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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 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.

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Style: Mid-Century Modern
Big Unic Elvio Becheroni Abstract wooden sculpture: Amazonia series
Located in Rovereta, SM
Big Unic Elvio Becheroni Abstract wooden sculpture: Amazonia series published
Category

1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Pair of 77 inch Male and 69 inch Female Sculptures in The Style of Giacometti
By Alberto and Diego Giacometti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A pair of cast metal Sculptures, male and female. The finish is newly finished in black. The pair are heavy and substantial, but we do not believe them to be Bronze. They do make...
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Walter bosse for herta Baller cat figurine vienna around 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Walter bosse for herta Baller cat figurine vienna around 1950s Original condition
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Vintage Light Blue and Yellow Blown Murano Glass Fish Decorative Figurine, Italy
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Murano, Italy, 1950s. This fish is made in hand-blown Murano glass. It is a vintage piece, therefore it might show slight traces of use, but it can be considered as in excellent ori...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Murano Glass

Vintage Bronze Sculpture by Paolo Soleri
Located in San Diego, CA
Vintage bronze sculpture by Paolo Soleri. Classis Soleri incised decoration. Fantastic patina. Works of this size are exceeding difficult to find. 1960s. Provenance: Los Angeles Mod...
Category

1960s North American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Bruno Gambone Glazed Ceramic Bull Sculpture, Italy, 1970s
Located in New York, NY
Bruno Gambone glazed ceramic or stoneware standing bull, Italy, 1970s. Signed on underside "GAMBONE ITALY". This graphic and sculptural bull is at once whimsical and austere and make...
Category

1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic, Stoneware

Whimsical Hand Painted Ceramic Lion Sculpture in the Style of Sergio Bustamante
Located in San Diego, CA
Whimsical hand painted ceramic lion sculpture in the style of Sergio Bustamante, circa 1980s. The piece is in good vintage condition and measures 4.5"W x 9.75"D x 4.75"H, Very cool ...
Category

Late 20th Century Mexican Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic, Paint

Porcelain sculpture by Lladro
Located in Roma, IT
Lladró is the success story of an iconic Spanish brand. A world leader in the design and production and distribution of artistic porcelain creations, Lladró is a unique blend of tale...
Category

1970s Spanish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Stunning Handcrafted Abstract Ceramic Sculpture by Giancarlo Scapin, 1970s
Located in Brescia , Brescia
Reminiscent of a graceful fan delicately resting on a sphere, this sculpture is a striking blend of abstract form and meticulous craftsmanship. Crafted with care and precision, this...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Original Vintage Mid-Century Italian Modern Ceramic Cheetah Sculpture, 1970s
Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie
This large figure of a cheetah probably was produced in Italy during the 1970s. The figure is made of high-quality hand-painted ceramics in intense shades of orange. The cheetah is p...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Asian Art Pixiu Chinese Dragon Table Sculpture
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Asian Art Mythical Figure Dragon Chinese Dragon Pixiu Sculpture Black- brown with texture present. Carved Plaster Hard Resin 8.25 h x 10 long x 4.75 No label. Preowned original vi...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Resin, Plaster

Unique Mid-Century Spatialist Ceramic Sculpture Attributed To Gaetano Magazzù
Located in Koper, SI
Important ceramic sculpture with a spatialist inspiration, for example from the works of Lucio Fontana. It features a color gradient decor on the sides, and black and white decor on ...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Jose Luis Martinez Gomez 1960's Limestone Sculpture
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Striking, stylized carved head in white stone mounted to a wood block on an iron pole by Jose Luis Martinez Gomez (signed).
Category

1960s Spanish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Limestone

Colin Melbourne Ceramic Glazed Cow Sculpture for Beswick
By Colin Melbourne, Beswick
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Colin Melbourne Ceramic Glazed Cow Sculpture for Beswick
Category

1950s English Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

1960s Japanese Bird Stork Metal Table Sculpture Vintage Mid-Century Modernist
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Japanese Cast metal bird. W 2.5 x D 4.5 x H 2.5 in
Category

1960s Japanese Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Metal

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

Pair of German Porcelain Parrots Signed Dresden
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Striking pair of vintage life size porcelain parrots hand decorated with vivid tropical colors and perched on tree trunks. Signed Dresden on the bottoms.
Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Solid Red Marble Apple Paperweight with Brass Stem
Located in San Diego, CA
Solid red marble with brass accent stem apple paperweight or sculpture, circa 1970s. The piece is in very good vintage condition with no chips or cracks and measures 3" x 3.75"H. #3539
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Marble, Brass

Mid century modern Italian mushroom bookends made of solid Alabaster marble
Located in Houston, TX
Mid century modern Italian mushroom bookends made of solid Alabaster marble. Some flaws like small chips. 6” x 5.5
Category

