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 celebrated 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.

Generations turn over, and mid-century modern remains arguably the most popular style going. 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.

to
1,651
6,358
341
124
2
9
6,347
465
66
3,564
2,006
3
1
11
37
107
709
1,023
1,128
239
132
4,714
2,778
848
840
696
571
506
457
418
367
237
205
169
93
90
84
75
2,525
1,708
1,277
1,055
763
3,409
2,856
4,054
1,850
1,754
1,380
551
Height
to
Width
to
6,823
6,548
6,558
224
151
122
111
76
Style: Mid-Century Modern
Vintage Carved Wood Panel Figurative Artwork Wall Decor.
Located in Seattle, WA
This Piece features primitive designed Carved motifs of people recessed into the wood. Walnut wood tone. Vintage Condition Consistent with Age as Pictured. Dimensions. 7 1/2 W ; 1 1...
Category

1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Set of 2 Fat Lava Pottery Vases Heinz Siery Carstens Tönnieshof, Germany, 1970s
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Ceramic pottery vases set of 2 Origin: Germany Designer: Heinz Siery Producer: Carstens Tönnieshof, Germany Decade: 1970s This origin...
Category

Late 20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic, Stoneware, Pottery

Luciano Gaspari Salviati Murano Smoky Green Italian Art Glass Abstract Sculpture
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown clear smoky gray color with green paint stroke Italian art glass sculpture on base. Documented to designer Luciano Gaspari for the Salviati compan...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Glass, Art Glass, Sommerso, Murano Glass, Blown Glass

Stylish Cockatoo / Bird Art Glass Sculpture by Murano Glass
Located in San Diego, CA
Stylish cockatoo art glass sculpture by Murano Glass, circa 1960s. The piece is in very good vintage condition with no chips or cracks and measures 4"W x ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Art Glass

12/20th Limited Edition Of Xai Surrealistic Side Table by Salvador Dalí
Located in Barcelona, ES
Design inspired on an artwork by Salvador Dali´: Interpretation project for a stable-library, 1942 Stuffed lamb, elaborated with a technique by a taxidermist. Drawer and table top i...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Brass

MCM Abstract Pair of Ventriloquists Titled "One Eyed Twin Dummies" by Pat Keck
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions- H: 45in W: 12in D: 8 1/2in !!!CHAIRS NOT INCLUDED!!! This MCM abstract pair of Ventriloquists Titled "One Eyed Twin Dummies" By Pat Keck are abs...
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Bronze Abstract Modernist Sculpture in the Style of Jean-Pierre Ghysels, 1970's
Located in Antwerp, Antwerp
A beautiful abstract bronze sculpture on a black marble base in the style of Belgian artist Jean-Pierre Ghysels. Unsigned. This piece has an amazing and different presence from every angle. Conveys the spirit of modernism...
Category

1970s Belgian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Meloniski da Villacidro Kinetic Sculpture in Wood and Brass
Located in Milano, IT
A splendid 1980s sculpture designed and produced by the great painter Meloniski from Villacidro. The painter Meloniski was born in Villacidro in 1943. Completely self-taught, the Sar...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Metal, Brass

Nude Bronze Sculpture by James Maher
Located in New York, NY
James Patrick Maher (20th Century), bronze Sculpture of a nude woman. James P. Maher, was a renowned artist whose drawings, paintings and sculptures reflected an innate appreciation...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Eugene Gauss Mid Century Figural Carved Red Stone Picasso Style Wall Sculpture
By Eugene Gauss
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Eugene Gauss (American, 1905-1988) Mid Century Figural Carved Solid Red Stone Picasso Style Wall Art Sculpture (Approx 20 lbs). Circa Late 20th Century. Measurements: 21.5" H...
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Stone

Vintage Ceramic Decoration / Jewellery Holder, 1980's
Located in Praha, CZ
Unique decoration from the 1980s. Glazed ceramics handmade in former Czechoslovakia in July 1978. Good vintage condition with slight damage to the glaze on one part (see photo).
Category

