Skip to main content

Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

MID-CENTURY MODERN STYLE

Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe vintage mid-century modern 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.

ORIGINS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW

ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS

VINTAGE MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS

The mid-century modern era saw leagues of postwar American architects and designers animated by new ideas and new technology. The lean, functionalist International-style architecture of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus eminences Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius had been promoted in the United States during the 1930s 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 pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair, respectively. 

Architect, writer and designer George Nelson created with his team shades for the Bubble lamp using a new translucent polymer skin and, as design director at Herman Miller, recruited the Eameses, Alexander Girard and others for projects at the legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer

Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi devised chairs and tables built of wire mesh and wire struts. Materials were repurposed too: The Danish-born designer Jens Risom created a line of chairs using surplus parachute straps for webbed seats and backrests.

The Risom lounge chair was among the first pieces of furniture commissioned and produced by legendary manufacturer Knoll, a chief influencer in the rise of modern design in the United States, thanks to the work of Florence Knoll, the pioneering architect and designer who made the firm a leader in its field. The seating that Knoll created for office spaces — as well as pieces designed by Florence initially for commercial clients — soon became desirable for the home.

As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century furniture 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, blond wood furniture, and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in minimalist teak dining tables and lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.

As the collection of vintage mid-century modern chairs, dressers, coffee tables and other furniture for the living room, dining room, bedroom and elsewhere on 1stDibs demonstrates, this period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.

134
8
to
11
140
2
142
142
142
2
134
8
131
84
5
Height
to
Width
to
140
132
14
4
2
140
140
1
1
117
112
108
83
Style: Mid-Century Modern
Creator: Walter Bosse
Elephant Figurine with Thermometer Walter Bosse, Vienna Austria 1960s Midcentury
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1960s Austrian figurine, designed by Walter Bosse. Nice addition to your room, on your desk top or just for your collection of Austrian midcentury items. Charming, big ...
Category

1960s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Miniature Elephant Figurine by Walter Bosse, circa 1950s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic mid-century 1950s Vienna bronze figurine by Walter Bosse. Marked Austria. Found at an estate sale in Vienna, Austria.
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Small Walter Bosse Bear Figurine, Vienna, circa 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Small Walter Bosse bear figurine, Vienna, circa 1950s Original condition.
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Walter Bosse Brass Monkey Figurine Pretzel Holder, Ring Holder
Located in Wien, AT
Walter Bosse brass monkey figurine pretzel holder, ring holder Austrian brass monkey figurine, usually made to be used as a pretzel holder, a decorativ...
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Small Penguin by Walter Bosse, Around 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Small penguin by Walter bosse, around 1950s Marked Austria on Bottom Original condition.  
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Elephant Figurine with Thermometer Walter Bosse, Vienna Austria 1960s Midcentury
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1960s Austrian figurine, designed by Walter Bosse. Nice addition to your room, on your desk top or just for your collection of Austrian midcentury items. Charming, big ...
Category

1960s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Walter Bosse Brass Cat Figurine Pretzel Holder, Ring Holder
Located in Wien, AT
Walter Bosse brass cat figurine pretzel holder, ring holder Original condition.
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Cat Figurine by Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, AT
Cat figurine by Walter Bosse Original condition.
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Shoehorn Squirrel Blackened Brass by Walter Bosse, Austria, 1950s
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A nice shoehorn made of blackened and partly polished brass by Walter Bosse, Austria, 1950s. The handle is in the form of a squirrel. That tail can be used as hook. Very nice patina ...
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Walter Bosse Shoehorn Shows a Cat, circa 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Walter Bosse shoehorn shows a cat, circa 1950s Original condition.
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Walter Bosse Shoehorn Shows a Cat, circa 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Walter Bosse shoehorn shows a cat, circa 1950s Original condition.
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Hedgehog Sculpture by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller
Located in Vienna, AT
Hedgehog by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller.
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Bull Head Figurine by Walter Bosse Vienna Around 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Bull head figurine by Walter Bosse vienna around 1950s Original condition.
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Walter Bosse Brass Cat Figurine Jewelry Ring Holder, Herta Baller Austria, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming Austrian brass cat figurine originally made to be used as a pretzel holder, a decorative piece, very suitable as a ring holder. A very hu...
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Small Rooster Figurine by Walter Bosse, Vienna, Around 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Small rooster figurine by Walter Bosse, Vienna, around 1950s Original condition.
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Zodiac Sign "Sagittarius" by Walter Bosse, circa 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Zodiac sign "Sagittarius" by Walter Bosse, circa 1950s Original condition.   
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Walter Bosse Cancer Zodiac Sign Brass Figurine, 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Walter Bosse cancer zodiac sign brass figurine, 1950s Original condition.
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Small Bear Figurine by Walter Bosse, circa 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Small bear figurine by Walter Bosse, circa 1950s Original condition.
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Cat Figurine with Shovel and Rake by Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
Brass figurine blackened with a shovel and rake. Designed in the 1950s by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller Austria. Excellent original condition.
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Walter Bosse Cow Candleholder, Hertha Baller, Blackened Brass, 1960
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A candleholder in the form of a cow by Walter Bosse and manufactured by Hertha Baller, Austria, Vienna, in midcentury, circa 1960 (late 1950s or early 1960s). The candleholder is made of blackened and polished brass. It can be used for small ball shaped candles. This piece is an eyecatchers in every room. About Walter Bosse and Hertha Baller: Walter Bosse (November 13, 1904-December 13, 1979) was a Viennese artist, designer, ceramist, potter, metalworker, and craftsman noted for his modernist bronze animal...
Category

