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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
Woman with Cannon in Bronze By Spero Anargyros
By Spero Anargyros
Located in San Francisco, CA
Classic female form beautifully rendered in Bronze atop a marble base signed and dated 1970 What's a fearless muse without a trusty cannon? This one gleams like old gold as it rests...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Abstract black ceramic cubist sculpture, 1970s
Located in Rotterdam, NL
Abstract cubistic ceramic sculpture, The Netherlands 1970s. The sculpture is made out of heavy chamotte clay with a beautiful black glazed finish. Interesting composition out of seve...
Category

1970s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Postmodern white marble sculpture by Jean-Claude Reussner, France 1980s
Located in Rotterdam, NL
Post modern white Thasos marble sculpture by Jean-Claude Reussner (1928-2016), France 1988. The work of Jean-Claude Reussner is the story of a synthesis between the two facets of the...
Category

1980s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Marble

Pair of rabbit sculptures designed by Hanna W, Sweden, 1983
Located in Stockholm, SE
Hanna W Pair of sculptures designed by Hanna W, Sweden, 1983 Signed. Carved Stone.
Category

1980s Swedish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Stone

XXL Black stained wooden Sculpture, 1970s
Located in Rotterdam, NL
XXL abstract wooden sculpture, 1970s. The sculpture has a very strong presence and is showing interesting overflowing organic lines. All is carved by hand with great conviction and e...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Chestnut

Murano Glass Rhinoceros Designed by Antonio Da Ros for Cenedese
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This is a beautifully blown, somerso Murano glass rhinoceros. This piece was designed by Antonio Da Ros and blown by Fabio Tosi for Cenedese Ve...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Murano Glass

Harry Bertoia, Monumental Sonambient Sculpture
Located in New York, NY
Harry Bertoia, Monumental Sonambient Sculpture, USA, circa 1970's. Inconel on brass plate, comprised of 49 rods in a 7 x 7 layout with cattails, unmarked. Measures H: 81, W: 16, D: 1...
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Huge Bruno Gambone Greige Stoneware Goat Sculpture
Located in Munich, DE
Cream white glazed ceramic standing lion made by Bruno Gambone in the 1970s, signed Gambone Italy on the bottom. Very rare to find in this huge goat version and in excellent condition.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Stoneware

Vintage Recumbent Lion Figure, Continental, Bronze Animal Sculpture, After Barye
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage recumbent lion figure. A Continental, bronze animal sculpture after Antoine-Louis Barye, dating to the late 20th century, circa 1970. Superb detail accentuates thi...
Category

Late 20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Studio-Made Modernist Mobile, Small
Located in Dallas, TX
A studio-made modernist mobile; mustard yellow, blue, opium red. This innovative art form, rooted in the principles of modernism, emphasizes minimalism, abstraction, and the intrinsi...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Pair of Figurative African Bookends Carved in Hardwood
Located in London, GB
Figurative bookends hand carved from hardwood circa African West-coast 1950's depicting a man and women.  
Category

1970s African Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Hardwood

Pino Signoretto Murano Glass Sculpture of Woman, 1980s
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Beautiful glass sculpture made by Italian Murano Glass Master Pino Signoretto during the 1980s. The sculpture shows a woman with long hair, kneeling, with her head bowed. Her arms ar...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Murano Glass

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

Fat Lava Ceramic Pottery Vase Heinz Siery Carstens Tönnieshof, Germany, 1960s
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Ceramic pottery vase Origin: Germany Designer: Heinz Siery Producer: Carstens Tönnieshof, Germany Decade: 1960s This original vintage...
Category

Late 20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic, Pottery, Stoneware

Ronneby, Sweden, Blue Glass Fish, Art Glass, 1970s - FREE SHIPPING
Located in Bochum, NRW
Vintage Swedish Fish Animal Sculpture in Art Glass from FM Konstglas Ronneby Sweden. Excellent condition. Dimensions: 18x6x11cm Enter code FREESHIP at che...
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Art Glass

Seguso Murano Black Red Gold Leaf Italian Art Glass Decorative Flower Sculpture
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Rare, and beautiful, vintage Murano hand blown black and red bands Italian art glass flower sculpture. Documented, and signed by designer Archi...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Gold Leaf

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

Sleek Bronze Seagull Skimmer by P.S. Bowe Circa 1983
Located in Bernville, PA
Incredible sleek bronze Seagull Skimmer by P.S. Bowe mounted on a beautiful mahogany base. Bronze is signed and marked on bottom P.S. Bowe circa 1983 3 of 7. Dimensions 30 inches lon...
Category

1980s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Ash wood sculpture by Lucien Bénière
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
"Grande dentelle" Ash wood sculpture The artwork is featured in the book Lucien Bénière (2001) Le Chant du Bois, Sculptures, Encres et Huiles. Editions France Artist France 1987 H: 4...
Category

