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 celebrated 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.
Generations turn over, and mid-century modern remains arguably the most popular style going. 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
Mid Century Natural Teak Rood Floor Statue
Located in Chicago, IL
Mid Century Natural Teak Rood Floor Statue
The Mid Century Natural Teak Rood Floor Statue is a stunning piece of art that embodies the elegance and simplicity of mid-century design...
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Teak
Vintage Boho Curtis Jere Bird in Nest Tree Sculpture
By Curtis Jeré
Located in west palm beach, FL
Add a touch of whimsy and artistic flair to your decor with this vintage boho Curtis Jere 'Bird in Nest' tree sculpture. Crafted from metal with intricate detailing, this iconic piec...
Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Metal
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
Resin Encased Coral
Located in New York, NY
Decorative, resin encased coral fragment.
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Coral
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
1970s Large Sawtooth Sculpture
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
197s Large sawthooth sculpture monted on brass and chromed steel base.
Category
1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Brass, Steel
Midcentury Metal Potted Plant Sculpture
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Chic midcentury life-size potted plant or philodendron sculpture, handcrafted in metal with a stylized form and an acquired oxidized finish.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Metal
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
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
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
Wood, Art Glass
Midcentury Green Malachite Burnished Egg Set of Five, Stone Sculpture Set
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Midcentury green malachite hand-burnished egg set of five with Lucite bases.
Gorgeous hand burnished and carefully curated set of solid malachite eggs for your springtime pleasure. D...
Category
20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Malachite
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
Pair of Vintage Geode Quartz Bookends
Located in San Diego, CA
Admired since ancient times, natural quartz is prized for its extraordinary natural design. These vintage 1970s gems are polished and present the beautiful array of tan and brown col...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Stone, Quartz
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
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
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
Art Glass, Ceramic
Postmodern Art Glass and Brass Egg & Holster Set, Memphis Inspired
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Carefully curated trio of glass and brass eggs with corresponding brass platform bases (2) for display. Set is comprised of 3 eggs and 3 bases.
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Brass
Large Dramatic Swiss Alpine Antler & Horn Sculpture
Located in New York, NY
A dramatic Swiss Alpine animal sculpture of a skull and its antlers / horns presented with a sober, modern sensibility and a refined rustic aesthetic.
Additional References: Taxide...
Category
20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Bone
"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
Murano glass shell Archimede Seguso mid-century design.
Located in Palermo, IT
Add a touch of exquisite Italian elegance to your home with this stunning Murano glass shell, attributed to celebrated master glassmaker Archimede Seguso. Recently purchased in an on...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Murano Glass, Stained Glass
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
Vintage Teaching Aid Modell of An Ear - Somso ca. 1960
By Somso
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Vintage Teaching Aid Modell of An Ear - Somso ca. 1960
A folding model of an ear. Used as teaching material in German schools ca. 1960. Made of wood and plastic by Somso, Germany.
...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Plaster, Wood, Paper
Polished Malachite Chrysocolla Organic Free-Form Natural Specimen
Located in Forney, TX
A visually striking authentic Congolese mined polished solid Malachite & Chrysocolla natural specimen (midcentury modern Brutalist decoration, sculpture, or paperweight)
The undulating surface of this unique freeform example presents with a layer of bright blue Chrysocolla interrupted by the Malachite's desirable rich deep green shades of banding. This beautiful specimen even shows an intricate botryoidal growth of the Malachite below the Chrysocolla. This is one highly decorative and intriguing offering, perfect for any fossil or geode collector, artifact collection, nature enthusiast, or simply displayed as a stunning objet d'art for anyone looking to elevate their home decor. Easily adding bold vivid color and dramatic variations, unique texture, organic shape and distinctive sculptural form design elements; this fairly large and impressive curiosity is sure to bring a touch of timeless elegant sophistication, rustic warmth, tranquil serenity...
