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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
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

Large outdoor/indoor aluminum and stainless steel sculpture by Barbara Sorensen.
By Barbara Sorensen
Located in Kansas City, MO
Abstract outdoor or indoor sculpture by Barbara Sorensen. Made of aluminum and stainless steel. This has been outside for the last 10 years and there is no rust whatsoever. The ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Aluminum, Stainless Steel

Venini Clessidra Hourglass in Amber and Pink Murano Glass
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Clessidra hourglass in grape and pink Murano glass by Paolo Venini and Riedizione. Limited edition in 99 art pieces each. Little grains of sand, im...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

New Modern Centerpiece in Travertine and Marble, Designer Ivan Colominas
Located in Milan, IT
Centerpiece in Travertine Navona and Emperador dark. Size: 37×14.5 cm. - 14,5×5,7 in.. smooth finishing. Commercial name: Tivoli Centerpiece in marble, Tivoli Collection by the Span...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble, Travertine

Spikes Black Ceramic Handmade Planter
Located in Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, AR
Beautiful ceramic handmade planter. Carefully crafted, each black ceramic plant pot is thrown and trimmed on the wheel, and every outer spike is i...
Category

2010s Argentine Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Clay, Pottery

Bronze Owl Titled "Grand Duc" by Francois Pompon
Located in Stamford, CT
A large cast bronze Owl by Francois Pompon, titled "Grand Duc" designed in 1928 and cast between 1934-1939. The patinated bronze is marked with a Fonde...
Category

1930s French Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Pierre Bouvet, France. Colossal modernist brass sculpture. Late 20th century.
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Pierre Bouvet, France. Colossal modernist brass sculpture. Late 20th century. Measures: 62 x 42 cm. In excellent condition. Sticker.
Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Concrete Jabbah Planter by OPIARY (D36", H20")
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Opiary is a Brooklyn-based biophilic design and production studio. We integrate nature in each of our designs, incorporating live greenery and organic shapes into bespoke furniture, planters, and sculpture. Through the ethos of biophilia, our work reflects the shifting, yet timeless relationship between humans and nature. This modern, lightweight concrete planter features an organic silhouette and earthy aesthetic that compliments the live plants inside it. The Jabbah is handmade in our Brooklyn studio and can be produced in the color or finish of your choice. Opiary planters...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Cement

DeCastelli Jaipur 183 Vase in Stainless Steel by Stefano Dussin
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Next stop, India: these oriental-style decorative vases are sculptural elements with generous yet simultaneously slim shapes. In addition to classic finishes, like corten and burnish...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stainless Steel

Vintage Hand-Hammered Copper Tray
Located in Chicago, IL
This vintage tray is a symphony of texture and tone, its hand-hammered copper surface shimmering with the warmth of a well-aged patina. The tapered sides rise gracefully, framing a l...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Copper

Lladró The Masquerade III Bud Vase by Jaime Hayon
Located in New York City, NY
Glossy porcelain candleholder designed by Jaime Hayon with modern design and touches of gilded sheen. Like all the pieces in Jaime Hayon's The Fantasy Collection, this creation arise...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Signed Pair of Vases by Costa Design
Located in Milano, IT
This stunning pair of ceramic vases is a true masterpiece of contemporary craftsmanship. With their bold design and rich texture, these vases are perfect for adding a touch of sophis...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

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

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Clay

Labuan Glass Vase in Red Milk White inside by Venini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Venini glass vase with full, round body and funnel shaped neck in red. Perfect for indoor home decor as container or strong statement piece for any room. Dimensions: 27.5 cm diame...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass

Bronze Sculpture by Rodger Mack, circa 1970s
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
An unusual 1970s modernist sculpture in bronze by a noted American sculptor Rodger Mack (1968-2002). An abstract chariot in steampunk style... A quick note about Rodger Mack: "Born i...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Italian Pink White Marble Obelisk
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful and substantial Italian pink and white marble Obelisk, in the modern style, circa mid-20th century, Italy. Marble is predominantly pink and wh...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

