Skip to main content

Mid-Century Modern Animal 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

CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW

ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS

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.

101
to
5
101
101
101
101
101
101
67
1
Height
to
Width
to
100
96
5
4
2
101
101
116
66
42
30
Style: Mid-Century Modern
Creator: Herta Baller
Walter Bosse Brass Poodle Figurine, Lucky Charm, Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming poodle figurine, made of brass designed by Walter Bosse, executed in the 1950s by Hertha Baller, Austria. In excellent condition.
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Walter Bosse Donkey Salt and Pepper Shaker Set, Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming Austrian Mid-Century shaker set, displaying a donkey. A very humorous design by Walter Bosse, executed by Hertha Baller Austria in the 1950s. Made of metal and wood. In go...
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Walter bosse for herta Baller cat figurine vienna around 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Walter bosse for herta Baller cat figurine vienna around 1950s Original condition
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Walter Bosse Monkey Salt and Pepper Shakers Set, Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming Austrian midcentury shaker set from the 1950s, displaying a cute monkey holding salt and pepper shakers. A humorous design by Walter Bosse, manufactured by Hertha Baller i...
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Glass

Walter Bosse Hedgehog Stackable Brass Ashtrays, Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
A complete set of six vintage stackable midcentury hedgehog ashtrays. A very humorous and charming design by Walter Bosse, executed by Hertha Baller, Austria in the 1950s. Made of br...
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Pen holder by walter bosse shows a mouse around 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Pen holder by walter bosse shows a mouse around 1950s Original condition The pen is not for sale it is only for the photoshooting
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Walter Bosse Candleholder 'Bear', circa 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Walter Bosse Candleholder 'Bear', circa 1950s Original condition The candle is not included it is only for the photoshooting
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Walter Bosse Figurine Shows the Neptune Sea God, circa 1950s 'Marked on Bottom'
Located in Wien, AT
Walter Bosse Figurine Shows the Neptune Sea God, circa 1950s 'marked on bottom' Original condition.
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Cat Figurine Holding a Thermometer by Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, AT
A very charming Austrian desk thermometer, consisting of a nice cat figurine and a lantern-shaped thermometer. A very humorous design by Walter Bosse, executed by Hertha Baller Aust...
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Pen holder by walter bosse shows a cat around 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Pen holder by walter bosse shows a cat around 1950s The pen is not for sale it is only for the photoshooting Original condition
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Shoehorn Shows a Cat by Walter Bosse Around, 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Shoehorn Shows a cat by Walter Bosse around 1950s Original condition.
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Walter Bosse Cat Figurine with Thermometer, Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming Austrian desk thermometer, consisting of a lovely cat figurine and a lantern-shaped thermometer. A humorous design by Walter Bosse, executed by Hertha Baller Austria in th...
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Bosse Baller Cat Letter Opener Bronze Vienna Austria, 1950s Mid-Century Modern
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1950s Austrian Bosse cat Figurine Collectible. Nice addition to your room or just for your collection of Austrian bronze items. Found at an estate sale in Vienna, Austr...
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Walter Bosse Brass Cat Figurine Jewelry Ring Holder, Baller Austria, 1950s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1950s Austrian Bosse cat Figurine Collectible. Nice addition to your room or just for your collection of Austrian bronze items. Found at an estate sale in Vienna, Austr...
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Owls Bottle Stopper by Walter Bosse around 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Owls Bottle Stopper by Walter Bosse around 1950s Original condition
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Small Elephant Figurine by Walter Bosse Vienna Around 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Small Elephant Figurine by Walter Bosse Vienna Around 1950s Original condition
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Bear Bottle Stopper by Walter Bosse around 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Bear Bottle Stopper by Walter Bosse around 1950s Original condition
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Austrian Midcentury Golden Brass Dachshund Letter Opener by Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
This charming Austrian Midcentury golden solid brass letter opener or paper knife has been designed by Walter Bosse and produced by Herta Baller in the 1950s. The dog features a long...
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Owl Figurine by Walter Bosse Around 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Owl figurine by walter bosse around 1950s Original condition.
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Walter Bosse Brass Cat Figurine Pen Holder Stand, Baller Austria, 1950s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1950s Austrian Bosse cat Figurine Collectible. Nice addition to your room or just for your collection of Austrian bronze items. Found at an estate sale in Vienna, Austr...
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Walter Bosse Brass Cat Figurine Pen Holder Stand, Baller Austria, 1950s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1950s Austrian Bosse cat Figurine Collectible. Nice addition to your room or just for your collection of Austrian bronze items. Found at an estate sale in Vienna, Austr...
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Rocking Horse by Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, AT
Rocking horse by Walter Bosse Original condition.
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Cat Figurine by Walter Bosse, Vienna, Around 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Cat figurine by Walter Bosse, Vienna, around 1950s Original condition.
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Seahorse Figurine by Walter Bosse, circa 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Seahorse figurine by Walter Bosse, circa 1950s. Original condition.
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Walter Bosse Shoehorn Shows a Cat, circa 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Walter Bosse shoehorn shows a cat, circa 1950s Original condition.
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Two Walter Bosse Candleholders
Located in Wien, AT
Two Walter Bosse candleholders Original condition We not selling the candle she is only decoration.
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Small Walter Bosse Penguin Figurine Vienna around 1950s ' Marked '
Located in Wien, AT
Walter Bosse penguin figurine vienna around 1950s ( Marked ) Original condition.
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Small Fox Figurine by Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, AT
Small fox figurine by Walter Bosse Original condition.
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Walter Bosse Zebra Donkey Salt and Pepper Shaker Set
Located in Wien, AT
Walter Bosse zebra donkey salt and pepper shaker set for Hertha Baller, Austria, 1950s. The shakers are included. Original condition.
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Small Walter Bosse Cat Figurine, Vienna, circa 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Small Walter Bosse cat figurine, Vienna, circa 1950s Original condition.
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Small Walter Bosse Cat Figurine Around 1950s, 'Marked'
Located in Wien, AT
Small Walter bosse cat figurine around 1950s Brass, Nickel - plated Original condition.
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Brass, Nickel