Category
Mid-20th Century Congolese Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Malachite
Antique Teaching Model Longitudinal Profile of the Grain
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Teaching Model Longitudinal Profile of the Grain
A great antique hand-painted model of the grain with removable germ. Made of papier ma...
Category
Early 20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Plaster, Wood, Paper
Traditional Preliminary Sketch Wooden Sculpture of a Tree
Located in Barcelona, ES
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
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
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
Whimsical MCM Butterfly and Flower Mixed Metals and Slate Sculpture
By Curtis Jeré
Located in San Diego, CA
Whimsical MCM butterfly and flower mixed metals and slate sculpture, circa 1970s. Great brutalist look on this unsigned piece that measures 13"W x 10"D x 5"H. Vey good overall condi...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Slate, Copper, Metal
Hand Carved and Polished Feldspar Stone Sculpture on Lacquered Wood Base.
Located in Chicago, IL
Natural feldspar stone sculpture. Hand carved and polished, then mounted on lacquered wood base with felt bottom. Great color, movement and composition.
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Stone
Arthur Court Geode, Agate and Brass, Signed
By Arthur Court
Located in New York, NY
Arthur Court Geode Mineral, agate and brass, Signed. Small scale agate geode displayed on a brass "Medium Mini-Claw" stand. Sold with the original Arthur...
Category
1970s Mexican Vintage Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Agate, Brass
Pair of Fossil Specimens
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Orthoconic Cephalopods towers or fossilized squid specimens carefully cut from stone and polished to reveal these remarkable organic sculptures.
Category
Mid-20th Century Canadian Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Rock Crystal
Great Vintage School Teaching Display of the Fresh Water Habitat
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Great Vintage School Teaching Display of the Fresh Water Habitat
A vintage school teaching showcase with specimen illustrating the fresh water habitat. Used as teaching material in ...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Glass, Wood
Sculpture in Wood Butalist Design, 1950s France
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Description: this sculpture was made in the 1950s in France. It consists of a black oak base and an oak ball carved . Very nice work combining organic form and raw material.
Conditi...
Category
1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Oak
Large Midcentury Redwood Burl Sphere Sculpture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Magnificent and monumental in scale (26" in diameter / 79" circumference) redwood burl sphere. Can be used as a stand-alone impressive sculpture / decorative object or, with slight m...
Category
1960s North American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Burl
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
Vintage School Teaching Display of Usefull Insects
Located in Berghuelen, DE
A classical vintage school teaching showcase with specimen illustrating usefull insects (insects as producers, insects pollinating flowers, insect sanitary police and insects annihil...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Glass, Wood
Showcase with Stone Specimen, Decomposition of Rocks, circa 1930
Located in Berghuelen, DE
The vintage natural scientific specimen diorama shows the decomposition of rocks behind glass in a wooden case. It was used for class, circa 1930.
Measures: Width 14.37" (36.5cm)
Hei...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Stone
Great Vintage School Teaching Display of Household pests
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Great Vintage School Teaching Display of Household pests
A vintage school teaching showcase with household pests specimen behind glass. Used as teaching material in German schools c...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Glass, Wood
Antique Teaching Aid - Structure of the Human Skin, Plaster on Wood
By Somso
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Teaching Aid - Structure of the Human Skin, Plaster on Wood
An antique hand-painted anatomical wall model depicting the structure of the human skin with roots of the hair. T...
Category
Early 20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Plaster, Wood, Paper
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
Mid Century Biomorphic Pottery Coral Reef
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Highly unique and sophisticated pottery sculpture of a sweeping coral reef. Brown glazed pottery with striking organic visual appeal. Two mirrors inset in the reef to depict reservoi...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Pottery
Mid-Century Modern Hand Carved Grisaille Granite Sculpture on Custom Swivel Base
Located in New York, NY
This dynamic and refined Mid-Century Modern sculpture was realized in the United States, circa 1970. It features a TOTEM hand carved form consisting of various tiers of grisaille granite- replete with a rich and organic innate texture. The granite form, suggesting an abstracted corkscrew, is both austere (suggesting the highly reductive forms of Constantin Brancusi) and dynamic, full of verve and energy. The piece sits on a custom swivel...
