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
- Emerged during the mid-20th century
- Informed by European modernism, Bauhaus, International style, Scandinavian modernism and Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture
- A heyday of innovation in postwar America
- Experimentation with new ideas, new materials and new forms flourished in Scandinavia, Italy, the former Czechoslovakia and elsewhere in Europe
CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
- Simplicity, organic forms, clean lines
- A blend of neutral and bold Pop art colors
- Use of natural and man-made materials — alluring woods such as teak, rosewood and oak; steel, fiberglass and molded plywood
- Light-filled spaces with colorful upholstery
- Glass walls and an emphasis on the outdoors
- Promotion of functionality
MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
- Charles and Ray Eames
- Eero Saarinen
- Milo Baughman
- Florence Knoll
- Harry Bertoia
- Isamu Noguchi
- George Nelson
- Danish modernists Hans Wegner and Arne Jacobsen, whose emphasis on natural materials and craftsmanship influenced American designers and vice versa
ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS
- Eames lounge chair
- Nelson daybed
- Florence Knoll sofa
- Egg chair
- Womb chair
- Noguchi coffee table
- Barcelona chair
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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Style: Mid-Century Modern
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
Pair of Bonsai, Glass and Ceramic, 1980
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art Nouveau and Vintage styles since 1982. If you have any questions we are at your disposal.
Pushing the button that reads 'View All ...
Category
1980s Japanese Vintage Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Ceramic, Art Glass
Midcentury Wood Brown Chair Decorative Sculpture Candlestick, France, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Midcentury French modern candlesticks, circa 1960. Very good condition. One damage shown on picture. Made of wood. Beautiful decoration and good gift. Only one unique piece.
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Wood
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
By Roger Capron
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
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
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
Pair of Bonsai 1980, Glass and Ceramic
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art Nouveau and Vintage styles since 1982. If you have any questions we are at your disposal.
Pushing the button that reads 'View All ...
Category
1980s Japanese Vintage Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Art Glass, Ceramic
Big Yellow Bonsai, Glass and Ceramic
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art Nouveau and Vintage styles since 1982. If you have any questions we are at your disposal.
Pushing the button that reads 'View All ...
Category
1980s Japanese Vintage Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Ceramic, Art Glass
Bonsai 1980, Glass and Wood
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art Nouveau and Vintage styles since 1982. If you have any questions we are at your disposal.
Pushing the button that reads 'View All ...
Category
1980s Japanese Vintage Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Art Glass, Wood
Bonsai Blue 1980, Glass and Ceramic
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art Nouveau and Vintage styles since 1982. If you have any questions we are at your disposal.
Pushing the button that reads 'View All From Seller'. And you can see more objects to the style for sale.
Why are there so many antiques in Argentina?
In the 1880 – 1940 there was a grate wave of immigration encouraged by the periods of war that were taking place.
1st World War took place between 1914 and 1918
2nd World War took place between 1939 and 1945
The immigrants options were New York or Buenos Aires. Tickets were cheap and in Buenos Aires they were welcomed with open arms, as it was a country where everything was still to be done.
Argentina was the country of new opportunities, labour was needed and religious freedom was assured, in many cases the of the family travel first until they were settled and then the rest of the family members join them.
In the immigrant museum “Ellis Island Immigrant Building” in New York you can se the promotional posters of the boats that would take them to a new life.
Between the years 1895 and 1896, Argentina had the highest DGP (gross domestic product) per capita in the world according to the Maddison Historical Statistics index, this situation arose due to the large amount of food being exported to European countries, which were at war.
The Argentinean ships left the port of Buenos Aires with food, but they returned with furniture, clothes and construction elements, (it´s common to see this the old buildings of the historic neighbourhood of San Telmo, the beams with the inscription “Made in England)”, as well as many markets that were built in Buenos Aires, such us the San Telmo Market, whose structure was brought by ship and afterwards assembled in 900 Defensa Street.
With the great influence of European immigrants living in the country, the children of the upper classes travelled to study in France, resulting in the inauguration of “La Maison Argentinienne”, on 27th of June 1928, in the international city of Paris, which hosted many Argentinians that were studying in Frace.
It´s the fourth house to be built after France, Canada and Belgium, being the first Spanish-speaking one. Still in place today (17 Bd Jourdan, 75014, Paris, France). Many of the children of these wealthy families who attended international art exhibitions, museums and art courses abroad, took a keen interest in the European style. This is why Buenos Aires was at the time referred as “The Paris of South America”.
Between the years 1890 and 1920 more than a hundred Palaces were built on Alvear Avenue the most exclusive avenue in Buenos Aires. Today some of these palaces have been transformed into museums, hotels and embassies.
