Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
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.
49
1
to
3
47
2
50
50
50
50
9
1
49
1
9
37
4
24
8
2
Height
to
Width
to
48
25
22
16
7
44
39
2
93
50
39
33
32
Style: Mid-Century Modern
Creator: Curtis Jeré
Curtis Jere LARGE Chrome Original 1970’s Raindrops Sculpture Signed and Dated
By Curtis Jeré
Located in Ann Arbor, MI
Curtis Jere LARGE Chrome Original 1970’s Raindrops Sculpture Signed and Dated 1975. This is an original high quality sculpture not a later reissue.
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Metal
Curtis Jere Circa 1975 Large Brass Hanging Wall Sculpture Original Patina
By Curtis Jeré
Located in Ann Arbor, MI
Iconic 'Raindrops' wall sculpture by C. Jere / Artisan House, in brass execution. Abstract metal wall sculpture of torched edge disc's and half spheres made originally between 1965-1...
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Brutalist "Raindrops" Wall Sculpture in Brass Signed Curtis Jere
By Curtis Jeré
Located in New York, NY
This dynamic and incredibly formed Mid-Century Brutalist "Raindrops" Wall Sculpture in Brass is Signed Curtis Jere and originates from the United States, Circa 1970. Features an open...
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Brass
Signed Curtis Jere Metal Wall Sculpture
By Curtis Jeré
Located in Redding, CT
Signed Curtis Jere Metal Wall Sculpture. Windswept spray of tree branches in a bright brass design. Perfect accent wall piece for above a bed...
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Metal
Rare Large Curtis Jere Abstract Brass Sculpture
By Curtis Jeré
Located in Redding, CT
Rare Large Curtis Jere Abstract Brass and Marble Sculpture. Amorphic articulating sculpture that can rotate on an axis . Great addition to any modern home. Original Curtis Jere Artis...
Category
1980s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Marble, Brass
Curtis Jeré Sculpture , Stainless / Brass with Marble Base, Signed
By Curtis Jeré
Located in Buffalo, NY
Curtis Jeré Sculpture ,Abstract Modernist,, Stainless steel / Brass ball, Marble Base, Signed,,
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Marble, Brass, Stainless Steel
Mid-Century Brass Sailboat Sculpture Art by Curtis Jere
By Curtis Jeré
Located in Bay City, MI
This is a great vintage brass sailboat art sculpture by Curtis Jere. Set on stone it has great texture and color. There is patina on the brass. ...
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Stone, Brass
Curtis Jere Raindrop Tree Vintage
By Curtis Jeré
Located in North Miami, FL
This patinated multi metal disk Curtis Jere life-size tree is weathered. The faux soil that is a resin/plastic and the pot that is metal makes the tree look...
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Brass, Chrome, Copper, Nickel
Vintage Mid Century Curtis Jere "Shooting Star" Brass and Chrome Sculpture
By Curtis Jeré
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Mid Century Modern Curtis Jere "Shooting Star" Brass and Chrome Sculpture
The Vintage Mid Century Modern Curtis Jere “Shooting Star” Brass and Chrome Sculpture is a celestia...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Marble, Brass, Chrome
Curtis Jere Sailboat Sculpture
By Curtis Jeré
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Curtis Jere
1976
Signed & Dated
Brass Sailboat Sculpture
In overall very good condition consistent with age
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Metal, Brass
LARGE Curtis Jere Pom Pom Firework Sculpture in Brass and Marble signed
By Curtis Jeré
Located in Ann Arbor, MI
Curtis Jere Pom Pom Firework Sculpture in Brass and Marble signed and dated.
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Metal
1970’s Curtis Jere Signed Anchor With Bird on Quarts Sculpture.
By Curtis Jeré
Located in Charleston, SC
Mixed metals make this coastal mid-Century sculpture of an anchor with 2 sea birds perched atop. The anchor comes off and can be repositioned to your liking. The base of the sculp...