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Granite
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
Mid-Century Brazilian Modern Stained Gourd with Hot Needle Point Figures
Located in Miami, FL
Mid-Century Brazilian tribal art gourd sculpture with stained finish and hot needle point artistry, 1960s.
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Wood
Selection of Midcentury Marble Lamps
Located in Atlanta, GA
Selection of midcentury marble lamps, American, circa 1950s.
From left to right in the first photo, they are:
1) Variegated round marble lamp in gr...
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Marble, Metal
Stylish Midcentury White Metal Bamboo & Flower Design Pendant Light / Chandelier
Located in Lisse, NL
Handcrafted Italian faux bamboo and flower pendant.
If you like to surround yourself with rare and stylish home accessories then this handcrafted pendant from the mid-century era co...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Metal
School Teaching Display Anthill of the Horse Ant
Located in Berghuelen, DE
School Teaching Display Anthill of the Horse Ant
A vintage school teaching glass display of the anthill of the horse ant. It shows the hill and inhabitants thereof, the life inside ...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Glass, Wood
Vintage Boho Lucite Giant Clothes Pin
Located in west palm beach, FL
Bold, whimsical, and undeniably chic, this oversized Lucite clothes pin sculpture blends pop art playfulness with sleek modern design. Crafted from crystal-clear acrylic with a gleam...
Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Metal
Great Vintage School Teaching Display of the Insects of the Forest Edge
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Great Vintage School Teaching Display of the Insects of the Forest Edge
A vintage school teaching showcase with specimen illustrating the insects of the forest edge. Used as teachin...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Glass, Wood
Decorative Root Sculpture, Italy 1960s
Located in Milan, IT
Decorative root sculpture, Italy 1960s.
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Stone, Metal
Large Vintage Driftwood Freestanding Floor Sculpture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Impressive, statuesque driftwood sculpture mounted to a black painted wooden base (ca. 1970s, USA).
Select crevices in the wood have been painted gold, adding a luxurious element to ...
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Wood, Driftwood, Paint
1950s Midcentury Design English Anatomical Models University
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Set of two amazing anatomical models university, circa 1950s.
Measurements from left: height 30 cm, 23 cm.
Category
1950s English Vintage Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Metal
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
Antique Teaching Aid Modell of an Ear - Somso ca. 1900
By Somso
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Teaching Aid Modell of an Ear - Somso ca. 1900
A folding model of an ear. It was used as teaching material in German schools ca. 1900. It is made of wood and paper mache by ...
Category
Early 20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Plaster, Wood, Paper
Antique Teaching Model Stages of the Appendix, Ca. 1900
Located in Berghuelen, DE
A great antique hand-painted anatomical model of the appendix in different stages. It is made of plaster and mounted on a wooden base. Manufactured most probably by SOMSO or PHYWE, G...
Category
Early 20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Wood, Paper, Plaster
Great Vintage School Teaching Display of the Insects of the Grassland
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Great Vintage School Teaching Display of the Insects of the Grassland
A vintage school teaching showcase with specimen illustrating the insects of the grassland. Used as teaching ma...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Glass, Wood
Small Murano Glass Sweet Pepper Fruit of 'A Canne' Glass
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Small Murano Glass Sweet Pepper Fruit of 'A Canne' Glass
A nice Murano parika fruit made of multicoloured a canne glass.
artfour is an owner-managed trading company dealing with fa...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Art Glass, Murano Glass
Great Vintage School Teaching Display of the Insects of the Heath
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Great Vintage School Teaching Display of the Insects of the Heath
A vintage school teaching showcase with specimen illustrating the insects of the heath. Us...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Glass, Wood
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.