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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Trio of Luigi Mellara Clear Murano Glass Candleholders
Located in North Miami, FL
A trio of clear Murano glass candle stick holders by Luigi Mellara Each one is hand blown with artist's signature engraved in the base. Perfect in any ...
Category

20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Tom Dixon for Habitat Wicker Rattan Bamboo Harley Davidson Motorcycle Sculpture
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Incredibly true-to-life replica Harley Davidson motorcycle made of wicker. Designed by Tom Dixon for Habitat, the sculpture is crafted from wicker, rattan, and bamboo. The mechanics ...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Wicker, Rattan

"Star Gazers" Earthenware Sculpture
Located in Highland, IN
This terrific and evocative sculpture of two male figures with their eyes fixed on the heavens has great presence, whether displayed on a pedestal, cabinet, or on the floor. The wor...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Earthenware

Tenochititlan Large Red Cast Aluminium Candleholder by Laudani & Romanelli
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Born in 1962, after studying art he received a degree in architecture from the Milan polytechnic, where he has been teaching for a number of years. In his studio-workshop, located in an historic building on via rossini, he combines work closely tied to architecture and design (primarily interior and exhibit design) with “studio” work involving the applied arts, from decoration to illustration to graphics and painting in the strict sense. his collaboration with Driade, which dates from the early nineties when (together with william bertocco) he created three mirrors for the “follies” collection, responds to the many facets of the company’s work: designing stands for the Frankfurt, cologne and milan furniture fairs, shops in various parts of the world, catalogues and the decor for the milanese parties held during the furniture salon. recent works and/or works in progress...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Aluminum

Inherent Light and Chin Up Diptych, Portrait, Carved Porcelain Wall Sculpture.
By Alex Hodge
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Her poetic porcelain plates examine and reimagine the history of art in a way that values ​​women not only in body, but in wholeness, power, and love. Focusing on the narrative quali...
Category

2010s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Clay

21st Century Zazen Collection Concrete Vase Dark Grey Color, Mod. II
Located in Rome, Lazio
The Zazen line combines organic shapes with the texture of concrete, giving life to a family of four highly recognizable vases. Each vase is produced f...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Cement

Hand-Stitched A&F Leather Pig, 1960s
Located in New York, NY
Hand-stitched leather pig designed by Omersa and Company for display at the Abercrombie and Fitch stores, England, 1960s.
Category

1960s English Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Leather

Chris Buzzini Artist-Proof Orchid Flower and Roots Art Glass Paperweight
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A very fine studio glass paperweight by Chris Buzzini. With a lampwork orchid (including the roots). With a signature cane to the reverse of the ro...
Category

1990s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art 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

Hand Blown Murano Vase in Onyx Black Large
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This elegant Murano glass vase embodies the sophistication and timeless artistry of Venetian glassmakers. Its deep black hue, contrasted with the crystal-clear glass edges, evokes a ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

American Modern Sterling Silver Box by Ubaldo Vitali for Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Modern sterling silver box. Long and rectangular with straight sides and sharp corners; cover hinged with overhanging rim and gently curved top. Box interior cedar lined and partitioned. Cover interior gilt. Nice proportions. Plenty of room for engraving. Fully marked including maker’s (Ubaldo...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Sterling Silver

Sculpture of a Woman's Head in Patinated Bronze after Picasso, 21st Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Sculpture of a woman's head in patinated bronze after Picasso, contemporary art, 21st century. Sculpture of a woman's head in patinated bronze after Picasso, contemporary art, 21st ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

1960s Gio Ponti Style Minimalist Chromed Metal Multiple Cylinder Vase
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This chromed metal vase exemplifies the balance between form and function, with its sleek modernist design and versatile use, aligning well with Gio Ponti’s iconic design philosophy....
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

pair of 21th concrete brutalist design candlesticks table lamp by Les usagers
Located in Neuilly-en- sancerre, FR
Les Usagers Large pair of 21th century brutalist concrete design candlesticks by Les Usagers Handmade unique production Sold with certificate Height 43 cm Large 33 cm Depth 15 cm
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Concrete

