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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
Period: 1970s
Ronneby, Sweden, Blue Glass Fish, Art Glass, 1970s - FREE SHIPPING
Located in Bochum, NRW
Vintage Swedish Fish Animal Sculpture in Art Glass from FM Konstglas Ronneby Sweden. Excellent condition. Dimensions: 18x6x11cm Enter code FREESHIP at che...
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Art Glass

Three Decorative Elephant Sculpture Statues Brass Midcentury Modern German
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Three decorative elephant sculpture statues made of brass. Some wear with a nice patina, but this is old-age. Biggest made of brass and marked with label. The size given in the dimen...
Category

1970s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Mache Paper Roster, circa 1970
Located in Barcelona, ES
Mache Paper Roster. Manufactured in France, circa 1960. In original condition with minor wear consistent of age and use, preserving a beautiful patina. Materials: Mache paper, wo...
Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Wood, Paper

Huge Bruno Gambone Greige Stoneware Goat Sculpture
Located in Munich, DE
Cream white glazed ceramic standing lion made by Bruno Gambone in the 1970s, signed Gambone Italy on the bottom. Very rare to find in this huge goat version and in excellent condition.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Stoneware

1970s Carved Wood Pelican
Located in Vallejo, CA
A vintage carved wood pelican. Made of teak that has been carved smooth and mounted on a contrasting natural driftwood base. Nice simple minimalist...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Pair of Sculptural Modern Lucite Horns
Located in San Diego, CA
A pair of sculptural modern lucite horns, circa 1970s. The set is in good vintage condition and measures 11.5"W x 2.5"D x 13"H. Super cool decorative piece! #3570
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Lucite

Vintage Stoneware Racoon Sculpture by John Seymour
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Awesome ceramic racoon sculpture by John H Seymour. signed.
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Stoneware

Giraffe figurine made of travertine marble by Fratelli Mannelli
Located in Berlin, BE
Giraffe sculpture in genuine travertine from Rapolano (Tuscany) made by the renowned Italien designer Fratelli Mannelli in the 1970s.⁠ Next to figures by Fratelli Mannelli we offer...
Category

1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Travertine

Guilia Mangani Hand Painted Porcelain Toucan & Leaves On Gilt Bronze
Located in Chicago, IL
An Italian ceramic toucan sculpture on a gilt bronze and tole metal wire tree branch by famed Italian artist Giulia Mangani. The colorful bird is accented by hand painted ceramic le...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

1970's Italian Ceramic Baby Leopard
Located in Redding, CT
1970's Italian Ceramic Baby Leopard Sculpture. Made in Italy . Collectible and decorative.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Original Vintage Mid-Century Italian Modern Ceramic Cheetah Sculpture, 1970s
Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie
This large figure of a cheetah probably was produced in Italy during the 1970s. The figure is made of high-quality hand-painted ceramics in intense shades of orange. The cheetah is p...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Abraham Palatnik Lucite Optic Art Swan Sculpture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Abraham Palatnik Lucite Optic Art Swan Sculpture
Category

1970s Brazilian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Lucite

Mid-Century Modern Solid Brass Standing Doe Deer Sculpture
Located in Barntrup, DE
Standing doe deer sculpture made of solid brass, from the circa 1970s. Adorable and decorative piece - a brass sculpture of a standing doe. Dimensions: height: 31 cm / 12.2 in; width...
Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Guido Gambone Ceramic Horse Sculpture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Guido Gambone Ceramic Horse Sculpture
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Signed Somchai Verdigris Bronze Brutalist Parrot Sculpture on Marble Base 1970s
Located in Troy, MI
Modernist parrot sculpture by Hattakitkosol Somchai circa 1970s Solid bronze parrot on perch with verdigris finish mounted to white marble base Signed and numbered 5.5 inch width 5 ...
Category

1970s Thai Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Vintage Stalk Sculpture by Anthony Redmile 1970
Located in Buxton, GB
This exquisite Stork sculpture by Anthony Redmile is a stunning piece of contemporary art that captures the beauty of birds using a large sea shell for the body. Made in 1970, this l...
Category

1970s British Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Metal

1970's Large Italian Ceramic Cheetah
Located in Redding, CT
1970's Large Italian Ceramic Cheetah. This fabulous Hollywood Glam sculpture would be the perfect centerpiece. Unmarked but most likely Italian.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Life sized mid century sheep, 1970s
Located in HEVERLEE, BE
Impressive mid century life size sheep stool. Made from beech wood and real wool. A very decorative item. One ear has had a slight damage, other then that its in good condition ...
Category

1970s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Wool, Beech

Italian Big Brass Heron or Crane, 1970s
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Beautiful big size heron or crane, Made in Italy, circa 1970s. The sculpture is made of full brass with gorgeous vintage patina, and in excellent vintage condition. Floor standing - ...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Abraham Palatnik set of three Op Art lucite owls, Brazil 1970s
Located in Milan, IT
Abraham Palatnik set of three Op Art lucite owls, Brazil 1970s Original label
Category

