Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
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
- Emerged during the mid-20th century
- Informed by European modernism, Bauhaus, International style, Scandinavian modernism and Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture
- A heyday of innovation in postwar America
- Experimentation with new ideas, new materials and new forms flourished in Scandinavia, Italy, the former Czechoslovakia and elsewhere in Europe
CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
- Simplicity, organic forms, clean lines
- A blend of neutral and bold Pop art colors
- Use of natural and man-made materials — alluring woods such as teak, rosewood and oak; steel, fiberglass and molded plywood
- Light-filled spaces with colorful upholstery
- Glass walls and an emphasis on the outdoors
- Promotion of functionality
MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
- Charles and Ray Eames
- Eero Saarinen
- Milo Baughman
- Florence Knoll
- Harry Bertoia
- Isamu Noguchi
- George Nelson
- Danish modernists Hans Wegner and Arne Jacobsen, whose emphasis on natural materials and craftsmanship influenced American designers and vice versa
ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS
- Eames lounge chair
- Nelson daybed
- Florence Knoll sofa
- Egg chair
- Womb chair
- Noguchi coffee table
- Barcelona chair
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 celebrated 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.
Generations turn over, and mid-century modern remains arguably the most popular style going. 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.
to
4,896
24,805
733
272
33
53
24,719
1,005
273
15,398
6,143
21
7
66
194
450
3,194
4,513
3,334
702
276
25,810
14,388
8,929
5,635
3,898
3,109
2,274
1,697
1,351
1,285
1,104
1,084
990
933
911
668
645
577
9,016
7,365
6,882
3,325
3,057
13,477
11,005
19,456
8,394
3,965
3,195
2,703
Height
to
Width
to
25,810
25,421
25,461
335
327
318
272
246
Style: Mid-Century Modern
Signed Livio Seguso Murano Gold-Accented Pear & Apple Glass Sculptures
By Livio Seguso
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This elegant pair of large Murano glass sculptures, a pear and an apple, was crafted by renowned glass artist Livio Seguso. The sculptures feature a striking satin finish, complement...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass
Cenedese Vintage Midcentury Clear Murano Glass Bowl with Colorful Spiral
By Cenedese
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Vintage midcentury Murano glass serving bowl or dish by Cenedese, circa 1970-1990. Wonderful clear glass with a colorful spiral inclusion. Simplistic yet elegant. Would look fantastic in a kitchen, on a white marble countertop...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass
$432 Sale Price
70% Off
Antique Murrine Vase with Handles, Fratelli Toso Murano ca. 1920s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Murrine Vase with Handles, Fratelli Toso Murano ca. 1920s
Item e7093
A large murrine glass vase manufactured by Vetreria Fratelli Toso, Murano around 1920. Made of polychrome...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Art Glass, Murano Glass, Murrine
1960s Studio Art Pottery Stoneware Elephant and Tiny Bird
Located in Chula Vista, CA
AMBIANIC presents
MCM Studio Art Pottery Adorable Elephant with Bird
stoneware speckled hand thrown glazed pottery
style of Lisa Larson
6 d x 3.88 w x 7.25 h
Preowned vintage conditi...
Category
Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Pottery
Classic Alex Moulton 4-speed Bicycle, modernist design
By Huffy Corp.
Located in Buffalo, NY
Classic Alex Moulton 4-speed Bicycle, modernist design.. Amazing design,, All original,, Nice condition,,great riding bike,, probably can use a good tune up..
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Steel
Mid-Century West German Pottery WGP Minimalist Vase from Jasba, 1960s
By Jasba
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century West German Pottery WGP Minimalist Vase from Jasba, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 This piece has an attribution mark.
Additional information:
Mat...
Category
20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Mid-Century Sterling Silver & Polished Brass Box of Apollo signed Lalaounis
By Lalaounis
Located in New York, NY
This Mid-Century Modernist sterling silver and polished brass box, created by the esteemed Lalaounis in Greece circa 1950, is a remarkable exemplar of the elegance and innovation cha...
