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Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

MID-CENTURY MODERN STYLE

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

CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW

ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS

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 legendary 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.

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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Style: Mid-Century Modern
French Oval Majolica Palissy Fish & Lobster Platter Vallauris, circa 1950
Located in Austin, TX
French Oval Majolica Palissy Fish & Lobster Platter Vallauris, circa 1950. Fishs,tomato,garlic,starfish,seaweeds,shells. From Provence. Length / 16.5 inches by 11 inches, height / 3 ...
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic, Faience, Majolica

Marianna von allesch Ceramic Sculpture Bull American Mid Century 1940s
Located in New York, NY
A wonderful hand thrown and painted bull sculpture by famed American artist, Marianna von allesch . Signed Biography: Marianna von Allesch was born Maria Anna Steudel in Germany. ...
Category

1940s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic, Paint

Two Brass Decorative Objects Midcentury Modern Italia 1960/70s
Located in Palermo, IT
Nice ducks all made of brass that walk with umbrellas sheltering themselves from the rain or the sun. Note: We try to offer our customers an excellent service even in shipments all ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Giarrusso Taurus
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Taurus sculpture by Raphael Giarrusso Around 1960s in ceramic With his unique universe Giarrusso is one of the most famous French ceramist, who also worked with Georges Pelletier ...
Category

1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Guido Gambone Ceramic Animal Italian Sculptures Figurines Set of Four
Located in Chicago, IL
Charming set of ceramic animal sculpture figurines from the great master and innovator of Modern Italian Ceramics, Guido Gambone. Signature and famous donkey mark on bottom of each ...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Bronze Koi Fish Sculpture Vase or Fountain
Located in Los Angeles, CA
this beautifully designed Koi Fish is the perfect size to be a decorative piece. centerpiece, flower vase, or even (with a little ingenuity) be a fountain. The bronze is very detail...
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Richard Rohac Mouse 'Signed' Vienna Around 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Richard rohac Mouse ( signed ) vienna around 1950s Original condition.
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Brass

1970's Italian Ceramic Baby Leopard
Located in Redding, CT
1970's Italian Ceramic Baby Leopard Sculpture. Made in Italy . Collectible and decorative.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Mid-Century Modern Solid Brass Standing Doe Deer Sculpture
Located in Barntrup, DE
Standing doe deer sculpture made of solid brass, from the circa 1970s. Adorable and decorative piece - a brass sculpture of a standing doe. Dimensions: height: 31 cm / 12.2 in; width...
Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Sandro Single Sculpture, 2017
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Sandro single sculpture, 2017 Taxidermy, Ceramic Plate. Made in Berlin in 2017.   
Category

2010s German Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic, Organic Material

Mid-Century Modern Era Dark Amber Art Glass Bull Sculpture
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This vintage art glass scupture is unsigned, but presumed to have originated from Italy and date to approximately 1960 and done in the period Mid Centur...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Art Glass

Vintage Stalk Sculpture by Anthony Redmile 1970
Located in Buxton, GB
This exquisite Stork sculpture by Anthony Redmile is a stunning piece of contemporary art that captures the beauty of birds using a large sea shell for the body. Made in 1970, this l...
Category

1970s British Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Metal sculpture, heron, 20th century
Located in Monza, IT
Metal sculpture, heron, 20th century Sculpture depicting a bird, heron, in green lacquered metal, on a wooden pedestal. Good condition, as shown in the photo Maximum overall dimensio...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Abraham Palatnik transparent lucite sculpture of a cat 4” H
Located in Houston, TX
Abraham Palatnik lucite sculpture of a cat
Category

1960s Brazilian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Lucite

1960s Dimitri Omersa Leather Rhino Retailed by Abercrombie & Fitch - Restored
Located in St. Louis, MO
Early Vintage 1960s leather ottoman / sculpture in form of Rhino, made by Omersa and was retailed by Abercrombie & Fitch. This rhino has been refurbished, including new Omersa factor...
Category