Very Small Elephant Figurine by Walter Bosse, Around 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Very small elephant figurine by walter bosse around 1950s. Original condition.
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Walter Bosse Cancer Zodiac Sign Brass Figurine, 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Walter Bosse cancer zodiac sign brass figurine, 1950s Original condition.
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Walter Bosse Brass Cat Figurine Pretzel Holder, Ring Holder
Located in Wien, AT
Walter Bosse brass cat figurine pretzel holder, ring holder Original condition.
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Walter Bosse Toothpick Holder Donkey Set, Black Brass Glass, Hertha Baller, 1950
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A toothpick holder set in the form of a donkey designed by Walter Bosse and manufactured by Hertha Baller, Austria, Vienna, in midcentury in 1950s. The donkey is made of patinated and aged blackened brass. The toothpick holders are made of glass. This charming piece is an eyecatcher for every kitchen or dining table. About Walter Bosse and Hertha Baller: Walter Bosse (November 13, 1904–December 13, 1979) was a Viennese artist, designer, ceramist, potter, metalworker, and craftsman noted for his modernist bronze animal figurines...
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Rare Walter Bosse Brass Blackened "Lying Cat" from the 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
Rare Walter Bosse Brass Blackened "Lying Cat" From The 1950s, can be used as a holder (candle)
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Walter Bosse Brass Monkey Figurine Pretzel Holder, Ring Holder
Located in Wien, AT
Walter Bosse brass monkey figurine pretzel holder, ring holder Austrian brass monkey figurine, usually made to be used as a pretzel holder, a decorativ...
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Walter Bosse Shoehorn Shows a Cat, circa 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Walter Bosse shoehorn shows a cat, circa 1950s Original condition.
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Walter Bosse Wiener Dog Brass Figurine with Lantern Thermometer, Baller, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming Austrian Mid-Century desk thermometer, consisting of a nice wiener dog / sausage dog figurine made of brass and a lantern-shaped thermometer. A v...
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Small Walter Bosse Bear Figurine, Vienna, circa 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Small Walter Bosse bear figurine, Vienna, circa 1950s Original condition.
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Walter Bosse Cow Candleholder, Hertha Baller, Blackened Brass, 1960
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A candleholder in the form of a cow by Walter Bosse and manufactured by Hertha Baller, Austria, Vienna, in midcentury, circa 1960 (late 1950s or early 1960s). The candleholder is made of blackened and polished brass. It can be used for small ball shaped candles. This piece is an eyecatchers in every room. About Walter Bosse and Hertha Baller: Walter Bosse (November 13, 1904-December 13, 1979) was a Viennese artist, designer, ceramist, potter, metalworker, and craftsman noted for his modernist bronze animal...
Category

