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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
James Bearden Containment Box #2
Located in New York, NY
Sculptural "Containment" box, a vessel in blackened steel, dyed bronze, and red glass enamel by American artist James Bearden. Number 2 in a series. Top lifts off revealing an abstra...
Category

2010s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Steel, Bronze, Enamel

Tiffany & Co., Sterling Silver Ball/Sphere/Jewelry Box, Modern, Marked
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Very pretty sterling silver Tiffany & Co. jewelry ball, box, number 35378 Weighted, 7.
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Sterling Silver

Rone Contemporary LED Sculptural Brass Table Light, Handmade in Sweden
Located in Torslanda, SE
The Rone range is an exploration of the delicate balance of Classic forms. In simplicity, quality is at the utmost importance and our solid brass parts are painstakingly milled or sp...
Category

2010s Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Montagnani Italy Modernist Wood and Metal Picture Frame, circa 1970
Located in Atlanta, GA
Montagnani Firenze designed this stunning picture frame. The rare piece was crafted in Italy circa 1970. The photo frame features a Mid-Century modernist form, with a rectangular sha...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Dia Contemporary LED Chandelier, Config. 2, Solid Brass, Handmade/finished, Art
Located in Torslanda, SE
Dia is a sculptural chandelier inspired by the heterophony of natural sound. Each frame (or melody) is hand-rolled with all joints cleverly concealed within the circular light source...
Category

2010s Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Indian Summer Vase (Large), Clear Fume and Matte Turquoise by Gaetano Pesce
Located in Toronto, CA
Clear Fume and Turquoise "Indian Summer" Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. * All the pieces are hand-made and therefore unique. Variat...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Resin

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

Surrealist Chair by Tessa Koot, Netherlands (1, 2 & 3)
Located in Hanover, MA
Three chairs from the series "Additions to the family" by Eindhoven artist, Tessa Koot. These were originally exhibited in 2012 at Tuttobene during the Salone Internazionale del Mob...
Category

2010s Dutch Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Polystyrene

Hand-Blown Murano Dish with 24-Karat Gold Flecks and Bullicante Detailing
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This exquisite hand-blown Murano dish embodies timeless Italian craftsmanship, showcasing a delicate fusion of artistry and opulence. Crafted from crystal-clear Murano glass, the pie...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Gold Leaf

Hand Blown Glass Dish by Ghiro Studio
Located in New York, NY
Colored glass. Carved, shaped and polished from a large "slag glass" rock. "Ghiro" etched onto underside.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Blown Glass

Baccarat Signed, Equise Large Ginkgo Bamboo Crystal Vase, France
Located in Rijssen, NL
Luxury at its finest, high-end crystal vase made by Baccarat.  The form of the Baccarat clear crystal Ginkgo bamboo vase is a perfect homage to its namesake, the ginkgo biloba leaf. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

Roger Capron's Wall-mounted Sculpture Depicts a Face Inspired of Picasso
Located in Stockholm, SE
Unique piece created in Vallauris, France. Raku, glazes, engravings, and slips. Signed. R. Capron. Emblematic work, and a personal interpretation of Picasso face full of poetry and...
Category

1990s French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Enamel

Botero Styled Horse Sculpture in Bronze
Located in Dallas, TX
A very nice, high quality bronze horse sculpture with a gorgeous aged patina. Great for the floor, table top, fireplace mantle.
Category

Early 2000s Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Salviati Murano Glass Vase “Sommerso” Signed
Located in Prato, Tuscany
We kindly suggest you read the whole description, because with it we try to give you detailed technical and historical information to guarantee the authenticity of our objects. Massi...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

New Modern Bowl in White and Black Marble, Designer Jacopo Simonetti
Located in Milan, IT
Bowl S in White Michelangelo and Black Marquinia marble Available also in the L version, and with a rotating mechanism The hypnotic black and white stripes of the new Nova collecti...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

21st Century Glome Y Vase in Mouth-Blown Murano Glass by CTRLZAK
Located in Cantù, Lombardia
"Mouth-blown in the island of Murano, this unique glass piece is suspended in a simple metal wireframe base that completes the object in a balance of elementary forms and light. Glom...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Spectacular Giant 1980's Poly - Resin Sculpture.
Located in New York, NY
Spectacular Giant Modernist Poly Resin sculpture in beautiful shades of Mauve / Lavender.
Category

1980s Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Epoxy Resin

Ceramic Multicolor Fish Handmade in Italy, Choose Your Style! New Creation, 2023
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
Mosche Bianche is glad to add those wonderful fishes to its collection. The fishes are all handmade and bespoke: choose the colors and shape you like! Our artisans can make also cust...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Black and White English Marble Stone Jewelry Box
Located in New York, NY
An English modern style black and white marble stone jewelry or trinket box, circa late-20th century, England. Box has tapered corners and is polished sm...
Category

Late 20th Century English Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone, Marble

