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 celebrated 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.
Generations turn over, and mid-century modern remains arguably the most popular style going. 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.
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Style: Mid-Century Modern
Abstract Relief Assemblage by André Bogaert, Belgium 1965
Located in Rotterdam, ZH
Abstract Relief Assemblage by André Bogaert (1920-1986), Belgium 1965. Bogaert was an abstract expressionist who always put the experiment at first place...
Category
1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Metal
Large 20cm Ceramic Brutalist Vase FAT LAVA Carstens Tönnieshof, Germany, 1970s
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article:
ceramic pottery vase.
Origin:
Germany.
Producer:
Carstens Tönnieshof, Germany.
Decade:
1970s.
This original vintage pottery object was designed and produced by C...
Category
Late 20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic, Pottery, Stoneware
Modernist Lucite Resin Sculpture with Exploded Clock by Pierre Giraudon, 1970's
Located in Antwerp, Antwerp
A rarely seen cube object in resin and Lucite by the French artist Pierre Giraudon. Shows an 'exploded clock' with all detailed components. A very decorative object.
In good condi...
Category
1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Resin
Curtis Jere Starburst Sculpture
Located in Queens, NY
Curtis Jere Starburst Sculpture
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Metal
Signed Modern Abstract Constructivist Styled Wooden Oak Sculpture
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This contemporary abstract wooden sculpture was done by Czeslaw Budny a Polish-Canadian artist in the constructivist style circa 2023. This sculpture was made entirely of up-cycled, ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Wood, Oak
$796 Sale Price
20% Off
Luciano Gaspari Salviati Murano Smoky Green Italian Art Glass Abstract Sculpture
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown clear smoky gray color with green paint stroke Italian art glass sculpture on base. Documented to designer Luciano Gaspari for the Salviati compan...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso, Glass
$1,200 Sale Price
20% Off
Biomorphic plaster sculpture, France 1960s
Located in Rotterdam, ZH
Biomorphic plaster sculpture, France 1960s. Intriguing organic forms sculpted out of solid plaster with a characteristic structured surface. The forms flow into each other, and with ...
Category
1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Plaster
Mid-Century Bronze Sculpture by Magrit Van Nuffel, 1970s
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Bronze Sculpture by Magrit Van Nuffel, 1970s
Category
Mid-20th Century Belgian Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Minimalist Midcentury Lucite Owl Sculpture
Located in San Diego, CA
Minimalist midcentury Lucite owl sculpture, circa 1970s. The sculpture measures: 4" W x 3" D x 6.5" H. #1063
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Lucite
$200 Sale Price
20% Off
1970s Tarnished Brass Post-Modern Desktop Tape Dispenser Disco Nightclub Era
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Good working order, warm tarnish brass, a natural time-worn patina. Loaded up with a roll of clear tape.
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Brass
$600 Sale Price
20% Off
Matt Magee Yellow ‘Hanger’ Sculpture
By Matt Magee
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Matt Magee ‘hanger’ sculpture. This example incorporates Magee’s philosophy of using found materials that can be reimagined. This work incorporates steel, resin and forms cut out fro...
Category
Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Steel
Nanna Ditzel Coffee Table for Silkeborg, Denmark, 1960
By Nanna Ditzel
Located in Wilnis, UT
An elegant cofee table designed by Nanna Ditzel, manufactured by Silkeborg in Denmark around 1960.
This quality piece is made of tropical hardwood in a wonderful warm brown colour. ...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Stone Sculpture
Located in Chicago, IL
Solid stone sculpture, polished stone sculpture.
Category
1960s Unknown Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Stone
$1,575
Graffito glass sculpture by Ercole Barovier
Located in Uccle, BE
Graffito glass sculpture by Ercole Barovier, Barovier & Toso.
This sculpture is made of clear glass decorated with gold dust,traversed by glass “laces” in shades of intense red and l...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Art Glass, Blown Glass
$2,971 / set
Contemporary Wall Mounted Sculpture from 'Delta' Series by James Rowland
Located in Paraty, Rio de Janeiro
A piece from the 'Delta' abstract sculpture series by James Rowland made from Brazilian hard wood with brass inlay.
