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.
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
$1,260Sale Price|40% Off
Large Ammonite Fossil
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
- Large fossil stone shell - Ammonites were predatory Prehistorie cephalopod mollusks which existed between 400 and 66 million years ago before dying out during the exinction event w...
Stone
Seguso Vetri dArte Murano glass green "corroso" circa 1950 vase.
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible Seguso Vetri dArte Murano glass green "corroso" vase circa 1950
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
Tyra Lungren Murano glass black iridized vase circa 1960
By Venini
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible Venini&C by Tyra Lungren Murano glass iridized black vase with two necks circa 1960
Murano Glass
Italian Floral Tôle Peinte Candle Sconces, a pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
From Italy, a charming pair of Tôle Peinte floral candle wall sconces, made of hand-painted iron, circa mid 1900s. Showing a lovely time-worn patina, the floral bouquets of petaled ...
Metal
$800Sale Price|33% Off
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
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
LENCI porcelain hand painted representing a surreal bird circa 1950
By Lenci
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
incredible surreal bird signed LENCI hand painted circa 1950. Fantastic.
Porcelain
Guido Cacciapuoti italian porcelain "Putan" circa 1950
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible Guido Cacciapuoti porcelain representing "Putan" circa 1950 signed and sealed.
Porcelain
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
Barovier&Toso Murano glass rubi circa 1950 vase.
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible Barovier&Toso Murano glass rubi iridescent circa 1950 vase.
Murano Glass
Italy Rectangular Red Lacquered Table Picture Frame
Located in Brescia, IT
This elegant frame is a contemporary product but was created following the ancient Venetian lacquering technique, consisting of many color passages and layers of very light gauze. Th...
Wood, Lacquer
Frederick Edward Joseph Goff Painting View of Westminster, Watercolor
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming watercolor on board by Frederick Edward Joseph Goff, depicting a delicate view of Westminster in London. Signed by the artist, this early 20th-century piece measures 11 × ...
Paint
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
French Cast Iron Figural Flatback Rust Patina Garden Panel
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A cast iron flatback panel originally from a balcony rail in France. Dating to the mid-late 19th century, these decorative objects were used as building or garden elements. Heavy, weighing about 25 pounds, and aged with a beautiful patina, the panel shows a robed figure within an ornate scrolled frame. Imagine it as a piece of outdoor sculpture, used as a fireback, turned into a table base, or framed in a garden gate. Measures: 26.5 inches H x 15.5 inches W x 1.25 inches deep. In very good antique condition with the desired rusted patina.
Iron
Montblanc Chrome Cufflinks with Glass Insets – Elegant Vintage Luxury Accessory
Located in Vienna, AT
Montblanc chrome-plated cufflinks with glass insets, exemplifying the brand’s signature blend of precision, elegance, and innovative design. These vintage accessories are a refined s...
Chrome
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
20th Century, Art Deco elephant bookends
Located in Vienna, AT
Pair of Art Deco Bookends in the shape of 2 sitting Elephants, solid bronze, Vienna 1920, good condition
Bronze
Brass Paperweight with Elephant Motif by Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
A solid brass paperweight designed by Walter Bosse, executed by Herta Baller, featuring a stylized elephant motif. Well-crafted with a warm, even patina and characteristic mid-centur...
Brass
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
A.Tagliapietra Murano glass black woman vase circa 1970
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
A. Tagliapietra vase in Murano glass circa 1970.
Murano Glass
Natural size pair of african sculptures in noble wood representing giraffes
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible and huge sculptures representing a couple of giraffes polychromed. Fantastic.
Wood
Archimede Seguso sculpture in Murano opalino glass circa 1950
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible sculpture by Archimede Seguso circa 1950 in opalino Murano glass in big size and perfect conditions, To collectors.
Murano Glass
Black Chain, by Rain, Wall Piece, Stainless Steel, Black
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
$554
20 th Century
By Looping 1
Located in Vienna, AT
Mid Century Looping Table Clock with alarm , good condition, 1960.
Brass
$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 Enameled Ceramic Vase by Scheurich, Germany, 1970
By West German Pottery, Scheurich Keramik
Located in London, England
This very large ceramic Sheurich vase is a striking piece that attracts all eyes. With its 42 cm height, it has a black background adorned with ethnic motifs of a bright blood red, a...
Ceramic
Three Pairs of Brass Candlesticks, 19th Century
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
Three pairs of brass candlesticks 19th century From left: A pair of Swedish candlesticks marked N.P.L. for Nils Petter Linderberg, 4 5/8 in.(11.6 cm.) high * A pair of Victoria...
Brass
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
Gouache by James Coignard
Located in Long Island City, NY
James Coignard ( France 1925-2008), gouache & collage on paper, signed, framed. Sheet size 48 x 61 cm.
