Modern Busts
MODERN STYLE
The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw sweeping social change and major scientific advances — both of which contributed to a new aesthetic: modernism. Rejecting the rigidity of Victorian artistic conventions, modernists sought a new means of expression. References to the natural world and ornate classical embellishments gave way to the sleek simplicity of the Machine Age. Architect Philip Johnson characterized the hallmarks of modernism as “machine-like simplicity, smoothness or surface [and] avoidance of ornament.”
Early practitioners of modernist design include the De Stijl (“The Style”) group, founded in the Netherlands in 1917, and the Bauhaus School, founded two years later in Germany.
Followers of both groups produced sleek, spare designs — many of which became icons of daily life in the 20th century. The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics. While Bauhaus principals Marcel Breuer and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe created furniture from mass-produced, chrome-plated steel, American visionaries like Charles and Ray Eames worked in materials as novel as molded plywood and fiberglass. Today, Breuer’s Wassily chair, Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona chair — crafted with his romantic partner, designer Lilly Reich — and the Eames lounge chair are emblems of progressive design and vintage originals are prized cornerstones of collections.
It’s difficult to overstate the influence that modernism continues to wield over designers and architects — and equally difficult to overstate how revolutionary it was when it first appeared a century ago. But because modernist furniture designs are so simple, they can blend in seamlessly with just about any type of décor. Don’t overlook them.
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Style: Modern
Ham Lover Lady with Pig Decorative Centerpiece Handmade Italy 2020, Hand-Crafted
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The piece is a unique representation created by our designer.
The creations are completely made by hand.
Ceramic and paint are water resistant.
Category
2010s Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Ceramic, Paint
Miguel Berrocal: "Eros", Sculpture-jewel and Perfume - 1994
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Miguel Ortiz Berrocal (1933-2006, Spain): "Eros"
Perfume bottle in its original box topped with a sculpture of a male bust with an antique green patina, and 24-carat gold plated fo...
Category
1990s French Modern Busts
Materials
Metal, Bronze
Vintage Italian Head in White Glazed Ceramic
Located in Prato, Tuscany
We kindly suggest you read the whole description, because with it we try to give you detailed technical and historical information to guarantee the authenticity of our objects.
Orig...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Ceramic
Horse, White, Ceramic Centerpiece, Completely Handmade Without Mold, NEW 2023
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The piece is a unique representation of a Toucan in a modern way. The animal is gently painted with a may different colors. All the pieces from Mosche Bianche are unique since they a...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Ceramic
Bust of Julius Caesar carved on Cipollino Apuan Marble end 20th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Bust of Julius Caesar carved on Cipollino Apuan Marble end 20th Century
for the bust and white Carrara marble for the head.
Italy
Turned base in white Carrara marble Original one-...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Carrara Marble
$6,601 Sale Price
20% Off
Couple of "To the beach" Pop Centerpiece Handmade in Italy Without Mold, 2023
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
This pieces are unique and handmade without mold. The girl and the boy are ready to go to the beach!
Our designer creates these pieces completely by hand, without any mold. Any piece...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Ceramic, Paint
Sea Head Water Decorative Ceramic Piece, Handmade Italy, 2021, Hand-Crafted
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The piece is a unique representation of a woman's head in a modern way.
Our designer creates these pieces completely by hand.
Category
2010s Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Ceramic, Paint
Donkey with Angel, Decorative Centerpiece Handmade Italy 2020, Hand-Crafted
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The piece is a unique representation created by our designer.
The creations are completely made by hand.
Ceramic and paint are water resistant.
Category
2010s Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Ceramic, Paint
Woman bust in bronze by Michel Jaubert
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Buste féminin par Michel Jaubert, moulé sur la poitrine de la femme de l’artiste, édition sur 100 exemplaires, signé, numéroté.
Category
1980s French Vintage Modern Busts
Materials
Bronze
Snorkeling Beach Decorative Centerpiece, Handmade Italy, 2020, Hand-Crafted
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The piece is a unique representation created by our designer.
