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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Tall Abstract Wooden Wall-Mounted Sandy-White Sculpture by Christofer Kochs 2019
Located in Salzburg, AT
Contemporary abstract wooden "VERVE" wall-mounted sculpture created by circular sawing, sandy-white painted on white-stuff. Signed Christofer Kochs, 2019 Due to the exaggerated leng...
Category

2010s German Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood, Paint

Murano "Cenedese" Glass Aquarium, Italy, 1950's
Located in Kastrup, DK
Italian Midcentury Murano glass fish aquarium. Featuring multicolored inclusions with five fish and sea grass. Italy, Venice 1950-1959.  
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass

New Modern Candleholder in Green Marble, creator Karen Chekerdjian
Located in Milan, IT
The value of change in a simple act. Karen Chekerdjian’s new creation puts design front and centre: from one foundation, multiple possibilities. Light casts a magical, eternal glow o...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

"In the Blue" Fluorescent Jellyfish, Murano Glass, Handmade in Italy, 2024
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The jellyfish is the main element of the Mosche Bianche's "Medusa" Collection: fluid, delicate but also dangerous and deadly. It represents the water, the circle of life. The speci...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass

Raaquu Raku Fired Large Globe Vase S/N0000391 Centerpiece Art Series, Malaysia
Located in Petaling Jaya, MY
This Globe Vase is a round, capacious piece produced using the Raku technique, resulting in a beautiful unpredictable finish. This vase would be the perfect centerpiece or an additio...
Category

2010s Malaysian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Copper

Vintage Decorative Fruit Bowl, English, Cut Crystal Glass, Serving Dish, Punch
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage decorative fruit bowl. An English, cut crystal glass serving dish, dating to the late 20th century, circa 1990. Appealingly decorative fruit bowl with a bright app...
Category

1990s British Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Cut Glass

Gatto Tigrato Sculpture by Aldo Londi
Located in Milan, IT
This striking sculpture in the shape of a tiger-skin cat ("gatto tigrato" in Italian) is crafted of top-rate ceramic painted using white and black enamels. Rendered in whimsical and impressive details, this original decorative piece belongs to the Riedizioni Archivio Storico Collection, which includes Bitossi's cult designs...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Seletti "Limited Gold Edition" Porcelain My Robot
Located in Doral, FL
From its very first year in 1964, Seletti in Cicognara, Mantova, has followed its principle of professionality service and constant research to strive for betterness innovation and o...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

"White" Luxury Vases Set of 5 Pieces, Handmade in Italy, 2021, Hand Painted
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The heart collection is the result of the extravagant creativity of two innovative designers, who are inspired especially by the human body. This collection is made by 4 beautiful...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Gold Leaf

Green Glass Jellyfish
Located in Fairfield, CA
A vintage art glass jellyfish. Clear with a vibrant green jellyfish in the center. A great sculptural accent with beautiful detailing formed to create the details of the jellyfish.
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass

Wonderful French Lalique Coppelia Crystal Rose Garland Brass Dresser Jewelry Box
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful French Lalique Coppelia Frosted Crystal With Roses & Garland And A Brass Housing Dresser / Jewelry Box
Category

20th Century French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal, Brass

Seletti "Love in Bloom" Porcelain Heart Vase
Located in Doral, FL
From its very first year in 1964, Seletti in Cicognara, Mantova, has followed its principle of professionality service and constant research to strive for betterness innovation and o...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Tall French Daum Bacchus Green Amethyst Vase Pâté de Verre
By Daum
Located in Vilnius, LT
Tall French Daum Bacchus vase with amethyst glass top and green pâte de verre bottom, decorated with a woman face, grapes and leaves. Circa 2000. Signed ...
Category

Early 2000s French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass

ROSENTHAL Studio Line Wolf Bauer - Porcelain Vase - Germany - Circa 1970's
Located in Chatham, ON
ROSENTHAL Studio Line Wolf Bauer (Designer) - Mid Century gilt and floral decorated vase - signed in the design - Rosenthal stamp to the base - Germany - circa 1970's. Excellent/m...
Category

Late 20th Century German Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Luxury Exotic Wood and Bronze Dugout by William Stuart for Costantini Design
Located in New York, NY
Luxury Exotic Wood and Bronze Dugout by William Stuart for Costantini Design 3.75" H x 1.75 W x 0.5" D Costantini founder William Stuart has bough...
Category

