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Modern Natural Specimens

MODERN STYLE

The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw sweeping social change and major scientific advances — both of which contributed to a new aesthetic: modernism. Rejecting the rigidity of Victorian artistic conventions, modernists sought a new means of expression. References to the natural world and ornate classical embellishments gave way to the sleek simplicity of the Machine Age. Architect Philip Johnson characterized the hallmarks of modernism as “machine-like simplicity, smoothness or surface [and] avoidance of ornament.”

Early practitioners of modernist design include the De Stijl (“The Style”) group, founded in the Netherlands in 1917, and the Bauhaus School, founded two years later in Germany.

Followers of both groups produced sleek, spare designs — many of which became icons of daily life in the 20th century. The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics. While Bauhaus principals Marcel Breuer and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe created furniture from mass-produced, chrome-plated steel, American visionaries like Charles and Ray Eames worked in materials as novel as molded plywood and fiberglass. Today, Breuer’s Wassily chair, Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona chaircrafted with his romantic partner, designer Lilly Reich — and the Eames lounge chair are emblems of progressive design and vintage originals are prized cornerstones of collections.

It’s difficult to overstate the influence that modernism continues to wield over designers and architects — and equally difficult to overstate how revolutionary it was when it first appeared a century ago. But because modernist furniture designs are so simple, they can blend in seamlessly with just about any type of décor. Don’t overlook them.

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Style: Modern
Opinion Ciatti Papavero Delicato Large Table Decoration
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Fragility and stability, lightness and solidity: those usually antithetical terms, Papaveri Delicati (Delicate Poppies), seem to be able to co-exist as in all the other creations of Gherardo Frassa. Small metal sculptures...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Metal

Decorative Palm Tree Sculpture
Located in New York, NY
A brass palm tree sculpture by Luciano Benevello. Engraved signature on the base.
Category

20th Century Italian Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Metal, Brass

Angel Botello Sculpture "Denise", circa 1981, Spain
Located in Girona, Spain
Angel Botello sculpture "Denise". Made with bronze. Very decorative. Signed and numbered 6/6. Certificate. Circa 1970, Spain Angle Botello was born in 1913 in the small town of...
Category

1980s Spanish Vintage Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Bronze

Marble Plinth
Located in New York, NY
A square marble plinth element, in the Modern style, circa late-20th century. Marble colors include white, pink, and shades of grey and black. Use for sculpture, a plant, a cocktail,...
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Marble

Large-Scale Teak Apple Sculpture on Carrara Marble Pedestal
Located in New York, NY
Decorative, large-scale teak apple sculpture on a Carrara marble pedestal. Has a solid brass connector which holds the apple to the marble. The apple is made of solid teak planks. Sc...
Category

1980s Vintage Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Carrara Marble

Harry Storms 1945-2023 Bronze Torso on pedestal
Located in Den Haag, NL
Very nice Harry Storms ,1945 -2023 Bronze Torso of a Women .On a Sandstone pedestal .Storms was trained at the pedagogical academy. Initially he was a tea...
Category

1990s Dutch Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Bronze

Bronze Corn Stalk with Turquoise Ear Sculpture by Charles Pratt
Located in San Diego, CA
A large bronze corn stalk with turquoise ear of corn sculpture by Charles Pratt, circa 1990s. The piece is in very good condition with a great patina measures 13"W x 8"D x 65"H. The...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Bronze

Modernist Uruguayan Amethyst Rock Crystal Specimen on Black Lacquer Base
Located in New York, NY
This powerfully scaled and stunning Modernist Uruguayan Amethyst Rock Crystal Specimen on Black Lacquered Base originates from Uruguay during the latter half of the 20th Century. Fea...
Category

20th Century Uruguayan Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Rock Crystal

Hosta Leaf, Small Scale Cast Bronze Botanical Sculpture with Subtle Patina
Located in Chicago, IL
This small bronze sculpture is a maquette for a large scale sculpture at the Olbrich Gardens in Madison, Wisconsin. Made with the ancient lost wax method, a process dating back to th...
Category

