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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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 chair — crafted 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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Item Ships From: USA
Style: Modern
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
Swarovski Crystal Encrusted Starfish by Douglas Cloutier
By Douglas Cloutier
Located in New York, NY
Large Starfish encrusted with Swarovski crystals and
miniature shells by Artist Douglas Cloutier
The piece is signed on the back with the Cloutier label.
Category
1990s American Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Crystal
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
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
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
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
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
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
18th Century Italian Gilded Fragment with a Faceted Black Crystal on Obsidian
By Interi
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
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
By Interi
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
Sculptural Abalone Shell with Baroque Pearls on a Polished Agate Base
By Interi
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
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 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
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
Set of 12 Porcelain Shells by Giovanni Garibaldi for Richard-Ginori
Located in New York, NY
In the 1920s Gio Ponti, who defined 20th century Italian design, was the art director of Richard-Ginori, a venerable porcelain company established in the 18th century. When Ponti moved on in 1930, his protégé Giovanni Gariboldi, who also designed furniture and interiors, filled the vacated position. It would seem that Gariboldi found his model for these shell-shaped dishes in nature, but this is not the case. Rather, he channeled the essence of “shellness," and endowed his design with the faux verisimilitude of delicate ribbing along the scalloped edge. Yet he had them glazed in improbable candy-like pastel colors of pink, yellow, and blue. Originally used principally as ashtrays, no doubt, they could also be put to use as serving dishes for nuts and candies, or as decorative tabletop objects...
Category
1940s Italian Vintage Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Porcelain
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
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
Ruler Selenite with Natural Forming Pearls on a Custom Stand
By Interi
Located in Dublin, Dalkey
A single selenite log with natural-forming baroque pearls on a custom hammered metal stand. Ruler selenite or "selenite logs" are single, prismatic seleni...
Category
2010s Moroccan Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Rock Crystal, 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
Horn, Mirror
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
Ruler Selenite with an 18th Century Italian Sunray & Baroque Pearls on Lucite
By Interi
Located in Dublin, Dalkey
Ruler Selenite with an 18th century Italian gold leaf molding and a natural forming baroque pearl on a lucite base. Ruler selenite or "selenite logs" are single, prismatic selenite crystals from Morocco that were formed in extensive beds by the evaporation of ocean brine. This mineral is characterized by a silky, pearly luster called satin spare. It is then adorned with gold leaf wood molding and the baroque pearl which coordinate beautifully with the sleek selenite.
The piece is put together by Jean O'Reilly Barlow, the artist and creative director of Interi. The date of manufacture reflects when she created the piece but the Italian fragment sunray is originally 18th century.
Interi transforms Italian artifacts...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Moroccan Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Rock Crystal
RAH:Stones
By STUDIO:RAH
Located in San Pedro, CA
Our take on the traditional "Tumi Isihi" stacking toy. Beautifully curated scales and faceted lines. These stones can be used and loved by all ages and eq...
Category
2010s American Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Hardwood
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
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
Pair of Ruler Selenite on Lucite Bases
By Interi
Located in Dublin, Dalkey
A pair of ruler selenite on lucite bases. Ruler selenite or "selenite logs" are single, prismatic selenite crystals from Morocco that were formed in extensive beds by the evaporation of ocean brine. This mineral is a crystallized form of gypsum and is characterized by a silky, pearly luster called satin spare.
Interi transforms Italian artifacts...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Moroccan Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Rock Crystal
Vintage Large Black Steer Horn Desk Decoration on Silver Base
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Vintage large black steer horn desk decoration on silver base
This large black steer horn with lighter colored striations represents the Classic image of an exotic sculpture. The natural horn has elegant appeal. It is mounted in a silver sleeve on a silver finished square base. This exceptional piece is a fabulous masculine desk...
Category
20th Century Unknown Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Horn
Ruler Selenite with an 18th Century Italian Fragment & Baroque Pearls on Lucite
By Interi
Located in Dublin, Dalkey
Ruler Selenite with an 18th century Italian gold leaf fragment and natural forming baroque pearls on a lucite base. Ruler selenite or "selenite logs" are single, prismatic selenite crystals from Morocco that were formed in extensive beds by the evaporation of ocean brine. This mineral is characterized by a silky, pearly luster called satin spar.
The piece is put together by Jean O'Reilly Barlow, the artist and creative director of Interi. The date of manufacture reflects when she created the piece and the period shows that the Italian fragment is originally 18th century.
Interi transforms Italian artifacts...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Moroccan Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Rock Crystal
Rock Crystal Carving Decoration, with Custom Stand
Located in Cypress, CA
Impressive monumental carved rock crystal Quartz sculpture with custom stand
monumental sculpture of leaf-form, carved from a single large boulder of rock crystal quartz, with sufficient transparency to transmit light. Beautifully displayed on a custom hand forged wrought iron black patinated stand.
Overall H. 68"
Rock crystal boulder...
Category
Late 20th Century Brazilian Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Rock Crystal, Wrought Iron
Small Himalayan Quartz on Crystal Base
Located in New York, NY
Himalayan quartz on rock crystal base.
