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.
Vintage Figurative Ceramic Sculpture
Located in Fairfield, CA
A vintage figurative ceramic sculpture. Beautiful minimalist design of 2 embracing figures. Finished in a matte off-white glaze.
Ceramic
Monumental Sergio Bustamante 'Sol Eclipse' Papier Mâché Wall Sculpture, 1997
Located in Benalmadena, ES
Monumental wall-mounted sculpture executed in painted papier-mâché by Mexican artist Sergio Bustamante (b. 1949). Titled "Sol Eclipse" (Solar Eclipse), this large-scale composition f...
Paper
Salvador Dalí Leda Armchair Sculpture in Polished Brass, Spain
By BD Barcelona Design, Salvador Dalí
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Leda armchair designed by Dali manufactured by BD. Structure in polished cast brass varnish. Measures: 47 x 60 x 92 H. cm Year: 1935-1937 Taken from “Femme á la téte rose” 1935 (...
Brass
$395 / item
Post Modern Display Mannequin
Located in Riverdale, NY
Post Modern Display Mannequin from a Japanese store formerly located on Madison Ave, NY. Articulated fiberglass mannequin body has screws at join...
Metal
A bronze figurative sculpture after Henry Moore, signed, 20th century
Located in View Park, CA
A bronze figurative sculpture depicting an abstract female body, upon a pink marble plinth, signed by artist, probably mid to late 20th century. Thi...
Marble, Bronze
Italian postmodern stylized head sculpture in wood, 1990s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian postmodern stylized head sculpture in wood, 1990s Sculpture made entirely of wood. The upper part is rounded and resembles a head. The base is squared. It can be used as a ha...
Wood
Set of 2 Two Head Sculptured Dolls by Studio Mano
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 2 Two Head Sculptured Dolls by Studio Mano. Dimensions: W 11.5 x D 8 x H 13 cm. Materials: Porcelain white clay and clear gloss glaze, Santa Fe clay, or Brown clay. Studio M...
Ceramic
Salvador Dalí Leda Armchair Sculpture in Polished Brass, Spain
By Salvador Dalí, BD Barcelona Design
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Leda armchair designed by Dali manufactured by BD. Structure in polished cast brass varnish. Measures: 47 x 60 x 92 H. cm Year: 1935-1937 Taken from ...
Brass
$719 / item
Spike Planter by Deetee Home
Located in Geneve, CH
Spike Planter by Deetee Home Dimensions: W 35.5 x D 35.5 x H 43.2 cm Materials: Stoneware Sculpted with a raw, textured finish, its organic form and raised spikes give it a sculptur...
Stoneware
Gio Ponti for Argenteria Sabattini Italian Silver-Plated "Musk" Sculpture 1970s
By Gio Ponti, Sabattini Argenteria
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Italian sculpture ‘Cuckolded Mask” in silver-plated metal designed by Gio Ponti for Argenteria Sabattini with the manufacturer’s mark engraved, Italy 1970s Please note that the item...
Silver Plate
$52,729 / item
Brummit Fir Christmas Tree Sculpture by The Peak Antler
Located in Geneve, CH
Brummit Fir Christmas Tree Sculpture by The Peak Antler Dimensions: W 132.08 x D 132.08 x H 396.24 cm Materials: naturally shed antlers Based in, produced and shipped from the US. ...
Antler
Pair of Natural Steer Horns on Lucite Bases
Located in Lambertville, NJ
A chic pair of steer horns each mounted on Lucite bases. These highly decorative horns add a unique air of sophistication to the décor of any space 6 inches square base, 20.5 inches ...
Horn, Lucite
$195Sale Price|60% Off
Postmodern Sculpted Business Man With Green Tie and Briefcase
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Add a touch of creativity to your space with the Postmodern Sculpted Business Man with Green Tie and Briefcase, an artful representation of contemporary professionalism. Unique scul...
Ceramic
$1,760Sale Price|20% Off
Curtis Jere Post Modern Table Sculpture of Brass Chrome and Marble c. 1985
By C. Jeré Artisan House, Curtis Jeré
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Curtis Jere table sculpture featuring a chrome ball on a brass ribbon like arm anchored by a strong marble base. This Post Modern Curtis Je...
Marble, Brass, Chrome
Postmodern White Glazed Porcelain Glove Mold by Rosenthal
By Rosenthal
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1970s. This mold is made in glazed porcelain. It was inspired by those ones designed by Gio Ponti for Ginori. This is a vintage piece, therefore it might show slight t...
Porcelain
$180Sale Price|20% Off
Thierry Mugler Angel Etoile Collection Factice with Box
By Thierry Mugler
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful Thierry Mugler 2.6 fluid ounce “Etoile Collection” Eau de Parfum factice-dummy in mint condition. This piece comes in the factory box with molded stand. The piece has color...