Pila Vase Irish Green, Blue Onyx, Rose and Verde by Greg Natale
Located in Sydney,, NSW
To juxtapose marble’s natural veining, the Pila Vase references the work of modernist architect Paul Rudolph. Reflecting the tension between built and organic forms in contemporary d...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

Bowl Vase Vessel White Calacatta Marble Collectible Design Handmade Italy
Located in Ancona, Marche
Bowl sculpted by hand from a solid block of Calacatta marble. Velvet finishing. Dimensions: Medium L 45 x W 22 x H 10 cm. Also available: Small L 35, W 17, H 8 cm. and Big L 56, W...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

Duck Murano Glass Vetri di Murano Italy Vintage Art Glass, 1970s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A Venetian sculptural duck figurine in hand blown glass, produced on the isle of Murano, circa 1970s. A nice piece of art for any room.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass

Luxury Vase Collection "Love", Porcelain, Handmade Design Handcrafted in Italy
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
Special collection of Love's inspirated hearts.
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Gold Leaf

Handmade Sicilian Ceramic Pine Nut Italian Pottery
Located in Palermo, PA
This exquisite handmade Sicilian ceramic pine nut is a timeless symbol of prosperity, good fortune, and Mediterranean heritage. Crafted by skilled artisans in Sicily, each piece is m...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

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

Abstract Marble Sculpture By Jeff Burtch
Located in Norwood, NJ
Biomorphic sculpture carved and polished from a block of marble by Orangeburg, NY sculptor Jeffrey Burtch. Executed c. 1980's. Marked with artist's ini...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Limestone, Marble

In-Stock, Organic Ceramic Kawa Vase 9.4, White, Textured, Sculptural, Porcelain
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An sculptural and organic porcelain vase with leather textured exterior surface and satin glazed interior. As a result of the production process each item is one-of-a-kind. A multi...
Category

2010s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Clay, Porcelain

Artisan Rosewood Jewelry Box
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Beautifully made Rosewood Jewelry Box. 2 Triangular Lids open to reveal a velvet lined interior. Carved handle makes it easy to access interio...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Rosewood

Vaserely inspired Kamenicky Senov Thomas Hora glass vase Malovana, Chech, 1999
Located in Zevenaar, NL
Great piece by Tomas Hora. Glass object or vase inspired by Vaserely. Chech republic, 1999 good condition, signed and stickered Thomas Hora and Kamenicky Senov. measurements: H 19 cm...
Category

1990s Czech Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass

Xilos Carlo Moretti Murano Contemporary Mouth Blown Glass Vase
Located in New York, NY
Carlo Moretti Xilos Murano contemporary mouth blown glass vase in clear with blood red and bright red dots. Part of the I Piccoli limited editi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Pair of Salvador Dali Contemporary Portlligat Wood Sculpture Sunbed with Cushion
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Set of Two Sunbeds. Design by Salvador Dalí­­, 1903 Manufactured by BD Barcelona Solid Iroko wooden structure with polyamide wheels. Optional upholstered cushion with water repelle...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Portuguese Telephone Exchange PBX from the 50s/60s
Located in Lisboa, Lisboa
Telephone exchange, PBX from the 50s/60s. Manual telephone system used to interconnect several lines in a company or organisation. With a wooden ca...
Category

Mid-20th Century Portuguese Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Wild Boar Fish Decorative Centerpiece, Handmade Italy, 2020, Hand-Crafted
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The piece is a unique representation created by our designer. The creations are completely made by hand. Ceramic and paint are water resistant.    
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Paint

21st Century Demetra Washcloth Holder Regenerated Leather Handmade in Italy
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
Lovely Pinetti round wash clothes holder, part of Almeria collection. Four different water resistant sizes fixed at the end with chrome pins. The woven...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Leather

Chala Toprak, Contemporary, Modern Sculpture, Flower Vase, Porcelain, 2023
Located in Manhasset, NY
Chala Toprak, Contemporary, 'Bouquet Vase', Modern Vase, Porcelain, 2023 Unique and one of a kind hand built ceramic designed and produced by Istanbul born artist, Chala Toprak in N...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

