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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
OKO / Circus / Black Vase by Malwina Konopacka
Located in WARSZAWA, PL
The OKO / CYRK vase adapts to the space it's in. Depending on the interior, it creates a fun atmosphere or (in the Nude version) discreetly introduces a bit of color. In this edition...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Clay

Michael Gitter Copper 3/8" Interlocking Hearts Sculpture Clear Resin Emoji Faces
Located in Miami, FL
Michael Gitter Copper 3/8" Interlocking Hearts Sculpture Clear Resin Emoji Faces Offered for sale is a 3/8" solid copper and clear resin emoji faces interlocking hearts sculpture de...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Copper

Kartell Shanghai Vase in Blue by Mario Bellini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A multi-faceted vase widening from the base to the top in a swirling motion. Shanghai is like refracted light radiating from prism-like crystals with an alternating play of flashes a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Plastic

MarCo Aurelio Busto in Terracotta, Early 20th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
MarCo Aurelio Busto in Terracotta Early 20th century Marcus Aurelius (Rome 121– Vindobona 180), Roman emperor, philosopher and writer. Measures: Height 78 cm Width 60 cm Depth 30 cm...
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Terracotta

Nino Caruso, Abstract sculpture in glazed ceramic, Italy, 1974
Located in Argelato, BO
Nino Caruso ( Tripoli 1928 - Rome 2017 ) Abstract Sculpture in Black Glazed Ceramic. 1974, Signed and dated under the base. Italian ceramist, sculptor and...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

fferrone Contemporary Pair of Mirror Polished Stainless Steel Candle Wall Scones
Located in Chicago, IL
Strikingly simple and minimal, the contemporary asymmetrical Candle wall sconce, made from mirror polish stainless steel, reflects the light doubling it’s effect. This listing for a ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stainless Steel

SET Glaciar Short, Tall, Silver Alpaca & Black Onyx Stone Flower Vases
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
9.8" x 6.3" x 4.7" 11.3" x 7" x 5.8" Glaciar collection is meticulously handcrafted by our local artisans with these rectangular onyx pieces set around alpaca silver flower vases, b...
Category

2010s Argentine Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Onyx, Stone, Metal

Modern Coffee Table in Wood & Glass Unique Edition
Located in London, GB
A bespoke rectangular edition Abyss coffee table by Christopher Duffy for Duffy London. This is a one-off, artists-proof edition piece and the only ...
Category

2010s British Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass, Beech, Birch

Contemporary 'Brick' Sculpture Hand Crafted Blue Crystal by Ghirò Studio
Located in Pieve Emanuele, Milano
This object is an artistic and one of a kind sculpture. In fact, the craftsmanship and the nature of the material make it possible to create two similar but never exactly identical s...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Collection Bosco Model 3 by Andrea Branzi for Superego Editions, Italy
Located in Milan, Italy
A ceramic vase of the collection Bosco composed of 12 different models, designed by Andrea Branzi and produced by Superego Editions. Limited editions of 33 pieces, signed and numbere...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Terracotta Bas Relief Greek Horses and Knights, End 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Terracotta bas relief Greek horses and knights end 19th century Italy Classic scene with four horses, a character on horseback and a character on the ground, a dove in the background...
Category

Late 19th Century Italian Antique Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Terracotta

Artisan Wall Sculpture Of An Ancient Greek Man in Pewter On Wood 1950s
Located in New York, NY
Artisan made face of an ancient Greek man with a laurel wreath molded in pewter and set on a walnut backing, American 1950's. This captivating work is beautifully made.
Category

1950s American Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Pewter

Italian Alabaster Marble Bowl or Catchall Vide-Poche
Located in New York, NY
An Italian alabaster marble bowl or catchall vide-poche, circa mid to late-20th century, 1960s-1970s, Italy. Bowl has a modern soft edge and knob center. Great as a nut bowl, catchal...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Alabaster, Marble

Cake Holder Coco Small, Matt White Ceramic, Italy
Located in Treviso, Treviso
VG is dedicating a collection of ceramics to the genius of Coco Chanel, a leading figure in the story of modern fashion, and a designer who crea...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Vintage Raymor White Ceramic Hand Box Italian
Located in North Miami, FL
This vintage hallmarked white ceramic 2 part box has a formed hand as part of the box. it is an obscure rare box and marked on the bottom Raymor Mancer Made In Italy with a Raymor s...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

