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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Venere V15, Woman's Moorish Head, Handmade in Sicily, 2021, Hand Painted, 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 co...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Enamel
Venere V26, Woman's Moorish Head, Vase Without Crown, Handmade in Sicily, Size L
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
Venere V26, Woman's Moorish Head, Vase without Crown, Handmade in Sicily, 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 co...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Enamel
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
Woman's Head Blue 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
Venere V26, Man's Moorish Head, Vase without Crown, Handmade in Sicily, 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 co...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Enamel
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
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
Venere V26, Man's Moorish Head, Vase without Crown, Handmade in Sicily, Size L
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
Venere V25, Man's Moorish Head, Handmade in Sicily, 2021, Gold Finish, 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 co...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Enamel
Venere V15, Woman's Moorish Head, Handmade in Sicily, 2021, Hand Painted, Size L
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
Venere V15, Man's Moorish Head, Handmade in Sicily, 2021, Hand Painted, Size L
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
ISIDE I12, Man's Moorish Head, Handmade in Sicily, 2021, Centerpiece, 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 comb...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Enamel
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
Fashion Beach 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
Roberto Estevez Monumental Stylized Torso in Glazierite 1980s
Located in New York, NY
Large stylized torso in glazierite by Roberto Estevez for Karl Springer, American 1980's. Glazierite was a resin composite created by Karl Springer’s artisans. This model was also ca...
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Busts
Materials
Resin
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
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
Selfie Lady, 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
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
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
Gift Santa Decorative Ceramic Piece, Handmade Italy, 2021, Hand-Crafted Design
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The piece is a funny revisiting of Santa Claus bringing his famous Christmas gifts.
Our designer creates these pieces completely by hand.
Category
2010s Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Ceramic, Paint
Italian Male Bust in Black Ceramic, circa 1960
Located in London, GB
An outstanding Italian Male Bust in Black ceramic, circa 1960.
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Modern Busts
Materials
Ceramic
Sunbathing Seal 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
Skater Boy, 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
Beach Lover Decorative Ceramic 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
Picnic Fashion 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
Skiing Man, 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
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
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
Barrel Sommelier 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
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
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
Musician Trumpet 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
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
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
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
Beach Lover Lobster 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
Felipe Castañeda
By Felipe Castañeda
Located in New York, NY
Felipe Castañeda Felicidad (1984)
Marble sculpture Measure: H 18 inches
Signed F Castanee 1984.
Category
20th Century Mexican Modern Busts
Materials
Marble
Owls in Love, 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
Fish King Sunglasses, 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
Winning Swordfish 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
Wild Boar 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
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
Charming Prince & Frog, 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
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
Pair of Wooden Native American Busts
By Jose Pinal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A complementary pair of male and female Native American, wooden busts by Jose Pinal, made in Mexico. One form highlights a more subdued disposition with lon...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mexican Modern Busts
Materials
Wood
Playful Ibex, Ceramic Centerpiece, Handmade Design in Italy, 2021
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The piece is a unique representation of an Ibex in a modern way. The animal is playing with some little rocks on his nose.
Our designer creates these pieces completely by hand.
Category
2010s Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Ceramic, Paint
Ibex Animal Ceramic and Gold Leaf Centerpiece, Handmade Design in Ital, 2021
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The piece is a unique representation of an ibex in a modern way. The animal is browsing leaves (gold leaf).
Our designer creates these pieces completely by hand.
Category
2010s Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Gold Leaf
Unicorn with Carrot, Ceramic Centerpiece, Handmade Design in Italy, 2021
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The piece is a unique representation of an unicorn in a modern way. The animal has got a carrot as a horn.
Our designer creates these pieces completely by hand.
Category
2010s Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Gold Leaf
Andrianna Shamaris Glass Male Torso
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful solid glass male torso.
Own an Andrianna Shamaris original.
Andrianna Shamaris. The Leader In Modern Organic Design.
Category
2010s Modern Busts
Materials
Glass
Tall Abstract Origami Art Metal Sculpture Figure in a Hand Blackened Finish
By Redsoul
Located in Seattle, WA
The tall and sleek origami Metal Sculpture is an abstraction of human proportions. The metal folding sculptural figure builds on the contradiction between its strong metal material a...
Category
2010s American Modern Busts
Materials
Steel
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
French Bronze Brooch Line Vautrin
By Line Vautrin
Located in Atlanta, GA
A cast bronze brooch by French Parisian Art Jeweler Line Vautrin (1913-1997) circa 1950s. The small lovely bronze pieces features a medallion insignia design with olive branch wreath...
Category
1950s French Vintage Modern Busts
Materials
Bronze, Enamel
Marble Bust & Pedestal Middle Eastern Man in Turban
Located in Toledo, OH
Marble bust of a Middle Eastern gentleman with white marble turban sitting on a dark green pedestal with white veining. Some small chips to the backsid...
Category
20th Century Unknown Modern Busts
Materials
Marble
Italian Studio Murano Glass Female and Male Sculpture by Dino Rosin
By Dino Rosin
Located in Palm Springs, CA
1990’s Italian studio Murano glass female and male sculpture by Dino Rosin.
Stamped Studio Rosin Murano Venezia on the back and hand signed Dino Rosin on the front.
Measurements:...
Category
1990s Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Murano Glass
Modern Matte Black Ceramic Torso
Located in Miami, FL
Modern matte black ceramic torso.
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Busts
Materials
Clay
Sculpture in Italian Roman Travertine
Located in Tivoli Terme, Roma
The sculpture was made from a single block of Roman Travertine.
Dimensions of the sculpture: cm 93 x 52 x 40 cm.
Size of the sculpture with shaft an...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Travertine, Marble
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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