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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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, Stone Sculpture Representing the Eye of Providence.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Sculpture, stone sculpture representing the Eye of Providence. Also known as the Omniscient Eye, this symbol has been used for centuries as a protective sign. Of Christian origin, i...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Sandstone

Silver Plate and Wood Box with Agate Stone Slab Decor, circa 1980
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning 1980s Italian modernist silver-plate lidded box has a design reminiscent of Gabriella Crespi's elegant production. The minimalist rectangular shape has Macassar wood si...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Agate, Metal, Silver Plate

Contemporary Gilded Metal Sculpture, 20th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Contemporary gilded metal sculpture, 20th Century. Modern sculpture in gilded metal, contemporary work from the 20th century.     h: 108cm , w: 35cm, d: 35cm
Category

20th Century European Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

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

Modernist Spice Brown Calf Leather Picture Frame
Located in Atlanta, GA
This luxury modernist leather picture frame was crafted in England circa 1970. The piece boasts fine-grain calf leather in a warm spice brown color. The easel and back are made of th...
Category

1970s English Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Leather

Sweetsop Candle / Purple
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A beautiful scented candle presented in a unique handmade artisan ceramic jar. Infused with the finest botanical fragrance oils. Our premium candles are poured into luxury handmade a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Martinican Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

1991 Male Torso Sculpture Sergey Eylanbekov Alva Studios
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1991 Plaster Male Torso Sculpture Sergey Eylanbekov  Plaster Sculpture by Russian sculptor Sergey Eylanbekov for ALVA studios. 15.25 h x 8.75 w x 4.38 d Signed on verso. No COA is av...
Category

1990s European Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Plaster

Morpho Helenor with Frame
Located in Roma, IT
Morpho anassibia is a stuffed embalmed butterfly in a frame. Species Morpho anassibia blue. 19.5 x 25 cm. Very good conditions!
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Animal Skin

Murano Glass Topaz “Pois” Vase
Located in Austin, TX
Vase made of hand-blown Murano glass from the island of Murano, Italy outside of Venice. This piece is made of a beautiful smoky topaz transparent color glass and showcases the quali...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

In Stock in Los Angeles, Green Killer Shark Mini Portable Charger
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Killer shark mini power bank battery charger In stock in Los Angeles "Mr Holder was a shark who loved swimming but could not do it. He was mocked by all the other sharks who call...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Plastic

Hand Blown Murano Facet Vase in Smoke Medium
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This vase exudes an air of refined elegance, capturing the timeless beauty of Murano glass. Its sophisticated smokey hue melds seamlessly with the vase's faceted design, creating a m...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Carrara Marble Sculpture by François Fernandez, Known as SAVY, Signed.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Carrara marble sculpture by François Fernandez, known as SAVY, signed and dated 2001. Sculpture in Carrara marble and yellow lacquer by the sculptor François Fernandez, known as SAV...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

Trittico Carlo Moretti Vase by Carlo Moretti
Located in New York, NY
Unique and extraordinary, it comprises the three most outstanding works in the history and creativity of Carlo Moretti. Exclusive objects that go beyond the borders of time, classics...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

Contemporary Smurf Dynasty Ming Vase Vessel Diederik Schneeman
Located in Milan, IT
Smurf vase is a decorative piece made with hundreds of iconic figures from the past. It is part of the ‘Cherished’ collection, Diederik Schneemann’s latest project revolving around t...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Plastic

Standard I Cinesi Vase in Cobalt Blue by Carlo Moretti
Located in New York, NY
By putting three layers of glass on one another in three distinct moments colored opaque glass, clear crystal and colored crystal one achieves the amazing effect of a material that plays with the light and changes thickness, consistency and chromatic effect. Two-colored objects...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