2010s Argentine Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

"Freevolle" Sculpture Table Lamp, ivory lampshade, Brass Body
Located in Pietrasanta, IT
FREEVOLLE Twist and go! The Freevolle Lady lamp captures a quiet elegance, with its refined curves, delicate and airy silhouette, it moves with grace—striking the perfect balance b...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Faux Tusk Trophies Brass Mounted A Pair
By David Barrett
Located in Bradenton, FL
A Pair Of Imitation Tusk Trophies, David Barrett (1923-2008) Designer. These tusk trophies have brass collars on brass covered cube stands. Tusks are smooth and artistically rendered...
Category

20th Century American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Resin

Wonderful Modern Baccarat Large Moulin Rouge Octagonal Crystal Vase Ice Bucket
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful Baccarat Large Harcourt / Moulin Rouge Octagonal crystal vase / Ice Bucket.
Category

20th Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

Robert Indiana Brushed Aluminum Red Love Paperweight Sculpture Desk Accessory
Located in North Miami, FL
This very rare rendition and small edition of the vintage Robert Indiana love paperweight sculpture is rarely seen version in red brushed aluminum. This may have only been a very sma...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Aluminum

Ribera Handmade Round White Ceramic Vase - Stoneware
Located in Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, AR
Beautiful round white ceramic vase crafted from stoneware clay. Inspired by the vibrant marine life of the reef and the soft motion of ocean waves, this white matte vase showcases a ...
Category

2010s Argentine Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Clay, Pottery, Stoneware

Glazed Ceramic Pear Sculpture with Wood Stem Attributed to Bijan circa 1980s
Located in Miami, FL
Glazed Ceramic Pear Sculpture with Wood Stem Attributed to Bijan circa 1980s Offered for sale is a glazed ceramic pear sculpture with a wood stem attributed to the artist Bijan in t...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Wood

Bosphore Wall Sconce in Yellow (Small Size) by Laura Gonzalez
Located in Paris, FR
Glazed ceramic wall lamp with geometric relief made by the Jean Roger workshop in Paris. Available in green, yellow, blue, pink, brown, and matte white colors and in two sizes. Made...
Category

2010s French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Enamel

Japanese Modern LAAB Nauru Sculpture Raku Ceramic Green White Black Metal
Located in monza, Monza and Brianza
Nauru sculpture The copper details of this sculpture are able to show different colors thanks to the concentric lines present on the surface that expand and contract the space whe...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Small Resin Exhibition Sculpture Armand Fernandez - Galerie Lawrence
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1928 - 2005 Original artwork. Armand was an artist who used found objects as his medium and encased them in resin form. This rare scale of his work appears to be a token example for an exhibition given out to patrons for a show. No two are alike. It's stamped within "Arman Galerie Lawrence 11 Mai 1965 De 5 A 8". Mixed industrial metals encased in resin. Great jewel of an art object for collections of modern art. The size is 1 1/8"h x 1 7/8" x 2"... From the estate of the late Naomi Caryl...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Steel

Organic Modern Ceramic Wave Form Vase in White Glaze by Forma Rosa Studio
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Wave collection offers playful geometric shapes rooted in primal forms that appeal universally. Our "Mini" version of our iconic Wave form vases is a...
Category

2010s Peruvian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Stoneware

Venini Monofiore Balloton Extra Large Vase in Amber Horizon Thread Murano Glass
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Monofiore Balloton extra large vase in Amber Murano glass by Venini. It looks soft, but it’s not; it’s glass. The optical illusion of Monofiori by Venini from 1970 lies in its name: ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Herend Modern Figure Venetian Mask Hand-Painted Porcelain
By Gyorgy Farkasréti
Located in Cagliari, IT
Herend Hungarian hand-painted porcelain figure depicting a Venetian mask, decorated with a motif of flowers, birds and butterflies; decor ZO. Exemplary 1...
Category

1990s Hungarian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Pablo Picasso, Hibou, 1954, Pichet tourné, édition Picasso, Madoura
Located in Nice, Cote d' Azur
Pablo Picasso Hibou 1954 Pichet tourné H. 24,5 cm. Larg 13 cm R.A terre de faience blanche, décor à l'oxyde sur émail blanc Bleu Tiré à 500 exemplaires Edition Picasso, Madoura. Répe...
Category

