Postmodern design was a short-lived movement that manifested itself chiefly in Italy and the United States in the early 1980s. The characteristics of vintage postmodern furniture and other postmodern objects and decor for the home included loud-patterned, usually plastic surfaces; strange proportions, vibrant colors and weird angles; and a vague-at-best relationship between form and function.
ORIGINS OF POSTMODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
CHARACTERISTICS OF POSTMODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
POSTMODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
VINTAGE POSTMODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS
Critics derided postmodern design as a grandstanding bid for attention and nothing of consequence. Decades later, the fact that postmodernism still has the power to provoke thoughts, along with other reactions, proves they were not entirely correct.
Postmodern design began as an architectural critique. Starting in the 1960s, a small cadre of mainly American architects began to argue that modernism, once high-minded and even noble in its goals, had become stale, stagnant and blandly corporate. Later, in Milan, a cohort of creators led by Ettore Sottsass and Alessandro Mendini — a onetime mentor to Sottsass and a key figure in the Italian Radical movement — brought the discussion to bear on design.
Sottsass, an industrial designer, philosopher and provocateur, gathered a core group of young designers into a collective in 1980 they called Memphis. Members of the Memphis Group, which would come to include Martine Bedin, Michael Graves, Marco Zanini, Shiro Kuramata, Michele de Lucchi and Matteo Thun, saw design as a means of communication, and they wanted it to shout. That it did: The first Memphis collection appeared in 1981 in Milan and broke all the modernist taboos, embracing irony, kitsch, wild ornamentation and bad taste.
Memphis works remain icons of postmodernism: the Sottsass Casablanca bookcase, with its leopard-print plastic veneer; de Lucchi’s First chair, which has been described as having the look of an electronics component; Martine Bedin’s Super lamp: a pull-toy puppy on a power-cord leash. Even though it preceded the Memphis Group’s formal launch, Sottsass’s iconic Ultrafragola mirror — in its conspicuously curved plastic shell with radical pops of pink neon — proves striking in any space and embodies many of the collective’s postmodern ideals.
After the initial Memphis show caused an uproar, the postmodern movement within furniture and interior design quickly took off in America. (Memphis fell out of fashion when the Reagan era gave way to cool 1990’s minimalism.) The architect Robert Venturi had by then already begun a series of plywood chairs for Knoll Inc., with beefy, exaggerated silhouettes of traditional styles such as Queen Anne and Chippendale. In 1982, the new firm Swid Powell enlisted a group of top American architects, including Frank Gehry, Richard Meier, Stanley Tigerman and Venturi to create postmodern tableware in silver, ceramic and glass.
On 1stDibs, the vintage postmodern furniture collection includes chairs, coffee tables, sofas, decorative objects, table lamps and more.
Tessellated Pink Stone Box
Located in Fairfield, CA
A vintage tessellated stone box. Nice medium size for storing a variety of items. Pink tone to the stone with a wood interior. Made in the Philippines. Measures 9"W x 6"D x 4.5"H
Stone
Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian Mixed Woods Valet / Desk Box
Located in San Diego, CA
A finely crafted mid-century modern valet or desktop storage box executed in contrasting mixed hardwoods, likely teak with lighter maple or birch accents. The box features clean Scan...
Wood
$88Sale Price|20% Off
Decorative geode and black glass jewelry box by Don Drumm, late 20th century
By Don Drumm
Located in View Park, CA
A very unique decorative jewelry box hand-crafted of black glass, mirror, iron, and geode by Don Drumm, late 20th century. The geode boasts a bevy of brilliant blues, from cerulean t...
Rock Crystal, Iron
Vintage Italian Pink And Gold Alabaster Round Pill Box 1970
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage timeless elegance handcrafted Italian pink alabaster pill box trimmed in gold tone metal. Featuring a hinged lid and gilt brass metal trim,the lid is decorated with a rose, i...