1960s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Walter Bosse Salt Pepper Donkey Set, Black Brass Teak Wood, Hertha Baller, 1950
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A salt and pepper shaker donkey set designed by Walter Bosse and manufactured by Hertha Baller, Austria, Vienna, in midcentury in 1950s. The donkey is made of blackened brass. The shakers are made of teak wood. This charming piece is an eyecatcher for every kitchen or dining table. About Walter Bosse and Hertha Baller: Walter Bosse (November 13, 1904–December 13, 1979) was a Viennese artist, designer, ceramist, potter, metalworker, and craftsman noted for his modernist bronze animal figurines...
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Walter Bosse Brass Key Hanger Donkey, Dog, Cat and Cock, Herta Baller, Austria
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming and rare key holder, displaying a donkey, a dog, a cat and a cock. Together they are the "town musicians of Bremen", from a fairy tale by the Grimm brothers. A very humoro...
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Walter Bosse Elephants Brass Key Hanger by Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming and rare key holder, displaying five elephants in different sizes. A very humorous design by Walter Bosse, executed by Herta Baller, Austria, in the 1950s. Also suitable as a towel holder or for dish towels...
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Walter Bosse Cow Brass Figurine Pen Holder, Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
A very charming Austrian midcentury pen or pencil holder sculpture, displaying a cow. A very humorous design by Walter Bosse executed by Hertha Baller Austria in the 1950s. Made of b...
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Dog Figurine Holding a Thermometer by Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, AT
Dog Figurine holding a thermometer by Walter Bosse Original condition.
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Walter Bosse Brass Dinner Bell Displaying a Cat by Herta Baller, Austria, 1950
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming midcentury table bell displaying a cat. A very humorous design by Walter Bosse, executed by Herta Baller Austria in the 1950s. Made of brass, in very good condition.
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Walter Bosse Brass Giraffe Sculpture Figurine, Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming mid century giraffe figurine, made of brass. A humorous design by Walter Bosse, executed in the 1950s by Hertha Baller Austria. In excelle...
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Walter Bosse Elephants Brass Key Hanger by Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming and rare key holder, displaying an elephant family. A very humorous design by Walter Bosse, executed by Hertha Baller, Austria, in the 1950s. Also suitable as a towel holder or for dish...
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Walter Bosse Midcentury Cow Brass Figurine, Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
A little cow sculpture made of brass from the 1950s. Designed by Walter Bosse, executed by Hertha Baller. In good condition with charming patina on the brass.
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Walter Bosse Zebra Donkey Salt and Pepper Shaker Set
Located in Wien, AT
Walter Bosse zebra donkey salt and pepper shaker set for Hertha Baller, Austria, 1950s. The shakers are included. Original condition.
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Cat Figurine Pretzel Holder, Ring Holder by Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
Brass figurine blackened pretzel holder, ring holder. Designed in the 1950s by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller, Austria. Excellent original condition.
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Brass

