Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres
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
- Emerged during the mid-20th century
- Informed by European modernism, Bauhaus, International style, Scandinavian modernism and Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture
- A heyday of innovation in postwar America
- Experimentation with new ideas, new materials and new forms flourished in Scandinavia, Italy, the former Czechoslovakia and elsewhere in Europe
CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
- Simplicity, organic forms, clean lines
- A blend of neutral and bold Pop art colors
- Use of natural and man-made materials — alluring woods such as teak, rosewood and oak; steel, fiberglass and molded plywood
- Light-filled spaces with colorful upholstery
- Glass walls and an emphasis on the outdoors
- Promotion of functionality
MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
- Charles and Ray Eames
- Eero Saarinen
- Milo Baughman
- Florence Knoll
- Harry Bertoia
- Isamu Noguchi
- George Nelson
- Danish modernists Hans Wegner and Arne Jacobsen, whose emphasis on natural materials and craftsmanship influenced American designers and vice versa
ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS
- Eames lounge chair
- Nelson daybed
- Florence Knoll sofa
- Egg chair
- Womb chair
- Noguchi coffee table
- Barcelona chair
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
Creator: David Cressey
Marilyn Kay Austin Leaf Planter for Architectural Pottery
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Glazed planter by ceramics artist Marilyn Kay Austin for Architectural Pottery with glazing and leaf pattern by David Cressey. This example, features a rounded square shape and all o...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres
Materials
Ceramic
Trio of Architectural Pottery Planters David Cressey
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Timeless California modernist design.
Made with Cressey's own reduction fired stoneware "formula clay" and covered in a mottled glaze with hints of dark and light browns, olive and s...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres
Materials
Stoneware
Stoneware 'Flame' Glaze Planter David Cressey
Located in Los Angeles, CA
California design.
Made with Cressey's own "formula' clay, reduction fired stoneware, hand poured glaze pattern.
No chips or cracks on the cylinder form (rings like a bell when knock...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres
Materials
Ceramic, Stoneware
David Cressey Pro/Artisan Flame-Glaze Urn for Architectural Pottery
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Planter by David Cressey for Architectural Pottery's Pro/Artisan collection with Cressey’s signature “Flame Glaze” in yellow and orange tones. This planter has slightly bowed sides a...
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres
Materials
Ceramic
David Cressey Flame-Glaze Planter for Architectural Pottery
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A bell-shaped planter by David Cressey for the Pro/Artisan collection by Architectural Pottery with Cressey’s signature “Flame Glaze.” This planter has a wide round opening, wide set...
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres
Materials
Ceramic
Large California Modern David Cressey for Architectural Pottery Planter Pot
Located in Ferndale, MI
To me Architectural Pottery is one of the mid century companies that helps to define California modern aesthetic . This David Cressey pot is a fine example...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres
Materials
Pottery
David Cressey & Robert Maxwell Stoneware “Sunburst” Bowl Planter for Earthgender
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An unglazed stoneware bowl planter from David Cressey and Robert Maxwell's 1970's collaboration, Earthgender. The 15.5" diameter planter has a rounded lip with an unglazed interior, ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres
Materials
Pottery, Stoneware
David Cressey Architectural Pottery Planter
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
David Cressey stoneware planter for Architectural Pottery circa 1960s. In excellent vintage condition with usual calcification to base. Includes drill hole.
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres
Materials
Ceramic
David Cressey & Robert Maxwell “Teardrop Sunburst” Planter for Earthgender
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Natural warm brown stoneware planter, c.1970, USA, is a result of the collaboration between David Cressey & Robert Maxwell to create the line Earthgender. This planter features a rou...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres
Materials
Pottery, Stoneware
David Cressey & Robert Maxwell “Sunburst” Plum Glazed Planter for Earthgender
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bowl planter from Earthgender, David Cressey and Robert Maxwell’s early 1970s project. This 23” diameter example is incised in the “Sunburst” design of lines radiating from a central...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres
Materials
Pottery, Stoneware
David Cressey Architectural Pottery Planter
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
Speckled grey planter by David Cressey for Architectural Pottery. Fantastic example of mid century modern design. No drainage hole present.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres
Materials
Ceramic
Stoneware 'Leaf' Planter David Cressey
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Great California design.