Alabaster
Postmodern Tessellated Stone Box
Located in Houston, TX
Late 20th Century Postmodern tessellated travertine and black marble box with brass inlay and brown cloth interior lining.
Stone, Travertine, Marble
Pen shell Pyramid Box attributed to Maitland Smith
Located in Winnetka, IL
A pyramid shaped box having 4 graduating drawers with brass ball knobs . Made of polished pen shell which is a material that the manufacturer Maitland Smith often used. All sitting u...
Brass
Maitland Smith Mother Of Pearl Box
By Maitland Smith, Casa Bique, Karl Springer, Robert Marcius
Located in Houston, TX
Maitland Smith Mother Of Pearl Box. Offered is a very large decorative box of tessellated mother of pearl in the geometric Art Deco styl...
Mother-of-Pearl, Wood
$280Sale Price|20% Off
Postmodern Decorative Marble Box circa 1980
By Sergio Asti, Angelo Mangiarotti
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Postmodern Decorative Marble Box circa 1980.
Marble
$1,125 / item
Small Selene Box by Arcahorn
Located in Geneve, CH
Small Selene Box by Arcahorn Dimensions: D 15 x W 22 x H 4 cm Materials: Leather, wood, horn, brass. Rectangular box in dark horn and wood with lacquered black gloss finish. Lid in ...
Brass
Postmodern Box with Slate Lid, 1980s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Postmodern Box with Slate Lid, 1980s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1980 to 1989. Additional information: Color: Black Styles: Postmodern Item Type: Vintage, Antique or Pre-owne...
Glass
1980's Tessellated Stone & Brass Lidded Box by Desia
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Felt-lined lidded box all handcrafted from natural stones Indigenous to the Philippines.
Stone
Maitland Smith Post Modern White Tessellated Hexagonal Stone Box 1980's
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Post Modern 1980s Maitland Smith Marble Covered Box with hinged lid and a round polished brass pull on top. Vintage Postmodern geometric design decorative box white tessellated stone...
Stone
$500Sale Price|20% Off
Marble Box with Jewish Star of David Design
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful modern style or Postmodern period marble and brass box with Jewish Star of David design, circa late-20th century, 1980s, 90s. Box, att...
Stone, Marble, Brass
Memphis Style Triangular Mixed Wood Trinket Box by Russ Keil
By Russ Keil
Located in San Diego, CA
Memphis style mixed wood triangular trinket box by Russ Keil, circa 1990s. The box measures 4.5"W x 4.5"D x 5.75"H and is made of a padouk, walnut and sugar maple hardwood . There is...
Maple, Padouk
$200Sale Price|20% Off
Postmodern Decorative Marble Box circa 1980
By Sergio Asti, Angelo Mangiarotti
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Postmodern Decorative Marble Box circa 1980.
Marble
Post-Modern Pink Marble Cylindrical Box, Carved, Pakistan, Circa 1980s
By Renoir Designs, Maitland Smith
Located in Round Top, TX
A diminutive carved pink marble Postmodern cylindrical trinket box. The perfect size for gifting a piece of jewelry or as a gift in itself for a box collector. In excellent condition...
Marble
Maitland Smith Tessellated Stone & Brass Square Box Postmodern
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a vintage box attributed to Maitland Smith (no label present). Tessellated Stone & Brass Square Box. Postmodern era. Dominant colors: off-white, green and go...
Stone, Brass
Vintage Asian Octagonal Lacquer Box with Turtle Closure
Located in Houston, TX
Vintage Asian Octagonal Lacquer Box With Turtle Closure. Lovely 20th century Asian lacquer box with Greek key design and a metal turtle closure. Th...
Mother-of-Pearl, Lacquer
Burl Wood Box Organic Modern Postmodern
Located in New York, NY
A studio elder burl wood box, hand-crafted and signed by artist, Organic Modern style Post-Modern period, circa late-20th century. A beautiful hand-made blond elder burl wood box wit...
