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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.

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Style: Mid-Century Modern
Mid-Century Modern Bronze TOTEM Sculpture
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine midcentury bronze sculpture. In the form of a stylized totem. With a round plinth supported by 4 legs. Simply a wonderful sculpture. Date: Mid tolate 20th centur...
Category

Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Han Dynasty Style Mid Century Terracotta Horse, Pair
Located in Countryside, IL
Han Dynasty style mid century Terracotta Horse - pair Each figurine measures: 7 wide x 23 deep x 24 inches high We take our photos in a controlled lighting studio to show as mu...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Terracotta

Walter Bosse figurines Elephant brass patinated new Vienna Austria
Located in Vienna, AT
In 2000 a Viennese public house released the first monograph about Walter Bosse. Illustrated with various pictures it shows his highly creative potential and his influence and impact...
Category

2010s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Murano Art Glass Water Green Cactus Plant, 1990
Located in Rome, IT
Italian design, this cactus is a fashion icon of the Italian style, water green with a beautiful green glass vase underneath. In limited edition, manufact...
Category

1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Murano Glass

Pair of Bonsai 1980, Glass and Ceramic
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art Nouveau and Vintage styles since 1982. If you have any questions we are at your disposal. Pushing the button that reads 'View All ...
Category

1980s Japanese Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Art Glass, Ceramic

Vintage Ceramic Rooster by Noe Suro
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
Exquisite glazed ceramic roosterd. Designed and hand painted by Mexican ceramist and artist Noe Suro at his Workshop in Tlaquepaque, Jalisco, in the early seventies.
Category

1970s Mexican Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Wall-hung relief sculpture
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Wall-hung relief sculpture ‘Blue Fish’ in blue-glazed faience manufactured by Royal Copenhagen.
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Vintage Mid Century Modern Apple Sculpture
Located in Seattle, WA
Dimensions. 3” W ; 3” D ; 3.50” H
Category

1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Vintage handmade abstract wood sculpture in mid century modern style with faces
Located in Seattle, WA
Abstract in manner with organic shapes.,Vintage Condition Consistent with Age as Pictured. Box H15 Dimensions. 6.50” W ; 6.50” D ; 10” H
Category

1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century White Marble Amorphic Sculpture Entitled 'In the Beginning' by Katz
Located in New York, NY
This monumental and beautifully carved Mid-Century Modernist White Marble Amorphic Sculpture on Rotating Base and Black Pedestal Entitled "In The Beginning" is by the artist William ...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Marble

1960's Art Glass Fish Designed by Stanislav Honzík for Nový Bor Glassworks
By Novy Bor Glassworks, Stanislav Honzik
Located in Praha, CZ
Set of three glass fish designed by academic painter and designer Stanislav Honzík in 1958. Produced by Nový Bor Glassworks in Czechoslovakia in the 1960's. Marked. The first fish ...
Category

1960s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Art Glass

Mid-Century Mexican Silver Plated Cups Set
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Circa 1960. We offer this mid-century Mexican silver plated cups set in the style of Los Castilllo in great vintage condition and fantastic patina.
Category

1960s Mexican Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Precious Stone

'African Queen' Terracotta Sculpture of African Woman
Located in Antwerp, BE
African Woman glazed terracotta sculpture signed by Artist L. Zoao. One-Of-A-Kind Terracotta bust.  
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Terracotta

Resin Encased Coral
Located in New York, NY
Decorative, resin encased coral fragment.
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Coral

Mid-Century Murano Art Glass Stylized Coy Fish Sculpture with Cascading Bubbles
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This large stylized art glass fish sculpture is unsigned, but presumed to have originated from Murano Italy and dating to approximately 1965 and done in the period Mid-Century Modern...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Art Glass

Sculpture in Bronze Art Nuragica Sardinia 1960s Wood Base Priestess
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Sculpture in bronze Art Nuragica Sardinia 1960s wood base priestess.
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Midcentury Wood Crucifix
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice midcentury wood crucifix with a brass Jesus on the cross, circa 1970s. Nice detail and patina. #1285.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Ceramic Sculpture by Aldo Londi, 1950’s
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Ceramic Sculpture by Aldo Londi, 1950’s Additional Information: Material: Ceramic Style: Mid century, Italian Produced by Bitossi in Italy Dimensions: (W x D x H): 32 x 15 x 16 cm ...
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

DOOQ Mid-Century Modern Marjorelle Iris Lamp in Nude
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

Pair of Modernist Figural Sculptures in Burlwood
Located in San Diego, CA
Super cool pair of modernist figural sculptures in burlwood, circa 2000s. The figures are hand carved and measure: 7.5" W x 2.5" D x 6.5" H. The piece...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Burl

