Postmodern design was a short-lived movement that manifested itself chiefly in Italy and the United States in the early 1980s. The characteristics of vintage postmodern furniture and other postmodern objects and decor for the home included loud-patterned, usually plastic surfaces; strange proportions, vibrant colors and weird angles; and a vague-at-best relationship between form and function.
ORIGINS OF POSTMODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
CHARACTERISTICS OF POSTMODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
POSTMODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
VINTAGE POSTMODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS
Critics derided postmodern design as a grandstanding bid for attention and nothing of consequence. Decades later, the fact that postmodernism still has the power to provoke thoughts, along with other reactions, proves they were not entirely correct.
Postmodern design began as an architectural critique. Starting in the 1960s, a small cadre of mainly American architects began to argue that modernism, once high-minded and even noble in its goals, had become stale, stagnant and blandly corporate. Later, in Milan, a cohort of creators led by Ettore Sottsass and Alessandro Mendini — a onetime mentor to Sottsass and a key figure in the Italian Radical movement — brought the discussion to bear on design.
Sottsass, an industrial designer, philosopher and provocateur, gathered a core group of young designers into a collective in 1980 they called Memphis. Members of the Memphis Group, which would come to include Martine Bedin, Michael Graves, Marco Zanini, Shiro Kuramata, Michele de Lucchi and Matteo Thun, saw design as a means of communication, and they wanted it to shout. That it did: The first Memphis collection appeared in 1981 in Milan and broke all the modernist taboos, embracing irony, kitsch, wild ornamentation and bad taste.
Memphis works remain icons of postmodernism: the Sottsass Casablanca bookcase, with its leopard-print plastic veneer; de Lucchi’s First chair, which has been described as having the look of an electronics component; Martine Bedin’s Super lamp: a pull-toy puppy on a power-cord leash. Even though it preceded the Memphis Group’s formal launch, Sottsass’s iconic Ultrafragola mirror — in its conspicuously curved plastic shell with radical pops of pink neon — proves striking in any space and embodies many of the collective’s postmodern ideals.
After the initial Memphis show caused an uproar, the postmodern movement within furniture and interior design quickly took off in America. (Memphis fell out of fashion when the Reagan era gave way to cool 1990’s minimalism.) The architect Robert Venturi had by then already begun a series of plywood chairs for Knoll Inc., with beefy, exaggerated silhouettes of traditional styles such as Queen Anne and Chippendale. In 1982, the new firm Swid Powell enlisted a group of top American architects, including Frank Gehry, Richard Meier, Stanley Tigerman and Venturi to create postmodern tableware in silver, ceramic and glass.
On 1stDibs, the vintage postmodern furniture collection includes chairs, coffee tables, sofas, decorative objects, table lamps and more.
Curtis Jere Signed Abstract Sculpture Spiral Brass Tone Ribbon Metal Post Modern
By Curtis Jeré
Located in Lambertville, NJ
An exceptional signed Curtis Jeré sculpture, dated 2005, showcasing a mesmerizing spiral composition rendered in richly toned brass-hued metal. Gracefully suspended within a sleek bl...
Metal
Shlomi Haziza Op Art Acrylic Lucite Table Sculpture in Blue Green & Purple
By Vasa Velizar Mihich, Shlomi Haziza
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A mounted crescent form table sculpture by Shlomi Haziza circa 1994. This piece features beautiful shades of green, indigo, blue & purple acrylic. Signed by the artist
Acrylic
Postmodern Black and White Abstract Figurative Ceramic Sculpture by Jack Charney
Located in Troy, MI
Unique ceramic sculpture by Jack Charney Santa Fe New Mexico circa 1990 Abstract ceramic figure with elongated limbs in a dynamic contorted form Finished with a hand-painted black s...
Ceramic, Pottery
Betty Gold Abstract Geometric Metal Sculpture Signed and Numbered
By Betty Gold 1
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Stunning geometric metal and red paint sculpture by the well-known American artist Betty Gold. This work is an edition, signed and marked 23/50. Similar work, large size, as shown in...
Metal
Hollywood Regency Faux Tusk Sculpture Marquis Collection of Beverly Hills
By Marquis Collection of Beverly Hills 1
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a pair of vintage Hollywood Regency style faux tusk sculpture. It is part of a matching decorative pair crafted from tessellated stone or marble with a polish...