2010s American Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Bronze

Natural White Quartz Rock Crystal On Stand
Located in Southall, GB
A highly decorative and dazzling natural rock crystal quartz cluster on a black stand. A excellent and rare example of rock crystal, a crystal that is associated with balance, energy...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary South American Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Quartz, Rock Crystal

Opinion Ciatti Papavero Delicato Small Table Decoration
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Fragility and stability, lightness and solidity: those usually antithetical terms, Papaveri Delicati (Delicate Poppies), seem to be able to co-exist as in all the other creations of Gherardo Frassa. Small metal sculptures...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Metal

A Pair of Sculpted Selenite Totems
Located in New York, NY
A pair of unique hand sculpted Selenite and White Gold gilt totems. Each with a dimmable internal light. Can be sold individually. Smaller: 47.25" h x 8.5"w x 8.5"d
Category

2010s American Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Precious Stone

Large Citrine Butterfly Crystal On Stand
Located in Southall, GB
Large, rare and wonderful natural citrine butterfly in two pieces, on a black metal stand. Citrine is associated with November and is a rich yellow ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary South American Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Crystal

Large Butterfly Amethyst On Stand
Located in Southall, GB
A fabulous Large Amethyst Butterfly style two part piece specimen on blackened metal stand. Beautiful deep purple colouration that glistens. Amethyst represents tranquility and calm....
Category

21st Century and Contemporary South American Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Amethyst

Amethyst Elephant Ears On Stand
Located in Southall, GB
A large, rare and stunning natural pair of amethyst elephant ears on a black metal stand. This is a spectacular natural specimen, deep purple in colour. It catches the light beautifu...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary South American Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Amethyst

Modernist Chrome on Black Marble Stacked Pears Sculpture
Located in San Diego, CA
Modernist chrome on black marble stacked pears sculpture, circa 1980s. The piece is very well crafted and in excellent vintage condition with no chips or cracks; it measures 6"W x 6...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Marble, Chrome

Joan Shapiro Modern Abstract Alabaster Sculpture
Located in New York, NY
Joan Hyde Shapiro (American, XX-XXI) Modern Abstract pink alabaster stone sculpture carved into an organic freeform shape with central cutout, signed to reverse, mounted on a beveled...
Category

20th Century Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Stone, Alabaster

Airin Canedo sculture in wood, glass, reptiles and eggs circa 1990
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible sculpture in wood, glass, lizard and eggshell by AIRIN CANEDO circa 1990
Category

1990s Brazilian Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Eggshell, Glass, Wood, Lizard

18th Century Italian Gilded Fragment with a Faceted Black Crystal on Obsidian
Located in Dublin, Dalkey
18th century Italian gold leaf fragment with a faceted cut black crystal on a free-forming obsidian mineral with a polished face. Obsidian is naturally occurring volcanic glass prod...
Category

18th Century Italian Antique Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Crystal, Lava, Gold Leaf

Shell and Crystal Sculpture, 20th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Shell sculpture, porcelain figure and crystal base, 20th century. h: 30cm, w: 17cm, d: 14cm
Category

20th Century French Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Crystal

Shell and Porcelain Sculpture, 20th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Shell sculpture, porcelain figure and gilt bronze base, 20th century. h: 32.5cm, w: 18cm, d: 17cm
Category

20th Century French Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Bronze

Quartz Crystal with Agate on Wood Stand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Abstract Triangular Shape This Piece features an Agate Band with Quartz Crystal with Citrine This is a very unique crystal as the Quartz is not fully developed which gives the face...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Crystal, Rock Crystal

Sculptural Abalone Shell with Baroque Pearls on Polished Agate
Located in Dublin, Dalkey
Polished Abalone (Haliotis Iris) shell with natural forming baroque pearls mounted on a metal rod on a polished agate base. The iridescent, multi-colored shell coordinates perfectly ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Agate, Metal

Sculptural Abalone Shell with Baroque Pearls on a Polished Agate Base
Located in Dublin, Dalkey
Polished Abalone (Haliotis Iris) shell with natural forming baroque pearls mounted on a metal rod on a polished agate base. The iridescent, multi-colored shell coordinates perfectly ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Agate, Metal

