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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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 chair — crafted 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.
Elsa Peretti for Tiffany Sterling Silver Thumbprint Bowl with Box
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co., Tiffany & Co.
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Elsa Peretti for Tiffany Sterling Silver Thumbprint Bowl with Box Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co. sterling silver “Thumbprint” bowl or vide-poche, made in Spain. One of Peretti’s mos...
Sterling Silver
Vintage Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Oil Can Vermouth Dropper
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed vintage silver vermouth dropper. In sterling silver. By Tiffany & Co. In the form of an old-timey oil can. Lacking a cap. Marked to the base for Tiffany & Co. / St...
Sterling Silver
Emilia Castillo Silver Plate Armadillo Butter Dish with Malachite, Taxco Mexico
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An exceptional and highly sculptural vintage covered butter dish by renowned Mexican designer and silversmith Emilia Castillo, conceived in the whimsical form of an armadillo and han...
Malachite, Silver, Silver Plate, Brass
Emilia Castillo, Silver-Plated "Monkey" Punch Bowl, Mexican Modernism
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A striking example of late 20th-century Mexican silversmithing, this monumental sculptural punch bowl was designed by Emilia Castillo in Taxco, Mexico, during the 1980s. Resting on a...
Silver Plate, Copper
Antique Spode Copeland's England Art Nouveau Tea Set – "Blue Lily" Fleur de Lily
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful and highly collectible Art Nouveau porcelain tea service by Spode Copeland's England, featuring the elegant "Blue Lily" / "Fleur de Lys" pattern. Dating from the early 20...
Porcelain
Brass Vanity Tray, Saffron Ecru, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Brass Vanity Tray, Saffron Ecru, Viya by Vikram Goyal Lacquered wood vanity tray with brass. Handmade in India. With moniker's such as red gold, exquisite thread or golden light, s...
Brass
Gucci Barware Silver Plate and Crystal HighBall Tumbler Glasses Set, circa 1970
By Gucci
Located in Atlanta, GA
A rare and luxurious Gucci barware ensemble, this exceptional set of five crystal highball tumblers epitomizes the elegance and glamour of Italian design from the 1970s. Each glass f...
Crystal, Metal, Gold Plate, Silver Plate
Decorative Brass Trinket Tray, Gemini with Semi Precious, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Decorative Brass Trinket Tray, Gemini with Semi Precious Inserts, Viya by Vikram Goyal Trinket tray in brass with semi precious inserts. Handmade in India. Bring the universe home,...
Brass
Vintage Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver 2002 Magnifying Glass
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed silver magnifying glass. By Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. With engraved leaf designs to the handle. Marked to the side of the handle. Together with its a ...
Sterling Silver
$1,100 / item
French Hand Decorated Fish Plates
By Faience Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Unique set of 11 hand decorated porcelain ceramic dinner plates featuring various fish using exuberant brushstrokes. Each plate signed on back with the name of fish depicted.
Ceramic
Decorative Sagittarius Trinket Tray in Brass, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Decorative Brass Trinket Tray, Sagittarius with Semi Precious Inserts, Viya by Vikram Goyal Trinket tray in brass with semi precious inserts. Handmade in India. Bring the universe ...
Brass
Decorative Brass Trinket Tray, Taurus with Semi Precious, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Decorative Brass Trinket Tray, Taurus with Semi Precious Inserts, Viya by Vikram Goyal Trinket tray in brass with semi precious inserts. Handmade in India. Bring the universe home,...
Brass
Decorative Brass Trinket Tray, Scorpio with Semi Precious, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Decorative Brass Trinket Tray, Scorpio with Semi Precious Inserts, Viya by Vikram Goyal Trinket tray in brass with semi precious inserts. Handmade in India. Bring the universe home...
Brass
Decorative Brass Trinket Tray, Capricorn with Semi Precious Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Decorative Brass Trinket Tray, Capricorn with Semi Precious Inserts, Viya by Vikram Goyal Trinket tray in brass with semi precious inserts. Handmade in India. Bring the universe ho...
Brass
5pc Ralph Lauren RL Polo 1992 Wedgwood Claire Plates Tea Cup Place Setting
By Wedgwood, Ralph Lauren
Located in Dayton, OH
4 Available, sold separately Ralph Lauren RL Polo 1992 Wedgwood Claire embossed Neoclassical ribbon / acanthus berries motif place settings. Each set includes five pieces and comes...
Porcelain
Tiffany - Set Vintage English Solid / Sterling Silver Cocktail Sticks
Located in Bath, GB
A wonderful set of novelty four cocktail sticks made from solid silver marked 925. They are English made, each signed for Tiffany & Co. together with the hallmark for London 200...