Stone, Brass
Tom Dixon-attributed Harley-Davidson motorcycle sculpture for Habitat in rattan
By Tom Dixon, Habitat International
Located in Ludwigslust, DE
This extraordinary, almost life-sized motorcycle sculpture made of rattan, wicker, and bamboo is attributed to the British designer Tom Dixon and was probably created in connection w...
Rattan
Unique Envol Sculpture in Chamotte Stoneware by Thalia Dalecky
Located in Geneve, CH
Unique Envol Sculpture in Chamotte Stoneware by Thalia Dalecky. Dimensions: W 43 x H 19 cm. Materials: Orange chamotte stoneware, glossy black/bluish glazed stoneware. Thalia Dalec...
Ceramic
Pop Art Handmade Oversized Wooden Stapler c. 1970s
Located in Oakland, CA
Hand carved oak Pop Art stapler by woodworker Joseph DeNeff. A finely crafted sculpture with details as would be found in conventional staplers. An interesting and unusual piece.
Oak
Monumental Sergio Bustamante 'Sol Eclipse' Papier Mâché Wall Sculpture, 1997
Located in Benalmadena, ES
Monumental wall-mounted sculpture executed in painted papier-mâché by Mexican artist Sergio Bustamante (b. 1949). Titled "Sol Eclipse" (Solar Eclipse), this large-scale composition f...
Paper
$2,360Sale Price|20% Off
Vasa Mihich Acrylic Cube Sculptures Mid Century Post Modern
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration a set of six Vasa Mihich acrylic cube sculptures. Each sculpture is crafted from multicolored laminated acrylic, allowing colors to mix and change based on li...
Lucite
Salvador Dalí Leda Armchair Sculpture in Polished Brass, Spain
By Salvador Dalí, BD Barcelona Design
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Leda armchair designed by Dali manufactured by BD. Structure in polished cast brass varnish. Measures: 47 x 60 x 92 H. cm Year: 1935-1937 Taken from “Femme á la téte rose” 1935 (...
Brass
Large Mother and Child Ceramic Postmodern Sculpture by Vanguard USA, Circa 1980
Located in Fairfield, CA
A large vintage postmodern ceramic sculpture of a mother and child. Lovely simplified form, finished in a glossy white glaze. Made in the USA by Vanguard, marked on the bottom. Measu...
Ceramic
Memphis Milano Carlton Miniature, Limited Edition by Ettore Sottsass
By Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass
Located in Toronto, ON
Perfect 1:4 scale reproduction of the Carlton bookcase in a limited edition of 1000 pieces. About Carlton: An absolute icon of Memphis designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1981, Carlton ...
Laminate, Wood
Salvador Dali Surrealist Fine Gold Leaf Bracelli Lamp Sculpture for BD Barcelona
By Salvador Dalí, BD Furniture
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Braceli lamp designed by Salvador Dali manufactured by BD furniture in Barcelona. Bracelli Panel structure covered with silver plated polyester painting (Fine gold leaf). Lampshade ...
Cotton
Two abstract metal floor sculptures by Tony Almén and Peter Gest for Ikea 1990
By IKEA
Located in München, DE
Pair of original limited abstract metal Ikea floor sculptures from 1990. In good condition. Suitable for all living areas and very decorative. Design by Tony Almén and Peter Gest. Ik...
Metal
$128,000 / set
Rare Pair Anthony Redmile Palm Tree Sculptures
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of 1970s Antony Redmile bespoke steel palm trees featuring ostrich eggs, agate cabochons, and octagonal black-lacquered wood bases. A seldom encountered form, reflecting the mor...
Agate, Stainless Steel
Curtis Jere Brass Kinetic Table Sculpture on Marble Base, Post Modern Signed
By Curtis Jeré
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Signed Curtis Jéré kinetic brass sculpture dated 1984, featuring an abstract shooting-star design with radiating rods and spherical finials mounted on a black marble base. This celes...
Marble, Metal, Brass
$25Sale Price / set|84% Off
1990s Metal Sculpture Candelabra with Faux Ruby Gem Style Pieces
Located in San Gabriel, CA
24” high x 13” wide x 10” deep Interesting industrial abstract metal sculpture. Could hold candles. Red faux gem accents.