1980s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Cut Metal Brutalist Modern Abstract Cat Standing Sculpture
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Studio made artist signed Brutalist cut steel abstract standing sculpture standing on 15x15" square metal plate base. Paul Evans Erwine & E...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Steel

Emil Filla "Maternity" Bronze Sculpture
Located in Naples, IT
Bronze sculpture "Maternity Woman" by Emil Filla, cubist sculptor.
Category

Early 20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Original 1970s Suisse Freddo Therm Ice Cube Bucket Element Hollywood Regency
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Ice bucket cooler element Producer: Freddo Therm, made in Switzerland Decade: 1970s Material: Plastic surface finish with golden brass tone ...
Category

Late 20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Mid-Century Modern Bronze Golden Swan Ring Table Sculpture by Dolbi Cashier 1984
Located in Miami, FL
We offer a heavy Mid-Century Modern golden bronze swan ring table sculpture by Dolbi Cashier, 1984. The ring is an ancient symbol, so perfect and simple. It has no beginning and has ...
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Vintage Mary Preminger Abstract Modernist Chrome and Black Marble Sculpture
By Mary Gardner Preminger
Located in North Miami, FL
This fabulous vintage double U-shaped abstract sculpture by the noted artist Mary Preminger is so modernist. It is polished chrome on a black marble original base. It was executed in...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Marble, Chrome

“Fruit Still Life” Vase by Elio Schiavon
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful hand painted ceramic vase with a fruit still life by Elio Schiavon. This piece is full of detail: Schiavon depicts a bowl in a green hue that holds an array of fruits in di...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Iconic Eiffel Tower Iron Replica Statue, Powder-Coated in Orange
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
As found in France, this oversized wire Eiffel Tower makes an impressive statement wherever displayed. This eye-catching fragment, painted orange, certainly would be a wow factor in ...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Iron

Bertil Vallien for Kosta Boda glass boat sculpture Limited edition Voyage
Located in Delft, NL
Dimensions: 17.5cm W, 5,5cmD, 4cm H With stand: 8cm H Signed by artist
Category

1990s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Glass

Mid Century Painted Plaster Bust of a Men on a Marble Bust, around 1976
Located in Berlin, DE
This mid-century painted plaster bust, created around 1976 by late German artist Jens Schleede, presents a compelling portrait of a man rendered with expressive realism and sculptura...
Category

1970s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Marble

Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Brass and Resin Toucan on Stand, 1960s
Located in Miami, FL
Patinated brass Toucan sculpture with dark maroon colored resin body suspended from brass metal stand, Brazil 1960s.
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Signed Modern Abstract Constructivist Styled Wooden Sculpture
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This contemporary abstract wooden sculpture was done by Czeslaw Budny a Polish-Canadian artist in the constructivist style in circa 2010. This sculpture was made entirely of up-cycle...
Category

2010s Canadian Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Wonderful Vintage Art Glass Daum Nancy Sculpture Porche 959 Stand Plaque
By Daum
Located in Roslyn, NY
A wonderful vintage Art glass Porche 959 sculpture on wood stand with Plaque. Possibly Daum.     
Category

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Art Glass

1974 Studio Stoneware "Bird in Tree" Sculpture Signed Pollack
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Impressive stoneware sculpture in matte sepia with pops of blue and green. Interesting form, with bird in tree motif on one side and figural decoration o...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Stoneware

Vintage Merle Edelman Op Art Face / Head with Eyes Inside Lucite / Acrylic 1970s
Located in St. Louis, MO
Mid-Century Modern c. 1970's Merle Edelman half round Op Art face lucite sculpture with 3D eyes over a black geometric grid. Similar style as Abraham Palatnik. In fine condition, no ...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Lucite

Still Stand No68: Serene Standing Sculpture, Exquisite Escalona Art
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Still Stand” sculptures by Joel Escalona Joel Escalona's wooden standing sculptures are objects of raw beauty and serene grace. Each one is a testament t...
Category