Quartz Crystal Mineral Specimen on Brass Stand
Located in New York, NY
Clear rock crystal quartz mineral specimen slap on a fitted brass stand. Overall: 14" H x 8.25" W x 5.5" D.
Category

20th Century Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Crystal, Quartz, Brass

Malachite Decorative Objects
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful set of two (2) round natural green malachite decorative objects. Pieces have a nice weight to them, round in shape, and polished smooth. Great items for a desk, cocktail ...
Category

20th Century Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Malachite

Large Polished Labradorite Freeform
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A spectacular naturally formed large polished labradorite freeform sourced from Madagascar. Characterised by its iridescent colours...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Malagasy Antique Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Stone

Pair of Carved Fossilized Limestone Bookends with Many Fossils Visible
Located in Morristown, NJ
20th c., a high quality pair of demilune columnar form stone bookends, unmarked. Skillfully carved beige limestone with a large number of spiral shell gastropods, nautiloids, and other fossils polished to show off the beauty of the fossils. There are natural streaks of dark and light limestone, orange iron oxide, and crystalline calcite in the shells. The stone contains a large amount of calcite (or aragonite) with the remainder made of impurities such as dolomite, quartz or silicates, clay, iron oxides, and rock particles of many kinds. These are of lovely quality and are fascinating to look at. As they are cut from the same piece, the fossils match up when both bookends are placed together and the corresponding portion of fossils can be seen on the opposite interior vertical plane. Dimensions: 7"h x 5.75"w x 2.75"d (each half) Condition: Good, a few scratches and nicks on base, attractive appearance. Provenance: A Private Collection: The Sherry Netherland...
Category

1980s Unknown Vintage Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Stone

Large Polished Labradorite Freeform
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A spectacular large polished labradorite freeform sourced from Madagascar. Characterised by its iridescent colours, principally blue, this huge high grade labradorite is a stunning specimen, the lustrous colours fluctuating as it is observed from different angles. It is freestanding, making a striking sculptural piece for an interior, with a polished face to one side and a naturalistic reverse. Labradorite is named after the region of its discovery at Paul Island in the Canadian province of Labrador, first discovered here in 1770. Madagascar is currently the main source of labradorite. To expose its stunning colours, the stone is highly polished, revealing its natural beauty. This in itself is a talented skill, with only a small percentage of labradorites yielding positive results, making this specimen a rare discovery. We also have two other large labradorite...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Malagasy Antique Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Rock Crystal

Crackled Conch Shell: a Stunning Glass Art Piece with a Coastal Twist
Located in Mumbai, India, Maharashtra
Brent Sheehan's "Crackled Conch Shell" is a breathtaking glass art piece that captures the essence of the ocean. The delicate crackled effect of the glass creates a stunning texture ...
Category

2010s Indian Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass

Crackled Conch Shell: a Stunning Glass Art Piece with a Coastal Twist
Located in Mumbai, India, Maharashtra
Brent Sheehan's "Crackled Conch Shell" is a breathtaking glass art piece that captures the essence of the ocean. The delicate crackled effect of the glass creates a stunning texture ...
Category

2010s Indian Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass

Italian Pink and White Marble Obelisk
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful and substantial Italian pink and white marble Obelisk, in the modern style, circa mid-20th century, Italy. Marble is predominantly pink and wh...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Marble

Pair of Blue Murano Glass Duck Sculptures Signed Cenedese 1980s Italy
Located in Villaverla, IT
Pair of Blue Murano glass duck sculptures signed Cenedese 1980s Italy with Submerged Gold Finishes This artistic pair of duck sculptures will brings with itself a touch of Venerian ...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Cut Glass, Murano Glass

Rose Quartz Specimen Gem Table Ornament
Located in New York, NY
Rose Quarts specimen gem table ornament in a four-sided spiral on flat base. 6.75" H x 4.25 diameter. Dealer: S138XX
Category

15th Century and Earlier Antique Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Rose Quartz

Pair of Modernist Monumental Faceted Hand Carved Rock Crystal Obelisks
Located in New York, NY
This stunning pair of monumental modernist hand carved rock crystal obelisks were realized in Brazil- renowned for its glorious abundance of precious and semi-precious stones- during...
Category