Category
1950s Greek Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Sterling Silver, Brass
Solid Russian Malachite Lion
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Malachite lion - perfectly suited for a desk object / sculpture or paperweight. A perfect gift for anyone who loves organic, yet chic pieces.
Category
20th Century Russian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Malachite
Philip H. Darling Massive New York Abstract Modern Bronze Sculpture 1960s
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Handmade soldered bronze sculpture created by Philip H. Darling of Long Island, New York, circa 1960's. Sculpture measures 34" by 16" by 7" and is signed P.H. Darling. In very good ...
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal, Bronze
$2,655 Sale Price
27% Off
1970s Gorgeous Green Vase by Ind. Vetraria Valdarnese. Made in Italy
Located in Milano, IT
1970s Gorgeous green vase by Industria Vetraria Valdarnese, mouth-blown glass and handmade. Made in Italy. Signed with the original label. This vase is in excellent condition. Made i...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Art Glass
$336 Sale Price
20% Off
Alvino Bagni for Raymor Italy Sea Garden Vase Vessel Ceramic 1960s
By Raymor, Alvino Bagni
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vase or vessel was made by Alvino Bagni for Raymor as a part of his Sea Garden series. Sea Garden series includes vases, ashtrays, lamps, and other decor items done in complex turqu...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Majolica, Pottery
$340 Sale Price
20% Off
Solid Koa Wood Enlonged Gondola Tray with Woven Rattan Handles
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful lines and great craftsmanship on this nice tray that can be used as a fruit bowl with cane wrapped of sculpted Koa Wood.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Cane, Palmwood
$260 Sale Price
20% Off
Salviati Murano Multicolored Glass Vase Madras model 1997
By Salviati
Located in Milano, MI
Murano glass vase with blue and green shades, Madras Collection, made by Vetreria Salviati in 1997
Ø 22 cm Ø 15 cm h 26 cm
Salviati is a renowned glass company based in Murano, Ita...
Category
1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Murano Glass
$605 Sale Price
40% Off
Large Clear Glass Vase by Daum, French 1960s
By Daum
Located in London, GB
This large clear glass vase has been crafted with a beautiful swirl design on either side.
Made by the maker Daum in the 1960s, it can also be a decorative piece, or a flower vase. ...
Category
1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Glass
Beautiful Midcentury Bisque Vase by Kaiser Porcelain, Germany, 1970s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
An amazing bisque porcelain midcentury studio art pottery vase made in Germany, by Kaiser Porcelain, signed M. Frey, circa 1970s. Vase is in very good condition with no chips, cracks...
Category
1970s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
$96 Sale Price
40% Off
Beautiful Lobster Sculpture Nickeled Metal, Vintage, Italy, 1980s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This nickel plated metal lobster statue was most likely made in the 1980s in Italy. Can not tell the maker or the artist. This particular lobster statue ...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Flavio Poli Seguso Murano Red Yellow Sommerso Art Glass Vase
Located in Barcelona, ES
A wonderful red and yellow hand blown Murano glass vase. Designed by Flavio Poli and manufactured by Seguso Vetri d'Arte. Italy, 1950s.
Red glass with a layer of yellow glass cased into clear glass using the Sommerso technique.
Amazing organic design and eye-catching colors.
