The International Style, a modernist movement within architecture and furniture design that was given its name by American architect Philip Johnson and historian Henry-Russell Hitchcock, was born during the 1920s and ’30s. It gained steam initially in Europe and then in the United States as a response to the first World War. Building projects associated with the movement, as well as vintage International Style chairs, tables and other furnishings, are minimal and pared back.
Pioneers of the International Style — architect Walter Gropius and his Bauhaus colleagues Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Marcel Breuer, De Stijl advocate and Dutch architect J.J.P. Oud and visionary designer Le Corbusier — stripped away decorative elements and placed considerable value on functionality and clean lines, integrating the use of industrial materials like steel, concrete and large sheets of glass in their work. Quite aptly, this mode of design and architectural style coincided with an era now known as the Machine Age and became a global symbol of modernism. The primary motive of its practitioners was to address the changing needs of a rapidly industrializing society, especially the demand for office complexes and apartments in large cities, through economical, technologically advanced, yet aesthetically pleasing designs for furniture and buildings.
“Space and light and order. Those are the things that men need just as much as they need bread or a place to sleep,” said Le Corbusier of the philosophy behind his practical modernist architecture.
The International Style’s designers and architects were inspired by the advantages afforded them by the era’s new technology and industrial machinery as well as state-of-the-art materials. Le Corbusier was fond of framing his buildings in steel but reinforced concrete made far more economic sense. He is probably most admired for the iconic private homes and commercial buildings that he designed or codesigned with his cousin Pierre Jeanneret, which are spread across the world, from New York City to Paris to Chandigarh, India. Today, Breuer’s Wassily Lounge chair; the elegant LC series created by Le Corbusier, Jeanneret and Charlotte Perriand; and Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona chair, crafted with his romantic partner, designer Lilly Reich, are emblems of progressive modernist design and all make prominent use of tubular steel. Vintage originals are the prized cornerstone of collections.
“The International Style is probably the first fundamentally original and widely distributed style since the Gothic,” posited Johnson in the book that accompanied “Modern Architecture: International Exhibition,” an architectural show he cocurated with Hitchcock that featured the work of Frank Lloyd Wright, Le Corbusier, Richard Neutra and others. While the term “International Style” had previously been circulating in Europe, when the show opened at the Museum of Modern Art in 1932, it yielded a much broader application of this important style of design.
Find International Style furniture on 1stDibs.
Montblanc 75th Anniversary Fountain Pen – “Passion and Soul Since 75”
Located in Vienna, AT
Montblanc 75th Anniversary Fountain Pen – “Passion and Soul Since 75" with leather case. A very special Montblanc 75th Anniversary fountain pen featuring the commemorative engraving ...
Gold, Gold Plate
Vintage Gucci Horsebit burgandy leather jewelry box
By Gucci
Located in Walnut Creek, CA
Classic Gucci Horsebit design leather jewelry box in burgundy color. It's in nice vintage condition. Marked "Made in Italy by Gucci" on the bottom
Leather
French Limoges Hand Painted Pink Floral Oval Trinket Box
By Limoges
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A hand painted French Limoges trinket or pill box, circa 1970s. An oval shaped box with a pink body and a floral spray in a gold cartouche...
Metal
$1,000Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Sterling Silver And Wood English Hinged Small Box Desk Accessory
Located in North Miami, FL
This lovely small vintage turn of the century sterling silver hinged box has a wood interior with etched design top. There are English hallmarks on the bottom that are clearly visibl...
Sterling Silver
Very Fine Detailed Figural Peruvian Shipibo Conibo Pottery Effigy Pot or Vase
Located in Red Lion, PA
Very Fine Detailed Figural Peruvian Shipibo-Conibo Pottery Effigy Pot or Vase This beautifully detailed figural pottery effigy pot was crafted by the Shipibo-Conibo people of Peru, ...
Terracotta
Dutch Delft Blue Handpainted Vase
By Delft
Located in Waddinxveen, ZH
Nice Delft blue pottery vase, handprinted by Gewina Delft.
Ceramic
Halcyon Days English Bilston Enamel Floral Egg Trinket Box
By Halcyon Days
Located in Philadelphia, PA
From Halcyon Days, a Bilston enamel trinket box shaped as an egg, Stoke-on-Trent, England, circa 1970-1980s. Established in the 1950s, Halcyon Days Ltd ...