Handcrafted Glass Vase By LSA International, Poland 1990s
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Handcrafted Glass Vase By LSA International, Poland 1990s
Category

1990s Polish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Vintage Murano Glass Colorful Rainbow Swirl on Lucite Abstract Sculpture
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Lovely vintage colorful rainbow glass art sculpture mounted on lucite. Marked Murano. No chips or breaks. Dimensions 8 H x 6.5 W x 3 D.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Blown Glass

Contemporary stoneware ceramic sculpture by a French artist
Located in SAINT-YRIEIX-SUR-CHARENTE, FR
Contemporary stoneware sculpture by French artist Véra Rybaltchenko.The stoneware was fired at 1100 degrees and is therefore very resistant. The chamotte stoneware is rough on the in...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Sandstone

Brutalist Coaster 1 by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Brutalist Coaster 1 by Fakasaka Design Dimensions: W 17 cm D 17 cm H 0.9 cm. Materials: polished bronze Also available in black/brown bronze. BRUTALIST COASTER 1 CUP COASTER / BOTTLE COASTER / CANDLE...
Category

2010s Brazilian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Italian Murano Glass Vase I Molati Series by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for VeArt
Located in Milan, Italy
From the I Molati series in thick blown and ground glass with aventurine designed by Afra and Tobia Scarpa. Limited edition of 99 copies. Signature and numbering engraved under the b...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Vase Painted Two-handled Amphora Majolica Renaissance Vessel Italian Ceramic
Located in Recanati, IT
This large luxurious amphora, in majolica handmade in Italy and hand-painted in polychrome, is characterized by a dense presence of naturalistic ornamental motifs that decorate the v...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Majolica

Small-Sized Photo Frame with White Border, in Silver Metal and Blue Enamel.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Elephant photo frame with white border, in silver metal and blue enamel, small size model. Cherish happy times spent with your little ones in this adorable elephant-shaped family ph...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

French Midcentury Granite Bust on Wood Base, Signed
Located in Houston, TX
French Midcentury hand-sculpted granite bust on wood base, circa 1965. Signed by the artist G. Gregoire.
Category

Mid-20th Century French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Granite

Kachamukku by KAWS
By KAWS
Located in Weesp, NL
Kachamukku Designer Toy by KAWS - Where Art Meets Imagination! Open unknown edition. Are you ready to elevate your collection to a whole new level of artistic brilliance? Look no fu...
Category

2010s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Plastic

Lily Bowl Irish Green by Greg Natale
Located in Sydney,, NSW
With softly undulating edges reminiscent of floating lily pads, the Lily Bowl brings a sculptural elegance to any surface. Carved from one of four types of natural marble, this desig...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

Round Box enamel light blue and black Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Round box in 925/1000 sterling silver gold-plated with translucent fired enamel on guilloché in a modern contemporary style. Dimensions: diameter cm. 7.5 height cm. 3.8, Weight g. 24...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Gold, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel

Brass Inlay Blue Dyed Bone Box
Located in New York, NY
Handd dyed bone blue keepsake box with 3 brass inlay stripes.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Japanese Shoji Hamada Inspired Bamboo Studio Plate
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A stylish vintage Japanese studio pottery plate decorated with a bamboo design possibly by Shoji Hamada and certainly inspired by him. The wax res...
Category

20th Century Japanese Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Pottery

Aire Table Clock
Located in NEW YORK, NY
It is a design clock that can be displayed on a modern furniture of minimalist style. It is an ideal piece for design houses , modern flats and offices. Aire table clock : Black fib...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Fiberglass, Wood

Venini Murano Italian Blue Glass Bottle Incisi Serie, 1981
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Italian light blue glass bottle with stopper, “Incisi” series, submerged glass with surface entirely worked by grinding produced by Venini Murano, Ve...
Category