1980s Dior Home Modern Brass, Plexiglass and Vienna Straw Picture Frame
Located in Aci Castello, IT
The 1980s Dior Home Modern Plexiglass and Vienna Straw Rectangular Picture Frame is a luxurious and stylish example of the era’s design ethos, combining timeless materials with innov...
Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Hand Blown Murano Barrel Vase in Amber with the Side Cut
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Inspired by the grandeur of Italian architecture and the elegance of modern design, this Murano vase encapsulates a sophisticated charm. The sunset amber hue brings a sense of warmth...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Angel Botello Sculpture "Denise", circa 1981, Spain
Located in Girona, Spain
Angel Botello sculpture "Denise". Made with bronze. Very decorative. Signed and numbered 6/6. Certificate. Circa 1970, Spain Angle Botello was born in 1913 in the small town of...
Category

1980s Spanish Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Contemporary Bronze Ashtray, LINES by Reda Amalou, 2015
Located in Paris, FR
The solid bronze ashtray is designed with a patterned removable top. The motif used here, a repetition of lines and voids, has been developed by Reda Amalou and is used in several pieces of the Reda Amalou Collection. The Bronze ashtray is 135 x 135 x 65mm H This design exists also in a tiny incense...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Vintage Leather Gorilla Modern Sculpture Style of Dimitri Omersa, 1980s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A extra ordinary sculpture in leather in the style of Dimitri Omersa, Unmarked. Brown tones, Glass eyes leather over a sculpted form. Preowned original good vintage condition. A nic...
Category

1980s Austrian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Leather, Wood

Japanese Modern Minimalist LAAB Hana Vertical L Vase Raku Ceramic White Crakle
Located in monza, Monza and Brianza
Hana vertical L The perfect, stylish addition to any interior setting, this extraordinary vase is entirely handcrafted of ceramic following the ancient Raku technique of Japanese ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Italian Poodle Ceramic Dog Statue Figurine Vintage, 1980s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1980s Italian Poodle Majolica ceramic dog statue figurine. Nice addition to your room or entry hall. Made of Majolica ceramic, hand painte...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Majolica

Gaudí Batlló 2 Door Knob by Antoni Gaudí
Located in Geneve, CH
Gaudí Batlló 2 Door Knob by Antoni Gaudí Dimensions: D8 x H4 cm Materials: Brass Before reissuing Gaudí’s furniture, BD, together with the archit...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Adrian Abstract Paint, circa 2017
By Yayoi Kusama
Located in Barcelona, ES
Adrian Abstract Paint, circa 2017. Manufactured in Spain. Materials: Wood Dimensions: D 3,7 cm x W 33,5 cm x H 41 cm The artwork is in its original condition, showing minor sign...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Green and White Handkerchief Art Glass Vase
Located in New York, NY
A green and white 'handkerchief' art glass vase. Vase is hand-crafted hence the hand blowing tool mark on underside as shown in last image. Vase is white on the inside, light green o...
Category

Early 2000s Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass, Blown Glass

Abstract Serpentine / Leopard Stone Sculpture by Shona artist Peter Chidzonga
By Peter Chidzonga
Located in Stockholm, SE
A striking abstract stone sculpture from the late 1990s to early 2000s, created by Zimbabwean artist Peter Chidzonga, a prominent figure in the Shona Art Sculpture movement. This la...
Category

Early 2000s Zimbabwean Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone, Serpentine

Scheurich Keramik Vase Germany 1980s
Located in Debrecen, HU
This extraordinary Scheurich Keramik vase, made in West Germany, captures the iconic style of the 1980s. Decorated with playful paint splashes in purple, black, and gold, it boasts a...
Category

1980s German Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Modern Mirror Polished Chrome and Brass Centerpiece Bowl Art Deco Machine Age
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
A modern mirror polished chrome and brass centerpiece bowl Art Deco machine age A modern mirror polished chrome and brass centerpiece bowl c. 1990's Sally Sirkin Lewis for J. Robe...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass, Chrome

Hand Blown Murano Bowl Battuto in Emerald Green Large
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The captivating allure of this Murano bowl lies in its masterful application of the Battuto technique, a traditional Venetian method of glassmaking that creates a unique interplay of...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Hand-Blown Murano Battuto Vase in Emerald Green Small
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Murano Battuto Vase in Emerald Green, size small, is a masterpiece of artistry and technique, realized through the iconic battuto method. This time-honored Venetian approach invo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Faune à L'outre, large Bronze Fouille Patina, Object Du Grand Tour, 19th Century
Located in Honnelles, WHT
Faune à L'outre, large Bronze Fouille Patina, Object Du Grand Tour, 19th Century
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Steel

