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Modern More Desk Accessories

MODERN STYLE

The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw sweeping social change and major scientific advances — both of which contributed to a new aesthetic: modernism. Rejecting the rigidity of Victorian artistic conventions, modernists sought a new means of expression. References to the natural world and ornate classical embellishments gave way to the sleek simplicity of the Machine Age. Architect Philip Johnson characterized the hallmarks of modernism as “machine-like simplicity, smoothness or surface [and] avoidance of ornament.”

Early practitioners of modernist design include the De Stijl (“The Style”) group, founded in the Netherlands in 1917, and the Bauhaus School, founded two years later in Germany.

Followers of both groups produced sleek, spare designs — many of which became icons of daily life in the 20th century. The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics. While Bauhaus principals Marcel Breuer and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe created furniture from mass-produced, chrome-plated steel, American visionaries like Charles and Ray Eames worked in materials as novel as molded plywood and fiberglass. Today, Breuer’s Wassily chair, Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona chaircrafted with his romantic partner, designer Lilly Reich — and the Eames lounge chair are emblems of progressive design and vintage originals are prized cornerstones of collections.

It’s difficult to overstate the influence that modernism continues to wield over designers and architects — and equally difficult to overstate how revolutionary it was when it first appeared a century ago. But because modernist furniture designs are so simple, they can blend in seamlessly with just about any type of décor. Don’t overlook them.

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Item type: Antique and Vintage
Style: Modern
Ruelland Ceramic Pebble, circa 1960, France
Located in Paris, FR
Small ceramic pebble by Jacques (1926-2088) and Dani Ruelland (1933-2010). Signed Ruelland under the base. Circa 1960, France.
Category

20th Century French Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Ceramic

Crystal Geometric Paperweight or Decorative Object
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful crystal geometric paperweight or decorative object, circa late-20th century. A great decorative object (as shown) and a great piece for a desk, office, library, etc. Very...
Category

Late 20th Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Crystal

Penshell Box by Maitland Smith
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This stylish penshell storage box will make a great addition to your desk, or perhaps to be used simply as an object of beauty. Note: Last image shows a small flea-bit on the unde...
Category

Late 20th Century Philippine Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Shell

Brass Face Mask Sculpture Hagenauer Style Black Stand Vintage
By Balos
Located in North Miami, FL
This arresting vintage tall polished brass face sculpture has innuendos of partial tribal design meets Hagenauer meets modern. It is from the 70's...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass, Iron

Vintage German Made Globe, Globe Terrestre Wooden Base
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
Nice vintage globe, issued in the 1960s by Professor Doctor Arthur Krause. The globe has a wooden base, oak. The sphere itself is made of cardboard cover...
Category

1960s German Vintage Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Wood

Art Glass Millefiori Collectable Paperweight
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Millefiori Italian art glass paperweight Beautiful glass art paperweight in millefiori design in various shades of blues, red and white, accenting the close concentric complex. Mur...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Glass

Cartier Vintage Black Sunglasses with Box, 1990 Silver Logo
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage Cartier classic black sunglasses with silver CC logo. Classic, timeless, sophisticated piece to add to your wardrobe Authentic, vintage, rare, Cartier Paris France Black Ja...
Category

Late 20th Century French Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Resin

Italian Murano Seguso Viro Art Glass Vase, Italy 1990s
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful and colorful Italian Seguso Viro Murano art glass vase, Italy, circa 1990s, late-20th century. Maker's mark on bottom/underside as shown...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Murano Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass

Wall Street Dollar Sign and Bull Brass Desk Paperweights
Located in New York, NY
A set of Wall Street brass paperweights or decorative objects; a brass dollar sign and bull, circa mid to late-20th century. Great desk accessories. Dimensions: Dollar sign: 2....
Category

Late 20th Century Japanese Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Hermès Vintage Silver Plate Equestrian Paper Holder or Desk Accessory
Located in North Miami, FL
This wonderful vintage Hermès paper holder or letter clip is on the rare side. It is signed Hermès Paris and is polished silver plate. It was desig...
Category

