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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
Dorothy Thorpe Resin Pekingese Dog Sculpture
Located in Westport, CT
Dorothy Thorpe resin Pekingese dog transparent molded sculpture. With original paper label.
Category

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

Materials

Resin

Art Deco “Horse”, silver-plated metal and marble, Boris Lovet-Lorski
Located in Valladolid, ES
One of a kind sculpture by renowned artist Boris Lovet-Lorski, depicting a majestic horse in a completely stylized pose, with elongated shapes and gentle curves. The legs are simple...
Category

1970s North American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Marble, Metal, Silver Plate

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

Stunning Pair of Tall Leather Elephants Probably Retailed by Liberty & Co London
Located in Petworth,West Sussex, GB
A stunning pair of large (130cm H) 20th century leather elephant sculptures in lovely worn condition. Very sought after item. 1970s. Probably retailed by Liberty & Co of London. Superb quality! The dimensions are: height: 130cm (51.2in) width: 114cm (44.9in) depth: 44cm (17.3in) This pair of leather sculpture elephants probably retailed by Liberty & co are in good antique condition throughout with some signs of age and remain in good, clean condition. Overall, a good example. Great quality! Our workshops inspects, repairs, and restores all our items, so you can have full confidence that what you buy from us is ready for your home! I'm Anthony from Anthony Short...
Category

Late 20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Leather

Vintage Wooden Carved Elephant Sculpture Stand
Located in Seattle, WA
Antique Style Elephant Carving. Wear and Cracking Consistent With Age. Could be Used as Plant Stand. Dimensions. 9 W ; 7 D ; 11 H
Category

1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Vintage Asian Patinated Foo Dogs - a Pair
Located in west palm beach, FL
Elevate your décor with a touch of exotic elegance and American sophistication. This pair of vintage Asian patinated Foo Dogs exudes timeless charm, blending Eastern mystique with We...
Category

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

Materials

Metal

20th century Viennese bronze cat pincushion
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
20th Century Viennese bronze cat pincushion Pincushion showing a cat with bristly hair Viennese bronze with red velvet, figure of the Ea...
Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

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

Cenedese Murano glass tricolor circa 1950 cock.
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible Cenedese Murano glass tricolor circa 1950 cock.
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Murano Glass

Handmade leather dog/Boxer by DERU, Germany 1960s.
By Deru
Located in Köln, NW
Handmade leather dog / Boxer by DERU, Germany 1960s. These small leather animals are folded from a thicker piece of brown leather and riveted . Stamped Deru. Origami technique. The m...
Category

1960s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Leather

Antonio da Ros Murano glass bicolor with silver circa 1950 cock.
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible Antonio da Ros Murano glass bicolor circa 1950 cock.
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Murano Glass

Plexiglass Birds Hivo from Teal 20th Century
Located in Oirlo, LI
Plexiglass birds Hivo from Teal 20th century A very special thing, birds in the water, Made of plexiglass Lucitie Acrille in America in the 80s A design Hivo from Teal. ...
Category

1980s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Plexiglass

Vintage Italian Rhino Bronze Sculpture 1970s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Vintage Italian Rhino Bronze Sculpture from the 1970s is a striking piece showcasing a rhino head entirely crafted in bronze. It is elegantly presented on a square travertine bas...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Travertine, Bronze

Italian Modern Statue of Cat in Red and White Terracotta by M. Moretto, 1980s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern Statue of cat in red and white terracotta by M. Moretto, 1980s Statue of cat lying down looking upwards, in withe soft pink and red painted terracotta. The cat's eyes...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Terracotta

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

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Murano Glass

C. Jere Sculpture of Cranes
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Large mid-century sculpture of walking cranes made by the C. Jere company. Great form and size. Please confirm location.
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Chrome

Handmade leather dog /Boxer by DERU, Germany 1960s.
By Deru
Located in Köln, NW
Handmade leather dog / Boxer by DERU, Germany 1960s. These small leather animals are folded from a thicker piece of brown leather and riveted . Stamped Deru. Origami technique. The m...
Category

1960s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Leather

Barbini Murano glass green, red and gold with bubbles circa 1950 large cock.
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible BARBINI sculpture in Murano glass green, red and gold with air bubbles and applied glass circa 1950. Unique piece.
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Murano Glass

Dino Martens Murano glass white, green and gold circa 1950 cock
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible Murano attributed to Dino Martens glass cock white, green and gold circa 1950, perfect conditions.
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Murano Glass

Unique Golden Goats Head Sculpture on Marble Base
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Stunning golden brass colored goats head sculpture mounted on a beautiful green marble base. This stunningly detailed sculpture would make a beautiful addition to any mantle or conso...
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Marble, Metal

