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.
Murano Powder Blue Handblown Flower
By Murano 5
Located in Pasadena, TX
This flower is handblown. It was crafted in Murano, Italy. It is powder blue with 5 petals. Makes for a great gift.
Art Glass
$5,624 / item
Vessel by Laura Pasquino
Located in Geneve, CH
Vessel by Laura Pasquino Limited Edition of 8 Dimensions: D 47 x H 32 cm Material: Soft-paste porcelain, glaze. Laura Pasquino Incorporating references from ancient Korean ceramics...
Porcelain
Piero Gilardi, Set of Two "Sassi" - "Rocks" Stones, Gufram Edition, Italy, 1960s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A seminal work by Italian artist Piero Gilardi, Sassi ("Rocks") is a pioneering exploration of form, material, and ecological commentary in the late 1960s. This suite of two stones, ...
Formica, Polystyrene
Limited Edition Enamelled Bronze Sculpture entitled "Tinsel" by Tim Cotterill
Located in London, GB
This delightful limited edition bronze frog by Tim Cotterill captures a moment of poised curiosity and charm. With its sleek, rounded form and upward gaze, the sculpture conveys both...
Bronze, Enamel
Daum France, Cats, Kittens, Playing in Glass/Crystal/Pate De Verre, Signed
By Daum
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Adorable kittens kissing and playing in this beautiful Pate De Verre glass sculpture.
Art Glass
$156Sale Price|20% Off
Post Modern Glass Pedestal Vase
Located in San Diego, CA
Impactful piece of glass that brings lines and design to your décor. This postmodern piece consists of two pieces: Blown glass in a purple hue is conjoined and shaped into a V shaped...
Glass
$10,441 / item
Regeneration 03-1 Bronze Sculpture by Kodai Suga
Located in Geneve, CH
Regeneration 03-1 Bronze Sculpture by Kodai Suga Dimensions: W 50 x D 9 x H 25 cm Materials: Bronze Kodai Suga’s work features an evocative modernistic silhouette that has been imbu...
Bronze, Other
Femme Hermes Bronze Sculpture
Located in Houston, TX
A contemporary post modern patinated bronze "Femme Hermes" sculpture, unsigned.
Bronze
Murano Orange Handblown Flower
By Murano 5
Located in Pasadena, TX
This flower is handblown. It was crafted in Murano, Italy. It is an orange swirl with 3 petals. Makes for a great gift.
Art Glass
Postmodern Shosh Paper Mache Sculpture Israel
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Sweet whimsical postmodern paper mache sculpture of a woman or girl in by Artist Shosh in the manner of Patience Brewster for Mackenzie Childs. ...
Paper
Ingrid Herrlin B.1932, Ceramic Sculpture, "Leash Il", Sweden, Post-Modern
Located in Stockholm, SE
Ingrid Herrlin b.1932, swedish sculptur. Herrlin mainly works works with ceramic and creates figurative art works in fruit, berries and other realistic shapes. This ceramic wall r...
Ceramic
$1,498Sale Price / item|44% Off
John Miller Blue Plate Special Fries 2008 Hand Blown Pop Art Glass Sculptures
By John Miller
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Inspired by Americana, Miller's work stands to bring new light and perspective to the often overlooked but ubiquitous cultural artifacts that form the American visual lexicon and lived experience. Maybe as impressive as the work itself, is the magnitude of which his creations come to life. At such an impressive scale, his process is truly spectacle to witness. Pieces from his famed ‘Blue Plate Special...
Blown Glass
Italian Abstract Expressionist Ceramic Sculpture by Enrico Stropparo, 1980s
Located in Roma, IT
We are pleased to present this ceramic sculptural opera by Italian artist Enrico Stropparo, created between the 1980s and 1990s and strongly influenced by Abstract Expressionism. We ...
Clay, Earthenware
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
1986 Vintage Bronze Sculpture Patrizia Guerresi, Italy, Melograno Pomegranate
Located in Brescia, IT
This is an engaging bronze sculpture created by the Italian artist Patrizia Guerresi, in 1986. The piece is a multiple of 1000 specimens on a green-painted wooden base. This artwork ...
Bronze
Signed Jaroslav Svoboda Czech Bohemian Art Glass Dolphin Sculpture, Cobalt Blue
Located in San Diego, CA
A striking signed Czech art glass dolphin sculpture by Jaroslav Svoboda, rendered in rich cobalt-blue and clear glass with an intricate internal net-like pattern of silvery-white inc...
