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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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 chair — crafted 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.
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Style: Modern
Period: 1980s
Yaacov Agam Art
By Yaacov Agam
Located in Weesp, NL
Art Yaacov Agam
Signed and numbered 25/27 from the Meissner Galerie in Hamburg
Measurements: H 33 x W 23 x D 4 cm.
Agam's first solo exhibition was at the ...
Category
1980s French Vintage Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Acrylic, Wood
Ceramic Moon Pot with Rattle by Toshiko Takaezu
Located in Atlanta, GA
A ceramic closed-form pot with rattle by Japanese American artist Toshiko Takaezu (American, 1922 - 2011).
The story: In the 1980s, potter Lola Rae invited Toshika to her ceramic st...
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Important Storied Tall Ceramic Pot with Rattle and Handprints by Toshiko Takaezu
Located in Atlanta, GA
An important ceramic closed-form pot with rattle by Japanese American artist Toshiko Takaezu (American, 1922 - 2011).
The story: In the 1980s, potter Lola Rae invited Toshika to her ceramic studio and kiln in Ojai, CA to teach a class. Lola Rae had previously worked as a studio assistant for artist Beatrice Wood for eight years. This pot was one of the pieces Toshiko made on site during the class and workshop. Together with the other pot on offer, they stayed in Lola Rae's personal collection until now offer by us Tishu Gallery...
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Important Storied Tall Ceramic Pot with Rattle and Fingerprints Toshiko Takaezu
Located in Atlanta, GA
A fantastic ceramic closed-form pot with rattle by Japanese American artist Toshiko Takaezu (American, 1922 - 2011).
The story: In the 1980s, potter Lola Rae invited Toshika to her ceramic studio and kiln in Ojai, CA to teach a class. Lola Rae had previously worked as a studio assistant for artist Beatrice Wood for eight years. This pot was one of the pieces Toshiko made on site during the class and workshop. Together with the other pot on offer, they stayed in Lola Rae's personal collection until now offered by us Tishu Gallery...
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Alan Wallwork Studio Pottery Split Pod Sculpture
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Stoneware studio pottery 'split pod' form designed by Alan Wallwork (British, 1931-2019) and dating from around 1980. The heavily made sculptural pod sta...
Category
1980s English Vintage Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Stoneware
Victor Vasarely Signed 1981 Limited Edition Acrylic Sculpture
Located in Indianapolis, IN
A 1981 limited edition acrylic sculpture by the Hungarian-French Op Art artist Victor Vasarely (1906-1997). This sculpture consists of two acrylic panels with geometric designs on ea...
Category
1980s Hungarian Vintage Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Acrylic
Monumental sculpture in double-patinated metal, wooden base. 1980s.
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Monumental sculpture in double-patinated metal, wooden base.
From the 1980s.
In very good condition with minor signs of use.
Dimensions: H 82.0 cm x W 38.0 cm x D 19.0 cm.
Category
1980s Unknown Vintage Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Metal
Joseph Burlini Signed 1980 Limited Edition Bronze Sculpture
Located in Indianapolis, IN
A 1980 limited edition bronze sculpture by American artist Joseph Burlini (born 1937). This sculpture is composed of a metal abstract and curved female figure attached to a white acr...
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Constantin Andréou : "Amour des vagues", unique patinated brass sculpture, 1983
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Constantin ANDREOU (1917-2007) : "Amour des vagues"
Unique patinated brass and bronze sculpture made of several pieces formed, shaped, hammered and...
Category
1980s French Vintage Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Brass, Bronze
Spectacular Giant 1980's Poly - Resin Sculpture.
Located in New York, NY
Spectacular Giant Modernist Poly Resin sculpture in beautiful shades
of Mauve / Lavender.
Category
1980s Vintage Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Epoxy Resin
Maitland Smith Tessellated Oval Egg Form Sculpture
Located in San Diego, CA
Maitland Smith tessellated stone and brass oval egg form sculpture. The bottom has a flat spot so it stands upright on its own.
Category
1980s Philippine Vintage Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Brass
1980s Mathias Goeritz Abstract Cross in Copper
By Mathias Goeritz
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1980s Mathias Goeritz Sculptural Cross Copper
stamped Mathias Goeritz. No COA is available.
6.25 H x 4 W x 2.5 D
Original vintage preowned unrestored condition.
Refer to all images.
Category
1980s Mexican Vintage Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Copper
Mid-Century Modern, Abstract Marble Sculpture, Statue, Signed, Dated 1983
Located in Stamford, CT
Mid-Century Modern Abstract Marble Sculpture / Statue, Signed and Dated, 1983
A Large and Impressive Unique abstract marble sculpture indistinctively signed and dated 1983.