1960s English Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Leather

Small Fox Figurine by Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, AT
Small fox figurine by Walter Bosse Original condition.
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Japanese Heavy Brass Koi
Located in Dallas, TX
This piece is a part of Brendan Bass’s one-of-a-kind collection, Le Monde. French for “The World”, the Le Monde collection is made up of rare and hard to find pieces curated by Brend...
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Vintage Omersa Leather Turtle Use as Paperweight or Decorative, Retains Label
Located in St. Louis, MO
Vintage Dimitri Omersa embossed brown leather Turtle with label. Can be used as a paperweight or as decoration. Fun size. In fine condition, retains label.
Category

1970s English Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Leather

Vintage Bloodhound Ornament, American, Bronze, Marble, Dog Sculpture, Circa 1950
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a heavy vintage bloodhound ornament. An American, bronze and marble figural dog sculpture by Grace Mott Johnson, dating to the mid 20th century, circa 1950. Delightfully sub...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Signed Montelupo for Bitossi Sausage Dog in Blue "Rimini" Ceramic, Italy 1960s
Located in Roma, IT
Gorgeous wiener dog sculpture from the "Rimini Blu" collection by Flavia Montelupo for Bitossi. This lovely and rare sculpture was designed by Flavia Montelupo and produced by Bitoss...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic, Pottery

Carved and Painted Wood Jaguar or Big Cat
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Standout whimsical vintage life size hand carved jaguar decorated with its distinctive rosettes in a faux fierce expression.
Category

20th Century Mexican Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Wood, Paint

Seguso Vetri D'Arte Poli Murano Sommerso Italian Art Glass Squirrel Sculpture
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful, rare, and cute vintage Murano hand blown Sommerso green Italian art glass squirrel figure / sculpture. Documented to designer Flavio Poli for...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Glass, Art Glass, Sommerso, Murano Glass, Blown Glass

Stunning pair of vintage ceramic leopards sculptures made in Italy 1960s
Located in Buggenhout, Oost-Vlaanderen
Stunning pair of vintage female and male ceramic leopard sculptures, Italy 1960. Beautiful set of two vintage glazed ceramic leopard sculptures. Made i...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Modernist Japanese Iron Fish Incense Bowl
Located in San Diego, CA
Iron sculptural fish bowl from Japan. Great for incense. Wonderful patina. Signed with a Japanese mark. 1950s
Category

1950s Japanese Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Iron

Mix Metals & Leather Rare Beautiful Fish Sculpture Attrib. to Sergio Bustamante
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful and rare table sculpture in brass , copper and leather scales never seen one like it, great quality and design , circa 1970's sitting on a removable base.attributed to serg...
Category

Late 20th Century Mexican Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Brass

1970's Large Italian Ceramic Cheetah
Located in Redding, CT
1970's Large Italian Ceramic Cheetah. This fabulous Hollywood Glam sculpture would be the perfect centerpiece. Unmarked but most likely Italian.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Mid 20th Century Brass Wall Hanging Crawfish Crayfish Prawn Lobster 12"
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage mid 20th century brass wall hanging sculpture / figurine in the shape of a crawfish / crayfish/ prawn. Made in Taiwan - Republic of China. Dimensions: 11.75" x 6.5" x 4" (Wi...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Pair of Zoomorphic Andirons
Located in London, GB
A pair of forged iron zoomorphic fire dogs France, mid 20th Century 30.5 cm high by 45 cm wide by 18.5 cm depth
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Iron

Salviati Murano Sommerso Emerald Green Italian Art Glass Owl Figure Sculpture
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown Sommerso dark to lighter emerald green Italian art glass owl bird figure, sculpture. Documented to the Salviati Company. Have owned several with l...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Glass, Murrine, Sommerso, Murano Glass, Blown Glass, Art Glass

Vintage Boho Glazed Ceramic Duck Planter
Located in west palm beach, FL
Add a touch of whimsy and character to your space with this delightful vintage ceramic duck planter. With its bohemian flair and glossy glazed finish, this charming piece brings a pl...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic, Paint

