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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
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

Chinese Wicker Puppy Box
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Mid century Chinese puppy box from the Shanghai collection ambitiously crafted in bamboo wicker with carved wood feet and tail.
Category

20th Century Chinese Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Wicker

Pair of Mexican Brass Parrot Sculpture / Catch All
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Pair of Mexican brass and abalone shell decorative parrot sculptures attributed to Los Castillo / Emilia Castillo. Large parrot is 30” long, 9” wide a...
Category

1960s Mexican Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Brass, Copper

Midcentury Design Wall Wood Decoration/Woman, 1960s, Czechoslovakia
Located in Praha, CZ
- Around 1960s. - Percect original condition.
Category

1960s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Brutalist Wood, Brass and Metal Bird Sculpture, Italy 1970s
Located in Naples, IT
Unique handcrafted Brutalist Sculpture in brass, metal and wood, with hints of copper color, natural patina, aged vintage piece.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Metal, Brass

Pair of Glass Bookends in the Style of Lalique
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A wonderful pair of frosted Horse Head sculpture bookends. The pair could be used as decorative pieces but also are perfect for bookends, especially in a Childs room. They are molded...
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Art Glass

Mid-Century Modern Pair of Extra Large Herons in Lucite Made by Abraham Palatnik
Located in Doornspijk, NL
Pair of big herons designed and made by Abraham Palatnik. The indicated diameter below applies to the base of the statuette. The Brazilian artist Abr...
Category

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

Materials

Lucite

Rare Tommaso Barbi " COBRA " Sleek Black Glazed Ceramic Lamp, 1970
Located in Vis, NL
Rare Tommaso Barbi sleek black glazed ceramic majestic table lamp. New wide black lamp shade with gold interior. Fully functioning lamp. Minor sign of wear. No structural d...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Bernard Rancillac Elephant Chair Prototype 1960s
Located in Dallas, TX
This example is not one of the chairs produced as part of the limited edition series of 100 in the 1980's. This example is one of the original prototype and is embossed with the Ranc...
Category

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

Materials

Steel

Bruno Gambone abstract crocodile sculpture Italy 1975
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
This ceramic decorative abstract crocodile sculpture, crafted by the renowned Italian artist Bruno Gambone in 1975, is a striking representation from his highly collected animal seri...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Rimini Blue Cat Made of Ceramics by Aldo Londi, 1960
Located in Oirlo, LI
Rimini Blue cat made of ceramics by Aldo Londi,1960 This is a rare model, the cat is handmade. Has no chips or damage. It is a nice piece made ...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Mid-Century Iron Sculpture Depicting Two Stylized Figures Design Italy 1950
Located in Palermo, IT
Certainly very interesting this sculpture of unknown design. In metal depicting two stylized figures. Very curious, rare and recommended piece. Please watch the video and photos care...
Category

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

Materials

Metal

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

Pair of Vintage Bronze Black Patina Elephant Lamps
Located in London, GB
Pair of late 20th century bronze black patina elephant lamps, Vietnam.
Category

Late 20th Century Vietnamese Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Set of Three Hand Blown Murano Glass Birds Paperweights
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage Murano art glass hand blown sculpture birds paperweights. Beautiful Modern hand blown glass birds. The body of bubbles Italian art glass dec...
Category

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

Materials

Art Glass

Murano, Italy, Collection of Six Miniature Glass Figurines of Animals
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Murano, Italy. A collection of six miniature glass figurines of animals (duck, bird, seal etc.) in colored art glass. 1960s/70s. Largest (sausage dog) measuring: L 9,5 cm. x H 2,...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Art Glass

Massive Handled Jug / Vase by Aldo Londo for Bitossi Raymor
Located in San Diego, CA
Super rare MCM ceramiche / pottery handled jug / vase by Aldo Londi for Bitossi Raymor, circa 1960s. The piece is in very good vintage condition with a great color, texture and intri...
Category

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

Materials

Ceramic

1950 Metal deer sculpture, Czechoslovakia
Located in Praha, CZ
- production Slevárna Přerovské strojírny Přerov Czechoslovakia - good original condition
Category

1950s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Royal Copenhagen dog ceramic sculpture
Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Royal Copenhagen dog ceramic sculpture Origin Denmark Circa 1960 excellent general condition with some wear on one of its front legs Dog sculpture possibly of the Airedale Terrier br...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Mid-Century Modern Large Horse Head by Brazilian artist Abraham Palatnik
Located in Doornspijk, NL
Large horse head made by Abraham Palatnik. The Brazilian artist Palatnik (1928) was the founder of the technological movement in Brazilian art and...
Category

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

Materials

Lucite

Pair of Mid-Century Steuben Glass Geese
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of American Mid-Century Steuben clear glass small figures of a goose looking forward (Similar: LNL015A)
Category