1950s French Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Japanese Yugen Scented Large Candle Raku White and Black Ceramic
Located in monza, Monza and Brianza
Yugen in Japanese literally means "slightly dark " and it stands for the charm of all the things that are in dim light. It means the dark light and the beauty of remaining in the dar...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Vintage Androgynous Granite Stone Head Sculpture
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Expressionless androgynous stonehead and base executed in cut granit. Hard and soft in expression and form at the same time. While the head is executed in a pink/red'ish granite the ...
Category

20th Century Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Granite

Lalique Clear Frosted Buddha
Located in Norwood, NJ
A stunning rendition of the sage on whose teachings Buddhism was founded. The Buddha meditates solemnly in this Fine mouth-blown and hand carved crystal sculpture...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

16/20 Limited Edition "Xai" Surrealist side tables by Salvador Dalí, Spain
Located in Barcelona, ES
Design inspired on an artwork by Salvador Dali´: Interpretation project for a stable-library, 1942 Stuffed lamb, elaborated with a technique by a taxidermist. Drawer and table top i...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Side Table Unique Organic Black Modern/Contemporary Waxed Steel
Located in Bronx, NY
Table No. 5 J.M. Szymanski d. 2022 This side table is composed of stark, perpendicular planes that have been notched and precisely slotted together. Its hand-carved rough edges cont...
Category

2010s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Steel, Iron

Roger Capron's Wall-mounted Sculpture Depicts a Face Inspired of Picasso
Located in Stockholm, SE
Unique piece created in Vallauris, France. Raku, glazes, engravings, and slips. Signed. R. Capron. Emblematic work, and a personal interpretation of Picasso face full of poetry and...
Category

1990s French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Enamel

Rotunda Nude Form in Blue
Located in Richmond, VA
Female nude form ‘Rotunda’ by Jude Jelfs. Slab-built earthenware with vitreous slips and sgraffito. Glazed inside. Due to the handmade nature, subtle variations in form and finish a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Earthenware

Les Ottomans "The Moon Design" Small Porcelain Plate by Matthew Williamson
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Matthew Williamson one of the most well known fashion designer has created a tabletop and textile collection for Les-Ottomans. Colors is a must in all Williamsons’ designs as well as...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain, Paint

Hand Blown Murano Glass Box in Black with Bubbles and Brass Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Discover the epitome of elegance with this exquisite Pulegoso technique box, meticulously crafted in Murano and signed for MOGUL. This box, available in both large and giant sizes, e...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Chrome

Studio Venini Spherical Table Lamp Model "Pallotta", Murano, 1970s
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
A rare and beautiful table lamp from the ''Pallotta'' series in talpa glass and polychrome hand blowed glass balls inside. Designed by Studio Venini during the 1970s this table la...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

DAUM ¨LA MOUETTE¨ Pate de Verre Glass Sculpture by Claude Lhoste
By Daum
Located in Mérida, YU
This is an amazing Pate de Verre Glass Sculpture by French Artist Claude Lhoste for DAUM France. Limited edition 186/250. In great original condition. ...
Category

1990s French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass

Tall Abstract Murano Sommerso "Burri" Vase
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite, hand-crafted Murano glass vase showcases the unique Sommerso technique with the addition of aventurina. The shimmering gold hue created is mesmerizing as it captures ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Tiffany & Co. Clear Crystal Candlesticks, Pair
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of crystal candlesticks By Tiffany & Co., "Louis Comfort Tiffany Collection" (signed to the underside) New York, USA...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

Marble Bust Representing Hermes, Patinated Marble, Contemporary Work.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Marble bust representing Hermes, patinated marble, contemporary work. Hermes bust in patinated marble and black granite base, reproduction of a 1st-2nd century Roman bust. H: 49.5 ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

Contemporary Ceramic Anemone Small Footed Bowl Cartoccio Texture White and Gold
Located in Porcia, IT
A striking work of art, this sculptural bowl is a testament to artistic innovation and craftsmanship. Entirely handmade of paper clay, this bowl has a conical Silhouette with sloping...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Abstract Sculpture Tribute to Pablo Picasso Head Cleopatra Murano Glass Badioli
Located in Murano, Venezia
This work, Sculpture Cleopatra, of art is a tribute to Pablo Picasso, made in Murano glass by the famous master glassmaker Badioli. Single work of rare beauty, full of shades of colo...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Curvy Planter by Pieces, Fiberglass Planters
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Fiberglass planters suitable for indoor or outdoor use. Made by hand in Vietnam. Available in: Sky Pesto Ash Dimensions: Base 22”, opening 9”, height 20”.
Category

