Postmodern design was a short-lived movement that manifested itself chiefly in Italy and the United States in the early 1980s. The characteristics of vintage postmodern furniture and other postmodern objects and decor for the home included loud-patterned, usually plastic surfaces; strange proportions, vibrant colors and weird angles; and a vague-at-best relationship between form and function.
ORIGINS OF POSTMODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
CHARACTERISTICS OF POSTMODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
POSTMODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
VINTAGE POSTMODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS
Critics derided postmodern design as a grandstanding bid for attention and nothing of consequence. Decades later, the fact that postmodernism still has the power to provoke thoughts, along with other reactions, proves they were not entirely correct.
Postmodern design began as an architectural critique. Starting in the 1960s, a small cadre of mainly American architects began to argue that modernism, once high-minded and even noble in its goals, had become stale, stagnant and blandly corporate. Later, in Milan, a cohort of creators led by Ettore Sottsass and Alessandro Mendini — a onetime mentor to Sottsass and a key figure in the Italian Radical movement — brought the discussion to bear on design.
Sottsass, an industrial designer, philosopher and provocateur, gathered a core group of young designers into a collective in 1980 they called Memphis. Members of the Memphis Group, which would come to include Martine Bedin, Michael Graves, Marco Zanini, Shiro Kuramata, Michele de Lucchi and Matteo Thun, saw design as a means of communication, and they wanted it to shout. That it did: The first Memphis collection appeared in 1981 in Milan and broke all the modernist taboos, embracing irony, kitsch, wild ornamentation and bad taste.
Memphis works remain icons of postmodernism: the Sottsass Casablanca bookcase, with its leopard-print plastic veneer; de Lucchi’s First chair, which has been described as having the look of an electronics component; Martine Bedin’s Super lamp: a pull-toy puppy on a power-cord leash. Even though it preceded the Memphis Group’s formal launch, Sottsass’s iconic Ultrafragola mirror — in its conspicuously curved plastic shell with radical pops of pink neon — proves striking in any space and embodies many of the collective’s postmodern ideals.
After the initial Memphis show caused an uproar, the postmodern movement within furniture and interior design quickly took off in America. (Memphis fell out of fashion when the Reagan era gave way to cool 1990’s minimalism.) The architect Robert Venturi had by then already begun a series of plywood chairs for Knoll Inc., with beefy, exaggerated silhouettes of traditional styles such as Queen Anne and Chippendale. In 1982, the new firm Swid Powell enlisted a group of top American architects, including Frank Gehry, Richard Meier, Stanley Tigerman and Venturi to create postmodern tableware in silver, ceramic and glass.
On 1stDibs, the vintage postmodern furniture collection includes chairs, coffee tables, sofas, decorative objects, table lamps and more.
Life Sized Wall Mounted Mule Deer Bust by The Peak Antler
Located in Geneve, CH
Life Sized Wall Mounted Mule Deer Bust by The Peak Antler Dimensions: W 73.66 x D 50.80 x H 132.08 cm Materials: naturally shed antlers Based in, produced and shipped from the US. ...
Antler
Bronze Bust of Salvador Dalí Nº265/999 by Arno Breker 1975
By Arno Breker
Located in Madrid, ES
The name of the artist and the date, "Arno Breker 1974-75," are incised on Dali's neck, indicating the period during which Breker sculpted Dali from life. On the back of the neck, yo...
Marble, Bronze
Mule Deer Antler Life Sized Bust Sculpture by The Peak Antler
Located in Geneve, CH
Mule Deer Antler Life Sized Bust Sculpture by The Peak Antler Dimensions: W 83.82 x D 55.88 x H 109.22 cm Materials: naturally shed antlers Based in, produced and shipped from the U...
Antler
An important deconstructed cubist ceramic male torso, signed by artist, 20th c.
Located in View Park, CA
A monumental deconstructed ceramic male torso, signed by artist, 20th century. In tones of burnt pêche, apricot, and sienna, this stunning sculpture epitomizes cubism in three dimens...
Ceramic
Pair of Late 20th Century French Enameled Glazed Black Ceramic Women Busts/Heads
Located in North Miami, FL
Pair of late 20th century french enameled glazed black ceramic women busts/heads By: unknown Material: ceramic, enamel, paint Technique: pressed, molded, enameled, polished, painted Dimensions: 9.5 in x 5.5 in x 13.5 in Date: late 20th century, circa 1970 Style: Post-Modern, Mid-Century Modern, Space Age, Minimalism Place of origin: France The sleek minimalism of French design in the 1960s and 70s took inspiration from groundbreaking fashion of the era. This stylish pair of black ceramic busts...