74"x74" Metal Wall Sculpture in Stainless and Bronze #703
Located in Blowing Rock, NC
Aged bronze, stainless steel. Measures: 74" X 74". Kue King created this large-scale diamond wall mounted sculpture using bronze, brass, and stainless steel wire. The bronze is aged...
Category

2010s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal, Wire, Stainless Steel, Bronze, Brass

Haraz Planter
Located in NYC, NY
2-part wheel-thrown planter in white stoneware with black underglaze. The upper part features a drainage hole for optimal plant health, and the glaze-lined base collects excess water.
Category

2010s North American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Bud Vase Collection, Including Four Vases and Watering Can
Located in Chicago, IL
Each of these delicately, handcrafted bud vases is perfect as an individual home accessory or whimsical series. Made of brass and hand tarnished, each bad vase has its own unique for...
Category

2010s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Origin Black 0123 Decorative Object by Morten Klitgaard
Located in Geneve, CH
Origin Green 0322 Decorative Object by Morten Klitgaard One Of A Kind Dimensions: D 19 x W 19 x H 42 cm. Materials: Blown glass, glass pigment, oxides and ash. Morten Klitgaard is b...
Category

2010s Danish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Other

Flux Silver 0122 Decorative Object by Morten Klitgaard
Located in Geneve, CH
Flux Silver 0122 Decorative Object by Morten Klitgaard One Of A Kind Dimensions: D 43 x W 43 x H 22 cm. Materials: Blown glass, glass pigment, oxides, granite and ash. Morten Klitga...
Category

2010s Danish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Granite, Other

Set of 4 Bottles by Lukasz Friedrich
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 4 bottles by Lukasz Friedrich Dimensions: Horizontal: 39 x 5 x H 24,5 cm Brass bottle 41 x 5 x H 42 Black bottle: 20,5 x 5,5 x H 48 cm Steel bottle: 24 x 5 x H 41,5 cm Materia...
Category

2010s European Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Steel

Vintage Pink Clay Bust of Woman in Headdress Sculpture
Located in Seguin, TX
Vintage pink clay bust of woman in headdress. Unsigned. Looks like small chip on edge of scarf.
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Clay

Origin Black 0320 Decorative Object by Morten Klitgaard
Located in Geneve, CH
Origin Black 0320 Decorative Object by Morten Klitgaard One Of A Kind Dimensions: D 18 x W 18 x H 42 cm. Materials: Blown glass, glass pigment, oxides, granite and ash. Morten Klitg...
Category

2010s Danish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Granite, Other

Vertigo Tall Bordeaux Onyx Stone Candleholder
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
A composition of onyx with alpaca metal. Inspired by the pure and essential lines of a structure of solid stones, with a vertigo stability. Our pieces are made by hand. One of a kin...
Category

2010s Argentine Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Onyx, Stone, Metal

Contemporary Fish Design Gaetano Pesce Medusa M Vase Soft Resin Blue
Located in barasso, IT
Medusa vase, clear blue Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Measures: M - ø 16cm x H 26cm Other sizes available Colours: Clea...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Resin

CARAFE WITH TWO TUMBLERS by Barovier & Toso
Located in London, England
Description: Made in the 1960s. The Barovier & Toso Bottle with Two Tumblers is an exquisite set that exemplifies the craftsmanship and elegance of the renowned Italian glassmaker B...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Blown Glass

Polished Aluminum Interlocking Hearts Sculpture with Translucent Epoxy Resin
Located in Miami, FL
Polished Aluminum Interlocking Hearts Sculpture with Translucent Epoxy Resin Offered for sale is a polished aluminum and epoxy resin interlocking hearts sculpture comprised of two h...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Aluminum

Origin Black 0520 Decorative Object by Morten Klitgaard
Located in Geneve, CH
Origin Black 0520 Decorative Object by Morten Klitgaard One Of A Kind Dimensions: D 19 x W 19 x H 43 cm. Materials: Blown glass, glass pigment, oxides, granite and ash. Morten Klitg...
Category

2010s Danish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Granite, Other

Oro Pink 0521 Decorative Object by Morten Klitgaard
Located in Geneve, CH
Oro Pink 0521 Decorative Object by Morten Klitgaard One Of A Kind Dimensions: D 30 x W 30 x H 36 cm. Materials: Blown glass, glass pigment, oxides and ash. Morten Klitgaard is born ...
Category

