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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Sculpture Ceramic Vase 24 Karat Gold Luster Vessel Decoration Handmade, Italy
Located in Recanati, IT
Sculptural vase handmade in Italy and decorated with the luster technique in 24 Kt gold. Dimensions: D 29 cm, H 46 cm. The entire manufacturing process is handmade in Italy. The vas...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Gold, Gold Plate

Jade Onyx Bowl Centerpiece Decorative Sculpture Green Solid Marble Hand-Carved
Located in Ancona, Marche
Important sculptural bowl carved by hand from a solid block of Jade onyx. The polished finishing underlines the transparency of this special material, making it a very precious piece...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Onyx, Marble

Modern Pendant Light by on.Entropy, Mission in Seamless White Marble and Bronze
Located in Athens, GR
The Mission Pendant Light by on entropy design studio, is a modern exploration of light, material, and minimalism—carved from a single, seamless ...
Category

2010s Greek Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

White Outdoor Giraffe w/ Chandelier by Marcantonio, Made in Italy
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Scroll down and click "view all from Seller" to see more than 400 other unique products. Designed by Marcantonio, Giraffe in Love M is a giraffe of 2.65 meters high that holds a c...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Plastic, Fiberglass

Desk Set stripes enamel Fountain pen, Ballpoint pen and Tray.Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Rectangular tray with rounded corners in 925/1000 sterling silver with translucent fired enamels with two-tone stripes on guilloche and hand engravings, cm. 9.5 x 18. For fountain pe...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Gold, Sterling Silver, Enamel

Agresti Smart Identity Armoire with 6 Watch Winders
Located in New York, NY
Interactive armored armoire in matte finish Canaletto walnut or polished Ebony, with emergency key. White leather interior with 6 Swiss made watch winders and secret compartment. Rut...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Leather, Wood

1990s Modern Abstract Art Geometric Sculpture Iron and Bronze Brutalist
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a 1990s Modern Abstract Art Geometric Metal Sculpture Iron and bronze Beautiful composition and form. Very clean constr...
Category

20th Century Unknown Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze, Iron

Rare MC2 Fleming Hermes Wallet / Mississippiensis Alligator
Located in Munich, DE
Nice hermes wallet in wonderful burgundy alligator leather.
Category

1990s French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Leather, Alligator

Hana R Mini Vase Raku Ceramic - Carbon Copper - Handmade Home Decor Gift
Located in Petaling Jaya, MY
Hana R ~ 花 flower Our Hana R mini raku vase is the most geometric and edgy designs in our series. Its needle like shape creates a slip and faceted surface that stands out. Each pie...
Category

2010s Malaysian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Copper

Venini Clessidra Hourglass in Sapphire Cipria Pink Murano Glass
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Clessidra hourglass in amber murano glass by Paolo Venini and Fulvio Bianconi. Little grains of sand, impalpable and unnoticeable as a whole yet so real, like time ticking away. In 1...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Contemporary Rabbit Hand Blown Glass Vase Spring Animal Cute Bunny Decanter Pot
Located in Camisano Vicentino, IT
Introducing the whimsical Rabbit Vase, a charming hand-blown glass creation by the talented Simone Crestani. This delicate decanter, crafted entirely in tr...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Ceramic Pomegranate And Butterfly Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Pomegranate Butterfly Jewelry Box Introducing the Pomegranate Butterfly Jewelry Box, an exquisite ceramic piece from Love Art Ceramic, crafted in...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Japanese Modern Minimalist LAAB Hana Vertical Vase Raku Ceramic White Crakle
Located in monza, Monza and Brianza
Hana vertical A sleek and modern design of unprecedented sophistication, this vase's clean and essential character is enhanced with neutral colors transformed into a striking play of light and dark patchworks by the Japanese Raku ceramic firing...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Nene Table Clock
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Friendly and fun clocks ideal as a gift to decorate the living room, kitchen or a modern office. Nene table clock with body and hands in oak or walnut wood and graphite lacquered. N...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Nene Table Clock
Nene Table Clock
$336 / item
English Modern Chrome & Resin "Le Garcon" Mannequin by Lindsey B
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
English Modern Chrome & Resin "Le Garcon" Mannequin by Lindsey B. England , Circa 1980s A rare iconic design of English Modern, The silver and black lacq...
Category