Made with Cressey's own natural "formula clay".
Hand applied leaf design pattern.
No two are exactly alike.
No cracks.
One or two chips around the rim, with ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres
Materials
Ceramic
David Cressey & Robert Maxwell Stoneware “Sunburst” Bowl Planter for Earthgender
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An unglazed stoneware bowl planter from David Cressey and Robert Maxwell's 1970's collaboration, Earthgender. The planter has a rounded lip with a dark speckle glazed interior, an in...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres
Materials
Stoneware
Large 'Expressive' Planter David Cressey
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Great California design.
From the estate / collections of the late Peter Loughrey, the founder of Los Angeles Modern Auctions (LAMA).
Made with Cressey's own reduction fired stonewa...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres
Materials
Ceramic, Stoneware
David Cressey Glazed Pro/Artisan Planter for Architectural Pottery
Located in Los Angeles, CA
David Cressey Pro/Artisan collection Planter for Architectural Pottery. This stoneware planter has a sienna yellow glazed interior and exterior. The top of the planter has slightly b...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres
Materials
Clay, Stoneware
David Cressey Pro/Artisan "Scratch" Bullet Planter for Architectural Pottery
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bullet planter by David Cressey from the Pro/Artisan collection for Architectural Pottery. This stoneware planter has an unglazed interior as well as an unglazed natural warm brown c...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres
Materials
Stoneware
David Cressey & Robert Maxwell Speckle “Sunburst” Bowl Planter for Earthgender
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bowl planter from David Cressey and Robert Maxwell’s 1970s collaboration Earthgender. The planter has a rounded lip and an incised all-over sunburst pattern. It is tapered at its bas...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres
Materials
Pottery, Stoneware
David Cressey & Robert Maxwell for Earthgender “Sunburst” Planter
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hand thrown stoneware planter from Earthgender, David Cressey and Robert Maxwell’s early 1970s project. This 13.5” diameter example is incised in the “Sunburst” design a pattern of l...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres
Materials
Stoneware
David Cressey & Robert Maxwell for Earthgender “Sunburst” Planter
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hand thrown stoneware planter from Earthgender, David Cressey and Robert Maxwell’s early 1970s project. This 13” diameter example is incised in the “Sunburst” design a pattern of lin...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres
Materials
Stoneware
David Cressey Pro/Artisan Sand Urn for Architectural Pottery
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Planter by David Cressey for Architectural Pottery's Pro/Artisan collection. This planter has a soft olive green speckle glazed exterior and interior. The top of the planter has slig...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres
Materials
Stoneware
David Cressey & Robert Maxwell Thumbprint Planter for Earthgender, circa 1970
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
David Cressey & Robert Maxwell Thumbprint Planter for Earthgender, circa 1970.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres
Materials
Ceramic, Stoneware
David Cressey & Robert Maxwell Planter for Earthgender, circa 1970
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
David Cressey & Robert Maxwell Planter for Earthgender, circa 1970.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres
Materials
Ceramic
David Cressey & Robert Maxwell for Earthgender “Teardrop Sunburst” Planter
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cylindrical planter from Earthgender, David Cressey and Robert Maxwell’s early 1970s project. This 19” diameter example is incised in the “Teardrop Sunburst” design with interlocking...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres
Materials
Pottery, Stoneware
David Cressey Pro/Artisan Mocha Glazed Bowl Planter for Architectural Pottery
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ceramic planter from David Cressey's Pro/Artisan collection for Architectural Pottery. The 4066 pedestal bowl planter has a wide belly that tapers at the base with a mocha glazed ext...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres
Materials
Ceramic, Pottery
David Cressey & Robert Maxwell “Teardrop Sunburst” Bowl Planter for Earthgender
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bowl planter from Earthgender, David Cressey and Robert Maxwell’s early 1970s project. This 23.5” diameter example is incised in the “Teardrop Sunburst” design with interlocking gest...