The creations are completely made by hand.
Ceramic and paint are water resistant.
Category
2010s Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Ceramic, Paint
Dark Horse, Ceramic Centerpiece, Completely Handmade Without Mold, NEW 2024
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The piece is a unique representation of an Horse in a modern way. The animal is gently handcrafted starting from clay and all hand worked. All the pieces from Mosche Bianche are uniq...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Ceramic
Curlers Sunbath Lady and two cactus head, Handmade Italy 2024, Hand-Crafted
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
This set is unique and handmade from our artists. They create each time different pieces just by working them by hand.
Wonderful colours can be chosen as they can work with every pos...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Ceramic, Paint
HEAD OF PLATO IN TERRACOTTA FROM THE GLYPTOTHEK IN MUNICH 20th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
HEAD OF PLATO IN TERRACOTTA FROM THE GLYPTOTHEK IN MUNICH 20th Century
H: 44cm x 20cm
Plato (Athens, 428/427 BC – Athens, 348/347 BC)
A terracotta copy of the famous artifact prese...
Category
20th Century Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Terracotta
$1,358 Sale Price / item
20% Off
Venere V26, Woman's Moorish Head, Vase Without Crown, Handmade in Sicily, Size S
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The Collection
This collection offers ideas for contemporary décor through sophisticated revelations of art bound to the tradition of ceramics of Caltagirone, objets d’art that co...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Enamel
Cigar and Earrings Monkey, Ceramic Centerpiece, Handmade Design in Italy, 2021
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The piece is a unique representation of a monkey in a modern way. The animal is smoking a cigar and wears golden earrings.
Our designer creates these pieces completely by hand.
Category
2010s Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Ceramic, Paint
Hammerhead Muscle Fish Decorative Centerpiece Handmade Italy, 2020, Hand-Crafted
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The piece is a unique representation created by our designer.
The creations are completely made by hand.
Ceramic and paint are water resistant.
Category
2010s Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Ceramic, Paint
$1,758 Sale Price / item
20% Off
Venere V26, Man's Moorish Head, Vase without crown, Handmade in Sicily, Size S
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The Collection
This collection offers ideas for contemporary décor through sophisticated revelations of art bound to the tradition of ceramics of Caltagirone, objets d’art that co...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Enamel
Bronze Abstract Head By Wolf Bröll 1993
Located in Norwich, GB
Striking Abstract Impressionist bronze head by Wolf Bröll (1950-2016) part polished, with dark brown rough textured areas. Artist monogram WB and number 1/12. Dated 1993.
The bron...
Category
1990s German Modern Busts
Materials
Bronze
Naturalistic Contemporary Pop Centerpiece Handmade in Italy Without Mold, 2023
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The piece is a unique representation of a man in a modern way. The man is gently painted with acrylic color.
Our designer creates these pieces completely by hand, without any mold....
Category
2010s Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Ceramic, Paint
Pure Wool Lady & Sheep, Decorative Centerpiece Handmade Italy 2020, Hand-Crafted
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The piece is a unique representation created by our designer.
The creations are completely made by hand.
Ceramic and paint are water resistant.
Category
2010s Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Ceramic, Paint
Octopus Fish Decorative Centerpiece, Handmade Italy, 2020, Hand-Crafted
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The piece is a unique representation created by our designer.
The creations are completely made by hand.
Ceramic and paint are water resistant.
Category
2010s Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Ceramic, Paint
$1,758 Sale Price / item
20% Off
Baby Gorilla Pacifier Ceramic Centerpiece Handmade in Italy Without Mold, 2023
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The piece is a unique representation of a Gorilla in a modern way. The man is gently painted with acrylic color.
Our designer creates these pieces completely by hand, without any mo...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Ceramic, Paint
Futuristic Horse, Unique Ceramic Centerpiece, Handmade Without Mold, NEW 2024
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The piece is a unique representation of an Horse in a modern way. The animal is gently handcrafted starting from clay and all hand worked. All the pieces from Mosche Bianche are uniq...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Ceramic
Curlers Sunbath Lady, Decorative Centerpiece Handmade Italy 2020, Hand-Crafted
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The piece is a unique representation created by our designer.
