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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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

Italian Murano Glass Attributed Hollow Blown Amber Glass Turtle
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Modern Italian Murano attributed hollow blown glass turtle dating from the latter 20th century. The turtle has an amber glass body with a molded scale pat...
Category

20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Blown Glass

Spiderman Bust Sculpture in Carrara Marble
Located in Tivoli Terme, Roma
The sculpture was made from a single block of Carrara statuary marble, one of a kind piece.  
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Carrara Marble

Coffee Table Unique Organic Black Modern/Contemporary Waxed Steel
Located in Bronx, NY
Table No. 5 - Coffee J.M. Szymanski d. 2023 This coffee table is composed of stark, perpendicular planes that have been notched and precisely slotted together. Its hand-carved rough...
Category

2010s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Steel, Iron

Layne Rowe Purple, Pink, Green & White Cased Glass Scent Bottle
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A stunning and unusual modern hand-crafted glass scent bottle and stopper in cased colored glass by Layne Rowe (b. 1971) and probably dating from the latter 20th or early 21st centur...
Category

Late 20th Century British Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Blown Glass

Signed Cartier Sterling Silver Mid-Century Modernist Flower Blossom Candlesticks
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine pair of Mid-Century two-light table candleabra or candle holders. In sterling silver. Retailed by Cartier. Likely designed and manufactured by Abbiati Gioacchino fu Carlo f...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

Tall Black Outdoor Giraffe w/ Chandelier by Marcantonio, Made in Italy
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Designed by Marcantonio, Giraffe in Love M is a giraffe of 2.65 meters high that holds a classic Marie-Thérèse style chandelier, totally waterproof and IP65 certificated. Bold and el...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Fiberglass, Plastic

Concrete Jabbah Planter by OPIARY (D40", H22")
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

Miniature "Open Minds" Art Glass Vase by Ulrica Hydman-Vallien for Kosta Boda
Located in San Diego, CA
Miniature "Open Minds" art glass vase by Ulrica Hydman-Vallien for Kosta Boda, circa 1980s. This beautiful piece is hand painted and in very good condition with no chips or cracks. T...
Category

Late 20th Century Swedish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass

Erik Lagoni Jakobsen Unique Wall Mounted Object in Painted Wood, Denmark, 1968
By Erik Lagoni Jakobsen
Located in Odense, DK
Playful abstract artwork by Danish artist Erik Lagoni Jakobsen made at his own workshop in 1968. The work consist of different found object mounted on a circle and painted. It is ins...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

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

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Gold Leaf

A Primavera vase
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
An exceptional Primavera ceramic vase circa 1930
Category

20th Century French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

1970s Ritz Italora Original Table Clock by Joe Colombo Optic Art
Located in Biella, IT
Ritz Italora rare original table clock first edit by Joe Colombo design years 1970 optic art. Materialis plastic and metal particular and mecanism. ...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Plastic

Perfume Holder 3 color fired enamel on guilloche Salimbeni.
Located in Firenze, FI
Cylindrical handbag perfume holder in 925/1000 sterling silver with screw cap and fine manual engraving of Art Deco style decorations, with 3 colours of fired enamels. Diameter cm. 2...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Enamel, Sterling Silver

Raaquu Hikari Raku Pottery Vase - Full Copper Matte - Handmade Ceramic, Malaysia
Located in Petaling Jaya, MY
Hikari (光) ~ (n) light This Hikari Vase is a circular thrown vase with a wide uneven mouth and small round base. Its miniature shape exudes a sense of flow, making it easy to blend ...
Category

2010s Malaysian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Copper

Contemporary Gaetano Pesce Indian Summer L Vase Soft Resin Blue Red
Located in barasso, IT
Indian summer vase, clear blue, matt red Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Measures: L ø 22cm x H 36cm Colours: clear blue, matt red ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Resin

Vase Vessel Sculpture Tulip Amber Onyx Marble Collectible Design Handmade Italy
Located in Ancona, Marche
Important sculptural vase carved by hand from a solid block of Amber onyx. Vase dimensions: L 22 x W 21 x H 49 cm, available in different onyx and marbles....
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble, Onyx

1970s Barovier Style Modern Blue and Gold Murano Glass Vase
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This 1970s beautiful Murano glass vase in a Barovier-style exhibits the distinct characteristics of Murano glass craftsmanship, renowned for its elaborate and luxurious designs. The ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Pair of Italian Marble Vases
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A beautiful pair of carved and polished Italian marble vases from the 1980s. The larger one has is light gray with a little blush. The smaller on...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

Raaquu Raku Fired Omoide Urn in S/N8000099 Art Series, Malaysia
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

Travertine Pedestal Bowl XL
Located in Eindhoven, NB
A substantial travertine bowl with unique structure rests atop a pedestal for a grand presentation of fruits and vegetables. Due to the nature of the material, each piece may var...
Category

2010s Dutch Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Travertine

Large French Barbotine Style Ceramic Flower Vase signed Debra Betancourt
Located in Miami, FL
A fine hand-crafted ceramic vase bowl with high relief in the manner of Pair of Antique Barbotine Vases from France by Jean Pointu. Work is titled "Poppies" and signed by the artist, Debra Betancourt, see detailed photographs. This multicolored barbotine style ceramic flower vase...
Category