Enamel
A Very Good & Large Post Modernist Bronze Nude Torso by George Foster, SSC
By George Foster
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A finely proportioned near life size bronze nude torso exhibiting a fine reddish / brown patina and supported on it's detachable base signed with the artists monogram. In very good overall condition and priced competitively in comparison to similar examples in the marketplace. George Foster is a member of the highly regarded Sculptors Society of Canada (SSC) and has exhibited at several prestigious international venues including the Smithsonian in Washington DC, The Canadian National Museum in Ottawa and The Museum of Fine Arts in Montreal. Among his many commissions was the casting of the ‘Nellie’ - the annual ACTRA Awards...
Bronze
1970s Post-Modern Humaniod Bust by Kahn Ceramics
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Wonderful heavy glazed ceramic bust from late female Washington D.C. area artist, Kahn. About 8.5 inches high.
Ceramic
Abstract ceramic buste by Dieter Eichelmann, Germany 1980s
Located in ECHT, NL
Hand crafted ceramic buste. Made by Dieter Eichelmann in the 1980s. Made in the style of Picasso and Karel Appel. The abstract figure has a different look from all angles. The piece ...
Clay, Paint
Marble Male and Female Sculpture
Located in New York, NY
A substantial Post-Modern or modern style marble head/bust carved figurative sculpture piece of two people embraced side-by-side, circa mid to late-20th century. Marble is grey with ...
Marble
Femme Hermes Bronze Sculpture
Located in Houston, TX
A contemporary post modern patinated bronze "Femme Hermes" sculpture, unsigned.
Bronze
Bikuben Money Coin Bank Soholm Ceramics Denmark Anders Anderssen
Located in Den Haag, NL
Soholm Ceramics, Denmark. Bikuben piggy bank annual "Sparemand" from 1980. Anders Andersen. Danish finance minister. Design by Arne Finne. Stoneware. Lim...
Stoneware
“Mark the School Teacher” Figural Ceramic Bust by Xiang Yang for Currey & Co.
By Currey & Co.
Located in San Diego, CA
A striking and whimsical figural ceramic bust titled “Mark the School Teacher,” designed by Xiang Yang for Currey & Company. This sculptural work exemplifies Yang’s distinctive a...
Ceramic
Postmodern Plaster Face Sculpture on Stand
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Unique postmodern plaster face sculpture with stand. Mayan or Buddha design. Great period piece and colors.
Plaster
Postmodern Bust of a Seductive Josephine Baker with Eccentric Decoration
Located in Doornspijk, NL
This black bust most probably depicts Josephine Baker, the great French American-born performer. This woman seems to have just stepped out of the Folies Be...
Resin
Vintage Postmodern Plaster Bust of Freud
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Discover the allure of this Vintage Postmodern Plaster Bust of Freud, a striking piece that blends historical reverence with artistic innovation. Crafted with meticulous detail, the ...
Plaster
Vintage Boho Plaster Bust of Man
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Add a dash of artistic flair to your décor with our Vintage Boho Plaster Bust of Man. This captivating piece captures the essence of American bohemian style, blending rustic charm wi...
Plaster, Wood, Paint
Solid Bronze Male Torso
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Solid bronze sculpture. This piece features the male form. A beautiful display piece for a shelf or paperweight. Signed G. Shaw. Dimensions 4" width x 1.75" depth x 4.25" height. C...
Bronze
Magnificent Italian Torso Carrara Marble, Early 20th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Magnificent Italian Torso Carrara Marble Early 20th Century H: 48cm The height is including the base Good conditions.
Carrara Marble
Head of David, Mid-20th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
20th Century resin decorative David head. Carved marble finish. Size: 67x50x42 cm.
Resin
Bust in the Taste of Antiquity, Black Patina, 20th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Bust in the taste of Antiquity, 20th century. Antique-style nude male bust in composite material, 20th century. h: 75cm, w: 38cm, d: 23cm Contact us before ordering to confirm ...
Composition
20th Century Bronze Bust of Dante
Located in Bagshot, GB
An interesting Bust of the poet Dante, the bust has been made in plaster but then covered in a Bronze wrap. We have never come across a bust in this manor before.
Bronze
$1,300
H 18 in W 24.5 in D 24 in
19th Century French Mounted Deer Antler Trophy on Carved Walnut Plaque
Located in Dallas, TX
Create a rustic style in your hunting lodge or ranch house with this large wall-mounted deer antler plaque. Bought in the Loire Valley of France, the ant...
Antler, Walnut
$1,332
H 18.51 in W 11.82 in D 6.3 in
Vintage Sculpted Composite Marble Bust of Marie Antoinette late 20th Century
Located in London, GB
This is a beautifully sculpted composite marble bust of Marie Antoinette, late 20th century in date. This attractive sculpture features the Queen of France facing to dexter, wearing...
