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.
21
1,884
193
65
to
165
1,085
754
1,884
1,884
1,884
1,884
623
136
74
47
26
25
14
12
12
12
11
11
1
1
1
1,884
8
838
853
1
4
13
19
152
310
445
114
49
Height
to
Width
to
760
451
371
258
227
1,002
654
588
330
228
48
40
33
32
30
Item type: Antique and Vintage
Style: Mid-Century Modern
Abstract bronze cello player statue attributed to Yves Lohé, France 1970s
By Yves Lohé 1
Located in ECHT, NL
Small cast bronze abstract statue. It depicts a female cello player sitting on a round stool. It is designed in the style of Yves Lohé. No signature or markings visible.
- Abstrac...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Large 1970's Modernist Stone Abstract Sculpture Signed
Located in New York, NY
Amazing 1970's modern stone abstract sculpture "Signed AR" in vintage original condition with some wear and patina due to age and use, the sculpture is very heavy.
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Stone
Lino Tagliapietra Effetre Murano Art Glass sculpture and stand signed and dated
Located in Ann Arbor, MI
Lino Tagliapietra Effetre Murano Art Glass sculpture and stand signed and dated 1982 from the edition of 100 number 37.
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Blown Glass
Mid Century Abstract Metal and Enamel Wall Sculpture
By Curtis Jeré
Located in San Diego, CA
Incredible Mid-Century hand crafted wall-mounted sculpture with enamel on metal elements. Would look great over a fireplace. Can be mounted horizontal or vertically.
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Metal
Midcentury French Modern Enameled Brass Geometric Lamp, Green, Maison Barbier
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Midcentury French modern enameled brass geometric lamp, green, Maison Barbier, 1970s.
Rare sculptural mod-century piece. Lamp body comprised of tw...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Brass
Vintage Contemporary Abstract Stone Sculpture
Located in west palm beach, FL
Fantastic vintage Contemporary original stone sculpture. Beautiful solid block with beautiful veining. Rotates on its plinth for optimal views. Ac...
Category
Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Stone
1950's Italian Murano Abstract Glass Biomorphic Sculpture Bowl
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful colors on this cased glass, Italian Murano sculpture bowl biomorphic shape grind on the bottom for 2 positions the color its so intense and beautiful.
Category
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Blown Glass
"Surge" Polished Aluminum Sculpture by Alexander Liberman
Located in Stamford, CT
"Surge" a polished aluminum sculpture by Russian or American artist Alexander Liberman (1912 - 1999). Signed and dated. From the estate of ...
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Aluminum
Sculpture in Wood Butalist Design, 1950s France
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Description: this sculpture was made in the 1950s in France. It consists of a black oak base and an oak ball carved . Very nice work combining organic form and raw material.
Conditi...
Category
1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Oak
Signed Bronze Dish by Italian Gio Pomodoro Il Sestante Galeria
Located in Chicago, IL
A bronze sculpture / dish by Italian artist Gio Pomodoro for Il Sestante Galleria, Milan, Italy, circa 1958.
In the late 1950s the gallery was producing small series of decorative o...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Tony Evans Unique Ceramic Plaque with Stand, Signed
By Tony Evans
Located in Boynton Beach, FL
Beautiful and unique piece by famed American ceramic artist Tony Evans.
A special piece of his. Likely a one of one. Likely a self artistic small run of his as I’ve only seen these...
Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Brutalist Bronze and Ceramic Sculpture Plate
Located in Miami, FL
Handmade Sculptural Mid-Century Modern Platter of Bronze and Ceramic, a One of a Kind Piece, Signed
Category
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Donald Locke 1970s Sculpture Pair in Bronze & Wood
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Set of two small abstract bronze sculptures in deep teal/turquoise tones by artist Donald Locke set on black square wood bases. One of the organic forms is punctuated by shapes featu...
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Crystal Art Glass Sculptural Vessel / Dish / Bowl - vintage
Located in Warrenton, OR
Crystal Art Glass Sculptural Vessel / Dish / Bowl - vintage
Nice Vintage Condition
5.5 x 3.5 inches apx
Measurements are approximate. Please be aware that the color on your monitor ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Crystal
Erwin Hauer Design No. 7 Maquette
By Le Corbusier
Located in New York, NY
Tectonic sculptural maquette of vacuum- molded styrene, painted steel rods and metal created in 1959 by Austrian/American sculptor and designer Erwin Hauer (1926-1917). Hauer’s light...