Art Glass
1969 Italy Abstract Bronze Sculpture Andrea Picini Bintou
Located in Brescia, IT
This is an intense bronze abstract sculpture and it was created by the Italian artist Andrea Picini. This artwork is a multiple of 70 specimen and thi...
Bronze
$1,628 / item
Sculpture FUNGHI 19 by Zanellazine Ceramics
Located in Geneve, CH
Sculpture FUNGHI 19 by Zanellazine Ceramics Dimensions: W 15 x D 16 x H 33 cm Materials: Red clay, Green semi-refractorie clay, White fireclay. About: Giovanna Zighetti, ceramist an...
Ceramic
$949 / item
Brass Oil Decanter by Gentner Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Brass oil decanter by Gentner Design Dimensions: D 6.3 x W 10 x H 22.2 cm Materials: polished tarnished brass Made of brass and hand tarnished, the...
Brass
Pedro Friedeberg Snake Bar / Server / Table / Candle Holder / Sculpture, Signed
Located in Kansas City, MO
Pedro Friedeberg Snake bar, Mexico, c. 1970s. Made of carved and gilt wood, antique statuary, and glass. The stretched out hands hold the round removable glass tray and the upper han...
Glass, Wood
$5,156 / item
Trophy Mother of Pearl Sculpture by Henry Baumann
Located in Geneve, CH
Trophy Mother of Pearl Sculpture by Henry Baumann Dimensions: D 30 x W 30 x H 49 cm. Materials: Resin and brass. Satin matt finish. Unique ...
Brass
Unique Sculptural Ceramic Composition No. 3 by Austin Coudriet
Located in Geneve, CH
Unique Sculptural Ceramic Composition No. 3 by Austin Coudriet. One of a kind. Dimensions: W 66 x D 51 x H 117 cm. Materials: Ceramic (stoneware), underglaze. About Austin Coudriet...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Vintage Greek Cycladic Female Head Sculpture by Dimitrios A. Gaitanis, 1970s
Located in San Diego, CA
Striking handmade Greek Cycladic-style female head sculpture by Dimitrios A. Gaitanis, Greece, dating to approximately the 1970s. #5640 The sculpture is modeled after the highly st...
Resin, Composite
Jeff Koons Cracked Egg box/sculpture aluminum .Red 2008
By Jeff Koons
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Iconic Cracked Egg in aluminum sculpture / box for the LACMA in 2008 . artist Jeff Koons
Aluminum
Nova Sculpture in Deep Blue Bio-Based Resin by Waves.STUDIO
Located in Geneve, CH
Nova Sculpture in Deep Blue Bio-Based Resin by Waves.STUDIO Dimensions: Ø 40 x H 35 cm. Materials: Bio-based resin. Nova is a unique design where a deep blue hue meets white pattern...
Resin
$25,780 / item
Monumental Wall Sculpture by Daniel Schneiger.
Located in Geneve, CH
Monumental Wall Sculpture by Daniel Schneiger. Dimensions: D25 x W 185 x H 111 cm. Materials: Plaster Daniel Schneiger Wall sculptures are hand-crafted from a combination of materia...
Plaster
1980 Italy Bronze Abstract Sculpture Piero Perin Testa Head
Located in Brescia, IT
This artwork was created by the Italian artist Piero Perin. Piero Perin was born in 1924, in Cervarese, near Padua Italy. He lived and worked in Padova where he teached at the School...
Bronze
$4,640 / item
Dove Sculpture by Laura Pasquino
Located in Geneve, CH
Dove Sculpture by Laura Pasquino One of a Kind Dimensions: W 46 x D 30 x H 30 cm Material: Ceramic Finishing: Textured, Unglazed Artist stamp on the bottom Laura Pasquino Incorpora...
Ceramic
Italian Abstract Modernist Faceted Tall Red Berry Color Murano Glass Vase
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A bright berry red color curvy tall Murano glass vase. With a wide base, cinched top, and sprawling scalloped finger-like lip, this vessel is a true statement piece. The base is roun...
Glass, Art Glass
Italy 1980 Post-Modern Abstract Small Pewter Sculpture Walter Valentini
Located in Brescia, IT
Walter Valentini was born in 1928 in South Italy. A painter and engraver, he lives and works in Milan. He is Holder of the chair for engraving at the ...
Pewter
Two Rings- Contemporary Italian Blue Patinated Bronze Abstract Modern Sculpture
By Fp Art, Cosulich Interiors & Antiques
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Embracing Work of Art entirely hand-crafted in Italy of organic modern shape, realized in bronze, finished with hand-made patina in lapis lazuli turquoise blue color. Raised on black...
