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Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture

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
775 - Tapestry "Orphee Et Les Muses" of the 20th Century
Located in Paris, FR
Modern tapestry "Orphee Et Les Muses" of the 20th century, in perfect condition of conservation. Negotiable price and free delivery. Dimension: 50 cm x 70 cm.
Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Wool

JAPANESE CERAMIC POT, possibly MASHIKO with dripped crackle glaze 1970s
Located in Somerton, GB
Japanese ceramic pot with a Kyoto label. Makers seal, unidentified, but possibly Mashiko. Stoneware with dripping crackled glaze. Original b...
Category

1970s Japanese Vintage Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Japan Important 1939 Bronze Life-Size "Seaman with Cape" Museum Work, Koga Tadao
Located in South Burlington, VT
Japan an important life-size , early period sculpture of a muscular working man dated to 1939 and entitled "Seaman with a Cape", by mid century master sculptor Koga Tadao...
Category

20th Century Japanese Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Huge Bird Paradise Sculpture Master Designer Eva Fritz-Lindner
Located in South Burlington, VT
A one-of-a-kind monumental Monumental Flamboyant Bird of Paradise -Knuppelhuhn- big sculpture created, handmade, and hand-painted by master designer Eva Fritz-Lindner (1933-2017) in about 1992. Handcrafted and hand-painted in beautiful colors by this artist. Designer/maker: Eva Fritz-Lindner (1933-2017) Signed with her stamp i3D. Glaze: The matte colors in lavender and pink and creams are still vivid and the hand painting is superb This is the only example we have seen in private hands. Substantial dimensions: 21.25 inches tall and 31.5 inches length Handmade / handarbeit and hand glazed About the artist: The bold Folk Art sculptress and ceramist Eva Fritz-Lindner (1933-2017) studied at the Werkkunstschule Wiesbaden and Darmstadt and was a master student in the sculptor class by Erich Kuhn. From 1955 she worked as a master designer at the Staatliche Majolika-Manufaktur Karlsruhe where she created and designed several hundred highly regarded ceramic folk art animal sculptures...
Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Pottery

Japan Important Hand Carved and Hand Painted Art Deco Cat Panel, Koga Tadao
Located in South Burlington, VT
Japan an important Art Deco period hand carved and hand painted wooden panel in its original frame by midcentury master sculptor Koga Tadao (Meiji 36 (1903)...
Category

20th Century Japanese Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Wood

19th Century Chinese Rug
Located in New York, NY
19th century Chinese rug in shades of creamy white and blue irregular thin striped motif throughout with 4 symbolic Chinese figures signaturi...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Wool

Collection of Abstract Japanese Calligraphy Prints
By Sōfu Teshigahara
Located in Atlanta, GA
Collection of abstract Japanese calligraphy prints, possibly after Sofu Teshigahara, Japan, circa 1970s. These were from a collection that we purchase...
Category

1970s Japanese Vintage Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

Ancient Chinese Camel with a Sancai Glaze.
Located in Schagen, NL
This absolute stunning positioned camel was manufactured in China, circa 1960s and finished with a Sancai glaze. It's saddlebags show a man's face. Free shipping to Continental Europ...
Category

1960s Chinese Vintage Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Midcentury Cloisonné Lamp by Wilshire House
Located in Rio Vista, CA
A rare midcentury Chinese cloisonné table lamp made of a long neck bronze vase decorated with a floral foliate pattern in shades of pink over a dark texture diamond pattern background. Sold by Wilshire...
Category

20th Century Chinese Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Metal

Japanese Important Bronze Lady With A Newport Hat
Located in South Burlington, VT
Japan a lovely, sensitive cast bronze sculpture of a woman proudly showing her Newport Hat. Designed and cast by by noted Japanese mid century sculptor Tabath Isao. This is a cla...
Category

20th Century Japanese Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Vintage Chinese Natural Wood Side Table with Two Drawers and Crackled Ice Shelf
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese vintage natural wood side table from the mid-20th century, with two drawers and 'crackled ice' shelf. Born in China during th...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Iron

Sirt Vintage Turkish Rug
Located in New York, NY
A mid-20th century one of a kind Turkish Sirt rug woven with mohair wool. These pieces are inspired by traditional tribal weaving's but they are used mostly for decorative purposes a...
Category

Mid-20th Century Turkish Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Mohair, Wool

