Skip to main content

Modern Abstract Sculptures

MODERN STYLE

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

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

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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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

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

24
3
2
to
22
7
29
17
22
29
15
1
1
1
1
3
26
1
1
Height
to
Width
to
12
7
6
5
4
19
19
9
6
1
6
6
2
2
2
Style: Modern
Color:  White
Contemporary Sculptural Hand-Built Multi-Shell Matte White Ceramic Pendant Lamp
Located in Brooklyn, NY
White bowerbird family is a contemporary sculptural multi-shell hand-built ceramic pendant lamp finished in a matte white glaze with a warm glow reflecting off of a round joyful form. Each shell is individually hand formed and unique, creating a pleasant rhythm when installed in multiples. The hand-built ceramic canopy, finials and socket cover add an enjoyable character. Component dimensions and weight: Shell: 4-6 diameter x 12-14 h in. / 10-13 diameter x 30-36 height cm 2 lbs / 1 kg each Custom drop length, please specify 5 in. / 12.5 cm diameter ceramic canopy Materials: Shells, canopies, socket covers and finials in hand-built ceramic in a warm-white matte glaze, off-white nylon-covered SVT lamp wire, brushed brass hardware, and electrical components Light source 1 x E-12 candelabra base per shell 25W incandescent lamp included Compatible with LED replacement lamps Additional info: Each lamp is individually hand-built without using a mould to create an enjoyable uniqueness and spatial balance within each form. Variations in dimensions, forms, and finishes are expected. The story: White Bowerbird collection is from Courtship Behavior...
Category

2010s American Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Contemporary Sculptural Hand-Built Double-Shell Matte White Ceramic Pendant Lamp
Located in Brooklyn, NY
White Bowerbird couple is a contemporary double-shell hand-built ceramic pendant lamp finished in a matte white glaze with a warm glow reflecting off of a round joyful form. Each shell is individually hand formed and unique, creating a pleasant rhythm when installed as a pair. The hand-built ceramic canopy, finials and socket cover add an enjoyable character. Component dimensions: Shell 4-6 diameter x 12-14 height in. / 10-13 diameter x 30-36 height cm; 2 lbs / 1 kg each Custom drop length, please specify 5 in. / 12.5 cm diameter ceramic canopy Materials: Shells, canopies, socket covers and finials in hand-built ceramic in a warm-white matte glaze, off-white nylon-covered SVT lamp wire, brushed brass hardware, and electrical components Light source: 1 x E-12 candelabra base per shell 25W incandescent lamp included Compatible with LED replacement lamps Additional info: Each lamp is individually hand-built without using a mould to create an enjoyable uniqueness and spatial balance within each form. Variations in dimensions, forms, and finishes are expected. The story: White Bowerbird collection is from Courtship behaviour, a project inspired by the curious behaviour of the Satin Bowerbird, the eastern Australian birds...
Category

2010s American Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Contemporary Sculptural Hand-built Single-Shell Matte White Ceramic Pendant Lamp
Located in Brooklyn, NY
White Bowerbird single is a contemporary single-shell hand-built ceramic pendant lamp finished in a matte white glaze with a warm glow reflecting off of a round joyful form. The humorous friendly form makes a playful interior accent when installed with a single shell. The individually hand-built ceramic canopy, finials and socket cover add an enjoyable uniqueness. Component dimensions Shell: 4-6 diameter x 12-14 height in. / 10-13 diameter x 30-36 height cm 2 lbs / 1 kg each Custom drop length, please specify 5 in. / 12.5 cm diameter ceramic canopy Materials: Shells, canopies, socket covers and finials in hand-built ceramic in a warm-white matte glaze, off-white nylon-covered SVT lamp wire, brushed brass hardware, and electrical components Light source: 1 x E-12 candelabra base per shell Compatible with LED replacement lamps Additional info: Each lamp is individually hand-built without using a mould to create an enjoyable uniqueness and spatial balance within each form. Variations in dimensions, forms, and finishes are expected. The story: White Bowerbird Collection is from Courtship Behavior...
Category

2010s American Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Small Black Plastic Rabbit Doorstopper by Stefano Giovannoni
Located in Origgio (VA), IT
Rabbit is a family of products with a strong media impact, one of Stefano Giovannoni's hat tricks, and immediately became a pop icon, a symbol of love and fertility, which brings goo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Plastic

Nico Lamp, Sculptural Contemporary Hand-Built Ceramic Table Lamp in Matte White
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Nico is a hand-built sculptural ceramic table lamp that inspires the joy of working with hands through unpacking, assembling and balancing weights. The handmade ceramic globes and th...
Category