1980s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Ash

Oversized Yellow Fractal Resin Obelisk by Pierre Giraudon, 1970s
Located in Atlanta, GA
This spectacular oversized fractal resin obelisk was hand-crafted in Europe, and its design is frequently attributed to Pierre Giraudon from the 1970s. Using a specialized process th...
Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Resin

Mache Paper Roster, circa 1970
Located in Barcelona, ES
Mache Paper Roster. Manufactured in France, circa 1960. In original condition with minor wear consistent of age and use, preserving a beautiful patina. Materials: Mache paper, wo...
Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Wood, Paper

Toshiko Takaezu Ceramic Wall Hanging Tile
Located in Oakland, CA
Ceramic wall tile by Toshiko Takaezu (1922-2011) circa 1980s purchased by the original owner who was a personal friend of Takaezu's and was part of her collection of numerous pieces...
Category

1980s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Three Decorative Elephant Sculpture Statues Brass Midcentury Modern German
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Three decorative elephant sculpture statues made of brass. Some wear with a nice patina, but this is old-age. Biggest made of brass and marked with label. The size given in the dimen...
Category

1970s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Mid Century Tole Palm Tree Sculpture
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Chic vintage Italian palm tree object of art having tole leaves on a brass trunk in a classical porcelain planter with quartz stones.
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Quartz, Metal, Brass

Wood And Metal Sculpture By Architect Alexandre Ferucci, 1970s
By Alexandre Ferucci
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful combination of wood and metal in white and Yves Klein blue. Indoor or outdoor sculpture.  
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Steel

1980s Charles O. Perry Brass Mathematic Puzzle Sculpture Vintage Museum Souvenir
Located in Hyattsville, MD
USA, circa 1980s. Vintage Charles O. Perry brass ball puzzle sculpture. Originally designed in the 1960s. Precision craftsmanship, mathematical design. Can be dis-assembled and re-as...
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Italian Oversized Carved Wood and Brass Peach Decorative Sculpture, 1980s
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning 1980s Italian decorative wood sculpture features an oversized carved peach with a brass stem and leaf. There is no visible maker's mark. Measurements: 6 in diameter (15...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Metal, Brass

1970s Carved Wood Pelican
Located in Vallejo, CA
A vintage carved wood pelican. Made of teak that has been carved smooth and mounted on a contrasting natural driftwood base. Nice simple minimalist...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Midcentury Teardrop Sun Catchers in Blue Rainbow Glass, Set of 4
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A set of 4 teardrop shaped glass ornaments or suncatchers in irredesent cobalt blue glass. Unknown Scandinavian glass maker circa 1970-80. Measurements: H: 15 cm (without string), w/...
Category

1970s Scandinavian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Glass

Abstract Figurative Bronze Sculpture Circa 1970s
Located in Oakland, CA
1970s figurative female form abstract bronze sculpture having a rich patina in various hues and a textural surface created by the artist. A substantial piece created in solid bronze ...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Unique Welded and Patinated Bronze Sculpture by Harry Bertoia
Located in Atlanta, GA
A unique bronze sculpture displayed on a granite stone base circa 1973 by Harry Bertoia (1915-1978), the celebrated Italian-born American artist, sculptor, and designer. The welded a...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Sculptural Modern Lucite Horns
Located in San Diego, CA
A pair of sculptural modern lucite horns, circa 1970s. The set is in good vintage condition and measures 11.5"W x 2.5"D x 13"H. Super cool decorative piece! #3570
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Lucite

Large Scale Stacked Stoneware Sculpture in the Manner of Peter Voulkos C. 1970s
Located in Peabody, MA
Stacked stoneware floor sculpture in salt glaze on wooden pedestal in the manner of Peter Voulkos, circa 1970s.
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Stoneware, Wood

beautiful Cute Brass Monkey Sculpture Figure Statue Metal, Vintage, Italy, 1980s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This brass metal statue was most likely made in the 1980s in Italy. Can not tell the maker or the artist and it is not signed. This particular statue is a beautiful piece, it can be ...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Vintage Italian Hand Painted Ceramic Tile Decorative Wall Hanging With Cherub mo
Located in Seattle, WA
Makers mark on the bottom shows that this tile was made by Fratantoni Ceramiche, a tiling company based out of Italy. Beautiful Cherub motif adorns the Ceramic tile Blue and Yellow h...
Category

1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Vintage Wooden Hand Caved Bear Figurines
Located in Seattle, WA
Bear Figurine with striped design and dark wood tone. Hand Carved detailing. No Makers mark. Vintage Condition Consistent with Age as Pictured. Dimensions. 6 W ; 3 D ; 4 H
Category