20th Century Brazilian Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Rock Crystal

Marguerite Stix Designed Natural Seashell and Brass Object, circa 1960s
By Marguerite Stix
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful and rare 'Stix' seashell by Austrian designer Marguerite Stix, circa 1960s, New York, New York. Marguerite Stix was a designer, sculptor, jeweler and ceramicist known for her later work with shells. This Stix piece is a natural seashell...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Brass

Large Hardstone, Quartz, Gold, and Lapis Lazuli Model of an Alpine Flower Bed
Located in London, GB
Large hardstone, quartz, gold, nephrite and lapis lazuli model of an alpine flower bed Continental, 20th Century Measures: Height 7cm, width 37cm, depth 27cm A beautiful objet d'art, this exceptionally fine flower bed model is a 20th century continental precious stone and metal model, made from a host of precious materials and assembled with great poise, skill, and artistry. The quartz base underpinning the miniature garden...
Category

20th Century European Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Quartz, Gold

Hardstone, Quartz, Amethyst, Nephrite and Silver-Gilt Flower Model
Located in London, GB
Hardstone, quartz, amethyst, nephrite and silver-gilt flower model Continental, 20th century Measures : Height 25cm, width 21cm, depth 12cm. This exc...
Category

20th Century European Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Amethyst, Quartz, Silver

Eberhard Bank, Obsidian Sculpture / Carving of Mice on Calcite, Idar-Oberstein
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a great sample of the Idar- Oberstein, Germany carvings in precious stones, by Eberhard Bank, This is made in grey obsidian and calcite base with onyx cabochon eyes.
Category

Mid-20th Century German Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Multi-gemstone

Aina One of a Kind Jurassic Fossil Marble Nature Sculpture, Unique Collection
Located in ES
This is a unique piece. It is an sculpture made by Nature 150 million years ago, with base of natural stone included (base size: 11.5 x 24.5 x H 2 cm). This set has been designed by ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Marble

Red Extra-Size Starfish, Océano Pacific, Ophidiaster Ophidianus
By Oceanic Arts
Located in Valladolid, ES
Ophidiaster ophidianus, measures: 495 × 418 × 140 mm, 576 g weight 2018, Océano Pacífico Red extra-size starfish! A fantastic specimen of Ophidiaster ophidianus caught in the Solo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pacific Islands Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Other

Coral Sculpture by Edizione Limitata
Located in Geneve, CH
Coral sculpture by Edizione Limitata Limited edition of 150 pieces. Signed and numbered. Designers: Simone Fanciullacci Dimensions: H 42 × W 12 × L 20 cm Materials: Travertine, ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Travertine, Metal

Coral Sculpture by Edizione Limitata
Located in Geneve, CH
Coral sculpture by Edizione Limitata Limited edition of 150 pieces. Signed and numbered. Designers: Simone Fanciullacci Dimensions: H 42 × W 12 × L 19 cm Materials: Travertine, ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Travertine, Metal

Modern Asian Teak Tree Root Sculpture
Located in New York, NY
Modern sculpture comprised of an organic root from an Asian teak tree mounted with two metal rods on a rectangular wooden base.
Category

20th Century Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Teak, Wood

Coral Sculpture by Edizione Limitata
Located in Geneve, CH
Coral sculpture by Edizione Limitata Limited edition of 150 pieces. Signed and numbered. Designers: Simone Fanciullacci Dimensions: H 30 × W 12 × L 25 cm Materials: Travertine a...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Travertine, Metal

Unique Stone Sculpture Las 4 Caras by Jean-Baptiste Van Den Heede
Located in Geneve, CH
Unique stone sculpture Las 4 Caras by Jean-Baptiste Van den Heede Signed, unique Dimensions: 16 x 16 x 27 cm Materials: stone Jean-Baptiste Van den Heede defines himself as a c...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Stone

Unique Stone Sculpture Calabaza by Jean-Baptiste Van Den Heede
Located in Geneve, CH
Unique stone sculpture calabaza by Jean-Baptiste Van den Heede Signed, unique Dimensions: D 31 x H 19 cm Materials: stone Jean-Baptiste Van den Heed...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Stone