Glass, Plastic
$14,400Sale Price|25% Off
John Miller Blue Plate Special Hamburger 2008 Blown Pop Art Glass Sculpture
By John Miller
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Inspired by Americana, Miller's work stands to bring new light and perspective to the often overlooked but ubiquitous cultural artifacts that form the American visual lexicon and lived experience. Maybe as impressive as the work itself, is the magnitude of which his creations come to life. At such an impressive scale, his process is truly spectacle to witness. Pieces from his famed ‘Blue Plate Special...
Blown Glass
1980 Italy Post-Modern Bronze Abstract Sculpture Ottorino Tonelli Adamo
Located in Brescia, IT
This artwork was created by the Italian artist Ottorino Tonelli. Title "Adamo" translated "Adam" Ottorino Tonelli was born in 1948 in Carrara, where h...
Bronze
A monumental bronze female nude sculpture by Somchai, circa 1970
Located in View Park, CA
A monumental nude sculpture of a femme torso in bronze by Hattakitkosol Somchai, signed, circa 1970. A striking rarity of Somchai’s oeuvre, this piece stands at nearly twenty-six inc...
Bronze
$272Sale Price|53% Off
1980s Postmodern Female Face Ceramic Sculpture in the Austin Productions Style
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Large scale, Postmodern / 1980s Art Deco revival Female Head Ceramic Sculpture in the Austin Productions Style. Circa 1980s Features a flatten female head figure molded on a...
Ceramic
$1,138 / item
Sculpture FUNGHI 20 by Zanellazine Ceramics
Located in Geneve, CH
Sculpture FUNGHI 20 by Zanellazine Ceramics Dimensions: W 19 x D 14 x H 23 cm Materials: Red clay, Brown semi-refractorie clay. About: Giovanna Zighetti, ceramist and set designer, ...
Ceramic
1980 Italy Post Modern Abstract Bronze Sculpture Archictectures
Located in Brescia, IT
This is an interesting multiple artwork signed by the author Edmondo Cirillo, a talented artist of years 80' in Italy. This is a multiple of a numbe...
Bronze
$22,800Sale Price|20% Off
Rare 1986 Limited Edition Gufram Multipli Cactus, Signed & Numbered 1257 of 2000
By Guido Drocco and Franco Mello, Gufram Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A rare and highly collectible limited edition Gufram 'Cactus' coat / hat rack sculpture designed by Guido Drocco and Franco Mello, part of the legendary Italian Radical Design and Po...
Polystyrene
Stoneware Clay, Unglazed Ceramic Ethereal Sculpture by Aleksandra Krasnopolska
Located in Geneve, CH
Stoneware Clay, Unglazed Ceramic Ethereal Sculpture by Aleksandra Krasnopolska Dimensions: W 25.5 x D 19 x H 35 cm Materials: Stoneware clay. Unglazed ceramic sulface. Weight: 5,6 k...
Ceramic, Clay, Stoneware
1970s Iron Modernist Sculpture
Located in Sarasota, FL
A modernist sculpture in iron. Depicts a round face with simple raised and pierced features, decorated in a vibrant color palette. Artist is unknown.
Iron
$2,043Sale Price / item|25% Off
John Miller Blue Plate Special Fries 2008 Hand Blown Pop Art Glass Sculptures
By John Miller
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Inspired by Americana, Miller's work stands to bring new light and perspective to the often overlooked but ubiquitous cultural artifacts that form the American visual lexicon and lived experience. Maybe as impressive as the work itself, is the magnitude of which his creations come to life. At such an impressive scale, his process is truly spectacle to witness. Pieces from his famed ‘Blue Plate Special...
Blown Glass
Jean Paul Gaultier Wire Dress Form Mannequin
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An iconic and collectible wirework dress form mannequin by legendary French designer Jean Paul Gaultier, created in the 1990s. This sculptural piece exemplifies Gaultier’s bold, avan...
Steel
Tanya Poust Mother & Child Patinated Bronze
Located in Astoria, NY
Tanya Poust (American, XX) Mother and Child Patinated Bronze Sculpture, mounted on a white marble base. 18.25" H x 4.25" W x 5.5" D. Provenance: From a New York City Collection.
Bronze
Pedro Friedeberg Snake Bar / Server / Table / Candle Holder / Sculpture, Signed
Located in Kansas City, MO
Pedro Friedeberg Snake bar, Mexico, c. 1970s. Made of carved and gilt wood, antique statuary, and glass. The stretched out hands hold the round removable glass tray and the upper han...