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Quartz, Metal
Signed and Dated 1987 Curtis Jere Feathered Spiral Sculpture Brass & Marble
By Curtis Jeré
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This stunning Curtis Jere sculpture was made in 1987, and features a superb and iconic design. Made of 40 long brass rods welded to each other across a center line, it forms an exagg...
Category
1980s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Marble, Brass
Midcentury Curtis Jere Bird in Flight Sculpture on Stone for Artisan House
Located in San Jose, CA
Vintage abstract 'Bird in Flight' sculpture signed C. Jere for Artisan House, circa 1970s. This piece is made of mixed metals with beautifully aged patina and is mounted on a heavy s...
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Stone, Metal
Gilt Metal Curtis Jere "Pompon" Sculpture
By Curtis Jeré
Located in Pasadena, CA
This Curtis Jere sculpture is expertly crafted from gilt metal to create a mesmerizing starburst design. The sculpture features thin brass needles radiat...
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Metal
Curtis Jere 1989 Modernist Table Sculpture
By Curtis Jeré
Located in New York, NY
Curtis Jere Modernist metal table sculpture with granite base made in 1989, in vintage original condition with some wear and patina due to age and use.
Category
1980s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Granite, Steel
Curtis Jere "Birds at Flight" Chrome Metal Sculpture With Trapezoidal Base
By Curtis Jeré
Located in Monrovia, CA
Curtis Jere "Birds At Flight" Chrome Metal Sculpture With A Trapezoidal Base.
Three Chrome Metal Eagles At Flight. The Birds Are In Excellent Shape, With ...
Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Metal
C. Jere Mid-Century Bronze and Black Marble Whirlwind Spiral Sculpture
By Curtis Jeré
Located in New York, NY
Mid-century abstract standing sculpture of a spiral whirlwind form comprised of bronze rods and shavings, mounted in a cylindrical black ma...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Marble, Metal, Bronze
1970s Curtis Jere ' Shooting Star ' Brass and Chrome Large Sculpture, USA
By Curtis Jeré
Located in St- Leonard, Quebec
Elegant, fluid, bold brass sculpture with chrome rods from Curtis Jere evoquing a shooting star with its trail fo light.
The rotating structure sit on a polished marble base.
Category
1970s North American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Marble, Brass, Chrome
C. Jere Artisan House Java Jr. Steaming Cup of Coffee with String Tag
Located in Ferndale, MI
Large C Jere coffee cup with stylized steam wafting from it. Any barista would be proud to own. With original string tag.
Which reads
Under direction of our studios master sculptor l...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Steel
Mid-Century Modern Large Abstract Floor Sculpture in Grey by Curtis Jere
By Curtis Jeré
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A large abstract floor sculpture made by Cutis Jere in 1984. A great post modern design in grey cut steel. Artist signed and dated.
Category
1980s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Steel
Signed Curtis Jere Starburst POM POM Abstract Wall Sculpture
By Curtis Jeré
Located in Chicago, IL
Curtis Jere Starburst wall sculpture / Signed & dated.
Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Brass
Curtis Jere Mid-Century Signed Brass Wall Sculpture
By Curtis Jeré
Located in Countryside, IL
Curtis Jere mid-century signed brass wall sculpture.
This sculpture measures: 21 wide x 10 deep x 50 inches high.
Great Vintage Condition with a few marks and scuffs.
We tak...
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Brass
1987 Curtis Jeré "Eternal Flame" Brass Floor Sculpture
By Curtis Jeré
Located in New York, NY
Large 1987 "Eternal Flame" abstract brass floor sculpture by Curtis Jeré, in vintage original condition with minor wear and patina due to age and use.
Category
1980s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Marble, Brass
Decorative Mid Century Modern Sculpture Sea Urchin or Sunburst by Curtis Jere
Located in Munich, DE
Exceptional and highly decorative Mid-Century Modern sculpture or decorative object »Asteroid«, »Sea Urchin« or »Sunburst«. Designed by Jerry Fels & Curtis Freiler for Curtis Jere, U...