1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Wood

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

Giraffe figurine made of travertine marble by Fratelli Mannelli
Located in Berlin, BE
Giraffe sculptures in genuine travertine from Rapolano (Tuscany) made by the renowned Italien designer Fratelli Mannelli in the 1970s.⁠ Next to figures by Fratelli Mannelli we offe...
Category

1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Travertine

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

1970 Abstract Wood Sculpture
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
70s wood sculpture Abstract wood sculpture France circa 1970 Height: 300 cm Length: 38 cm Width: 38 cm
Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Gigantic Nickel Etruscan Horse Sculpture Weinberg Style 1970s, Italy
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This is a nickel plated metal sculpture, in the style of the antique statues and figures of the Etruscans. It is a gorgeous interior furnishing item, an incredibly stylized Horse and...
Category

1970s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Spanish Women Cast Bronze Sculpture by W.N. Cardobo 1973
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Beautiful 1973 Spanish cast bronze sculpture depicting a woman walking with a basket of fish on her head. Marked W.N. Cardobo 73 (see detail photo). In original beautiful condition...
Category

1970s Spanish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Vintage Stoneware Racoon Sculpture by John Seymour
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Awesome ceramic racoon sculpture by John H Seymour. signed.
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Stoneware

Eric Astoul French Ceramic Sculpture
Located in Chicago, IL
Eric Aston French abstract ceramic sculpture with highly textured and crazed glazed surface. Wood fired ceramic . Astoul lives and works in LaBorne France.
Category

1980s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

beautiful Nickel Crab Sculpture Figure Statue Metal, Vintage, Italy, 1980s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This nickel plated metal crab statue was most likely made in the 1980s in Italy. Can not tell the maker or the artist and it is not signed. This particular crab statue is a beautiful...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Metal, Nickel

1970s ceramic bottles sculpture
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
1970s ceramic bottles sculpture Ceramic sculpture. Individual bottles crafted on a wheel and joined before firing to form a single piece. Signed by the artist. France 1970 1.40 cm W....
Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

beautiful Cute Nickel Crab Sculpture Figure Statue Metal, Vintage, Italy, 1980s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This nickel plated metal crab statue was most likely made in the 1980s in Italy. Can not tell the maker or the artist and it is not signed. This particular crab statue is a beautiful...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Metal, Nickel

Monumental Nickel Crab Sculpture Figure Statue Metal, Vintage, Italy, 1980s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This nickel plated metal crab statue was most likely made in the 1980s in Italy. Can not tell the maker or the artist and it is not signed. This particular crab statue is a beautiful...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Metal, Nickel

Pair of Jean-Claude Hug Mounted Brass Sculptures - SIGNED
Located in East Hampton, NY
These wonderful tall free-standing abstract brass sculptures by Jean-Claude Hug, France (Born 1939), are being sold together. HUG is known for metal work sculptures, these two curve...
Category

1980s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Seldom seen Paper Mache NaNa Sculptures by Niki de Saint Phalle
Located in Buffalo, NY
Seldom seen Paper Mache , polychromed "NaNa" Sculptures by Niki de Saint Phalle,,
Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Paper

Guilia Mangani Hand Painted Porcelain Toucan & Leaves On Gilt Bronze
Located in Chicago, IL
An Italian ceramic toucan sculpture on a gilt bronze and tole metal wire tree branch by famed Italian artist Giulia Mangani. The colorful bird is accented by hand painted ceramic le...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Whimsical Tradition: 'Cap Gros' Papier-Mâché Netól Character, c. 1970
Located in Barcelona, ES
Type: Papier-Mâché Netól Character Style: Popular Art, Traditional Origin: Handmade in Spain, c. 1970 Original Condition Whimsical Charm Handcrafted Tradition Behold ...
Category

1970s Spanish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Paper

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

Abstract Bronze Sculpture, Prince Monyo
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This is a striking abstract bronze sculpture by Prince Mono. Utilizing the lost wax process, the piece is polished bronze. The piece has its own square base which is signed, "Monyo"....
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Important Italian Glass Artist Ermanno Nason Female Murano Glass Female Bust
Located in St. Louis, MO
Master Italian Glass Artisan Ermanno Nason (1928-2013) created this smoked glass young female bust with ponytail sculpture in 1975. The only other example I found in my research was ...
Category

1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Blown Glass

Beautiful Manta Sting Ray Sculpture Nickeled Metal, on Base, Vintage 1980s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This nickel plated metal statue was most likely made in the 1980s in Italy. Can not tell the maker or the artist. This particular statue is a beautiful piece, it can be displayed as ...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

1970 Tommaso Barbi Uovo Scultura Metallo argentato Vassoi Ciotole Impilabili
Located in Brescia, IT
Uovo Scultura Tommaso Barbi Italy, 1970 Uovo scultura composto da sette ciotole impilabili Metallo Cromato Oggetto di design di ottima fattura Etichetta adesiva "TB made in italy" O...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Metal

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

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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