Category
2010s American Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Quartz
Large Sculptural Sphere Made of Wooden Pieces
Located in Bridgehampton, NY
Large sculptural sphere made of wooden pieces.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Wood
Ruler Selenite with Natural-Forming Baroque Pearls on a Lucite Base
By Interi
Located in Dublin, Dalkey
Ruler Selenite with natural forming baroque pearls on a lucite base. Ruler selenite or "selenite logs" are single, prismatic selenite crystals from Morocco that were formed in extensive beds by the evaporation of ocean brine. This mineral is characterized by a silky, pearly luster called satin spare. It is then adorned with the baroque pearls which coordinate beautifully with the sleek selenite.
Interi transforms Italian artifacts...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Moroccan Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Rock Crystal
18th Century Italian Gold Ribbon Fragment with a Baroque Pearl on Obsidian
By Interi
Located in Dublin, Dalkey
18th century Italian gold ribbon fragment with a coordinating Baroque pearl on a free-forming obsidian mineral with a polished face. Obsidian is naturally occurring volcanic glass produced when lava flowing from a volcano cools rapidly with minimum crystal growth. The obsidian face is polished to host the fragment. The hand-carved fragment is from Tuscany and came from a Rococo style church artifact.
Category
18th Century Italian Antique Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Wood
Alligator Quartz on Smoky Quartz Base
Located in New York, NY
Alligator quartz on smoky quartz base.
Category
2010s American Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Quartz
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
Agate Onyx Paperweight
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hand polished agate onyx stone paperweight in black, brown, and red intricate layered patterns
Measures: length 4.25 inches, width 3.25 inches, height 2 inches
1 in stock in Palm Spr...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Stone
Himalayan Quartz with Druzy on Crystal Base
Located in New York, NY
Himalayan quartz with druzy on rock crystal base.
Category
2010s American Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Copper
Agate Onyx Paperweight
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hand polished agate onyx stone paperweight in black, brown, and red intricate layered patterns
Measures: length 4.75 inches, width 4.25 inches, height 2 inches
1 in stock in Palm Spr...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Stone
Agate Onyx Paperweight
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hand polished agate onyx stone paperweight in black, brown, and red intricate layered patterns
Measures: length 5 inches, width 2.75 inches, height 1.25 inches
1 in stock in Palm Spr...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Stone
Agate Onyx Paperweight
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hand polished agate onyx stone paperweight in black, brown, and red intricate layered patterns
Measures: length 4 inches, width 3 inches, height 2 inches
1 in stock in Palm Springs O...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Stone
Agate Onyx Paperweight
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hand polished agate onyx stone paperweight in black, brown, and red intricate layered patterns
Measures: length 4.5 inches, width 3.5 inches, height 2 inches
1 in stock in Palm Sprin...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Stone
Sculptural Elephant Ear Selenite
By Interi
Located in Dublin, Dalkey
Unusually large selenite cluster with rosette formations of crytsal clusters of gypsum or barite which contains sand grains with 'petals' or flattened crystal clusters formations in ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Sandstone
Brass Lobster Sculpture from the 1970s
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A cool 1970s solid brass lobster sculpture.
Dimensions: 5.5” deep 16” wide 2” high.
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Brass
Kazuo Kadonaga Peeled Wood Log 'Wood No. 5'
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Japanese artist Kazuo Kadonaga: peeled wood log, Wood No. 5, 1981, Signed
Provenance: Space Gallery.
Category
1980s Japanese Vintage Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Wood
Set of Three 22K Gold Gilt Crystals by Christopher Kreiling
Located in Los Angeles, CA
These 22-karat gold-plated crystal sculptures have a life of their own radiating and bouncing light onto themselves throughout the day and night.
Place them on the dining table near...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Gold
Amethyst on Bronze Base
Located in New York, NY
Uruguayan amethyst with quartz inclusions on bronze base.
Category
2010s American Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Amethyst
Rusty Quartz on Aluminum Base
Located in New York, NY
Rusty quartz on aluminum.
Category
2010s American Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Copper
Citrine on Copper Base
Located in New York, NY
Citrine on copper base.
Category
2010s American Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Precious Stone
Ruler Selenite Mineral with Baroque Pearls on a Lucite Base
By Interi
Located in Dublin, Dalkey
Ruler Selenite pillar with natural forming Baroque pearls on a Lucite base. Ruler Selenite is a single, prismatic crystal from Morocco that was formed in extensive beds by the evapor...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Crystal
Authentic Tiger Skull Mounted on Brushed Steel Base, 1970s
Located in New York, NY
Authentic tiger skull mounted on Lucite stem with brushed steel base, American, 1970s (this piece was decommissioned from a museum). It is beautifully moun...
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Steel
Quartz Bowl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Large Abstract Geometric Solid Quartz Bowl was carved from a solid slab of the finest Quartz by master artisans. The abstract quartz bowl is a piece of art and can be lit either from...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Quartz
Coral Sculpture, Vintage, Light Green Color, C 1970, Medium Size Coral, Vintage
Located in New York, NY
Decorative coral sculpture. The coral is from the 1970s and has a beautiful light colored green shade. Medium size coral sculpture.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Pacific Islands Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Coral
Deer Head by Mellerio dits Meller 'founded 1613' France, circa 1980
By Mellerio
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted deer head executed in .950 silver, the antlers and chest are adorned with small crystal prisms, raised on a rock crystal cluster.
Incised “Mellerio” “AMADOR NO. 10-25...
Category
1980s French Vintage Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Rock Crystal, Silver
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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