Lovely to be used as flower vase or decorative vase. To be exhibited alone or with other vases and bowls as a part of a larger Murano glass collection...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso, Glass
Vintage Italian Ceramic Candy Dish by Guido Gambone, circa 1950s
Located in London, GB
Vintage Italian decorative ceramic candy dish attributed to Guido Gambone (circa 1950s). A flying saucer shaped dish with cover is painted with alte...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
$1,086 Sale Price
40% Off
Seguso Vetri d'Arte Murano Sommerso Amethyst Blue Purple Italian Art Glass Bowl
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown Sommerso purple Italian art glass geode cut bowl. Attributed to the Seguso Vetri d'Arte company, circa 1960s. A similar bowl is shown in the company photo archives, item number 12877, and is published in their book. The bowl has an outer layer of amethyst, middle layer of sapphire blue, with rich violet overlay in the top layer (Ametista - Blu - Violetto). It has a rectangular shape with rounded corners and edges. Would make for a great display on any desk, vanity or side table. Use it as a catchall, candy dish or business card holder. Made with very thick glass...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso
$520 Sale Price
20% Off
Opalescent Orrefors Bowl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare and lovely opalescent art glass bowl by Orrefors / Made in Sweden, circa 1960s
Engraved and numbered "Orrefors Pu 3070/2" on base
Measures: width 3.75 inches, depth 2.75 inches,...
Category
20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Glass
$250 Sale Price
50% Off
1930s Antique Hotel Page Automaton
Located in Berghuelen, DE
1930s Antique Hotel Page Automaton
An antique hotel page automaton manufactured by P. Stokvis, Den-Haag - Netherlands ca. 1930s. A young boy in hotel pa...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
Vintage Porcelaneous Studio Pottery Vase - Modern Design - Signed - circa 1980s
Located in Chatham, ON
Vintage - studio pottery - Mid Century Modern - wheel thrown porcelain like stoneware vase - tapering to a narrow foot - with a taupe colored glaze as well as a gloss green volcanic ...
Category
Late 20th Century Canadian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
$245 Sale Price
30% Off
Mid-Century Swedish Art Glass Centerpiece Ruby & White Bowl by Flygsfors Coquill
Located in New York, NY
This curvaceous and elegant Ruby Centerpiece originates from Sweden during the 1960 by Flygsfors Coquille. The rounded elliptical edge swells from a flattened base, one side curving ...
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Art Glass
Persian Style Brass Cobra Snake Candlestick - 20th
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Persian Style Brass Cobra Snake Candlestick - 20th
polychrome sculpture - candlestick - India
Middle Eastern Persian-style brass candlestick in the form of a cobra snake with incised...
Category
20th Century Indian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal, Brass
Midcentury Red & Clear Single Flower Sommerso Murano Glass Vase, Italy
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful hand blown Murano Red Bubble Italian art glass single-flower vase. Created by the Seguso Company. A beautiful piece of art glass for any room.
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Murano Glass
Set of 2 Mid-Century German Pottery Vase by Luise Duncker
Located in Hamburg, DE
Rare ceramic vases set with striking formation of Luise Duncker from Flensburg.
H: 22 cm
H: 17 cm This piece has an attribution mark.
Additional information:
Materials: Ceramic
Colo...
Category
20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Vetro Soffiato Glass Bowl by C.V.M. Pauli & Cia. Murano ca. 1920s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Vetro Soffiato Glass Bowl by C.V.M. Pauli & Cia. Murano ca. 1920s
Small “Vetro Soffiato” foot bowl made of amethyst-colored transparent glass. The bowl is decorated with an ondulati...
Category
1920s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Art Glass
Bitossi for Raymor Vase, Ceramic, Orange and Brown, Signed
By Bitossi
Located in New York, NY
Bitossi for Raymor vase, ceramic, orange and brown, signed. Chunky orange glazed ball form vase with coarse matte brown clay collar. Signed on ...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Brutalist Heavy Bronze 3-Arm Candleholder from Dalbeck, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Brutalist Heavy Bronze 3-Arm Candleholder from Dalbeck, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 official proof of authenticity such as vintage catalogs,
designer record...
Category
20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
Biomorphic Sculpture Object in Aluminum by Eva & Peter Moritz for Ikea, 1980
By IKEA
Located in Delft, NL
Biomorphic Sculpture Object in Aluminum by Eva & Peter Moritz for Ikea, 1980
Category
1980s Swedish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Aluminum
Vintage Hand Painted Lidded Wood Box
By Fantoni
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Vintage hand painted lidded wood box, paper mache.