A solid malachite vide poche block, Italy 1970
Located in London, GB
Vide Poche, fashioned from a substantial solid block of raw malachite.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Malachite

Martha Sturdy Resin Vase, Pair Available
Located in Dallas, TX
This is an original Martha Sturdy vase, she is a well known listed Canadian artist who creates these handmade masterpieces that are very collectible. Her signature brass artist tag i...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Resin

Pablo Picasso Ceramic Plate by Bernardaud Limoges, Don Quixote Decor
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning decorative ceramic plate was manufactured by Bernardaud et Cie in Limoges, France, with an original design by Pablo Picasso. The plate represents an iconic work by the ...
Category

Early 2000s French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Earthenware, Porcelain

Large Dora Maar Porcelain Vase
Located in New York, NY
Porcelain Reverie. Inspired by Dora Maar, the French photographer, poet, and painter best known for being a lover and muse of Pablo Picasso. Jonathan throws the models for the Muse v...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain, Pottery

Bird for Lasso Lounge Chair by Kenneth Cobonpue
Located in Geneve, CH
Bird for lasso lounge chair by Kenneth Cobonpue Materials: Aluminum. Dimensions: 17.5 cm x 74 cm x H 68cm Drift away on a flight of dreams in...
Category

2010s Philippine Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Aluminum

Rosè Vase by Arina Antonova
Located in Geneve, CH
Rosè vase by Arina Antonova, 2021 Dimensions: H 40 x D 36 cm Materials: Black stoneware, soft pink glaze. Born in Sewastopol (Crimea), I was surrounded...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stoneware

Daum France Crystal Bud Vase, Basket or Vide Poche, circa 1970
By Daum
Located in Atlanta, GA
Enhance your private interior with this extraordinary Daum Nancy France bud basket crystal vase, a striking example of artistic mastery. Crafted circa 1970, this rare and captivating...
Category

1970s French Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

French Glazed Ceramic Mustard Jar
Located in New York City, NY
Hand-painted in a cream tone with a light glaze that gives off a soft, understated sheen.
Category

20th Century French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Onyx Blue Lazy Susan
Located in Stratford, CT
Lazy Susan carved from onyx stone with an unusual pattern of alternating black and white parallel lines.
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Onyx

Echo Hand Built Sculptural Ceramic Bowl
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Taking inspiration from scape travel, these sculptural pieces combine stark, futuristic forms with the warmth of ancient ceramic vessels. The collection explores the dichotomy of mac...
Category

2010s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Gallo Model Bronze Sculpture by Luciano Minguzzi
Located in Milan, Italy
Gallo model bronze sculpture by Luciano Minguzzi. Limited edition of 1500 pieces. Number 451. Signed. Biography Luciano Minguzzi was born in Bologna in 1911 and died in Milan in 200...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Christian Dior Paris Chrome Metal Picture Frame
Located in Atlanta, GA
This exquisite Christian Dior Paris chromed metal picture frame features a plain and minimalist geometric shape with an oval picture view. The rare piece was crafted in France circa ...
Category

1970s French Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Chrome

Set Tronador Square Bordeaux, Blue, Cream, Onyx Stone Boxes
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
The shape of the inactive Tronador volcano reminded us of the pyramid shaped idea of our boxes that make up this collection. With a rectangular or square base, the box is a reflectio...
Category

2010s Argentine Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone, Onyx

Etched Marble Lover's Embrace by Bernard Simon
Located in Asbury Park, NJ
Fine example of the rough and polished sculpting work of Bernard Simon, featuring two figures joined in an embrace, mounted on a square wood block and able to rotate on metal pin. ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Decorative Objects

Hand-Blown Murano Frozen Vase in Emerald Green Medium
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Murano Frozen Vase in Emerald Green is a sculptural marvel, embodying the essence of refined design and intricate craftsmanship. Its deep emerald green surface flows seamlessly i...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Enrico Commozzo Murano Art Glass Vase
Located in New York, NY
Massive Murano Art Glass Vase with a dense clear body and applied circular decorative dimensional elements. Signed.
Category