Unique Stone Sculpture El Guerrero by Jean-Baptiste Van den Heede
Located in Geneve, CH
Unique stone sculpture El Guerrero by Jean-Baptiste Van den Heede Signed, Unique Dimensions: L 25 x W 30 x H 43 Materials: Stone Jean-Baptiste Van den Heede defines himself as ...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Stone

Polar Light by Arturo Erbsman
Located in Geneve, CH
Polar Light by Arturo Erbsman (Land Art Design, Made in Lapland ) Dimensions: 50 x 50 x 100 cm Materials: Metal wire, chain, mesh, water Arturo Erbsman comes himself to install the...
Category

2010s French Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Metal

Curved Horn and Mirror Cube Sculptures Pair of
Located in North Miami, FL
This lovely pair of curved horn and mirror base cube sculptures are from the 80's. The gradients of colors of the horn range from tan to off white to gray and slate gray and etc. The...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Mirror, Horn

Kim Simonsson Sculpture "Golden Dog", circa 2020, Finland
By Kim Simonsson
Located in Girona, Spain
Golden Dog Sculpture by Kim Simonsson. Made with Porcelain. Circa 2020, Finland. Unique piece. Very good condition. This Sculpture is not signed. Kim Simonsson (1974 Helsinki) is a Finnish visual artist. He graduated with a master’s degree in art from the University of Art and Design Helsinki in 2000. Simonsson makes Figurative sculptures from ceramics. He was elected Young Artist of the Year in 2004. In 2009, he received the Pro Arte Award in recognition of technical excellence and original expression. Simonsson held his first solo exhibition at the Kluuvi Gallery in Helsinki in 2003. He has participated in group exhibitions since 1997. Simonsson was the chief artist of the Retret Cave in the summer of 2009. In the fall of 2009, he held the Pro Arte Prize Exhibition at the Didrichsen Art Museum. In his works, Simonsson combines Japanese manga...
Category

2010s Finnish Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Porcelain

Asian Style Carved Semi Precious Stones Floral Bouquet in Stone Vase
Located in Toledo, OH
Carved semi precious multi colored floral bouquet in carved stone base. Jade and other stones shaped into petals and leaves. Very nice condition. Dimensions: 15" diameter x 18" H.
Category

20th Century Unknown Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Jade

Pineapple Small in Crystal, Italy
Located in Treviso, Treviso
The charm of the shapes is enhanced by the material with which the collection is made: glass. Transparency, lightness and shine meet the design, transforming into sculptured object...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Crystal

Agate Onyx Paperweight
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hand polished agate onyx stone paperweight in black, brown, and red intricate layered patterns Measures: diameter 4 inches, height 2 inches 1 in stock in Palm Springs ON 50% OFF SALE...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Stone

Pair pine trees, bronze, one of a kind
Located in London, GB
One of a kind sculptures of pine trees set, hand crafted, moulded and cast in bronze. Inspired by the tall pine trees lining the soft hills of the Mediterranean landscape, this Jewel...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Bronze

White abstract sculpture, hand crafted and cast (Ref.4)
Located in London, GB
White abstract sculpture no 4 is part of collection “From Tree Bark To Sculpture”, a series of hand crafted sculptures that follow original forms of tree ba...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Resin

Set of Three Large Italian Marble Eggs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Unique set of three large Italian polished marble egg specimens from Italy. Beautifully hand-formed and each having a slightly different color. The exquis...
Category

20th Century Italian Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Marble

Vintage Onyx Paperweight
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Italian spherical onyx desk paperweight, in natural neutral hues / Made in Italy circa 1970s Measures: diameter 4 inches 1 in stock in Palm Springs ON 50% OFF SALE for $199 !...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Onyx

Modern natural specimens for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique 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, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with stone, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Modern natural specimens made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and North America pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original natural specimens, popular names associated with this style include Interi, Studio Greytak, Rinat Design, and Edizione Limitata. 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 $178 and tops out at $35,800 while the average work can sell for $1,300.

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