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Wool
$180 Sale Price
20% Off
Aldo Londi Bitossi Rimini Blue Glazed Ceramic XL Jug Vase
By Bitossi, Aldo Londi
Located in Barcelona, ES
Unusual Mid-Century Modern blue glazed ceramic (Rimini Blu) large jug/ ball shaped pitcher, Italy, 1950-1960s.
Designed by Aldo Londi and manufactured by Bitossi. Handcrafted in Ital...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Pottery, Terracotta, Ceramic
Vintage wooden chess set in wooden box
Located in Praha, CZ
Made in Czechoslovakia
The set shows signs of use (see photo)
Figures have a patina
The board itself is a work of art, adorned with intricate inlaid floral patterns and bordered with...
Category
1960s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
French glass vase signed Pierre Cardin, 1980s
Located in Bastia Umbra, IT
French glass vase signed Pierre Cardin, 1980s.
Very elegant French vase made of turquoise-colored glass with Pierre Cardin label and signature etched into the glass by Pierre Cardin...
Category
1980s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Glass
mid century VASE fratelli fanciullacci strawberry sgraffito decor 1960s 1970s
Located in Mannheim, DE
Very beautiful 1960s 1970s vintage ceramic vase by Fratelli Fanciullacci (attr.). Sgraffito 'strawberry' decor in shiny red. Marked to bottom.
Dimensions in cm:
Height 20.5 cm, wid...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Archimede Seguso Murano Pink Gold Flecks Bullicante Clam Shell Art Glass Bowl
Located in Barcelona, ES
Sculptural hand blown Murano art glass clam shell bowl in pink degrade and clear glass with inner air bubbles. Attributed to Archimede Seguso, Italy, 1950s.
This piece combines Somm...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Gold Leaf, Silver Leaf
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 Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
Murano Glass Sommerso Block "RED"Cube Ashtray Element Flavio Poli, Italy, 1970s
By Flavio Poli
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article:
Murano glass ash tray
Origin:
Murano, Italy
Design:
Flavio Poli
Decade:
1970s
This original vintage g...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Murano Glass
Large Mid Century Modern Teak Waste Paper Bin by Martin Aberg for Servex
Located in Redding, CT
Large Mid Century Modern Teak Waste Paper Bin by Martin Aberg for Servex Sweden 1960s. Classic Iconic design. Perfect for that mid century home office. Base diameter is 10.50 at the ...
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Teak
Mid-Century Modern Brass Kundo German World Globe Desk or Table Clock
By Kundo
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This clock was made by the well known Kundo clock company of Germany and dates to approximately 1970 and done in a Mid-Century Modern style. This World globe clock...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal, Brass
Kaiser West German Porcelain Vase
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Kaiser West German Porcelain vase with a leaf design to front and back. Nice size at 10" tall.
Category
1960s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Seguso Murano Pink White Opalescent Italian Art Glass Vanity Atomizer Perfume
By DeVilbiss, Archimede Seguso
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown opalescent pink and white Italian art glass vanity tall footed atomizer perfume bottle. Documented to designer Archimede Seguso. It has been creat...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Opaline Glass
1980s Op-Art Multi Colored Lucite Sculpture of a Circle, Triange & Rectangle
Located in St. Louis, MO
In the style of Vasa Mihich or Shlomi Haziza, 1980s sculpture colored beveled shapes made of acrylic or lucite with pink circle, yellow triangle, teal rectangle on a purple base. Thi...
Category
1980s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Lucite
A Sculpture of a Gazelle Bust in Patinated and Gilded Bronze, 20th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
An animal sculpture of a gazelle bust in patinated and gilded bronze, 20th century.
Contemporary sculpture of a gazelle bust in patinated and gilded bronze, 20th century animal scul...
Category
20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Brazilian Mid-Century Brass and Wood Picture Frame, 1970s - 2 of 2
Located in Miami, FL
Mid-Century Brazilian brass and wood photo frame with wood tube accents by Nova Metal, 1970s.
