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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
Period: Late 20th Century
Vintage Decorative Egyptian Pharaoh Statue on Marble Base, Grand Tour Souvenir
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautifully crafted statue of an ancient Egyptian pharaoh, I believe it is Ramses the 2nd however I am not completely sure. The statue appears to be made of copper or white metal. ...
Category

1970s Egyptian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Marble, Metal

Vintage Camel Figurine Mid Century Modern Decor
Located in Seattle, WA
Camel Figurine on a Wooden Base. Possibly Brass, Slight Petina on a Gold Tone. Vintage Condition Consistent with Age. Dimensions. 9 W ; 4 D ; 7 H
Category

1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Monica Backstrom For Kosta Boda Presse Papier, 1990’s
Located in Delft, NL
Monica Backstrom For Kosta Boda Presse Papier, 1990’s
Category

1990s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Art Glass

Large Organic Abstract Sculpture, Hand Carved Wood, 1970s, Jean Arp Style
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
An amorphous and sensual sculpture by Dutch artist Nout Visser (1944-2018), signed and dated underneath, 1974. Strong sculptural shape with a voluptuous curve. The wood has a stunnin...
Category

1970s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Venini Tall Gourd Sculpture, Italy 1970s
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Rare and unique Venini large gourd in emerald green, Italy 1970s.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Murano Glass

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

Large LLADRO spanish circa 1970 porcelain "Tahitian".
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible LLADRO spanish natural circa 1970 sculpture in porcelain "Tahitian girl".
Category

1970s Spanish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Scultura cinetica italiana modern in plastica gialla di Franco Costalonga 1970
Located in MIlano, IT
Scultura cinetica composta da un tubolare in plastica giallo senape e una sfera con all’interno una bacchetta di radio che genera fasci di colore giallo. Realizzata da Franco Costalonga...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Art Glass, Plastic

Large Mid-Century 1970s Italian Terracotta Hand Painted Whimsical Giraffe
Located in St. Louis, MO
Large mid-century terracotta hand painted glazed whimsical Giraffe posed in lying position, made in Italy. In fine original , very little loss to glazing, as seen in the black mane. ...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Terracotta

Clyde Ball Mid Century Bronze Signed 1970's Sculpture with Pedestal
Located in Countryside, IL
Clyde Ball Mid Century Bronze Signed 1970's Sculpture with Pedestal The pedestal measures: 12.25 wide x 12.25 deep x 42.25 inches high The sculpture measures: 13.5 wide x 11 deep x ...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Porcelain Figurine Design Strobach, for Royal Dux, 1970's.
Located in Praha, CZ
The statuette was designed by the designer of the Duchc porcelain factory Elly Strobach Königová 1908-2002 Her porcelain figurines are known and loved worldwide for her luxurious ar...
Category

1970s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Abstract Mid-Century Modern White Glazed Phallus Sculpture, The Netherlands 1976
Located in Den Haag, NL
Abstract Mid-Century Modern White Glazed Phallus Sculpture, Dated and signed by unknown Artist, The Netherlands 1976.
Category

1970s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Abraham Palatnik Lucite Acrylic Sculpture Doves Bird Brazil, 1970s
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Doves bird sculpture in Lucite and acrylic by Abraham Palatnik, circa 1970.
Category

1970s Brazilian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Resin, Acrylic, Lucite

David Gil Ceramic Sculpture
Located in Chicago, IL
This hand-built ceramic sculpture is set on a lucite frame that’s attached to a solid cherry base. There is a crack on the lucite frame, and we’ve priced it accordingly
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Cherry

1970s Original Big Travertine Elephant Sculpture by F.lli Mannelli
Located in Milano, IT
1970s Original big travertine elephant sculpture by F.lli Mannelli. The item is in excellent condition. Made in Italy. Dimension: 4,72 x 1,18 x 3,93 H inches L 12 cm x P 3 cm x cm...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Travertine

Orange & Red Resin Wall Sculptures by Takeshi Kawashima
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Pair of abstract wall sculptures by Japanese artist Takeshi Kawashima in solid red and orange resin. These were purchased from a forme...
Category

1970s Japanese Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Epoxy Resin

Vintage Italian Porcelain Woman Sculpture 1970s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Vintage Italian Porcelain Woman Sculpture from the 1970s is a graceful and timeless piece of art. Crafted in Italy, this sculpture features delicate porcelain work capturing the ...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Large Vintage Sailing Boat Wall Sculpture by Wiley
Located in San Diego, CA
Mid-Century metal wall sculpture signed by artist Wiley. Beautiful design that floats majestically with easy and simplicity. The sculpture is light to the eye while complex in design...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Metal

A glass hand sculpture by Livio Seguso, 1970s
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Glass Hand Sculpture by Livio Seguso, 1970s, in Flawless conditions. Designed 1970 to 1979 This piece has an attribution mark.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Murano Glass

1970's Livio Seguso Glass Bird Sculpture
Located in New York, NY
1970's mid-century modern birds glass sculpture designed by Livio Seguso, in vintage original condition with some wear and patina due to age and use.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Art Glass