Chinese Framed Water Color of a Man and Woman
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Interesting Chinese framed watercolor depicting a man deep in meditative thought with a woman and two children. Beautifully drawn with intricate details. The man sits on his mat with...
Category

20th Century Chinese Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paper, Glass

Hand-Carved Japanese Stump Table with Slate Top
Located in Atlanta, GA
Hand-carved Japanese stump table with slate top, believed to be circa 1950s, possibly earlier. This table has an incredible hand-carved base, made out o...
Category

1950s Japanese Vintage Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Slate

Collection of Abstract Japanese Calligraphy Prints
By Sōfu Teshigahara
Located in Atlanta, GA
Collection of abstract Japanese calligraphy prints, possibly after Sofu Teshigahara, Japan, circa 1970s. These were from a collection that we purchase...
Category

1970s Japanese Vintage Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Paper, Glass, Wood

Mid-Century Modern Abstract Wall Sculpture in the Manner of Paul Evans
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An incredible studio made abstract sculpture made of iron and brass. Original owner purchased directly from the artist in early 1970s (unmarked). In the style of: Harry Bertoia, ...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Brass, Iron

Elegant Silver Sake Cup made to commemorate the Osaka World Expo of 1970
Located in Doornspijk, NL
This silver sake cup mas made especially for the 1970 Osaka World Expo. Its is marked 24 KBP.
Category

1970s Japanese Vintage Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Silver

Pair of Chinese Red Lacquer End Tables
Located in London, by appointment only
A decorative pair of mid 20th-century Chinese export black and red lacquer side tables. The black lacquer frames inset with vibrant red lacquer panels decorated with birds amongst gr...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Lacquer

Zabihi Collectio nSirt Vintage Turkish Mohair Rug
Located in New York, NY
A mid-20th century one of a kind Turkish Sirt rug woven with mohair wool. These pieces are inspired by traditional tribal weaving's but they are used mostly for decorative purposes a...
Category

Mid-20th Century Turkish Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Wool, Mohair

Sirt Vintage Turkish Striped Mohair Rug
Located in New York, NY
A mid-20th century one of a kind Turkish Sirt rug woven with mohair wool. These pieces are inspired by traditional tribal weaving's but they are used mostly for decorative purposes a...
Category

Mid-20th Century Turkish Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Mohair, Wool

Sirt Vintage Turkish Rug
Located in New York, NY
A mid-20th century one of a kind Turkish Sirt rug woven with mohair wool. These pieces are inspired by traditional tribal weaving's but they are used mostly for decorative purposes a...
Category

Mid-20th Century Turkish Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Wool, Mohair

Pair of Brutalist Metal Torso Sculptures
Located in North Bergen, NJ
Pair of Mid-Century male and female metal torso sculptures. Very interesting and something you dont see everyday.
Category

1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture

1970s Italian “Quadrofoglio” Pendant Lamp Light by Gae Allentown
Located in Victoria, BC
Introducing the 'Quadrifoglio' pendant lamp, meticulously designed by Gae Aulenti and crafted by Harvey Guzzini in 1970s Italy. Constructed with a methacrylate diffuser, four chrome-...
Category

1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Blown Glass

1960s Danish Teak Loveseat Sofa by Peter Hvidt
Located in Victoria, BC
Peter Hvidt’s “Minerva” line for France & Son is characterized by super clean minimal lines, finely sculpted solid teak construction, and small foo...
Category

1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Teak

Chinese Vintage Celadon Glazed Garden Stools with Pierced Motifs, Sold Each
Located in Yonkers, NY
Chinese vintage celadon glazed ceramic garden stool from the Mid-20th Century, with pierced and raised motifs, priced and sold each. Created in China during the mid century period, t...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

1960's Danish Teak Curved Front Credenza by Svend Madsen
Located in Victoria, BC
We are thrilled to offer this exquisite 1960 Danish teak credenza, crafted by the renowned designer Svend Madsen. Featuring a distinctive curved front, this credenza exudes elegance ...
Category

1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Teak

1960s Danish Teak and Oak Dining Table Desk by Hans Wegner
Located in Victoria, BC
Rare and coveted, this compact desk/dining table by Hans Wegner for Andreas Tuck, circa 1960s, embodies the essence of mid-century modern charm. Crafted with precision, it boasts a s...
Category