1970s Brazilian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Lucite

1970's Pair of Large Italian Ceramic Giraffes
Located in Redding, CT
1970's Pair of Large Italian Ceramic Giraffes. Endearing Mother and baby . Largest giraffe measure approximately : 14.25" tall x 17.25 long x 7...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Mid Century Large Italian Wooden Sword Fish
Located in Pasadena, CA
Mid Century Large Italian Wooden Sword Fish , Measures approx - 8d x 3.5w x 31h
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Sergio Bustamante Mixed Metal Parrot
Located in Redding, CT
Sergio Bustamante Mixed Metal Parrot Sculpture. Perfect for that Palm Beach home. Gorgeous detailed artistry of a Brass and Copper feathered friend on his perch.
Category

1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Metal, Brass, Copper

Polar Bear Vintage Ceramic Figurine by Henrik Allert for Pentik, Finland
By Pentik, Henrik Allert
Located in Bochum, NRW
Henrik Allert for Pentik, Finland. Unique polar bear in ceramics, 1970s. Stylish modern Finnish design. In great condition. Measures: 10 cm x 6.5 cm. Signed.
Category

1970s Finnish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Stoneware

Signed Large Mid Century Italian Glazed Ceramic Frog or Toad in White Bitossi
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A very large ceramic floor sculpture from Italy circa 1970's. It features white glazed ceramic form. Marked & numbered. No condition issues.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

1970s Brass and Copper Heron Sculpture By Sergio Bustamante, Mexican
Located in London, GB
A tall free-standing life-size brass and copper sculpture of a heron by Mexican artist Sergio Bustamante, 1970’s. Size: H65 cm x W70 cm x D30 cm Artist biography: Bustamante's firs...
Category

1970s Mexican Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Brass, Copper

Pair of Brass Italian Mid-Century Modern Flamingo Sculptures, 1970s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Stunning and elegant pair of Mid-Century Modern Flamingo sculptures. Striking Italian design from the 1970s. Executed in brass and monumental in size and drama. This wonderful pair o...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Sergio Bustamante Mexican Artist 1934-2014 Mounted Sculpture Copper Fish -Signed
Located in St. Louis, MO
Artist Sergio Bustamante Mexican ( 1934-2014 ) mounted sculpture of a fish made of copper with copper scales on raised base. Signed and numbered in black ink, Sergio Bustamante, edi...
Category

1970s Mexican Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Copper

Mid Century Modern Guzzini Acrylic Lucite Monkey Figurine Sculpture Silvio Russo
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
Iconic Mid Century Modern lucite monkey sculture designed by Silvio Russo for Guzzini in the 1970s. Manufacturer: Fratelli Guzzini, Italy Marks: unmarked Material: lucite Height: c...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass

Vintage Wood Carved Hippo Sculpture.
Located in Seattle, WA
Vintage Handmade Wooden Hippo. Due to Age , there is Cracking on the Bottom as Shown. Possibly African Origin. Vintage Condition Consistent with Age as Pi...
Category

1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Modern Monkey Ape Rattan Wicker Hanging Figure 1970s, France
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Offered is a 1970s Vintage Boho Figurative Animalia Wicker Rattan Monkey ape hanging figure in the style of Mario Lopez Torres. This French Animalia vintage 1960s-1970s woven wicker...
Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Wicker

Mexican Sermel Papier Mâché Small Owl Sculpture
Located in Stamford, CT
Papier mâché small owl by Sermel. Hand painted design with overall areas of wear and minimal paint loss. Signed on the underside.
Category

1970s Mexican Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Paper

Large Mid century design brass birds , 1970’s
Located in Delft, NL
Dimensions: 38,5cm H , 24cm W, 14 cm D and 28cm H, 27,5cm W, 17,5cm W Condition: Good Material: Brass Color: Gold Period: 1970’s
Category

1970s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Small Vintage 1970s, Abraham Palatnik Op-Art Lucite Owl Figurine Brazil
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Abraham Palatnik Lucite owl Sculpture Figure Acrylic MCM. Good used condition overall, but please look at the photos for a more accurate description.
Category

1970s Brazilian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Acrylic

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

1970's Pablo Zabel Chile Porcelain Bull
Located in Bern, CH
1970s Pablo Zabal Chile decorative porcelain bull. With insert for use as a candle holder. Signed on base: Pablo Zabal Chile. Diameter: ca. 28cm. Height: 25cm. Beautiful eye catch...
Category

1970s Chilean Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic, Porcelain

Leather Rhinoceros Attributed to Dimitri Omersa (smaller version)
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Incredible solid brown leather Rhinoceros in the style of Abercrombie & Fitch and Dimitri Omersa. Great color and patina with clear eyes. Rhinoceros measures 18.5" wide, 6.5" deep an...
Category