The creations are completely made by hand.
Ceramic and paint are water resistant.
Category
2010s Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Ceramic, Paint
Baywatch Octopus Decorative Centerpiece, Handmade Italy, 2020, Hand-Crafted
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The piece is a unique representation created by our designer.
The creations are completely made by hand.
Ceramic and paint are water resistant.
Category
2010s Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Ceramic, Paint
Nefertiti Porcelain Bust by Rosenthal Germany
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A large and beautifully sculpted head of the most beautiful woman on the Nile, Nefertiti.
The pieces is made entirely of porcelain. the face and neck are matte finish and white, ...
Category
20th Century German Modern Busts
Materials
Porcelain
Venere V25, Man's Moorish Head, Handmade in Sicily, 2021, Gold finish, Size S
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The Collection
This collection offers ideas for contemporary décor through sophisticated revelations of art bound to the tradition of ceramics of Caltagirone, objets d’art that co...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Enamel
Macaque Handcrafted, Ceramic Centerpiece, Handmade Design in Italy, 2021
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The piece is a unique representation of a Lion in a modern way. The animal is gently painted with a cream colour.
Our designer creates these pieces completely by hand.
Category
2010s Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Ceramic, Paint
$3,335 Sale Price / item
25% Off
Monkey Ceramic Sculpture Centerpiece, Completely Handmade Without Mold. 2023
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The piece is a unique representation of a Sheep in a modern way. The animal is gently painted with a brown color.
Our designer creates these pieces comple...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Ceramic, Paint
Couple of Decorative Centerpieces Sculptures, Handmade Italy, 2020, Handcrafted
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The pieces are a unique representation created by our designer. The two heads represents a man and a woman with naturalistic character, in a satirical way.
The creations are complet...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Ceramic, Paint
White and Brown Horse, Ceramic Centerpiece, Handmade Without Mold, NEW 2024
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The piece is a unique representation of an Horse in a modern way. The animal is gently handcrafted starting from clay and all hand worked. All the pieces from Mosche Bianche are uniq...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Ceramic
Armor Horse, Silver finish, Ceramic Centerpiece, Handmade Without Mold, NEW 2024
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The piece is a unique representation of an Horse in a modern way. The animal is gently handcrafted starting from clay and all hand worked. All the pieces from Mosche Bianche are uniq...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Ceramic
Table Tennis Man, Going to the beach in summer. Handmade with no mold. Italy
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The piece is a unique representation of a man in a modern way. The man is gently painted with acrylic color. Every piece is handmade without mold!
Our designer creates these pieces c...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Ceramic, Paint
Kissing Chimpanzee, Ceramic Centerpiece, Handmade Design in Italy, 2021
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The piece is a unique representation of a Chimpanzee in a modern way. The animal is gently painted with a cream colour.
Our designer creates these pieces completely by hand.
Category
2010s Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Ceramic, Paint
$3,335 Sale Price / item
25% Off
Marry Me Gorilla Ceramic Centerpiece Handmade in Italy Without Mold, 2023
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The piece is a unique representation of a man in a modern way. The man is gently painted with acrylic color.
Our designer creates these pieces completely by hand, without any mold....
Category
2010s Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Ceramic, Paint
Set of 6 Wooden Chess Pieces, Linden Wood, Handmade Portugal by Lusitanus Home
Located in Lisboa, PT
Set of 6 Ceramic Chess Pieces, Lusitanus Home Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Lusitanus Home.
A luxurious chess set designed for the most sophisticated and ambitious...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Busts
Materials
Gold Leaf
$1,973 Sale Price / set
25% Off
Elegant Head Ceramic Centerpiece Completely Handmade in Italy without Mold, 2023
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The piece is a unique representation of a woman in a modern way. The woman is gently painted with acrylic color.
