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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 celebrated manufacturer Knoll, a chief influencer in the rise of modern design in the United States, thanks to the work of Florence Knoll, the pioneering architect and designer who made the firm a leader in its field. The seating that Knoll created for office spaces — as well as pieces designed by Florence initially for commercial clients — soon became desirable for the home.

As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century furniture designers caught the spirit.

Classically oriented creators such as Edward Wormley, house designer for Dunbar Inc., offered such pieces as the sinuous Listen to Me chaise; the British expatriate T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings switched gears, creating items such as the tiered, biomorphic Mesa table. There were Young Turks such as Paul McCobb, who designed holistic groups of sleek, blond wood furniture, and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in minimalist teak dining tables and lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.

Generations turn over, and mid-century modern remains arguably the most popular style going. As the collection of vintage mid-century modern chairs, dressers, coffee tables and other furniture for the living room, dining room, bedroom and elsewhere on 1stDibs demonstrates, this period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.

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Style: Mid-Century Modern
Large Mid-Century Terracotta Panda Bear
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Glazed terracotta Panda Bear sculpture or figure. This beautiful Panda Bear is in excellent condition and dates back to the 1960s. Cute whimsy with beach ba...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Terracotta

Vintage Italian Tall Red Blue Green Glass Crested Bird Sculpture
Located in New York, NY
This very expressive crested crane art glass sculpture, from the 1970s, is a true jewel-like work of art, in sophisticated blown Murano glass, with overlaid stripes decor in red, blu...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Modern Very Large Lucite Giraffe by Abraham Palatnik
Located in Doornspijk, NL
Very rare: a Palatnik animal figurine of half a meter high. This giraffe truly is a showpiece in any room. Almost new, it comes from the unpacked inventory of a store selling design ...
Category

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

Materials

Lucite

White Midcentury Porcelain Statue Of Love Ducks, Royal Dux Czechoslovakia
Located in Zohor, SK
Beautiful midcentury modern statue produced by Royal Dux, a porcelain producer company from Czechoslovakia. this statue was produced in 1960s and has remained in perfect condition wi...
Category

1960s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Porzellan Eichhörnchen von Prof. Th. Kärner für Rosenthal 1947.
Located in CADALSO, ES
THis item are in absolutly perfect condition with great colors. A Masterpiece from Prof. Th. Krämer for Rosenthal.
Category

1940s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Abstract Hand-Carved Fish / Whale Sculpture in Solid Teak, USA, c. 1960's
Located in Deland, FL
Introducing a truly one of a kind hand-carved sculpture resembling a fish or a whale. Ideal for the fisherman or fisherwoman in your life this thought-provoking piece is hand carved...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Teak

Pair of Carved Wood Lions from Minas Gerais
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Rare and remarkable pair of mid century lions in repose hand carved, in a stylized modern form, from the Cammatillo tree or Kingwood grown in the Minas Gerais region of Brazil.
Category

Late 20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Kingwood

Vintage Italian Glazed Ceramic Lion
Located in west palm beach, FL
Make a bold statement with this striking vintage Italian glazed ceramic lion—an exquisite decorative sculpture that blends artisan craftsmanship with timeless character. Handcrafted ...
Category

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

Materials

Ceramic

Spanish, 1850s Fair Carousel Wooden Dog
Located in Marbella, ES
Spanish, vintage hand painted wooden dog with stuck out tongue, from an old fair ground Carousel.
Category

Mid-19th Century Spanish Antique Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Set of 3 Midcentury Lucite Fish Designed by Brazilian Artist Abraham Palatnik
Located in Doornspijk, NL
This gracefully white adult mother fish guards her two black young ones with her life. The white fish measurements are 8,5 cm in height, 27,5 cm in length and 3 cm in depth. The bl...
Category

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

Materials

Lucite

Mid-Century Seagulls Sculpture Mounted on Onyx by Bijan Bahar
Located in Chicago, IL
This lovely mid-century sculpture done by Bijan Bahar features 5 seagulls that appear to be flying wing to wing. It is a tall and fine example of the types of sculptures that earne...
Category

