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Modern Decorative Objects

MODERN STYLE

The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw sweeping social change and major scientific advances — both of which contributed to a new aesthetic: modernism. Rejecting the rigidity of Victorian artistic conventions, modernists sought a new means of expression. References to the natural world and ornate classical embellishments gave way to the sleek simplicity of the Machine Age. Architect Philip Johnson characterized the hallmarks of modernism as “machine-like simplicity, smoothness or surface [and] avoidance of ornament.”

Early practitioners of modernist design include the De Stijl (“The Style”) group, founded in the Netherlands in 1917, and the Bauhaus School, founded two years later in Germany.

Followers of both groups produced sleek, spare designs — many of which became icons of daily life in the 20th century. The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics. While Bauhaus principals Marcel Breuer and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe created furniture from mass-produced, chrome-plated steel, American visionaries like Charles and Ray Eames worked in materials as novel as molded plywood and fiberglass. Today, Breuer’s Wassily chair, Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona chaircrafted with his romantic partner, designer Lilly Reich — and the Eames lounge chair are emblems of progressive design and vintage originals are prized cornerstones of collections.

It’s difficult to overstate the influence that modernism continues to wield over designers and architects — and equally difficult to overstate how revolutionary it was when it first appeared a century ago. But because modernist furniture designs are so simple, they can blend in seamlessly with just about any type of décor. Don’t overlook them.

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Style: Modern
Baccarat Crystal Butterfly Sculpture/Figurine
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a Baccarat Crystal Butterfly sculpture/figurine . It depicts a light green translucent crystal butterfly with its large wings open up supported also by a square crystal base....
Category

20th Century French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

Steel Vase 1 by Duzi Objects
Located in DARLINGTON, WA
Steel Vase 1 by Duzi Objects Perth-based steel sculpture artist Douglas Powell of Duzi Objects delves into the realms of fluidity, movement, and three-dimensional shapes through hi...
Category

2010s Australian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Steel

Steel Vase V by Duzi Objects
Located in DARLINGTON, WA
Steel Vase V by Duzi Objects Perth-based steel sculpture artist Douglas Powell of Duzi Objects delves into the realms of fluidity, movement, and three-dimensional shapes through hi...
Category

2010s Australian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Steel

Acrylic Sculpture by Frederic Hart Titled "Firebird"
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Hart's stunning vision of a graceful and heroic female figure whose eyes are closed in rapt adoration and whose hair cascades behind her in windswept abandon. Inspired by his apprec...
Category

1980s Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Acrylic

Colorful Ceramic Monkey jewelry box, hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Introducing the exquisite Monkey Jewelry Box by Senzo Duma Ceramics, a stunning fusion of African artistry and functionality, meticulously hand-painted and hand-sculpted in South Afr...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Dutch Contemporary Sculptural Ceramic Art Modder in Touch by Françoise Jeffrey
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Each of Françoise Jeffrey's ceramic pieces is hand made, coil built, organically shaped and unique in their own way, thus creating a basic and timeless design. Perfectly imperfect, i...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Earthenware

Colorful Ceramic Leopards Tureen, hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Introducing the stunning Leopard Tureen by Wiseman Ceramics, a true masterpiece of African craftsmanship, meticulously hand-painted and hand-sculpted in South Africa. Designed by Wi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Contemporary Sculptural Ceramic Art Modder Brave Little Sis by Françoise Jeffrey
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Each of Françoise Jeffrey's ceramic pieces is hand made, coil built, organically shaped and unique in their own way, thus creating a basic and timeless design. Perfectly imperfect, i...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Stoneware

21st Century Abstract Sculpture Venere by Renzo Buttazzo
Located in Paris, FR
21st century abstract sculpture Venere by Renzo Buttazzo from Italy. Sculpture in lecce stone. Delivered with a certificate of authenticity. Since 1886 Renzo Buttazzo work with Pie...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone, Limestone, Stainless Steel

Dutch Contemporary Sculptural Ceramic Art Modder Embracing by Françoise Jeffrey
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Each of Françoise Jeffrey's ceramic pieces is hand made, coil built, organically shaped and unique in their own way, thus creating a basic and timeless design. Perfectly imperfect, i...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Earthenware

Dutch Contemporary Sculptural Ceramic Art Modder Nurture by Françoise Jeffrey
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Each of Françoise Jeffrey's ceramic pieces is hand made, coil built, organically shaped and unique in their own way, thus creating a basic and timeless design. Perfectly imperfect, i...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Earthenware

Dutch Contemporary Sculptural Ceramic Art Modder Emotional by Françoise Jeffrey
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Each of Françoise Jeffrey's ceramic pieces is hand made, coil built, organically shaped and unique in their own way, thus creating a basic and timeless design. Perfectly imperfect, i...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Earthenware

