Mid-Century Modern Sculptures
MID-CENTURY MODERN STYLE
Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe mid-century modern American furniture. The style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, is characterized by pieces that were conceived and made in an energetic, optimistic spirit by creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living.
Postwar American architects and designers were animated by new ideas and new technology. The lean, functionalist “International Style” architecture of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus eminences such as Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius had been promoted in the United States during the ’30s by Philip Johnson and others. New building techniques, such as “post-and-beam” construction, allowed the International-style schemes to be realized on a small scale, in open-plan houses with long walls of glass.
Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century modern furniture designs. Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen, who had experimented extensively with molded plywood, eagerly embraced fiberglass for, respectively, pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair. George Nelson and his design team created Bubble lamp shades using a new translucent polymer skin. Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi devised chairs and tables built of wire mesh and wire struts. Materials were re-purposed: the Danish-born designer Jens Risom created a line of chairs that used surplus parachute straps for webbed seats and backrests.
As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century designers caught the spirit.
Classically-oriented creators such as Edward Wormley, house designer for Dunbar Inc., offered such pieces as the sinuous Listen to Me chaise; the British expatriate T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings switched gears, creating items such as the tiered, biomorphic Mesa table. There were Young Turks such as Paul McCobb — who designed holistic groups of sleek, blonde-wood furniture — and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.
As the collection of vintage mid-century modern American furniture on 1stDibs demonstrates, this period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.
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Style: Mid-Century Modern
Fantastic Huge Pink Bird Paradise Sculpture Master Designer Eva Fritz-Lindner
Located in South Burlington, VT
A one-of-a-kind monumental Monumental Flamboyant Bird of Paradise -Knuppelhuhn- big sculpture created, handmade, and hand-painted by master designer Eva Fritz-Lindner (1933-2017) in ...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic, Pottery
Impressive Bamboo Four-Panel Screen, Vivai del Sud, circa 1970, Italy
Located in Brussels, BE
Spectacular and rare vintage decorative bamboo four-panel screen, Vivai del Sud, circa 1970, Italy.
Dimensions: 210 cm H, 4 cm D, 220 cm W open, each panel: 55 cm wide.
Piece in good...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures
Materials
Bamboo
Mid-Century Modern Souk Moss Green Mirror, Natural Walnut, Green Marble and Silk
By DOOQ
Located in Lisbon, PT
Created by the perfect combination of color, energy and shape, Souk Mirrors reflect the influences of overwhelming and visually fascinating souk markets in northern Africa with its v...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Sculptures
Materials
Marble, Brass
21st Century Monroe Floor Lamp Polished Brass Cast, Blue Lampshade, Art Lighting
Located in Oporto, PT
Inspiration:
Marilyn Monroe, the sexiest Pin-up of the 1950s, inspired a piece of Art & Design. The design of the Monroe Lamp captures the essence of her image and the sensuality o...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Sculptures
Materials
Metal, Brass
Lätt 1.0 Contemporary Marble Console by RDLC
Located in Mexico City, MX
The concept is based on the essence of the material itself, with a clean and brutalist style: straight lines, geometric shapes, fewer ornaments, less noise and more naturalness. The ...
Category
2010s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Sculptures
Materials
Marble
Prototype Salvador Dali 'Salivasofa' from 1974 with Certificate of Authenticity
Located in bergen op zoom, NL
Amazing and super rare Salvador Dali lips 'Salivasofa' prototype dating from 1974. Five or six such prototypes were slowly developed in stages during the period 1972-4 by Dali in col...
Category
1970s Spanish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures
Materials
Foam
Philco 1950s TV with Keith Haring Graffiti
By Radiobar Corp. and Philco
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1950s Swivel TV by Philco with Keith Haring Graffiti.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sculptures
Materials
Metal, Brass
Barovier Toso Murano Blue Yellow Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Bird Figurine
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown cobalt blue, yellow, gold flecks and bubbles Italian art glass baby bird figurine. Documented to the Barovier e Toso Company. The bird is made wit...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sculptures
Materials
Gold Leaf
Tonkinese in Wood
Located in Saint-Ouen (PARIS), FR
Vintage Tonkinese in massive and sculpted oakwood.
France, 1970s.
Category
1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures
Materials
Oak
Moretti for Rosenthal Netter Satin Red & Frosted Glass Vase Wine Glass Sculpture
Located in Miami, FL
Carlo Moretti for Rosenthal Netter Satin glass vase or wine glass sculpture in orange red & frosted scavo glass.
The base retains the original label.
These were produced in the ea...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures
Materials
Art Glass
White Winged Crown, 4 Part Ceramic TOTEM, Hand Built Sculpture by H. Starcevic
Located in New York, NY
A tall, hand built ceramic Modern TOTEM, created by artist Helena Starcevic, this is one in an ongoing study of the totemic form. Here, there are 4 separate parts hand-formed and att...