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

Materials

Glass

California Studio Mid Century Glazed Stoneware Bird Sculpture by Robert Maxwell
Located in San Jose, CA
Vintage ceramic pottery stoneware zoo bird sculpture designed by Robert Maxwell circa 1960's in Venice, California. This slip-cast studio piece is reminiscent of a "toucan resting on...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Murano Art Glass Dolphin Sculpture
Located in Munich, DE
Very huge Murano glass dolphin sculpture, Italy 1970.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Murano Glass

Mid-Century Modern Italian Dolphin Sculpture in Green Black Murano Glass, 1960s
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
Murano smoked glass dolphin table sculpture, unique addition to any home or office decor. Murano glass fish sculptures are known for their vibrant ...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Murano Glass

Hippo Decor by Gordon and Jane Martz
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Spectacular hippo sculpture designed by Gordon and Jane Martz for Marshall Studios USA, c. 1955 glazed stoneware with sgraffito. Absolutely wonderful decorative piece. In great condi...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Mid-Century Ceramic Sculpture, 1960's
Located in Praha, CZ
- made in Czechoslovakia - made of ceramic - good, original condition.
Category

1960s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Brazilian Modern Sculpture of a Horse in Resin, Abraham Palatinik, 1960s
Located in New York, NY
Available today, this Brazilian Modern Kinetic Sculpture of a Heron in Resin by Abraham Palatinik made in the 1960s is gorgeous! This is part of the Artemis collection that featur...
Category

1960s Brazilian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Resin

1960s Patinated Bronze Table Sculpture Flying Birds on Pond Signed by Bijan
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful small table sculpture signed by Bijan , circa 1960s patinated bronze sitting on a raw marble rock.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Gunnar Nylund's 1960s Rörstrand Brutalistic Parrot Chamotte Sculpture, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
This bird is created by the prominent artist Gunnar Nylund during the 1960s. Manufactured by Rörstrand, the renowned ceramic company in Sweden, the sculpture carries with it the lega...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Stoneware, Ceramic

Italian Pottery Bull
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Designer: Unknown Importer: Unknown. Period or model: Mid-Century Modern. Specs: Pottery Condition: This Italian pottery bull is in excellent...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Pottery

Abstract Sculpture
Located in Rochester, NY
A striking metal sculpture of a fish. Iron with gold gilt decoration. Probably Asian.
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Metal, Iron

Malachite Vide Poche and Pair of Eggs
Located in Albano Laziale, Rome/Lazio
A set consisting of one natural solid vide poche (10x7x3 cm) of malachite with an organic shape as well as a pair of eggs which are solid too. The measurements of the eggs are 5x3,5 cm.
Category

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

Materials

Malachite

Italian Ceramic Boston Terrier and Panda
Located in Hanover, MA
Delightful large-scale ceramic figures of a nearly life-size black and white glazed Boston Terrier and a Panda bear. Marked with numbers and Made in Italy. Attributed to Eugenio Patt...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

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

Late 20th Century Vintage Boho Hand Painted Carved Wood Swan
Located in west palm beach, FL
This striking vintage swan sculpture captures the essence of bohemian elegance with its hand-painted detailing and artistic finesse. Featuring a sleek black finish accented by bold g...
Category

Late 20th Century Philippine Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Gold

Pair of Portuguese Ceramic Lion Decorative Sculptures, 1970s
Located in Lisboa, PT
This pair of ceramic lions sculptures were produced in Portugal, during the 1970s. They are a decorative sculpture in ceramic, glazed and nice detailed. In original and good vintage ...
Category

1970s Portuguese Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Leather Vintage Decorative Fighting Bulls, Pair
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Pair of vintage leather wrapped fighting bulls in dark brown and black. Hand tooled leather wrapped Spanish bulls. Great decorative leather animals sculpture covered in thin and richly tanned leather, having inset glass eyes Wonderful aged patina to the leather. Vintage condition, some issues, see picture # 7. We provide rentals for stylists, photo shoot and props for movie sets. Made in Spain great collectible folk art animals. Circa 1950's 60's. Spanish Fighting Bull...
Category

20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Leather

Vintage Terrier Silvered Sculpture / Desk Paperweight. c1930´s
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Midcentury small silvered metallic sculpture of a dog, likely a terrier breed, standing on its hind legs with its front paws raised. The dog is detailed with fur texture and facial f...
Category

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

Materials

Marble, Metal

Gabriella Crespi Boar, Silvered Bronze, Glass, Signed
Located in New York, NY
Gabriella Crespi Boar, Silvered Bronze, Glass, Signed. Small scale realistic and magical silvered bronze sculpture, fitted with a hand-blown glass egg...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Set of Three Large Elephants in Lucite Made by Abraham Palatnik
Located in Doornspijk, NL
Three beautiful large Elephants. Two of them in black, white and grey, the third one is in blue black and turquoise Lucite. All signed C Pal made in Brazil. The Brazilian artist A...
Category