Copper
20 th Century , Brass massive Table Clock
Located in Vienna, AT
Large Work Stylisch Table Clock made by Jaeger LeCoultre 60s, good condition.
Brass
Fitz and Floyd Spotted Dogs Porcelain Trinket Box
Located in Philadelphia, PA
From Fitz and Floyd, a charming porcelain Dalmation trinket box, dating to 1985. Two yellow and black spotted dogs sit atop an oval, green glazed lidded box with metal bracing. The...
Porcelain
Rochard Limoges Paris Perfume Bottle in Porcelain Box
By Rochard Limoges
Located in Philadelphia, PA
From Rochard, Limoges Paris, a hand enameled trinket box, a scent chest with a metal caged glass bottle, circa 1970-1980s. The oval metal braced box has a domed lid with a tear-drop...
Copper
Russian papier mâché box from Tsarina Alexandra, early 1900
Located in Bilzen, BE
A black paper mache box with the portrait of Tsarina Alexandra, wife of Tsar Nicholas II , the last tsar of Russia this box is from the early 1900 10.5 x 6.2 cm, heigth 3 cm
Paper
Dutch Delft Blue Handpainted Vase
By Delft
Located in Waddinxveen, ZH
Nice handpainted Delft blue pottery vase.
Ceramic
Stainless Steel Double Chain, by Rain, Wall Piece, Stainless Steel, Polished
By RAIN
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Chains series represents a particular look into a rough object, which is often strictly associated to its functional purpose. The piece propose a reflection on mass production...
Stainless Steel
Murano Latticino Venetian Glass Heart Shaped Trinket Box
By Compagnia Di Venezia E Murano (C.V.M.)
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A metal braced heart shaped Venetian glass trinket box, Murano, Italy, circa 1970s. A swirled cobalt blue and white glass box hand made in the process...
Metal
Mancioli Raymor Florenz Ceramic Majolika Bagni Bugi Baggi
Located in Vienna, AT
Extremely large cat handpainted flower-decoration Stands 18“ tall
Ceramic
Large Stone Bust Of An African Chief Shona From Verdit Tendayi Tandi
Located in Hannover, DE
This beautiful stone sculpture is a true masterpiece of African art from the beautiful country of Zimbabwe. This bust is lovingly hand-carved from stone that is said to have healing ...
Stone
Staffordshire Enamel Old Hall Pink Clover Trinket Box
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A Staffordshire Enamels Old Hall trinket box, England, circa 1980s. A hand-enameled Clover and Butterfly design on a pink base with copper framing. A Butterfly appears on the interi...
Copper, Enamel
Gigantic Antique Indian Brass and Bronze Water Vessel Lota Pot
Located in Asheville, NC
India water vessel also called a Lota Pot was used to store water in India and local regions. It was hand-forged of a bronze and brass alloy. It has marked by...
Brass
Archimede Seguso sfumato oro center table with applied parts and gold 1950
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible and large Archimede Seguso sfumato oro center table "piece unique" 1950
Murano Glass
Long Coconut Palm Leaf Centerpiece in International Style, Indonesia
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
Very rare this long coconut palm leaf, from Indonesia, where it is used by the indigenous people as eating vessel. It's a perfect centerpiece on our table...
Palmwood
$300Sale Price|20% Off
Signed and Numbered Original Bronze Mouse Sculpture by Artist Siggy Puchta
By Siggy Puchta
Located in San Diego, CA
Petite solid bronze original sculpture by listed artist Siggy Puchta, sitting on a travertine Base.
Travertine, Bronze
Large Tina Aufiero for Venini circa 1983 "Alboino" Murano glass green vase
By Tina Aufiero
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible and large Tina Aufiero for VENINI circa 1983 "Alboino" green vase. Labeled.
Murano Glass
1950's Italian Gold Embossed Leather Book Jewelry Box with Velvet Lining
Located in New York, NY
1950's Italian finely detailed. leather book form jewellery box with gilt embossed Fleur de Lis design at corners of front and back sides. The gilt brass wide band central clasp sect...
Leather, Velvet
Primitive pantera onca brazilian stool in noble wood circa 1900
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible primitive brazilian stool in noble wood representing 'Panther'circa 1900
Wood
Pair of candlesticks in bronze with eggs, Gabriela Crespi style circa 1950.