2010s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Hardwood

Licio Zanetti Abstract Murano Glass Frog Sculpture Italy Mid-Century Modern
Located in Miami, FL
Licio Zanetti abstract Murano glass Frog made in Italy, Mid-Century Modern. Made with the Massello Technique, developed by Flavio Poli in the 1920s, ...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Art Glass

French Rally Cast Iron Trophy Car by Artist Rodolphe Mariotti
Located in Miami, FL
A fine quality and delightfully heavy sculpted iron motoring trophy car. Automobile depicted is circa 1920s. Collectible and Commemorative of the ‘Rally U.C.O.L. Challenge - Driver...
Category

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Brass, Iron

DOOQ Mid-Century Modern Marjorelle Lotus Lamp in Beige, Nudes and Purple
By DOOQ
Located in Lisbon, PT
Highly organic, the Majorelle collection evokes flowers of an imaginary garden. Informed by textures found in nature, the collection features a dappled surface made from resin soak...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Resin, Foam

Pierre Sabatier "Charbon" Sculpture – Posthumous Bronze Edition, France 1974
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pierre Sabatier Sculpture “Charbon” – Posthumous Bronze Edition, Edition of 25 France, 1974 Dimensions : 13 x 14 x 12 cm
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Roman Column Marble Bookends
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful pair of Roman column green marble bookends, circa 1970s. The marble is beautifully veined and in great condition and the bookends together crea...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Marble

Sergio Bustamante Flamingo Standing Sculpture
Located in Westport, CT
Sergio Bustamante Large standing handmade Flamingo Sculpture
Category

20th Century Mexican Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Brass, Bronze, Copper, Enamel, Metal

Large porcelain Saint Bernard by Göbel. 1970 - 1975
Located in CADALSO, ES
Rarely found in this size and condition
Category

1970s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Argentinian Modern Abstract Stone Sculpture, Raul Varnerin, 1960s
Located in Queens, NY
Argentinian Modern Abstract Stone Sculpture, Raul Varnerin, 1960s Condition: Good; Wear consistent with age and use
Category

20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Stone

Large William Bowie Abstract Wall Nail Sculpture
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern abstract wall nails sculpture by William Bowie.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Teak Elephant Figurine, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Teak Elephant Figurine, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969. Additional information: Materials: Teak Color: Brown Styles: Mid-Century Modern Item Type:...
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Teak

Aldo Tura Sculpture, Red, Cream, Geometric, Lacquered Goatskin, Signed
Located in New York, NY
Aldo Tura geometric sculpture, lacquered goatskin, red, cream, signed. Small to medium scale two-piece wood table sculpture covered in lacquered goatskin ...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Goatskin

Selection of Decorative Abstract Marble Menhir Column Art Sculptures, circa 1970
Located in Den Haag, NL
Selection of Decorative Abstract Marble Menhir Column Art Sculptures, circa 1970 by Gerrit Patist. Sizes: Largest 57cm 41 / 40 / 40 / smallest 26 cm Gerrit Patist Visual Artist wh...
Category

1970s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Stone, Marble

Whimsical gold finish Iron Bull Sculpture
Located in San Diego, CA
whimsical iron detailed bull sculpture in gold finish nice detail very unique piece.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Iron

1970s Handcrafted Embroidered Indian Raj Camel Folk Art
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1970s Handcrafted Raj Indian Camel embroidered fabric colorful patchwork. Measures: 10.5 tall x 9 deep x 4.25 wide Preowned original vintage condition. See images provided.  
Category

Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Fabric

Vintage Brass Nautical Captain Ship Wheel Bookends
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautifully forged in solid brass, these nautical ship wheels have a classic aesthetic that is ideal for coastal and nautical décor but can easily translate to industrial and eclecti...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Abstract stone sculpture ‘Metropolis 4’ by Vittorio di Muzio, Italy 1980s
Located in Rotterdam, ZH
Abstract stone sculpture ‘Metropolis 4’ by Vittorio di Muzio (1924 - 2014), Italy 1986. Di Muzio studied sculpture at the l’Accademia delle Belle Arti di Brera in Milan and was train...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Granite