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

Materials

Stone, Metal

OGGETTI MURANO HAND-CRAFTED Glass Aquatic Sculptures
Located in Hawthorne, CA
Pair of OGGETTI Italian Hand-Painted Glass Tropical Fish Sculptures, c. 1960 An elegant tribute to the art of Italian glassmaking, this pair of...
Category

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

Materials

Blown Glass

Handmade Solid wood Yoga Cat Sculpture.
Located in Seattle, WA
Hand-Carved Solid wood Cat in Yoga pose. Has intricate details as pictured. Dimensions. 3”W ; 2”D ; 4”H
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Seal Sculpture in Bronze
Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Seal sculpture in bronze, circa 20th century Origin France illegible signature signed in the bronze back perfect condition with natural wear.
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Vintage 1980s Carved Wooden Cockatoo
Located in west palm beach, FL
Bring a touch of exotic elegance to your decor with our Vintage 1980s Carved Wooden Cockatoo. Handcrafted with intricate detail and timeless charm, this majestic piece captures the s...
Category

Late 20th Century Philippine Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Mid-Century Modern Metal Parrot Form Sculpture
Located in Palm Beach, FL
As if it where a three dimensional drawing, this whimsical Mid-Century deconstructed iron bird sculpture will grab plenty of attention.   
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Vintage Mid Century Modern style Animal Sculpture
Located in Seattle, WA
Vintage Condition Consistent with Age as Pictured. Dimension. 5.25” W ; 6” D ; 3.50”H
Category

1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Resin

Large Carved Sculptural Sea Lion or Seal in Elmwood Balancing a Brass Ball
Located in St. Louis, MO
Straight out of an interior from the exuberance, glam and high style days of 1970s. This large scale vintage English sculpture of a sea lion or seal is carved out of elmwood, balanci...
Category

1970s English Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Elm

Aluminum and Lucite Trio of Sharks Sculpture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This unique sculpture is composed of three cast-aluminum sharks (representative of a family of sharks given the size disparity between the three) displa...
Category

1970s North American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Steel, Aluminum

Murano Black and White Glass Sculptures, 1980
Located in Rome, IT
Superb pair of Murano glass sculptures representing two beautiful zebras, unmistakable Murano design. Enchanting to the eye, they require a beautiful illuminated display case. The t...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Art Glass, Blown Glass

Large Metal Elephant Wall Sculpture
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Bold one of a kind elephant wall sculpture hand crafted in metals with a stylized assemblage form decorated with paint in eccentric colorful floral designs.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Glazed Terra Cotta Prancing Horse
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Terra cotta horse sculpture or object of art decorated in holiday attire under glaze. Signed made in Italy on the bottom.
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Terracotta

Barbini Murano glass multicolor with gold circa 1950 cock.
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible Barbini Murano glass multicolor with bubbles and gold circa 1950 cock.
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Murano Glass

Bronze Sculpture by Biagio Romeo Metamorphosis of Fish, 1987
Located in Milano, IT
Eccentric sculpture by the master Biagio Romeo, depicting a metamorphosis of fish fossils. Made of bronze with black painted wooden base. The peculiarity ...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Mid-Century Modern Handmade White & Gold Finish Plaster Giraffe Animal Sculpture
Located in Miami, FL
Resting Giraffe in Plaster with white Finish and gilt Ossicones (Horn like tusks), stunning Animal Sculpture. Handmade in the 1980 and origin is America. This is a beautiful piece of...
Category

1980s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Gesso, Plaster, Paint

Archimede Seguso 'rubino' Murano glass with bubbles and gold 1950 cock.
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible Archimede Seguso "rubino" Murano glass with gold and air bubbles inside the glass circa 1950.
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Murano Glass