In the year 1936, the Kavanagh building was inaugurated, it was the tallest reinforced concrete building in South America.
During 1994 the American Society of Civil Engineers distinguished it as an “international engineering milestone”, and it´s now considered a World Heritage of Modern Architecture.
At the time was common to hire foreign architects such as Le Corbusier, who visited Buenos Aires/Argentina in 1929 and in 1948 he drew up the blueprints for a house built in La Plata City (which was declared a World Heritage Site).
In 1947, the Hungarian architect Marcelo Breuer designed “Parador Ariston” in the seaside city of Mar del Plata. After an Argentinean student at Harvard University convinced him to come to Argentina. He worked on an urban development project in the Casa Amarilla, area of La Boca.
The Ukrainian architect, Vladimiro Acosta, arrives in Argentina in 1928 and worked as an architect until que moved to Brazil.
Antonio Bonet, a Spanish architect who worked with Le Corbusier in Paris, arrives in Argentina in 1937, where he carried out several architectural works and in 1938 designs the well-known BFK chair.
Andres Kálnay, of Hungarian origin, made around 120 architectural masterpieces, among which the former Munich brewery stands out, he even made the furniture’s design.
The German architect, Walter Gropius, director of the Bauhaus, lived in Argentina, where he wrote articles for “Sur” magazine and founded in Buenos Aires, an architectural firm with Franz Möller, who was also an architect, where he built two houses.
At the same time several famous designers decided to immigrate to Argentina, among them we can find the well-known French designer, Jean-Michel Frank, who arrived in the country in 1940 and also worked for the Rockefeller family.
Special pieces were made, which were sold exclusively in the country, such as the well-known German company “WMF”, who sold their products by catalogue, which were chosen by the ladies of High Society in the list of wedding gifts, as well as the pieces designed by Christofle.
The Swiss sculptor Alberto Giacometti, made special pieces for Argentinean mansions.
In 1904 the first Jansen branch outside Paris was established in Buenos Aires, as the Argentinean clientele demanded a large amount of furniture, from the end of the 19th Century to the mid-20th Century.
In 1970, the brand Rigolleau Argentina made pieces authorised by Lalique.
The brands Maple and Thompson also set up shop in the country.
The French plastic artist, Marcel Duchamp moved to Argentina in 1918-1919.
Glass signed Gallé, Charder, Leverre, Schneider, Muller and other French firms. They were bought in flower shops and were given to ladies with beautiful floral arrangements.
Some furniture manufacturers travelled to international fairs and bough the patterns to produce the furniture in Argentina, such as the furniture firm Englander and Bonta, who bought the patterns ins Italy.
It is worth mentioning that in Argentina we have the largest Community of Italians outside...
Category
1980s Japanese Vintage Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Ceramic, Art Glass
Big Bonsai, Glass and Ceramic
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art Nouveau and Vintage styles since 1982. If you have any questions we are at your disposal.
Pushing the button that reads 'View All From Seller'. And you can see more objects to the style for sale.
Why are there so many antiques in Argentina?
In the 1880 – 1940 there was a grate wave of immigration encouraged by the periods of war that were taking place.
1st World War took place between 1914 and 1918
2nd World War took place between 1939 and 1945
The immigrants options were New York or Buenos Aires. Tickets were cheap and in Buenos Aires they were welcomed with open arms, as it was a country where everything was still to be done.
Argentina was the country of new opportunities, labour was needed and religious freedom was assured, in many cases the of the family travel first until they were settled and then the rest of the family members join them.
In the immigrant museum “Ellis Island Immigrant Building” in New York you can se the promotional posters of the boats that would take them to a new life.
Between the years 1895 and 1896, Argentina had the highest DGP (gross domestic product) per capita in the world according to the Maddison Historical Statistics index, this situation arose due to the large amount of food being exported to European countries, which were at war.
The Argentinean ships left the port of Buenos Aires with food, but they returned with furniture, clothes and construction elements, (it´s common to see this the old buildings of the historic neighbourhood of San Telmo, the beams with the inscription “Made in England)”, as well as many markets that were built in Buenos Aires, such us the San Telmo Market, whose structure was brought by ship and afterwards assembled in 900 Defensa Street.
With the great influence of European immigrants living in the country, the children of the upper classes travelled to study in France, resulting in the inauguration of “La Maison Argentinienne”, on 27th of June 1928, in the international city of Paris, which hosted many Argentinians that were studying in Frace.
It´s the fourth house to be built after France, Canada and Belgium, being the first Spanish-speaking one. Still in place today (17 Bd Jourdan, 75014, Paris, France). Many of the children of these wealthy families who attended international art exhibitions, museums and art courses abroad, took a keen interest in the European style. This is why Buenos Aires was at the time referred as “The Paris of South America”.