Burl
Large Vintage Post-Modern Travertine Lidded Box
Located in San Diego, CA
Vintage large post-modern travertine lidded box, circa 1980s. The box is in very good vintage condition with no chips or cracks and measures 12"W x 8"D x 4"H. Super cool and very wel...
Travertine
Memphis Style Triangular Mixed Wood Trinket Box by Russ Keil
By Russ Keil
Located in San Diego, CA
Memphis style mixed wood triangular trinket box by Russ Keil, circa 1990s. The box measures 4.5"W x 4.5"D x 5.75"H and is made of a padouk and sugar maple hardwood . There is a small...
Maple, Padouk
Michael Graves Enameled Rolled Steel Mailbox, Postmodern Design, 1990
Located in Tinton Falls, NJ
MICHAEL GRAVES (AMERICAN, 1934-2015), ENAMELED ROLLED STEEL MAILBOX, C.1990, H 14", L 23 3/4":An enameled and rolled steel mailbox. By Michael Graves and the Markuse Corporation. The...
Aluminum, Enamel, Steel
$380Sale Price|20% Off
Memphis Style Postmodern Mixed Wood Jewelry Box with Drawer
Located in San Diego, CA
Memphis style Postmodern mixed wood jewelry box with drawer, circa 1998. The box measures 9"W x 9"D x 7.25"H and is made of a variety of hard woods including ash, walnut and maple. T...
Ash, Maple, Walnut
$380Sale Price|20% Off
Memphis Style Postmodern Mixed Wood Jewelry Box with Drawer
Located in San Diego, CA
Memphis style Postmodern mixed wood jewelry box with drawer, circa 1998. The box measures: 9" W x 9" D x 7.25" H and is made of a variety of hard woods including ash, walnut and mapl...
Ash, Maple, Walnut
Gracieux Accueil Lidded Box by Nathalie Du Pasquier, 1983
Located in Tinton Falls, NJ
Around the time that MEMPHIS had become a world-wide phenomenon, several Italian manufacturers approached the various MEMPHIS designers to execute similar work but on different produ...
Chrome
Chessboard Bois Déchiré Art Edition by Meubles Thouret
Located in Geneve, CH
Chessboard Bois Déchiré Art Edition by Meubles Thouret. Numbered and signed by the artists. Delivered with a Certificate of Authenticity. Dimensions: W 48 x D 48 x H 5 cm. Materials:...
Resin, Wood
Post Modern Snake Skin and Parchment Box by R & Y Augousti Paris
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Open topped box wrapped in parchment and with a lid having an arched top and continuing down the short sides wrapped in snakeskin with conforming bone edges. Marked on the bottom R&Y...
Animal Skin, Wood
Leather Box with "H" Hardware by Hermès Paris, France, ca. 1970s
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Leather Box with "H" Hardware by Hermès Paris, France, ca. 1970s A sophisticated leather box made by Hermès Paris, France, circa 1970s. The piece features a restrained and timeless ...
Bronze
Maitland Smith Vintage Tessellated Stone Travertine Boxes 1970s Set of Two
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage Tessellated round shape decorative lidded marble boxes by Maitland Smith Set of Two. Dimensions: Shorter: 4" diameter x 6" height Longer: 5" diameter x 7.75" height. Maitland Smith 1970s tessellated travertine table...
Stone, Travertine, Marble, Brass
Hermès Paris decorative box in leather and bronze.
By Hermès
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Hermès Paris decorative box in leather and bronze. This Hermès Paris decorative box features a cylindrical design covered in textured black leather on the exterior. The top and botto...
Bronze
$4,848 / item
Chessboard Classic Wood Edition by Meubles Thouret
Located in Geneve, CH
Chessboard Classic Wood Edition by Meubles Thouret. Numbered and signed by the artists. Delivered with a Certificate of Authenticity. Dimensions: W 48 x D 48 x H 5 cm. Materials: Rar...
