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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Venini Murano Italian Green Glass Bottle Vase Incisi Serie, 2004
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Italian glass bottle vasec with stopper, “Incisi” series, in two-color submerged glass with surface entirely worked by grinding produced by Venini Murano, Venini trademark 2004 engra...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Curt Magnus Addin, own studio. Ceramic vase, 1970s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Curt Magnus Addin (1931-2007), Swedish ceramist. Own studio. Unique ceramic vase in a modernist style. Chamotte clay. 1970s. Stamped and signed. In perfect condition. Dimensions: W 1...
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Rone Contemporary LED Wall Light Sconce, solid brass, hand-finished 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

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

Contemporary Gaetano Pesce Indian Summer M Vase Soft Resin Grey Turquoise
Located in barasso, IT
Indian Summer vase - Clear grey and matt turquoise Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Measures: M - ø 16cm x H 26cm Colours: Clear grey...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Resin

Herend Decor "Flower Bouquet" Vase Hand Painted Hungarian Porcelain, Modern
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Exquisite vase in hand painted Hungarian porcelain by Herend. In "flower bouquet" pattern. Modern Vase with the charm of the 19th century. Since 1826, Herend's factory has been one o...
Category

Late 20th Century Hungarian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Christian Dior Stitched Leather Double View Travel Folding Picture Frame
Located in Atlanta, GA
This sophisticated leather picture frame was designed for the Christian Dior Home Collection in the 1990s. The lovely bright green leather with a pattern has a hand-stitched finish. ...
Category

1990s French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Antonio da Ros Asymetric Murano Glass Sommerso Bowl/Dish, Uranium/Blue
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful uranium Murano glass bowl designed by Antonio Da Ros.
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Tissue Box in Black Oak by R&Y Augousti
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Black Oak Tissue Box by R&Y Augousti epitomizes refined minimalism and luxury craftsmanship. Fashioned from premium oak, this tissue box stands as a testament to masterful handcr...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood, Oak

Mid Century Sven Palmqvist Orrefors Pa Expo 1965 Cobalt Blue Flower Vase 9"
Located in Dayton, OH
Rare mid century Sven Palmqvist for Orrefors Swedish cobalt blue rectangular glass bud vase or flower urn. Marked Orrefors Expo Pa 370-65 and signed Palmqvist on base. Circa 1965. ...
Category

1960s Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

"Green Striped Wastebasket", Handcrafted, Painted Tole Piece by Briger
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Commissioned by Briger Design and made by Mexican artisans in San Miguel de Allende, this painted tole wastebasket is boldly designed and painted. The flaring sides of the piece are...
Category

1990s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

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

Clay, Pottery

Very Large Volkstedt Porcelain Sculpture of a Parrot
Located in London, GB
A very large Volkstedt porcelain sculpture of a parrot German, early 20th century Measures: Height 50cm, width 18cm, depth 23cm. Full of vitality and character, this fine and very large porcelain parrot...
Category

Early 20th Century German Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Large Stunning Vintage Pink White Art Glass Vase Italian
Located in Belfast, Northern Ireland
Title: Large Stunning Vintage Pink White Art Glass Bowl Italian Description: A fabulous, large vintage piece of art glass in a flamboyant, quirky shape that looks like it could...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Contemporary Black Lacquer Sea Lion Sculpture by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sea lion sculpture Black Lacquer Antique copper Hand repoussé Limited edition Contemporary Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet met...
Category

2010s Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Copper

Hand Blown Murano Vase Gomitolo in Clear with a Hint of Green Extra Tall
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This extra tall, elegant Murano glass vase epitomizes modern sophistication while celebrating the rich heritage of traditional glass-blowing techniques. Standing as a testament to Mu...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Glass Water Balloon Sculptures Trio by Dylan Martinez
Located in East Quogue, NY
Dylan Martinez’s hyperrealistic water balloons are made of solid sculpted glass sandblasted and acid-etched to resemble real water balloons. The sculptu...
Category

2010s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass

Marie-Paule Deville-Chabrolle for Daum Athena Limited Edition Crystal Sculpture
By Daum, Marie-Paule Deville-Chabrolle
Located in Cincinnati, OH
This pâte de verre crystal sculpture was designed by French sculptor Marie-Paule Deville-Chabrolle (b. 1952) and hand made by Daum in Nancy, France. The ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Inciso Glass Bottle with Stopper by Paolo Venini
Located in New York, NY
Wheel carved glass. Venini label adhered to bottom. Provenance: Private collection, FL.
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass, Blown Glass

Signed Vintage Murano Livio Seguso Sommerso Optical Abstract Glass Sculpture
Located in North Miami, FL
This vintage signed amazing Murano Livio Seguso hand blown glass optical sommerso sculpture is a limited edition and numbered 63/100. It is heavy, abstract and has layers of differen...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Blown Glass

Pair of Vintage Bisque Porcelain Macaque Monkeys
Located in Chicago, IL
This delightful pair of white bisque porcelain long-tailed macaque monkeys brings charm and whimsy to any space. One monkey sits serenely, cradling a ripe peach in its delicate hands...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Yang Service Tray in Pearl and Black Pearl Resin by Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Our rectangle tray has clean lines, polished finish and is embellished with semi spheres that make it one-of-a-kind. This modern tray is just the thing for serving breakfast in bed, ...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Resin