Life sized mid century sheep, 1970s
Located in HEVERLEE, BE
Impressive mid century life size sheep stool. Made from beech wood and real wool. A very decorative item. One ear has had a slight damage, other then that its in good condition ...
Category

1970s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Wool, Beech

Murano Glass Shark Sculpture, 1960s
Located in BARCELONA, ES
This Murano Glass Shark Sculpture from the 1960s, crafted with vibrant orange and clear glass, offers a compelling blend of artistic mastery and ...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Art Glass

"Noodle" the Dachshund Dog Letter and Bottle Opener Bosse Vienna Austria, 1950s
By Ludwig Bemelmans
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1950s Austrian letter and Bottle opener, attributed to be designed by Ludwig Bemelmans showing "Noodle" the dachshund dog. Nice addition to your room, on your desk top ...
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Sculpture by Max le Verrier, Ashtray in Brass, France circa 1960, Old Patina
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Sculpture by Max le Verrier, Ashtray in Brass, France circa 1960, Old Patina
Category

1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Mid Century Large Italian Wooden Sword Fish
Located in Pasadena, CA
Mid Century Large Italian Wooden Sword Fish , Measures approx - 8d x 3.5w x 31h
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Wood

French Midcentury Iridescent Glazed Cat Figures
Located in New York, NY
Pair of French midcentury stylized cat figures featuring an iridescent glaze.
Category

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Asian Art Pixiu Chinese Dragon Table Sculpture
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Asian Art Mythical Figure Dragon Chinese Dragon Pixiu Sculpture Black- brown with texture present. Carved Plaster Hard Resin 8.25 h x 10 long x 4.75 No label. Preowned original vi...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Resin, Plaster

Vintage Green and Gold Murano Art Glass Cat
Located in Charleston, SC
Murano Venetian Art Glass Cat Figurine. This little stunner has shades of blues and greens throughout and gold flecks. A clear tail and head with teal ears...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Murano Glass

1970's Pair of Large Italian Ceramic Giraffes
Located in Redding, CT
1970's Pair of Large Italian Ceramic Giraffes. Endearing Mother and baby . Largest giraffe measure approximately : 14.25" tall x 17.25 long x 7...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Exceptional Giovan Battista Mitri Ceramic Cat, Incredible Patina, 1950s
Located in Brescia , Brescia
Capture the essence of mid-century Italian craftsmanship with this extraordinary ceramic cat created by Giovan Battista Mitri in the 1950s. Renowned for his mastery of form and colo...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Aldo Londi for Bitossi Rimini Blu Large Ceramic Horse
Located in Miami, FL
Tall Italian handmade ceramic horse sculpture in the vibrant signature blue of Aldo Londi's iconic art pottery collection Rimini Blu, originally designed in 1959 for Bitossi Ceramich...
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Decorative Object Elephant Porcelain Midcentury Modern Italian Design 1970s
Located in Palermo, IT
Very nice and large elephant in white enamelled porcelain with golden definitions. Italian production from the 70s. Note: We try to offer our customers an excellent service even i...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Vintage Wall Art Forged Iron Snake Sculpture
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Modernist Decor Wall Art Forged Iron Snake Sculpture 17.5 h x 18.75 w x .25 Original vintage condition unrestored Refer to images provided.
Category

Late 20th Century Mexican Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Iron

Handmade leather elephant 1960s Brown
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Handmade leather elephant 1960s
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Leather

Polar Bear Vintage Ceramic Figurine by Henrik Allert for Pentik, Finland
By Pentik, Henrik Allert
Located in Bochum, NRW
Henrik Allert for Pentik, Finland. Unique polar bear in ceramics, 1970s. Stylish modern Finnish design. In great condition. Measures: 10 cm x 6.5 cm. Signed.
Category