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic, Stoneware
Midcentury Italian Cast Bronze Sculpture of a Ram's Head on Base
Located in Atlanta, GA
An Italian cast bronze sculpture from the mid 20th century, depicting a ram's head. Created in Italy during the Midcentury period, this bronze sculpture captures our attention with i...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
David L Deming Abstract Bronze Sculpture, Circa 1970’s
Located in Ann Arbor, MI
Amazing Mid Century Modern sculpture by David Deming done in his years at Cranbrook.
David L. Deming has enjoyed a successful career both as a sculptor and as a teacher and arts ad...
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Sculpture Designed by Tapio Wirkkala for Kultakeskus Oy, Finland, 1960s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Sculpture designed by Tapio Wirkkala for Kultakeskus Oy,
Finland. 1960s.
Aluminium and glass.
Measures: H: 26.5 cm / 10 1/2"
W: 33 cm / 1' 1"
D: 17 cm / 6 1/2".
Category
Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Sculptures
Materials
Aluminum
Abstract Carved Wooden Sculpture by Brian Willsher, 1976 UK
By Brian Willsher
Located in Hellouw, NL
Abstract carved wooden sculpture by Brian Willsher from 1976, the United Kingdom. This beautiful artwork consists of two carved, elements made of iroko wood. They fit together but ar...
Category
1970s British Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Decorative Plaster Pharaoh's Head
Located in Garnerville, NY
Large decorative plaster cast of a pharaohs head by Austin Productions. Austin Productions was famous for making plaster or resin cast reproductions of famous sculpture, antiquities ...
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures
Materials
Plaster
Vintage Studio Pottery Wall Hanging Canteen Sculpture by Joan Pearson Watkins
Located in San Jose, CA
Vintage studio pottery crafted by ceramic artist Joan Jockwig Pearson Watkins circa 1970's. This unique sculpture depicts an original canteen water jug made out of a clay medium with...
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic, Rope
1960s Italian Decorative Malachite Pyramid
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful Italian decorative pyramid object made with malachite.
An iconic piece that will complete a midcentury style living room or studio with its timeless elegance.
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures
Materials
Malachite
Carl Auböck Model #4867 'Egg' Polished Brass Paperweight
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Aubo¨ck Model #4867 'Egg' brass paperweight. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly clean and refined Viennese paperweight is hand fabricated in polished brass by Werkstätte Car...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Sculptures
Materials
Brass
Set of Vintage Cast Brass Sculpture of Eagle Head Bookends
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Set of vintage Mid-Century Modern cast metal brass patriotic bald eagle head sculpture bookends.
Pair of solid polished brass eagle heads that have a wonderful Early American class ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sculptures
Materials
Brass
Large Abstract Blue and Red Stoneware Ceramic Sculpture by Michel Lanos
By Michel Lanos
Located in Neuilly-en- sancerre, FR
Michel Lanos (1926-2005)
Large abstract stoneware ceramic sculpture by french artist
Signed under the base
Blue, red and black ceramic glazes colors
Painted ceramic 20th...
Category
20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Mid Century Modern Curtis Jere Kinetic Steel Sculpture
By Curtis Jere
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
While the name Curtis Jere is familiar to many as the maker of eccentric modern design during the 1960's and 70's, few are aware that it is pseudonym for the design team of Curtis Fr...
Category
1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures
Materials
Steel
Porcelain Figurine of an Owl, Bing & Grondahl, Denmark
Located in Chorzów, PL
Porcelain figurine of an owl
Made in Denmark by Bing & Grondahl
Produced in 1970-1983
Model number # 1800
Very good condition, no damage.
Measures: height 11.5 cm, wid...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Luigi Mellara Murano Scavo Glass Fish
Located in Chicago, IL
Luigi Mellara Murano Scavo glass fish signed on underside.
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sculptures
Materials
Art Glass
Sublime Italian Mid-Century Pearlized Ceramic Geisha Figurine on Pedestal
Located in Miami, FL
Unique Pearlized and Glazed Ceramic Geisha Figurine in Traditional Attire with Beautiful Back Bow, Delicate Hands, Hair Decor and Floral Motifs. Made in Italy.
The Figurine Sits o...
Category
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Wall Mask of Afro Child, Afro Woman , Mid-20th Century, Germany
Located in Antwerp, BE
Vintage Afro Child , Afro Woman Wall Mask which looks great.
This wall head decoration is very detailed and was made in Germany.
This German pottery mask dates circa 1950-1960.
