Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
MID-CENTURY MODERN STYLE
Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe mid-century modern American 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.
Postwar American architects and designers were animated by new ideas and new technology. The lean, functionalist “International Style” architecture of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus eminences such as Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius had been promoted in the United States during the ’30s 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, respectively, pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair. George Nelson and his design team created Bubble lamp shades using a new translucent polymer skin. Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi devised chairs and tables built of wire mesh and wire struts. Materials were re-purposed: the Danish-born designer Jens Risom created a line of chairs that used surplus parachute straps for webbed seats and backrests.
As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century 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, blonde-wood furniture — and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.
As the collection of vintage mid-century modern American furniture 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
Impressive Bamboo Four-Panel Screen, Vivai del Sud, circa 1970, Italy
Located in Brussels, BE
Spectacular and rare vintage decorative bamboo four-panel screen, Vivai del Sud, circa 1970, Italy.
Dimensions: 210 cm H, 4 cm D, 220 cm W open, each panel: 55 cm wide.
Piece in good...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Bamboo
Lätt 1.0 Contemporary Marble Console by RDLC
Located in Mexico City, MX
The concept is based on the essence of the material itself, with a clean and brutalist style: straight lines, geometric shapes, fewer ornaments, less noise and more naturalness. The ...
Category
2010s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Marble
Prototype Salvador Dali 'Salivasofa' from 1974 with Certificate of Authenticity
Located in bergen op zoom, NL
Amazing and super rare Salvador Dali lips 'Salivasofa' prototype dating from 1974. Five or six such prototypes were slowly developed in stages during the period 1972-4 by Dali in col...
Category
1970s Spanish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Foam
Philco 1950s TV with Keith Haring Graffiti
By Radiobar Corp. and Philco
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1950s Swivel TV by Philco with Keith Haring Graffiti.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Metal, Brass
White Winged Crown, 4 Part Ceramic TOTEM, Hand Built Sculpture by H. Starcevic
Located in New York, NY
A tall, hand built ceramic Modern TOTEM, created by artist Helena Starcevic, this is one in an ongoing study of the totemic form. Here, there are 4 separate parts hand-formed and att...
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic, Stoneware
David L Deming Abstract Bronze Sculpture, Circa 1970’s
Located in Ann Arbor, MI
Amazing Mid Century Modern sculpture by David Deming done in his years at Cranbrook.
David L. Deming has enjoyed a successful career both as a sculptor and as a teacher and arts ad...
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Sculpture Designed by Tapio Wirkkala for Kultakeskus Oy, Finland, 1960s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Sculpture designed by Tapio Wirkkala for Kultakeskus Oy,
Finland. 1960s.
Aluminium and glass.
Measures: H: 26.5 cm / 10 1/2"
W: 33 cm / 1' 1"
D: 17 cm / 6 1/2".
Category
Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Aluminum
Abstract Carved Wooden Sculpture by Brian Willsher, 1976 UK
By Brian Willsher
Located in Hellouw, NL
Abstract carved wooden sculpture by Brian Willsher from 1976, the United Kingdom. This beautiful artwork consists of two carved, elements made of iroko wood. They fit together but ar...
Category
1970s British Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Large Abstract Blue and Red Stoneware Ceramic Sculpture by Michel Lanos
By Michel Lanos
Located in Neuilly-en- sancerre, FR
Michel Lanos (1926-2005)
Large abstract stoneware ceramic sculpture by french artist
Signed under the base
Blue, red and black ceramic glazes colors
Painted ceramic 20th...
Category
20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Mid Century Modern Curtis Jere Kinetic Steel Sculpture
By Curtis Jere
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
While the name Curtis Jere is familiar to many as the maker of eccentric modern design during the 1960's and 70's, few are aware that it is pseudonym for the design team of Curtis Fr...
Category
1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Steel
Mid Century Abstract Floating Tree Sculpture by Curtis Jere for Artisan House
Located in San Jose, CA
Vintage modernist abstract tree sculpture designed by Curtis Jere for Artisan House c. 1960's. Features a dramatic focal point to any space adding texture and dimension. This stateme...