Gradient Fiberglass Saluting Elephant Sculpture by Kunaal Kyhaan
Located in Pune, IN
The Fiberglass Gradient Elephant Sculpture by Kunaal Kyhaan is part of a collection of sculptures that are inspired by Indian mythology and by exotic animals that are indigenous to I...
Category

2010s Indian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Fiberglass

1980s Modernist Silver Plated Italian Round Box
Located in Aci Castello, IT
A silver plated and brass round box designed and manufactured in Italy in the Eighties. It's il very good condition overall, on the lid, inside a brass frame there is an abstract met...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Silver Plate

Joan Shapiro Modern Abstract Alabaster Sculpture
Located in New York, NY
Joan Hyde Shapiro (American, XX-XXI) Modern Abstract Pink Alabaster Stone Sculpture, carved into an organic freeform shape, signed to reverse, mounted on a tiered wood base. 8.75" H ...
Category

20th Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Alabaster

Contemporary Sculptural Ceramic Art Modder Doing Her Thing by Françoise Jeffrey
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Each of Françoise Jeffrey's ceramic pieces is hand made, coil built, organically shaped and unique in their own way, thus creating a basic and timeless design. Perfectly imperfect, i...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Earthenware

Vintage "Anemone" Crystal Table Clock by Daum, France
By Daum
Located in Morristown, NJ
An attractive vintage 20th c., crystal table clock signed "Daum - France" on the crystal. The quartz clock mechanism also has a stylized Daum signature located below 12 o'clock. At 10' square, the clock has a strong visual presence. History And Meaning Of Anemones: It was believed that the flower sprang from the blood of the slain Adonis, who was a lover of the goddess Aphrodite. As such, anemones were often seen as a symbol of love and passion. In Victorian England, anemones were given as gifts to express love and anticipation. Founded in 1878, Daum Nancy crystal is still recognized for its manufacturing expertise. It owes its fame to master glassmaker Antonin Daum. Dimensions: 10"h x 10"w x 2.25"d Condition: Good, oxidation to metal ring surrounding dial, no visible chips, cracks, or repairs. Clock has not been tested. Provenance: The Collection of Olga & Arthur Rankin, NYC. Arthur Rankin was a visionary who wore many hats as a producer, director, screenwriter and animator. He is best known for pioneering the art of “Animagic” — or stop-action animation. His legacy is etched in the hearts of millions, especially during the holiday season. Rankin/Bass Productions gave us timeless treasures like “Rudolph the...
Category

1950s French Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

Carole Harrison Cast Bronze Abstract Sculpture
Located in Toledo, OH
Cast bronze abstract statue by Michigan artist Carole Harrison (1933-2022). 10 1/2" tall x 6 1/4" long x 3 1/2" deep. Marked on the base. Carole Harrison (10/30/33 - 4/4/22) - Born...
Category

Late 20th Century North American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Modern Murano Glass Vase in Gold-Amber Color signed by Hand, Italy 2015
Located in Salzburg, AT
A straight-lined vase with a matt, amber-colored interior and an exterior covered with an abstract and porous-looking gold glaze. Strands of glass are laid all around it, these stran...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Sculptural Contemporary Ukrainian Glazed Chamotte Vase Ephemeral V by Voznicki
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Andriy and Olesya Voznicki are well established Ukrainian artists. They have both graduated from Lviv Academy of Art in Ukraine, Olesya - from the Art Glass department and Andriy as ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Ukrainian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Clay

Lee Broom - Fulcrum Candlestick Black Marble - Large
Located in New York, NY
A play on the concept of pivots and supports, Fulcrum is a sculptural and monolithic candlestick whose cylindrical stem appears to balance on a central sphere. Includes large clear...
Category

2010s British Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Carrara Marble

Cave Sideboard by kar
Located in Geneve, CH
Cave sideboard by kar Dimensions: W 40 x D 38 x H 50 cm. Materials: FRP. Available in black. Kar, is the root of Sanskrit Karma, meaning karmic repetition. We seek the cause and eff...
Category

2010s Chinese Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Fiberglass

Geometric Sculpture in Polished Pearl Resin by Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Geometric sculpture made in polished resin in variety of colors. It is a modern and colorful piece that will liven up any space. This sculpture is very versatile and fun! You can cr...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Resin

Pair of Ceramic White Lions Tureens, hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Introducing the exquisite White Lions Tureen, part of the Timbavati collection by Wiseman Ceramics—a stunning fusion of African artistry and storytelling, meticulously hand-painted a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Colorful Ceramic Leopards and Protea Vase, hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Introducing the captivating Leopard Vase by Senzo Duma Ceramics, a stunning testament to African artistry, meticulously hand-painted and hand-sculpted in South Africa. Crafted with ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Colorful Ceramic Leopard Vase, hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Introducing the captivating Leopard Vase by Senzo Duma Ceramics, a stunning testament to African artistry, meticulously hand-painted and hand-sculpted in South Africa. Crafted with ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Silvio Coppola Polished Stainless Steel Lobo Fruit Bowl for Alessi, 1990s
Located in Miami, FL
Silvio Coppola Polished Stainless Steel Lobo Fruit Bowl for Alessi, 1990s
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Steel