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Wonderful pair of candlesticks in bronze with eggs style Gabriela Crespi circa 1950.
Bronze
$2,215Sale Price|20% Off
Salimbeni Purse Cigarette Case Two-Color Enamel Stripes Blue and White
By Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Purse cigarette case, oval section in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with two-color enameled stripes. Early 20th century English style. Measures 9 x 4.3 x 2.6 cm. Weight 96 g. ...
Sterling Silver, Enamel
Vases in ceramic signed A. MINIATTI Firenze circa 1900.
By Casa Bugatti
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
monumental vase in ceramic emblazoned and signed A. MINIATTI FIRENZE circa 1900.
Ceramic
19th Century French School Still Life of Field Flowers
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A brightly colored 19th century French school still life of field flowers Signed J. Levy, lower Left. The painting measures: 25 5/8" inches ...
Paint
Alessandro Mandruzzato Murano glass blue and yellow circa 1950 vase
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible Alessandro Mandruzzato Murano glass blue and yellow circa 1950 vase.
Murano Glass
Alessandro Mandruzzato Murano glass red and yellow circa 1950 vase
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible large Alessandro Mandruzzato Murano glass red and yellow circa 1950 vase.
Murano Glass
1970s British Bronze AC.GMT.Co. Industrial Wall Clock Chrome Bezel Black Dial
Located in Leicester, Leicestershire
Rescued from Industrial scrap yards and brought back to life in our UK workshop, our expert process allows us to create a high quality clock of luxury standards. At A.C GMT Co. we apply new paint finishes or lustrous copper and bronze to the clock case. Our high speed polishing machine restores the chrome bezel, which then frames one of our high definition screen printed dials. These clocks were originally slave or secondary clocks used on cargo ships and super tankers, they would have been controlled by a master clock...
Bronze, Steel, Chrome
Vintage Limoges France Butterfly Trinket Box Handpainted
By Limoges
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Vintage Limoges France Butterfly Trinket Box Handpainted Type Trinket Box Brand Limoges Material Porcelain Subject Butterfly Finish Painted Color Multicolor Shape Hear Shape Item Len...
Enamel, Gold Leaf
AVeM Murano glass multicolor vase circa 1950 "Bizantino"
By Arte Vetraria Muranese (AVEM)
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible AVeM Murano glass multicolor vase circa 1950 vase "Bizantino"
Murano Glass
AVeM Murano glass multicolor vase circa 1950 "Bizantino"
By Arte Vetraria Muranese (AVEM)
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible AVeM Murano glass multicolor vase circa 1950 "Bizantino"
Murano Glass
Pelikan “Souverän” Fountain Pen unused, 1975, with Original Box
Located in Vienna, AT
A classic Pelikan Souverän fountain pen from 1982, preserved in excellent condition and complete with its original packaging. A sought-after mid-20th-century Pelikan model, appreciat...
Alabaster, Metal, Gold, Gold Plate
Cenedese Murano glass set of pears with bubbles circa 1950
By Cenedese
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible set Cenedese Murano glass pears multicolor circa 1950
Murano Glass
Dino Martens Murano glass blue and white vase circa 1950
By Dino Martens
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible Dino Martens Murano glass blue and white vase circa 1950.
Murano Glass
Montblanc Sterling Silver Money Clip – Elegant Luxury Accessory for Collectors
Located in Vienna, AT
Montblanc money clip crafted from sterling silver, exemplifying the brand’s renowned precision and timeless elegance. This refined accessory combines practicality with luxury, making...
Sterling Silver
Set of 3 Italian Silver-Plated Candle Holders, Handcrafted Design, in stock
By FEDERICA PAOLI, CASPAL
Located in Milano, Lombardia
This set of 3 handcrafted silver-plated brass candle holders represents the perfect balance between sculptural form and Italian artisanal tradition. Designed by Federica Paoli and ma...
Silver Plate, Brass
Barovier&Toso "cordonato oro" tall vase circa 1950
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible tall vase by Barovier&Toso "cordonato oro" circa 1950. Beautiful and perfect.
Murano Glass
AVeM Murano glass multicolor vase circa 1950 "Bizantino"
By Arte Vetraria Muranese (AVEM)
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible AVeM murano multicolor vase "Bizantine" serie circa 1950
Murano Glass
$2,640 / set
Barovier&Toso circa 1948 "zebrato" couple
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible couple of cats in Murano glass by Barovier&Toso 1948 "zebreto oro" circa 1948
Murano Glass
Alfredo Barbini Murano glass multicolor circa 1950 vase.