Visible photo size: W3-3/8” H4-1/2”
Ships from Brazil
Two available. See our other li...
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Italian Strawberry Studio Pottery Carafe Vase by Fratelli Fantullacci, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Italian Strawberry Studio Pottery Carafe Vase by Fratelli Fantullacci for Bitossi, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 This piece has an attribution mark.
Addition...
Category
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Aldo Londi Bitossi Striped Mid-Century Ceramic Centerpiece Bowl, Italy, 1960s
By Aldo Londi, Bitossi
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful round striped terracotta bowl, designed by Aldo Londi, handcrafted from ceramic by the Italian manufacturer Bitossi Ceramiche in the 1960s. The bowl features six horizont...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Pottery, Terracotta
Extremely RareHarry Bertoia Necklace Sterling Silver Lapis Coral ca. 1940
Located in Bloomfield Hills, MI
Extremely rare combination pendant attached to custom-made chain by Harry Bertoia in sterling silver, containing one Lapis Lazuli and one Coral. This piece comes from a private collection. Provenance will accompany the piece. The work has been added to the Harry Bertoia Catalogue Raisonné and assigned the following catalogue raisonné number: D.JE.78.
Although associated with Mid-Century Modern furniture, Harry Bertoia was originally a jewelry designer who used both sterling silver, precious stones and gem stones. The pendant measures: 1.25" long x 1" wide. The necklace measures: 11" length with a measurement of 22" overall length. The chain and closure are all handcrafted and in his unique design. Lapis Lazuli measures 20mm round supported by one 6 mm red coral. Total weight is
33 grams.
The following is from Beverly H. Twitchell, PhD, author of Bertoia: The Metalworker, London: Phaidon, 2019. She provides a very informative critique of Bertoia and his jewelry.
Wearable Art an Important Design for a Necklace
“Before Harry Bertoia enrolled at the Cranbrook Academy of Art in 1937 he had already mastered traditional jewelers’ techniques, but his engagement with Modernism led him to invent and use more direct methods. Instead of precious metals and gems, Bertoia made jewelry that appealed through its design, craftsmanship and the nature of its materials. That approach would make Bertoia a direct predecessor of the American Studio Crafts movement.
So complex and cumulative are human perception and memory that we often do not know from where our own ideas come and without firm evidence, it is impossible to think we can establish the origins of an artist’s ideas. While his jewelry is entirely modern, chokers with multiple small pendants had come from ancient Mediterranean cultures: Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece and Italy, even from Europe and America at the turn of the last century. Did Bertoia see works in books, journals or at the Detroit Institute of Arts that resonated with him or did he invent this on his own, as he would so many other forms?
Bertoia found inspiration in nature from an early age on a small farm in Italy and later in Cranbrook’s woods, on the beaches of southern California and in the fields near his home in eastern Pennsylvania where he lived after 1950. The fluidity and motion of the his jewelry characterize much of his art. In that spirit, too, he made jewelry that suited human anatomy and was animated by its wearer’s movement. Bertoia had the instincts of an engineer, as the intricacy of the present lot’s clasp and overall construction of the jewelry demonstrates. Large jewelry by Bertoia is very rare. A delight to the eye, and like all of Bertoia’s work it is timeless.”
Harry Bertoia (1915 – 1978) was an Italian-born American artist, jewelry creator and modern furniture designer. He was born in San Lorenzo d-Arzene, Pordenone, Italy. At age 15 he moved to Detroit, Michigan to live with his older brother, Oreste. He quickly learned English and the bus schedule and enrolled in Cass Tech High School in Detroit (1930-1936) where he studied art and design and learned the skill of handmade jewelry making. At that time, there were three jewelry and metals teachers Louise Green...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Coral, Lapis Lazuli, Sterling Silver
Art Pottery, Studio Ceramic /Weed Pot, Feelie by Brenda Williams
Located in Buffalo, NY
Art Pottery, Studio ceramic /weed pot, feelie by Brenda Williams. Northern California artist. Stunning form, wonderful glaze. Last photo ad...
