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Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens

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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Item Ships From: USA
Style: Mid-Century Modern
Modern Abstract Sculpture in Solid Alabaster by Mark Leblanc, USA
Located in Deland, FL
Hand-sculpted in pure, solid alabaster this fascinating sculpture is absolutely arresting from every angel. Sculpted by Mark Leblanc, an accomplished designer and craftsmen renowned for his Organic Modern pieces audaciously carved from all-natural materials, this extraordinary piece is ideal for collectors and designers alike. Reminiscent of a water droplet, with an intricate carved dimple hidden within the piece, this sculpture features exquisite patterns of cream mixed with rose-colored swirls and veins left behind by iron deposits within the ancient alabaster during it's formation millions of years ago. This sculpture is the very definition of one of a kind so when it's gone, it's gone forever. Make it yours today. Mark Leblanc (currently on display in the ABT Modern...
Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Stone, Alabaster

Thirteen Silver Plate Seashells
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Enticing group of thirteen vintage seashells representing exotic species enhanced with silver plate. Signed Ruzzetti and Gow Italy. Sizes range from: H: 3 W: 2 D: 3 H: 6 W: 6 D: 1
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Silver Plate

Pair of Vintage Quartz Sculptures on Lucite
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Pair of chic Mid Century sculptures having quartz specimens artistically arraigned in brass receptacles on brass rods presented on lucite bases.
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Quartz, Brass

Vintage Coastal La Vietrese Monumental Glazed Ceramic Under the Sea Vase
Located in west palm beach, FL
Infuse coastal elegance into your space with this vintage La Vietrese monumental glazed ceramic Under The Sea vase. Crafted with exquisite detail, this piece brings the ocean's beaut...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Ceramic

Mid Century Modern 78" Tall Narrow Drift Wood Sculpture Specimen on Wooden Base
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid Century Modern 78" Tall Narrow Drift Wood Sculpture Specimen on Wooden Base.
Category

20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Steel

78" Tall & Narrow Natural Art Light Driftwood Specimen Sculpture on Wooden Base
Located in Rockaway, NJ
78" Tall & Narrow Natural Art Light Driftwood Specimen Sculpture on Wooden Base Mint!
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Steel

Mid Century Modern Light Wood 73" Tall Narrow Driftwood Sculpture on Steel Base
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid Century Modern Light Wood 73" Tall Narrow Driftwood Sculpture on Steel Base MINT
Category

20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Steel

Rotating Agate Geode With Amethyst Crystals
Located in Pasadena, CA
Rotating Agate Geode With Amethyst Crystals. The base of this natural specimen is made in a way hat allows the geode to turn in a 360 degree angle. It can be turned to face any direc...
Category

1960s Brazilian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Amethyst

Vintage Group of Five Silver Overlay Seashells, Priced Individually
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Striking group of five mid century assorted seashell specimens sculpturally enhanced with a silver overlay. Priced individually. Top Left H: 5 W: 8 D: 5.5 $1,450.00 Top Cente...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Metal

Mexican Sermel Papier Mâché Small Mushroom Sculpture
Located in Stamford, CT
Papier mâché small mushroom 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 Natural Specimens

Materials

Paper

Gorgeous Mid Century Modern Natural Driftwood Mounted Specimen Sculpture
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a gorgeous natural specimen of driftwood professionally turned into a modern sculpture. This is a large and very decorative piece of natural driftwood and will look great on ...
Category

Early 2000s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Driftwood

One Of A Kind Natural Clamshell Mounted on a Natural Coral Base .
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Beautiful natural clamshell with cream color patina, professionally clean and mounted on original natural coral base, with some accents of rock Crystal and citrine crystal . Come in ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Coral, Rock Crystal

French Gypsum Sculptures
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1970 s tree statue , Vintage artist school work . Small Man H: 24 W:6 D:5,5 WOMEN H: 22.5 W:6 D:6
Category