2010s American Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Aurora Pink Portal Glass Bookends, ANDREW HUGHES
Located in New York, NY
The Portal design is a simple exercise in optics and color. The Aurora color and reflective light are diffused by a surface etching on the top third of the interior of each bookend. ...
Category

2010s American Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Blown Glass

Copper Pin Wall Decor by Zieta
Located in Geneve, CH
Copper pin wall decor by Zieta Dimensions: diameter 16 cm Material: Copper. Finish: Polished. Available in 10, 12, 14, and 16 cm. Available powder-coated in colors: beige grey,...
Category

2010s Polish Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Copper

Vernal Blue Porcelain Vase 1 by Robbie Heidinger
Located in New York, NY
Glazed porcelain. Footed orb-shaped vase with applied circular forms. Blue and green glazes. Artist signed on underside.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic, Porcelain

White Organic Ceramic Kawa Vase #15, Leather-Cast Porcelain Flower Vase
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A porcelain flower vase with an organic form and texture, made by casting liquid porcelain in sewn leather molds. Clear glaze applied on interior...
Category

2010s American Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic, Porcelain

Studio Job for Makkum Pottery Textural Relief White Matt Porcelain Plate
Located in North Miami, FL
This amazing limited edition porcelain textural relief plate is a piece of art and sculpture with coded messages of things, objects and symbols all ...
Category

Early 2000s Dutch Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Mid Twentieth Century White Stone Bird Sculpture by Cleo Hartwig
Located in Chicago, IL
This piece is signed in the mold, "C. Hartwig Sc." This signature was the highest quality assigned to the casting. The sculpture sits on a contrasting black square base.
Category

1960s American Vintage Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Stone

Louise Nevelson Style White Found Object Sculpture
Located in New York, NY
Unknown Artist, perhaps "AG" in the manner of Louise Nevelson (American, 1899 1988), a white found object sculpture, rectangular, and ...
Category

20th Century Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Reclaimed Wood

Japanese Modern LAAB Impermanenza Grey Sculpture Raku Ceramic White Crakle
Located in monza, Monza and Brianza
Impermanenza Grey Defined by an unglazed finish and fluid, irregular aesthetic, this ceramic vase in gray and white will embellish any tabletop with its unique and sophisticated character. The singular crackles adorning the piece result from a deft application of the ancient Japanese Raku pottery...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Mico, Contemporary Sculptural Hand-Built Ceramic Table Lamp in Matte White
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Nico's Cousin Mico is a contemporary hand-built sculptural ceramic table lamp that inspires the joy of working with hands through unpacking, assembling and balancing weights. The han...
Category

2010s American Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Jordan Mozer Off White Fiberglass Abstract Wall or Table Sculpture
Located in North Miami, FL
This most unusual off white fiberglass table top or wall mounted sculpture is by Jordan Mozer the designer of furniture and objects. It is from around 2012. It has protrusions of forms indifferent heights and shapes. As you turn it it changes perception of shapes. He had one time designed these for a restaurant for a huge wall sculpture...
Category

2010s American Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Fiberglass

Japanese Modern LAAB Essenza O Sculpture Raku Ceramic White Crakle
Located in monza, Monza and Brianza
Essenza O Sculpture Minimalist and fluid lines outline the silhouette of this sculpture, unique objet d'art deftly handcrafted of ceramic by following the ancient Japanese Raku pottery...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Rico, Contemporary Sculptural Hand-Built Ceramic Table Lamp in Matte White
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mico’s Cousin Rico is a contemporary hand-built sculptural ceramic table lamp that inspires the joy of working with hands through unpacking, assembling and balancing weights. The han...
Category

2010s American Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Modern Plastic White Gray Green Pink or Tree Side Table by Stefano Giovannoni
Located in Origgio (VA), IT
The rabbit tree is the table to the rabbit chair. It is a small tree on two levels. The higher branch holds a circular top with 70 cm diameter and 75 cm he...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Plastic

Bistable Aureo Contemporary Brass Side Table Made in Italy by LapiegaWD
Located in Verona, IT
Bistable, A single continuous wire drawing geometries, where the rigor of the lines plays with circular shapes that embrace the the two floors at different heights intersecting in a ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Steel

Wendy Hendelman White Alabaster Torso Sculpture, 2018
Located in New York, NY
Contemporary American sculptor Wendy Hendelman's White Alabaster Torso Sculpture on a black marble base. Hendelman’s work reflects her love of the prim...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Marble, Alabaster