Stone, Metal
Signed Shlomi Haziza Op Art Acrylic Lucite Table Sculpture in Green & Purple
By Vasa Velizar Mihich, Shlomi Haziza
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A zig-zag table sculpture by Shlomi Haziza circa 1994. This piece features beautiful shades of green, indigo & purple acrylic. Signed by the artist
Acrylic
A monumental bronze female nude sculpture by Somchai, circa 1970
Located in View Park, CA
A monumental nude sculpture of a femme torso in bronze by Hattakitkosol Somchai, signed, circa 1970. A striking rarity of Somchai’s oeuvre, this piece stands at nearly twenty-six inc...
Bronze
Unique La Femme Sculpture in Textured Chamotte Stoneware by Thalia Dalecky
Located in Geneve, CH
Unique La Femme Sculpture in Textured Chamotte Stoneware by Thalia Dalecky. Dimensions: W 20 x D 17 x H 41 cm. Materials: Textured raw black chamotte stoneware. Thalia Dalecky is a...
Ceramic
$344Sale Price|28% Off
1980s Postmodern David Fisher for Austin Productions Faces of Love Sculpture
By Austin Prod
Located in Miami, FL
Postmodern David Fisher for Austin Productions Faces of Love Sculpture. Stamped in the back by the manufacturer and Dated 1980. “Face of Love” ceramic s...
Plaster
Italy Cast Bronze Figurine Man Sculpture by Aron Demetz Title Ricordo
By Aron Demetz
Located in Brescia, IT
This intense bronze sculpture was made by the well known Italian artist, Aron Demetz, in 2004, Italy. This is a lost wax bronze hand painted. The title is "Ricordo" translated in "Me...
Bronze
Large Majestic Abstract Post-Modern Lucite Sculpture by Shlomi Haziza
Located in San Diego, CA
Large colorful abstract lucite sculpture by Israeli artist, Shlomi Haziza, circa early 1990s. The piece is in great vintage condition with no chips, cracks; with tones of royal blue ...
Brass
$1,580Sale Price|20% Off
Op Art Acrylic Sphere on Stand Sculpture by Vasa Mihich
Located in San Diego, CA
Op Art acrylic sphere sculpture on lucite base by Vasa Mihich, circa 1990. The optical look is changed by rotating the piece and letting the light refra...
Acrylic, Lucite
Manolo Blahnik Aluminum Shoe Horn, 2004 Anniversary Edition
Located in Hanover, MA
Manolo Blahnik shoe horn polished cast aluminium 2004, England. Manolo Blahnik`s iconic shoe horn was a collaboration with UK based store Habi...
Aluminum
Large Barrett DeBusk Postmodern Iron Sculpture / Valet Stand. Circa 1990s.
Located in Miami, FL
Large Barrett DeBusk Postmodern Iron Sculpture / Valet Stand. Circa 1990s. Signed by the artist. Features a male figure formed with iron wire and painted in black. I good original condition with signs of wear consistent with age and history. There is some oxidation at the base and some minor scratches in the paint in other areas. Please see close up pictures for more details. About the Artist Barrett Debusk (American 1955...
Iron
Postmodern Large Ceramic Cat Sculpture by Haeger, 1993, USA
By Haeger
Located in Fairfield, CA
A large vintage postmodern ceramic cat sculpture. Lovely simplified features, finished in a glossy white glaze. Made in the USA by Haeger and dated 1993. Original sticker on the bott...
Ceramic
1990s Anatoly Turov Large Ceramic Circus Elephant Signed and Numbered
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Anatoly Turov Large Ceramic Circus Elephant signed and numbered collectible.Anatoly Turov wanted to become successful in producing his own ceramic vessels, most notable animals. It w...
Ceramic
Luigi Barolo for Baleri Italia (1992) Corrugated "Cartoons" Screen
By Baleri Italia, Luigi Baroli
Located in Round Top, TX
This is the "Cartoons" free-standing corrugated cardboard room screen with cast aluminum structural framing with protective rubber capping to the top and bottom of this piece. Desig...
Aluminum
Vintage 1986 Ral Partha Pewter 2-Headed Guardian Dragon Miniature
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a vintage 1986 Ral Partha Pewter 2-Headed Guardian Dragon Miniature. Ral Partha Guardian Dragon (Catalog number PP803) Release Year: 1986 Lead-free fine pew...
Pewter
Klaus Lehmann, Postmodern Brutalist German Studio Pottery Art Wall Sculpture
Located in Hamburg, DE
Klaus Lehmann, Postmodern Brutalist German Studio Pottery Art Wall Sculpture No. 705-91 4/8, 1991
Pottery
$1,760Sale Price|20% Off
Curtis Jere Post Modern Table Sculpture of Brass Chrome and Marble c. 1985
By Curtis Jeré, C. Jeré Artisan House
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Curtis Jere table sculpture featuring a chrome ball on a brass ribbon like arm anchored by a strong marble base. This Post Modern Curtis Je...