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Tomado Modernist Desk Office Paper Waste Basket, circa 1960
By Tomado
Located in Atlanta, GA
This is a rare functional mid-century modern desk accessory or office waste-basket designed by Tomado, Holland, circa 1960. The oval shape features a light gray metal structure with ...
Category
1960s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
20th century black and grey stoneware ceramic vase circa 1970 handmade
Located in Neuilly-en- sancerre, FR
In the style of Gustave Tiffoche
Original 20th century design stoneware ceramic vase
Black and grey design ceramic colors
Original perfect condition
height 24,5 cm
Large 11 cm
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Mid-Century 1950s Waterford Large Leaded Crystal Decorative Centerpiece
Located in Austin, TX
A stunning and large Mid-Century Waterford decorative leaded crystal piece for dining table, hall or coffee table. The container has a matching leaded crystal lid. This is a rare-to-...
Category
Mid-20th Century Irish Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Crystal
Silvered Bronze Duck
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This very nice duck, finely chiseled is made of silvered bronze. This is a French work. Circa 1970 (Part of a set of 3 ducks that can be sold separately)
Category
1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
$1,501
Large Murrine Murano Vase Attributed to AVEM
By Anzolo Fuga
Located in San Mateo, CA
Large Murano murrine vase in the style of Anzolo Fuga. This has blue and turquoise murrines with gold leaf.
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Art Glass
Pair of Vintage Carved Wood Cats
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Impressive pair of cat sculptures or figures expertly hand carved from wood with surprisingly realistic form, attitude and lush spotted bronze like finish.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
$3,350 / set
Set of 2 Original OP Art white Porcelain Vases by AK Kaiser, Germany, 1970s
By AK Kaiser
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article:
Op Art porcelain vase set of 2
Producer:
AK Kaiser, Germany
Description:
This original vintage OP Art Vase was produced in the 1970s in Germany. it is mad...
Category
Late 20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Katharina Eichler Signed German Art Studio Stoneware Nerikomi Pottery Vase #3
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
We are very proud to be able to present and offer this exceptional, stunning and large sculpture vase by German artist Katharina Eichler (b.1971). This piece of European Art sculptuu...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary German Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Stoneware, Clay, Pottery
$2,126 Sale Price
40% Off
Large Wilhelm Wagenfeld "Turmalin" Vase, 1950
Located in Los Angeles, CA
wonderful large vase from the 'Turmalin' series by Wilhelm Wagenfeld for WMF, blown and cold cut-glass
Category
1950s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Blown Glass
Set of two Leather Pigs by Dimitri Omersa, 1960s
Located in BARCELONA, ES
The Leather Pigs Ottoman by Dimitri Omersa, originating from the 1960s, stands as a truly unique and captivating piece of functional art. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail ...
Category
1960s British Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Leather
$4,084 / set
Midcentury Arched Picture Frame in Wood, Brass and Glass, Italy 1960s
Located in Rome, IT
Midcentury beautiful arched picture frame in wood, brass, glass and acrylic.
Made in Italy in the 1960s.
Perfect desk object or gift idea.
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal, Brass
Mid-century Modern decorative objects for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Mid-Century Modern decorative objects 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 decorative objects 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 ceramic, glass and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Mid-Century Modern decorative objects made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and North America pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original decorative objects, popular names associated with this style include Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Scheurich Keramik, Bitossi, and Rörstrand. 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 decorative objects differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $22 and tops out at $295,000 while the average work can sell for $847.
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Having created extravagant homes for reality TV’s biggest stars, the designer is stepping into the spotlight with his first book.
Tapio Wirkkala Bucked the Trends of Mid-Century Nordic Design
The Finnish talent created nature-inspired pieces, from furniture to jewelry, with phenomenal staying power.
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