Contemporary Pair of Glass Candlesticks
By James McCray
Located in Miami, FL
A pair of Contemporary Glass Candlesticks in Bright Colors Shaft (Purple, Blue, Green and Yellow) and Yellow foot. The Glass candle pilar is in Black. Signature: Cray
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Thick Clear Lucite Interlocking Hearts Sculpture by Miami Artist Michael Gitter
Located in Miami, FL
Thick Clear Lucite Interlocking Hearts Sculpture by Miami Artist Michael Gitter Offered for sale is a thick clear lucite interlocking hearts sculpture by Miami based artist Michael ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Lucite

Modernist Java Shagreen Box with Sculptural Bronze Handle by R&Y Augousti
Located in New York, NY
This refined and sophisticated modernist box was realized by the celebrated Parisian design firm R&Y Agousti. It features a volumetric circular java shagreen body that opens via a re...
Category

20th Century French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Vintage Sergio Bustamante Brass Snail Sculpture Mexico Mid Century Modern 1970s
Located in Troy, MI
Sergio Bustamante rare snail sculpture Mexico 1970s Hollow form brass welded construction with great detail and character Unmarked 19 inch width 9 inch depth 10 inch height
Category

1970s Mexican Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Hand Carved Marble Turtle by Kunaal Kyhaan
Located in Pune, IN
The Hand Carved Marble Turtle by Kunaal Kyhaan is a tabletop sculpture that is inspired by Indian mythology and by the exotic animals that are indigenous to India. The turtle is a s...
Category

2010s Indian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

Lalique Crystal Orchidee Vase Orchid Opalescent Clear
Located in Countryside, IL
Lalique Crystal Orchidee Vase Orchid Opalescent/Clear This vase measures: 9 wide x 7.5 deep x 6.25 inches high We take our photos in a controlled lighting studio to show as much d...
Category

Early 2000s French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

Colorful Ceramic Lion vase, hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Introducing the captivating Lion Jug by Senzo Duma Ceramics, a true masterpiece of African artistry, meticulously hand-painted and hand-sculpted in South Afri...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Moor Head Special Edition 2024, Vase, Handmade in Italy, Bespoke. Eye Strip Gold
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The creator of the “Sicilian state of mind” collection searches for objects from the past that convey emotions linked to memory. She selects, re-sews, removes paint and repaints, dis...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Clay, Terracotta

Marc Lalique, France. Colossal and impressive "Haiti" art glass bowl.
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Marc Lalique, France. Colossal and impressive "Haiti" art glass bowl in clear crystal with inclusions of electric blue. Rare model. 1950. Signed Lalique France. Signature on the bot...
Category

1950s French Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass

Gradient Fiberglass KOY Fish by Kunaal Kyhaan
Located in Pune, IN
The Gradient Finished Fiberglass KOY fish by Kunaal Kyhaan is inspired by ancient Asian Philosophy, in which the Koi fish symbolizes perseverance and good luck. This handcrafted fib...
Category

2010s Indian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Fiberglass

Limited Edition Salvador Dali Armchair, "Invisible Personage"
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Indulge in a rare opportunity to own a piece of art history with this Limited Edition Salvador Dali Armchair, featuring the artist's iconic "Invisible Personage" design. One of only ...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Sheepskin, Upholstery, Lacquer

Salvador Dali Contemporary Portlligat Wood Sculpture Sunbed with Cushion
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Design by Salvador Dalí­­, 1903 Manufactured by BD Barcelona Solid Iroko wooden structure with polyamide wheels. Optional upholstered cushion with water repellent foam and material...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Moor Head Special Edition 2024, Vase, Handmade in Italy, Bespoke. Light Pink
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The creator of the “Sicilian state of mind” collection searches for objects from the past that convey emotions linked to memory. She selects, re-sews, removes paint and repaints, dis...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Clay, Terracotta

Gradient Fiberglass Rhino Sculpture by Kunaal Kyhaan
Located in Pune, IN
The Fiberglass Gradient Rhino Sculpture by Kunaal Kyhaan is part of a collection of sculptures that are inspired by Indian mythology and by exotic animals that are indigenous to Indi...
Category

2010s Indian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Fiberglass

Contemporary Ceramic Art Sculpture Wound by Yulia Batyrova and Marat Mukhametov
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Yulia Batyrova started working with ceramics five years ago. From the very beginning, she was keen on experimenting with form, materials and graphics in search of her own style. Sinc...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Russian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Concrete, Metal