Pair Of Red Travertine Elephant Bookends And A Giraffe
Located in London, London
Set of three bookends Made from red travertine One giraffe and a pair of elephants By Fratelli Mannelli Giraffe measures 13 x 4 x 2 Italy 1970s/1980s
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Travertine

Mid century vintage abstract modern stone sculpture.
By Achiel Van Sassenbrouck
Located in Allentown, PA
This is a mid century vintage abstract stone sculpture. This hand carved smoothly polished amber stone stands on a Lucite plinth. This stone sculpture has beautiful tones of amber, d...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Stone

Onyx Swan Sculpture on a Rotating Plinth, By Ralph Hurst
Located in London, GB
This is a beautiful sculpture of a swan crafted from a rich cream-grey onyx. Mounted on a black rotating plinth, which allows the detail of the bird to be fully appreciated. A classic pose - so graceful and tactile. The sculptor was Ralph Hurst...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Onyx

Monumental abstract organic sculpture, Italy
By (circle of) George Henry Harlow
Located in Argelato, BO
Monumental abstract organic sculpture, Italy, 1970 circa The sculpture, coming from a villa in Florence, is made of resin and shows signs of wear compatible with age. Unfortunately ...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Marble

Art glass vase, Kosta Royal Art Collellection, hand made by Göran Wärff, Sweden
Located in Skarpnäck, SE
A rare collectible and signed glass vase. Swedish modernism design, made by Wärff for Boda, Sweden. This was handmade by the artist, and it is a limited edition, thus numbered and s...
Category

1980s Swedish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Art Glass

Maison Jansen Style Mid Century Brass Palm Tree
Located in Countryside, IL
Maison Jansen Style Mid Century Brass Palm Tree The approximate measurements of the tree are: 96 wide x 96 deep x 99 inches high We take our photos in a controlled lighting studio ...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Horizontal grey sculpture by Ignacio Jaramillo Villar
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Horizontal sculpture in grey ceramic Mounted on White marble base Signed by the artist Spain circa 1970
Category

1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Marble

Oversized Modern Curtis Jere Style Pop Art 50" Metal Wisk Wall Art Sculpture
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Large Modern Curtis Jere Style Oversized Pop Art 50" Metal Wisk Wall Art Sculpture. I was unable to find the signature so the maker and age is unconfirmed. Believed to be Late 20th C...
Category

Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Steel

1970s Original Travertine Swan Sculpture by F.lli Mannelli
Located in Milano, IT
1970s Original travertine swan sculpture by F.lli Mannelli. The item is in excellent condition. Made in Italy. Dimension: 2.36 w x 0.78 D x 1.96 H inches L 6 cm x P 2 cm x cm 5 H...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Travertine

Vintage Wooden Carved Elephant Sculpture Stand
Located in Seattle, WA
Antique Style Elephant Carving. Wear and Cracking Consistent With Age. Could be Used as Plant Stand. Dimensions. 9 W ; 7 D ; 11 H
Category

1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Brazilian Modern Red Lacquered Steel Table Sculpture, 1980s
Located in Miami, FL
Red lacquered abstract steel table sculpture, unsigned. Brazil 1980s.
Category

Late 20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Steel

Murano Glass Clown
Located in Hamburg, DE
Introducing a delightful piece of artistry, this Murano glass clown figurine is a testament to the exquisite craftsmanship that the island of Murano, Italy, is renowned for. Created ...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Glass

Beautiful Lobster Sculpture Nickeled Metal, Vintage, Italy, 1980s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This nickel plated metal lobster statue was most likely made in the 1980s in Italy. Can not tell the maker or the artist. This particular lobster statue ...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Sculpture by Jean Claude Farhi
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Sculpture with multiple totems colorfull island by Jean Claude Farhi France 1985 Vintage condition
Category

1980s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Lucite

Vintage Figurine Bronze Female Sculpture With Floral Details.
Located in Seattle, WA
Antique Style Unsigned Sculpture of a Woman with Flower Detail. Pentina Consistent with Age. Dimensions. 5 W ; 5 D ; 3 H
Category

1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Helen Gilbert Contemporary Modern Op Art Kinetic Light Box Sculpture 1984
Located in Troy, MI
Licomos kinetic polarized light box sculpture by Helen Gilbert 1984 Titled Square Dance 1/1 An original work produced by Meissner Editions of Germa...
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Horizontal sculpture by Ignacio Jaramillo Villar
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Horizontal terracota sculpture on a gray marble base Signed by the artist Spain circa 1970
Category

1980s Albanian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Marble

rare turquoise fat lava "DOTS" Ceramic Vase VEB HALDENSLEBEN, GDR Germany, 1970s
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Ceramic pottery vase Origin: Germany, GDR Producer: VEB Haldensleben, Germany GDR Decade: 1970s This original vintage pottery object was designed and produced by...
Category

Late 20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic, Pottery, Stoneware

French Olive Wood Sculpture Flying Goose & Vide-Poche Reversible Objet, c 1970
Located in Labrit, Landes
This atypical item is both an empty pocket and a sculpture representing a flying goose. The sculptor has played with the veins of olive wood to create this unique object with a side ...
Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Olive