20th Century American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Carrot Flower Vase, by Nathalie du Pasquier from Memphis Milano
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Carrot ceramic vase was originally designed by Nathalie du Pasquier in 1985 for Memphis Milano. The transmuted ceramic arises in geometric compositions ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Grand Bowl Noir by Cica Gomez
Located in Geneve, CH
Grand bowl noir by Cica Gomez Dimensions: Ø 17.5 x H 11 cm Materials: Stoneware Usual objects. My work is first driven by the search for the line. Th...
Category

2010s French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stoneware

Raaquu Mizu Raku Pottery Trinket Bowl, Obvara, Handmade Ceramic
Located in Petaling Jaya, MY
Mizu ( 水 ) ~ (n) water Our Mizu bowl comes with 3 short legs. It would look elegant on its own or as a keeper of trinkets or potpourri. This Mizu bowl is the kind of piece to crea...
Category

2010s Malaysian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Copper

René Lalique Cup with Foot "Dampierre"
Located in Madrid, ES
René Lalique Cup with foot "Dampierre", in French crystal from the 20th century, molded and relieved, signed 'Lalique, France'. Dimensions: 12.5 x 12 cm.
Category

20th Century French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

Black and Clear Glass Sculpture by Runstadler Studios
Located in Palm Springs, CA
1988 black and clear glass sculpture by California artist Kurt & Marsha Runstadler for Runstadler Studios. The sculpture is signed Runstadler S...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Set of Eva Zeisel Candlesticks, USA 2007
Located in New York, NY
Rare set of Bronze candlesticks by Eva Zeisel in 2007 at 101 years of age, this is the complete set of sizes at 6”, 8” and 11”, From the “Originals” line, signed to base and no longe...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Twenty-Seven Woods for a Chinese Artificial Flowers, Vase F by Ettore Sottsass
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
F vase made for the collection of twenty-seven woods for Chinese Artificial flowers vase by Ettore Sottsass, Edited by Design Gallery Milano, 1995. Limited edition of 12 numbered pi...
Category

1990s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Contemporary Fish Design Gaetano Pesce Medusa XL Vase Soft Resin Green
Located in barasso, IT
Medusa vase - Matt green Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Measures: XL - Ø 30cm x H 56cm Other sizes available Colours: Ma...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Resin

Pair of Medicis Vases in Terracotta, Contemporary Work.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of Medicis vases in terracotta, contemporary work. A pair of contemporary terracotta Medicis vases decorated with Roman scenes. H: 60 cm, D: 60 cm
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Terracotta

Jack in the Pulpit Floral Style Iridescent Art Glass Vase
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Fine vintage Jack in the pulpit iridescent art glass vase, possibly by Heron Glass or Czech and dating from the 20th century. The vase has an amethyst tint and is hand blown with a t...
Category

20th Century British Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Blown Glass

Marble Mortar, France, 19th Century
Located in New York City, NY
Marble Mortar, France, 19th Century
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

Colin Pearson British Studio Pottery Turquoise Vessel
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A stylish vintage British studio pottery twin handled vessel by Colin Pearson. The vessel is made in porcelain and is of cylindrical shape with ...
Category

1990s English Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain, Pottery

Brass and Leather Card Holder
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 and leather card holder...
Category

2010s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Concrete Echelon Planter by OPIARY (D20", H18")
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 Echelon 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

Contemporary Sculptural Hand-Built Multi-Shell Matte White Ceramic Pendant Lamp
Located in Brooklyn, NY
White bowerbird family is a contemporary sculptural multi-shell hand-built ceramic pendant lamp finished in a matte white glaze with a warm glow reflecting off of a round joyful form. Each shell is individually hand formed and unique, creating a pleasant rhythm when installed in multiples. The hand-built ceramic canopy, finials and socket cover add an enjoyable character. Component dimensions and weight: Shell: 4-6 diameter x 12-14 h in. / 10-13 diameter x 30-36 height cm 2 lbs / 1 kg each Custom drop length, please specify 5 in. / 12.5 cm diameter ceramic canopy Materials: Shells, canopies, socket covers and finials in hand-built ceramic in a warm-white matte glaze, off-white nylon-covered SVT lamp wire, brushed brass hardware, and electrical components Light source 1 x E-12 candelabra base per shell 25W incandescent lamp included Compatible with LED replacement lamps Additional info: Each lamp is individually hand-built without using a mould to create an enjoyable uniqueness and spatial balance within each form. Variations in dimensions, forms, and finishes are expected. The story: White Bowerbird collection is from Courtship Behavior...
Category

2010s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

6 Ropes by Alejandra Artizabal
Located in Geneve, CH
6 Ropes by Alejandra Artizabal Dimensions: 156 cm x 200 cm Materials: Fique - Furcraea andina .The plant is transformed manually into textiles and ropes and used in various applic...
Category