Late 20th Century English Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Chrome

Glaciar Tall Silver Alpaca & Bordeaux Onyx Stone Flower Vase
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
Glaciar collection is meticulously handcrafted by our local artisans with these rectangular onyx pieces set around alpaca silver flower vases, boxes and trays. Our pieces are made b...
Category

2010s Argentine Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone, Onyx, Metal

Waterford Cut Crystal Vase Bowl
Located in Countryside, IL
Waterford Cut Crystal Vase Bowl This vase measures: 8.25 wide x 8.25 deep x 9 inches high We take our photos in a controlled lighting studio to show as much detail as possible. We ...
Category

Early 2000s Northern Irish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

Hermes Paris 1960 Vintage Modernist Desk Box Round Covered Dish In silver
Located in Miami, FL
Round covered dish designed by Hermes. This is a very beautiful and highly decorative piece, created in Paris France by the luxury house of Hermes, back in the 1960. This useful des...
Category

1960s French Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Silver

Large 1980s Crouching Monkey Sculpture, in White & Gold
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Life Size 1980s Crouching Monkey Sculpture, in White/ Cream Gold Representing Pop -Art of of the 1980s, we are pleased to offer this remarkable life-size monkey sculpture that embo...
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Composition

Pair of Italian Porcelain Silver Lustre Nautilus Cachepots
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Italian porcelain silver lustre nautilus cachepots, Each one bright and shiny, modeled of nautilus clam shell, of good size 13.5" wide x 9.5" high x 7.5" deep, the interior m...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Michael Elkan Live Edge Burl Box
Located in New York, NY
Studio craft raw edge burl box with hinged lid, which conceals 2 compartments. Signed Michael Elkan.
Category

20th Century American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Burl

Pink & Gold Terracotta Vase, Stefania Boemi
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This unique work of art is sure to make a statement in an eclectic or modern décor, where it will be an ideal vessel to display floral compositions or as a statement sculpture. Its d...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Gold Leaf

Brass Tea Light Cups 'Set of 5'
Located in Paonia, CO
The (wh)ORE HAüS STUDIOS small goods collection was made for those that wanted to experience the (wh)ORE HAüS brand without committing to our larger pieces. Our brass tea light...
Category

2010s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Decorative Brutalist White Stoneware Ceramic Vase by Hervé Rousseau 21st Century
Located in Neuilly-en- sancerre, FR
Hervé Rousseau Original and elegant stoneware ceramic vase by Hervé Rousseau. Decorative white ceramic glaze color. Original perfect condition....
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

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

Casa Planter No1
Located in Macieira de Sarnes, PT
CASA PLANTER, designed in 2023. Artisanal planter created by skilled artisans in Project 213A's own workshop. Hand-sculpted ceramic with textured petal shaped finish. Each piece is...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Clay

Casa Planter No1
Casa Planter No1
$956 / item
Archimede Seguso Rossoe Bianco Vase 1950
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Archimede Seguso Rossoe Bianco Vase 1950 This stunning Archimede Seguso Rosso e Bianco Vase, crafted in Murano, Italy, circa 1950, is a masterpiece of mid-century glass artistry. Fe...
Category

20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Salta Large Square Black Onyx Stone Pair of Bookends
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
Salta province is called the beautiful, and this adjective introduces us to its profound beauty. Its fertile valleys, windy desert, colorful mountains and blue sky are the images tha...
Category

2010s Argentine Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone, Onyx, Metal

1980s Modern Turquoise and White Murano Glass Round Centerpiece
Located in Aci Castello, IT
A 1980s Turquoise and White Murano Glass Centerpiece designed and manufactured in Italy in the style of Venini. This Round Centerpiece i...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Hand Blown Murano Teardrop Vase in Lagoon Blue Medium
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This exquisite Murano vase embodies the pinnacle of Italian glassmaking artistry. Handcrafted in Murano, Italy, this luxurious piece showcases the unparalleled skill and tradition pa...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Glazed Ceramic Tea Bowl by Toshiko Takaezu
Located in Atlanta, GA
A small elegant glazed ceramic tea bowl (chawan) by Japanese American artist Toshiko Takaezu (American, 1922 - 2011). The well-balanced form is hand b...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Kelvin LaVerne Rare and Important "Giacometti's Soul" Sculpture 1980s (Signed)
Located in New York, NY
Rare and exceptional cast sculpture "Giacometti's Soul" in bronze with hand-painted enamels on a patinated bronze base by Kelvin LaVerne, American late 1980's (Engraved signature on ...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze, Enamel