Marble, Brass, Chrome
C. Jeré brass and chrome kinetic sculpture wall art
By C. Jeré Artisan House, Curtis Jeré, Artisan House
Located in Phoenix, AZ
C. Jeré uncommon kinetic brass and chrome wall sculpture. It’s made of a brass frame with two separate parts that connect or can be displayed separately. It can also be positioned offset (not pictured). Polished brass and chrome bent diamonds hang on hooks. These can slightly move under a fan or if touched, providing movement and an op art sparkling...
Brass, Chrome
A bronze figurative sculpture after Henry Moore, signed, 20th century
Located in View Park, CA
A bronze figurative sculpture depicting an abstract female body, upon a pink marble plinth, signed by artist, probably mid to late 20th century. Thi...
Marble, Bronze
$395 / item
Post Modern Display Mannequin
Located in Riverdale, NY
Post Modern Display Mannequin from a Japanese store formerly located on Madison Ave, NY. Articulated fiberglass mannequin body has screws at join...
Metal
PF02 Handmade Sculptural Bust On Wood Plinth by Object Atelier
Located in Geneve, CH
PF02 Handmade Sculptural Bust On Wood Plinth by Object Atelier One Of a Kind. Dimensions: D 20 x 20 x H 53.5 cm (Dimensions may vary). Materials: Natural fibers, aggregates, pigments...
Natural Fiber, Wood
Pair of 1987 David Fisher “Mysterious I & II” Sculptures for Austin Productions
By Austin Productions, David Fisher
Located in Stafford, TX
Pair of 1987 David Fisher “Mysterious I & II” Sculptures for Austin Productions An iconic pair of Postmodern figurative bust sculptures titled “Mysterious I” and “Mysterious II,...
Acrylic, Plaster, Wood
Arctic Circle Sculpture #1 in Glass and Driftwood by Aleksandra Zawistowska
Located in Geneve, CH
Arctic Circle Sculpture #1 in Glass and Driftwood by Aleksandra Zawistowska. One of a Kind. Dimensions: Available upon request. Materials: Hand-blown glass, driftwood. Coordinates: ...
Glass, Blown Glass, Driftwood
$1,200Sale Price|46% Off
1990s Postmodern Abstract Honey Bear Sculpture Large Architectural Form
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Wonderful Minimalist bear form, golden speckle textured matte glaze. Over 1 foot high and 15 lbs.
Stoneware
Movement Phase 2 Sculpture in Black Vulcan Stoneware Clay by Catalin Filip
Located in Geneve, CH
Movement Phase 2 Sculpture in Black Vulcan Stoneware Clay by Catalin Filip. Dimensions: W 40 x D 35 x H 27 cm. Materials: Black Vulcan Stoneware Clay, textured natural ceramic finish...
Ceramic, Stoneware
David Garcia, Postmodern American Studio Art Glass Sculpture, 1991
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage hand-crafted art glass sculpture features triangular form with multiple layers of brightly colored, applied fused glass elements on clear glass base. Predominantly green and...
Glass, Art Glass
Cubist deconstructed ceramic male torso, signed by artist, 20th century
Located in View Park, CA
A monumental deconstructed ceramic male torso, signed by artist, 20th century. In tones of burnt pêche, apricot, and sienna, this stunning sculpture epitomizes cubism in three dimens...
Ceramic
$10,206 / item
Regeneration 04 Bronze Sculpture by Kodai Suga
Located in Geneve, CH
Regeneration 04 Bronze Sculpture by Kodai Suga Dimensions: W 50 x D 7.5 x H 30 cm Materials: Bronze Kodai Suga’s work features an evocative modernistic silhouette that has been imbu...
Bronze, Other
$1,008 / item
Ties Sculpture in Ceramic by Liliana Silva
Located in Geneve, CH
Ties Sculpture in Ceramic by Liliana Silva. Signed by Liliana Silva. Dimensions: W 32 x D 32 x H 55 cm. Materials: Ceramic. “Ties” intertwines forms that suggest bonds and connectio...
Ceramic
Ray Green Raku Clay Ceramic Sculpture by Stephanie Phillips
Located in Geneve, CH
Ray Green Raku Clay Ceramic Sculpture by Stephanie Phillips Dimensions: D 12 x W 35 x x H 50 cm Materials: Ceramic, Raku Clay Also available in other colors and custom sizes from 2...