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

Materials

Lucite

Vintage Rhinoceros Head Sculpture in Fiberglass, circa 1970
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Vintage rhinoceros head sculpture in fiberglass, circa 1970.
Category

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

Materials

Fiberglass

Signed Van Teal Three Stylized Birds Lucite Table Sculpture Mid-Century Modern
Located in Miami, FL
Modern Hivo G. van Teal Lucite Table Sculpture modeled as three stylized birds. It is signed on the base and numbered 84/300. The Lucite Birds are 1.38 inches thick. The sculpture l...
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Lucite

Vintage Malachite Miniature Boxes
Located in Albano Laziale, Rome/Lazio
A set consisting of three handmade miniature boxes of malachite originating from Congo, Africa. Two boxes are hexagon and one is rectangular.
Category

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

Materials

Malachite

Vintage Italian Bronze Horse Sculpture
Located in London, GB
A stunning vintage Italian bronze horse sculpture, mounted on a marble base. This dates from around the 1970’s. It is of superb quality and is an impressive size. It has wonderful d...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Joseph Simon Sculpture for Søholm, 1970's
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Manufactured on the Danish island of Bornholm by Joseph Simon for Søholm Stentøj in the 1960s- 1970's.
Category

1970s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Vintage Acrylic and Teak Abstract Cat Sculpture by Robert D. Harvey
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Robert D. Harvey (b. 1927-2015 - Marshfield, MA, USA) abstract sculpture composed of cut acrylic / Lucite (both smoked and transparent) and sculpted walnut assembled to represent a c...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Acrylic, Lucite, Walnut, Pine

VeArt Vintage Murano Art Glass Vase by Mario Ticco 'Attr.'
Located in Berghuelen, DE
A nice Murano art glass vase manufactured by VeArt in 1983. An authentic Italian art glass most probably designed by Mario Ticco or Lino Tagliapietra. Clea...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Art Glass

Marilyn Neuhart Alexander Girard Doll from Textiles & Objects
Located in Atlanta, GA
Rare Hand Made Doll, by Marilyn Neuhart for Textiles & Objects, which was a "pop up shop" conceived by Alexander Girard and sponsored by Herman Miller in May of 1961. See the last tw...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Wool, Linen, Silk

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

Large Hogfish Sculpture by Todd Warner
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Whimsical two sided hogfish sculpture crafted in composition and wire with stylized form and sea inspired tropical colors by Todd Warner.
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Acrylic Fish Figure by Abraham Palatnik 1960s
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Acrylic Fish Figure by Abraham Palatnik from the 60s Acrylic figure by the Brazilian designer Abraham Palatnik, in this piece we can see the representatio...
Category

20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Acrylic

Judit Nádor for Zsolnay, Turtle in Glazed Ceramics
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Judit Nádor (1934-2016) for Zsolnay. Turtle in glazed ceramics. Beautiful eosin glaze. 1970s. Measures: 15 x 8 x 8 cm. In excellent condition. Stamped.
Category

1970s Hungarian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Pair of Crystal Stylized Penguin Sculptures by Val St. Lambert
Located in San Diego, CA
A pair of petite faceted clear crystal penguin sculptures by Val St. Lambert exclusively for the Danbury Mint, circa 1980s. The pair are in excellent cond...
Category

Late 20th Century Belgian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Crystal

Archimede Seguso italian bicolor 1950 Murano Glass pheasants pair.
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible pair of pheasants in Murano glass bicolor by ARCHIMEDE SEGUSO 1950. Unique pieces. Perfect.
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Murano Glass

1970s Brown Donkey Valet Caddy Style Manuel Felguerez Mexico
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Donkey 1970s after Manuel Felguerez Modernist Handmade brown Donkey Valet Mexico Metal painted adorable donkey valet with two rings for napkins or salt & pepper shakers! Ideal napkin holder kitchen...
Category

1970s Mexican Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Rare Art Glass Fish By Miloslav Janku For železnobrodské Sklo, 1970s
Located in Zohor, SK
This unique glass sculpture is designed by one of the most esteemed Czech glass designers- professor Miroslav Janku. Janku specialized in Hot-formed glass sculptures of animals and this part of his art work has become legendary. This unique statue...
Category

1970s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Art Glass

Mid Century Hand Blown Sommerso Murano Yellow Art Glass Bird w/ Tall Feather
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Stunning Mid-century hand-blown Murano art glass bird, an elegant piece that exudes artistry and sophistication. Standing at 14 1/4" tall, this bird features a graceful, elongated fe...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Art Glass

Mid-Century Modern Bronze Golden Swan Ring Table Sculpture by Dolbi Cashier 1984
Located in Miami, FL
We offer a heavy Mid-Century Modern golden bronze swan ring table sculpture by Dolbi Cashier, 1984. The ring is an ancient symbol, so perfect and simple. It has no beginning and has ...
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

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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