Wood
Postmodern Contemporary Lacquer Dresser Box Made in Italy
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Stunning Lacquer Lidded Box made in Italy. Lavender lacquer offset with Brass Piping and Bone corner detail. Wood lined with a tight fit. Matching picture frame...
Brass
Karl Springer Lacquered Snakeskin Decorative Box
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A scrupulously-crafted, decorative trinket or jewelry box by Karl Springer comprising a rectangular body with a domed, hinged lid and a suede-lined interior. The outside is wrapped e...
Suede, Animal Skin
R Romanelli semi-precious stones , rare box / jewelry trinket, exquisite work.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is an amazing and exquisite lapidary work. A mix of many hard stones carefully crafted . Many semi-precious stones .Paper label in back , R Romanelli .
Marble
Artist-Made Vintage Onyx / Agate & Walnut Lidded Vessel Box, Signed & Dated 1986
Located in Hastings, GB
This beautifully tactile sculptural onyx lidded box is a unique artist-made piece...unfortunately I've been unable to identify the maker's mark. We sourced it in Phoenix, Arizona. B...
Onyx
Agneta Box I in Aida Pebbled Leather, Horn, Brass, & Ebony Veneer by Arcahorn
Located in Geneve, CH
Agneta Box I in Aida Pebbled Leather, Horn, Brass, & Ebony Veneer by Arcahorn Dimensions: Ø 13 x H 17 cm. Materials: Leather, wood, brass, and horn. Round box in Aida pebbled leathe...
Brass
Agneta Box II in Aida Pebbled Leather, Horn, Brass, & Ebony Veneer by Arcahorn
Located in Geneve, CH
Agneta Box II in Aida Pebbled Leather, Horn, Brass, & Ebony Veneer by Arcahorn Dimensions: Ø 20 x H 13 cm. Materials: Leather, wood, brass, and horn. Round box in Aida pebbled leath...
Brass
Ottavia Box in Glossy Horn, Ebony Veneer & Aida Pebbled Leather by Arcahorn
Located in Geneve, CH
Ottavia Box in Glossy Horn, Ebony Veneer & Aida Pebbled Leather by Arcahorn Designed by Filippo Dini Dimensions: D 13 x W 13 x H 11 cm. Materials: Glossy horn, ebony veneer, and Aida...
Stainless Steel, Other
Fedora Jewlery Box in Glossy Ebony, 24K Gold-Plated Brass, & Horn by Arcahorn
Located in Geneve, CH
Fedora Jewlery Box in Glossy Ebony, 24K Gold-Plated Brass, & Horn by Arcahorn Dimensions: D 13 x W 21 x H 8 cm. Materials: Glossy ebony, engraved 24K gold-plated brass, and horn. Av...
Brass, Other
Veletta Tissue Box Holder in Horn, Chromed Brass & Glossy Ebony by Arcahorn
Located in Geneve, CH
Veletta Tissue Box Holder in Horn, Chromed Brass & Glossy Ebony by Arcahorn Dimensions: D 14 x W 26 x H 7 cm. Materials: Glossy ebony, horn, and chromed brass. Available in three fi...
Brass, Other
Agneta Box III in Aida Pebbled Leather, Horn, Brass, & Ebony Veneer by Arcahorn
Located in Geneve, CH
Agneta Box III in Aida Pebbled Leather, Horn, Brass, & Ebony Veneer by Arcahorn Dimensions: Ø 25 x H 16 cm. Materials: Leather, wood, brass, and horn. Round box in Aida pebbled leat...
Brass
1970s Gabriella Crespi Acrylic & Bronze Box
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Acrylic box by Gabrielle Crespi, 1970s The box features a rectangular design with rounded corners, combining the transparency of acrylic with a patinated bronze band that surrounds i...
Bronze
Priora Box in Horn, Brass & Lacquered Wood with Ivory Gloss Finish by Arcahorn
Located in Geneve, CH
Priora Box in Horn, Brass & Lacquered Wood with Ivory Gloss Finish by Arcahorn Dimensions: D 20 x W 28 x H 11 cm. Materials: Wood with lacquered ivory gloss finish, horn, and chromed...