Scottish Artist and furniture Design...
Category
2010s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Aldo Tura Sculpture, Red, Cream, Geometric, Lacquered Goatskin, Signed
By Aldo Tura
Located in New York, NY
Aldo Tura geometric sculpture, lacquered goatskin, red, cream, signed. Small to medium scale two-piece wood table sculpture covered in lacquered goatskin ...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Goatskin
$1,000 Sale Price
60% Off
Murano Glass Sculpture very decorative - Bookcase Accent
Located in Milano, IT
Murano Decorative Murano Bookcase Sculpture / Paperweight, slim desk accessory / Coffee table accessory
A heavy, fun and decorative Murano clear glass paperweight accessory for yo...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Glass, Art Glass, Murano Glass
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
Angelo Mangiarotti Rare Ceramic Object 'Tremiti Formalibera' Danese Milano 1964
Located in Meer, VAN
Angelo Mangiarotti Rare Ceramic Object 'Tremiti Formalibera' for Danese Milano 1964
A very rare avant garde ceramic object by Angelo Mangiarotti (1921 – 2012) for Danese Milano. 196...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Large Mounted Abstract Black and White Marble Sculpture Signed Ray G. 1983
Located in Dallas, TX
Elevate your space with this impressive large scale abstract marble sculpture mounted on a plinth base. Signed Ray G. and dated 1983, it exemplifies the elegance and craftsmanship yo...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Marble
Fat Lava Ceramic Vase "Robot" by Heinz Siery Carstens Tönnieshof, Germany, 1960s
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article:
Ceramic pottery vase
Origin:
Germany
Model:
ROBOT
Designer:
Heinz Siery
Producer:
Carstens Tönnieshof, Germany
Decade:
1960s
Th...
Category
Late 20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic, Pottery, Stoneware
Abstract Wood Sculpture in the Flair of Scandinavian Art, Unseen Force
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Abstract wood sculpture in the Flair of Scandinavian Art, Unseen Force by Joel Escalona.
This monolithic sculpture, designed by the talented Artist Joel Escalona, is a towering exam...
Category
2010s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Hardwood
1970s Mid-Century Modern Abstract Lucite Sculpture in the Hivo Van Teal's Style
Located in Miami, FL
Large Mid-Century Modern Abstract Lucite Sculpture in the Hivo Van Teal's Style. Circa 1970s
Features five three-dimensional curved elements with sharp edges rising from a asymmetr...
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Acrylic
Silver Plated Commercial Ice or Hay Hooks
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Silver plate ice tongs hay hooks, when you move your ice or pick up the hay. Be the chicest with your block!
This pair of Ice / hay tongs are a great deco...
Category
20th Century Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Silver Plate
Unusual Brutalist Steel Sculpture
By David Smith
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
An unusual steel-torch cut and welded sculpture. Brutalist and jazzy. Unsigned. Heavy thick steel with patina and some areas gilded.
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Cut Steel
Abstract Wooden Serenity Still Stand No47 by NONO, Modern Escalona Sculpture
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
“Still Stand” sculptures by Joel Escalona
Joel Escalona's wooden standing sculptures are objects of raw beauty and serene grace. Each one is a testament to the power of the material...
Category
2010s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Hardwood
$12,833 Sale Price / item
20% Off
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
Abstract Wooden Hand Carved Sculpture by UK Robson 1971
Located in London, GB
Dynamic abstract oak wooden sculpture with organic finish on a black and gold marble plinth, hand-carved and signed by E. Robson 1971, England.
Category
1970s British Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Marble
Mid-Century Modern Bronze with Wood Texture Brutalist Style TOTEM Form Sculpture
Located in St. Louis, MO
Stunning Mid-Century Modern Brutalist TOTEM bronze sculpture in the style of artist Joel Shapiro. Cast in bronze, the sculpture takes on the surface or...
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Striped Vase in Blown Murano Glass Green Orange and Light Blue, 1990s, Italy
Located in Villaverla, IT
Striped vase in blown Murano glass green orange and light blue, 1990s, Italy.