1970s French Vintage Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Silver Plate

Trash Can, Czechoslovakia, circa 1980
Located in Praha, CZ
Original never used condition with original box.
Category

1980s Czech Vintage Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal

Bracelet in Gold, Emerald and Brilliant
Located in Madrid, ES
Bracelet in gold, emerald and brilliant. It has 5 emeralds and 4 brilliants. 18k gold. Measures 20 cm length and weight 20g Very good condition. Measure: 20cm.  
Category

20th Century Spanish Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Gold

Lucite Obelisk Decorative Object
Located in New York, NY
A modern style Lucite obelisk decorative object, circa late-20th century. A great decorative object for a deck, office, library, shelf, cocktail table, etc. Obelisk measures: 8" Height. Other items shown in images also available, search 1stDibs ref. #s: Black and White marble pyramid, ref. #: LU1314223512602 Lucite & 1970s Pennies Paperweight...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Lucite

Crystal Geometric Honeycomb Paperweight or Decorative Object
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful crystal geometric honeycomb style paperweight or decorative object, circa late-20th century. A great decorative object (as shown) and a great piece for a desk, office, li...
Category

Late 20th Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Crystal

Stanley Szwarc Stainless Steel Rectangular Large Box Vintage
Located in North Miami, FL
This fabulous long and unusual rectangular box is polished satin stainless steel. The dimensions of the work on top have flower like bursts in Industrial and floral forms. It is not ...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Stainless Steel

Louise Nevelson Style Dimensional Signed Wood Box Sculpture
Located in North Miami, FL
This amazing and intricate carved wood box sculpture that stands tabletop is signed and dated. The signature is not terribly legible but is dated 1996. It is in the style of Louise Nevelson. The box opens to geometric and raised forms that are dimensional. It bridges Folk Art, Tramp Art and modern art all in one. As you can see from the photos it folds up like a small suitcase...
Category

1990s American Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Hardwood, Paint

Italian Brown and Blue Alabaster Marble Jewelry or Desk Box
Located in New York, NY
An Italian dark brown alabaster marble jewelry box with a blue matte metal hinge. Box can hold jewelry or other small items. Marked made in Italy on bottom as shown in image #15 and ...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Alabaster, Marble, Metal

Black and White Marble Pyramid Obelisk Style Decorative Object
Located in New York, NY
A black, charcoal and white marble pyramid 'Obelisk style', circa 1970s, 20th century. Dimensions: 2.63" square base x 7.88" height. Other items shown in images also available, search 1stDibs ref. #s: Lucite & 1970s Pennies paperweight...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Marble

Modern Lucite and Steel Desk Organizer
Located in San Diego, CA
Very functional modern Lucite and steel desk organizer, circa 1980s. The piece is in very good condition and measures 8.75" W x 10.75" D x 3.25" H. #1452.
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Steel

Modernist, Sterling Silver Rocker Blotter, Amethyst Crystal, Peter Casswell
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in Birmingham in 1972 by Peter Casswell, this handsome, Modernist design Sterling Silver Rocker Blotter, is plain in style, and features an u...
Category

1970s English Vintage Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Amethyst, Sterling Silver

Shops & Boutiques, Foreword by Giorgio Armani by Grant Camden Kirkkpatric AIA
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Shops & Boutiques. Foreword by Giorgio Armani. Grant Camden Kirkkpatric AIA. Published by NY: PBC Interational, INC., (1994). 179 pages. Hardcover. "Never before has the relations...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Paper

Kosta Boda Green and Clear Art Glass Collectable Paperweight
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Sweden round green and clear glass paperweight. Vicke Lindstrand Kosta style Swedish art glass paperweight. Beautiful vintage glass art paperweight with multi sized controlled bubbles in green and clear accenting the close concentric complex. Hand blown bubble design Scandinavian Modern Art glass paperweight...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Glass

Swedish Sommerso Black Charcoal Gray Clear Abstract Freeform Glass Paperweight
Located in North Miami, FL
This unusual freeform abstract glass sommerso paperweight changes forms, shapes and dynamics with each turn and placement. Colors of gradients of black, charcoal gray to gray are imm...
Category