Vintage Brutalist Brass Cross
Located in Milano, IT
Rare brass cross designed by Arnaldo Pomodoro and his brother Giò Pomodoro in the 1950s, of fine Italian manufacture. It is part of the V/58/16 model. The...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Artist Signed Spiral Nail Wall Mount Sculpture
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern Artist-signed wall sculpture in style of William Bowie.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Steel

Handcrafted 2 Large Marble Elephant Statues
Located in Oirlo, LI
Enhance your home or office decor with this exquisite set of 2 large marble elephant statues. Handcrafted with precision around the 1950s, these stunning pieces weigh 350 kg each a...
Category

1950s European Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Marble

Mid-Century Sculpture of Horses, 1960s
Located in Praha, CZ
- Made in Czechoslovakia - Made of ceramic - Good, original condition.
Category

1960s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Vintage German Yard or Garden Gnome Statue with Drum, 1930s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A gorgeous character ceramic figural gnome statue - made by Hertwig & Endert in Germany, a well known manufacturer of this kind of figures. This character statue has been made in Germany, in the 1930s probably to 1940s. Absolutely gorgeous item with lots of character and still in great condition. Made of hand colored glazed earthenware. A nice addition to any Lawn, Yard, Garden or Patio, but can also be a nice addition to a room. A German garden gnome...
Category

1930s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Earthenware

Italian Manufacture Sculpture in Ceramic, 1950s
Located in bari, IT
Midcentury ceramic sculpture of a horse head, typical Italian manufacture from the 1950s.
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Abstract Wooden Hand Carved Sculpture by UK Robson 1971
Located in London, GB
Dynamic abstract oak wooden sculpture with organic finish on a black and gold marble plinth, hand-carved and signed by E. Robson 1971, England.  
Category

1970s British Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Marble

Sterling Silver and Shell Snail Sculpture Paperweight
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Wonderful Snail made from Sterling Silver that shows the hand of the craftsman who created it. To complete the illusion the snail has the addition of a real sea shell. Very nice scul...
Category

Mid-20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Silver

Large Iconic Painted Metal Eiffel Tower Statue Centerpiece
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
This oversized wire Eiffel Tower makes an impressive statement wherever displayed. This eye-catching fragment, hand-painted in creamy white, certainly would be a wow factor in a home...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Iron

Vintage Italian Glazed Ceramic Monkeys
Located in San Francisco, CA
Vintage Italian glazed ceramic monkeys, fun and whimsical design decoration or bookends. In very good original condition, stamped on the base "Italy".
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Midcentury Vintage Solid Brass Ramshead Bust
Located in Allentown, PA
This is a midcentury vintage solid brass bust of a Ramshead. This large Ramshead is hand Chased and Stands on a black wooden pedestal. This Ramsh...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Brass

DOOQ Mid-Century Modern Marjorelle Violete Lamp, Meticulously Handmade
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 s...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Resin, Foam

Mark Lindquist Mid-Century Carved Wood Relief Sculpture
Located in Bridgeport, CT
An amorphous and sensual early piece by Pioneer Wood Artist Mark Lindquist. Signed and dated '74 along one edge. A carved amorphous natural wood form wi...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Vintage Sculpted Bronze Hand Figurine Atop Bronze Base
Located in Seattle, WA
Vintage Sculpted Bronze Hand Figurine Atop Bronze Base decor art decor antiquett mcm midcentury modern Antique style Dimensions. 5 W ; 3 W ; 2 H
Category

1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

DOOQ Mid-Century Modern Marjorelle Fresia Lamp in Green & Nude
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 soake...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Resin, Foam

Collection of Witco Carved Cedar Wood Tiki Cats Meathead and Friends
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Rare collection of Witco carved tiki cat figurines and sculptures. This group includes six cats. There are two large Meathead models with orange and white eye...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Cedar, Paint

Mannequin Stands Heads Pair Glass Green Orange height 30cm 12"
Located in BUNGAY, SUFFOLK
A pair of funky, vintage, coloured glass mannequin heads: one green, the other orange. Designed for shop displays of hats, wigs, glasses etc and ...
Category

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Art Glass, Blown Glass

1960s De Sede Leather Turtle
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare turtle shaped ottoman by Swiss designer De Sede. Circa 1960s. Very heavy and well made. This fun and unique turtle shaped ottoman can be used as a sit...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Leather

Tony Evans Unique Ceramic Plaque with Stand, signed
Located in Boynton Beach, FL
Beautiful and unique piece by famed American ceramic artist Tony Evans. Special piece of his. Likely a self artistic small run of his as I've only seen these two examples of pieces...
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Naomi Feinberg "Fractured Planet" Sculpture in Italian Red Levanto 1960s
Located in New York, NY
Extraordinary hand carved “Fractured Planet” sculpture in Italian Red Levanto marble on an ebonized wood base by Naomi Feinberg, American 1960’s. Naomi Feinberg was a New York based...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Marble