20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Modern Brutalist Matte Black Ceramic Molecule Vase with Textured Round Accents
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Elevate your interior with this striking black ceramic spiked vase, a bold statement piece blending modern design with artisanal craftsmanship. The vase stands tall with a sleek cyli...
Category

20th Century American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Paint

Charles Greber Signed French Stoneware Vase
Located in Kastrup, DK
Charles Greber, 1853–1935 Beautiful stoneware vase with a decorative glaze in soft shades of rose, dusty green, and blue-grey, creating a refined polychrome effect. Signed C. Greber...
Category

Early 20th Century French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stoneware

Gemme Short Glass Vase in Grass Green by Venini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Venini glass vase with shaped body and neck in grass green designed in 2017. Perfect for indoor home decor as container or statement piece for any room. Also available in other color...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass

Contemporary Modern Sculptural Gear Clock by Clockwork Inc.
By Clockwork Inc.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This stylish freestanding clock features a rich wood finish with unique gear face clock. Brass details and sculptural feel make this piece by Clockw...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Beautiful Hermés, Ashtray, 2nd Half of the 20th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Hermés, ashtray, 2nd half of the 20th century. Gray horse on a lining crib with gold rim. Underside covered with gray felt. Marked on the side: Hermés- P...
Category

20th Century French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Arthur Waagen '1869-1910' Sculpture American Boxer's Boston Strong Boy
Located in Madrid, ES
White metal molding Presumably France, around 1895 Arthur Waagen (1869-1910) - Franco-German sculptor Incised signature "Waagen" on the base Figures characteristic of the American-American boxers 'Boston Strong Boy' John Lawrence Sullivan (1858-1918) in combat posture and James Corbett...
Category

19th Century French Antique Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Jubokko Sculpture by Chandler McLellan
Located in Geneve, CH
Jubokko Sculpture by Chandler McLellan Limited Edition of 8 Pieces. Dimensions: D 10.2 x W 20.3 x H 34.4 cm. Materials: Hard maple and walnut. Sculptures will be signed and numbere...
Category

2010s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Walnut, Maple

Contemporary Handmade Glass Rose Candelabra Flower Pink Leaves Green Romantic
Located in Camisano Vicentino, IT
A Hand-Blown Glass Candelabra by Simone Crestani, featuring 6 Candle Holders The Rose Candelabra is a breathtaking piece by Simone Crestani, where the artistry of glassblowing trans...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Ceramic Vase by Nathalie Du Pasquier for Alessio Sarri Editions, Italy
Located in Milan, Italy
Ceramic vase designed by Nathalie Du Pasquier and produced by Alesso Sarri Ceramiche, Italy. Signed. Biography Nathalie du Pasquier (b. 1957, Bordeaux, France) worked as a design...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Color Number 1 Showtime Vase by Jaime Hayon
Located in Geneve, CH
Color Number 1 showtime vase by Jaime Hayon Dimensions: Diameter 19 x H 33 cm Materials: Made in two pieces in enameled stoneware porcelain; mono-color (interior and external in ...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Daniel Salazar Lundberg Studios Cherry Blossom Art Glass Paperweight
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine Lundberg Studios paperweight by Daniel Salazar. With a lampwork cherry blossom and 3 small cherry flower buds on a branch. Bearing a Lundbe...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass

Alioth Glass Vase, by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano Collection
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Alioth Glass Vase was designed by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis in 1983. The Venetian glass vase features blue fusions and black threads. Signed on the base. Ettore Sottsass was b...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Italian Brass Magazine Holder after Willy Rizzo
Located in New York, NY
An Italian solid brass 'tote bag' magazine holder (or wastebasket), in the style of modern, in the style of Willy Rizzo, circa late-20th century, 1970s, Italy. This iconic 'tote bag'...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Contemporary Cuorecarpenito Terracotta White Vase Bibi Australe Collection
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
The Bibi vase is part of the Australe collection It is made with a clay slab, that means, by folding a clay slab around a disc- shaped base thus to create the structure, which is the...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Terracotta

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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