Marble
...
Category
1980s Vintage Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Marble
without title
Located in London, GB
The breath of sculpture is the distinctive originality of Andrea Cascella’s work, who belonged to a generation that since World War II has re-founded and re-invented the destiny of s...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Porphyry
1980s Philip Moulthrop Ash Leaf Maple Turned and Lacquered Wooden Bowl Sculpture
By Philip Moulthrop
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a gorgeous ash leaf maple (also known as acer negundo) spherical turned wood bowl with high gloss finish, produced by renowned woodworker Philip Moulthrop. The pie...
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Maple, Lacquer
1980s Solid Bronze Wall Art Abstract Sculpture L'Chaim
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1980s Bronze Wall Art abstract Sculpture L'Chaim La Chaim Solid Bronze Plaque
To Life Good Luck
Made in solid bronze heavy sculpture.
No hardware included.
Unmarked.
8.75H x 14W x ...
Category
1980s Mexican Vintage Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Yutaka Toyota brazilian steel and wood wall sculpture 1982
By Yutaka Toyota
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible YUTAKA TOYOTA steel wall sculpture polychromed in blue in perfect conditions signed and dated 1982.
Category
1980s Brazilian Vintage Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Steel
Bob Bennett Bronze Abstract Modernist Sculpture of the Golden Gate Bridge Signed
By Bob Bennett
Located in Draper, UT
A stunning abstract bronze sculpture inspired by the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco on a black marble cube base by California artist, Bob Bennett. Bob (Robert) M. Bennett (Calif...
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Cesar (1921-1998) 'burst Heart' Patinated Bronze. Bocquel Cast Iron Numbered O
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
César BALDACCINI, known as "César" (1921-1998) : "Bursted heart", 1986
Patinated bronze proof. Signed 'César'. Mention of the BOCQUEL foundry and numbering of the edition 758/1500.
...
Category
1980s French Vintage Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Italian Carrara Marble Sculpture by Piero Viti
Located in Palm Springs, CA
1980’s Italian Carrara marble and black slate Architectural sculpture by Piero Viti.
This all comes together like a puzzle, some pieces are hold together by brass pins.
Sign P. Vit...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Carrara Marble, Slate
Kinetic Sculpture "The Passing of Time"
Located in Dronten, NL
Interesting large modern art piece about the passing of time.
Perspex box with a composition of magnified gold coated wooden cogs as used in watches and cl...
Category
1980s Dutch Vintage Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Gold
Abstract Sculpture by Lucile Driskell Resembling a Greek Key
Located in Stamford, CT
A silver plated abstract sculpture by Lucile Driskell (1924-2017) signed and numbered 1/100.
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Marble, Metal
Modern Abstract Soapstone Flamingo Sculpture, 1980s
Located in San Carlos, CA
Beautiful 1980s abstract soapstone sculpture depicting a flamingo or other bird. An absolutely stunning eye-catcher wherever displayed.
In excellent condition. See pictures for d...
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Soapstone
Steel and Copper Planter by André Dubreuil
Located in TOULOUSE, FR
Planter in copper and wrought iron, a large flared cup on the top, all resting on a circular tripod base.
André Dubreuil was born in Lyon in 1951 and died in April 2022.
He was one...
Category
1980s French Vintage Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Metal, Copper
Cenedese Murano Italian 1981 Art Glass Fish Sculpture
By Cenedese
Located in Indianapolis, IN
A 1981 art glass fish sculpture by Cenedese Murano. Made in Italy, the abstract sculpture resembles a tropical fish upon a cylindrical base. Gradient brown and transparent glass form the body of the fish. A brown orb floats within the center of the transparent base. The sculpture is signed “Cenedese...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Art Glass
Hugh Cunningham "Rapture" 1/12 Abstract Bronze Sculpture
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Hugh Cunningham bronze sculpture. "Rapture" 1/12 dating to 1984. Bronze interlocking swirling shape attached to black marble. Signed and dated on marble with paper label to underside...
Category
1980s Canadian Vintage Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Arnaldo Pomodoro Bronze Sculpture for Borsani, Fixed on a Table Lamp, 1985-2021
Located in Rome, IT
Arnaldo Pomodoro bronze sculpture "medaglia" for Tecno,
bronze
signed on verso "A Pomodoro" and inscribed " Osvaldo Borsani 1985
Atelier Stefano J...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Abstract Marble Sculpture, UK, 1980s
Located in London, GB
As much an artefact to handle and caress as a sculptural object, this marble piece retains the ruggedness of nature but combines it with artistic form. A skein of veins is revealed t...