Brass, Other
Vintage Mixed Wood Inlaid Box / Humidor Style Storage Case
Located in San Diego, CA
A handsome vintage mixed wood inlaid presentation box featuring striking geometric banded inlay across the hinged lid. Crafted with warm-toned exotic and domestic woods, the top show...
Wood
Priora Box in Horn, Chromed Brass & Glossy Ebony by Arcahorn
Located in Geneve, CH
Priora Box in Horn, Chromed Brass & Glossy Ebony by Arcahorn Dimensions: D 18 x W 18 x H 10 cm. Materials: Glossy ebony, horn, and chromed brass. Available in three sizes and th...
Brass, Other
$2,238 / item
Fedora Box II by Arcahorn
Located in Geneve, CH
Fedora Box II by Arcahorn Dimensions: D 13 x W 13 x H 8 cm Materials: Wood, horn, brass, gold. Box in glossy ebony. Lid in hand engraved 24K gold plated brass with raised rounded ho...
Gold, Brass
Collection of Five Turned Wood Artisan-Created, Hand-Carved, Wood Boxes, Japan
Located in Round Top, TX
A collection of five (5) wood boxes: Two are by studio artist L.W. Joy and were all created in the early 2000's and are turned from two exotic hardwood species. They are the two sma...
Felt, Wood
$1,554 / item
Fine Handcut Crystal Grand Lauderlale Perfume Flacon
Located in Geneve, CH
Fine handcut crystal grand Lauderlale perfume flacon. Materials: Fine handcut crystal Dimensions: D 11 x W 11 x H 32.5 cm Weight: 3.16 kg. Reflections Copenhagen, a collection of handmade decorative mirrors and Crystal pieces, finely balanced to Challenge the traditional styles and shapes of todays’ homes by adding new dimensions and possibilities to interior decorating. Julie Hugau and Andrea Larsson, inspired by the graphic expression of Art Deco, the vast contrasts of the 1980s and the opportunity to explore the delicate materials that the mirrors are made of, combined their visions and the start of Reflections was a fact. The collection sums up their perspectives of how to provide new expressions through strength and form, the mirrors are designed with a strong visual structure to create a contrast of light and reflections through non-traditional mirror images. A concept built on Julie’s flair for design and production, Andrea’s eye for interior and colors together with their shared vision of creating a product that unites art and decor. Remember, everything in your life is a reflection of a choice you made. If you want a different result, make a different choice Welcome to the world of Reflections. The beauty of craftsmanship All Reflections...
Crystal
Set of 2, Plizé Boxes, L White - M Blue by Made by Choice
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 2, plizé boxes, L white - M blue by Made by Choice with Hanna Anonen Dimensions: W17 x D17 x H22 cm (L), W17 x D17 x H15.5 cm (M) Materials: Birch Plywood Also available:...
Birch, Plywood
Italian Faux Marble Lacquered Box
Located in Houston, TX
Italian Faux Marble Lacquered Box. Offered is a stunning well executed Italian decorative box with several varieties of specimen marble in a geometric pattern. This box is the perfec...
Wood
Post-Modern Lidded Marble Trinket Box
Located in San Diego, CA
Post-modern lidded marble trinket box, circa 1980s. The box has well cut lines and is well constructed The piece is in very good condition and measures 5"W x 4"D x 2"H. Cool little ...