It's ...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Sculptures
Materials
Stone
Mid Century Abstract Floating Tree Sculpture by Curtis Jere for Artisan House
Located in San Jose, CA
Vintage modernist abstract tree sculpture designed by Curtis Jere for Artisan House c. 1960's. Features a dramatic focal point to any space adding texture and dimension. This stateme...
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures
Materials
Metal, Copper
Bronze Horse Sculpture by Hattakitkosol Somchai
Located in Fulton, CA
Rearing horse bronze sculpture by Hattakitkosol Somchai. Measures 21.13" high. Signed on base. Appears to be number 50 of 1000, but partially undecipherable.
Hattakitkosol Somchai:
...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Rare Signed Gabriella Crespi Table Lighter, 1970s, Italy
Located in Vis, NL
Rare Signed Gabriella Crespi table lighter made with plexiglass and brass. M A engraved on the brass. Originla sticker still attached.
1970s, made in Italy.
The lighter is in...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures
Materials
Silver Plate
Mid-Century Modern Souk Papaya Mirror in Natural Walnut, White Marble and Silk
By DOOQ
Located in Lisbon, PT
Created by the perfect combination of color, energy and shape, Souk Mirrors reflect the influences of overwhelming and visually fascinating souk markets in northern Africa with its v...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Sculptures
Materials
Marble, Brass
Joan H. Shapiro Carved Stone Head Sculpture
By Joan Shapiro
Located in Long Island City, NY
This Joan H. Shapiro carved stone head sculpture, signed by artist Shapiro whose work was mainly consisted of paintings, drawings, sculpture and collage. There is a modern and lyrica...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sculptures
Materials
Stone
Tall Blue Owl Master Artisan Eva Fritz-Lindner
Located in South Burlington, VT
Our last blue owl!
This is a wonderful handmade, hand painted and hand glazed Mid-Century Modern ceramic effigy of a perched owl by master designer Eva Fritz-Lindner (1933-2017). ...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic, Pottery
Carl Auböck Model #4072/G 'Rooster' Brass Bell
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck model #4072/G 'Rooster' brass bell. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural bell is executed in polished brass.
Price is per item. One in stock ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Sculptures
Materials
Brass
Large Glazed Terracotta Mid-Century Era Spaniel Dog Sculpture with Brown Accents
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This large, possibly life sized glazed terracotta dog sculpture is unsigned with respect to the artist, but is presumed to have been made in Italy in approximately 1969 in a very rea...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sculptures
Materials
Terracotta
Steel Geometric Garden Sculpture with Found Objects After David Smith
By David Smith
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A garden sculpture by noted multidisciplinary artist Norma B. Flanagan. A tall piece, originally painted, now worn bare to a charming rust patina. With an openwork box at the top fil...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sculptures
Materials
Steel
Ceramic Hen, Scandinavian Mid-Century, C 1960, Danish
Located in New York, NY
Ceramic Mid-Century hen, C 1960, Denmark. Decorative turquoise hen with a floral pattern in a rustic quality.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Spotted Owl Big Sculpture Hand-Painted by Eva Fritz-Lindner
Located in South Burlington, VT
Big bird
A fine green spotted owl master work sculpture designed and hand-painted by Eva Fritz-Lindner (1933-2017).
This is a tall, creative handmade, hand painted and hand gla...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic, Pottery
Juliette Pierced Ceramic Sculpture, Blush
Located in Oakland, CA
Juliette is part of the Femme Series, a sculptural exploration celebrating the female form. I am trying to capture the universal balance and grace of the female form. The delicacy of...
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Sculptures
Materials
Clay
Vintage Large Handmade Iron Jack by Bill Curry
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Large vintage handmade cast iron Jack, Jax, designed by Bill Curry of Design Line, 1967.
This bookend is made of cast iron and is in original condition.
Great addition to any decor...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sculptures
Materials
Iron
Carl Auböck Model #4059 'Optimist/Pessimist' Brass Sculpture
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Aubo¨ck model #4059 'Optimist/Pessimist' brass sculpture. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural figure is executed in polished and patinated brass. Can b...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Sculptures
Materials
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Style Ornate Bronze Marlin Nautical Sculpture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This tabletop Marlin features a wonderful mixture of colors and finishes, and a fantastic attention to details. This heavy bronze statue is a perfect addition to any room in need of ...
Category
20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Carl Auböck Model #3603L Large Brass and Leather Bell
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck model #3603L large brass and leather bell. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural bell is executed in polished brass and rich brown leather.
P...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Sculptures
Materials
Brass
French Rope Horse Audoux Minet Circa 1960
Located in Austin, TX
French Rope Horse Audoux Minet Circa 1960.
Height / 13 inches.
10.5" by 4.5".