2010s Vietnamese Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Fiberglass

Monoliti Magma Carlo Moretti Murano Glass Sculpture
Located in New York, NY
One of a kind Murano crystal multicolored sculpture created in 2017. Carlo Moretti: An artisan factory Strolling afoot through the foundations of Murano, the visitor provi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

Japanese Tanoa Large Bowl Raku White and Black Ceramic
Located in monza, Monza and Brianza
Tanoa is a large bowl, designed with simplicity and masterful skill of the raku firing technique expressing the master artisan will in its white crackle drippings and black burn clay...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Large Ceramic Vase Hand-Painted Light Blue Butterflies, 24kt Gold Luster, Italy
Located in Recanati, IT
Our 'Petalouda Gold' majolica vase showcases the timeless allure of the blue butterfly capturing the essence of its elegance. Revered across cultures as a symbol of wishes fulfilled,...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Gold Plate

Gucci Italy Black Leather and Crocodile Skin Picture Frame, circa 1980
Located in Atlanta, GA
Italian designer Gucci created this luxury leather and brass picture frame. The piece was crafted in Italy circa 1980. The timeless, elegant black calfskin leather is embellished wit...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Large Bronze Bowl 'Tortolina' 2
Located in London, GB
'Tortolina' , a sculptural bowl, hand crafted, moulded and cast in bronze in the lost wax process. The object intricately sculpted before the artist delicately imprints marks on the ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Salimbeni Pocket Cigarette Case, 8 Section Sterling Silver Natural
Located in Firenze, FI
Salimbeni Pocket Cigarette Case, octagonal section, in 925/1000 sterling silver. Salimbeni Pocket Cigarette Case has a spring-loaded button and opening Salimbeni Pocket Cigarette C...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Sterling Silver

Venini Adrenalina Happy Pills Vase in Red and Green by Fabio Novembre
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Venini Adrenalina happy pills by Fabio Novembre. Numbered Edition Handmade-blown glass with the “Incalmo” technique. Dimensions: Ø 11.5 cm, H 33 cm Year of manufacture: 2012 ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Blown Glass

Abstract Sculpture Like Brancusi, Signed Adriano Tolomei, Italy, 1970's
By Brancusi
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Abstract Sculpture Like Brancusi, Signed Adriano Tolomei, Italy, 1970's Heavy abstract sculpture composed of a faux bois epoxy resin. High-polished cutouts with gold-tinted lacquered surfaces and refined faux bois abstract lines and planes worked to resemble raw wood. Carved and worked In the manner of Brancusi, Giacometti, or African tribal arts and totems. Adriano Tolomei is an Italian architect, furniture designer and sculptor. Contact us for a detailed condition report. Signed script...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Epoxy Resin

Blue Butterflies Vase, Vessel Glazed Ceramic, Majolica Ornament, Handmade Italy
Located in Recanati, IT
Of extraordinary beauty and unique charm, the blue butterfly has always been considered the bearer of wishes. According to ancient beliefs it has the power to make dreams come true. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Majolica

Decorative Plate ”Ten-Foot Flowers” by Andy Warhol by Rosenthal
Located in Berlin, DE
Art Plate ”Ten Foot Flowers” 1967 by Andy Warhol. Limited edition by Rosenthal group. Germany, 2002.
Category

Early 2000s German Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Bonnie Large LED Handmade Sculptural Pendant in Solid Brass, 90cm/35".
Located in Torslanda, SE
The Bonnie range is designed around the stylized form of a Saffron flower, known around the world for its valuable beauty, fragrance and essence. Each part is handmade, wether it be cast, milled, fabricated and finished from our Swedish workshop. With a combination of hand-brushed and polished surfaces, this solid brass fixture...
Category

2010s Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Pair candlelight holder cobalt blue glass and brass by Villeroy & Boch
Located in Schöfflisdorf, CH
Pair candlelight holder cobalt blue glass and brass by Villeroy & Boch
Category

1980s German Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Dali Vase, Glass Object
Located in İstanbul, İstanbul
"Add an Artistic Touch to Your Space with the Captivating Dali Vase Glass Object Elevate your interior design with the mesmerizing beauty of the Dali Vase Glass Object. Inspired by t...
Category

2010s Turkish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

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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