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Metal, Copper
Steel Geometric Garden Sculpture with Found Objects After David Smith
By David Smith
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A garden sculpture by noted multidisciplinary artist Norma B. Flanagan. A tall piece, originally painted, now worn bare to a charming rust patina. With an openwork box at the top fil...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Steel
Juliette Pierced Ceramic Sculpture, Blush
Located in Oakland, CA
Juliette is part of the Femme Series, a sculptural exploration celebrating the female form. I am trying to capture the universal balance and grace of the female form. The delicacy of...
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Clay
Vintage Large Handmade Iron Jack by Bill Curry
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Large vintage handmade cast iron Jack, Jax, designed by Bill Curry of Design Line, 1967.
This bookend is made of cast iron and is in original condition.
Great addition to any decor...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Iron
Bronze Saint-Michel Sculpture by Olivier Strebelle
By Olivier Strebelle
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An Interlocking bronze sculpture of St. Michel by Belgian artist Olivier Strebelle. It was created as an award for the Brussels Film Festival and presented to classic Hollywood film ...
Category
1950s Belgian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Mirrored Pair of C. Jere Ribbon Sculptures in Brass and Chrome
Located in DELRAY BEACH, FL
Stunning pair of mirrored Ribbon sculptures by C Jere. One sculpture is a brass ribbon with a chrome ball and the other a chrome ribbon with a brass ball. Both sitting on a black mar...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Marble, Brass, Chrome
Light Pink Vintage Decorative Mannequin Glass Head Sculpture, 1970s, Germany
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Life-size glass head in a unique light pink color. Produced in a German steelworks in the 1970s. Perfect condition. A perfect addition to the interior, photo prop, display or headpho...
Category
20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Glass
Timo Sarpaneva, Crystal Art-Object "Orkidea" (Orchid), Model 3568, Iittala, 1957
Located in EL Waalre, NL
Timo Sarpaneva, crystal art-object "Orkidea" (Orchid), model 3568, Iittala, 1957
Artist
Timo Sarpaneva (Helsinki, Finland 1926-Helsinki, Finland 2006) was an influential Finnish ...
Category
1950s Finnish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Crystal
Curtis Jeré Sculpture on Marble Base
Located in New York, NY
Curtis Jeré sculpture on marble base. The sculpture is stainless steel with a brass ball tip on a round marble base.
Category
1990s Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Marble, Stainless Steel, Brass
Mid-Century Modern Green Marble & Bronze Fish Sculpture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Very unique vintage modern sculpture features a bronze fish swimming through a field of seaweed on a green marble base. This truly one of a kind sculpture would make a great centerpi...
Category
1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Folk Art Abstract Carved Wood Sculpture
Located in San Mateo, CA
Small abstract carved wood sculpture. This was made by a geologist and professor as one of his hobbies.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Abstract Figure in Grés, USA, 1960's
Located in New York, NY
An abstract martial art figure in Grés on a walnut base.
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Earthenware
Solid Bronze Floor Lamps by Tom Corbin
By Tom Corbin
Located in Atlanta, GA
Solid bronze floor lamps by Tom Corbin, American, circa 2000s. They retain their warm original patina. Signed and dated at the bases. Corbin's work was clearly influenced by Diego Gi...
Category
Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Metal, Bronze
Sculpture Designed by Birger Kaipianen for Arabia, Finland, 1970’s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Stoneware.
Signed.
Measures: H: 21 cm/ 8 1/4"
D: 15 cm/ 6".
Category
1970s Finnish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Stoneware
Door Handle Bronze Sculpture Attributed to Willy Daro
By Willy Daro
Located in Grenoble, FR
Door handle bronze sculpture attributed to Willy Daro.
Category
Late 20th Century Belgian Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Freestanding Walnut Sculpture by George Mullen
By George Mullen
Located in Denton, TX
About the artist: In the early 1960s George P. Mullen arrived in Santa Barbara, California having spent many years studying art and design, and working as in interior designer and ar...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Copper
Selection of Abstract Wood Sculptures
Located in Atlanta, GA
Selection of abstract wood sculptures, probably American, circa 1950s-1960s. From left to right, the sculptures measure: 13.5" H x 14.5" W x 10" D, 16.5" H x 3.5" W x 3" D, 8" H x 12...