Set of Two Murano Glass Sculptures by Seguso, Italy, 1960s
Located in Milan, IT
Marvelous pair of Murano glass fishes by Seguso.   
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Murano Glass

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

Pair of Ceramic fish, mid-century by Florence Monte Carlo
Located in Hamburg, DE
Introducing our delightful Pair of Ceramic Fish Figurines, a charming representation of mid-20th-century artistry from the enchanting city of Monaco, courtesy of Florence Monte Carlo...
Category

1960s Monacan Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Vintage wall wood mallard, Decoration. 1950's.
Located in Praha, CZ
Veneer glued to wood. Animal motive Rare Beautiful Decoration Original condition
Category

1950s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Terence Coventry (1938-2017) ‘Riders’ Bronze Sculpture
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A sculptural bronze of two figures on horseback – titled ‘Riders’ – first shown in 1989 by the late British sculptor, Terence Coventry (1938-2017). Coventry’s works were exhibited several times at Gallery Pangolin, including posthumously following selected exhibitions after the sculptor’s death. This bronze sculpture is one of these such pieces. The sculpture is pictured in a press release from Gallery Pangolin exhibiting Terence Coventry’s works from April 2019. Although unsigned by the artist, there is an accompanying Certificate of Authenticity from Gallery Pangolin. It is a limited-edition piece, edition 5 of 7 similar made. Depicting two horse riders, this three-dimensional figural sculpture will make a fantastic display piece in an interior, ideally situated on a plinth so that it’s beauty can be observed from every angle. Price includes Artist’s Resale Rights (ARR) at 4%. Terence Coventry (1938-2017) Terence Coventry was a British figurative sculptor...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Metal, 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

Pair of cocks in glass bicolor circa 1970
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible pair of cocks in glass bicolor circa 1970.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Art Glass

Bird-Shaped Wood Sculpture By YG / C.1980
Located in Montréal, QC
Designer / Brand : Signed YG Design Period : 20th Century Material : Maple Wood Condition : Good original condition , vintage. Dimensions : Height 26 in / Width 17.5 in / Depth ...
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Maple

Glazed Stoneware Lying Bear Figurine, Knud Kyhn for Royal Copenhagen #20271
Located in Chorzów, PL
This expressive *Bears* statue, crafted in the 1950s by renowned Danish artist Knud Kyhn for Royal Copenhagen, is a striking example of mid-century Scandinavian stoneware. Made from ...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Stoneware

Boleslaw Danikowski High Enameled Ceramic Sculpture, France, 1950
Located in Mouscron, WHT
Boleslaw Danikowski ( 1928-1979) high enameled ceramic sculpture, France 1950. Boleslaw Danikowski was the first ceramist to work regularly with Robert Guillerme and Jacques Chamb...
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Italian Murano Glass Penguin
Located in Englewood, NJ
A whimsical Mid-Century Modern Italian blown art glass penguin sculpture attributed to Antonio da Ros, made for Cenedese decorated with heavy clear layer...
Category

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

Materials

Art Glass

Mid Century Modern Ceramic Lion Figurine in Brown
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A ceramic lioness figurine glazed in brown and cream. This mid-century statue will be a fabulous addition to a bookshelf or side table. Created from ce...
Category

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

Materials

Ceramic, Paint

Glazed Stoneware Bears Figurine, Knud Kyhn for Royal Copenhagen #20193
Located in Chorzów, PL
This expressive Bears statue, crafted in the 1950s by renowned Danish artist Knud Kyhn for Royal Copenhagen, is a striking example of mid-century Scandinavian stoneware. Made from gl...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Stoneware

Hivo Van Teal Acrylic Sculpture Signed by Artist
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Three fish sculpture made of Lucite by Hivo Van Teal. Signed and numbered. (Please confirm item location - NY or NJ - with dealer).       
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Lucite

Zoomorphic Sculpture, Accolay, France c. 1960
Located in St Ouen, FR
Large polychrome ceramic following the shape of a stylised bird. The cut-out volumes allow this elegant piece to be adapted into a lighting fixture. Perfect original condition. Ab...
Category

1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Vintage Flower Frog With Sculpture of Ducks.
Located in Seattle, WA
This Piece Features a Sculpture of 4 Ducks Walking ina Line. Bottom is Completely Sealed , Ready for Stems. Lime Green Color. Dimensions. 7 W ; 4 D ; 5 H
Category

1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Decorative Brass Fish Sculpture from the 20th Century
Located in Hamburg, DE
Rare brass fish sculpture from the 20th century. The special thing about the sculpture, it consists of two parts. The fish is put into the coral. A beautiful maritime decoration, which can actually be combined well with everything and by its small depth can be placed wonderfully on narrow shelves.
Category