This is a unique striped vase, with double colored sides, and stripes inside the blown technical. Half ...
Category
1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Cut Glass, Murano Glass
Alexandre Noll Ebony Wood Bowl / Sculpture. Signed, France, circa 1950´s
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
ALEXANDRE NOLL (1890-1970)
A carved ebony bowl by Alexandre Noll, Circa 1960´s.
Lovely Alexandre Noll bowl. Carved in ebony wood.
Alexandre Noll hand carved Sculpture.
Mid-century. ...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Wood, Ebony
$6,800 Sale Price
20% Off
Signed Kyriakos Rokos Brutalist Bronze Surrealist Abstract Relief Sculpture 1971
By ROKOS
Located in Troy, MI
Kyriakos Rokos (b 1945)
Bronze sculpture on stone base
1971
Abstract bronze sculpture by renowned Greek artist Kyriakos Rokos
Cast relief with perpetual faces and a protruding finge...
Category
1970s Greek Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Stone, Bronze
Large Ceramic Brutalist Vase FAT LAVA by Walter Gerhards, Germany, 1970s
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article:
ceramic pottery vase.
Origin:
Germany.
Producer:
Walter Gerhards, Germany.
Decade:
1970s.
This original vintage pottery object was designed and produced by WALTER...
Category
Late 20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic, Pottery, Stoneware
William Bowie Gilded Mid-Century Modern Abstract Table Sculpture on Teak Base
Located in St. Louis, MO
Signed William Bowie welded spire abstract metal gilded with both gold and silver leaf on teak base, circa 1960. This piece is unusual as most of Bowie's pieces are wall-mounted form...
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Teak
Large Curtis Jere Brass Sculpture on Onyx Base
Located in Queens, NY
Large Curtis Jere Brass Sculpture on Onyx Base
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Brass
Pottery Super Yellow Color Fat Lava Multi-Color Vase Scheurich WGP, 1970s
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article:
Fat lava art vase, heavy Brutalist glaze
Producer:
Scheurich, Germany
Decade:
1970s
This original vintage vase was produced in the 1970s in Ger...
Category
Late 20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Mid-Century Mexican Silver Plated Pitcher with Frogs decorated by Los Castillo
By Los Castillo
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Circa 1960. We offer this Mid-Century Mexican Silver Plated Pitcher with Frogs decoration by Los Castillo in great vintage condition and with fantastic patina. This is an exquisite a...
Category
1960s Mexican Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Precious Stone
Group Of Five Mid Century Geometric Form Bronze Sculptures
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Fascinating Group of 5 bronze unsigned sculptures with in a brutalist form. Two of the sculptures with diamond striations and three with vertical/horizontal striations.T he group may...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Abstract Multi-Media Sculpture
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Multi-media sculpture with six pieces brass, aluminium and wood presented on an acrylic base. The sculpture resembles a puzzle-esque sculpture with a wood Sputnik with slots mounted ...
Category
20th Century Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Aluminum, Brass
Bronze Female Sculpture Signed C. Noel, Belgium 1970
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Very nice female shaped sculpture made by C. Noel, Belgium 1970. This sculpture is made of solid bronze and is very nicely made and crafted. Its signed at the bottom: 5. 500 C. Noel....
Category
1970s Belgian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Organic Harmony: Modern Wood Totem Still Stand No49 by NONO, Escalona Design
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
“Still Stand” sculptures by Joel Escalona
Joel Escalona's wooden standing sculptures are objects of raw beauty and serene grace. Each one is a testament to the power of the material...
Category
2010s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Hardwood
$12,833 Sale Price / item
20% Off
Large Ceramic Brutalist Vase Fat Lava Carstens Tönnieshof, Germany, 1970s
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article:
ceramic pottery vase.
Origin:
Germany.
Designer:
Heinz Siery.
Producer:
Carstens Tönnieshof, Germany.
Decade:
1970s.
This original vi...