David Gil Ceramic Sculpture
Located in Chicago, IL
This hand-built ceramic sculpture is set on a lucite frame that’s attached to a solid cherry base. The piece is signed on the reverse side by Gil who is the founder of Bennington Pot...
Category

Late 20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Cherry

Super Glaze ABSTRACT Ceramic Pottery Vase Carstens Tönnieshof Germany, 1950s
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Ceramic pottery vase Origin: Germany Producer: Carstens Tönnieshof, Germany Decade: 1950s This original vintage pottery object was produced by Cartens Tönniesho...
Category

Late 20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic, Pottery, Stoneware

Abstract Ceramic Scultpure
Located in Chicago, IL
Signed and dated 1993, excellent condition with the exception of one very small chip
Category

1990s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Vintage Ceramic Cat with Green Glass Eyes - Italy - Circa 1980's
Located in Chatham, ON
Vintage ceramic cat with green glass eyes - life size model - featuring an over-all white glaze - glazed interior - unsigned - Italy - circa 1980's...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic, Glass

Mid Century Brass and Seashell Bird Sculpture
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Vintage Italian Heron or Stork sculpture crafted in brass and featuring a nautilus shell body in the style of Binazzi.
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Large Oversized Chess Knight Piece Statue, Orange Powder-Coated
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Decorative Cast Aluminum Powder-Coated Chess Piece Horse Head Statue Stylish and aesthetically pleasing, this large figure has been freshly powder-coated in a shade we call classic ...
Category

1980s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Aluminum

Yellow Banana Ceramic Sculpture, Zanolli Nove Italy, circa 1970
By Rita Zanolli
Located in Firenze, IT
Yellow banana ceramic sculpture Zanolli Nove Italy, circa 1970 Measures: 48 x 15 x 20 cm Conditions: Excellent.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Black and Amber Murano Glass Fish
Located in Troy, MI
Found in Italy, this large Murano fish sculpture in black and amber glass dates from the 1990s. Excellent vintage condition with no flaws or repairs found. Two other fish in this col...
Category

1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Murano Glass

Iron Horse Sculpture by Bertil Vallien, 1970s
Located in Madrid, ES
Sculpture of two embracing figurines in stoneware by Lars Bergsten. Sweden, 1960s Lars Bergsten is well known from his ceramic figures which he made in his workshop in Eskilstuna, Sw...
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Iron

Abstract Sculpture Signed Object Vase Vessel
Located in West Hartford, CT
Mid Century organic free form sculpture made out of one piece of resin. Signed on underside.
Category

Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Resin

Mid-Century Abstracted Alabaster Organic Sculpture signed by Julie Small Gambly
Located in New York, NY
This Mid-Century Modernist Abstract Sculpture in Alabaster on a Marble base was created by the artist Julie Small Gambly in the United States Circa 1985. Featuring gorgeous veining i...
Category

1980s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Alabaster, Marble

Large Majestic Horn Mounted On A Mirrored Cube Base 1970's
Located in New York, NY
Large horn mounted on a mirrored cube base, American 1970's. Iconic 70’s design.
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Horn, Mirror

Eclectic Painted Metal Golfer Sculpture by Manuel Felguerez
Located in San Diego, CA
Eclectic hand painted metal golfer sculpture by listed Mexican artist Manuel Felguerez, circa 1970s. The sculpture is in very nice original condition...
Category

Late 20th Century Mexican Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Meow Century Modern Hand Painted Ceramic Cat Sculpture
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Embrace whimsical charm with the Hand Painted Ceramic Cat Sculpture, a unique piece that merges mid-century modern aesthetics with feline allure. Its graceful curves and hand-painted...
Category

1980s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Italian Gilt Bronze Flamingo Sculpture, Gabriella Crespi Style, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning flamingo sculpture in gilt bronze in the style of Gabriella Crespi. This gorgeous piece was designed in Italy in the 1960s. The sinuous lines, the fine details and the amazing quality of the gilding make this sculpture incredibly charming. A lovely sculpture...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Bronze, Metal

Rhino Money Box Piggy Bank Made of Leather Mid-Century Modern, 1970s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Gorgeous vintage leather made Rhino money bank. A beautiful decorative item in dark brown leather with a small metal lock. I am so sorry that the original old Key is missing. Made in...
Category

1970s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Statua vintage in ceramica Dalmata con cucciolo
Located in Bastia Umbra, IT
Bellissima statua vintage in ceramica Dalmata con cucciolo anno 1970. Questa bellissima Statua in ceramica è decorata a craquele, usata, e prodotta in Italia negli anni 1970. Ogge...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Murano Black and White Glass Sculptures, 1980
Located in Rome, IT
Superb pair of Murano glass sculptures representing two beautiful zebras, unmistakable Murano design. Enchanting to the eye, they require a beautiful illuminated display case. The t...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Art Glass, Blown Glass

1970s Chuck Dodson Erotic Figurative Sculpture of a Ménage à Trois
Located in Miami, FL
1970s Chuck Dodson Erotic Figurative Sculpture of a Ménage à Trois Offered for sale is a Chuck Dodson erotic figurative composition sculpture of a "...
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Composition

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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