Ceramic, Clay
$412 / item
Sharp Sculpture in Ceramic by Liliana Silva
Located in Geneve, CH
Sharp Sculpture in Ceramic by Liliana Silva. Signed by Liliana Silva. Dimensions: W 22 x D 22 x H 23 cm. Materials: Ceramic. This piece is available in a wide range of hand-painted ...
Ceramic
Salvador Dalí Leda Armchair Sculpture in Polished Brass, Spain
By BD Barcelona Design, Salvador Dalí
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Leda armchair designed by Dali manufactured by BD. Structure in polished cast brass varnish. Measures: 47 x 60 x 92 H. cm Year: 1935-1937 Taken from ...
Brass
$1,214 / item
Stoneware, Distressed Vessel NO.2 by Alexandria Roby
Located in Geneve, CH
Stoneware, Distressed Vessel NO.2 by Alexandria Roby Dimensions: D 17.78 x H 20.32 cm Materials: Black and White Stoneware Lined with Bronze Glaze Colors - Sandstone/Ivory or Onyx/Iv...
Stoneware
$272Sale Price|53% Off
1980s Postmodern Female Face Ceramic Sculpture in the Austin Productions Style
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Large scale, Postmodern / 1980s Art Deco revival Female Head Ceramic Sculpture in the Austin Productions Style. Circa 1980s Features a flatten female head figure molded on a...
Ceramic
Late 20th Century Dominican Carved Varnished Wooden Hand Sculpture/Cigar Holder
Located in North Miami, FL
Late 20th century dominican hand-carved varnished wooden hand sculpture/cigar holder By: unknown Material: wood Technique: carved, hand-carved, ...
Wood
Vibrant, Heavy Murano Glass Aquarium Sculpture with Multicolored Millefiori Fish
By Murano 5
Located in San Diego, CA
Vibrant, Heavy Murano Glass Aquarium Sculpture with Multicolored Millefiori Fish, circa 1980s. A beautifully executed hand-blown Murano glass aquari...
Blown Glass
Abstract Sculpture of a Crane in Flight by Masatoyo Kishi "Kuki" Circa 1970s
By Kuki, Masatoyo Kishi
Located in Peabody, MA
A cast stone abstract sculpture of a crane in flight mounted on an acrylic pedestal, circa 1970s by the noted Japanese artist Masatoyo Kishi “Kuki”...
Cast Stone
Obliqua Green Raku Clay Ceramic Sculpture by Stephanie Phillips
Located in Geneve, CH
Obliqua Green Raku Clay Ceramic Sculpture by Stephanie Phillips Dimensions: D 12 x W 28 x x H 45 cm Materials: Ceramic, Raku Clay Also available in other colors and custom sizes fr...
Ceramic, Clay
Post Modern Two-Piece Sculpture in Solid Black Marble, USA, c. 1980's
Located in Deland, FL
Introducing a fascinating two piece Post Modern sculpture cut from solid black marble and hand-polished to a brilliant shine. Featuring a sphere that rests within the confines of the...
Marble
1980 Italy Post-Modern Cristina Roncati Bronze Abstract Sculpture Cavaliere
Located in Brescia, IT
This artwork was created by the Italian artist Cristina Roncati. The title "Cavaliere del mistero" Knight of the mistery Cristina Roncati was born in...
Bronze
Vintage Emerald Green and Blue Murano Art Glass Elephant Sculpture Paperweight
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Gorgeous vintage Murano Venetian style handblown art glass sculpture of an elephant. Italian art glass hand blown green and uranium neon green elephant sculpture...
Blown Glass
Vintage Glazed Ceramic Architectural Pottery Sculpture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A true testament to mid-century modern artistry, this vintage glazed ceramic sculpture features a bold, architectural form with striking geometric cutouts and dynamic negative space....
Ceramic
Postmodern Plaster Nude by David Fisher for Austin Productions, circa 1981
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Sleek, glamorous, and graceful Nude by David Fisher for Austin Productions, 1981. Beautiful detail in this postmodern icon. Stand on black plinth base...
Cast Stone
Postmodern Curtis Jere Sculpture
By Curtis Jeré
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Unique Curtis Jere sculpture of a kissing couple. Black steel sculpture with whimsical sleek lines casting great shadows throughout the day. Matte black finish topped of with gold ba...
Metal