1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Plaster

Beautiful and Highly Decorative Natural Sea Shell #3
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Beautiful and Large Highly Decorative Natural Sea Shell. I purchased a collection of large beautiful Sea Shells from an antique store in Newport.
Category

1940s North American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Shell

Large Standing 6.5' Tall Abstract Driftwood Sculpture on Wooden Block Base MINT!
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Large Standing 6.5' Tall Abstract Driftwood Sculpture on Wooden Block Base MINT!
Category

20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Driftwood

Highly Decorative Large Natural Sea Shell #2
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Highly Decorative Natural Beautiful Sea Shell. Large size.
Category

1940s North American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Shell

Mica Mineral Specimen
Located in New York, NY
A large vintage mica specimen featuring mica blades clustered together in various positions and angles. Considering the general flakiness of mica, this pi...
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens

Large Highly Decorative Old Natural Sea Shell #4
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Beautiful Large Natural Highly Decorative Sea Shell. Great for decorating! I purchased a collection of Sea Shells from a antique store in Newport.
Category

1940s North American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Shell

Large Beautiful and Highly Decorative Natural Sea Shell #5
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Large Beautiful and Highly Decorative Natural Sea Shell. I purchased a collection of large shells from an antique store in Newport.
Category

1940s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Shell

Pair of 1970s Longhorn Steer Horns Mounted on Lucite Bases by Jean Roy Designs
By Jean Roy Designs
Located in St. Louis, MO
Fantastic and sculptural pair of natural steer horns on custom lucite bases circa 1970s, designed by Jean Roy Designs of California. Label. In fine condition,...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Horn, Lucite

Large 25" Tall Artist Signed Driftwood Root Burl Wood Natural Sculpture NICE!
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Large 25" Tall Artist Signed Driftwood Root Burl Wood Natural Sculpture NICE!
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Burl

Set of Five Vintage Italian Alabaster Grape Clusters with Wood Stems
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This set of Mid-century handcrafted alabaster grape clusters with wood stems transports one to the vineyards of Italy. Consisting of two large ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Alabaster

Ceramic Scallion Sculpture, 1950s
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
Ceramic Scallion Sculpture, 1950s.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Ceramic

Italian Wood Sculpture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage wood sculpture by the student in scuola di belle arti in Venice a public academy of art in Venice.
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Wood

MCM Palm Frond / Leaf Sculpture in Teak
Located in San Diego, CA
A very cool Mid-Century Modern palm frond / leaf sculpture on base in teak, circa 1970s. The piece is in very good vintage condition and measures 17.5W x 4"D x 3.5"H. A fun piece tha...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Teak

Amethyst Geode Stone on Iron Stand
Located in Pasadena, CA
Amethyst Geode Stone on Iron Stand measurements are approx 18 w x 15 high x 5.5 deep with stand 15.5 high and base diameter is 8.
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Amethyst

Coco De Mer Nut Sculptural Box by Antony Redmile, London
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This is a rare and magnificent object fashioned from a rare coco de mer nut and Ostrich egg by Antony Redmile. The box is secured to a wooden base with a silvered stand, holding both sides of the coconut. The coconut is a rich dark chocolate brown and appears to be warmly polished. The top of the box is silvered and adorned with beautiful malachite specimens. 2 small cast resin boar's teeth set with malachite are present on either side of the box, much like handles. Decorative silvered fittings hold ostrich eggs that serve as the lids to the box. Finally, a silvered fitting holds an oval malachite finial...
Category

1970s English Vintage Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Malachite, Silver Plate

Vintage Massive Live Edge Tree Root Sculpture
Located in Annville, PA
A Vintage Massive live edge tree root sculpture. An absolute masterpiece from every angle this naturally occurring sculpture is a beauty to behold ...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Wood

"Le Crapaud" Bronze Sculpture by Henri George Adam, Signed
Located in New York, NY
Green brown patinated bronze sculpture by the French artist Henri George Adam. Titled "Le Crapaud" this piece is one of four sculptures. The artist ...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Bronze