Glass, Wood
20th Century Post-Modern Glazed Ceramic Penis/Phallic Sculpture, United Kingdom
Located in North Miami, FL
Late 20th century Post-Modern painted and glazed ceramic penis/phallic sculpture, United Kingdom By: unknown Material: ceramic, paint, enamel, clay ...
Enamel
$4,481 / item
Earthenware Tamani Sculpture by Munier
Located in Geneve, CH
Earthenware Tamani Sculpture by Munier Dimensions: W 25 x D 25 x H 25 cm. Materials: Earthenware. Weight: 1.5 kg. I specialize in the ancient technique of coil building, a tradition...
Ceramic
whimsical Mini Patinated Brass Postmodern Gift Sculpture Paperweight
Located in San Diego, CA
Whimsical brass gift sculpture , nice patina it will make a great gift,
Brass
Ceramic Centerpiece, Memphis Style (inspired) by Jean Decloquement, France
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a ceramic sculpture or centerpiece designed by French artist Jean Decloquement. The piece features 8 ceramic vases in shapes prominent during the Memphi...
Ceramic
$13,182 / item
Stoneware Namara Sculpture by Munier
Located in Geneve, CH
Stoneware Namara Sculpture by Munier Dimensions: W 55 x D 55 x H 45 cm. Materials: Stoneware. Weight: 12 kg. I specialize in the ancient technique of coil building, a traditional ha...
Ceramic
$1,438 / item
Artefacto 03 by Federico Stefanovich
Located in Geneve, CH
Artefacto 03 by Federico Stefanovich Dimensions: D 19 x W 47 x H 36 cm. Material: Brass. Available in a smaller size: D 10 x W 26 x H 20 cm. Federico Stefanovich presents himself as...
Brass
Italy 1980 Post Modern Abstract Bronze Sculpture by Concetto Pozzati
Located in Brescia, IT
This is a joyful bronze sculpture multiple art work signed by the well known Italian artist Concetto Pozzati. Title Pear (O'pera) This is a multiple of a numbered edition of 1.000 p...
Bronze
Bruce Houston instant Sculptures Collection, Signed Dated, Set of Four
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Just a fine and great collection of sculptures by the well known artist Bruce Houston. All pieces dated , and signed and some dedicated. Can be sold individually by request , the si...
Other
Postmodern Curtis Jere Sculpture
By Curtis Jeré
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Unique Curtis Jere sculpture of a kissing couple. Black steel sculpture with whimsical sleek lines casting great shadows throughout the day. Matte black finish topped of with gold ba...
Metal
$28,365 / item
Circle Of Love Bronze Sculpture by Gardeco Objects
Located in Geneve, CH
Circle Of Love Bronze Sculpture by Gardeco Objects Limited Edition Of 49 Pieces. Designed by Guy Buseyne. Dimensions: D 79 x W 17 x H 86 cm. Base: D 40 x W 17 x H 2 cm. Materials: Br...
Bronze
Sergio Bustamante Signed Man At Window Ceramic Sculpture
Located in Forney, TX
A scarce vintage ceramic art sculpture by legendary 20th century Mexican artist Sergio Bustamante (b.1949). Fantastical surrealist style hand pa...
Earthenware
Salvador Dalí Leda Armchair Sculpture in Polished Brass, Spain
By BD Barcelona Design, Salvador Dalí
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Leda armchair designed by Dali manufactured by BD. Structure in polished cast brass varnish. Measures: 47 x 60 x 92 H.cm Year: 1935-1937 Taken from “Femme á la téte rose” 1935 (W...
Brass
Body Grid Sculpture by Tanya Ragir, Signed & Dated 1990, Edition 1/9
By Tanya Ragir
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Introducing the exquisite Body Grid Sculpture by acclaimed artist Tanya Ragir, a captivating piece that effortlessly combines intricate design with cont...
Resin
Italian Murano Whimsical Glass Hat with Lobster Detail by Badiolli
By Badioli
Located in San Diego, CA
Whimsical unique Italian glass Hat by Badiolli with lobster decor, many peaplo use this piece as a centerpiece of a table and put fruit arround it or jus...
Blown Glass
$1,869Sale Price|65% Off
Abstract lifesize ceramic sculpture by Dieter Eichelmann, Germany 1980s
Located in ECHT, NL
Handcrafted ceramic sculpture. The sculpture is made from several tiles that form a human figure. The tiles are fixed to a wood back. Dieter Eichelmann Born: 1946 in Bardenberg -...