Male Écorché Sculptures by Brenda Putnam, c. 1939
Located in Chicago, IL
This rare pair of écorché sculptures by renowned American sculptor Brenda Putnam (1890–1975) offers a fascinating glimpse into both artistic process and anatomical study. Dating to 1...
Category

1930s American Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Sculptural Dolphin Sterling Silver Candlesticks – Modernist Elegance, 1998
Located in London, London
A striking blend of contemporary elegance and marine-inspired design, this pair of sterling silver candlesticks was crafted in 1998 by Maxwell, Aylwin & Co. Each piece is supported b...
Category

1990s English Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Sterling Silver

Alan White Dartington Trio Studio Pottery Mottle Glazed Bottle Vases
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A wonderful collection of three Dartington pottery mottle glazed small studio pottery bottle vases by renowned master potter Alan White (British, b. 1949) and probably dating from th...
Category

Late 20th Century English Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stoneware

Gyrowinder Watch Winder by Döttling
Located in New York, NY
Around the world, Döttling luxury safes find homes among select connoisseurs and enthusiasts of the finest locksmith artisanry. They originate from the Döttling manufactory in Sindel...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Aluminum, Nickel

Baccarat Set of Structured Exquise Clear Crystal Vases, France, 1990
Located in Rijssen, NL
Glorifying the effects of refracted light for 170 years, the iconic Baccarat and Saint Louis vases are well-known all over the world. Two crystal masterpieces of exceptional proport...
Category

1990s French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

In Stock in Los Angeles, Purple Kong Mini Portable Charger
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Kong mini power bank battery charger In stock in Los Angeles Easily transportable, Kong mini becomes a stand hugging the mobile phone and an external battery for fast charging mo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Plastic

20th C. Bronze Abstract 'Infiniti' Sculpture to Attributed Richard Erdman
By Richard Erdman
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Late 20th Century Bronze Abstract Sculpture with Verdigris Patina, attributed to Richard Erdman (American, b. 1952) Consisting of two pieces, the bronze sculpture and the marble bas...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble, Bronze

1994 Nambé Studio Vase Silver
Located in Chula Vista, CA
AMBIANIC presents 1994 Nambé Studio Vase Silver metals 3 diameter x 10.75 h Preowned vintage condition Refer to images
Category

1990s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Polished White Jewel Box in Bird's-Eye Maple with Gold-Plated Hardware
Located in New York, NY
Shiny white bird's-eye maple shiny jewel box with 24-karat pink gold hardware. Necklace on the top and removable tray.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Birdseye Maple

Contemporary Armored Jewelry Armoire Safe in White Maple Gioia Artico
Located in New York, NY
Armoured jewelry cabinet in polished white maple, 24-karat gold-plated brass accessories. Safe can be anchored to the wall with metal screws that are supplied. Opening with digital t...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Maple

Nino Caruso, Abstract sculpture in glazed ceramic, Italy, 1974
Located in Argelato, BO
Nino Caruso ( Tripoli 1928 - Rome 2017 ) Abstract Sculpture in Black Glazed Ceramic. 1974, Signed and dated under the base. Italian ceramist, sculptor and...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Circular Nesting Set Tables Organic Black Modern/Contemporary Waxed Steel
Located in Bronx, NY
TABLE NO. 15 - NESTING SET J.M. Szymanski d. 2019 52'' D  36'' W  13'' H  - COFFEE   32'' D  22'' W  15'' H - SIDE This Noguchi-inspired coffee tables are handcrafted in 3/8” thick...
Category

2010s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Steel, Iron

3 Naturalistic Ceramic Centerpiece Flowers Handmade in Italy Without Mold, 2023
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The piece is a unique representation of a man in a modern way. The man is gently painted with acrylic color. Our designer creates these pieces completely by hand, without any mold....
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Paint