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

Materials

Brass

American Modern Brass Animal Horn Sculpture, Curtis Jere
Located in Queens, NY
American Modern Brass Animal Horn Sculpture, Curtis Jere
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Brass

A Portuguese Ceramic Swan and a Chinese Ceramic Duck
Located in Lisboa, Lisboa
A Portuguese ceramic swan and a Chinese ceramic duck. The swan, larger and more imposing, has a sculpted body with delicate details on the feathers, emphasising its elegant appearanc...
Category

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

Materials

Pottery

Mid-Century Modern Set of 4 Elephants by Fratelli Mannelli, Italy, 1970s
Located in Brussels, BE
Set of 4 elephants by Fratelli Mannelli, Italy, 1970s.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Travertine

Vintage Italian Tall Red Blue Green White 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, whi...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Midcentury Gould Collection Llama Sculpture
Located in west palm beach, FL
Fantastic tall Midcentury llama sculpture. Beautiful metal construction in a chic slender design. Signed The Gould Collection on the bottom. Acquired from a Plm Beach estate
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Att: Hugo Lisberg, Striding Giraffe, Dutch Modernist Bronze Sculpture, ca. 1955
Located in New York, NY
ABOUT SCULPTURE An incredibly graceful depiction of an animal beloved by everyone in the interpretation of the famous Danish master of the last century, Hugo Liisberg attracts the v...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Mid-Century Modern Style Brass and Marble Seagull Sculpture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Gorgeous vintage modern sculpture features a heavy solid brass seagull sitting on top of a thick marble slab. The sturdy round marble base and...
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Marble, Brass

Peacock Table Lamp in Ceramic
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful peacock in ceramic from the 1960s with brass stem. European wiring
Category

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

Materials

Ceramic

Large French Brass Cockerel Rooster
Located in SAINTE-COLOMBE, FR
Large French brass cockerel rooster An impressive large French brass cockerel stands in a fighting pose with its wings out-stretched and tail held high. The piece shows great...
Category

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

Materials

Marble, Brass

Leather Monkey by Deru
By Deru
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A monkey handcrafted from a pinched and riveted piece of leather.
Category

1960s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Leather

Italian Set of Cristal Animal Sculptures
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
Italian Set of Cristal Animal Sculptures
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Crystal

Hungarian Grey, White and Blue Animal Sculpture, 1970s
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
Hungarian grey, white and blue animal sculpture 1970s.
Category

1970s Hungarian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

1980s Elephant Hide Textural Folds Stoneware Cylindrical Vase
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Highly Textural and provocative 80s stoneware vase, artist information remains unknown. Diameter of 5 by Height of 11 inches and weighs approx. 5 lbs.
Category

1980s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Stoneware

Mid-Century Antiqued Brass & Glass Owl Sculpture signed Curtis Jere
Located in New York, NY
This captivating Mid-Century Modernist owl sculpture, signed by the renowned design firm Curtis Jere, is a striking example of artistic innovation from the era. Crafted in America ar...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Sculpture 'Lost Territory' by Almar Arvidsson, Sweden, 1960s, Copper, Wood
Located in Stockholm, SE
Almar Arvidsson Sculpture 'Lost Territory' by Almar Arvidsson, Sweden, 1960s. Signed.
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Copper

S. Djalazov Tall Plaster Cats Sculpture Dated 1970, signed
By Djalazov
Located in Markington, GB
S. Djalazov tall plaster cats sculpture dated 1970.
Category

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

Materials

Plaster

Stunning Vintage Bassano Ceramic Bust Of A Rhinoceros * Free Delivery
Located in Portlaoise, IE
Stunning vintage Italian ceramic bust of a rhino. This charming and delightful sculpture is a real work of art and is extremely realistic. Made in Bassano Italy it boasts fabulous de...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Ceramic Vide-Poche on a Stand
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
A horse head in ceramic can be used as a vide poche on a metal stand.
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Metal

School of Fish Glass Sculpture Attributed to Livio Seguso, 1970s
Located in Brussels, BE
School of fish glass sculpture attributed to Livio Seguso, 1970s Italy New Wooden Base Base : 40x40cm fish 1 : 55h x 14 x 3 cm fish 2 : 59h x 20x 3...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Glass, Wood

Terracotta Fish Sculpture by Raymond De Meester, Belgium, 1940s
By Raymond De Meester De Betzenbroeck
Located in Brussels, BE
Terracotta fish sculpture by Raymond de Meester - Belgium, 1940s.
Category

1940s Belgian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Terracotta

Monkey Sculpture by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s, Glazed Stoneware
Located in Stockholm, SE
Stoneware. Signed. H: 15.5 cm / 6'' W: 19 cm / 7 1/2'' D: 13.5 cm / 5 1/4''
Category

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

Materials

Stoneware

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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