Hand-Blown Murano Fluid Vase in Clear with Emerald Green and Bubble Details
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Hand-Blown Murano Fluid Vase in Clear with Emerald Green and Bubble Details is a masterpiece of Venetian artistry, embodying the pinnacle of design and luxury. Its tall, robust f...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Sculpture by Miguel Ortiz Berrocal
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Sculpture puzzle « Mini cariatide » in nickel plated brass by Miguel Ortiz Berrocal, Spain circa 1968. 25 pieces.
Category

1960s Spanish Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass, Nickel

Forest Lady. Unique piece of art. Handmade and Hand painted. Ceramic 2024
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The red and gold lady is inspired by many cultural reminiscence of Italy. Corals inspired by our mediterranean see, gold elements for luxury art. A gentle r...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Gold Leaf

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

2010s Argentine Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone, Onyx, Metal

Leather Tray, Medium A Rectangular Tray - Handmade - Color: Clay
Located in Curitiba, Parana
Monochrome Collection Trays For various purposes, the Monochrome Collection Trays can be used individually or as a set. Their sizes are customizable, so feel free to get creative an...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Leather

Mini Organic Modern Ceramic Wave Form Vase in Pool Glaze by Forma Rosa Studio
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Wave collection offers playful geometric shapes rooted in primal forms that appeal universally. Our "Mini" version of our iconic Wave form vases is a perfect size to serve as a mu...
Category

2010s Peruvian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Stoneware

Augusto Perez Cat Bronze Sculpture
Located in Brescia, IT
Bronze sculpture. 2/3 multiple and artist sign.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Candle Snuffer, Made from Silver, Gold and Patinated Metal, Contemporary Work.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Candle snuffer, made from silver, gold and patinated metal, contemporary work. A delicate and artistic candle snuffer, designed to extinguish candles with grace. Made from silver, g...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Vintage, Crown Devon Ewer, Decorative Jug, 3322, Rouge, Gold, Pearlescent
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage Crown Devon ewer. A decorative jug, #3322 in a rouge and gold finish with pearlescent inside and dating to the mid-20th century. ...
Category

20th Century English Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Vintage Steuben Crystal or Glass Palace Model No. 8354 Vase
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine art glass vase. By Steuben. The Palace vase model no. 8354. Designed by Donald Pollard in 1977. With a classic vasiform shape. Sim...
Category

20th Century American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

La Borne 1970 Brown and Black Checkerboard Large Ceramic Bowl or Cup
Located in Neuilly-en- sancerre, FR
La Borne Realised circa 1970 original black and brown large stoneware ceramic bowl or cup Perfect condition Signed at the base Measures: Height 14 cm Large 25 cm.
Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Montagnani Firenze Wood Marquetry and Gilt Brass Box, circa 1970
Located in Atlanta, GA
Discover the artistry of renowned designer Montagnani Firenze with this extraordinary box, a rare Italian masterpiece crafted circa 1970. A true testament to Mid-Century modernist fo...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Luxury Vase #47 "Majestic". Porcelain, Gold Leaf. Handmade design in Italy. 2020
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. The heart collection is inspired by the ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Gold Leaf

Hand Blown Murano Vase Buri in Clear with 24-Karat Gold Flecks Medium
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Introducing our exceptional Hand-Blown Murano Vase, a luxurious masterpiece that combines traditional craftsmanship with opulent design. This vase boasts a strikingly thick glass con...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Armand Petersen: "Hippopotamus", Uniq known sculpture in white mat china, C.1932
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Armand PETERSEN (1891-1969) : "Hippopotamus" White mat enameled porcelain edited by Bing & Grundahl between 1932 and 1955 Originally planned for a 55 pieces edition, this exceptio...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Seletti 'Love in Bloom' Gold Edition Heart Vase by Marcantonio
Located in Doral, FL
Love in bloom is a heart-shaped vase that looks like it comes out of a human anatomy essay. A modern love translated into a romantic but unpredictable gi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Contemporary Gaetano Pesce Pompitu II M Vase Soft Resin Blue Acid Green
Located in barasso, IT
Pompitu II vase, blue, acid green. Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Measures: M ø 16cm x H 26cm Other sizes available Colo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Resin

Fish head Lady Sea Motive. Unique Handmade and Hand painted. Ceramic 2024
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The red and gold marine lady is inspired by many cultural reminiscence of Italy. Corals inspired by our mediterranean see, gold elements for luxury art. A gentle reinassance face emb...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Gold Leaf

Carlo Scarpa, Vase, Glass, Gold Leaf, Italy, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A blown glass and gold leaf vase designed by Carlo Scarpa and produced by Venini, Italy, c. 1930s. With acid etched marking "Venini Italia"
Category

1930s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Gucci Liberty Flower Picture Frame, circa 2000
Located in Atlanta, GA
Italian designer Gucci designed this lovely romantic picture photo frame. The frame boasts PU paper with textured patterns in a timeless and elegant "liberty flower" design in fresh ...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Koban Raku Pottery Vase with Water Tube - Smoked Raku - Handmade Ceramic
Located in Petaling Jaya, MY
Koban ( 小判 ) - (n) oval NEW AND IMPROVED : This vase comes with a waterproof tube insert for fresh flowers and cuttings. Insert width is 2cm/0.8 inches wide The Koban vase is a cla...
Category