Between the years 1890 and 1920 more than a hundred Palaces were built on Alvear Avenue the most exclusive avenue in Buenos Aires. Today some of these palaces have been transformed into museums, hotels and embassies.
In the year 1936, the Kavanagh building was inaugurated, it was the tallest reinforced concrete building in South America.
During 1994 the American Society of Civil Engineers distinguished it as an “international engineering milestone”, and it´s now considered a World Heritage of Modern Architecture.
At the time was common to hire foreign architects such as Le Corbusier, who visited Buenos Aires/Argentina in 1929 and in 1948 he drew up the blueprints for a house built in La Plata City (which was declared a World Heritage Site).
In 1947, the Hungarian architect Marcelo Breuer designed “Parador Ariston” in the seaside city of Mar del Plata. After an Argentinean student at Harvard University convinced him to come to Argentina. He worked on an urban development project in the Casa Amarilla, area of La Boca.
The Ukrainian architect, Vladimiro Acosta, arrives in Argentina in 1928 and worked as an architect until que moved to Brazil.
Antonio Bonet, a Spanish architect who worked with Le Corbusier in Paris, arrives in Argentina in 1937, where he carried out several architectural works and in 1938 designs the well-known BFK chair.
Andres Kálnay, of Hungarian origin, made around 120 architectural masterpieces, among which the former Munich brewery stands out, he even made the furniture’s design.
The German architect, Walter Gropius, director of the Bauhaus, lived in Argentina, where he wrote articles for “Sur” magazine and founded in Buenos Aires, an architectural firm with Franz Möller, who was also an architect, where he built two houses.
At the same time several famous designers decided to immigrate to Argentina, among them we can find the well-known French designer, Jean-Michel Frank, who arrived in the country in 1940 and also worked for the Rockefeller family.
Special pieces were made, which were sold exclusively in the country, such as the well-known German company “WMF”, who sold their products by catalogue, which were chosen by the ladies of High Society in the list of wedding gifts, as well as the pieces designed by Christofle.
The Swiss sculptor Alberto Giacometti, made special pieces for Argentinean mansions.
In 1904 the first Jansen branch outside Paris was established in Buenos Aires, as the Argentinean clientele demanded a large amount of furniture, from the end of the 19th Century to the mid-20th Century.
In 1970, the brand Rigolleau Argentina made pieces authorised by Lalique.
The brands Maple and Thompson also set up shop in the country.
The French plastic artist, Marcel Duchamp moved to Argentina in 1918-1919.
Glass signed Gallé, Charder, Leverre, Schneider, Muller and other French firms. They were bought in flower shops and were given to ladies with beautiful floral arrangements.
Some furniture manufacturers travelled to international fairs and bough the patterns to produce the furniture in Argentina, such as the furniture firm Englander and Bonta, who bought the patterns ins Italy.
It is worth mentioning that in Argentina we have the largest Community of Italians outside...
Category
1980s Japanese Vintage Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Art Glass, Ceramic
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
Bonsai Pink 1980, Glass and Wood
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art Nouveau and Vintage styles since 1982. If you have any questions we are at your disposal.
Pushing the button that reads 'View All ...
Category
1980s Japanese Vintage Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Art Glass, Wood
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
Bull Ceramic by Dominique Pouchain
Located in Lasne, BE
Ceramic statue in the shape of a bull. Stamped Dominique Pouchain.
Category
1990s French Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Ceramic
6' Brass and Copper Marsh Grass, Cattails and Driftwood Curtis Jere Style 1970s
By Curtis Jeré
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
Sculpture Bird Wild Wading Curlew Bronze Stone Rock
Located in BUNGAY, SUFFOLK
A detachable and moveable metal sculpture of a wading bird, probably a curlew, with a long crooked beak, long thin body, thick tail and wide webbed feet. On a stone base. Mid-Century...
Category
20th Century Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Stone, Bronze
Collection of Silver Cactus and Lucite Cube Italian Design, 1970s
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Collection of silver cactus and lucite cube Italian design 1970s.
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Silver
Sculpture "Costruzioni Di Oasi", Design Mario Schifano, Italy 1979
Located in Napoli, IT
Sculpture "Costruzioni di Oasi", designed and produced by Mario Schifano in 1979.
These sculptures were made in 100 pieces; the one for sale is numero 55 as per the engraving on the...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Iron
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
By Binazzi
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
Antique under the Water School Specimen
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique under the water school specimen.
An antique natural wunderkammer glass display with marine life in the depths of the sea. The specimen is set ...
Category
Early 20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Glass, Wood
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
Antique Fish Taxidermy Glass Showcase with Bream, ca. 1900
Located in Berghuelen, DE
A large early 20th century taxidermy of a bream. It is mounted in a setting of reeds and grasses in a wooden vitrified case. Made in Germany circa 1900.