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Metal, Wire
Copper and Bronze Abstract Dancer Sculpture Signed Kaufman
Located in Miami, FL
Abstract sculpture of a dancer using mixed metal copper and bronze. The sculpture is affixed to a black granite base. Signed and numbered.
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Granite, Bronze, Copper
Mid-Century Modern Brass, Copper & Chrome Raindrops Wall Art Sculpture
By Curtis Jeré
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Exceptional wall art sculpture attributed to C. Jere.
3 dimensional torch cut brass, copper and chromed steel "drops"
arranged perfectly and welded to a copper frame.
Four rear h...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Brass, Copper, Steel
Monica Backstrom art glass Kaleidoscope Kosta Boda
Located in Delft, NL
Dimensions: 31cm H
Condition: Mint
Material: Glass, wood
Category
1990s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Art Glass
Brutalist Bronze Sculpture on Marble Base, Man and Machine, 1970s
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning modern brutalist bronze sculpture from the 1970s depicts an allegory of man and machine (or worker) with a beautiful original dark green patina. The design holds the at...
Category
1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Marble, Metal, Bronze
American Artist, Abstract Sculpture, Marble, USA, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A small marble sculpture designed and produced in the US, c. 1950s.
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Marble
20th century abstract stoneware ceramic sculpture by Michel Lanos circa 1980
By Michel Lanos
Located in Neuilly-en- sancerre, FR
Michel Lanos
Unique handmade abstract ceramic piece by Michel Lanos
Realised circa 1980
Height 12 cm
large 20 cm
Depth 6 cm
Category
Late 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Mid-CenturyModern Large Brutalist Ceramic and Bronze Sculptural Platter
Located in Miami, FL
Mid-Century Modern Handmade Unique Brutalist Creation of Ceramic and Bronze. One of a Kind, Signed.
Category
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Bertil Vallien fo Kosta Boda Sweden miniature sculpture House ”Country Living”
Located in Delft, NL
Bertil Vallien fo Kosta Boda Sweden miniature sculpture House ”Country Living” 1993
Category
1990s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Art Glass
Modernist Brass Sculpture Depicting Faces
Located in Dallas, TX
The Brendan Bass Estate Collection is an homage to the beauty of vintage and antique
pieces, each artfully concealing endless stories collected through the generations in which they...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Brass
Salviati Gaspari Murano Uranium UV Green Italian Art Glass Abstract Sculpture
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown vaseline yellow green with aqua green paint stroke Italian art glass sculpture on base. Documented to designer Luciano Gaspari for the Salviati co...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Glass, Sommerso, Murano Glass, Blown Glass, Art Glass
Blue And Clear Wavy Swirl Art Glass Abstract Sculpture
Located in Toronto, ON
Abstract Art Glass wavy and swirl sculpture attributed to Murano glass. Made in Italy in the 1970s, this stunning sculpture is finished in clear and blue art glass. It’s made in the ...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Art Glass
Midcentury Ceramic Sculpture by Fausto Melotti
Located in Milan, Italy
Ceramic sculpture designed and produced by Fausto Melotti.
Work registered in the Fausto Melotti Archive
Authentication from the Fausto Melotti Archive on photograph.
Biography:
Ita...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Small Walter Bosse Sagittarius Zodiac Brass Figurine, Austria, 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Small Walter Bosse Sagittarius Zodiac Brass Figurine, Austria, 1950s
Original condition
Category
1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Brass
John Spielman (British, born 1944) large abstract carved wood sculpture c. 1970
Located in Philadelphia, PA
John Spielman (British, born 1944) A large mid century modern freeform abstract carved wood sculpture circa 1970. Signed on underside J. Sp.
Category
1970s English Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Large white ceramic sculpture by Pino Castagna, Italy 1970s
Located in Rotterdam, NL
Large white ceramic sculpture by Pino Castagna (1932 - 2017), Italy 1970s. The sculpture is made from a strong red clay and is finished ...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Kjell Engman for Kosta Boda ‘Snapshot’ sculpture Women in the wind, 1990’s
By Kjell Engman
Located in Delft, NL
Dimensions: 23,5cmH, 9cm W , 9cm D, 18cm H without stand.