Large Detailed Italian Cast Terracotta Bald Eagle Sculpture with Gilt Finish
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This large and substantial sculpture is unsigned with respect to the artist, but originated from Italy and dates to approximately 1960 and done in a realistic period style. The sculp...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Terracotta

Geometric Travertine Sculpture
Located in London, GB
Circular travertine sculpture 40cm diameter (16 inch) aprox
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Travertine

1970s Modernist Sculpture Bronze Fish Marble 39/500
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1970s Modernist Sculpture Two Bronze Fish Marble Block Base Mexico City Ideal as a Letter Holder in the style of Curtis Jere Signed and edition stamped 39/500 unable to read. 12 h x ...
Category

1970s Mexican Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Mid Century Modern Abstract Brass Sculpture
Located in Raleigh, NC
A striking vintage modern sculpture of brass and enamel on a wood base. With precise curves and formed brass elements piercing each other, this piece reminds of the work of Calder ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Tom Dixon Life Size Harley Davidson Motorcycle, 1980's
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Life size Harley Davidson rattan model of a motorcycle, attributed to Tom Dixon USA, Circa 1980s Hand-made sculpture of a motorcycle of woven rattan, willow, reed and wood. This...
Category

1980s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Bamboo, Rattan

Italian Ceramic Wall Sconces by Otello Rosa for San Polo, Venenzia
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Italian ceramic figural minstrels or harlequins wall mounted sconces are made by San Polo and are designed by Otella Rosa. These brilliant enameled ceramic sculptural wall sconces ar...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Mid-Century Modern Gilt Brass Decorative Pineapple Sculpture/Newel Post, Italy
Located in North Miami, FL
Mid-20th century Modern gilt brass decorative pineapple sculpture/newel post, Italy By: unknown Material: metal, copper, zinc Technique: cast, molded, polished, gilt, metalwork Dime...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Metal, Brass, Copper, Zinc

Huge Daniel Rhodes Sculpture, USA, 1970s
Located in Berlin, DE
Huge Daniel Rhodes sculpture, USA, 1970s Signed and in excellent condition.
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Clay

Monumental Artist Made Ceramic Fountain
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Well made with spectacular presence and color. The fountain stands in a hand-fashioned tiled metal basin. May be used in the garden, on the deck, or in an...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Gio Ponti and Paolo de Poli Large Scale Diavolo Enamel Sculpture
Located in Dallas, TX
Devil's face enamel sculpture designed by Gio Ponti and produced by Paolo De Poli in Italy, 1956.
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Copper, Enamel

Royal Dutch Navy Grumman Avanger TBM3 1960 Airplane Model
Located in Weesp, NL
Big and beautiful 1960 Grumman Avenger TBM3 Royal Dutch Navy airplane model. This beautiful replica once flew with remote control and it comes without remot...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Plastic, Wood

John Seeman, B. 1951, Untitled, Abstract Sculpture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Abstract Sculpture by John Seeman, B. 1951, Untitled. Steel, paint, 2002; signed and dated "JS 2002"
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Stone Bust Sculpture by a Student of Sir Hugh Casson
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
This carved stone head bust sculpture was reputedly carved by a student of 20th century British architect and artist, Sir Hugh Casson. It depicts the s...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Limestone

Mexican ram's horn in fish form
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Circa 1970. We offer this Mexican ram's horn in fish form. made in silverplated.
Category

1970s Mexican Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Alfredo Barbini Vulcano Glass Sculpture, Murano, Late 1950s
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
Vulcano glass sculpture by Alfredo Barbini, Murano, 1957. Sometimes called Volcano. Signed "A.Barbini" on the base (see photo). Measures: Height 17.13"(43.5 cm), width 11.42" (29cm),...
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Art Glass

Set of Three Mid-Century Modern Steel Sculptures
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
measurements in centimeters: Dog D 5 W 22 H 15.5 Horse D 6 W 27 H 14 Goat D 4 W 23 H 20.5
Category

1960s Mexican Vintage 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