Measures: Width: 22.24" (56....
Category
Early 20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Glass, Wood
Pair of Sommerso Art Glass Pumpkins by Murano Glass Studios
By Murano 5
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
Leaf Bronze Trays Midcentury, Italy
Located in Albano Laziale, Rome/Lazio
Two gold colored sand cast trays molded from a natural leaf to use for keys, nick-nacks or as ashtray. Stands on small legs.
Category
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Bronze
Midcentury Handmade Holly Leaf Tray Italy
Located in Albano Laziale, Rome/Lazio
A large and heavy set handmade bronze tray in the shape of a holly leaf. Perfect for candy, snacks, fruit, keys or simply for decorative purposes.
Category
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Bronze
Vintage School Teaching Display Wheat Corn and its Products
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Vintage School Teaching Display Wheat Corn and its Products
A vintage glass showcase illustrating the wheat corn and products made out of wheat...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Glass, Wood
Italian Mid-Century Modern Wooden Sculpture of a Banana Plant, 1950s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian Mid-Century Modern Wooden sculpture of a banana plant, 1950s
Sculpture of a banana plant in carved wood with interlocking leaves. Hand crafted an...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Wood
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
Midcentury Resin Sculpture, 1960s
Located in Praha, CZ
Made in Czechoslovakia
Made of resin
Good original condition.
Category
1960s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Resin
Egg Sculpture Designed by Hans Hedberg made in Sweden during the 1980s / 1990s
By Hans Hedberg
Located in Stockholm, SE
Sculpture designed by Hans Hedberg,
Sweden, 1980s / 1990s.
Stoneware.
Including cast iron.
Signed.
Hans Hedberg was a Swedish Ceramicist who lived and worked in Biot, France. Hed...
Category
Late 20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Ceramic, Stoneware
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
Apple Sculpture by Per Hammarström, Sweden, 1980’s / 1990’s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Apple sculpture by Per Hammarström,
Sweden, 1980’s / 1990’s.
Stoneware.
Signed.
Per Hammarström is one of Sweden’s most highly regarded ceramicists. Per’s work doesn’t conform to the Swedish style of simplicity; instead he loves colour and texture, and exploring the multi-faceted function of ceramics. Per began his training at the Gustavsbergs Porcelain Studio in 1978, which is sadly no longer in existence. In 1984 he opened his own studio in Strängnäs, and has worked in this manner ever since.
Per’s work is characterised by organic forms and his own distinctive glazes, often in bright colours and strong contrasts. His work is unique, each piece starting out as a roughly thrown form, which is worked and transformed into bowls that are characterised by their delicacy and translucency. The organic form is embodied in the textured ceramics of Per. His works are either made from stoneware or porcelain.
The inspiration of much of his work is the sea, but he also draws from flora and fauna; and the changing of the seasons. The undulating colours of the sea, sky and land manifest themselves in his delicately crafted and vividly coloured ceramics. Through elaborate dining-ware and ceramic ornaments...
Category
Late 20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Stoneware
Traditional Preliminary Sketch Wooden Sculpture of a Tree
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Mid-20th century carved trial figure made of wood.
Made in Spain.
In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina.
Materials:...
Category
20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Wood
Murano Glass Vase with Pulegoso Glass Fruit Ascribable to Napoleone Martinuzzi
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1940s.
This transparent murano glass vase features a Pulegoso glass fruit.
It is a vintage piece, therefore it might show slight traces of use, but it can be considere...
Category
1940s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Murano Glass
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
Tall French Midcentury Cattail Sculpture Mounted on a Black Base
Located in Atlanta, GA
A large French metal cattail sculpture from the mid 20th century, with square base. Created in France during the midcentury period, this tall cattail...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Metal
Quartz Crystal Geode Specimen
Located in New York, NY
Large quartz crystal geode specimen.
Category
15th Century and Earlier Unknown Antique Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Quartz
Antique Teaching Model Longitudinal Profile of the Kidney, ca. 1900
Located in Berghuelen, DE
A great antique hand-painted anatomical model of the kidney. Made of papier maché and plaster, mounted on a turned wooden base. Manufactured most probably by SOMSO or PHYWE, Germany ...
Category
Early 20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Plaster, Wood, Paper
Ron Bertocchi Bronze and Amethyst Sculpture of Young Girl and Tree
Located in Norwood, NJ
Ron Bertocchi bronze sculpture of a young girl standing, mounted on a natural amethyst stone ground at the edge of pond with ducks and reeds, covered by a stylized sprawling tree. La...
Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Amethyst, Stone, Bronze
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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