Wendy Hendelman Brown Alabaster Head Sculpture, 2017
Located in New York, NY
Contemporary American sculptor Wendy Hendelman's Brown Alabaster Head Sculpture on black marble base. Hendelman’s work reflects her love of th...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Marble, Alabaster

GUFRAM Another White Cactus Sculptural Coatrack by Drocco & Mello
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Cactus is the icon of Italian design that has revolutionized the domestic landscape. Made of flexible polyurethane this hall tree with four cantilever arms is as tall as a person and...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Other

Wendy Hendelman Green Alabaster Head and Torso Sculpture, 2019
Located in New York, NY
Contemporary American sculptor Wendy Hendelman's Green Alabaster Head and Torso Sculpture on black marble base. Hendelman’s work reflects her love of th...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Marble

Richard Hirsch Ceramic Creamy White Primal Cups with Stands, 2018
Located in New York, NY
Contemporary American ceramic artist Richard Hirsch's creamy white "Primal Cups with Stands" are raku-fired, hand built and hand sculptured. Hirsch creates ceramic sculptures that ex...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Wendy Hendelman White Alabaster Torso Sculpture, 2018
Located in New York, NY
Contemporary American sculptor Wendy Hendelman's White Alabaster Torso Sculpture on a black marble base. Hendelman’s work reflects her love of the prim...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Marble, Alabaster

Wendy Hendelman Tall White Alabaster Torso Sculpture, 2018
Located in New York, NY
Contemporary American sculptor Wendy Hendelman's tall white Alabaster Torso sculpture on a black marble base. Hendelman’s work reflects her love of the primitive and the ancient. The...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Marble, Alabaster

White Plaster Table Lamp or Pendent Light, 21st Century by Mattia Biagi
Located in Culver City, CA
This is a new work by Mattia Biagi in plaster Sculptural lamp can be used as a table lamp or hang.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Gold Leaf

Set of 5 White Painted Wooden Geometric Molds
Located in South Salem, NY
Mid to Early 1900's set of 5 wooden geometric molds. Great modular accessories. 12"h x 6"w. Sphere is 7"diameter.
Category

20th Century British Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Wendy Hendelman White Marble Torso Sculpture, 2018
Located in New York, NY
Contemporary American sculptor Wendy Hendelman's white marble torso sculpture on a marble base. Hendelman’s work reflects her love of the primitive and the ancient. The small scale a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Marble

Related Items
Lilly Contemporary Sculptural LED Chandelier, Solid Brass and crystal. Large
Located in Torslanda, SE
Lilly is a contemporary chandelier that challenges the differentiation of room and object. Formed from solid brass milled petals, each LED light source contains a single crystal hemisphere, absorbing and reflecting its environment to make it a part of the piece. Our large sized chandelier...
Category

2010s Scandinavian Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Kong Gorilla Pink Floor Lamp by Stefano Giovannoni
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Scroll down and click "view all from Seller" to see more than 400 other unique products. (2.2) Giovannoni's Kong is, surprisingly, technological and almost human. It shines in front...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Plastic

Contemporary Ethnic Sculptural Pendant Lamp Handwoven Straw Black
Located in Barcelona, CT
Woven Pendant Lamp HATTER + LANTERN: Naturally Arty Colour: Natural and Midnight (Black) Characteristics The lamp is sold ready to hang with : *2 meters of cloth covered cable, c...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Ghanaian Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Ghidini 1961 Medium Rabbit in Polished Brass by Stefano Giovannoni
Located in Villa Carcina, IT
Decorative object medium in brass "The rabbit is the latest iconic object I have designed. For Ghidini it has turned into a family of precious metal objects: salt and pepper, paper...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Opinion Ciatti Ombres de Chats #4 Bookend
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Ombres de Chats by Angelo Barcella are poetic objects, delicate table sculptures. Shadows of curious, busy, sore, angry or bored cats, instants which are made eternal when transforme...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Steel

Opinion Ciatti Ombres de Chats #4 Bookend
Opinion Ciatti Ombres de Chats #4 Bookend
H 13.39 in W 11.82 in D 6.3 in
Opinion Ciatti Ombres de Chats #2 Bookend
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Ombres de Chats by Angelo Barcella are poetic objects, delicate table sculptures. Shadows of curious, busy, sore, angry or bored cats, instants which are made eternal when transforme...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Steel