Condition: Mint
Designer : Kjell Engman
Producer: Kosta Boda
Origin: Sweden
Material: Glass
Category
1990s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Art Glass
Modern Abstract Brutalist Design Vase Sculpture
Located in Antwerp, BE
Large modern abstract design vase sculpture.
Second half of the 20th century.
Dimensions: Height 40 cm.
Diameter 14 cm.
In good condition.
Category
Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
'Le Temoin' Stool by Man Ray for Gavina
Located in Little Burstead, Essex
Beautiful example in pristine condition, designed by Man Ray for Gavina's ultramobile exhibition.
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Acrylic, Foam, Plywood, Faux Leather
White ceramic sculpture by Pino Castagna, Italy 1970s
Located in Rotterdam, NL
White ceramic sculpture by Pino Castagna (1932 - 2017), Italy 1970s. The sculpture is made from a strong red clay and is finished with a thick voluminous off white, semi gloss glazin...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Herta Baller shoehorn circa 1950s
By Herta Baller
Located in Wien, AT
Herta Baller shoehorn circa 1950s
Original condition
Category
1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Brass
Large 8'+ Atomic Age Mid-Century Modern Style Unique Space Atom Wall Sculpture
By Curtis Jeré, Kenny Scharf
Located in St. Louis, MO
One of a kind Atomic Age large Mid-Century Modern style wall sculpture made of round black painted bent iron rod, in zig-zag form or atom rings with assorted metallic colored orbs (a...
Category
1980s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Steel, Iron
New Lamp "Skyline" Light
By New Lamp
Located in Dronten, NL
Large architectural table or floor lamp, attributed to New Lamp, manufactured in Italy in the 1970s.
The light of the three-light bulbs behind the opaline plexiglas centre column exi...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Chrome, Sheet Metal
Brutalist Iron Abstract Sculpture by Frank Cota
Located in San Diego, CA
Very unique Brutalist iron / metal sculpture by American artist, Frank Cota, circa 1970s. Free-form piece with various hexagon, square and triangle pieces; signed by Coat on the bas...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Iron
Monica Backstrom For Kosta Boda Presse Papier, 1990’s
Located in Delft, NL
Monica Backstrom For Kosta Boda Presse Papier, 1990’s
Category
1990s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Art Glass
Selection of Decorative Abstract Marble Menhir Column Art Sculptures, circa 1970
Located in Den Haag, NL
Selection of Decorative Abstract Marble Menhir Column Art Sculptures, circa 1970 by Gerrit Patist.
Sizes: Largest 57cm
41 / 40 / 40 / smallest 26 cm
Gerrit Patist Visual Artist wh...
Category
1970s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Stone, Marble
Danish Modern Solid Walnut Geometric Unique Sculpture Hand Made
By Ai Weiwei
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful incredible craftsmanship geometric sculpture all hand made an put together, circa 1970's excellent condition in the style of artist Ai Weiwei.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Walnut
French Sculpture of Violins by Artist Arman New Years Gift 1984 For Christofle
By Arman
Located in Chicago, IL
A sculpture of many violins by French artist Fernandez Arman created for Christofle in 1984 as a new years gift wishing for a happy new year.
Signed and stamped. Silver plate bronze...
Category
1980s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Silver Plate
Clyde Ball Mid Century Bronze Signed 1970's Sculpture with Pedestal
By Clyde Ball
Located in Countryside, IL
Clyde Ball Mid Century Bronze Signed 1970's Sculpture with Pedestal
The pedestal measures: 12.25 wide x 12.25 deep x 42.25 inches high
The sculpture measures: 13.5 wide x 11 deep x ...
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Alessio Tasca for Fusina Acrylic Prism Sculpture, 1970s
By Alessio Tasca, Fusina
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
Alessio Tasca for Fusina Acrylic Prism Sculpture, 1970s.
Category
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Steel
Miguel Ortiz Berrocal Mini Maria Puzzle Sculpture in its Original Box
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine boxed, modernist Mini Maria puzzle sculpture by Miguel Ortiz Berrocal.
In nickel-plated bronze.
Together with its original box, wrapping paper, styrofoam, paperwork and docu...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Bronze, Nickel
Abstract Mid-Century Modern White Glazed Phallus Sculpture, The Netherlands 1976
Located in Den Haag, NL
Abstract Mid-Century Modern White Glazed Phallus Sculpture, Dated and signed by unknown Artist, The Netherlands 1976.