1960s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Hedgehog Sculpture by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller
Located in Vienna, AT
Hedgehog by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller.
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Walter Bosse Brass Cat Figurine Pretzel Holder, Ring Holder
Located in Wien, AT
Austrian brass cat figurine, usually made to be used as a pretzel holder, a decorative piece, very suitable as a ring holder.
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Walter Bosse Brass Cat Figurine Jewelry Ring Holder, Herta Baller Austria, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming Austrian brass cat figurine originally made to be used as a pretzel holder, a decorative piece, very suitable as a ring holder. A very hu...
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Walter Bosse Shoehorn Shows a Cat, circa 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Walter Bosse shoehorn shows a cat, circa 1950s Original condition.
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Walter Bosse Elephants Brass Key Hanger by Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming and rare key holder, displaying five elephants in different sizes. A very humorous design by Walter Bosse, executed by Herta Baller, Austria, in the 1950s. Also suitable as a towel holder or for dish towels...
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Walter Bosse Midcentury Baby Giraffe Brass Figurine, Herta Baller, Austria
Located in Vienna, AT
A lovely baby giraffe sculpture made of brass from the 1950s. Designed by Walter Bosse, executed by Herta Baller, Austria. In very good condition with mar...
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Small Penguin by Walter Bosse, Around 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Small penguin by Walter bosse, around 1950s Marked Austria on Bottom Original condition.  
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Cat Figurine with Shovel and Rake by Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
Brass figurine blackened with a shovel and rake. Designed in the 1950s by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller Austria. Excellent original condition.
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Walter Bosse Brass Key Hanger Donkey, Dog, Cat and Cock, Herta Baller, Austria
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming and rare key holder, displaying a donkey, a dog, a cat and a cock. Together they are the "town musicians of Bremen", from a fairy tale by the Grimm brothers. A very humoro...
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Walter Bosse Elephants Brass Key Hanger by Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming and rare key holder, displaying five elephants in different sizes. A very humorous design by Walter Bosse, executed by Hertha Baller, Austria, in the 1950s. Also suitable as a towel holder or for dish towels...
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Bull Head Figurine by Walter Bosse Vienna Around 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Bull head figurine by Walter Bosse vienna around 1950s Original condition.
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Walter Bosse Salt Pepper Donkey Set, Black Brass Teak Wood, Hertha Baller, 1950
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A salt and pepper shaker donkey set designed by Walter Bosse and manufactured by Hertha Baller, Austria, Vienna, in midcentury in 1950s. The donkey is made of blackened brass. The shakers are made of teak wood. This charming piece is an eyecatcher for every kitchen or dining table. About Walter Bosse and Hertha Baller: Walter Bosse (November 13, 1904–December 13, 1979) was a Viennese artist, designer, ceramist, potter, metalworker, and craftsman noted for his modernist bronze animal figurines...
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Walter Bosse Elephants Brass Key Hanger by Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming and rare key holder, displaying an elephant family. A very humorous design by Walter Bosse, executed by Hertha Baller, Austria, in the 1950s. Also suitable as a towel holder or for dish...
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Herta Baller Capricorn Mid-Century Brass Bottle Opener, Vienna, Austria, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
A nice Mid-Century bottle opener featuring a Capricorn zodiac figurine from the 1950s, crafted from solid brass. Designed by Hertha Baller in Austria and marked accordingly. In very...
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Walter Bosse Cow Brass Figurine Pen Holder, Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
A very charming Austrian midcentury pen or pencil holder sculpture, displaying a cow. A very humorous design by Walter Bosse executed by Hertha Baller Austria in the 1950s. Made of b...
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Walter Bosse Brass Dinner Bell Displaying a Cat by Herta Baller, Austria, 1950
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming midcentury table bell displaying a cat. A very humorous design by Walter Bosse, executed by Herta Baller Austria in the 1950s. Made of brass, in very good condition.
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Cat Figurine by Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, AT
Cat figurine by Walter Bosse Original condition.
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Mid-century Modern animal sculptures for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Mid-Century Modern animal 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 animal sculptures created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Mid-Century Modern animal sculptures made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and North America pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original animal sculptures, popular names associated with this style include Walter Bosse, Herta Baller, Sergio Bustamante, and Abercrombie & Fitch. 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 animal sculptures differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $34 and tops out at $295,000 while the average work can sell for $877.

Recently Viewed

View All