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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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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Style: Modern
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 year ago, with base of natural stone included (base size: 19 x 37 x H 2 cm; weight: ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Marble
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
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
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
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 swivel base of natural stone included (base size: 14 x 21 x H 6.5 cm...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Marble
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
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
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
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 4.5 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
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
Sculpture 2 - Tree Bark Series
By Rinat Design
Located in London, GB
“From Tree Bark To Sculpture”, a collection of hand-crafted contemporary sculptures, based on original bark forms handpicked for their sculptural features, a...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary British Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Resin
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
Vintage Sphere in Green Fuchsite Crystal, Madagascar, 1980s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Artisan made sphere with matching stand in green Fuchsite crystal. Mined, crafted and polished in Madagascar ca 1980. Measurements: H: 14 cm, D: 12 cm. Weight: over 2kg. Fuchsite chert also commonly known as "Dragon Stone...
Category
1980s Malagasy Vintage Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Crystal
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: 12 x 15 x H 8.5 cm). This...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Marble
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
Small Green Cactus with Black Plugs in Wire Mesh by Benedetta Mori Ubaldini
Located in Milan, IT
Benedetta works in many materials but is most well known for her innovative and extraordinarily wire work. Each piece starts life as flat rolled chicken wire which is gradually shape...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Wire
Bonsai Cast Bronze Sculpture in Verdigris Finish on Marble Base by Elan Atelier
By Elan Atelier
Located in New York, NY
Bonsai Cast Bronze Sculpture in Verdigris Finish on Marble Base by Elan Atelier
Intricate lost wax cast bronze sculpture of a Bonsai Tree in Verdigris bronze on marble base by Elan ...
Category
2010s European Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Marble, Bronze
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
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
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
Black and Green Cactus in Wire Mesh by Benedetta Mori Ubaldini
Located in Milan, IT
Benedetta works in many materials but is most well known for her innovative and extraordinarily wire work. Each piece starts life as flat rolled chicken wire which is gradually shape...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Wire
Pineapple Medium 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
Aina One of a Kind Jurassic Fossil Marble Stella Bookend, Unique Collection
Located in ES
One of a Kind Stella Bookend sculpted from a solid piece of Jurassic Marble, with Nerineas fossils in relief, combining natural and raw finish. Designed by Nature and manufactured by NERINEA in our factory located in Valencia (Spain), for the Unique Collection...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Marble
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
Figurative Marine Urchin Sculpture, "Garota" 2015 Mixed Media, Jesús Pelegrí
Located in Vulpellac, Girona
Jesús Pelegrí is a spanish painter and sculptor. Born in Barcelona in 1975. He is specialized in marine fauna like this marine urchin called "Garota". This marine urchin sculpture...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Iron
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: 29 x 60 x H 3 cm). This s...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Marble
Rusty Quartz on Aluminum Base
Located in New York, NY
Rusty quartz on aluminum.
Category
2010s American Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Copper
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
Pineapple Big 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Citrine on Copper Base
Located in New York, NY
Citrine on copper base.
Category
2010s American Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Precious Stone
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
Lump of Recently Carved Burr Walnut Ideal for Making a Stand or Small Boards
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this very nice lump of burr walnut
Ideal for making a display stand, its heavily burred
Dimensions:
Height 8cm
Width 20.5cm
Depth 16...
Category
20th Century English Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Burl
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
One of a kind pair bronze sculptures 'Royal Birds of India'
By Rinat Design
Located in London, GB
'Royal Birds of India' - One of a kind pair of beautiful bronze sculptures, hand crafted moulded and cast in the lost wax process. Magnificent grand pair of birds in sculpture form that stand out and create a wow effect . The artwork is loosely inspired by the pea fowl, a bird native to India. The elegant stature of the bird is reminiscent of the regality and grace of the Indian maharajas...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary British Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Large Skull Sculpture by the Spanish Artist Gabriel, circa 1990
Located in Girona, Spain
Large skull sculpture by the Spanish Artist Gabriel
Made with Rubber Strips,
circa 1990, Spain
Very good vintage condition.
Gabriel Sanz Romero was born in 1954 in Barcelona. He ...
Category
Late 20th Century Spanish Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Rubber
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
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
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
Black Small Cactus with Red Fluo Plugs in Wire Mesh by Benedetta Mori Ubaldini
Located in Milan, IT
Benedetta works in many materials but is most well known for her innovative and extraordinarily wire work. Each piece starts life as flat rolled chicken wire which is gradually shape...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Wire
Lacy Barry / Pillar of Silver Cloud by Day and Pillar of Gold Fire by Night
By Lacy Barry
Located in Berlin, BE
Pillar of silver cloud (by day).
This piece is one part of a duo series that explores the famous saying ‘every cloud has a silver lining’, referencing the part where the sun kisses ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Paper
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 Bronze Sculpture "The Wind Of The Wisdom"
Located in Rome, IT
Precious sculpture in bronze casting with lost wax technique.
The celebration of the encounter between the past that the mighty oak, a symbol of wisdom, represents
and the future t...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Bronze
Giuman, Memento Mori Trittico Evolution, Murano Glass Lost Wax Cast, 2010
By Giorgio Giuman
Located in Tavarnelle val di Pesa, Florence
Interesting glass interpretation from Giuman. The Murano artist who refined the lost wax casting in glass.
Very fine work. Artist Giuorgio Giuman was able to do the casting without ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Murano Glass, Art Glass
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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