1970s Finnish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Stoneware

Set of Three Lalique Sculputes Sparrow Butterfly and Perfume Bottle 1950s
Located in Florence, IT
Set of three Vintage Lalique Crystal Scultures (one sparrow, one butterfly and one perfume bottle). - Frosted crystal sparrow / bird sculpture by Lalique of France. The bird is in ve...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Crystal

1960s Mid-Century Bronze Age Reproduction Bronze Bull Sculpture on Wood Base
Located in St. Louis, MO
1960s Mid-Century after the antique Bronze Age reproduction bronze bull sculpture on tapered balck wood base. In the style of the Anatolian Museum Ankara Bull around 2350 BC Early B...
Category

1960s Unknown Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Signed Somchai Verdigris Bronze Brutalist Parrot Sculpture on Marble Base 1970s
Located in Troy, MI
Modernist parrot sculpture by Hattakitkosol Somchai circa 1970s Solid bronze parrot on perch with verdigris finish mounted to white marble base Signed and numbered 5.5 inch width 5 ...
Category

1970s Thai Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Italian Glazed Ceramic Sculpture of a Tiger in repose, Circa 1960s
Located in Miami, FL
Italian Glazed Ceramic Sculpture of a Tiger in Repose, Circa 1960s Offered for sale is an Italian glazed ceramic sculpture of a tiger...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Swan by Gabriele De Vecchi – Silver sculpture mounted on a shell
By Gabriele De Vecchi
Located in Brussels, BE
“Swan”, silver sculpture mounted on a shell, by Gabriele De Vecchi. Sculpture representing a silver swan mounted on a shell forming the body and wings.
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Silver

Sergio Bustamante Mixed Metal Parrot
Located in Redding, CT
Sergio Bustamante Mixed Metal Parrot Sculpture. Perfect for that Palm Beach home. Gorgeous detailed artistry of a Brass and Copper feathered friend on his perch.
Category

1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Metal, Brass, Copper

Decorative Object Dog Porcelain Sculpture Midcentury Modern Italian Design 1970s
Located in Palermo, IT
Very nice and large dog in white enamelled porcelain with golden definitions. Italian production from the 70s. Note: We try to offer our customers an excellent service even in shi...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Mid-Century Modern Italian White Glazed Terracotta Boar Statue or Sculpture
Located in St. Louis, MO
Mid-Century Modern Italian white glazed terracotta wild boar statue in the style Aldo Londi Bitossi for Raymor. Statue is free of repairs, signed with arti...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Terracotta

Art Glass Sommerso Murano Swan Bird Figurine
Located in Toronto, ON
Stunning Murano Art glass swan bird figurine. This bird figurine was made using the sommerso technique and features purple and blue tones. “somme...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Art Glass

Mid Century Modern Picasso Style Stoneware Pottery Sculpture of Owl
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Stylized hand made mid century modern Picasso style stoneware pottery artwork sculpture of owl. Note; A matching trio of owls is also available to...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Pottery

Signed Large Mid Century Italian Glazed Ceramic Frog or Toad in White Bitossi
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A very large ceramic floor sculpture from Italy circa 1970's. It features white glazed ceramic form. Marked & numbered. No condition issues.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Mid-Century Modern Italian Glazed Ceramic Fish Sculpture by Ivo De Santis
Located in Firenze, Tuscany
Italian glazed ceramic fish sculpture by the eccentric ceramics genius Ivo De Santis for his Gli Etruschi pottery (1950 to 1980) in Florence. Unsi...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Iron

Mid Century Modern Picasso Style Stoneware Sculpture of Owls
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Stylized midcentury modern stoneware sculpture of 3 owls. Note: There's a single owl that complements this trio also listed.
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Pottery

Mid-century Modern animal sculptures for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Mid-Century Modern animal sculptures 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 animal sculptures created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Mid-Century Modern animal sculptures 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 animal sculptures, popular names associated with this style include Walter Bosse, Herta Baller, Sergio Bustamante, and Abercrombie & Fitch. 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 animal sculptures differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $34 and tops out at $295,000 while the average work can sell for $877.

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