1970s European Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Leather

Vintage Hand Carved Giraffe Wooden Sculpture.
Located in Seattle, WA
This Vintage Piece Features Two Carved Giraffes Circling a Tree. Rustic Design. The Spots Appear to Have Been Intentionally Burnt into the Giraffes. Vintage Condition Consistent with...
Category

1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Patinated and Polished Bronze Rooster by Zigfrid Jursevskis
Located in Montreal, QC
Patinated and polished bronze rooster by Zigfrid Jursevskis the underside with incised signature: "Zigfrid Jursevskis, 77" and numbered 2/15 Canada: 77
Category

1970s Canadian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Terracotta Sculpture of a Sitting Cat
Located in Antwerp, BE
The cat is molded in terracotta with a lifelike expression, a beautiful statue for both indoors and outdoors. Height.52 cm. in very good original condition.
Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Two Decorative Elephant Sculpture Statue Made of Brass Midcentury Modern German
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Two decorative elephant sculpture statue made of brass. Some wear with a nice patina, but this is old-age. The tallest is approx. 3 1/8" high, 4 1/2" wide and 2" deep. The three smal...
Category

1970s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Brass

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

Large porcelain Saint Bernard by Göbel. 1970 - 1975
Located in CADALSO, ES
Rarely found in this size and condition
Category

1970s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Handmade Brass Clad Elephant
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
Handmade Brass Clad Elephant
Category

1970s Indian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Greyhound, Bronze Sculpture, Italy, 1970s
Located in Naples, IT
Bronze sculpture representing a beautiful alert and elegant dog on a white marble surface. In excellent condition with slight patina wear.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Set of 8 Fratelli Mannelli travertine animal sculptures 1970
Located in Paris, IDF
This is a very nice set of eight animal sculptures designed by Fratelli Mannelli in Italy in the early 1970s. Each animal sculpture is handmade by sculpting travertine blocks. The se...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Travertine

Midcentury Sculpture Swan Figure in Travertine by Fratelli Mannelli, Italy 1970s
Located in Rome, IT
Midcentury beautiful sculpture swan figure in travertine attributed to Fratelli Mannelli. Made in Italy in the 1970s. This item is a wonderful addition to every modern home.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Travertine, Marble

Bruno Gambone Stoneware Abstract Cow Sculpture 1970s
Located in Munich, DE
Bruno Gambone abstract stoneware sculpture cow in cream white glazed ceramic made by Bruno Gambone in the 1970s, signed Gambone Italy on the bottom.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Stoneware

Abraham Palatnik Lucite Acrylic Sculpture Doves Bird Brazil, 1970s
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Doves bird sculpture in Lucite and acrylic by Abraham Palatnik, circa 1970.
Category

1970s Brazilian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Resin, Acrylic, Lucite

Vintage Camel Figurine Mid Century Modern Decor
Located in Seattle, WA
Camel Figurine on a Wooden Base. Possibly Brass, Slight Petina on a Gold Tone. Vintage Condition Consistent with Age. Dimensions. 9 W ; 4 D ; 7 H
Category

1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Large Mid-Century 1970s Italian Terracotta Hand Painted Whimsical Giraffe
Located in St. Louis, MO
Large mid-century terracotta hand painted glazed whimsical Giraffe posed in lying position, made in Italy. In fine original , very little loss to glazing, as seen in the black mane. ...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Terracotta

1970's Livio Seguso Glass Bird Sculpture
Located in New York, NY
1970's mid-century modern birds glass sculpture designed by Livio Seguso, in vintage original condition with some wear and patina due to age and use.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Art Glass

Onyx Swan Sculpture on a Rotating Plinth, By Ralph Hurst
Located in London, GB
This is a beautiful sculpture of a swan crafted from a rich cream-grey onyx. Mounted on a black rotating plinth, which allows the detail of the bird to be fully appreciated. A classic pose - so graceful and tactile. The sculptor was Ralph Hurst...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Onyx

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 Panther Sculpture
Located in Austin, TX
Italian vintage panther sculpture in polychrome ceramic with beautiful emerald colored eyes. The life-like pose and expression are captivating.
Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Iron Horse Sculpture by Bertil Vallien, 1970s
Located in Madrid, ES
Sculpture of two embracing figurines in stoneware by Lars Bergsten. Sweden, 1960s Lars Bergsten is well known from his ceramic figures which he made in his workshop in Eskilstuna, Sw...
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Iron

Bruno Gambone Stoneware Bull Set of 4
Located in Munich, DE
Cream white glazed ceramic bull made by Bruno Gambone in the 1970s, signed Gambone on the bottom.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Stoneware

Italian Gilt Bronze Flamingo Sculpture, Gabriella Crespi Style, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning flamingo sculpture in gilt bronze in the style of Gabriella Crespi. This gorgeous piece was designed in Italy in the 1960s. The sinuous lines, the fine details and the amazing quality of the gilding make this sculpture incredibly charming. A lovely sculpture...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Bronze, 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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