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Magnificent Large Abstract Art Glass Multi-Color Fish Statement Sculpture
Located in Montreal, QC
Impassive and grand art glass abstract sculptured figure in the shape of a fish. A formation of multi-colors fused Murrine glass, reflecting beautifully with the light. The Sculpture...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Art Glass
Exbor Green Glass Abstract Frog Figure
Located in Ferndale, MI
Acid stamped Exbor Czechoslovakia green glass frog sculpture. Designed by Josef Rozinek and Stanislav Honzik, late 1950s.
Category
Mid-20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Glass
Murano Vase Masterpiece, Doppio Ritorto Amazing Technique, Signed
Located in Tavarnelle val di Pesa, Florence
Work of art vase in an flamboyant color palette. Beautiful play with light.
About the finish:
The glass before blowing is heated again to get to the right softness. Ritorto is w...
Category
Early 2000s Italian Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass
Bud Murano Vase Massiccio Sommerso Colors, Seguso Vetri d'Arte Attribution 1960s
Located in Tavarnelle val di Pesa, Florence
Elegant bud vase in sommerso colors.
Core is in green (could be aquamarine) with an amber casing and a massiccio clear base.
Mouth is spacco naturale, where the breaking point is l...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Art Glass, Murano Glass
Large Pottery Super Fat Lava Multi-Color 485-45 "Onion" Vase by Scheurich, 1970s
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article:
Fat lava art vase extra large version
Model: 485-45
Producer:
Scheurich, Germany
Decade:
1970s
This original vintage vase was produced in the ...
Category
Late 20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Studio Pottery Incised Stoneware Box Signed "Polk 70"
Located in Brooklyn, NY
1970 Polk stoneware "box" with a brown matte glaze that bears a wood-like appearance. Incised floral detail present on all sides.
"Polk '70" signature present to the underside.
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Free-Form Abstract Veined Marble Sculpture Signed SMO on a Lucite Base
Located in Miami, FL
Free-form Abstract Veined marble sculpture Signed SMO on a Lucite base
Offered for sale is a free-form abstract veined marble sculpture atop a lucite base. It is signed SMO on the...
Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Marble
Mid-Century Modern Table or Floor Sculpture by Harold Kimmelman in Stainless
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An impressive original work by Harold Kimmelman, an award winning Sculptor, based in Philadelphia, and well known for his public works. He preferred working directly in metal develop...
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Stainless Steel
Decorative Piece of Art, circa 1970, Lacquered Metal
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Decorative piece of art, circa 1970 lacquered metal.
Missing some painting on the base.
Category
Late 20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Metal
Italian Murano Glass Vase
Located in Antwerp, BE
Italian Murano glass vase.
Measures: Diameter 22 cm.
Height 21 cm.
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Glass, Murano Glass
Rare Large Brass Sculpture by Curtis Jere,for Furniture, Wall, fire place screen
By Curtis Jere
Located in Los Angeles, CA
I have seen allot of sculptures from Curtis Jere, but never this one, it was all handmade with brass, it would look amazing on a credenza or to separate a room, or amazing fire place...
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Brass
Bronze Sculpture "Furnace Flowers"
By Francesco Somaini
Located in Rochester, NY
Bronze sculpture Polished and patinated bronze sculpture. "Furnace Flowers" by mid century modern Italian sculptor Francesco Somaini (Italy 1926-2005), dated 1963. Mounted on hea...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Metal, Bronze, Iron
Abstract Mixed-Media Sculpture
Located in San Mateo, CA
Mixed-media figurative abstract sculpture. This tall piece is made of ceramic, wood and paint. There is no signature or other markings. There is some wear and small losses to the paint.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic, Wood
Spanish Brass Boot Umbrella Holder
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A fun 1970s hand-hammered solid brass boot umbrella holder.
Marked made in Spain on the heel.
Dimensions: 21.75” high 12” wide 7.5” deep.
Category
1970s Spanish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Brass
Pair Black and White Op Art Rosenthal Studio-Linie Vases Martin Freyer
Located in Melbourne, AU
Scarce and collectable, this pair of Op Art, Black and White vases by Martin Freyer typify 1960s, 70s and 80s modernism. The crisp lines and pristine matt finish of the porcelain giv...
Category
1970s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic, Porcelain
Pink Vintage Decorative Mannequin Glass Head Sculpture, 1970s, Germany
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Life-size glass head in a unique lilac color. Produced in a German steelworks in the 1970s. Perfect condition. A perfect addition to the interior, photo prop, display or headphone st...