Granite, Bronze
1980 Italy Post-Modern Bronze Abstract Sculpture by Alfredo Cifani Title Eos
Located in Brescia, IT
This artwork was created by the Italian artist Alfredo Cifani. Title "EOS" Alfredo Cifani was born in 1939 in Fermo, the Southern part of Italy, lives and works in Milan. He is a pai...
Bronze
Postmodern Royal Doulton Sisters Basalt Black Mate Ceramic
Located in San Diego, CA
Royal Doulton black basalt figurine "Sisters." circa 1983 made in England nice finish very collectible piece .
Ceramic
Italy 1980 Bronze Abstract Sculpture Walter Valentini Tracce Tracks
Located in Brescia, IT
Walter Valentini was born in 1928 in South Italy. A painter and engraver, he lives and works in Milan. He is Holder of the chair for engraving at the ...
Bronze
$7,605 / item
Nacre I Sculptural Blown Glass Object by Homa
Located in Geneve, CH
Nacre I Sculptural Blown Glass Object by Homa. Dimensions: W 37 x D 34 x H 18 cm. Materials: Blown Glass, Silver Mirror, Smoke Mirror. Colour: Silver and Smoke. HOMA is a contempora...
Blown Glass, Mirror
Bronze Horse Sculpture "Sete" by Fernando Mario Paonessa, Italy, 1980s
Located in Quarrata, IT
A rare bronze sculpture titled *Sete* (Thirst), designed and created by the Italian contemporary master Fernando Mario Paonessa. The piece features a sculptural, elongated equine sil...
Stone, Travertine, Bronze
Postmodern Small Pedestal Marble For Display Sculptures
Located in San Diego, CA
Great piece of .5" walls with beveled edges, in Italian Carrara marble perfect for display sculptures, etc.
Marble
Contemporary Art Big Black Moon Black Velvet Sofa by Carla Tolomeo
Located in Pistoia, IT
Unique piece hand made by the artist. The silk velvet fabrics and velvet embroidery were made expressly for the artist, Carla Tolomeo.
Silk
1979 Italy Post-Modern Graziano Pompili Abstract Bronze Sculpture
Located in Brescia, IT
This intense and interesting abstract bronze sculpture, it is one of a kind artwork, made in 1979 circa by the Italian Artist Graziano Pompili The title "Paesaggio con ombra" is tra...
Bronze
Murano Green and Clear Handblown Flower
By Murano 5
Located in Pasadena, TX
This flower is handblown. It was crafted in Murano, Italy. It is green and clear with 3 petals. Makes for a great gift.
Art Glass
Kazekage Unique Water Feature in Carved Basalt Stone by Andres Monnier
Located in Geneve, CH
Kazekage Unique Water Feature in Carved Basalt Stone by Andres Monnier Unique Piece Dimensions: D 25 x W 40 x H 25 cm. Materials: Basalt stone. Available in different material optio...
Stone
$14,390 / item
Gold Plated Ceramic Ethereal Grace Sculpture by deBlona
Located in Geneve, CH
Gold Plated Ceramic Ethereal Grace Sculpture by deBlona Dimensions: W 21 x D 13 x H 51 cm. Materials: Coated resin, Gold plated ceramic, base in golden brass / White, 24 kt gold lust...
Ceramic
French Modernist Carrara Marble Sculpture by Bertrand Créac’h
Located in Chicago, IL
A modernist sculpture by French artist Bertrand Créac’h, hand-carved in Carrara marble, c. 1990s. Tapered and monumental, its angular planes dissolve into softened curves, revealing ...
Carrara Marble
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
Hexagonal Black Basalt Columns Decorative Object by Andres Monnier
Located in Geneve, CH
Pyrus Rock Installation by Andres Monnier One of a Kind. Dimensions: W 300 x D 300 x H 300 cm Materials: Basalt, Stainless Steel Stone options available: Grey, black and white marble...
Stone, Stainless Steel
1970s Brass Abstract Joystick Table Sculpture Tamper Hammer like Aubock
By Arnaldo Pomodoro, Joannis Avramidis
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Joystick Sculpture, Cast Brass, Slightly Rounded Bottom. No signature. Weight is approx. 11 oz.
Brass
Murano Blue and White Handblown Flower
By Murano 5
Located in Pasadena, TX
This flower is handblown. It was crafted in Murano, Italy. It is blue and white with 3 petals. Makes for a great gift.