By Barbini
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible Alfredo Barbini Murano glass multicolor circa 1950 vase.
Murano Glass
$5,756 / set
Enzo Mari cubs 60‘s
By Enzo Mari
Located in Vienna, AT
Two resin cubes, each containing a sphere, designed by Enzo Mari. Made in Italy by Danese Milano, 1950s. 7 x 7 cm .. large ones Danese Milano (Hersteller*in),Enzo Mari (Designer*in)
Resin
$4,698 / set
Lot of 7 rare Bertoncello Vases and trays
By Bertoncello
Located in Vienna, AT
This is a beautiful collection of 7 sculptural Italian ceramic vases, made by Bertoncello Ceramiche D'Arte, Italy, in the 1960s and 1970s. They are all in very good condition, with n...
Ceramic
Early 21st Century Vietri Hand-Crafted Italian Porcelain Leaf Dish Set – 3 Piece
By Vietri
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This elegant three-piece porcelain leaf set showcases the renowned hand-crafted artistry associated with Vietri, Italy, a region celebrated for its ceramic traditions. Made in the ea...
Porcelain
Archimede Seguso "sfumato oro" sculpture in Murano glass circa 1950
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible sculpture in Murano glass by Archimede Seguso "sfumato oro" circa 1950 in perfect condition.
Murano Glass
Large 1980's Dunhill Style Ribbon Mahogany Wood Humidor, Box with Brass Hinges
By Dunhill
Located in New York, NY
Large 1980's Dunhill style ribbon mahogany humidor / document / art box, with brass hinges. Fully lined with wood interior.
Brass
Fulvio Bianconi by Venini cook in Murano glasscirca 1953
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
perfect Fulvio Bianconi by Venini cook in Murano glass circa 1953.
Murano Glass
Fratelli Toso Murano glass green iridescent circa 1950 vase.
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible Fratelli Toso Murano glass green iridescent circa 1950 vase. Design Dino Martens.
Murano Glass
FABERGE Silver and gold center piece attributed with two Mermen circa 1850.
By Fabergé
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible and large silver and gold center piece attributed to FABERGE with two mermen. Fantastic.
Gold, Silver
Maghault Fils france Art Deco bronze "Don Quixote" circa 1930.
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible bronze signed MAGHAULT FILs circa 1930 Art Deco "Don Quixote"with two marbles base.
Bronze
Large Aureliano Toso Murano glass bicolor circa 1950 vase.
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible Aureliano Toso Murano glass bicolor circa 1950 vase.
Murano Glass
Contemporary Minimalist Small Brass and Glass Solitary Vase
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Paulo Goldstein's Piccolo vase, Brazilian contemporary design is part of a series of vases that are inspired in the observation of the natural lines of the flowers and leaves held in...
Brass, Steel, Stainless Steel
19th C. English Large Brass Handled Copper Pot
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A super-sized, hand-hammered copper pot with brass carrying handles, England, circa 1860. Very heavy, beautifully hand made with a thick rolled rim. Showing hammer marks to the int...
Brass, Copper
Italian Silver-Plated Ivy Garland Placemats, Brass, Circa 1990
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
What to put in place of the usual placemats to embellish the table ? Four ivy garlands, but silvered ! to illuminate the table and make it more precious. ref. O/1790 -
Brass, Silver Plate
Stainless Steel Chain, by Rain, Wall Piece, Stainless Steel, Polished
By RAIN
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Chains series represents a particular look into a rough object, which is often strictly associated to its functional purpose. The piece propose a reflection on mass production...
Stainless Steel
Biscuit two men fighting with knives
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
incredible couple of two men fighting with knives in white biscuit.
Porcelain
Gucci Gold Metal Letter Opener in Black Leather Case
By Gucci
Located in New York, NY
Gucci gold cast metal letter opener with signature double G logo at handle. Engraved signature on reverse GUCCI Made In Italy Original black leather case with Gucci stamp on back.
Metal
Archimede Seguso italian bicolor 1950 Murano Glass 'Coronato oro' vase.
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible and big Archimede Seguso Murano glass circa 1950 "Coronato oro" vase.
Murano Glass