Category
20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Glass
Michel Lanos Abstract Dark Blue Ceramic Abstract Animal Sculpture
By Michel Lanos
Located in Neuilly-en- sancerre, FR
Michel Lanos (1926-2005)
Large abstract animal stoneware ceramic sculpture by the french artist
Signed under the base : L.
Black or dark blue ceramic glazes colors
XXth c...
Category
20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Monumental Sommerso Murano Art Glass Perfume by Luigi Onesto
By Luigi Onesto
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A monumental Murano art glass perfume bottle designed by Luigi Onesto with triple Sommerso technique in blues and greens.
Dimensions: 11" H, 7 1/4" W, 3 1/4" D
Condition: a speck o...
Category
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Art Glass
C. Jere Moon Starburst Wall Sculpture
By Curtis Jere
Located in New York City, NY
1966 C. Jere moon starburst wall sculpture.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Metal, Copper
Abstract Black Stoneware Ceramic Sculpture by Joelle Deroubaix, circa 1980
Located in Neuilly-en- sancerre, FR
Joelle Deroubaix
Original abstract stoneware ceramic sculpture
Elegant black ceramic glazes colors
20th mid-century French design
Unique piece
Signed at the base
Me...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Handmade Black Pierced Ceramic Sculpture
Located in Oakland, CA
Babette is part of the Femme Series, a sculptural exploration celebrating the female form. I am trying to capture the universal balance and grace of the female form. The delicacy of ...
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Steel Sculpture, Helmet II, England 1970s
Located in London, GB
Abstract steel sculpture, in the form of a helmet; from the estate of the artist June Barrington-Ward (1922-2002) and attributed to her. England 1970s. Unsigned.
Good original con...
Category
1970s British Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Steel
Mondragone marble sculpture Italy 1970s
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Nice and interesting marble sculpture carved from Mondragone marble by an unknown Italian artist in the 70's. The object which is symmetrical, looks minimalistic and is very smooth, ...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Marble
Jack Mason Stone Mountain Georgia Abstract Modern Stoneware Sculpture
Located in Pasadena, CA
Hand painted and thrown fine stoneware ceramic sculpture created by Jack Mason of Stone Mountain, Georgia. Sculpture measures 18.5" high by 7" wide. Signed J. Mason. In very good vin...
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Stoneware
Alessandro Mendini Limited Edition Cristallo Cupboard for BD
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Cristallo cupboard
Design by Alessandro Mendini
Limited Edition of 99 pieces
A furniture piece made of MDF and lacquered in different colors. The interior is veneered in syca...
Category
2010s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Skoby Joe Tall Green Ceramic Vase Mid-Century Modern Vessel Wabi Sabi
By Skoby Joe
Located in La Jolla, CA
Joseph Skoby is a Southern Californian whose work is inspired by the nature of his native state. His ceramics, created in his own lush garden, recall his intimate dance with the ocea...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Stoneware, Ceramic, Clay
Two Jere Sputnik Sculptures
By Curtis Jere
Located in New York, NY
Two chromium plate steel Sputnik ball form sculptures. One hangs, the other rests on the surface, one is missing a tube, the other is missing two tubes. Overall very Fine, original c...
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Metal
Biomorphic Stone Sculpture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautiful, modernist stone sculpture. Gentle, fluid curves on both sides meet to create a crest on one end. Caramel coloring with white swirled veining.
Dimensions: 9” width x 6...
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Stone
Fratelli Toso Murano Green Fish Italian Art Glass Aquarium Paperweight Sculpture
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown purple stripes, green and silver leaf Italian art glass aquarium paperweight / sculpture. Documented to the Fratelli Toso Company, with blue "Mura...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Silver Leaf
Abstract Sculpture by Alwy Visschedyk
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful abstract wood sculpture by Alwy Visschedyk, hand-signed. American, 1994.
Category
1990s American Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Bronze Abstract Sculpture by Gerda Thune Andersen, Denmark
Located in Buffalo, NY
Bronze abstract sculpture by Gerda Thune Andersen, Denmark
Sophie Thune Andersen, born August 29, 1932 in Hellerup in Denmark, is a Danish-Swedish sculptor.
Gerda Thune Ander...
Category
1970s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