Category
1980s British Vintage Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Marble
Monumental Travertine "Matrix" Sculpture by Robert Winslow
Located in Chicago, IL
Discover the epitome of artistic mastery with this incredible, monumental, freestanding travertine sculpture by acclaimed artist Robert Winslow (b. 1950). Titled "Matrix D" and craft...
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Travertine, Stone
Monumental Marble "Matrix" Sculpture by Robert Winslow
Located in Chicago, IL
Elevate your art collection with this exceptional, monumental, freestanding marble sculpture by acclaimed artist Robert Winslow (b. 1950). Created in 1988 and titled “Matrix”, this a...
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Marble, Stone
Stainless Steel and Black Powder Coated Sculpture
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Beautiful 1980s Polish stainless steel and black powder coated steel sculpture.
The stainless steel cylinders are all different sizes and are arr...
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Steel, Stainless Steel
Doug Delind Ceramic Face
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Doug Delind Raku-Fired Ceramic 2 sided face Sculpture. Signed on side of base. In nice original condition! Face shows some lines in the glaze as seen in ph...
Category
1980s Vintage Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Sculpture by Antonio Del Donno Untitled, Signed
Located in Milano, IT
Signed sculpture by Antonio Del Donno from 1989, numbered : this is 14 out of 20 : 14/20. The sculpture is entitled Untitled. Made with a travertine base. Under the travertine base we find the artist's signature and numbering. The entire work is made of hand wrought iron. In fact, the artist as a true Italian...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Travertine, Iron
Double Spout Vase #8706 by Chris Gustin
By Chris Gustin
Located in New York, NY
Glazed stoneware. Unique, wood-fired vase. A dynamic example if Gustin’s work from the late 1980’s.
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic, Stoneware
Bob Bennett Abstract Bronze Sculpture, Signed
By Bob Bennett
Located in Raleigh, NC
A wonderful expression of movement and space shown in this minimal abstract sculpture. Cast bronze, polished and signed by Bob Bennett mounted to rough marble...
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Set of 3 Chromed Metal Hexagon Candle Holders
Located in San Diego, CA
Stylish set of 3 chromed metal hexagonal candle holders. The set can be set aside with each piece of placed apart. The hexagonal design and chrome finish give a very industrial clean...
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Chrome
1980's Murano Glass Sculpture by Vetro Artistico
Located in New York, NY
1980's Decorative Murano glass sculpture.
Signed Vetro Artistico.
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Murano Glass
Murano Vintage Sign Formia Black, Red, Blue, Pink, Green Glass Sculpture Italian
Located in North Miami, FL
This fabulous vintage wave hand blown glass sculpture by Formia Murano was done in the 80s is like an abstract painting of luminous color patterns. It sits and is attached as was mad...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Blown Glass
Colourful Memphis Style Abstract Sculpture by Dutch Artist Govert Heikoop, 1980s
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
A small colourful sculpture by Dutch artists Govert Heikoop (1951-2007). Strong organic shape with bold colours, very typical of the 1980’s but sti...
Category
1980s European Vintage Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Plywood
Sculpture by Lars Erik Falk, Sweden, 1980s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Striking sculpture by Lars Erik Falk, made from composite wood and tilted at Falk’s signature 73 degrees. Painted in a distinct pattern of black and white stripes.
Lars Erik Falk (1922-1918) was one of Sweden’s foremost constructivists. He was a painter and sculptor, represented with several public...
Category
1980s Swedish Vintage Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Italian Modern Geometric Decorative Panel in Solid Wood, 1980s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern Geometric decorative panel in solid wood, 1980s
Decorative panel in solid wood, that can be used on the wall or vertically placed on the ground. The decoration is mad...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Metal
"Sombra" Bronze Sculpture by Antonio Kieff Grediaga, Number 1/6
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Introducing the breathtaking Bronze Sculpture by Antonio Kieff Grediaga, Signed & Numbered 1/6.
The piece is titled "Sombra" or Shadow.
This extraord...
Category
1980s Spanish Vintage Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Modernist Exotic Marble Abstract Sculpture, "Les Deux Visages" by Dan Bedik
Located in New York, NY
This sophisticated modernist exotic marble sculpture was realized by the esteemed 20th century American artist Dan Bedik circa 1988. Entitled "Les Deux Visag...
