Intricate puzzle sculpture by Spanish artist Miguel Berrocal. Sculpture consists of 25 pieces, plus a wearable ring with a brass heart design. Comes complete with original box and book.
Category

1960s Spanish Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Koa Wood Letter Openers
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Nice sculptural forms with a beautiful patina. Both are engraved "Kamaka Hawaii". The tips have some chips. Presents well. Great for collections and decor...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Modern Letter Opener Richard Meier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Classic post modern design. Form + function. Whimsical spinning cube. Signs of wear. Some scratches on the tip with patina. Presents well. Nice desk accessory...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Silver Plate, Brass

Adrian Abstract Paint, circa 2017
By Yayoi Kusama
Located in Barcelona, ES
Adrian Abstract Paint, circa 2017. Manufactured in Spain. Materials: Wood Dimensions: D 3,7 cm x W 33,5 cm x H 41 cm The artwork is in its original condition, showing minor sign...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Leather Tray, Large A Rectangular Tray, Handmade in Brazil - Color: Zinc
Located in Curitiba, Parana
Monochrome Collection Trays For different uses, the line of Monochrome Trays can be used separately or as a set. Their sizes are customizable, so use your creativity to build a uniq...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Leather

Leather Tray, Large B Retangular Tray, Handmade in Brazil - Color: Savannah
Located in Curitiba, Parana
Monochrome Collection Trays For different uses, the line of Monochrome Trays can be used separately or as a set. Their sizes are customizable, so use your creativity to build a uniq...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Leather

Leather Tray, Large A Rectangular Tray, Handmade in Brazil - Color: Wine
Located in Curitiba, Parana
Monochrome Collection Trays For different uses, the line of Monochrome Trays can be used separately or as a set. Their sizes are customizable, so use your creativity to build a uniq...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Leather

Leather Tray, Large B Retangular Tray, Handmade in Brazil - Color: Black
Located in Curitiba, Parana
Monochrome Collection Trays For different uses, the line of Monochrome Trays can be used separately or as a set. Their sizes are customizable, so use your creativity to build a uniq...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Leather

Leather Tray, Large B Retangular Tray, Handmade in Brazil - Color: Wine
Located in Curitiba, Parana
Monochrome Collection Trays For different uses, the line of Monochrome Trays can be used separately or as a set. Their sizes are customizable, so use your creativity to build a uniq...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Leather

Majestic Green Onyx Sculpture Vase Subjects Roses Leaves Hand Carved in Italy
Located in Ancona, Marche
"Roma Imperiale" is not just a vase or rather a sculpture, imagine it as a memory, the memory of a nobility now dissolved, a suspended memory, forgotten in a secret garden, of those ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Onyx, Marble

French Bronze Surrealist Bronze Apple Sculpture Style of Claude Lalanne
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
French Bronze Surrealist Bronze Apple Sculpture Style of Claude Lalanne A charming French Bronze Surrealist Apple Sculpture, made in the style reminiscent of the renowned artist Cla...
Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

NANA Yellow Vase by Malwina Konopacka
Located in WARSZAWA, PL
A small vase with a unique form composed of six pretzels and a contrasting base. The NANA vase beautifully displays any bouquet, its beauty accentuated by the vase's striking color. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Clay

NANA Plum purple Vase by Malwina Konopacka
Located in WARSZAWA, PL
A small vase with a unique form composed of six pretzels and a contrasting base. The NANA vase beautifully displays any bouquet, its beauty accentuated by the vase's striking color. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Clay

Adrian Abstract Artwork, circa 2017
Located in Barcelona, ES
Adrian Abstract artwork, circa 2017. Manufactured in Spain. Materials: Wood Dimensions: D 5 cm x W 21 cm x H 21 cm The artwork is in its original condition, showing minor signs ...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Geometric Forms, 8" tall Circa 1900
Located in Culver City, CA
Geometric Forms, 8" tall Italy circa 1900 Collection of (10) with taped lettering. 3”-8”h
Category

Early 1900s Italian Antique Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Travertine Cat or Dog Bowl Set
Located in EINDHOVEN, NB
Unique and Stunning Pet bowl made of travertine stone. Expertly crafted and finished by hand, our travertine bowls are a study in sculptural simplicity. Natural variations in the sto...
Category

2010s Dutch Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Travertine

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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