Tall Studio Pottery Ceramic Glazed Vase Warren Mackinzie
Located in Atlanta, GA
A tall cylinder shape stoneware vase by American studio potter Warren MacKenzie (1924-2018). The vase displays a slightly ambiguous shape between circle and sqaure and it features tw...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Bronze Gates by Mary Brōgger
Located in Geneve, CH
Bronze Gates by Mary Brogger Unique piece. Dimensions: W 183 x H 259 cm. Materials: Bronze. Custom sizes and finishes available. Electronic system fitting available. Mary Br...
Category

2010s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Italian modern Blue rings for the perpetual wall calendar by Ring A Date, 2020s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern Blue rings for the perpetual wall calendar by Ring A Date, 2020s Set of 3 round rings for the perpetual wall calendar by Ring A Date, in dark blue plastic. The ring ha...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Plastic

Shona Head Sculpture Carved Stone Kumberai Mapanda, circa 1970
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
Kumberai Mapanda (1940-) Small head. circa 1970. Carved serpentine stone 5 1/4" in. (13.4 cm.) high, excluding base. Shona sculpture is the name given to a modern move...
Category

Late 20th Century Zimbabwean Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone

The Fiasca Vessel by Coseincorso
Located in Geneve, CH
The Fiasca Vessel by Coseincorso Dimensions: Ø 25 x H 34 cm. Materials: Ceramic with unleaded glaze. The Fiasca takes inspiration from storage vessels made in fairly standard shape...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Pre-Order Raku Large 11" Globe Vase, Half Copper Matte, Ceramic Pottery Decor
Located in Petaling Jaya, MY
The large Raku fired vase centerpiece series by RAAQUU. A mesmerizing sight to behold as soon as the rainbow-like patinas catch your eye. This globe vase is a round, capacious ...
Category

2010s Malaysian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Copper

1970 Mauro Manetti Sturgeon Modern Silver Pewter Metal Fish Sculpture
Located in Brescia, IT
Fish Sculpture Mauro Manetti Italy, 1960 Pewter Fish Artist Sign engraved under the base Excellent condiction
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Pewter

Pablo Picasso, Petite chouette, 1949, Pichet tourné, édition Picasso, Madoura
Located in Nice, Cote d' Azur
Pablo Picasso Petite chiuette 1949 Pichet tourné H. 14 cm Larg. 13 cm R.A Terre de faience blanche, décor aux engobes, intérieur couverte Beige, vert, noir,bleu Tiré à 200 exemplair...
Category

1940s French Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Froxfield Clock, Walnut
Located in London, GB
The Froxfield clock in Walnut. A unique limited edition floor clock created by Comitti designer Edmund Barker using selected timbers and contemporary styling. The design is inspired ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Steel

Rosenthal Crystal Paper Bag Glass Vase Vintage
Located in North Miami, FL
This textural lead crystal glass vase is Rosenthal from the Studio Line Germany. It is the paper bag form in crystal. The play of light from the surface forms are beautiful. It is vi...
Category

1960s German Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

Appuntito Vase Large
Located in Macieira de Sarnes, PT
Appuntito Vase Large in White Designed by Project 213A in 2023 Artisanal ceramic vase created by skilled artisans in Project 213A's own ceramic workshop. The entire vase is covered ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Clay

Vase Vessel Sculpture Organic Shape White Arabescato Marble Handmade Italy
Located in Ancona, Marche
Important sculptural vase carved by hand from a solid block of Arabescato marble. Vase dimension: D 52 x H 45 cm. Available in different marbles, onyx and quartzite. Limited edit...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

Saxbo glazed vase ceramic/stoneware by Edith Sonne , signed/marked
By Saxbo, Edith Sonne Brun
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful stoneware vase by the well known potter Edith Sonne.
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Ed Moulthrop, Donut-Shaped Vessel, Signed Rare Ashleaf Maple Acer Negundo
Located in Stockholm, SE
Donut bowl by Edward Moulthrop (1916-2003) , titled "Rare Ashleaf Maple Acer Negundo," signed and numbered 707822, with stamped initials. Diameter: 12 cm. This finely crafted turne...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