1970s European Vintage Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Blown Glass

Vintage Abstract Brass and Black Granite Sculpture
Located in North Miami, FL
This tall fabulous vintage polished brass abstract sculpture has been put on a new black granite base. It is vintage from the 70s and has 2 interconnected abstract bodies. The brass ...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Granite, Brass

Set of Bruno Munari for Danese Rosewood Rubber Mail Stamps
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of five rosewood and rubber mail stamps by Bruno Munari for Danese, Italy, c.1960s. Bruno Munari was an Italian graphic artist and industrial designer ...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Rubber, Rosewood

Italian Red Burgundy Suede and Snakeskin Picture Frame, circa 1970s
Located in New York, NY
A '70s Modern Italian red burgundy suede and snakeskin picture frame, circa 1970s, Italy. Frame can sit in two positions; vertical (as shown) or horizontal. Picture/image area: 4.5" ...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Animal Skin, Suede

Toni Zuccheri Murano Glass Paper Holder for VeArt, Italy, 1970s
Located in Milan, IT
Toni Zuccheri paper holder for VeArt, Italy, 1970s.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Murano Glass

Vintage Scale Model of The 1928 Mercedes Benz SS in German Silver, Circa 1950
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A rare scale model of the classic 1928 Mercedes Benz SS (Super Sport) which was the fastest car of its time. Made entirely of solid silver, the chassis shows a vented & belted hood, ...
Category

Mid-20th Century German Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Silver

Bruno Munari Silver-Plate Sculptural Vase with Glass Insert Italian Vintage
Located in North Miami, FL
This undulating sculptural vintage silver-plate vase signed B.Munari on the bottom 1973 is both sculptural and utilitarian. It is Italian by Bruno Munari made for Danese and a lovely vase and or desk accessory and will have so many other applications. it can also be used as a candle holder without the glass insert. The small glass vessel is short and will hold a few roses, a few orchids or a few gardenias or your favorite flower. It is 4" height x 2" diameter. Please note this is not the re-issue and is totally vintage...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Silver Plate

Vintage Maserati Eyeglasses Titanium Black
By Maserati
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage Maserati eyeglasses titanium black. Vintage glasses maserati angular shape circa 1980s Glasses are delivered without a case. Have an optici...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal

Wicker Cane and Acrylic Tissue Box Holder Cover in the style of Dior
Located in New York, NY
A wicker cane and acrylic tissue holder box in the style of Christian Dior Home. This acrylic and wicker cane box holds standard size tissues. Beautiful natural wicker cane and chic ...
Category

Late 20th Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Cane, Acrylic, Wicker

White Porcelain Ashtray Made in Germany
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage pure white china ashtray. With a fresh, contemporary modern look with embossed arabesques design. Hotelporzellan, Hogermann. Made in Germany, cir...
Category

1970s German Vintage Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Porcelain

Modern Brass Letter Opener
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful modern brass letter opener, circa 20th century, Europe. Dimension: 9.94" long/wide.  White French vide-poche catch-all shown also available, ...
Category

20th Century European Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Rene Dumas Lucite Sculptural Chess Players French Vintage
Located in North Miami, FL
The designer of these amazing vintage French lucite modernist chess players from the 1970s are by Renee Dumas who is related to the Hermes family. They a...
Category

1970s French Vintage Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Lucite

Catherine Noll Arched Silver Plate and Gradient Color Lucite Sculpture Vintage
By Catherine Noll
Located in North Miami, FL
This special tall lucite and silver plate elegant and organic arched sculpture was designed by Catherine Noll whose famous grandfather was Alexandre Noll. He was a well know sculptor who made fabulous sculptures out of carving simple wood. This sculpture which resembles a form of a horn was done in 1970. The arched form is lucite and the square base is silver plate. The lucite has gradients of gray tones as light hits it. It is organic modern with elegant lines. Catherine Noll was mainly a Parisian jewelry designer who started her illustrious design career back then. The materials she worked with in jewelry consisted of wood, ivory, Perspex and crystal. Catherine was in art school at the famous Beaux Arts when her noted and famous sculptor grandfather; Alexander Noll...
Category