Sterling Silver
White Ceramic Kawa Vases Pair, Porcelain, Organic, Small Vases, Bud Vase
By Luft Tanaka
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A pair of tactile and organic porcelain vases with leather textured exterior surface and clear glazed interior. As a result of the production process each item is one-of-a-kind. Set ...
Ceramic, Porcelain
Lacquered Towel Tray with Brass, Saffron Dark Blue, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Lacquered Towel Tray with Brass, Saffron Dark Blue, Viya by Vikram Goyal Lacquered towel tray with brass. Handmade in India. With moniker’s such as red gold, exquisite thread or go...
Brass
$330 / item
Ceramic Tissue Box
By Project 213A
Located in Macieira de Sarnes, PT
CERAMIC TISSUE BOX, designed in 2023. Artisanal ceramic tissue box created by skilled artisans in Project 213A's own ceramic workshop. Each piece is unique due to its handmade natu...
Ceramic, Clay
Decorative Ice Bucket, Shalimar Small in Brass, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Decorative Brass Ice Bucket, Shalimar Small with Semi Precious Inserts, Viya by Vikram Goyal Ice bucket in brass with semi precious inserts. Handmade in India. ""Repoussé involves ...
Brass
$49,709Sale Price|20% Off
'Pichet Espagnol' from the Madoura Pottery 'AR 245' by Pablo Picasso '1954'
Located in London, GB
'Pichet Espagnol' ceramic piece from the Madoura Pottery (A.R. 245) by Pablo Picasso (1954). A fired, unglazed ceramic pitcher in the form of a stylise...
Ceramic
Glaciar Small Silver Alpaca & Cream Onyx Stone Square Tray
By AIREDELSUR
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
Glaciar collection is meticulously handcrafted by our local artisans with these rectangular onyx pieces set around alpaca silver flower vases, boxes and trays. Our pieces are made b...
Stone, Onyx, Metal
Decorative Brass Coasters with Semi Precious, Kolam Set, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Decorative Brass Coasters with Semi Precious Inserts, Kolam Set of 4, Viya by Vikram Goyal Coasters in brass with semi precious inserts. Handmade in India. Poetic patterns conspire...
Brass
Antonio Reina - Vintage 1940s Scrollwork Sterling Silver Taxco Clamp Bracelet
Located in Soquel, CA
Antonio Reina - Vintage 1940s Scrollwork Sterling Silver Taxco Clamp Bracelet Beautiful 1940s hand-wrought silver bracelet by master silversmith Antonio Reina (Mexico, 20th cent.) T...
Sterling Silver
Swedish Ceramic Tea or Coffee Pot by Ann-Carin Wiktorsson for Sagaform, 2000s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Swedish Ceramic Tea or Coffee Pot by Ann-Carin Wiktorsson for Sagaform, 2000s, in Flawless conditions. Designed from 2000 This piece has an attribution markIt is completely authentic...
Ceramic
Handmade Brass Coasters with Semi Precious, Evil Eye Set , Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Handmade Brass Coasters with Semi Precious Inserts, Evil Eye Set of 2, Viya by Vikram Goyal A pair of coasters in brass with semi precious inserts. Handmade in India. The collectio...
Brass
Decorative Bowl Vase Vessel Sculpture Brown Emperador Marble Handmade Italy
By Pieruga Marble, Barberini & Gunnell
Located in Ancona, Marche
"Elegant and light, it seems to drift through the placid waters of the lagoon". Gondola, big elegant bowl, hand-sculpted from a solid block of Brown Emperador Marble. Bowl dimension...
Marble
Large Gien Rambouillet Wild Boar Hand-Painted Ceramic Serving Platter
By Gien
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
A striking large hand-painted ceramic serving platter from Faïencerie de Gien, France, featuring the iconic Rambouillet hunting series. This impressive piece showcases a beautifully ...
Ceramic, Pottery
Decorative Brass Trinket Tray, Cancer with Semi Precious, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Decorative Brass Trinket Tray, Cancer with Semi Precious Inserts, Viya by Vikram Goyal Trinket tray in brass with semi precious inserts. Handmade in India. Bring the universe home,...
Brass
A 31 pieces Baccarat, « Piccadilly » Roemer Glass Set, France, circa 1980
Located in PARIS, FR
Rare set of 31 Rhine wine glasses, known as “Roemer,” made of clear cut crystal and lined in various colors (amethyst, anise green, cobalt blue, ruby red, emerald green, orange) from...