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Marble
Carla Malone Pierced Sculptural Vessel
By Carla Malone
Located in Oakland, CA
Carla Malone Ceramic Sculpture Vessel c1980s. Malone (1954-1996) lived most of her life in Stockton, California. Her vessels pay homage to those of ancient cultures. They are allegor...
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Wood, Clay
Esther Fuhrman Abstract Bronze Stairway Scupture '20th C.'
Located in San Diego, CA
Incredible piece by Esther Fuhrman (American, b. 1939). This beautiful abstract modern bronze sculpture of a stairway leading to a gold-tone element pie...
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Robyn Horn Modernist Iron & Metal Sculpture
By Robyn Horn
Located in Oakland, CA
Exceptional modern iron & steel sculpture by Robyn Horn, c1980s. Horn (1951-) was born in Fort Smith Arkansas, and went to Hendrix College in Conway, Arkansas. This is considered to ...
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Steel, Iron
Abstract Distressed Plaster Dog Sculpture
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Amazing cement plaster sculpture of a dog. Distressed abstract depiction brings subtlety to the expression in natural form.
Category
1980s Vintage Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Cement
Design Murano Glass Blue Sphere by Alberto Donà, Italy 1980s
By Alberto Donà
Located in Villaverla, IT
Design Murano Glass Blue Sphere by Alberto Donà, Italy, 1980s.
This unique artwork is simply outstanding. A vintage masterpiece by the renowned It...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Cut Glass, Murano Glass, Blown Glass, Art Glass, Glass
Signed Abstract Arp Style Bronze Sculpture on White Carrara Marble Base Vintage
Located in North Miami, FL
This arresting and abstract vintage signed dark bronze sculpture has many variations of forms from the many angles. It has a very Jean Arpesque l...
Category
1980s Unknown Vintage Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Carrara Marble, Bronze
Colorful Murano Glass Vase by Romano Donà Venice 1980s
By Romano Donà
Located in Villaverla, IT
Colorful Murano glass vase by Romano Donà Venice 1980s.
This artistic rare vase stands out for its energetic colors, that were obtained usi...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Cut Glass, Murano Glass, Blown Glass, Art Glass, Glass
Louis Von Koelnau Abstract Resin Sculpture
Located in San Diego, CA
Multicolor resin sculpture by Louis Von Koelnau. Signed and dated, 1980
Louis Von Koelnau studied at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design and the Royal Academy of Art in Stoc...
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Resin
Alfio Mongelli -"Scomposizione matematica"- ABC, 1980
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Alfio Mongelli (Rome 1939)
Scomposizione Matematica - ABC
75,3 x 65,5 x 10 cm
steel and wood
1980
Steel sculpture on wood; label indicating the title and the author at the bottom r...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Steel
Acrylic Brick Block Sculpture 1981 by Vasa Mihich #1835
Located in Toledo, OH
Modern acrylic brick sculpture by Yugoslavian artist Vasa Mihich born 1933. Signed and dated 1981 number 1835. Located to Los Angeles in 1960. He ta...
Category
1980s European Vintage Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Acrylic
Vintage Murano Glass Decorative Artwork, Attributed to Donà, 1980s
Located in Villaverla, IT
Vintage Murano glass decorative artwork, attributed to maestro Donà, 1980s.
This masterpiece of Murano glass art stands out for its delightful shapes, colors, and delicacy.
The whole sculpture surface is colored with white milk, and it is decorated only by 3 small Greek spirals...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Milk Glass, Murano Glass, Cut Glass, Blown Glass, Art Glass, Glass
XL Peter Bramhall Glass Sculpture.
Located in New York, NY
Extra large Peter Bramhall glass sculpture with Black, white and grey internal glass threads.
Signed and dated on the bottom.
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Blown Glass
Italian Clear Murano Glass Hummingbird Sculpture by Licio Zanetti
Located in Palm Springs, CA
1980’s Italian clear Murano glass hummingbird sculpture by Licio Zanetti.
Signed Zanetti L.
Measurements: 15” wide 2.75” deep and 11” high.
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Murano Glass
Large John Bingham Handblown Glass Sculpture Centrepiece
By John Bingham
Located in South Charleston, WV
John Bingham, Glassblower, Artist
circa 1980
Handblown glass Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA
Measures: 8 tall x 17 wide x 13 inches deep.
One of 2 pieces by this artist we have liste...
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Glass
The Euphrates Ceramic Vase by Sottsass
Located in Berlin, Berlin
Vase in ceramic, by Ettore Sottsass, 1983.
The Euphrates vase, made of ceramic porcelain. This is part of the Rivers series, designed by Sottsass 1981-1988.
Stamped underneath....
Category
1980s Italian Vintage 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.