1950s by Walter Bosse Austria Design Brass Bronze Monkey Cork Screw
Located in Brescia, IT
Rare cork screw by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller Excellent condition.
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Walter Bosse Toothpick Holder Donkey Set, Black Brass Glass, Hertha Baller, 1950
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A toothpick holder set in the form of a donkey designed by Walter Bosse and manufactured by Hertha Baller, Austria, Vienna, in midcentury in 1950s. The donkey is made of patinated and aged blackened brass. The toothpick holders are made of glass. This charming piece is an eyecatcher for every kitchen or dining table. About Walter Bosse and Hertha Baller: Walter Bosse (November 13, 1904–December 13, 1979) was a Viennese artist, designer, ceramist, potter, metalworker, and craftsman noted for his modernist bronze animal figurines...
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Walter Bosse Animal Sculptures, Austria, 1950
Located in Munich, DE
Set of beautiful sculptures made of brass designed by Walter Bosse, executed by Hertha Baller, Austria in the 1950s. These brilliant figurines by Walter Bosse represent seminal works...
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Walter Bosse Mid-Century Horse Brass Figurine, Hertha Baller, Austria, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
A lovely horse foal sculpture made of brass from the 1950s. Designed by Walter Bosse, executed by Hertha Baller. In very good condition with charming patina. We offer more Walter Bos...
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Two Walter Bosse Candleholders
Located in Wien, AT
Two Walter Bosse candleholders Original condition We not selling the candle she is only decoration.
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Walter Bosse Midcentury Baby Giraffe Brass Figurine, Herta Baller, Austria
Located in Vienna, AT
A lovely baby giraffe sculpture made of brass from the 1950s. Designed by Walter Bosse, executed by Herta Baller, Austria. In very good condition with mar...
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Walter Bosse Cancer Zodiac Sign Brass Figurine by Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful Cancer figurine, made of brass, designed by Walter Bosse, executed by Hertha Baller, Austria, in the 1950s. In very good condition. We offer more Water Bosse brass objec...
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Walter Bosse Donkey Brass Figurine Pen Holder, Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
A very charming Austrian midcentury pen or pencil holder, displaying a donkey. A very humorous design by Walter Bosse executed by Herta Baller Austria in the 1950s. Made of brass in ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Walter Bosse Brass Poodle Figurine, Lucky Charm, Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming poodle figurine, made of brass designed by Walter Bosse, executed in the 1950s by Hertha Baller, Austria. In excellent condition.
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Rare Walter Bosse Key Hanger Monkeys
Located in Wien, AT
Rare Walter Bosse key hanger monkeys Original condition.
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Walter Bosse Midcentury Deer Fawn Brass Figurine, Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
A lovely fawn / baby deer sculpture made of brass from the 1950s. Designed by Walter Bosse, executed by Hertha Baller, Austria. In good condition with nice p...
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Walter Bosse Cat Business Card Holder
Located in Wien, AT
Walter Bosse cat business card holder Original condition.
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Walter Bosse Brass Cat Figurine Pretzel Holder, Ring Holder
Located in Wien, AT
Austrian brass cat figurine, usually made to be used as a pretzel holder, a decorative piece, very suitable as a ring holder. Original condition.
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Small Elephant by Hertha Baller, circa 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Small elephant by Hertha Baller, circa 1950s Original condition.
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Walter Bosse Cow Figurine Table Thermometer by Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming sculptural Austrian midcentury desk thermometer, displaying a cow with a lantern-shaped thermometer. A humorous design by Walter Bosse, executed by Hertha Baller Austria i...
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Walter Bosse Shoehorn, circa 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Walter Bosse Shoehorn, circa 1950s polished and stove enamelled.
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Walter Bosse Cat Figurine with Thermometer, 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Walter Bosse cat figurine with thermometer, 1950s Austrian desk thermometer, cat figurine and a lantern-shaped thermometer. Designed by Walter Bosse...
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Walter Bosse Thermometer, circa 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Walter Bosse thermometer, circa 1950s Original condition.
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Walter Bosse Brass Key Hanger Donkey, Dog, Cat and Cock, Hertha Baller, Austria
Located in Wien, AT
Walter Bosse brass key hanger donkey, dog, cat and cock, Hertha Baller, Austria.            
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Walter Bosse Dwarf Brass Cork Screw Bottle Opener, Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming midcentury bottle opener/cork screw, displaying a dwarf. A humorous design by Walter Bosse, executed by Hertha Baller Austria in the 1950s. Made of black-finished brass, i...
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Walter Bosse Bear Figurine
Located in Wien, AT
Walter Bosse bear figurine Original condition.  
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Walter Bosse Cow Brass Cork Screw Bottle Opener, Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming midcentury bottle opener/cork screw, displaying a cow. A very humorous design by Walter Bosse, executed by Herta Baller Austria in the 1950s. Made of polished brass, in ve...
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Walter Bosse Brass Key Hanger Sea God and Mermaid, Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming and rare key holder, displaying a sea god and a mermaid. A humorous design by Walter Bosse, executed by Hertha Baller Austria in the 1950s. Made of brass, in good condition with nice patina. Also suitable as a towel holder or for dish towels...
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Candleholder Walter Bosse Cow, circa 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Candleholder Walter Bosse cow Good original condition. (The candle is only for decoration for the photo shooting not for sell).
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Walter Bosse Midcentury Horse Brass Figurine, Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
A lovely horse foal sculpture made of brass from the 1950s. Designed by Walter Bosse, executed by Hertha Baller. In good condition with charming patina. We offer more Walter Bosse br...
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Shoehorn Shows a Mouse by Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, AT
Shoehorn shows a mouse by Walter Bosse Original condition.
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Walter Bosse Donkey Salt and Pepper Shaker Set, Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming Austrian Mid-Century shaker set, displaying a donkey. A very humorous design by Walter Bosse, executed by Hertha Baller Austria in the 1950s. Made of metal and wood. In go...
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Mid-century Modern sculptures for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Mid-Century Modern sculptures 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 sculptures created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, ceramic and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Mid-Century Modern sculptures made in a specific country, there are Europe, North America, and Italy pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original sculptures, popular names associated with this style include Walter Bosse, Herta Baller, Curtis Jeré, and Joel Escalona. 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 sculptures differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $34 and tops out at $295,000 while the average work can sell for $1,322.

Recently Viewed

View All