French Modern Zebra Hide & Leather Box
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
French Modern Zebra Hide and Leather Box France, circa 1960s A sleek French modern zebra hide and leather box, circa 1960s, is a sophisticated addition to any decor. The box feature...
Category

20th Century French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Leather, Zebra Hide

Black Sculpture
Located in New York, NY
A relatively large black sculpture in the Modern style or Postmodern design period, circa 1970s. Sculpture has a bolt-like design around, oval ho...
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Terracotta

Raaquu Hoseki Raku Pottery Vase, Obvara, Handmade Ceramic, Malaysia
Located in Petaling Jaya, MY
Hoseki (宝石) ~ (n) gem The Hoseki Vase is named “gem” in Japanese for its slightly angular shape. Wide-mouthed with a textured finish and soft edges, it adds a classy touch to any dé...
Category

2010s Malaysian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Copper

Grand Malachite Stone Box With Brass Banding, *8.5" Round
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This is a stunning Grand Malachite Stone Box With Brass Banding, This is quite a large box as it is 8.5" across and is 2" high. The inside is as found witch tells me the it could b...
Category

1950s Unknown Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Malachite

New Modern Flower Vase in 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. Whether empty or filled with flowers,...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

Hand-Blown Murano Glass Vase with Turquoise and Gold Glass Dot Design '2022'
Located in New York, NY
Exquisite clear hand-blown Murano glass vase with raised turquoise and gold glass dot design. Italy 2022. Available by order. Available in other color combinations by order. Please ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Large Voulkos Style Studio Pottery Vase
Located in Kilmarnock, VA
Large Peter Voulkos style vase fron the 1960s, a terrific example of Abstract Expressionism in pottery featuring gestural spontaneity and visual momentum along with zen like acceptan...
Category

1960s Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stoneware

Claude Victor Boeltz Gilt Bronze Letter Opener, circa 1970, France.
Located in Brussels, BE
Beautiful Claude Victor Boeltz Letter Opener , circa 1970, France. Gilt exploded bronze, metal blade. Dimensions: 24 cm W, 5 cm H, 7 cm D. Boeltz’s "exploded-bronze" pieces, made fam...
Category

1970s Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Raaquu Raku Fired Large Globe Vase S/N0000945 Centerpiece Art Series
Located in Petaling Jaya, MY
A mesmerizing sight to behold as soon as the rainbow-like patinas catch your eye. This Globe Vase is a round, capacious piece produced using the Raku technique, resulting in a beauti...
Category

2010s Malaysian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Copper

Raaquu Raku Fired Large Globe Vase S/N0000915 Centerpiece Art Series
Located in Petaling Jaya, MY
A mesmerizing sight to behold as soon as the rainbow-like patinas catch your eye. This Globe Vase is a round, capacious piece produced using the Raku technique, resulting in a beauti...
Category

2010s Malaysian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Copper

Raaquu Raku Fired Large Globe Vase S/N0000966 Centerpiece Art Series
Located in Petaling Jaya, MY
A mesmerizing sight to behold as soon as the rainbow-like patinas catch your eye. This Globe Vase is a round, capacious piece produced using the Raku technique, resulting in a beauti...
Category

2010s Malaysian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Copper

Raaquu Raku Fired Large Globe Vase S/N0000931 Centerpiece Art Series
Located in Petaling Jaya, MY
A mesmerizing sight to behold as soon as the rainbow-like patinas catch your eye. This Globe Vase is a round, capacious piece produced using the Raku technique, resulting in a beauti...
Category

2010s Malaysian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Copper

Raaquu Raku Fired Large Globe Vase S/N0000783 Centerpiece Art Series
Located in Petaling Jaya, MY
A mesmerizing sight to behold as soon as the rainbow-like patinas catch your eye. This Globe Vase is a round, capacious piece produced using the Raku technique, resulting in a beauti...
Category

2010s Malaysian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Copper

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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