1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Teak

1970s Brazilian MP97 Wood and Leather Sofa by Percival Lafer
Located in Victoria, BC
We're thrilled to unveil our latest Brazilian modern gem: the stunningly restored "MP97" leather sofa, a masterpiece designed by Percival Lafer in 1970s São Paulo. Featuring a robust...
Category

1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Leather

1960s Danish Teak and Oak Freestanding Desk Shelving Unit by Kurt Ostervig
Located in Victoria, BC
We are thrilled to present our finest modular shelving unit discovery yet: an exquisite freestanding creation by Kurt Ostervig from the 1950s. This stunning piece boasts a floating c...
Category

1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Leather

1970’s Canadian Teak Sofa by Huber & Co
Located in Victoria, BC
We are excited to present this 1970’s Huber & Co tub sofa, proudly crafted in Canada. Featuring an upholstered fiberglass seat resting on a sturdy teak frame, this design has gained ...
Category

1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Teak

1970's Canadian Teak Tub Lounge Chairs by Huber & Co
Located in Victoria, BC
Step back in time with this pair of 1970's Huber & Co tub chairs, crafted right here in Canada. With its upholstered fiberglass seat supported by a teak frame, these designs have gar...
Category

1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Teak

R. Huber Scoop Chair
Located in Victoria, BC
We are thrilled to offer this vintage Canadian scoop chair and ottoman by R. Huber, coveted for its amazing condition and exceptional comfort. Wrapped in a beautifully striped corduroy...
Category

1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Wood

1970s Brazilian MP97 Leather High Back Lounge Chair by Percival Lafer
Located in Victoria, BC
We're thrilled to present an extraordinary Brazilian lounge chair designed by Percival Lafer in the 1970s. The MP97 chair boasts a supremely comfortable foam-injected seat wrapped in...
Category

1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Leather

1950s Solid Teak Coffee Table by Peter Hvidt
Located in Victoria, BC
We have a rarely seen solid teak coffee table designed by Peter Hvidt for France & Daverkosen, all shined up and on display in our Chinatown showroom. This special piece is perfectly...
Category

1950s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Teak

1970s Brazilian Wood and Leather MP41 Lounge Chair by Percival Lafer
Located in Victoria, BC
The MP41 chair by Percival Lafer showcases a sturdy Jatoba wood frame, complemented by an exceptionally comfortable leather seat that is elegantly suspende...
Category

1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Leather

1960s Danish Teak Dining Table by Hans Wegner for Andreas Tuck
Located in Victoria, BC
Newly introduced to the market is an extraordinary find: a scarce Danish teak draw-leaf dining table, meticulously designed by the renowned designer Hans Wegner for Getama in the 196...
Category

1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Teak

Small Antique Temple Bell, Oriental, Brass Tea Calling Chime, Early 20th Century
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a small antique temple bell. An Oriental, brass tea calling chime, dating to the early 20th century, circa 1920. An appealing small bell w...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Brass

1960s Danish Teak Draw-Leaf Dining Table by Gudme Møbelfabrik
Located in Victoria, BC
Freshly emerged from restoration, this charming Danish teak dining table hails from the esteemed Gudme Møbelfabrik, crafted during the 1960s. It stands out among vintage draw-leaf di...
Category

1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Teak

Pair of Vintage Bamboo Tub Back Armchairs
Located in Ross, CA
Pair vintage bamboo tub chairs with newly upholstered seat cushions.
Category

1980s Unknown Vintage Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Bamboo

1970s Brazilian Wood and Leather MP131 Sofa by Percival Lafer
Located in Victoria, BC
Experience the thrill of owning this rare and exquisite Brazilian sofa designed by Percival Lafer in the 1970s. The "MP131" boasts a sumptuous leather seat, an exceptionally comforta...
Category

1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Leather

Danish Modern Teak Desk Organizer by Pedersen & Hansen Mid Century Modern
Located in Lake Worth, FL
1960s Danish Mid Century modern teak wood desk organizer. From the Select Form series by Georg Petersen, put out by Pedersen & Hansen of Denmark. B...
Category

Late 20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Teak

1970s Brazilian MP97 Wood and Leather Sofa by Percival Lafer
Located in Victoria, BC
Delighted to present our newest Brazilian modern discovery: the impeccably restored "MP97" leather sofa, designed by Percival Lafer in 1970s São Paulo. Adorned with a sturdy Brazilia...
Category