Moor Head Special Edition 2024, Vase, Handmade in Italy, Bespoke. Gold X
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The creator of the “Sicilian state of mind” collection searches for objects from the past that convey emotions linked to memory. She selects, re-sews, removes paint and repaints, dis...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Clay, Terracotta

Mario Bellini Shanghai Gold Vase for Kartell
Located in Miami, FL
Gold Shanghai vase designed by Mario Bellini for Kartell. A multi-faceted vase widening from the base to the top in a swirling motion. Shanghai is like ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Plastic

Contemporary Ceramic Art Sculpture Direct Hit by Yulia Batyrova Marat Mukhametov
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Yulia Batyrova started working with ceramics five years ago. From the very beginning, she was keen on experimenting with form, materials and graphics in search of her own style. Sinc...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Russian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Concrete, Metal

Sculpture Vase Vessel Solid Rare Pure White Onyx Hand Carved in Italy Wavy Shape
Located in Ancona, Marche
Important sculptural vase carved by hand from a solid block of pure white onyx. The vase is hand sculpted, starting from a large block of white onyx which has been carefully selected...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone, Marble, Onyx

Moor Head Special Edition 2024, Vase, Handmade in Italy, Bespoke. Gold Thunder
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The creator of the “Sicilian state of mind” collection searches for objects from the past that convey emotions linked to memory. She selects, re-sews, removes paint and repaints, dis...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Clay, Terracotta

Contemporary Ceramic Sculpture Hands in Blood by Yulia Batyrova Marat Mukhametov
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Yulia Batyrova started working with ceramics five years ago. From the very beginning, she was keen on experimenting with form, materials and graphics in search of her own style. Sinc...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Russian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Concrete, Metal

Salvador Dali Contemporary Portlligat Wood Sculpture Sunbed
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Introducing a one-of-a-kind wooden sculpture by renowned artist Salvador Dali. The Salvador Dali Contemporary Portlligat wood sculpture sunbed is a unique and exclusive piece that is...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Large Ceramic Vase by Ivo de Santis for Gli Utruschi , 1970's
Located in New York, NY
Large decorative Modernist ceramic vase designed by Ivo de Santis for Gli Utruschi. Earthen tones with colorful accents and lines with ribbed neck details.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Jaeger LeCoultre, Bicolor Atmos Clock, Silver and Gold, Manufactured 1978
Located in Greven, DE
Jaeger LeCoultre - Atmos clock in silver-gold bicolour version Switzerland Nickel-plated and gold-plated brass Year of manufacture 1978 Dimensions: H x W x D: 22 x 18 x 13.5 cm De...
Category

1970s Swiss Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Aqua Murano “Rostrate” Vase
Located in Austin, TX
Italian Murano glass vase, in Aqua color, crafted in the “rostrate” technique, in the manner of iconic Murano glass powerhouse “ Barovier “, mimicking birds beaks. We love the striki...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

"Clarita" Art Glass Sculpture, circa 1984
Located in Philadelphia, PA
"Clarita" Art Glass Sculpture, circa 1984, unsigned In the style of Timo Sarpaneva light scratches on the top and bottom
Category

Late 20th Century Finnish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass

"Composition 202.3" Cubist Abstract Sculpture by Dan Schneiger
Located in Chicago, IL
"Composition 202.3" is a captivating cubist/abstract mixed media sculpture by Dan Schneiger, dating from circa 2020. The sculpture is a harmonious assembly of wood, foam core, plaste...
Category

2010s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Foam, Resin, Plaster, Paint, Wood

African Ceramic Monkey Urn by Ardmore
Located in North Miami, FL
Introducing the Ardmore Ceramics Hand-Painted Ceramic Urn, a stunning piece of art that seamlessly blends craftsmanship and creativity. This magnificent urn, standing at an impressiv...
Category

2010s South African Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Pretty English Modern Sterling Silver Vase, 1937
Located in New York, NY
Pretty English Modern sterling silver vase, 1937. Straight and tapering sides with curved bottom; overhanging mouth has wavy curvilinear rim with applied reeding. Stepped and domed f...
Category

1930s British Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Sterling Silver

Salvador Dali Surrealist Leda Armchair Sculpture Black Label Limited Edition
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Leda armchair designed by Dali manufactured by BD. All pieces of ironwork in this collection are made of brass. The black label Leda collection has an artisanal application of a spe...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

French Modern Large Mosaic Vase
Located in Miami, FL
Beautiful French modern large 32" colorful mosaic vase. The vase features different color tiling encircling its circumference giving it a distinctive charm.
Category

Early 2000s French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Clay

Modern decorative objects for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique 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, asian art and furniture and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, ceramic and other materials. If you’re shopping for used 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 Venini, RAAQUU, VG-VGnewtrend, and Mosche Bianche. 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 $15 and tops out at $6,718,000 while the average work can sell for $1,174.

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