2010s Danish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Other

1295 Murano, hand made blown glass flower, Yellow Orchid
Located in Venice, VE
Introducing a set of three handcrafted Murano glass flower, meticulously crafted by master glassmakers from Murano. This enchanting set showcases the impeccable artistry and craftsma...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Origin Black 0220 Decorative Object by Morten Klitgaard
Located in Geneve, CH
Origin Black 0220 Decorative Object by Morten Klitgaard One Of A Kind Dimensions: D 18 x W 18 x H 41 cm. Materials: Blown glass, glass pigment, oxides, granite and ash. Morten Klitg...
Category

2010s Danish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Granite, Other

Skyscraper Series, FiDi Skyline, Set of six Modern Handmade Glass Objects
Located in New York, NY
The Skyscraper Series blown glass vessels feature vibrant colors layered atop a mirrored interior that is meant to mimic the various steel and glass structures they are inspired by. The NYC and FIDI bottles are finished off with a stopper that replicates the actual spire atop these structures and is left transparent as a reminder that these works are indeed handblown glass vessels. Handmade in Brooklyn, NY by William Couig, 2017. Dimensions (Left to Right): Sm. Silver cylinder...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Blown Glass, Mirror

Shagreen Photo Frame by Fabio Ltd
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Multi-color shagreen leather and 24 karat gold-plated photo frame by Fabio Ltd Height: 10.5 inches / Width: 8.5 inches / Depth: 1 inch Photo size: 5 inches by 7 inches LAST 1 in stoc...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Gold

Yutaka Toyota brazilian steel and wood wall sculpture 1982
By Yutaka Toyota
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible YUTAKA TOYOTA steel wall sculpture polychromed in blue in perfect conditions signed and dated 1982.
Category

1980s Brazilian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Steel

Michael Gitter Lace Interlocking Hearts Sculpture, Sparkle Powder Coating
Located in Miami, FL
Michael Gitter Lace Interlocking Hearts Sculpture, Sparkle Powder Coating Offered for sale is an aluminum interlocking hearts sculpture with a silver sparkle powder-coated finish by...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Aluminum

Italian Sculpture "Ottaviano" Carrara Marble 20th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Italian sculpture " Ottaviano " Carrara marble 20th century Measure: H: 55cm 20th century Marble sculpture Very good condition.    
Category

20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Carrara Marble

Villeroy & Boch Orange and Green Lucite Vases, 1990s
Located in Atlanta, GA
Villeroy & Boch produced that lovely pair of vases in the 1990s. This playful design is modern with an incredible color combination. Each vase is built with a multilayer sandwich sha...
Category

1990s German Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Acrylic, Plexiglass, Lucite

Aubergine Colored Art Glass Footed Bowl by and Signed Correia
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A spectacular Correia Art Glass bowl - large, round and simple, yet the perfect compliment to any table. The small foot, also simple and elegant. Standing...
Category

20th Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass

Shagreen Photo Frame by Fabio Ltd
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Black, yellow, and ivory shagreen leather and 24-karat gold-plated photo frame by Fabio Ltd Height: 10.5 inches / Width: 8.5 inches / Depth: 1 inch Photo size: 5 inches by 7 inches L...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Gold

Italian Green Alabaster Marble Jewelry or Decorative Box, circa 1970s
Located in New York, NY
An Italian '70s modern green alabaster marble jewelry box, circa 1970s, Italy. Great as a standalone piece, for jewelry (as demonstrated), or other items on a nightstand table, vanit...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Alabaster, Marble

Head of Ulysses in White Terracotta, Odyssey of the Polifemo Group Early 20th C
Located in Madrid, ES
Head of Ulysses in white terracotta - odyssey of the polifemo group early 20th century. Head in terracotta. Italy. The head is part of the sculptural group found in 1957 in a cave...
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Terracotta

Orient & Flume Floral Umber Art Glass Vase Dave Small House
Located in Toledo, OH
Floral design art glass vase by Orient & Flume. Large flowers around the center in shades of white and grey on a deep salmon tone field with branches and stem details. Create by Dave...
Category

20th Century North American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Origin Yellow 0221 Decorative Object by Morten Klitgaard
Located in Geneve, CH
Origin Yellow 0221 Decorative Object by Morten Klitgaard One Of A Kind Dimensions: D 19 x W 19 x H 39 cm. Materials: Blown glass, glass pigment, oxides, granite and ash. Morten Klit...
Category

2010s Danish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Granite, Other

Hans Merz for Meissen, large porcelain vase, 1970s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Hans Merz for Meissen, large porcelain vase in a modern design with geometric pattern and white glaze. Model number 50231. Approximately from the 1970s. Marked. First factory quality...
Category