Nautilus Shell in a Tree with Lizard Sculpture by Maitland-Smith
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Intriguing vintage object of art with an eccentric composition having an organic nautilus shell in a cast metal tree on a penshell base featuring a silver plate lizard with a tortois...
Category

Late 20th Century Philippine Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Metal, Silver Plate

Artist Roger Capron Ceramic Tile in the Style of a Prehistoric Fossil Fish
Located in St. Louis, MO
Roger Capron French (1922–2006) large ceramic tile evocative of a prehistoric fossil fish, executed in intricate, dimensional detail and finished in...
Category

1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Ceramic

Midcentury Freeform Stone Sculpture
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Grey polished marble, well carved and showing some interesting references such as Jean Arp and Inuit carvings. Condition: some chips and one damage to one corner Please see photos ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Marble

Amethyst Paperweight on Crystal Stand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A small paperweight on a square crystal stand with a divot to hold the sphere. A compliment to any desk or work station or on a cocktail table. A beautiful piece.
Category

20th Century South American Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Amethyst, Crystal

Solid Driftwood Root Sculpture Organic Jewerly Display Nice Patina & Shape Mint!
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Solid driftwood root sculpture organic jewerly display nice patina & shape mint!
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Driftwood

Silver Plate Life Size Giant Clam Shell Sculpture
By D'argenta
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Striking life size giant clam shell sculpture or object of art having the iconic form and texture with a silver plated finish by D'Argenta Studios.
Category

20th Century Mexican Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Silver Plate

Pair of French Mid-Century Modern Rock Crystal Hand-Craved, Hand-Polished Orbs
Located in New York, NY
A Pair of French Mid-Century Modern rock crystal hand-craved and hand-polished orbs/spheres on original rock crystal stands. Each orb is hand carved and hand-polished from a single p...
Category

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Rock Crystal

6' Brass and Copper Marsh Grass, Cattails and Driftwood Curtis Jere Style 1970s
Located in Camden, ME
A freestanding sculpture over six feet in height in the style of Curtis Jere from the 1970s. An interesting marsh vignette of copper and brass seagrass with cast bronze cattails and ...
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Brass, Bronze, Copper

Oversized Raku Pottery Sculpture of a Pear by Renzo Faggioll
Located in Downingtown, PA
Oversized Raku Pottery Sculpture of a Pear by American Ceramicist, Renzo Faggioll 1980s The sculpture is of a naturalistically shaped pear with stem in yellows and green. It is Raku pottery. Dimensions: 29 3/4 inches high x 13 inches diameter. Renzo Faggioli...
Category

1980s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Pottery

Tall Driftwood Freestanding Sculpture with Metal Leaves and Carved Wood Birds
Located in Miami, FL
A unique and organic sculpture using driftwood intertwined with oxidized metal leaves and cattails. There are two hand carved birds perching on the wood. The sculpture is in wonderfu...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Driftwood

Triton Shell Bird Sculpture
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Mid century bird or stork sculpture crafted with silvered metal, brass, and an organic conch shell in a familiar pose. Stamped Binazzi Firenze on the base.
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Metal

Wonderful Carved Rock Crystal Sculpture Alligator Paperweight Desk Accessory
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful Carved Rock crystal sculpture Of An Alligator Paperweight Desk Accessory.
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Rock Crystal

Oversized Roku Pottery Sculpture of an Apple by Renzo Faggioll
Located in Downingtown, PA
Oversized Sculpture of an Apple by American Ceramicist, Renzo Faggioll, Raku Pottery, 1980s The sculpture is of a naturalistically shaped pear with stem in yellows and green. It is Raku pottery. Dimensions: 20 inches high x 14 inches diameter. Renzo Faggioli...
Category

1980s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Ceramic, Pottery

Three Gold Plated Nautilus Shells, Priced Individually
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Group of three nautilus shells with their iconic form, gold plated with a copper under coat wearing through as a sculptural element.
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Shell