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres
Materials
Pottery, Stoneware
David Cressey "Solar" Stoneware Planter for Architectural Pottery
Located in Los Angeles, CA
"Solar" planter designed by David Cressey for Architectural Pottery's 1960s Pro/Artisan Collection. The unglazed stoneware planter has slightly bowed sides and a flattened lip and fe...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres
Materials
Pottery, Stoneware
David Cressey & Robert Maxwell for Earthgender Rimmed Sunburst Planter
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This hand thrown stoneware planter, circa 1970s, USA, is a result of the collaboration between David Cressey & Robert Maxwell to create the line Earthgender. This hand thrown planter...
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres
Materials
Ceramic, Clay, Stoneware
David Cressey & Robert Maxwell Sunburst Planters for Earthgender, circa 1970
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
David Cressey & Robert Maxwell pair of “Sunburst” planters for Earthgender circa 1970.
This pair is in very good original condition.
Planter #1 measures: 18 1/8" wide x 17 1/...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres
Materials
Ceramic, Stoneware
Pair of Stoneware Planters by David Cressey
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Pair of stoneware planters by David Cressey. These are hand thrown and were probably a custom order. These stoneware planters have an unglazed interior as well as an unglazed natural...
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres
Materials
Stoneware
David Cressey and Robert Maxwell Large Ombre Glazed Planter for Earthgender
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A large ceramic bowl planter from David Cressey and Robert Maxwell for Earthgender. The planter has an ombre glazed interior and exterior ranging in colors of purple, pink and blue w...
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres
Materials
Ceramic
David Cressey "Scratch" Stoneware Pro/Artisan Planter for Architectural Pottery
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Planter by David Cressey from the Pro/Artisan collection for Architectural Pottery. This stoneware planter has an unglazed interior as well as an unglazed natural warm brown clay ext...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres
Materials
Clay, Stoneware
Large David Cressey "Rectangle" Glazed Pro/Artisan Planter Architectural Pottery
Located in Los Angeles, CA
David Cressey Pro/Artisan collection Planter for Architectural Pottery. This stoneware planter has a soft speckled unglazed interior and a brown glazed exterior with the iconic "rect...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres
Materials
Stoneware
David Cressey Pro / Artisan Planter for Architectural Pottery
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ceramic bowl planter from David Cressey's Pro/Artisan collection for Architectural Pottery. The planter has a gray speckled glazed interior and exterior, with slightly bowed sides an...
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres
Materials
Ceramic
David Cressey Pro/Artisan Charcoal Glazed Bowl Planter
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ceramic planter from David Cressey's Pro/Artisan collection for Architectural Pottery. The 4066 pedestal bowl planter has a wide belly that tapers at the base with a charcoal glazed ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres
Materials
Clay, Pottery
David Cressey Cylindrical Stoneware Planter for Architectural Pottery
Located in Los Angeles, CA
David Cressey cylindrical stoneware planter for Architectural Pottery. Architectural Pottery was a Los Angeles company founded in 1950 by Max and Rita Lawrence. Prominent architects such as Pierre...
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres
Materials
Ceramic, Stoneware
California Modern Pro Artisan Stoneware Planter by David Cressey
Located in Los Angeles, CA
California Modern Pro Artisan Stoneware planter by David Cressey.
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres
Materials
Stoneware
David Cressey "Linear" Stoneware Pro/Artisan Planter for Architectural Pottery
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cigar planter by David Cressey from the Pro/Artisan collection for Architectural Pottery. This stoneware planter has an unglazed interior as well as an unglazed natural warm brown cl...
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres
Materials
Stoneware
David Cressey for Architectural Pottery 'Cheerio' Planter, ca. 1970
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
Vintage David Cressey for Architectural Pottery Pro/Artisan Series 'Cheerio' pattern planter in ivory glaze. One drain hole on bottom.