Category
1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures
Materials
Rope
Brutalist Abstract Metal Figure of an Owl by Noted Mexican Artist M. Felguerez
Located in Ft. Lauderdale, FL
This expressive metal plate sculpture by the late Mexican modernist Manuel Felguérez Barra is reminiscent of some of Picasso's imagery and also of some traditional African masks. The...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mexican Mid-Century Modern Sculptures
Materials
Metal
Bronze Saint-Michel Sculpture by Olivier Strebelle
By Olivier Strebelle
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An Interlocking bronze sculpture of St. Michel by Belgian artist Olivier Strebelle. It was created as an award for the Brussels Film Festival and presented to classic Hollywood film ...
Category
1950s Belgian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Mirrored Pair of C. Jere Ribbon Sculptures in Brass and Chrome
Located in DELRAY BEACH, FL
Stunning pair of mirrored Ribbon sculptures by C Jere. One sculpture is a brass ribbon with a chrome ball and the other a chrome ribbon with a brass ball. Both sitting on a black mar...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sculptures
Materials
Marble, Brass, Chrome
Vintage Metal Animal Sculpture
By Curtis Jere
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
Vintage metal animal sculpture.
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures
Materials
Metal
Light Pink Vintage Decorative Mannequin Glass Head Sculpture, 1970s, Germany
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Life-size glass head in a unique light pink color. Produced in a German steelworks in the 1970s. Perfect condition. A perfect addition to the interior, photo prop, display or headpho...
Category
20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Sculptures
Materials
Glass
Murano Glass Swans Sculptures
Located in New York City, NY
1980s modern Murano glass swans sculptures signed and label, in vintage original condition with minor wear and patina due to age and use.
Smaller swan measurements are: width 5.5'...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures
Materials
Murano Glass
Very Large Cenedese Aquarium with Two Fishes, 6.15 Kg, circa 1960
Located in Berghuelen, DE
A very large Cenedese, Murano glass aquarium with two fishes, weight 6.15 kg, manufactured circa 1960.
Measures: Width 10.63" (27cm)
Height 8.46" (21.5cm)
Depth 1.97" (5cm).
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sculptures
Materials
Art Glass
Mid-20th Century Dog Cast Iron Decorative Sculpture, Italy, 1950s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Italian sculpture, original vintage condition. All damages on pictures. Very old cast iron item. The dog was produced in 1950s in Italy.
Category
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sculptures
Materials
Cast Stone
Timo Sarpaneva, Crystal Art-Object "Orkidea" (Orchid), Model 3568, Iittala, 1957
Located in EL Waalre, NL
Timo Sarpaneva, crystal art-object "Orkidea" (Orchid), model 3568, Iittala, 1957
Artist
Timo Sarpaneva (Helsinki, Finland 1926-Helsinki, Finland 2006) was an influential Finnish ...
Category
1950s Finnish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures
Materials
Crystal
Finnish Artist Oiva Toikka Striped Glass Whippoorwill or Willow Duck by Iittala
By Iittala, Oiva Toikka
Located in St. Louis, MO
Renowned Finnish glass artist Oiva Toikka designed whippoorwill or willow duck with bands of olive green stripes running around an otherwise transparent body. In fine used condition....
Category
1990s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Sculptures
Materials
Blown Glass
Murano Red Opalescent White Italian Art Glass Centrepiece Fish Sculpture
By Cenedese
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Large vintage Murano hand blown opalescent white and red striped Italian art glass flat fish sculpture. Attributed to the Cenedese Company. The piece has a wavy red stripe on the top...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sculptures
Materials
Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso, Opaline Glass, Glass
Bust Vintage Medical Didactic Anatomic by Paravia Torino
By Paravia
Located in Milano, IT
Mid-century Italian anatomical torso produced in the 1960s by Produzione Scientifica Paravia, known for its accurate anatomy models.
This anatomical model was created by improving u...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures
Materials
Acrylic, Plaster, Wood
1 of 2 New Old Stock Liberty's London Omersa Style Leather Horse Pony Footstools
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale 1 of 2 new old stock Vintage Liberty’s London Omersa style brown leather horse or pony footstools
This sale is for one with the option to buy tw...
Category
20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Sculptures
Materials
Leather
Folk Art Mid-Century Modern Blown Red Art Glass Face Masks, México
Located in Miami, FL
Mid-Century Modern Folk Art blown red glass face masks made in México.
Category
1970s Mexican Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures
Materials
Blown Glass
1972 Signed Curtis Jere Flower Brass and Metal Sculpture
By Curtis Jere
Located in Miami, FL
Mid-Century Modern Curtis Jere flower brass and metal sculpture / wall art.
Signed Jere and dated 1972.
Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sculptures
Materials
Metal, Brass