Marble
Modernist Bronze Torso Sculpture on Marble Base, Abstract Design
Located in San Diego, CA
Modernist Bronze Torso Sculpture on Marble Base, Circa 1970s. This compact but powerful piece presents a stylized, headless and limbless human figure in a seated posed, emphasizing f...
Marble, Bronze
Beautiful Italian " Torso " 20th Century Carrara Marble
Located in Madrid, ES
Beautiful Italian " Torso " 20th century Carrara marble. Measure: H: 47m including base, 30cm without very good condition
Carrara Marble
Solid Bronze Female Torso II
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Solid bronze sculpture. This piece features the female form. A beautiful display piece for a shelf or paperweight. Signed G. Shaw. Dimensions 2" width x 2.25" depth x 4.75" height. ...
Bronze
French Cast Stone Nude Male Torso
Located in Atlanta, GA
An artistic French nude male torso statue from the 20th century. This vintage cast-stone sculpture from France depicts a muscular male torso, sculpted from the lower neck to mid knee...
Cast Stone
Bronze Sculpture – The Surrealist Angel – Salvador Dalí
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
The Surrealist Angel is a bronze sculpture inspired by Salvador Dalí, depicting an angel with elongated forms and stylized wings, representing the balance between the earthly and the...
Marble, Bronze
Sold
H 14.77 in W 9.06 in D 9.06 in
Víktor Martínez Wood Silkscreen And Resin Head Sculpture With Acrylic Base
By Viktor Mtz 1
Located in Mexico City, MX
A one-of-a-kind mixed media bust by Mexican artist Víktor Martínez. It is described as an antique saint's head in carved wood that has been resignified and reworked with a resin inla...
Resin, Acrylic, Wood
A postmodern bust by Lindsey B., signed, 1984
Located in View Park, CA
A striking postmodern bust by Lindsey B., signed, 1984. In tones of licorice and Ferrari red.
Acrylic
Epigastric torso
Located in Paris, FR
Gilded bronze Signed and numbered in relief. Edition : /9500 Editor : Artcurial One of Berrocal's most emblematic sculptures, made up of 24 removable elements in nickel-plated metal...
Metal, Aluminum, Nickel, Bronze
1980 Austin Productions - David Fisher Sculpture "Stargazer"
By Austin Productions, David Fisher
Located in San Carlos, CA
For Sale: Stunning "Stargazer" Female Bust by David Fisher (1980) Elevate your collection with this exquisite sculpture by renowned artist David Fisher. "Stargazer," a unique female...
Plaster
Abstract Vintage Sculptural Bust Head Signed
Located in San Diego, CA
Incredible sculptural ceramic-pottery bust. Came from a Mid-Century & Post Modern artists estate in Palm Springs. Sculpture is signed but not dated however we know it was acqu...
Ceramic, Pottery
Vintage Monumental Lucite Head Sculpture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An amazing large three dimensional sculpture of the silhouette of a person’s head, neck, and shoulder constructed from two pieces of black lucite. The two pieces each have a cut out ...
Lucite
Italian Abstract Bust Sculpture in Brass and Aluminum
Located in Milano, IT
Italian sculpture from the 80's with original NOVA label. The sculpture can also be classified as a bust or abstract element depicting a bust of a woman. Made with brass tubing, note...
Metal, Aluminum, Brass
Juan Nickford "Lot's Wife # 3" Postmodern Metal Sculpture
By Juan Nickford
Located in Astoria, NY
Juan Nickford (Cuban, 1925-2011) "Lot's Wife # 3," brass and copper sculpture, 1980, depicting the Biblical figure from the Book of Genesis, mounted to marble base. Overall: 40.5" H ...
Brass, Copper
Postmodern Resin Figurative Sculpture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A handmade figurative sculpture made of an amber-colored resin. This piece's curves allude to anthropomorphic qualities reminiscent of a woman's sensuous curves. It references formal...
Resin
Fichtinger Ceramic "They Would Look Good Together"
Located in Phoenix, AZ
1987 large scale ceramic bust of a boy and his dog by Tucson artist Gayle Fichtinger titled "They Would Look Good Together". Base measures 10.5 inches by ...
Ceramic
Monumental Carved Wood Torso or Bust by Jim Pruitt
Located in Houston, TX
Monumental carved wood bust or torso by San Antonio Artist Jim Pruitt. This fantastic abstract figural bust is most unusual and clearly showcases the talent...
Wood
Sold
H 17 in W 12 in D 15 in
Rare Mother and Child Sculpture Bust by Joe Slockbower for Mill Creek Studios
By Mill Creek Studios, Joe Slockbower
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Mother and Child clay sculpture by Joe Slockbower for Mill Creek Studios. This sculpture features a realistic depiction of a mother with her newborn wrapped...
Clay, Wood