Category
Late 20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic, Pottery, Stoneware
Abstract Bronze Sculpture by Pierre Dmitrienko
Located in Houston, TX
Pierre Dmitrienko (Russian / French, 1925-1974), "Untitled Torso", gilt bronze, signed P. Dmitrienko". Abstract figural sculpture depicting an abstract torso. . Note: Pierre Dmitrien...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Abstract Modernist Wooden Sculpture in the style of Jean Arp, Unseen Force 14
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Abstract Modernist Free Form Wooden Sculpture in the style of Jean Arp, Unseen Force 14 by Joel Escalona
This monolithic sculptur...
Category
2010s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Hardwood
Exquisite Italian Phytomorphic Abstract Sculpture in Natural Ash, 1960s
Located in Brescia, Brescia
Crafted during the artistic zenith of the 1960s.
An exquisite testament to the fusion of nature and abstract form, this piece exudes an enigmatic allure that captivates the beholde...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Ash
21st Century Sculptural Modern Handmade Led Chandelier in Brass and Lost Wax
Located in Miami, FL
21st century sculptural large modern spiralling chandelier in brass
Pendant lamp
Handmade
It created with lost wax technique reproducing w...
Category
2010s European Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Brass
$8,700 Sale Price
20% Off
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
Murano Glass obelisk by Paolo Venini, Venini Murano Italy
By Venini, Paolo Venini
Located in Uccle, BE
Murano Glass obelisk by Paolo Venini, Venini Murano Italy (Founded in 1921).
Clear glass obelisk.
Inclusion of “ballottino multicolore” decoration. (decoration of twisted multicolore...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Blown Glass
Cane and Exotic Wood Brazilian Rocking Chair
Located in Buffalo, NY
Sculptural Brazilian rocking chair in the style of Joaquim Tenriero. Amazing quality and design. Original cane seat in need of restoration. (see photo). Hand delivery avail to New Yo...
Category
1970s Brazilian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Cane, Wood
Steel Table Top Sculpture
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Found object abstract steel table top sculpture by Colorado artist.
Photographed with Bertoia side chair and Eames LTW for scale.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Steel
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
Modern Carved Tranquility Totem Still Stand No46, Joel Escalona Design
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
“Still Stand” sculptures by Joel Escalona
Joel Escalona's wooden standing sculptures are objects of raw beauty and serene grace. Each one is a testament to the power of the material...
Category
2010s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Hardwood
1960s Design Lady Sculpture by Jaroslav Ježek for Royal Dux - Czechoslovakia
Located in Praha, CZ
- perfect original condition
- marked
jr
Category
1960s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
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
$1,200 Sale Price
20% Off
Contemporary Room Divider / Screen Totem Sculptures
Located in London, GB
Natasha Dakhli
Totems/Room Divider, 2021
Material: Stoneware, white enamel
Dimension; H 185 x 163 x 52 cm
Modular totems sculptures made of white ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Stoneware
$24,786 / item
Italian Minimalist Roman Travertine Obelisk, Italy, 1970
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Italian Minimalist Roman Travertine Obelisk, Italy, 1970.
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Travertine
Abstract Ceramic Sculpture
Located in San Francisco, CA
Mid-Century Modern abstract ceramic sculpture. Interesting and well executed in very good original condition, made by unknown artist in the...
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Abstract Ceramic Studio Pottery "UFO" Vase by Gerhard Liebenthron, Germany, 1968
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article:
Ceramic stoneware object, UFO Vase
Designer and producer:
Gerhard Liebenthron
Information:
Gerhard Liebenthron, Bremen
1925 †2005
Decade:
19...
Category
Late 20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic, Pottery, Stoneware
Abstract Metal Starburst Sculpture 1960s
Located in San Diego, CA
Abstract welded metal table top sculpture from the 1960s. Expertly crafted in copper with welded tips. The angles of the sculpture can be adjusted to give the piece a different look....
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Metal, Copper
Vintage Sheldon Rose Alpha Typographic Cube Sculpture Mixed Media
By Sheldon Rose
Located in North Miami, FL
This interesting alpha cube abstract sculpture by Sheldon Rose is a mixed media comprised of polychrome metal and paint. It features a medley of faux letterpress symbols, numbers and...
Category
1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Metal
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.
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