1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Leather

1960s Danish Solid Teak Bookcase Display Cabinet by Peter Hvidt
Located in Victoria, BC
This solid teak bookcase / display cabinet designed by Peter Hvidt for Søborg Møbelfabrik is a rare variant with an off white backer and horizontal shelving...
Category

1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Teak

Pair Mid Century Hand Wrought "French Scroll” Lighting Sconces complete
Located in South Burlington, VT
Complete with original shades and hand wrought “French Scroll” design Newly rewired with 18 foot cords including on/off switches- ready to be installed in your home or office A ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Composition, Copper, Iron

20th Century Verner Panton Seating Group Four Cone Chairs And Table
Located in Epfach, DE
20th Century Verner Panton Four Cone Chairs and Table Seating group with four cone chairs and the original table with walnut veneer. the chairs are all reupholstered to the highest q...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Steel

Rare Ceramic Vase / Sculpture by Alessio Tasca, 1968
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare Ceramic Vase / Sculpture by Alessio Tasca, 1968 Additional Information: Material: Ceramic Style: Mid century, Italian Produced in Italy Dimensi...
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Wayne Transitional Farm Table
Located in Carmel, CA
The Wayne Transitional Farm Table is part of the Modern Hepburn collection that sets a standard in sophisticated and timeless furniture while remaining practical and functional for e...
Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Hardwood

Roger Ottoman
Located in Carmel, CA
The Roger Ottoman is part of the Modern Hepburn collection that sets a standard in sophisticated and timeless furniture while remaining practical and functional for everyday modern living. Inspired by the magic of genuine human connection found with a family heirloom and memories from repeated use, Ashley invites a reminiscing approach to design, pulling elements of style from the past. The original designs evolved from her cherished antiques, one-of-a-kind dresses, and jewelry handed down by her grandmothers. Classic to edgy reflections combine to define style and future memories. The Rogers Ottoman is perfect for those looking to add a stylish yet comfortable touch to their living space. Featuring a 2-inch cushion for maximum comfort when sitting and a white oak shelf...
Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Steel

20th Century Spanish Silver Impressive Large Ship Model J.S.Elcano
Located in Madrid, ES
An impressive and large model of a ship in silver, made in Spain in the Mid-1960s, the ship model represents the Spanish navy training ship, Juan Sebastian Elcano, which continues to...
Category

Mid-20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Silver

Chinese Vintage Celadon Glazed Garden Stools with Pierced Motifs, Sold Each
Located in Yonkers, NY
Chinese vintage celadon glazed ceramic garden stool from the Mid-20th Century, with pierced and raised motifs, priced and sold each. Created in China d...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Jade Green Korean Celadon Vase with Dragon Ears Mid 20th Century
Located in Lomita, CA
This is an extraordinary jade green celadon Korean vase from the mid 20th century. The vase is baluster shape with an elongated, elegant neck. It is in ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Korean Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Celadon

Japanese Mid-Century Modern Art Studio Ceramic Vase
Located in New York, NY
Japanese Mid-Century Modern art studio ceramic pottery vase, marked on the bottom. In great vintage condition with age-appropriate wear and use.
Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Mid-Century Modern Japanese Style Ten-Sided Tenmoku Glazed Stoneware Studio Vase
Located in Studio City, CA
A wonderfully designed, richly colored, deep brown, Tenmoku like glazed handmade artisan vase. Really quite stunning in person. It changes color subtlety and textures depending on perspective. From a home of that collected top midcentury art and furniture...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Stoneware

Hakata Wasaki Japanese Ceramic Nativity Scene Figurines
Located in New York, NY
Japanese ceramic nativity scene figurines made by Hakata Wasaki in the 1950s. The set comprises fourteen elements with hand painted figures and a wood...
Category

1950s Japanese Vintage Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Mid-century Modern asian art and furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Mid-Century Modern asian art and furniture 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 asian art and furniture created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include asian art and furniture, seating, wall decorations and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, hardwood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Mid-Century Modern asian art and furniture made in a specific country, there are Europe, Denmark, and Scandinavia pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original asian art and furniture, popular names associated with this style include Peter Hvidt, Finn Juhl, Tomio Kinoshita, and Marcel Breuer. 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 asian art and furniture differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $68 and tops out at $20,000 while the average work can sell for $1,650.

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