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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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.
51
18
to
20
36
30
69
47
66
69
10
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
5
37
69
5
17
1
2
8
2
Height
to
Width
to
43
22
8
8
8
37
19
16
15
10
10
7
5
3
3
Style: Modern
Period: 21st Century and Contemporary
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
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
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
White abstract sculpture, hand crafted and cast (Ref.4)
By Rinat Design
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
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
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
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
Pair pine trees, bronze, one of a kind
By Rinat Design
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
Sculpture 3 - 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, Epoxy Resin
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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 4.25 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Rusty Quartz on Aluminum Base
Located in New York, NY
Rusty quartz on aluminum.
Category
2010s American Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Copper
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.
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Ways To Browse
Stone Obelisks
Cactus Pot
Red Coral Specimen
Tridacna Gigas Clam Shell
Specimen Shark
Turtle Carapace
Dandelion Sculptures
Large Sea Fan
Murano Cactus Glass Sculpture
Shiva Stone
Mica Mineral
Crystal Cathedral
Opalized Fossil
Semi Precious Globe
Vintage Carved Stone Fruit
Pacific Clam Shells
Spiral Sea Shell
Large Natural Clam Shell