1970s German Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Flux Blue 0422 Decorative Object by Morten Klitgaard
Located in Geneve, CH
Flux Blue 0422 Decorative Object by Morten Klitgaard One Of A Kind Dimensions: D 43 x W 43 x H 26 cm. Materials: Blown glass, glass pigment, oxides and ash. Morten Klitgaard is born...
Category

2010s Danish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Other

Sacred Strokes
Located in Mumbai, India, Maharashtra
The "Sacred Strokes" blown glass vase by the visionary artist Jeremiah Jacobs is a testament to the convergence of art and craftsmanship. With an ethereal aura, the opaque blue glass...
Category

2010s Indian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass, Blown Glass, Glass

Hans Merz for Meissen, large narrow-necked porcelain vase, 1970s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Hans Merz for Meissen, large narrow-necked porcelain vase in a modern design with geometric pattern and white glaze. Approximately from the 1970s. Marked. First factory quality. In p...
Category

1970s German Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Origin Blue 0323 Decorative Object by Morten Klitgaard
Located in Geneve, CH
Origin Blue 0323 Decorative Object by Morten Klitgaard One Of A Kind Dimensions: D 18 x W 18 x H 43 cm. Materials: Blown glass, glass pigment, oxides, granite and ash. Morten Klitga...
Category

2010s Danish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Granite, Other

Origin Blue 0323 Decorative Object by Morten Klitgaard
Located in Geneve, CH
Origin Blue 0323 Decorative Object by Morten Klitgaard One Of A Kind Dimensions: D 20 x W 20 x H 34 cm. Materials: Blown glass, glass pigment, oxides, granite and ash. Morten Klitga...
Category

2010s Danish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Granite, Other

Vertigo Short Bordeaux Onyx Stone Candleholder
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
A composition of onyx with alpaca metal. Inspired by the pure and essential lines of a structure of solid stones, with a vertigo stability. Our pieces are made by hand. One of a kin...
Category

2010s Argentine Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Onyx, Stone, Metal

LARGE TERRACOTTA BUST OF ATHENA FROM THE VATICAN MUSEUMS Early 20th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
LARGE TERRACOTTA BUST OF ATHENA FROM THE VATICAN MUSEUMS Early 20th Century Unique and non-replicable hand formed bust Italia - Florence HEIGHT 112 cms WIDTH 58cm DEPTH 38cm WEIGH...
Category

20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Terracotta

Antique Armillary Sundial on Terracotta Pedestal
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
This large scale antique armillary sundial on a terracotta pedestal is a Blanchard original, stamped at the base with a maker’s mark. The co...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Steel

Pair of Heads of Athena Giustiniani in Patinated Terracotta, Early 20th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
PAIR OF HEADS OF ATHENA GIUSTINIANI IN PATINATED TERRACOTTA, early 20th century The Athena-Minerva Giustiniani is a Roman copy from the Antonine period of ...
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Terracotta

Origin Dark 0423 Decorative Object by Morten Klitgaard
Located in Geneve, CH
Origin Dark 0423 Decorative Object by Morten Klitgaard One Of A Kind Dimensions: D 19 x W 19 x H 43 cm. Materials: Blown glass, glass pigment, oxides, granite and ash. Morten Klitga...
Category

2010s Danish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Granite, Other

Origin Green 0121 Decorative Object by Morten Klitgaard
Located in Geneve, CH
Origin Green 0121 Decorative Object by Morten Klitgaard One Of A Kind Dimensions: D 19 x W 19 x H 38 cm. Materials: Blown glass, glass pigment, oxides, granite and ash. Morten Klitg...
Category

2010s Danish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Granite, Other

Oko / Orange Vase by Malwina Konopacka
Located in WARSZAWA, PL
The OKO Vase is Malwina Konopacka's most renowned design. Its name comes from the oval recesses within the vase's form, which give the object a spatial character, functioning as a st...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Gold

Vintage Centrepiece Candlestick, Italian Glass, Candle Nozzle, Late 20th Century
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage centrepiece candlestick. An Italian, glass candle nozzle, dating to the late 20th century, circa 1990. Appealing blown form with...
Category

1990s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Pair Signed Arie Ofir Israeli Sterling Silver & Anodized Aluminum Candlesticks
By Arie Ofir
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine pair of signed Modernist silver candlesticks. By Arie Ofir. In sterling silver with anodized aluminum central candle holders. B...
Category

20th Century Israeli Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Aluminum, Sterling Silver

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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