Art Glass
1980 Italy Bronze Abstract Kinetic Sculpture Franco Zazzeri Sfera Stratificata
Located in Brescia, IT
This engaging abstract bronze sculpture was created by the Italian artist Franco Zazzeri. The title is "Sfera Stratificata" translated in " Stratified S...
Bronze
Otto Hammered Copper Wall Sculpture IV with Acid Patina by Aura Carpio
Located in Geneve, CH
Otto Hammered Copper Wall Sculpture IV with Acid Patina by Aura Carpio. Dimensions: W 142 x D 8 x H 150 cm. Materials: Copper, Acid Patina. This piece can be produced in customized ...
Copper
Verner Panton for Menu, Ten Egg Cups in Different Colours, Made of Rubber
Located in København, Copenhagen
Verner Panton for MENU. Ten egg cups in different colours, made of rubber. Late 1900s. Measures H 5.5 cm. x D 4.5 cm. In perfect condition. Marked.
Rubber
$3,480 / item
Natural Fold Room Divider by Storängen Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Natural Fold room divider by Storängen Design Dimensions: D 4 x W 70 x H 170 cm Materials: oak wood, leather straps. Available in other colors ...
Leather, Oak
Brass and Polished Aluminum Figurative Sculpture attributed Jean Arp, 1970
By Jean Arp
Located in Chicago, IL
Large Brass and Polished Aluminum Figurative Sculpture attributed to Jean Arp, 1970's Polished aluminum base with clear lacquer. Brass has some patina.
Aluminum, Brass
$1,828Sale Price|65% Off
Abstract lifesize ceramic sculpture by Dieter Eichelmann, Germany 1980s
Located in ECHT, NL
Handcrafted ceramic sculpture. The sculpture is made from several tiles that form a human figure. The tiles are fixed to a wood back. Dieter Eichelmann Born: 1946 in Bardenberg -...
Ceramic, Clay
$2,648 / item
Unique Earth Globe Sculpture by Alex de Witte
Located in Geneve, CH
Unique Earth globe sculpture by Alex de Witte Each one is unique, hand-sculpted by Alex de Witte Limited edition of 99 pieces + 5 ap Dimensions: H 42cm Materials: Ceramics and scoured brass, Frame in massive brass A recognizable planet in a world beyond recognition. A fusion of realism and imagination, a meeting of future and past. A dream world that does yet does not exist. A playful reproduction of the many hues and nuances that can be found on this planet. An open world without borders, with infinite endless possibilities. Seeing earth as a beautiful planet, and capturing its beauty in a boundless aesthetic creation is a dream. A naive, but delightful dream. Alex de Witte is fascinated by the universal value of beauty and how to influence that. “It is fascinating to me how people have an overall communal perception of beauty. Like scientific studies...
Blown Glass
Majestic Controlled Bubble Bullicante Cobalt Blue Art Glass Large Paperweight
Located in San Diego, CA
Majestic Controlled Bubble Bullicante Cobalt Blue Art Glass Large Paperweight, beautiful excellent condition rich color nice and heavy art piece sculpture.
Blown Glass
Italy Post-Modern Abstract Big Pewter Sculpture Walter Valentini
Located in Brescia, IT
Walter Valentini was born in 1928 in South Italy. A painter and engraver, he lives and works in Milan. He is Holder of the chair for engraving at the ...
Pewter
'Belmont' Ceramic Mug Sculpture by Peter Shire, 2016
By Peter Shire
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Glazed Whiteware ceramic mug sculpture by Peter Shire, 2016. Approx: 8 3/4" high x 13" wide x 23" long (to handle). Peter Shire: Peter Shire is an LA-based artist whose work elu...
Ceramic
Contemporary Art Fountain Pio Tempio D'empio Tempo by Luigi Ontani
By Luigi Ontani, Mirabili
Located in Pistoia, IT
Limited edition fountain in marble and bronze. (central column - limited edition of 7 pieces only) The central column can possibly be mounted inside a marble basin to be built local...
Marble, Bronze
$10,441 / item
Regeneration 02 Bronze Sculpture by Kodai Suga
Located in Geneve, CH
Regeneration 02 Bronze Sculpture by Kodai Suga Dimensions: W 50 x D 12 x H 55 cm Materials: Bronze Kodai Suga’s work features an evocative modernistic silhouette that has been imbue...
Bronze, Other
1980 Italy Ugo La Pietra Bronze Abstract Sculpture Bellezza Al Bagno
Located in Brescia, IT
This is one of the 30 pieces of this engaging artwork realized in bronze by the well known Internationally artist, Ugo La Pietra, in 1985. This artwork well represents the relations...
Bronze