1970s French Vintage Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Silver Plate, Brass

Eight French Decorative Glass Desk Paperweights
Located in London, GB
These beautiful paperweights were created in France in the 20th century. Glass paperweights began to be widely collected in the mid-19th century, after they were showcased at the Int...
Category

20th Century French Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Glass

Antonio Grediaga Kieff Bronze Abstract Sculpture Vintage
Located in North Miami, FL
This sensual and amazing small edition bronze sculpture is by the noted and prolific Canadian sculptor: Antonio Grediaga Kieff. It is abstract and ch...
Category

1980s Canadian Vintage Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

Italian Silver Plate and Burgundy Crocodile Buckle Hinged Box Vintage
Located in North Miami, FL
This stunning and gorgeous Italian vintage hinged silver plate buckle box has a burgundy crocodile leather buckle part. It was professionally polished and the bottom of the box had t...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Silver Plate

Vintage Leather Stitched Agenda Refillable by Tumi
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage brown soft leather agenda refillable by Tumi. The agenda is lined in brown polished stitched leather and has convenient diagonal pockets on the ...
Category

20th Century American Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Leather

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Tessellated Stone Boxes by Maitland Smith
Located in New York, NY
This elegant pair of modernist boxes were realized by the celebrated 20th century design firm Maitland Smith in the Philippines, circa 1980. They feature two cylindrical bodies- one ...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Stone

Walter Bosse, Austrian Artist and Designer for Herta Baller, Ship
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Walter Bosse, Austrian artist and designer (b. 1904, 1974) for Herta Baller. Ship in bronze. 1950s. Walter Bosse was affiliated with Wiener Werkstätt...
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

Modern Marble Female Torso Figurative Sculpture
Located in New York, NY
A substantial modern female figurative marble torso sculpture piece by artist/sculptor Helga Brinitzer, circa 20th century, New York. Piece is solid marble, made from one piece, and ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Marble

Murano Sommerso Glass Horse Head Bust Signed Italian
Located in North Miami, FL
This Italian Murano Sommerso glass horse head is signed Bortaro. It is lovely and in then colors of black, gray and clear. The mane of hair in hand b...
Category

1980s Unknown Vintage Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Blown Glass

Male and Female Sculpture on Black Marble Base, circa 1960s
Located in New York, NY
A vintage midcentury 1960s reproduction of a figurative male and female 'embracing' sculpture piece on black marble base, circa 1963, New York, New York. Sculpture has maker's mark o...
Category

1960s American Vintage Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Composition, Marble

Agate Onyx and Brass Desk Pen Holder, circa 1970s
Located in New York, NY
A '70s modern brass and onyx/agate desk pen holder. Onyx/agate is a red burgundy hue. Pen is in fine working order. Picture frame and brass tape dispenser...
Category

1970s Vintage Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Agate, Onyx, Brass

Aurelio Teno Signed Silvered Bronze, Enamel, Quartz and Marble Sculpture Vintage
Located in North Miami, FL
This Brutalist inspired signed Aurelio Teno sensational Spanish sculpture is a combination of silvered bronze, quartz, amethyst and painted enamel over the bronze. It sits on a marbl...
Category

1970s Spanish Vintage Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Quartz, Marble, Silver, Bronze, Enamel

Modern Acrylic Bookends, Pair
Located in New York, NY
A pair of clear acrylic bookends with Modern edge and jewel-like design, circa mid-20th century, 1960s. Each measure: 6" Height.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Acrylic, Lucite

Vintage Brass Pyramid Triangle Tall Modernist Sculpture
Located in North Miami, FL
This truly arresting vintage modernist brass pyramid sculpture has been professionally polished. It is in a combination of a tall pyramid and triangle form and has 7 random purposeful holes in the front of different sizes. It was so well made at the time. This is a most unusual sculpture...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Bronze Figurative Abstract Sculpture Signed French
Located in North Miami, FL
This wonderful cast bronze figurative French abstract sculpture is a single breast as the subject matter. It is signed and numbered 100. It has been professionally polished. Sorry th...
Category