Opinion Ciatti Ombres de Chats #2 Bookend
Opinion Ciatti Ombres de Chats #2 Bookend
H 11.42 in W 21.26 in D 6.3 in
Rabbit Door Stopper Designed by Stefano Giovannoni for Ghidini, 1961
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Door stopper in casted polished brass designed by Stefano Giovannoni.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Ghidini 1961 Small Rabbit Figurine in Polished Brass
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Small rabbit figurine in brass.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Opinion Ciatti Ombres de Chats #3 Bookend
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Ombres de Chats by Angelo Barcella are poetic objects, delicate table sculptures. Shadows of curious, busy, sore, angry or bored cats, instants which are made eternal when transforme...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Steel

Opinion Ciatti Ombres de Chats #3 Bookend
Opinion Ciatti Ombres de Chats #3 Bookend
H 18.51 in W 17.33 in D 6.3 in
Contemporary Daffodils hanging sculptural brass light or lamp
Located in Agrate Brianza (MB), Lombardy
Neither lamp nor mirror, or maybe both, Daffodils is a mysterious bright object calling to mind the unique daffodil shape, from which it takes the name. The structure is made of a sa...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Opinion Ciatti Ombres de Chats #6 Bookend
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Ombres de Chats by Angelo Barcella are poetic objects, delicate table sculptures. Shadows of curious, busy, sore, angry or bored cats, instants which are made eternal when transforme...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Steel

Opinion Ciatti Ombres de Chats #6 Bookend
Opinion Ciatti Ombres de Chats #6 Bookend
H 14.18 in W 11.82 in D 6.3 in
Bonnie Config 1 Contemporary Custom Extra Large LED Sculptural Chandelier
Located in Torslanda, SE
This piece was designed around the form of the artists newborn daughters eyes, and aptly named after her. Matthew Holleman is originally from New Zealand but now resides in Sweden wh...
Category

2010s Scandinavian Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Previously Available Items
20th C. Painted Metal Lion Sculpture in the Neoplasticism Style of Piet Mondrian
Located in Morristown, NJ
Anne Law (American, 20th c.), Lion, painted metal sculpture in the style of Piet Mondrian, signed in marker "Anne Law" and numbered "2-5" verso. A whimsical sculpture, this piece ...
Category

1990s American Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Cut Steel

Modern Large Brass White Sand Hourglass
Located in New York, NY
Modern large brass white sand hourglass / timer, unmarked. This item is not functional. 24.25" H x 7.25" in diameter. Provenance: Removed from a West Pa...
Category

20th Century Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Modern Large Brass White Sand Hourglass
Modern Large Brass White Sand Hourglass
H 24.25 in W 7.25 in D 7.25 in
Porcelain Monkey Sculpture See No Evil, Hear No Evil Vintage
Located in North Miami, FL
This amazing off white porcelain vintage monkey sculpture or object is most unusual and special. The meticulous detail of the porcelain of the monkeys costume body is off the charts. The seated monkey is holding a mask of " see no evil, hear no evil...
Category

1970s Japanese Vintage Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Biomorphic White Stone Sculpture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
From one side this sculpture looks beautifully abstract, and from the other it looks like the bust of a horse, almost as if it were plucked off of a chess table populated by the most refined pieces you’ve come across. Gentle and smooth curves on both sides meet at the top to create a crest that falls down one of its ends. A real beauty, the icy white stone...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Stone

Biomorphic White Stone Sculpture
Biomorphic White Stone Sculpture
H 4 in W 4 in D 1.5 in
Rosenthal Vintage Crushed Porcelain Brown Paper Bag Sculpture
Located in North Miami, FL
This crushed Rosenthal porcelain brown paper bag sculpture is vintage. It is from the 1970s. Always popular and desirable. It is part pop art and part ...
Category

1970s German Vintage Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Modern Abstract Sculpture in Veined White Marble
Located in New York, NY
Modern abstract sculpture carved in veined white marble. The piece is placed atop a thin black metal base and is unsigned. In great vintage condition with age-appropriate wear and use.
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Marble

Hand-Built Ceramic White Contemporary Sculpture Goso-Goso by Yuko Nishikawa
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Goso-Goso is a contemporary hand-built stoneware ceramic sculpture finished in a satin-matte white glaze. It is entirely hand-built with coiling and sculpting and fired in the artist...
Category

2010s American Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Neco, Contemporary Sculptural Hand-Built Ceramic Table Lamp in Matte White
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Rico's Cousin Neco is a contemporary hand-built sculptural ceramic table lamp that inspires the joy of working with hands through unpacking, assembling and balancing weights. The han...
Category

2010s American Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Modern abstract sculptures for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique 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, wall decorations and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, ceramic and other materials. If you’re shopping for used 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 Richard A. Hirsch, Kue King, Jacopo Foggini, and Orfeo Quagliata. 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 $25 and tops out at $450,000 while the average work can sell for $2,322.

Recently Viewed

View All