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Aluminum
Large Curtis C Jere Brass Spray Sculpture on Marble Base
By Curtis Jeré
Located in Wayne, NJ
Large Curtis C Jere brass spray sculpture on marble base ribbon forms with rods. Unsigned. many times from cleaning, the signature gets worn off through ...
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Marble, Metal
Large Wall Sculpture by Curtis Jere Signed and Dated
By Curtis Jeré
Located in Little Burstead, Essex
A quite large and very cool piece of wall art by the famous American artists Curtis Jere. Signed and dated, and in very good original condition.
Category
1990s American Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Brass, Steel
Curtis Jeré Abstract Chrome & Brass Ribbon Sculpture with Ball on Marble Base
Located in St. Louis, MO
Circa 1980s abstract Curtis Jeré chrome & brass free form ribbon sculpture with ball on round black marble base, retains Artisan House - C-Jere decal. Chrome has minor patina, marble...
Category
1980s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Marble, Brass, Chrome
Innovative Illuminated Acrylic Benches with White Tops and Clear Side Supports
By Curtis Jeré
Located in Bridgeport, CT
An interesting Kinetic sculpture with a sinuous brass arm and attached long metal wires with balls on the ends. The entire piece turns on a brass plate mounted on a circular marble p...
Category
1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Marble, Brass
Curtis Jeré Flat Steel Ribbon Modernist Abstract Sculpture Titled "Emerging"
Located in St. Louis, MO
Amazing large Curtis Jeré for Artisan House flat steel modernist ribbon abstract table sculpture titled "Emerging" model # 101637 and signed C. Jeré 2003 on...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary North American Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Steel
Modernist Steel and Marble Abstract Table Sculpture by C.Jere c.1980
By Curtis Jeré
Located in Buffalo, NY
Modernist stainless steel and marble abstract table sculpture by C.Jere c.1980 Looks amazing from any angle, Signed and dated.
Category
1980s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Marble, Stainless Steel
Mid-Century Curtis Jere Brass Abstract Sculpture on Marble
By Curtis Jeré
Located in Baltimore, MD
A mid-century brass sculpture by Curtis Jeré circa 1978. Stunning organic form. Features a stylized flare of brass rods in a radiating abstract design mounted on a marble base. A fan...
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Marble, Brass
Curtis Jere' Maple Leaf Tree Wall Sculpture Signed, 1971
By Curtis Jeré
Located in St. Louis, MO
Signed C. Jere, 1971 copper and brass maple leaf tree wall sculpture. Two available for purchase.
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Brass, Copper
Curtis Jere Mid Century Pom Urchin Sculpture
By Curtis Jeré
Located in Countryside, IL
Curtis Jere Mid Century Pom Urchin sculpture
Sculpture measures: 18 wide x 18 deep x 35 high
This sculpture is in great vintage condition.
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Metal
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
Curtis Jere Kinetic Sculpture
By Curtis Jeré
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Kinetic sculpture in Verdi Gris coloration, marble and brass by Curtis Jere Artisan House, 1996
Overall size is 23 wide by 15 deep and 37" high.
Base measures 6" diameter.
Category
1990s North American Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Marble, Brass
Mid-Century Modern Abstract Curtis Jere Freeform Brass Sculpture
By Curtis Jeré
Located in Wilmington, DE
Offered is a beautifully unique, original signed Curtis Jerè sculpture. The piece is made with a removable brass top and marble or onyx base. It is in good condition, showing minor a...
Category
1970s Unknown Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Marble, Brass
Mid-Century Modern Curtis Jere Brutalist Metal Tree Sculpture, 1960s
By Curtis Jeré
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Mid-Century Modern metal tree sculpture by Curtis Jere. This Brutalist art sculpture features brass painted leaves with wire spray bursts and is mounted on a black wood base. Signed ...
Category
1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Metal, Brass
Minimal Curtis Jeré "Birds in Flight" Bronze Floor Sculpture Signed and Dated
By Curtis Jeré
Located in Dallas, TX
Monumental freestanding bronze sculpture title "three birds in flight" by Curtis Jeré, signed and dated 1976, USA. Three birds in flight on pyramidal base. Top is removable from base...