1990s French Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

Romeo Rega Signed Brass and Chrome-Plated Checkers Game, Italian Vintage
Located in North Miami, FL
This ultra chic and modern signed Italian Romeo Rega vintage checkers game has sculptural components. It is great just even as a decorative object or ...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass, Stainless Steel, Chrome

Silvered Bronze French Christian Maas Birkin Bag Sculpture & Art Limited Edition
Located in North Miami, FL
This amazing sculpture by the well known French artist and sculptor, Christian Maas is a silvered bronze life-size rendering of the infamous Hermes Kelly Birkin bag. It was a limited edition of 100. It was done in 1990. It is titled the "Sac Kelly". The weight is extremely heavy and weighs excess of approximately 50 lbs. It is complete with engraved Cadena and incised troupe l'oeil special details. This rare and ultra chic piece of art and sculpture is a magnificent edition to any lover of Hermès and or contemporary Pop art sculpture collector. It is signed on the bottom as shown in the photos as Francis and D'Estaing which is the nom de plume of Christian Maas. His pseudonym is D'Estaing. That is how it was signed and intended by the sculptor. Since this was a limited edition of only 100, this makes it even more desirable and collectable. The talented sculptor was born in 1951 and is now deceased unfortunately. The height to the opening of what would be the top is 11.25" H. The height handle is below. There are no more being made from the cast mold...
Category

1990s French Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Silver Plate, Bronze

Vintage Romeo Paris Copper and Gold Leaf Embedded Lucite Column Lamp, French
Located in North Miami, FL
This amazing and stunning thick walled French vintage lucite column lamp is attributed to the work of Romeo Paris. It has inclusions of floating copper and gold leaf elements in fractal form. It is tall, heavy and has separate lucite columns inside. This is a piece de resistance...
Category

1970s French Vintage Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Gold Leaf, Copper

1980s by Hermes Paris Silver Golf Ball Magnifying Lens
Located in Brescia, IT
Silver plated and glass magnifying Excellent condition.
Category

1980s French Vintage Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Silver Plate

Acrylic Lucite Magazine Holder Stand, 1976
Located in New York, NY
A chic '70s Modern acrylic magazine holder rack stand, marked '1976' on side as shown in last image. Piece has three storage compartment areas ...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Acrylic, Lucite

Italian White Onyx Marble Round Box
Located in New York, NY
A small 1970s Italian Modern white onyx marble round box. A great piece to hold small items on a desk or vanity area for paperclips or jewelry, such as ring...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Onyx, Marble

Victor Vasarely Vintage Op Art Acrylic Cube Graphic Sculpture Desk Accessory
Located in North Miami, FL
This four sided every changing graphic optical Op Art lucite vintage cube sculpture by Victor Vasarely is vintage from the 1970s. They were produced in ...
Category

1970s French Vintage Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Acrylic, Paint

Vintage Signed Chrome, Brass, Black Resin Hinged Monumental Sculptural Box
Located in North Miami, FL
This stunning and sculptural monumental beautifully made Italian hinged heavy box is signed and stamped Linea Ble Roma. It is from the 20th century and is comprised of chrome, brass ...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass, Chrome

Vintage Lucite Two Compartment Magazine Holder
Located in North Miami, FL
This vintage two compartment lovely lucite magazine holder is in very great condition. It is non obtrusive and can be placed anywhere. It is fro...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Lucite

Modern more desk accessories for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Modern more desk accessories 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 more desk accessories created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, more furniture and collectibles, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, stone and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Modern more desk accessories made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and North America pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original more desk accessories, popular names associated with this style include Danese Milano, Ghidini 1961, Enzo Mari, and AIREDELSUR. 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 more desk accessories differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $15 and tops out at $45,500 while the average work can sell for $570.

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