Vintage Large Pink and Blue Murano Glass Swordfish Ascribable to Seguso, Italy
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Murano, Italy, 1960s. It is made in Murano glass and it is ascribable to Archimede Seguso for its colors. This piece is vintage, therefore it might show slight traces of use, but it can be considered as in excellent original condition and ready to become a piece in a home. Literature: "L'Arca di vetro - La collezione di animali di Pierre Rosenberg...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Murano Glass

20th Century Large Wooden Painted Sculpture Figure of a Chameleon
Located in Germantown, MD
20th Century Wooden Painted Sculpture Figure of a Chameleon. Measurements: Larger 52" in width, 10" in depth , 6" in height.
Category

20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Hardwood

Vintage Coppered Ceramic Roe Deer Decorative Figurine, Italy
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1930s - 1940s. This roe deer is made in coppered ceramic. This is a vintage piece, therefore it might show slight traces of use, but it can be considered as in excell...
Category

1930s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Big Midcentury Design Wall Wood Decoration/Lovers, 1960s, Czechoslovakia
Located in Praha, CZ
- Around 1960s. - perfect original condition with patina jr.
Category

1960s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Wood

1930's American Folk Art Wooden Bulldog Sculpture
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
1930's American Folk Art Wooden Bulldog Sculpture. This is a wonderful Primitive Folk Art bull bog. A close look at the simplicity of design and constru...
Category

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

Materials

Wood

Mid-century ceramic lying bull, Petucco and Tolio, Nove Italy 1960s
Located in Firenze, IT
Mid-century ceramic lying bull Ceramic art workshop Giovanni Petucco and Antonio Tolio, Nove Italy 1960s H 14.5 - 24 cm diam. Conditions: excellent, no defects
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Archimede Seguso Murano glass 'rubino oro' 1950 cock.
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible Archimede Seguso Murano glass 'rubino oro' circa 1950 cock.
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Murano Glass

Bruno Gambone Stoneware Horse Set of 2
Located in Munich, DE
Cream white glazed ceramic horses made by Bruno Gambone in the 1970s, signed Gambone on the bottom. Wonderful set in excellent condition. Only two available, the one in the middle on...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Stoneware

English 1930s Painted Lead Animal Sculpture Depicting a Squirrel Eating a Nut
Located in Atlanta, GA
An English painted lead animal sculpture of a squirrel from the first half of the 20th century. This sculpture features a sweet squirrel with a ni...
Category

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

Materials

Lead

Unknown Craftsman Large Brutalist Welded Metal Art Horse Sculpture
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Beautiful and fragile horse figure. Very narrow stance as designed so place on stabile shelf! We decided to present in as found condition, if it turns out to be an important sculptor...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Murano glass tricolor Marlin fish vase circa 1950.
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible Murano glass tricolor fish vase circa 1950. Perfect.
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Murano Glass

1960 Doe Porcelain Statue, Czechoslovakia
Located in Praha, CZ
Original undamaged condition.
Category

1960s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Lucite Panda Designed by Abraham Palatnik
Located in Doornspijk, NL
Charming panda made by Abraham Palatnik. The Brazilian artist Abraham Palatnik (1928) was the founder of the technological movement in Brazilian art, and a pioneer in making kinet...
Category

1970s Brazilian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Lucite

Aries Mid-Century Modern Sculpture by Kaija Aarikka Made in Finland
Located in Weesp, NL
The Aries/ram figurine, designed by Kaija Aarikka, is a Finnish Mid-Century Modern classic that symbolises perseverance and determination. The Pine Pohjan...
Category

1960s Finnish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Pine

Cat Plaster Sculpture Signed J Nam, Pseudonym Of Jacques Lehmann (1881-1974)
Located in Brussels, BE
Cat Plaster Sculpture Signed J Nam, Pseudonym Of Jacques Lehmann (1881-1974) - Paris
Category

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Plaster

Midcentury Ruscha Large Bull, West Germany
Located in Pymble, NSW
A rare 1960s Ruscha large bull with the 'Vulkano' glaze, unmarked, West Germany. The glaze was devised by Otto Gerharz in 1959. A very appealing and tactile...
Category