Category
1970s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Vintage Murano Glass Swirls (2 Available)
By Seguso
Located in Chicago, IL
"Vintage" Murano Glass Swirls. Not contemporary. These were acquired with a signed Barovier vase from the 1960s. Id presume these swirls were bought at a high end Murano factory on a...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Art Glass
Extremely RareHarry Bertoia Necklace Sterling Silver Lapis Coral ca. 1940
Located in Bloomfield Hills, MI
Extremely rare combination pendant attached to custom-made chain by Harry Bertoia in sterling silver, containing one Lapis Lazuli and one Coral. This piece comes from a private collection. Provenance will accompany the piece. The work has been added to the Harry Bertoia Catalogue Raisonné and assigned the following catalogue raisonné number: D.JE.78.
Although associated with Mid-Century Modern furniture, Harry Bertoia was originally a jewelry designer who used both sterling silver, precious stones and gem stones. The pendant measures: 1.25" long x 1" wide. The necklace measures: 11" length with a measurement of 22" overall length. The chain and closure are all handcrafted and in his unique design. Lapis Lazuli measures 20mm round supported by one 6 mm red coral. Total weight is
33 grams.
The following is from Beverly H. Twitchell, PhD, author of Bertoia: The Metalworker, London: Phaidon, 2019. She provides a very informative critique of Bertoia and his jewelry.
Wearable Art an Important Design for a Necklace
“Before Harry Bertoia enrolled at the Cranbrook Academy of Art in 1937 he had already mastered traditional jewelers’ techniques, but his engagement with Modernism led him to invent and use more direct methods. Instead of precious metals and gems, Bertoia made jewelry that appealed through its design, craftsmanship and the nature of its materials. That approach would make Bertoia a direct predecessor of the American Studio Crafts movement.
So complex and cumulative are human perception and memory that we often do not know from where our own ideas come and without firm evidence, it is impossible to think we can establish the origins of an artist’s ideas. While his jewelry is entirely modern, chokers with multiple small pendants had come from ancient Mediterranean cultures: Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece and Italy, even from Europe and America at the turn of the last century. Did Bertoia see works in books, journals or at the Detroit Institute of Arts that resonated with him or did he invent this on his own, as he would so many other forms?
Bertoia found inspiration in nature from an early age on a small farm in Italy and later in Cranbrook’s woods, on the beaches of southern California and in the fields near his home in eastern Pennsylvania where he lived after 1950. The fluidity and motion of the his jewelry characterize much of his art. In that spirit, too, he made jewelry that suited human anatomy and was animated by its wearer’s movement. Bertoia had the instincts of an engineer, as the intricacy of the present lot’s clasp and overall construction of the jewelry demonstrates. Large jewelry by Bertoia is very rare. A delight to the eye, and like all of Bertoia’s work it is timeless.”
Harry Bertoia (1915 – 1978) was an Italian-born American artist, jewelry creator and modern furniture designer. He was born in San Lorenzo d-Arzene, Pordenone, Italy. At age 15 he moved to Detroit, Michigan to live with his older brother, Oreste. He quickly learned English and the bus schedule and enrolled in Cass Tech High School in Detroit (1930-1936) where he studied art and design and learned the skill of handmade jewelry making. At that time, there were three jewelry and metals teachers Louise Green...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Coral, Lapis Lazuli, Sterling Silver
Large French Art Deco Walnut Brass Wall Sculpture Clock
By Jean Royère
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern French Deco style wall clock sculpture. Nice combination of solid brass and walnut details. Dated 1959, stamped: Made in France.
Category
20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Brass
David Marshall table clock large model, spain 1960
Located in DÉNIA, ES
Clock sculpture in bronze and cast aluminum for the base by artist David Marshall.
Marshall moved to Spain in the mid-1960s, opening a workshop in Malaga in 1969 where he produced s...
Category
1960s Spanish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Aluminum, Bronze
"Draped Chair" Gilt Bronze Sculpture by Marina Karella, Mid-20th Century
Located in New York, NY
Gilt bronze sculpture by the Greek artist Marina Karella. "Draped Chair" numbered 4/8. Signed on verso Marina Karella and Stamped. In great conditions w...
