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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.

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Style: Mid-Century Modern
Creator: Walter Bosse
Walter Bosse Mid-Century Horse Brass Figurine, Hertha Baller, Austria, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
A lovely horse foal sculpture made of brass from the 1950s. Designed by Walter Bosse, executed by Hertha Baller. In very good condition with charming patina. We offer more Walter Bos...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Bear Figurine Sculpture in Brass by Walter Bosse, 1950's
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Bear Figurine Sculpture / coat hanger in Brass by Walter Bosse, 1950's Additional Information: Material: Brass Style: Mid century, Europe Produced by Hertha Baller in Austria Dimens...
Category

20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Brass

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 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

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 Midcentury Fish Sculpture Brass Ashtray, Austria, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming Austrian midcentury brass ashtray from the 1950s, displaying a fish. A humorous design by Walter Bosse for Werkstätte Hagenauer V...
Category

Mid-20th Century 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

Mid Century Modern Vintage Brass Key Hanger by Walter Bosse Herta Baller 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
Very nice Key Hanger designed by Walter Bosse and executed by Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s. The motif signs the figures of the "Town Musicians of Bremen" a donkey, a dog, a cat and ...
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Metal

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

Walter Bosse Set of 6 Hedgehog Sculptures for Hertha Baller, Ashtray, c. 1950s
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
Transform your space with a touch of mid-century elegance! This 6-Piece patinated and partially polished brass or bronze stacking hedgehog ashtray set is a true vintage gem designed ...
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Brass, Bronze

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

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

Miniature Owl Figurine by Walter Bosse, circa 1950s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic mid-century 1950s Vienna bronze figurine by Walter Bosse. This gorgeous small miniature creature with big personality designed by Walter Bosse, an expert craftsman from the golden age of Vienna bronzes is a real beauty. He designed his “black/gold” series of bronze figurines to make “as many people as possible happy.” Excellent example of a Walter Bosse brass figurine...
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Bosse Baller Cat Bronze Corkscrew 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

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

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

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

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

Miniature Fish Figurine by Walter Bosse, circa 1950s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic midcentury 1950s Vienna bronze figurine by Walter Bosse. This gorgeous small miniature creature with big personality designed by Walter Bosse, an expert craftsman from the golden age of Vienna bronzes is a real beauty. He designed his “black/gold” series of bronze figurines to make “as many people as possible happy.” Excellent example of a Walter Bosse brass figurine...
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Bronze, 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

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

Cow Sculpture Brass Key Hanger Design by Walter Bosse, Hertha Balle Austria 50s
Located in Lucija, SI
Very Special and Rare Key Holder, displaying a funny looking cow. Very large. This is a original piece, not a reproduction. Designed by Walter Bosse, manufactured by Hertha Baller...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Sculpture by Walter Bosse, Ashtray in Brass, Austria circa 1960, Old Patina
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
This ashtray is a sculpture from walter bosse, it is in Bronze with a green and gold patina. it has been done circa 1950 in Wien.
Category

1960s Austrian Vintage 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

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

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

Cute Cow Figurine with Thermometer Walter Bosse, Vienna Austria 1960s MidCentury
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1960s Austrian figurine, designed by Walter Bosse. Nice addition to your room, on your desk top or just for your collection of Austrian midcentury items. Charming, big and solid this cow figurine...
Category

1960s 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

Blackened Brass Bear Candleholder/Figurine by Walter Bosse and Herta Baller
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Viennese bear figurine designed by Walter Bosse and Herta Baller as part of “Black Golden Line" (Austria, ca. 1950). Composed of solid brass patinated in a black finish,...
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

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

Miniature Cat Figurine by Walter Bosse, circa 1950s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic mid-century 1950s Vienna bronze figurine by Walter Bosse. Found at an estate sale in Vienna, Austria.
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Miniature Elephant Figurine by Walter Bosse, circa 1950s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic mid-century 1950s Vienna bronze figurine by Walter Bosse. Marked Austria. Found at an estate sale in Vienna, Austria.
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

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

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

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

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

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 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

Elephant Figurine with Thermometer Walter Bosse, Vienna Austria 1960s Midcentury
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1960s Austrian figurine, designed by Walter Bosse. Nice addition to your room, on your desk top or just for your collection of Austrian midcentury items. Charming, big ...
Category

1960s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Elephant Figurine with Thermometer Walter Bosse, Vienna Austria 1960s Midcentury
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1960s Austrian figurine, designed by Walter Bosse. Nice addition to your room, on your desk top or just for your collection of Austrian midcentury items. Charming, big ...
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 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 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

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

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

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

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

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 Midcentury Cow Brass Figurine, Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
A little cow sculpture made of brass from the 1950s. Designed by Walter Bosse, executed by Hertha Baller. In good condition with charming patina on the brass.
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian 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

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.

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