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Metal
Curtis Jere Midcentury Pom Urchin Lighted Floor Sculpture
By Curtis Jeré
Located in Countryside, IL
Curtis Jere midcentury pom urchin lighted floor sculpture.
Floor light measures: 10 wide x 10 deep x 58.75 high
We take our photos in a controlled l...
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Metal
Gilded Steel and Onyx Tabletop Sculpture by Curtis Jeré
By Curtis Jeré
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A original 1970s brass sculpture on a solid onyx base by Curtis Jeré.
Dimension: 33.25" high 31" wide 15" deep.
The onyx base is 6" high 5" ...
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Onyx, Steel
Mid Century Modern Abstract Curtis Jere Free-Form Brass Sculpture
By Curtis Jeré
Located in Wilmington, DE
Offered is a beautifully unique, original signed Curtis Jerè sculpture. The piece is made with a removable brass top and marble/onyx base. It is in good condition, showing minor age...
Category
1970s Unknown Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Marble, Brass
1978 Curtis Jere Freeform Brass Top Metal Sculpture
By Curtis Jeré
Located in Wallkill, NY
Sits on top of a marble onyx base. Stunning spray from Curtis Jere.
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Onyx, Brass
Curtis Jere Midcentury Brutalist Welded and Torched Metal Sculpture
By Curtis Jeré
Located in New York, NY
A Curtis Jere 1960s-1970s midcentury Brutalist sculpture made of torched and welded metal on top of a faux cement base. Signed Curtis Jere on the base. Original burnished torched pat...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Metal
Curtis Jere Brass Spray Sculpture on Marble Base with Pedestal
Located in Asbury Park, NJ
A large brass sculpture by Curtis Jere for Artisan House with swooping ribbon forms, ending in a multi-rod spray with chrome beads. The sculpture sits in a cylindrical marble base. I...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Elegant Curtis Jere Table Art Sculpture
By Curtis Jeré
Located in Chicago, IL
Elegant Jere table art sculpture
Comprised of three metal finishes. Black, brass and mat silver.
Marble base.
Signed and dated (1993) on the base.
Dimension...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Metal
Pair of C. Jere Brass Globe Sphere Wall Sculptures, circa 1984
By Curtis Jeré
Located in St. Louis, MO
Curtis Jere brass globe sphere sculptures signed and dated 1984. Torched cut shapes with textured brass metal to create mountains , applied green paint an...
Category
1980s North American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Modernist Abstract Brass and Enamel Wall Sculpture by C. Jere
By Curtis Jeré
Located in Buffalo, NY
Classic modernist contemporary wall art sculpture. Brass and black enamel construction. Retains original C Jere hang tag. Stunning.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Brass, Steel
Curtis Jeré Sculpture with Marble Base, Signed
By Curtis Jeré
Located in Dallas, TX
Curtis Jeré sculpture with marble base. In excellent condition.
Dimensions: 22" W x 35" T.
Category
Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Marble, Brass
Rare Large Brass Sculpture by Curtis Jere, for Furniture, Wall, fire place screen
By Curtis Jeré
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
Mid-century Modern abstract sculptures for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Mid-Century Modern abstract sculptures 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 abstract sculptures created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, lighting and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, ceramic and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Mid-Century Modern abstract sculptures 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 abstract sculptures, popular names associated with this style include Joel Escalona, Curtis Jeré, Carstens Tönnieshof, and Gerhard Liebenthron. 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 abstract sculptures differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $76 and tops out at $260,000 while the average work can sell for $1,960.
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Ways To Browse
Michel Harvey
Monty J
Joseph Kurhajec
Philolaos Tloupas
Metal Pedastal
Bleached Teak Wood Sphere
Vittorio Costantini
Chaeyoung Lee
Myrna M Nobile
Yoruba Osanyin
Jules Lobgeois
American Brutalist Sculpture Panel
Antique Farm Tractors
Inca Statue
Luis Martinez Richier
Roberto Cammozzo
Rosenthal Kunstreihen
Used Office Furniture Norfolk Va