Category
Mid-20th Century Greek Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Rare Harry Bertoia Sterling Silver Brooch "Ginko Leaves" ca. 1940s
Located in Bloomfield Hills, MI
An extremely rare Harry Bertoia sterling silver brooch "Ginko Leaves." The brooch has been added to the Harry Bertoia Catalogue Raisonné and assigned the following catalogue raisonné number: D.JE.77. This piece comes from a private collection. Provenance will accompany the piece. The Brooch measures: 2.94 " long x 1.5 " wide x .30 " deep.
Although associated with Mid-Century Modern furniture, Harry Bertoia was originally a jewelry designer who used both sterling silver, precious stones and gem stones. The brooch and closure are all handcrafted and the clasp is his unique design.
The following is from Beverly H. Twitchell, PhD, author of Bertoia: The Metalworker, London: Phaidon, 2019. She provides a very informative critique of Bertoia and his jewelry.
Wearable Art an Important Design for a Necklace
“Before Harry Bertoia enrolled at the Cranbrook Academy of Art in 1937 he had already mastered traditional jewelers’ techniques, but his engagement with Modernism led him to invent and use more direct methods. Instead of precious metals and gems, Bertoia made jewelry that appealed through its design, craftsmanship and the nature of its materials. That approach would make Bertoia a direct predecessor of the American Studio Crafts movement.
So complex and cumulative are human perception and memory that we often do not know from where our own ideas come and without firm evidence, it is impossible to think we can establish the origins of an artist’s ideas. While his jewelry is entirely modern, chokers with multiple small pendants had come from ancient Mediterranean cultures: Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece and Italy, even from Europe and America at the turn of the last century. Did Bertoia see works in books, journals or at the Detroit Institute of Arts that resonated with him or did he invent this on his own, as he would so many other forms?
Bertoia found inspiration in nature from an early age on a small farm in Italy and later in Cranbrook’s woods, on the beaches of southern California and in the fields near his home in eastern Pennsylvania where he lived after 1950. The fluidity and motion of the his jewelry characterize much of his art. In that spirit, too, he made jewelry that suited human anatomy and was animated by its wearer’s movement. Bertoia had the instincts of an engineer, as the intricacy of the present lot’s clasp and overall construction of the jewelry demonstrates. Large jewelry by Bertoia is very rare. A delight to the eye, and like all of Bertoia’s work it is timeless.”
Harry Bertoia (1915 – 1978) was an Italian-born American artist, jewelry creator and modern furniture designer. He was born in San Lorenzo d-Arzene, Pordenone, Italy. At age 15 he moved to Detroit, Michigan to live with his older brother, Oreste. He quickly learned English and the bus schedule and enrolled in Cass Tech High School in Detroit (1930-1936) where he studied art and design and learned the skill of handmade jewelry making. At that time, there were three jewelry and metals teachers Louise...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Sterling Silver
Orange & Red Resin Wall Sculptures by Takeshi Kawashima
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Pair of abstract wall sculptures by Japanese artist Takeshi Kawashima in solid red and orange resin. These were purchased from a forme...
Category
1970s Japanese Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Epoxy Resin
Set Of Five Ceramics
Located in PAU, FR
Set of five Jacques and Dani RUELLAND ceramics,
Ceramics in warm tones, of various sizes: (from the smallest to the tallest)
Height: 9 cm Diameter: 10 cm -----
Height: 13 cm Diameter...
Category
1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Metal Sculpture by Salvatore Messina
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Salvatore Messina, sculpture, aluminum, Italy, 1960
Salvatore Messina (1916-1982) tackled the question of movement and the concept of space through his metal sculptures. The three-d...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Aluminum
Colorful Acrylic Sculpture by Vasa
Located in Atlanta, GA
Colorful acrylic sculpture by Vasa (Velizar Mihich), unsigned, circa 1970s. Looks incredibly different from every angle.
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Acrylic
Pair of Greenwich Village artist Rebaje Hammered Copper and Brass Cuff Links
Located in Ferndale, MI
Nicely crafted pair of cuff links by and signed Rebaje . Hammered copper face with brass button on backside .
Francisco Torres arrived in NY from Dominican Republic in 1922. Sleeping on couches and in basements of friends trying to make his fortune . .
Gradually transformed himself into Frank Rebajes...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Brass, Copper
"Guernica" : tall bas-relief patinated plaster sculpture - 1967
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
"Guernica" : Bas-relief sculpture made of reinforced
patinated plaster
On the back two hooks to hang the sculpture on the wall
Dated : 1967, Probably made for the 30th anniversar...
Category
1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Plaster
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