2010s Colombian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Other

Gambaro e Poggi Scavo Handled Frosted Turquoise Murano Vase
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Frosted Aquamarine Gambaro and Poggi Scavo Murano Glass Vase, Circa 1990s. Featuring a handcrafted frosted Agean blue and green ancient Roman style g...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Hand-Blown Modern Murano Bowl in Onyx Black Large
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hand-Blown Modern Murano Bowl in Black Large is a testament to the unparalleled artistry of Murano glassmaking, where centuries-old tradition meets contemporary design. Sculpted enti...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Jaeger LeCoultre, Atmos Neuchateloise with Wall Console, Switzerland, 1965
Located in Greven, DE
Jaeger LeCoultre - Atmos Clock "Neuchateloise" Switzerland Lacquered wood Year of construction 1965 Clock dimensions: H x W x D: 47 x 26 x 14 cm Console dimensions: H x W x D: 20 x...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Bonnie Contemporary LED Small Pendant, Solid Brass or Nickel, 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 ...
Category

2010s Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Elongated Octagonal Lidded Tessellated Bone Box in the Style of Enrique Garcel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A well crafted wooden Octagonal box with Tessellated bone inlay - lidded and ready for many different contents, from desk accessories to television remotes, jewelry, letters, memento...
Category

20th Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bone, Wood

21st Century Canaria Medium Basket Handwoven in Italy
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
Another style, another iconic weave. Canaria is our brand new family of baskets available in different sizes able to meet several uses. A magazine holder, a blanket or shoes holde...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Leather

Set of 3 Exquise Baccarat items, Sky Blue Crystal, France
Located in Rijssen, NL
Glorifying the effects of refracted light for 170 years, the iconic Baccarat pieces are well-know over the world. A crystal masterpiece set of exceptional proportions, the set cryst...
Category

1990s French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

20th Century Italian Sterling Silver Vase gorgeous Italian craftsmanship
Located in VALENZA, IT
Sterlin Silver vase. The smooth body is shaped and slightly hammered The foot follows the shape of the body harmoniously Completely hand made This vase has been studied to have a b...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Sterling Silver

Large Vase from China, 21st Century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
"Large Vase from China, 21st Century". Celadon color, modern work, decorative, XXI century.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Other

Formia Green Murano Art Glass Vase in the manner of Hilton McConnico
Located in Miami, FL
A unique organic modern art glass vase in the manner of designs by Hilton McConnico, blown in the 1990s, that was presumably part of an exclusive collection of unique pieces designed...
Category

20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

MIGUEL FERNANDO LOPEZ (MILO) - Bronze Rugby Player - Portugal - 20th Century
Located in Chatham, ON
MIGUEL FERNANDO LOPEZ (MILO) - Vintage rugby player bronze sculpture on marble base - signed - Portugal - late 20th century. Good vintage condition - no ...
Category

Late 20th Century Portuguese Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Pegasus Contemporary Pop Centerpiece 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

Bonnie Contemporary LED Small Pendant, Solid Brass or Nickel, 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

French glazed ceramic vide-poche bowl
Located in London, GB
An elegant glazed ceramic vide poche with green and gold decoration.
Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

New Modern Candle Holder in White and Black Marble, Designer Jacopo Simonetti
Located in Milan, IT
Candle Holder in White Michelangelo and Black Marquinia marble. The hypnotic black and white stripes of the new Nova collection, designed by Jacopo Simonetti, offer a versatile way...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

James Bearden Sculpture "Meteor Storm"
Located in New York, NY
Sonic sculpture of torch-cut steel fused with glass enamel titled “Meteor Storm” by American artist James Bearden. The array of iridescent, molten-looking celestial shapes surmountin...
Category

2010s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Enamel, Steel

Vintage Awaji Pottery Manipulated Drip Vase
Located in Wilton, CT
Large Awaji pottery drip vase with thick, multicolored lava glaze suspended above the unglazed lower portion of the vase. Impressed four character mark on side of base. Drill hole pr...
Category

1930s Japanese Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Pottery

Blue and White Porcelain Vase by Ivan Weiss for Royal Copenhagen, 1980s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Modern porcelain vase with blue decor designed by the danish ceramist Ivan Weiss and manufactured by Royal Copenhagen during the 1980s. Fully ...
Category

1980s Danish Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Early 2000 Unique Blown Murano Glass Fuchsia Yellow Sculpture by Juan Ripolles
Located in London, GB
Early 2000 "Pedone" (Pedestrian) a unique and very catching glass sculpture by Juan Ripolles executed in Berengo Studio glass Furnace in Murano Venice Italy. Blown glass fuchsia, yellow and dark gold. Juan Ripolles is a Spanish postwar and contemporary painter and glass artist born in 1932 His glass art works projects were mainly created at the Berengo furnace in Murano, exhibited through out the world in several private galleries and in the epical"Glass Stress" exhibition, started by the founder of Berengo Studio ,Adriano Berengo...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass

Incredible Pair of Found Objects Sculpture Panels After Louise Nevelson
Located in Atlanta, GA
A dramatic pair of sculptural Found Objects panels, circa 1970. Cream painted wood frame construction with a heavy plywood back. Varying sections comprised of intricately arranged vintage furniture parts, architectural salvage and wood letters...
Category

1970s Unknown Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood, Plywood

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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