Ceramic, Clay
$599 / item
Small Artefacto 03 by Federico Stefanovich
Located in Geneve, CH
Small Artefacto 03 by Federico Stefanovich Dimensions: D 10 x W 26 x H 20 cm. Material: Brass. Available in a larger size: D 19 x W 47 x H 36 cm. Federico Stefanovich presents himse...
Brass
1980's Postmodern Desk top Apple Envelope Holder
Located in San Diego, CA
Whimsical 1980's Wood lacquered apple , envelope desk top holder great condition.
Wood
1980 Italy Ugo La Pietra Bronze Abstract Sculpture Bellezza Al Bagno
Located in Brescia, IT
This is one of the 30 pieces of this engaging artwork realized in bronze by the well known Internationally artist, Ugo La Pietra, in 1985. This artwork well represents the relations...
Bronze
$3,715 / item
Prickless Pear Sculpture by ON.ENTROPY
Located in Geneve, CH
Prickless Pear Sculpture by ON.ENTROPY Dimensions: W 47 x D 21 x H 38 cm Materials: Green Marble. on• entropy is a marble atelier established in 2009 in Athens and London with a foc...
Marble
$14,716 / item
Gold Plated Ceramic Ethereal Grace Sculpture by deBlona
Located in Geneve, CH
Gold Plated Ceramic Ethereal Grace Sculpture by deBlona Dimensions: W 21 x D 13 x H 51 cm. Materials: Coated resin, Gold plated ceramic, base in golden brass / White, 24 kt gold lust...
Ceramic
Contemporary Art Fountain Pio Tempio D'empio Tempo by Luigi Ontani
By Mirabili, Luigi Ontani
Located in Pistoia, IT
Limited edition fountain in marble and bronze. (central column - limited edition of 7 pieces only) The central column can possibly be mounted inside a marble basin to be built local...
Marble, Bronze
1980 Italy Post Modern Abstract Bronze Sculpture the Bather
Located in Brescia, IT
This is an interesting multiple artwork signed by the author Roberto Nanut, a talented artist of years 80' in Italy. This is a multiple of a numbered ed...
Bronze
Lassù Iconic 1983 Bronze Sculpture by Alessandro Mendini
Located in Weesp, NL
Own a Masterpiece: Alessandro Mendini’s Original 1983 Lassù Step into the world of postmodern artistry with Alessandro Mendini’s Lassù, a rare and iconic bronze sculpture from his o...
Bronze
Late 20th Century Carved Varnished Wood Decorative Feminine Sculpture, Brazil
Located in North Miami, FL
Late 20th century varnished wood decorative feminine sculpture with carved abdominal void, Brazil By: unknown Material: wood Technique: carved, hand-carved, hand-crafted, varnished ...
Wood
Postmodern Shosh Paper Mache Sculpture Israel
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Sweet whimsical postmodern paper mache sculpture of a woman or girl in by Artist Shosh in the manner of Patience Brewster for Mackenzie Childs. ...
Paper
Murano Powder Blue Handblown Flower
By Murano 5
Located in Pasadena, TX
This flower is handblown. It was crafted in Murano, Italy. It is powder blue with 5 petals. Makes for a great gift.
Art Glass
$344Sale Price|28% Off
1980s Postmodern David Fisher for Austin Productions Faces of Love Sculpture
By Austin Prod
Located in Miami, FL
Postmodern David Fisher for Austin Productions Faces of Love Sculpture. Stamped in the back by the manufacturer and Dated 1980. “Face of Love” ceramic s...
Plaster
1980’s Figural Large Hand Carved Marble Embracing Couple Sculpture & Slate Base
Located in Topeka, KS
Magnificent vintage figural large hand carved marble embracing couple sculpture & slate tile covered plywood pedestal. This fabulous piece is signed but we have been unsuccessful in ...
Marble, Slate
$11,864 / item
Matte Black Finish Néra Sculpture by deBlona
Located in Geneve, CH
Matte Black Finish Néra Sculpture by deBlona Dimensions: W 78 x D 20 x H 87-97 cm. Materials: Ceramic. Colors: Matte black finish. A sculptural representation of an imposing and en...
Ceramic
Horus by Paul Wunderlich for Rosenthal 1985
Located in Weesp, NL
Rare 1985 Paul Wunderlich Porcelain Art Piece “Horus” Elevate your art collection with this extraordinary 1985 Jahresobjekt “Horus,” created by the renowned German artist Paul Wunde...
Porcelain
$3,269 / item
Le Gambe Sculpture by Marcela Cure
Located in Geneve, CH
Le Gambe Sculpture by Marcela Cure Dimensions: Leg 1 W 47 x D 12 x H 22 cm / Leg 2 W 29 x D 12 x H 29 cm Materials: Resin and Stone Composite Our Le Gambe sculpture is composed ...
Stone