Our designer creates these pieces completely by hand, without any mo...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Ceramic, Paint
French Modern Marble Portrait Bust of a Lady, by L. Cordonnier, 1951
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
French modern marble portrait bust of a lady, by L. Cordonnier, '51
A serene carved marble portrait bust of a young lady with braided hair looking downwards.
Signed L. Cordonnier,...
Category
20th Century French Modern Busts
Materials
Marble
$2,360 Sale Price
20% Off
Contemporary Bust of a Man made out of carved and painted Pine, 2023
Located in Berlin, DE
Crafted in 2023, the Contemporary Bust of a Man breathes life into the age-old tradition of sculptural expression. Hewn from pine, its form emerges from the raw essence of nature, ca...
Category
2010s German Modern Busts
Materials
Plaster, Pine, Paint
Sheep Ceramic Sculpture Centerpiece, Completely Handmade Without Mold. 2023
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The piece is a unique representation of a Sheep in a modern way. The animal is gently painted with a brown color.
Our designer creates these pieces completely by hand, without any ...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Ceramic, Paint
White Lion, Ceramic Centerpiece, Handmade Design in Italy, 2021
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The piece is a unique representation of a Lion in a modern way. The animal is gently painted with a cream colour.
Our designer creates these pieces completely by hand.
Category
2010s Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Ceramic, Paint
Neptune God of the Sea Decorative Centerpiece Handmade Italy, 2020, Hand-Crafted
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The piece is a unique representation created by our designer.
The creations are completely made by hand.
Ceramic and paint are water resistant.
Category
2010s Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Ceramic, Paint
Ceramic Handmade Crocodile, Ceramic Centerpiece, handcrafted in Italy, 2023
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The piece is a unique representation of a Lion in a modern way. The animal is gently painted with a cream colour.
Our designer creates these pieces completely by hand.
Category
2010s Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Ceramic, Paint
$4,708 Sale Price / item
25% Off
Florence Fiore - Rudolph Gruen Plaster Bust, c.1930s
Located in Savannah, GA
Florence Fiore
(American, 1905-1999)
A from-life plaster bust of American composer Rudolph Gruen, circa 1930s.
10 inches wide by 11 inches deep by 20 inches tall
Florence Reeve Fiore was a portrait artist and sculptor who was active on the east coast in New York, Washington and Jekyll Island...
Category
1930s American Vintage Modern Busts
Materials
Plaster
Adam and Eve Contemporary Pop Centerpiece Handmade in Italy Without Mold, 2023
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The piece is a unique representation of a man in a modern way. The man is gently painted with acrylic color.
Our designer creates these pieces completely by hand, without any mold....
Category
2010s Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Ceramic, Paint
Goat Bullet Ceramic Sculpture Centerpiece Completely Handmade Without Mold. 2023
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The piece is a unique representation of a Sheep in a modern way. The animal is gently painted with a brown color.
Our designer creates these pieces completely by hand, without any ...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Ceramic, Paint
ISIDE I11, Moorish Head, Handmade in Sicily, 2021, Centerpiece, Size M
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
THE COLLECTION
This collection offers ideas for contemporary décor through sophisticated revelations of art bound to the tradition of ceramics of Caltagirone, objets d’art that combine history and design.
The extreme attention to details, supported by twenty years of experience of master craftsmen, is the company’s strength.
The production technique hides secrets and art mixtures that make the product unique and exclusive. Mosche Bianche chooses to combine art and design to recall history through ceramic artworks in doing so, history revives, as in a fairy tale, an incredible civilization that is the sicilian culture.
The moorish heads in ceramics, tribute to the beauty of ancient Sicily...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Enamel
ISIDE I12, Man's Moorish Head, Handmade in Sicily, 2021 Centerpiece Size M Vase
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
THE COLLECTION
This collection offers ideas for contemporary décor through sophisticated revelations of art bound to the tradition of ceramics of Caltagirone, objets d’art that combine history and design.
The extreme attention to details, supported by twenty years of experience of master craftsmen, is the company’s strength.