Crystal
$330 / item
Ceramic Tissue Box square in White
By Project 213A
Located in Macieira de Sarnes, PT
Ceramic Tissue Box Square in brushed White Designed by Project 213A in 2023 Artisanal ceramic tissue box created by skilled artisans in Project 213A's own ceramic workshop. The tiss...
Ceramic, Clay
Contemporary Silver Plated Lava Stone Cup Handcrafted Italy by Natalia Criado
Located in Milan, IT
Elevate your daily tea or coffee ritual with our exquisite lava cup. Handcrafted with plated brass, its geometric silhouette offers a sleek and minimal aesthetic. The exquisite stone...
Gold Plate, Brass
Decorative Brass Trinket Tray, Virgo with Semi Precious, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Decorative Brass Trinket Tray, Virgo with Semi Precious Inserts, Viya by Vikram Goyal Trinket tray in brass with semi precious inserts. Handmade in India. Bring the universe home, ...
Brass
$640Sale Price|20% Off
Gold Plated Flatware 24-piece set in a crystal glass Egg holder L’ambrosia.
Located in Glendale, CA
L'Ambrosia is a unique 24-piece cutlery set that comes in a crystal case, bringing elegance to any interior. The extraordinary design of this timeless set allows it to serve as the ...
Crystal, Stainless Steel
1960s Mexican Modernist Alpaca Silver & Abalone Pitcher, Los Castillo Style
By Los Castillo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A striking 1960s Mexican modernist pitcher crafted in alpaca silver with intricate abalone shell mosaic inlay, executed in the style of renowned Los Castillo Taxco silver designs. Th...
Abalone, Alpaca
$224 / item
Flat Vase Project by 213A - Baby blue
By Project 213A
Located in Macieira de Sarnes, PT
Flat vase in Baby blue. Designed by Project 213A in 2021. Handmade Stoneware. Creation demands destruction, taking the old and the typical to conceive the new and particular. The F...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Bubble Bowl in Clear and Marbled Aqua Resin by Paola Valle
By Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Our Bubble Bowl is handmade in clear resin with aqua marbled texture. Its modern, fun and unique design makes it a statement piece and can be used as decor or as a fruit platter. De...
Resin
$330 / item
Ceramic Tissue Box
By Project 213A
Located in Macieira de Sarnes, PT
CERAMIC TISSUE BOX, designed in 2023. Artisanal ceramic tissue box created by skilled artisans in Project 213A's own ceramic workshop. Each piece is unique due to its handmade natu...
Ceramic, Clay
$18Sale Price / item|70% Off
Fin Trivet / Tray from Souda, Anodized Gold, in Stock
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Made using a manufacturing process utilized for railways, medical devices, and electronics, the Fin Trivets bring an Industrial touch to your tabletop. Both durable and multifunction...
Metal, Aluminum
$330 / item
Ceramic Tissue Box
By Project 213A
Located in Macieira de Sarnes, PT
CERAMIC TISSUE BOX, designed in 2023. Artisanal ceramic tissue box created by skilled artisans in Project 213A's own ceramic workshop. Each piece is unique due to its handmade natu...
Ceramic, Clay
St Hilaire Paris Silver Plate and Crystal Caviar Bowl Serving Dish, circa 1980
Located in Atlanta, GA
Silversmith Saint Hilaire, Paris, designed this exquisite modernist silver plate and crystal caviar serving bowl—also suitable as a chiller dish. The rare piece was meticulously craf...
Crystal, Metal, Silver Plate
$365 / item
Rosso Levanto Marble Pedestal Bowl XL
Located in Eindhoven, NB
Introducing our stunning Rosso Levanto marble PEDESTAL Bowl, a captivating fusion of style and utility. Crafted from premium Rosso Levanto marble with Bordeaux red, brown, green colo...
Marble
Tray Hand Carved from Solid Block of White Marble, Rectangular, Made in Italy
Located in Ancona, Marche
Tray or serving plates carved by hand from a solid block of white Calacatta marble. Tray dimensions: L 40, W 29.5, H 2 cm, available in different marbles and onyx. Marble is a natur...
Marble
Decorative Brass Trinket Tray, Aquarius with Semi Precious, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Decorative Brass Trinket Tray, Aquarius with Semi Precious Inserts, Viya by Vikram Goyal Trinket tray in brass with semi precious inserts. Handmade in India. Bring the universe hom...
Brass
$567 / item
Travertine Pet Bowl Set Rectangle
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...