1960s Unknown Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Alabaster

Danish Modern Decorative Glass Owl Sculpture by Viking
Located in San Diego, CA
Well done sculpture in glass by Viking Glass, circa 1970s.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Glass

Vintage Flavia Montelupo Rimini Unglazed Ceramic Owl Italy
Located in San Diego, CA
This vintage Flavia Montelupo Ceramic owl is a beautiful addition to any collection. Made in Italy by Aldo Londi (Bitossi), this unglazed figurine showcases the intricate details of ...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Concrete relief sculpture by Momcilo Milovanovic, France 1970s
Located in Rotterdam, NL
Concrete relief sculpture by Momcilo Milovanovic (1921 - 2013), France 1970s. Milovanovic studied sculpting at the Academy of Fine Arts in Belgrade until 1958, his life path took him...
Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Concrete, Metal

Mid-Century Modernist Pyramidal Lucite Sculpture signed Yaccov Heller
Located in New York, NY
This unique and geometrically dynamic Mid-Century Modernist Pyramidal Lucite Sculpture is signed by Yaccov Heller and originates from the United States, Circa 1970. Features a pyrami...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Lucite

Walter Bosse figurines Duck 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

Vintage Flavia Montelupo Rimini Unglazed Ceramic Cat Italy
Located in San Diego, CA
This vintage Flavia Montelupo Ceramic Cat is a beautiful addition to any collection. Made in Italy by Aldo Londi (Bitossi), this unglazed figurine showcases the intricate details of ...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Abraham Palatnik Lucite Optic Art Owl Sculpture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Abraham Palatnik Lucite Optic Art Owl Sculpture
Category

1970s Brazilian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Lucite

Vibrant Motion: Kinetic Sculpture - Iron, Paint, Movement
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Vibrant Motion: Kinetic Sculpture - Iron, Paint, Movement Manufactured in France by unknown artist, circa 1990. In original condition with minor wear consistent of age and use, pre...
Category

1990s French Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Pair of Vintage Porcelain Parrots by Ugo Zaccagnini
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Striking pair of life size porcelain parrots perched on tree trunks, hand decorated with vivid tropical colors and signed Zaccognini on the bottom. Left: H: 21.5 W: 8 D: 6 Right: H:...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Miguel Ortiz Berrocal "Goliath" Bronze Sculpture, Signed and Numbered 1221/2000
Located in Miami, FL
Miguel Ortiz Berrocal "Goliath" Bronze Sculpture, Signed and Numbered 1221/2000 Offered for sale is a rare puzzle sculpture by Miguel Ortiz Berrocal (1933–2006) titled "Goliath". T...
Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Bibendum Michelin Man Advertising Sculpture
Located in New York, NY
Bibendum Michelin man advertising sculpture. Original white painted cast iron mid-century Bibendum figure. England, circa 1960’s. Dimensions: 10"...
Category

Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Iron

Giraffe Walter Bosse figurines 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

Vintage Whaling Harpoon Decorative Reproduction on Wood Backing.
Located in Seattle, WA
Vintage whaling harpoon on wood Backing, ready to be hung on the wall. Rope attached. Vintage Condition Consistent with Age as Pictured. Dimensions. 38 W ; 5 D ; 1 H
Category

1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Wood

1970's Italian Ceramic Baby Leopard
Located in Redding, CT
1970's Italian Ceramic Baby Leopard Sculpture. Made in Italy . Collectible and decorative.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Solid Bronze Scorpio, circa 1950s
Located in Aramits, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Decorative and artful solid bronze scorpio with fine wire legs and detailed face with eyes. The ends of the claws are decorated with leaf-like ornaments. Very nice patina. Probably f...
Category

Mid-20th Century Nigerian Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Large Mid Century Modern ceramic sculpture by Dominique Pouchain
Located in London, GB
Very large ceramic sculpture of a ram by the French ceramicist Dominique Pouchain. Signed to base. This enormous sculpture makes a huge impact in a room and its neutral colour palet...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Mid Century Italian Ceramic or Porcelain Cat and Dog Sculptures
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Best friends together, vintage Italian life size dog and cat figures on matching cushions, crafted in ceramic, hand decorated and glazed.
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic, Porcelain

Mid Century Abstract Modern Brutalist Bronze Sculpture by Pamela Stump Walsh
Located in Troy, MI
Abstract bronze sculpture by Michigan artist Pamela Stump Walsh c. 1960s Family of brutalist figures executed in solid bronze with excellent patina Signed to lower right 10.5 inch w...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Gabriel Gouttard Abstract amorphous sculpture, France 1960s
By Gabriel Gouttard
Located in Rotterdam, NL
Abstract amorphous sculpture by Gabriel Gouttard (Lyon 1927-2015), France 1970s. Outstanding organic free form - amorphous shaped sculpture. The sculpture has a strong polyester stru...
Category