1880s Italian Antique Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Golden Bronze Sculpture of a Flying Eagle Signed Piece by J. Duval-Brasseur
Located in Miami, FL
Superb movement for this bronze sculpture by J Duval Brasseur. The elegant curved lines and the shape of the base give a strong feeling of this flying eagle. Very unique piece by th...
Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Dark & Disturbing Interpretation of 'The Little Mermaid' by Anonymous Danish Art
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Deconstructing the romantic and nationalistic feelings that Danes and tourists for that matter has for 'The little Mermaid' sculpture by Edvard Eriksen in Copenhagen - comes this rat...
Category

1970s Danish Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Granite

Babel Vase Sculpted by Lupo Horiōkami
Located in Geneve, CH
Babel vase sculpted by Lupo Horio¯kami Dimensions: D 15 x W 15 x H 55 cm Materials: Black ashwood, gold metallic foil “The artwork [...] arises when the mind is willing to accep...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ash

Large abstract white and red ceramic sculpture by Laurent Petit design 50 cm
Located in Neuilly-en- sancerre, FR
Laurent Petit Large white and colored stoneware abstract ceramic sculpture by Laurent Petit Realised circa 2010 Signed under the base Original perfect condition Height 50 cm Lar...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

New Modern Centerpiece in Travertine and Marble, Designer Ivan Colominas
Located in Milan, IT
Centerpiece in Travertine Navona and Emperador dark. Size: 37×14.5 cm. - 14,5×5,7 in.. smooth finishing. Commercial name: Tivoli Centerpiece in marble, Tivoli Collection by the Span...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Travertine, Marble

Pair of 24kt Gold Double Branch Candlesticks with Rock Crystals, Claude Boeltz
Located in New York, NY
This stunning pair of Mid-Century Modern candlesticks were realized in France by the esteemed artisan Claude Victor Boeltz. They offer an exploded form sculpted, by hand, and cast in...
Category

20th Century French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Rock Crystal, Gold Plate, Bronze

New Modern Side Table in White and Black Marble, Designer Jacopo Simonetti
Located in Milan, IT
Side Table L in White Michelangelo and Black Marquinia marble Available also in the S version The hypnotic black and white stripes of the new Nova collection, designed by Jacopo S...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

Pre-Order Raku Large Oval 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. The Oval Vase is a tall, teardrop-shaped design best for adding a touch of elegance and intrigue to an interior space. Made using the Raku technique, it easily becomes a great conversation starter. Each RAAQUU Art Series Pre-Order comes with its own unique serial number. We ship RAAQUU Art Series Pre-Order pieces between 2 - 4 weeks from placement of order. Once your piece is completed, pictures will be provided to you prior to shipment. Important: final product will be similar to the example picture shown but it will not be the same due to the Raku firing technique. Dimensions: Large Oval Vase...
Category

2010s Malaysian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Copper

White Lilac Marble Eclipse Bowl
Located in Eindhoven, NB
Introducing our exquisite White Marble "Eclipse" Bowl, a fusion of elegance and functionality. Crafted from luxurious white marble with deep purple and lilac veining, this stunning b...
Category

2010s Dutch Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

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

Hand-Blown Murano Battuto Bowl in Tobacco Large
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Hand-Blown Murano Battuto Bowl in Tobacco, size large, is an exquisite testament to Venetian artistry and innovation. Crafted using the revered battuto technique, this piece show...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Hana O Mini Vase Raku Ceramic - Carbon Copper - Handmade Home Decor Gift
Located in Petaling Jaya, MY
Hana O ~ 花 Flower Our Hana O mini raku vase bears a classical pottery vase shape and is suitable for wide headed single stalk flowers. This vase makes for an adorable gift or a tab...
Category

2010s Malaysian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Copper

Picture Frame Classic rectangular Enamel light blue on guilloche Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Cornice portafotografie rettangolare in argento 9251000 dorato con smalto traslucido a fuoco su guillochè. Stile moderno contemporaneo. Vetro molato. Pannello in velluto blu. Dimensi...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel

Montagnani Marquetry and Gilt Brass Box, Italy circa 1970
Located in Atlanta, GA
Montagnani Firenze designed this sophisticated decorative box, which was crafted in Italy circa 1970. Its Mid-Century modernist design boasts an elongated rectangular flat shape, wit...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Set of 3 White Ceramic Kawa Vessels, Leather textured organic Porcelain vases
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Monolithic in shape and defined by their single vertical seams, the Kawa Vessels are fluid & expressive. Their construction method really shines light on their unique production tech...
Category

2010s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Porcelain

White Ceramic Pair Kawa Vases by Luft Tanaka, Leather Cast Porcelain Kawa Series
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A pair of tactile and organic porcelain vases with leather textured exterior surface and clear glazed interior. As a result of the production process each item is one-of-a-kind. Set includes one medium vase and one small vase. Use individually as an understated accent or in a pair or cluster for a little more flair. The vases are watertight. Small Vase: 3.5" diameter. x 6.5" height Medium vase: 3.5" diameter. x 8.5" height Lead time 3-4 weeks. Kawa Series...
Category

2010s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Porcelain

Gutta Vase CS3 by NOOM
Located in Geneve, CH
Gutta Vase CS3 by NOOM Dimensions: W 24 x D 27 x H 22 cm Materials: Neutral grey blown glass. Sculptural glass vases “Gutta” pay homage to the ancient glassblower-artist technique...
Category

2010s Ukrainian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Unique Vintage Art Glass
Located in Fairfield, CA
A beautiful vintage art glass featuring a variety of techniques and controlled bubbles to create a unique design.
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass

Italian modern brown ABS wall organizer Utensilo by Maurer and Becker, 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern ABS wall organizer Utensilo by Ingo Maurer and Dorothee Becker, 1970s Wall organizer or display model Utensilo, entirely in brown ABS plastic. On the front it has seve...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Head Sculpture Multicoulor Fusion Glass 20th Century Italian Studio Glass
Located in London, GB
Art Glass one of a kind head sculpture multi technique of multicolour glass fusion by Christoph Kiefhaber 20th century Italian design made in Murano Italy.
Category

Early 2000s European Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass, Art Glass

Seguso Italian Murano Art Glass Vase
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful and colorful Italian Seguso Viro Murano art glass vase, Italy, circa 1990s, late-20th century. Maker's mark on bottom/underside as shown...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Blown Glass, Art Glass, Murano Glass

Italian Sculpture Bronze " Lovers " 20th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Italian Sculpture Bronze " Lovers " 20th Century base wood: 9cm x 11cm sculture bronze: 20cm total: 37cm very good condition
Category

20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Chaîne D'ancre Vase by Hermès Paris
Located in Kelkheim (Taunus), HE
Chaîne d'Ancre Vase by Hermès Paris, set of 2. Pair of imposing silver-plated vases from the Mainson of Hermès Paris, decorated with the classic decor "Chaîne d'Ancre". Height...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal, Silver Plate

21st Century Empty Pocket Woven 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

Curtis Jere Brass Wire "Schooner" Table Top Sculpture with Base, 1976
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Signed early version C. Jere 1976 Brass Wire Yacht Sculpture, Brass Sailboat Sculpture by Artisan House. Featuring a one piece three dimensional Sloop ...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

'Horse and Boy' sculptural table lamp, hand crafted and cast
Located in London, GB
A beautiful whimsical sculptural table lamp titled 'Horse and Boy' is hand crafted, molded and cast. The intricate design features a boy and his hors...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Gold Leaf, Iron

Pre-Order Omoide Urn, Smoked Raku, Ceramic Raku Pottery
Located in Petaling Jaya, MY
Omoide ~ (思い出) - memories The passing of a loved one will always be a defining moment in a person's life. The Omoide Urn is a one of a kind ceramic piece that offers a focal point ...
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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