Other
$2,200Sale 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
Tina Aufiero vase bicolor in Murano glass circa 1970.
By Tina Aufiero
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Wonderful vase in Murano glass attributed to Tina Aufiero in perfect conditions circa 1970.
Murano Glass
ARCHIMEDE SEGUSO pink vase with applied lateral glass circa 1950.
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Wonderful vase in Murano glass by Archimede Seguso circa 1950.
Murano Glass
Large Flavio Poli Murano glass amber circa 1950 center piece.
By Flavio Poli
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible center piece amber in Murano glass by Flavio Poli for Seguso Vetri dArte circa 1950.
Murano Glass
Seguso Vetri dArte vase in Murano glass circa 1950 "corroso".
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Wonderful vase in Murano glass circa 1950 by Seguso Vetri dArte " corroso ".
Murano Glass
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
Antonio Canova italian brown bronze circa 1850 "Gladiator"
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible and big italian brown bronze after Antonio Canova circa 1850 representing "Gladiator"
Bronze
Archimede Seguso sculpture in Murano glass "sfumatto oro" circa 1950 Museo
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible Archimede Seguso "sfumatto oro"sculpture in Murano glass circa 1950. Museo.
Murano Glass
Monumental Archimede Seguso "coronato oro" vase circa 1952
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Monumental Murano glass by ARCHIMEDE SEGUSO circa 1952 "coronato oro".
Murano Glass
Biscuit two men fighting with knives
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
incredible couple of two men fighting with knives in white biscuit.
Porcelain
Napoleone Martinuzzi Murano glass circa 1930 Art deco vase.
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible Napoleone Martinuzzi circa 1930 Murano glass vase Art deco.
Murano Glass
Barovier & Toso Murano glass vase bicolor with applied glass circa 1950.
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Wonderful Barovier&Toso vase in Murano glass bicolor circa 1950.
Murano Glass
Picture Frame Silver Sterling Enameled on guilloche Red and Green Salimbeni
By Salimbeni, Giorgio Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Large rectangular photo frame in gold-plated 925/1000 sterling silver with translucent enamels fired on guilloche in two colors, in a modern contemporary style. External cm. 18 x 22,...
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Le Faguays bronze Art Deco "Pierrot e Columbine" signed
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible Art Deco bronze signed Le Faguays from 1930 original representing "Pierrot and Columbina"
Bronze
Archimede Seguso pair of sculptures in Murano glass red fishes 1950
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible pair of fishes in red Murano glass by Archimede Seguso with air bubbles circa 1950.
Murano Glass
Old italian bronze by Bacus supported for Ninfa and Faun circa 1885.
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Old italian bronze representing scenes of Bacus supported for Ninfa and Faun circa 1885.
Marble, Bronze
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
E. Aurelio italian Art Deco brown bronze male circa 1930
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible sculpture in italian bronze signed E. Aurelio Art deco circa 1930 depicting naked boy sitting on edge of cliff.
Bronze
Old Songye mask in nobre african wood circa 1900
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
SONGYE mask in perfect conditions.
Wood
$647Sale Price|20% Off
Bertoncello , Vases . Tobacco Glaze
By Bertoncello
Located in Glasgow, GB
This is a beautiful pair of eramic vases by Bertoncello of Italy. Tobacco glaze which was very popular in Europe in the early 1960's 2 pieces One piece 30 cm in height by 17cm wid...
Ceramic
Venini zanfirico and filigrana bowl with venturina circa 1950
By Venini
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible bowl in Murano glass with venturina, zanfirico e filigrana circa 1950
Murano Glass
Napoleone Martinuzzi Murano glass circa 1930
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Napoleone Martinuzzi Murano glass scultura circa 1930
Murano Glass
Large Fratelli Toso Murano glass bicolor vase
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible Fratelli Toso Murano glass bicolor vase circa 1950. Big.
Murano Glass
Auguste Rodin french museu reproduction in plaster and wood signed "Le Penseur"
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible museu reproduction in plaster and wood by Auguste Rodin sculpture "Le Penseur" circa 1950 signed in the piece.
Plaster
Seguso Vetri dArte Murano glass green circa 1950 "corroso" vase.
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible Seguso Vetri dArte Murano glass circa 1950 "corroso"green vase.
Murano Glass
AVeM Murano glass multicolor vase circa 1950
By Arte Vetraria Muranese (AVEM)
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible AVEM Murano glass multicolor vase circa 1950 "Bizantino".
Murano Glass
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
Barovier&Toso sculpture in Murano glass circa 1950.
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Wonderful Barovier&Toso sculpture in Murano glass in perfect conditions circa 1950.
Murano Glass
Seguso Vetri dArte Murano glass vase circa 1950
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Seguso Vetri dArte Murano glass vase circa 1950.
Murano Glass