The production technique hides secrets and art mixtures that make the product unique and exclusive. Mosche Bianche chooses to combine art and design to recall history through ceramic artworks in doing so, history revives, as in a fairy tale, an incredible civilization that is the sicilian culture.
The moorish heads in ceramics, tribute to the beauty of ancient Sicily...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Enamel
Musician Drums Decorative Ceramic Piece, Handmade Italy, 2021, Hand-Crafted
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The piece represents a musician playing his trumpet.
Our designer creates these pieces completely by hand.
Category
2010s Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Ceramic, Paint
Big Chef, Kitchen Decorative Centerpiece Handmade Italy 2020, Hand-Crafted
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The piece is a unique representation created by our designer.
The creations are completely made by hand.
Ceramic and paint are water resistant.
Category
2010s Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Ceramic, Paint
Harley-Davidson Santa Design Centerpiece Handmade in Italy, 2021
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The piece is a funny revisiting of the Harley-Davidson myth. Santa Claus is riding this famous bike bringing his famous Christmas gifts.
Our designer creates these pieces completel...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Ceramic, Paint
Woman's Head Decorative Ceramic Piece, Handmade Italy, 2021, Hand-Crafted
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The piece is a unique representation of a woman's head in a modern way.
Our designer creates these pieces completely by hand.
Category
2010s Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Ceramic, Paint
Colorful Chimpanzee, Ceramic Centerpiece, Handmade Design in Italy, 2021
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The piece is a unique representation of a Chimpanzee in a modern way.
Our designer creates these pieces completely by hand.
Category
2010s Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Ceramic, Paint
Las Vegas Dice Bull, Ceramic Centerpiece, Handmade Design in Italy, 2021
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The piece is a unique representation of a Lion in a modern way. The animal is gently painted with a cream colour.
Our designer creates these pieces completely by hand.
Category
2010s Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Ceramic, Paint
$3,532 Sale Price / item
25% Off
Particolare Scultura "Anatomica" in marmo bianco di Carrara
Located in Tarquinia, IT
Scultura su marmo carrara, anatomia umana, scultura anatomica, scultura anatomia, scultura memento, scultura italiana, scultura made in italy
ParticoIare e unica scultura rappresenta...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Marble
Rapper with Dog, Design Decorative Centerpiece Handmade Italy 2020, Hand-Crafted
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The piece is a unique representation created by our designer.
The creations are completely made by hand.
Ceramic and paint are water resistant.
Category
2010s Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Ceramic, Paint
Man's Head Sponge Decorative Ceramic Piece, Handmade Italy, 2021, Hand-Crafted
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The piece is a unique representation of a man's head in a modern way.
Our designer creates these pieces completely by hand.
Category
2010s Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Ceramic, Paint
ISIDE I11, Moorish Head, Handmade in Sicily, 2021, Centerpiece, Size L. Vase.
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
THE COLLECTION
This collection offers ideas for contemporary décor through sophisticated revelations of art bound to the tradition of ceramics of Caltagirone, objets d’art that comb...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Enamel
Scuba Diver Sharks, Decorative Centerpiece Handmade Italy 2020, Hand-Crafted
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The piece is a unique representation created by our designer.
The creations are completely made by hand.
Ceramic and paint are water resistant.
Category
2010s Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Ceramic, Paint
Head Bust of Indian, Lapis Lazuli & Silvered Metal Sculpture, Mexico, ca. 1980s
Located in New York, NY
Contemporary
Head Bust of Indian
Lapis Lazuli, Silvered Metal & Granite
Mexico, ca. 1980s
DIMENSIONS
Height: 13.75 inches Width: 4.5 inches ...
Category
1980s Mexican Vintage Modern Busts
Materials
Lapis Lazuli, Metal
Modern busts for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Modern busts 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 busts created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, folk art and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with ceramic, paint and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Modern busts 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 busts, popular names associated with this style include Mosche Bianche, Europa Antiques, Pascale Girardin, and VG-VGnewtrend. 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 busts differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $175 and tops out at $134,774 while the average work can sell for $2,774.
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