Marble, Brass
Set of 4, 2 Plizé Boxes & 2 Beebee Jars by Made by Choice
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 4, 2 plizé boxes & 2 beebee jars by Made by Choice with Hanna Anonen Dimensions: W17 x D17 x H22 cm (L - white), W17 x D17 x H15.5 cm (M - blue) ( Plizé boxes) D18 x H30 cm (L- green), D15.5 x H24 cm (S - orange) Beebee jars Materials: birch plywood Also available: different colors & sizes. The Plizé box – Serrated surface balanced with a spherical knob is an eye-catcher like no other. Irresistible color combinations make this box a centerpiece of any space. About Made by Choice: Nordic Happiness. Nordic Happiness is our grand theme and guiding star. Studies show that Nordic people are among the happiest on Earth. Nordic happiness is composed of authentic values and sustainable choices. The vision of Choice is based on the added value of collective creation while promoting sustainable Nordic values through authentic design. Rooted in the traditions of Finnish woodworks, Made by Choice is a creative powerhouse of collaborative thinkers, believers and makers, establishing a global brand for the 21st century. Committed to producing durable, bold and innovative designs, we combine contemporary woodworking methods and modern technology. Halikko is home to our 4000 square metre campus where we turn abstract concepts into tangible objects. Our team in our office in Helsinki coordinates all operations and installations. Made by Choice's agile, purpose driven approach means all new products are developed on demand, for a specific project and need, and carries the authentic story of it's reason of existence. Our products are developed and manufactured at our own factory in south-western Finland by some of the best craftsmen in the world. Choice is inspired by heritage and Nordic urban...
Birch, Plywood
Fasano Torino Luxury Desk Box in 18kt Yellow Gold with Rare Blue Hawk Eye Quartz
By Francesco Fasano
Located in Miami, FL
Exceptional desk box designed by Fasano. A beautiful and one-of-a-kind piece, created in Torino Italy by the master esteemed jeweler, Genesio Fasano. This rare luxury desk box was carefully crafted in solid yellow gold of 18 karats and is completely embellished with inlaid of rare blue hawk's eye. Weight: 1,534.83 Grams, (983.53 Dwt). Measurements: 175 mm by 175 mm by 37.5 mm (7.10 x 7.10 x 1.5 inches). Hallmarks: Stamped with the maker's mark, the Italian gold assay mark and signed ".750 *26AL FASANO" Note: This can be used for cigar humidor, letters or just as a decorative desk item...
Multi-gemstone, Gold
1990s Signed Master Craftsman Hand Turned Cocobolo Studio Wood Trinket Box Lid
Located in San Diego, CA
Exquisite hand turned signed and dated solid cocobolo lidded trinket box. Beautiful sculptural form. Perfect for jewelry or loose leaf tea. One of a kind piece.
Cocobolo
Pair of Post-Modern Small Black Marble Cannisters / Boxes
Located in San Diego, CA
A beautiful pair of post-modern small black marble cannisters / boxes, circa 1970s. The cannisters are in very good vintage condition with no chips or cracks and measure 2.875"D x 4...
Marble
$260Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Post-Modern Travertine Lidded Trinket Box
Located in San Diego, CA
Vintage post-modern travertine lidded trinket box, circa 1980s. The box is in very good vintage condition with no chips or cracks and measures 4.75"W x ...
Travertine
1980s Post Modern Memphis Style Lacquered Handmade Box by Hollis Fingold, Signed
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A fantastic postmodern Memphis style handmade, hand-painted wood box with distinctive rounded flat feet and sculpted wavy handle by artist Hollis Fingold. The inside of the box has a...
Wood, Paint, Fabric
Esa Fedrigolli Sculptural Bronze 1980s Italian Box
Located in New York, NY
A sculptural decorative lidded bronze Italian box designed by Esa Fedrigolli for Esart. Signed
Bronze
Vintage Postmodern German Porcelain Box with Lid from KPM Royal Porzellan, 1980s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Vintage Postmodern German Porcelain Box with Lid from KPM Royal Porzellan, 1980s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1980 to 1989 This piece has an attribution mark. Additional infor...
Porcelain
Alessandro Albrizzi Italian White Perspex Boxes 1990s
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Italian perspex plexiglass jewelry or storage boxes designed by Franco Albrizzi, with engraved mark under base, Italy 1990s. Please note that ...
Plexiglass