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

Materials

Ceramic

Midcentury Wall Decoration Sgrafo Modern, Heron, Bird, Teak and Porcelain, 1960s
Located in Praha, CZ
- around 1960s - nice wall decoration - marked rj.
Category

1960s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain, Teak

Vintage Murano glass Italy, presse papier Owl, circa 1960-1970
Located in Bilzen, BE
A vintage Murano glass owl sculpture presse papier, circa 1960-70 Excellent condition, Size: Height 13.5 cm
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Art Glass

Carved Wood Lion Sculpture in the Manner of Evelyn Ackerman
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A beautiful 1970’s carved wood lion sculpture in the manner of Evelyn Ackerman. It’s not marked. But beautifully carved, possibly pine. Measurements: 26” wide, 7” deep and 10.5” high.
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Pine

Mid Century Italian Glazed Ceramic Horse Bust
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This ceramic bust captures the vitality and spirit of the horse in motion, its sculptural form echoing the elegance of classical equestrian art. Elegantly crafted in Italy during the...
Category

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

Materials

Ceramic

1974 Studio Stoneware "Birds" Sculpture Signed Pollack
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Impressive stoneware sculpture in matte sepia with pops of blue and green. Interesting form, with bird motifs incorporating cut outs and open exposures as compositional constructs. ...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Stoneware

Albarelli Murano glass multicolor with bubbles circa 1950 cock.
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible ALBARELLI Murano glass multicolor circa 1950 cock.
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Murano Glass

Large Elephant by Vicke Lindstrand for Upsala-Ekeby, Sweden, 1940s
Located in Knivsta, SE
Large Elephant by Vicke Lindstrand for Upsala-Ekeby, Sweden, 1940s Elegant and expressive ceramic elephant designed by Vicke Lindstrand (1904–1983) for the Swedish ceramics company...
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Earthenware

Elephant Family by Vicke Lindstrand for Upsala-Ekeby, Sweden, 1940s
Located in Knivsta, SE
Elephant Family by Vicke Lindstrand for Upsala-Ekeby, Sweden, 1940s Charming elephant family consisting of two larger and one smaller figure, designed by renowned Swedish artist Vi...
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Earthenware

Italian Terra Cotta Rhinoceros
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Mid century rhinoceros sculpture crafted in terra cotta with a white crackle glaze.
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Large Mid-Century Aluminum Lidded Rhinoceros Sculpture
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Striking mid-century sculpture of a Rhinoceros cast in aluminum with its iconic profile and lidded storage compartment.
Category

Late 20th Century Taiwanese Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Aluminum

Leather Hippo by Deru
By Deru
Located in Chicago, IL
Leather Hippo by Deru, A Hippo handcrafted from a pinched and riveted piece of leather. Stamped Deru Germany.
Category

1960s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Leather

Zebra Head Sculpture by Sergio Bustamante
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A wonderfully expressive life-sized unique sculpture of a zebra's head, rendered in copper and brass.
Category

1960s Mexican Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Brass, Copper

Italian Aldo Tura Timber Desk Lamp with Pen Holder, 1950s
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
Beautiful Italian Aldo Tura dark timber desk lamp with pen holder 1950s. Fully functional.
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Midcentury Design Wall Wood Decoration / Lovers, 1960s, Czechoslovakia
Located in Praha, CZ
- circa 1960s - percect original condition jr
Category

1960s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Pair of Cenedese Scavo Glass and Bronze Bird Sculptures
Located in Miami, FL
A rare pair of guinea hens in glass with the scavo technique. This technique was created by Alfredo Barbini and Cenedese in Italy, 1950s. The technique is a mixture of several powders dispersed on the glass service and then heated to 800 degrees Celsius. This creates color and texture to the glass. These beautiful birds sit on top of cast bronze legs. We have never seen another set of birds...
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Curtis Jere Tall Gazelle Horns Sculpture on Half Sphere Shape Marble Base
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern sculpture of gazelle horns by Curtis Jere.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Metal

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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