2010s Malaysian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Copper

Vase 0025 Grès Roux Chamotté by Marta Dervin
Located in Geneve, CH
Vase 0025 Grès Roux Chamotté by Marta Dervin Dimensions: ø7.5 x H 31-35 cm Materials: Stoneware Marta Dervin works with stoneware and porcelain that she sha...
Category

2010s French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stoneware

New Modern Vase in White and Black Marble, Designer Jacopo Simonetti
Located in Milan, IT
Vase 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 to add p...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

Moor Head Special Edition, Vase Centerpiece, Handmade in Italy, 2023, Bespoke
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
Handmade piece in Italy. No mold. 90 Colors available. Sicily is the land of clay and handcrafted pieces. Love and jealousy melt inside those wonderful creations.
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Clay, Terracotta

'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

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

Large Ceremic Shigaraki Tsubo by Nagaoka Masami
Located in Atlanta, GA
An impressive Shigaraki Tsubo (jar normally for storage) in an archaic form with a bulbous and robust body that opens with a small lipped mouth. Heavil...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Hand Turned Oak Japanese Yakisugi Bowl
Located in London, GB
Fine traditionally hand-crafted and turned Oak half Japanese Yakisugi platter - bowl. These unique pieces are handmade to the very best quality in London using traditional techniques. Finished in food safe oil. A beautiful piece of handmade contemporary design with a finishing technique that dates back millennia. This bowl is hand turned...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Oak

Table Box Heart shape Sky tone fire-enameled on guilloche Salimbeni.
Located in Firenze, FI
Heart-shaped table box in 925/1000 sterling silver with translucent fired enamel on guilloché above and below. Modern contemporary style. Dimensions cm. 8 x 8.8 high cm. 2.8. Weight ...
Category

1990s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Gold, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel

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

2010s Argentine Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone, Onyx, Metal

Lily Bowl Travertine 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

Travertine

Set Salta Leather Tea Pot, Cream & Sugar Alpaca Silver & Leather
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
Set Salta Leather Tea Pot, Cream & Sugar Alpaca Silver & Leather (4 pieces) 1 Salta Square Tray 9.5" x 9.5" 1 Salta Tea Pot 4.3" x 5" 1 Salta Sugar Pot with Spoon 2.2" x 2.5" 1 Sal...
Category

2010s Argentine Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

'Apple' Unique Sculpture in Handmade Aquamarine Crystal by Ghiró Studio
Located in Pieve Emanuele, Milano
This apple was crafted from a whole natural raw block of aquamarine crystal. This block was ground and polished for several hours by hand until it obtained the shape of an apple and ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

2009 Yvan Muñoz Life Size Doberman Dog Papier Mâché Mexico City
By Sergio Bustamante, Yvan Munoz
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a Poetic Art Doberman Pinscher dog sculpture by artist Yvan Munoz Life size dobie in Papier Mâché Mexico City, 2009. Fierce protector. Exquisite Art. Beauti...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Paper

Modernist Pyrite Rock Specimen on Rectilinear Lucite Base
Located in New York, NY
This glittering Modernist Pyrite Rock Specimen on Rectilinear Lucite Base originates from America, 20th Century. Features a beautiful natural cluster of Py...
Category

20th Century American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Pyrite

“Ella y Él” Porcelain & Pure Silver Sculptures by Emilia Castillo, 1995
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A charming and signed pair of figural table sculptures by acclaimed Mexican artist Emilia Castillo, titled “Ella y Él” and dated 1995. Crafted in fine porcelain with hand-applied pur...
Category

1990s Mexican Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Silver

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

21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Leather

Black marble large Cylinder
Located in Mexico City, MX
Plantpot in carved Monterrey black marble. Handmade in México by local craftsmen. Production time: 6-8 weeks for items without marble / 13-14 weeks for marble pieces. Shipping +10 a...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

1984 Signed Satin Frosted Art Glass Perfume Bottle Milli Chips
Located in Dayton, OH
1984 signed art glass perfume bottle and stopper, made of satin glass with white stripes and one flattened crystal clear side showing o...
Category

1980s Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass

Agustín Cárdenas Drawing Study for Abstract Sculpture, Untitled I
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Agustín Cárdenas Drawing Study for Abstract Sculpture, Untitled  Agustín Cárdenas, Cuban, 1927–2001  This exceptional drawing by renowned Cuban sculptor Agustín Cárdenas (1927–2001)...
Category

20th Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Paper

Stephane Galerneau Paris Oversized Gilded Bronze Leaf Dish 1990s
Located in CA, CA
Stephane Galerneau oversized decorative leaf dish in gilded pewtebronzer. Galerneau's distinctive sculptural design is emphasised by the scale and the quality in this dramatic piece...
Category

1990s French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

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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