1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Concrete

Poltronova abstract sculpture made in Italy 1970
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Unique sculpure purchased at Poltronova in the 1970s, by unknown designer or artist. Probably experimental made, unique either way. This piece has an interesting abstract shape with ...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Walnut

Vintage Regency Patinated Case Concrete Bust of Hermes
Located in west palm beach, FL
Elevate your space with the timeless elegance of our Vintage Regency Patinated Concrete Bust of Hermes. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this striking piece embodies the ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Concrete

Camille Faure Limoges Framed Floral Enamel Wall-Mounted Plaque
Located in Atlanta, GA
Camille Faure Studio handcrafted this lovely decorative enamel plaque in Limoges in the 1950s. This is a limited edition, numbered two out of eight pieces produced. The floral design...
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Metal, Aluminum, Copper, Enamel

XL Black Abstract cubistic wooden sculpture, France 1970s
Located in Rotterdam, NL
XL abstract wooden sculpture, France 1970s. Powerful presence with rough organic shapes and strong cubistic cut outs. The sculpture shows an interesting play of balance and a nice co...
Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Vintage Cast Concrete Season Statues - a Pair
Located in west palm beach, FL
Vintage Boho Cast Concrete Season Statues - A Pair infuse your space with quintessential American style. These captivating statues, with their weathered patina and bohemian allure, e...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Concrete

Pair of Vintage Quartz Sculptures on Lucite
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Pair of chic Mid Century sculptures having quartz specimens artistically arraigned in brass receptacles on brass rods presented on lucite bases.
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Quartz, Brass

Hand-embossed 800 silver fruit, almost real size, Buccellati style
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Hand-embossed 800 silver fruit, almost real size, Buccellati style
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Silver

Exquisite Hand-Painted Ceramic Decorative Cones by Giancarlo Scapin, 1970s
Located in Brescia , Brescia
These cones, signed by the artist, exude a timeless elegance and sophistication. Crafted in a warm terracotta hue and embellished with a spherical motif at the midpoint, reminiscent...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Mid 20th Century Vintage Boho Patinated Cast Concrete Frog
Located in west palm beach, FL
Add a touch of whimsy to your decor with this vintage boho patinated cast concrete frog. Crafted with rustic charm and enduring appeal, this piece brings a sense of playful sophistic...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Concrete

An Impressive Pentti Papinaho Wooden Sculpture, 1964
Located in Helsinki, FI
Pentti Papinaho (1926-1992) was a Finnish sculptor whose works (sculptures and wall reliefs) can be found all over Finland, such as the Tampere Central Hospital and Siilinjärvi Churc...
Category

1960s Finnish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Pine

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

Abstract marble sculpture ‘Orione’ by Vittorio di Muzio, Italy 1977
Located in Rotterdam, NL
Abstract marble sculpture 'Orione' by Vittorio di Muzio (1924 - 2014), Italy 1977. Di Muzio studied sculpture at the l’Accademia delle Belle Arti di Brera in Milan and was trained by...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Marble

Hugo Demarco Kinetic artwork "Refelection", France 1975
Located in Rotterdam, NL
Kinetic artwork "Refelection" by Hugo Demarco (1932–1995), France 1975. The work is made out of blue acrylic glass, a black shiny acrylic frame at the back and a motorized polished s...
Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Stainless Steel

Modernist Bronze & Wire Kinetic Sculpture. "GRASSES" Garden, after Bertoia
Located in Buffalo, NY
Modernist Bronze & Wire Kinetic Sculpture. "GRASSES" after Bertoia, Great little modernist sculpture,, garden,, or interior, Hand crafted. Perfect little accent piece,
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Metal, Bronze

Vintage Classical Style Marble Bust of Apollo
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage marble bust of Apollo designed and manufactured in Italy circa the 19th century. The stunning marble frame showcases the intricate details of Apollo's chiseled features, capt...
Category

Late 19th Century Italian Antique Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Marble

Abraham Palatnik Lucite Optic Art Swan Sculpture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Abraham Palatnik Lucite Optic Art Swan Sculpture
Category

1970s Brazilian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Lucite

Vintage Giant Sneaker Bata Super Bullets Store Display High Top Basketball Shoe
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Large collectible sneaker store display from the 1960's. All original with nice patina. Free USA shipping on this item!
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Resin, Plaster

Carved wood sculpture abstract organic form of a horse
Located in Ferndale, MI
Carved and molded Stylized or abstract horse sculpture . Nicely sculpted organic form in solid Cherrywood .
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Wood

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, Industrial retro Pop Art...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Iron

Sculpture in Terracotta with Mixed Technique by Pino Castagna, 1969, Signed
Located in Brescia , Brescia
Transport your space into a realm of timeless elegance with this magnificent large Terracotta Sculpture by renowned artist Pino Castagna, crafted in 1969. Reminiscent of a woman's b...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Cement

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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