White Branch Coral Sculpture on Lucite
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Striking branch coral sculpture created by F. S. Henemader with organic sustainable specimens with their alluring bleached white color and sea inspired form. Presented on a Lucite ba...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Solomon Islands Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Coral

Copper and Stone Tree Sculpture
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Lofty mid century tree sculpture crafted in copper twisted into form and mounted on an organic stone base.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Copper

Large Sea Sponge Sculpture on Lucite
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Striking sea sponge specimen with a dramatic form, sea inspired texture and soothing organic color. Presented on a Lucite base to enhance the sculptural elements.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Solomon Islands Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Lucite

Unusual Wooden Sculpture with Iron Stand
Located in Bridgehampton, NY
The sculpture is unique in its handmade quality and form.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Iron

Pair of Sommerso Art Glass Pumpkins by Murano Glass Studios
Located in San Diego, CA
Nice pair of sommerso art glass pumpkins by Murano Glass Studios, circa 1970s. The pair are in very good vintage condition with no chips or cracks and ha...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Art Glass, Sommerso

Vintage Pair of French Midcentury Zinc Topiary Sculptures with Stepped Bases
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of French vintage zinc topiaries from the mid 20th century, with stepped bases. Created in France during the midcentury period, each of this pair of zinc sculptures features a...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Zinc

Abstract Sculpture Frank Morbillo Steel and Bronze
By Frank Morbillo
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Frank Morbillo steel, polished steel, and bronze abstract sculpture from the Elaine Horwitch Gallery in Scottsdale Arizona. Education & background 1984 MFA Sculpture – Universit...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Bronze, Steel

Coco de Mer Tea Caddy by Antony Redmile
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Rare and unusual tea caddy crafted from a coco de mer shell featuring amethyst stone handles and embellishments, ostrich egg tops with refined metal work, and antelope horn side hand...
Category

20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Metal

Live Edge Slab Roman Numeral Clock
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Unique lacquered wood slab roman numeral clock. This beautiful piece of wood features a rich vibrant grain pattern, roman numeral lettering and orn...
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Wood

Mid Century Head Sculpture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid century bronze sculpture of the head Marble base is. Vintage condition.
Category

1960s Spanish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Pair of French Midcentury Palm Tree Sculptures in Black Tapering Pots
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of French vintage painted tôle palm tree sculptures from the mid 20th century, with tapered pot and lion ring pulls. Created in France during the midcentury period, each of this pair of foliage sculptures depicts a palm tree planted...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Tôle

California King Palm Tree Floor Lamp Nickel Plated Brass by Christopher Kreiling
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The California King palm tree floor lamp is a celebration of living and creating in Los Angeles for almost two decades. The palm tree is as m...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Metal, Brass

Three White Coral Specimens on Lucite, Priced Individually
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Three dramatic branch coral specimens each with its bleached white color and sea inspired form and texture, presented on Lucite bases to enhance ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Solomon Islands Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Coral

Pair of European Midcentury Horns Mounted on Silver and Black Stepped Bases
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of European midcentury horns mounted on stepped bases. Capturing our attention with their great presence, each of this pair of horns is mounted on a stepped base showcasing si...
Category

Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Metal

Carved Wood Lion Sculpture in the Manner of Evelyn Ackerman
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A beautiful 1970’s carved wood lion sculpture in the manner of Evelyn Ackerman. It’s not marked. But beautifully carved, possibly pine. Measurements: 26” wide, 7” deep and 10.5” high.
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Pine

Mid-century Modern natural specimens for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Mid-Century Modern natural specimens 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 natural specimens created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, more furniture and collectibles, wall decorations and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Mid-Century Modern natural specimens made in a specific country, there are Europe, North America, and United States pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original natural specimens, popular names associated with this style include Robert Brendel, Somso, Anthony Redmile London, FS Henemader Antiques, and Inc.. 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 natural specimens differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $89 and tops out at $22,500 while the average work can sell for $1,650.

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