Contemporary 'Wave' Crystal Sculpture Aquamarine Handcrafted by Ghirò Studio
Located in Pieve Emanuele, Milano
2021 Artistic sculpture of crystal of maximum artisanal qualty signed Ghirò Studio (Milan, Italy). Innovative design, fine craftmanship and a stron...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

In Stock in Los Angeles, Grey Kong Mini Portable Charger
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Kong mini power bank battery charger In stock in Los Angeles Easily transportable, Kong MINI becomes a Stand hugging the mobile phone and a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Plastic

Modernist Spotted Stalking Leopard in Frosted Crystal Signed by Lalique
Located in New York, NY
This elegant modernist frosted crystal leopard was realized in France by the legendary maker Lalique, circa 1980. It depicts a hunting panther, crawling low to the ground on all four...
Category

1980s French Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Large Blue Ceramic Vessel Italian Contemporary Unique Piece
Located in London, GB
Violante Lodolo D'Oria, Variegated Aqua Blue Rosetta Vessel, 2024, glazed stoneware, multiple glazes, W41cm x H25cm New stunning piece created by ceramic artist Violante Lodolo d' ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Stoneware

Large Heavily Textured Stoneware, Porcelain Black and White Clay Vessel
Located in London, GB
A large heavily textured volcanic vase with black, white and brown glaze and markings. Wide necked vessel with a bellied form. Made from black textured s...
Category

2010s European Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Clay

Miniature Bud Vase 1, Made from Brass and Patinated Finish
Located in Chicago, IL
Each of these delicately, handcrafted bud vases is perfect as an individual home accessory or whimsical series. Made of brass and hand tarnished, each bud vase has its own unique for...
Category

2010s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Hand Blown Murano Glass Box with 24 Karat Gold Flecks and Brass Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Murano Glass Jewelry Box in Crystal with 24 Karat Gold Flecks embodies elegance and sophistication with its timeless design and luxurious materials. Handcrafted on the storied is...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass, Gold Leaf

Karl Springer Stunning "Kyoto Box" in Tessellated Penshell 1980s 'Signed'
Located in New York, NY
Exceptionally crafted "Kyoto Box" in tessellated penshell with brass inlays on top and trim around base by Karl Springer, American 1980's (signed “Karl Sprin...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Bonnie Contemporary LED Small Pendant, Solid Brass or Chromed, Handmade/finished
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 organic flower-like form is st...
Category

2010s Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Trivoli Centrepiece by Ivan Colominas
Located in Geneve, CH
Trivoli Centrepiece by Ivan Colominas Dimensions: 37 x 14.5 cm Materials: Travertine Marble, Emperador Dark Marble. TIVOLI COLLECTION: TIVOLI, a picturesque city situated on the we...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Travertine, Marble

Lalique signed Centre Piece, France
Located in Rijssen, NL
Luxury at its finest, high-end crystal bowl made and signed by Lalique.  This rare Lalique centerpiece adorned with orchids on each end. This oval shaped centerpiece bowl has underst...
Category

20th Century French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

Unique Unda Form by Dust and Form
Located in Geneve, CH
Unique unda form by Dust and Form Dimensions: D 25.4 x 11.4 H cm Materials: Porcelain Origin Form Collection in three finishes: Hand-sanded (our classic, smooth, bare finish) Iv...
Category

2010s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Unique Holding Form by Dust and Form
Located in Geneve, CH
Unique holding form by Dust and Form Dimensions: D 22.8 x 8.8 H cm Materials: Porcelain Origin Form Collection in three finishes: Hand-sanded (our Classic, smooth, bare finish) ...
Category

2010s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Mid-Century Modern Howard Miller Floor Clock
Located in Toledo, OH
Mid-Century Modern Howard Miller floor clock. Black lacquer with half round chrome trim. Wood paneled front. Chimes need adjustment does not ...
Category

20th Century North American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Chrome

Guscio Bowl by Imperfettolab
Located in Geneve, CH
Guscio Bowl by Imperfettolab Limited Edition Dimensions: 114 x 54 x H 7 Materials: Fiberglass. Imperfetto Lab Who we are ? We are a family. Verter Turroni, Emanuela Ravelli and our...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Fiberglass

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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