1980s Plated Brass Bridge Bolts Bookends Paperweights Quirky Vintage Mid-Century
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Brass electroplated Bridge Bolts as bookends or office decor. Each about 5 lbs. and 3.5 wide by 4 inches high. Appropriated objects similar conceptually to the works of the Carl Aubo...
Category

1980s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Vintage Hand Carved Wooden Figurines With Flute From Ecuador by Akios Industry.
Located in Seattle, WA
This wooden figure was hand made in Ecuador. Depicts a person carrying a flute. Beautiful wood grain with exaggerated features. Vintage Condition Consistent with Age as Pictured. Di...
Category

1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Old time Early second hand India Import possibly Brass Tray
Located in Seattle, WA
This piece is an India Import , possibly brass tray. This Piece has nice patina and character. Vintage Condition as pictured. Listing is for described item only. Dimensions. 8.25”Di...
Category

1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Coco de Mer Tea Caddy by Antony Redmile
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Rare and unusual tea caddy crafted from a coco de mer shell featuring amethyst stone handles and embellishments, ostrich egg tops with refined metal work, and antelope horn side hand...
Category

20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Jose Luis Sanchez Solid Bronze Sculpture Spain 1970 Signed
Located in Paris, FR
José Luis Sanchez (Spain, 1926-2018). José Luis Sanchez, a signed and numbered 383 sculpture. Fantastic abstract Brutalist shaped sculpture made and designed by Jose Luis Sanchez, ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Stone, Brass, Bronze

Signed Abstract Modernist Metal Sculpture Attributted to Early Curtis Jere
Located in Buffalo, NY
Signed abstract modernist metal sculpture. One off, original, stunning form, texture and design, apparently early work of Curtis Jere Company, long before they're sculptures and desi...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Modern Solid Onyx Abstract Bird Sculpture
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful solid onyx bird sculpture circa 1970's, excellent condition and beautiful grain on the stone no chips or cracks.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Onyx

Gilt Metal Curtis Jere "Pompon" Sculpture
Located in Pasadena, CA
This Curtis Jere sculpture is expertly crafted from gilt metal to create a mesmerizing starburst design. The sculpture features thin brass needles radiat...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Vintage Danish Terrier Figurine by Knud Kyhn for Royal Copenhagen, 1955
Located in Asaa, DK
Vintage Danish Terrier Figurine by Knud Kyhn for Royal Copenhagen, 1955. Stoneware figurine of a terrier dog designed by Danish ceramicist Knud Kyhn in the 1920s and made by Royal C...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Stoneware

French Art Bronze Bracelet by Line Vautrin
Located in Atlanta, GA
A rare cuff bracelet in gilded and silvered bronze by Parisian art jewller Line Vautrin (1913-1997). The playful piece is called "Le gendarme et le voleur"...
Category

1940s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Petite White Marble Sculpture on Stand
Located in Sheffield, MA
Small contemporary white marble sculpture sits on a black platform. Sculptor is Jean Downey (1931-2009). She was born in Canada, studied art in Illinois, New York and Connecticut. He...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Marble

Vintage Brass Teddy Bear Bookends
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage mid-century brass teddy bear bookends. These pair of teddy bear would make a luxurious addition to any room, and especially as part of a nursery...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Signed Artist Proof Figurative Bronze on Travertine Base by Victor Salmones
Located in San Diego, CA
Midcentury, signed artist proof, figurative bronze "runner" statue on travertine base by noted Mexican sculptor Victor Salmones, circa 1960's. The piece is in excellent condition wit...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mexican Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Travertine, Bronze

Carl Aubock Patinated Brass "Walking" Figural Sculpture #4058
Located in Chalk Hill, PA
Carl Aubock Patinated Brass "Walking" Figural Sculpture #4058 designed in the 1950's. Currently produced by Carl Auböck IV in the original Auböck workshop in Vienna, Austria using th...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Vintage Fiberglass Sculpture by Milosevic
Located in Saint-Ouen (PARIS), FR
Vintage sculpture by MILOSEVIC. Dragoljub D.A, MILOSEVIC (1939-2019), is an artist born in 1939. He showed early gifts for the drawing and plastic modeling of busts. He thus obtai...
Category

1980s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Fiberglass

Danish Mid-Century Stoneware Sculpture of a Posing Woman, Anonymous, c. 1970s
Located in Hønefoss, 30
A beautiful stoneware sculpture of a posing woman. Made by anonymous designer in Denmark, c. 1970s. Wear consistent with age.
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Abstract Carved Wooden Owl Sculpture with Brass Beak
Located in Hopewell, NJ
An eye catching abstract carved wood sculpture of a stylized owl with brass beak.
Category

1980s Philippine Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Brass

1950s Paul McCobb Dr. No Tall Windsor Chair Rustic Farmhouse Boho Abstract Chic
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Wonderful and rare example of this early McCobb design in original unaltered tobacco finish. Small remnants of original label remains. Measure: Seat H 17.5 in. / arm H 27 in.
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Birch

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.

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