Travertine
SET Large Glaciar Silver Alpaca & Blue Onyx Stone Bar Tray & Champagne Bucket
By AIREDELSUR
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
Dimensions : Tray : 70 cm x 45 cm // 27.5" x 17.7" Champagne bucket 51 cm x 25 cm x 23 cm // 20" x 9.8" x 9" Glaciar collection is meticulously handcrafted by our local artisans wi...
Stone, Onyx, Metal
$388 / item
Onyx Narrow Bowl
Located in Eindhoven, NB
Introducing our exquisite Onyx NARROW Bowl, a fusion of elegance and functionality. Crafted from luxurious onyx stone, this stunning bowl is a testament to timeless beauty and sophis...
Marble
$388 / item
Rosso Levanto Marble Narrow Bowl
Located in Eindhoven, NB
Introducing our exquisite Rosso Levanto Marble NARROW Bowl, a fusion of elegance and functionality. Crafted from luxurious Levanto marble stone, this stunning bowl is a testament to ...
Marble
Bubble Bowl in Light Pink Resin by Paola Valle
By Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Our Bubble Bowl is handmade in marbled light pink resin. Its modern, fun and unique design makes it a statement piece and can be used as decor or as a fruit platter. Designed by Pao...
Resin
$448 / item
Set of Wooden Decorative Boards
By Project 213A
Located in Macieira de Sarnes, PT
Designed by Project 213A in 2022 Set of 4 hand-carved Wooden Boards The family of boards are hand-carved from walnut and oak. The boards will become a key item in every kitchen...
Oak, Walnut
Vintage French Copper & Brass Champagne Bucket Stamped “Made in France”, 1950s
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Vintage French Copper & Brass Champagne Bucket Stamped “Made in France” 10 in. W (handle to handle) x 8 in. diameter x 8 in. H A classic mid-20th-century French hotel champagne ...
Tin, Copper, Brass
Charger Plates Platters Serveware Set of 6 in Green Marble Collectible Handmade
By Barberini & Gunnell, Pieruga Marble
Located in Ancona, Marche
Set of 6 hand carved charger plates from Green Ming marble. Multiple use as charger plates, plates platters and placers. Dimensions: D 33 x H 1.9 cm. Available in different marbles...
Marble
$348 / item
Pink Marble Fruit Bowl
Located in Eindhoven, NB
Introducing our exquisite pink marble fruit BOWL, a fusion of elegance and functionality. Crafted from luxurious natural pink marble, this stunning bowl is a testament to timeless be...
Marble
1990s Modern Lino Sabattini Clear Glass and Silver Plated Bar Tray
By Sabattini Argenteria, Lino Sabattini
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This 1990s Modernist serving tray by Lino Sabattini embodies the designer's minimalist and refined aesthetic, with sleek lines and high-quality materials. This tray features a base c...
Silver Plate
Medium Bowl in Orange and Purple Marbled Resin by Paola Valle
By Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Our colorful bowl is handmade in traslucid white resin with marbled texture in purple, light orange and orange. Its fun and colorful design makes it a st...
Resin
Oval Pedestal Resin Bowl, White and Pearl by Paola Valle
By Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Our oval pedestal bowl is great for holding fruit, plants, decorative objects, faux succulents and specially everyone's attention. You can have it on display on a kitchen counter or ...
Resin
Cut Crystal Glass Whisky Decanter/ Carafe Barware Handcrafted in Italy
By Corinna Warm, WARM
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Crystal Glass Decanter with solid glass stopper, hand-crafted in Italy The 'Well' collection was conceived to elevate and celebrate drinking water in a vessel worthy of its importance. In collaboration with Italian crystal company Mario Cioni, Designer Corinna Warm created a unique, handcrafted, mouth blown, cut crystal water carafe...
Crystal
Brass Napkin Rings, Saffron Pair, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Brass Napkin Rings, Saffron Pair, Viya by Vikram Goyal A pair of napkin rings in brass. Handmade in India. With moniker’s such as red gold, exquisite thread or golden light, saffro...
Brass
Set of 8 Murano Glass Tumblers, Campo di Gigli Toscani, Signed
Located in Tavarnelle val di Pesa, Florence
Another beautiful set designed by my daughter Arianna, reconfirming the fresh and innovative approach on glass design She combined Murano Effetre canes of aquamarine and yellow. With...
Art Glass, Murano Glass
Set of 8 Murano Glass Tumblers, Mille Papaveri Rossi, Signed
Located in Tavarnelle val di Pesa, Florence
Designed by my daughter Arianna, this is absolute novelty in glass decoration. She combined the black filigree with a tip of deep red color, ending the glass mosaic with aquamarine....
Art Glass, Murano Glass