Measures 14" Diameter x 12" Height.
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres
Materials
Stoneware
David Cressey Phoenix-1 Planter in White Glaze for Architectural Pottery
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed by David Cressey in 1963 as part of the Pro/Artisan stoneware collection for Architectural Pottery, the slip cast Phoenix planter has a bowl shape with an allover geometric ...
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres
Materials
Ceramic, Stoneware
David Cressey & Robert Maxwell for Earthgender “Teardrop Sunburst” Planter
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A cylindrical planter from Earthgender, David Cressey and Robert Maxwell’s early 1970s project. This 14.75” diameter example is incised in the “Teardrop Sunburst” design with interlo...
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres
Materials
Pottery, Stoneware
Large Stoneware 'Sgraffito' Planter David Cressey
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Great California design.
Made with Cressey's own reduction fired stoneware "formula clay" with ocher glaze.
Hand carved 'Sgraffito' pattern / design.
No two are alike.
One-of-a-kind....
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres
Materials
Ceramic
California Modern Architectural Pottery Pro Artisan Planter by David Cressey
Located in San Jose, CA
Mid-Century Modern ceramic planter pot designed by David Cressey for Architectural Pottery Pro/Artisan. This hand poured stoneware vessel featu...
Category
1960s North American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres
Materials
Ceramic, Clay
Architectural Planter Pot Vessel by David Cressey
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A large David Cressey glazed pot or vessel is a stunning work of art that combines form, texture, and color in a captivating way. Known for his ceramic creations, David Cressey has a distinct style that is both modern and organic.
This particular pot or vessel showcases Cressey's mastery of glazing techniques. Its generous size commands attention and makes it a focal point in any setting. The pot's shape is often asymmetrical, with smooth curves and undulating lines that mimic the organic shapes found in nature. Its large size allows for ample space to showcase the intricate glaze patterns.
The glaze itself is a masterpiece, with a rich and layered appearance. Cressey's glazes often feature earthy tones like deep browns, rustic oranges, and mossy greens, evoking a connection to the natural world. The glaze may have variations in color, creating depth and visual interest. The surface texture might be subtly textured or exhibit a more pronounced texture, further enhancing the tactile and visual experience.
When displayed, this David Cressey glazed pot or vessel becomes a statement piece that adds a touch of sophistication and artistic elegance to any space. Its combination of sculptural form and expertly applied glaze demonstrates the artist's skill and creativity, making it a unique and captivating addition to any art collection or interior design.
Photographed with Knoll wire side...
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres
Materials
Ceramic
Phoenix-1 Planter in Purple Glaze by David Cressey for Architectural Pottery
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed by David Cressey in 1963 as part of the Pro/Artisan stoneware collection for Architectural Pottery, the slipcast Phoenix planter has a bowl shape with an allover geometric r...
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres
Materials
Stoneware
David Cressey Ribbed Plum Glazed Pro/Artisan Planter for Architectural Pottery
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bullet planter by David Cressey from the Pro/Artisan collection for Architectural Pottery. This planter has a soft speckled glaze in plum on both the interior and exterior. The exter...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres
Materials
Clay, Stoneware
David Cressey "Expressive" Glazed Planter for Architectural Pottery
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A tulip-shaped planter by David Cressey for the Pro/Artisan collection by Architectural Pottery with Cressey’s signature “Expressive” texture. This ochre glazed planter has a rounded bottom...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres
Materials
Clay, Pottery
Mid-century Modern planters and jardinieres for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Mid-Century Modern planters and jardinieres 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 planters and jardinieres created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include building and garden elements, decorative objects, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with stone, ceramic and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Mid-Century Modern planters and jardinieres made in a specific country, there are Europe, North America, and United States pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original planters and jardinieres, popular names associated with this style include Willy Guhl, Eternit, Architectural Pottery, and David Cressey. 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 planters and jardinieres differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $95 and tops out at $36,500 while the average work can sell for $1,796.
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