Cairn Coffee Table in Oiled Maple by Alvaro Uribe for Wooda
Located in Omro, WI
The Cairn collection by Alvaro Uribe for Wooda challenges the perception of furniture being purely functional. We believe furniture brings a sense of spirituality and magic to our li...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Hardwood, Maple

1930s Green Vase by Andries Copier for Glasfabriek Leerdam
Located in Beerse, VAN
Vase “0749” with thick glass designed in 1938 by Andries Copier for Glasfabriek Leerdam. This beautiful vase weighs 3.2 kilos and is in good condition with some user marks. Signed w...
Category

Early 20th Century Dutch Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass

21st Century Tata Italian Magazine Holder in Wood & Leather
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
This masterfully hand-woven basket belongs to our iconic Almeria collection. Made of eco-friendly leather, that is washable, resistant to light and water, it's suitable for indoor an...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Leather, Wood

Contemporary Fish Design Gaetano Pesce Spaghetti L Vase Soft Resin Blue Lime
Located in barasso, IT
Spaghetti special vase, clear blue and matt lime. Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Measures: L - ø 22cm x H 36cm Other sizes ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Resin

Holiday Vase by Project 213A
Located in Macieira de Sarnes, PT
Holiday vase in dusty black. Designed by Project 213A in 2021 Handmade Stoneware. The oval vase, ruffled on the edges brings about contrast of lightness. This hand made and embelli...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stoneware

Small Dew Vase in Cast Bronze by Elan Atelier
Located in New York, NY
Small Dew Vase in Cast Bronze by Elan Atelier The Dew vase is made in our atelier utilizing the lost wax casting technique. Various sizes and custom finishes are available by reques...
Category

2010s European Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Royal Copenhagen Four Vintage Danish Porcelain Birds and Squirrel Figures
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Four vintage Danish porcelain birds and squirrel figure made by Royal Copenhagen and dating from the 1960's. The figures are well modeled and ...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

1970s Flavio Poli for Seguso Modern Blue Sommerso Murano Glass Mono Flower Vase
Located in Aci Castello, IT
An elegant blue sommerso murano glass bottle vase designed in the Seventies by Flavio Poli and manufactured in Venice by Seguso, it's in perfect conditions. the Vase is a striking ex...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Murano Shell Form Glass Sculpture - Unsigned - Italy - Late 20th Century
Located in Chatham, ON
Murano multi-color and blue glass shell form sculpture - polished finish with flat ground base - unsigned - Italy - late 20th century. Excellent vintage condition - no loss - no dam...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass

Modern Sculptural Wood Room Divider by Sebastiano Bottos, Italia
Located in Pordenone, IT
The " Cortina " screen by Sebastiano Bottos is a geometric piece of furniture handcrafted by assembling extroflexed pine wood elements, the result of an innovating working process th...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Reclining figure sculpture
Located in London, GB
A beautiful sculpture of a reclining figure of an abstract female nude. The substantial piece is 70cm long, hand crafted, molded and cast in a mix of resin and bronze powder, which...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Modern Tessellated Stone Inlaid Pyramid Hinged Box
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Modern Tessellated Stone Inlaid Pyramid Hinged Box Add a touch of modern elegance into your space with this captivating Modern Tessellated Stone Inlaid Pyramid Hinged Box. This pie...
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone

Handmade Ceramic Spikes White Decorative Flower Vase III
Located in Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, AR
Beautiful decorative flower vase, perfect for showcasing your cherished blooms. Providing a unique perspective from every angle, this handmade ceramic vase blurs the line between fun...
Category

2010s Argentine Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Clay, Pottery

"Red Passion", Murano Glass Centerpiece, Handmade in Italy, Unique Design, 2022
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The jellyfish is the main element of the Mosche Bianche's "Medusa" Collection: fluid, delicate but also dangerous and deadly. It represents the water, the circle of life. Glass f...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass, Murano Glass

Important Storied Tall Ceramic Pot with Rattle and Handprints by Toshiko Takaezu
Located in Atlanta, GA
An important ceramic closed-form pot with rattle by Japanese American artist Toshiko Takaezu (American, 1922 - 2011). The story: In the 1980s, potter Lola Rae invited Toshika to her ceramic studio and kiln in Ojai, CA to teach a class. Lola Rae had previously worked as a studio assistant for artist Beatrice Wood for eight years. This pot was one of the pieces Toshiko made on site during the class and workshop. Together with the other pot on offer, they stayed in Lola Rae's personal collection until now offer by us Tishu Gallery...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Sofia Mouth Blown Glass LED Config 1, Handmade Brass, Bronze or Nickel
Located in Torslanda, SE
by Matthew Holleman, 2024 Standard size, 50”/128cm length. Height (stem-lengths) are made to order. This piece is handmade in our Swedish workshop and fully customizable in size/sc...
Category

2010s Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

ITALIAN SCULPTURE "SEAL" began 20th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
ITALIAN SCULPTURE "SEAL" began 20th Century in silver metal and shell, eyes in colored glass. Slight wear. Dim.: 39 x 50 cm
Category

20th Century Italian 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

"Rumba" Vase in Sage Green Crystal from "Marquis" by Waterford, Ireland
Located in Verviers, BE
Beautiful E Waterford marquis green crystal vase, in the Rumba pattern. Nearly 10" tall and almost 5 lbs Beautiful green inside and clear bottom. Top-q...
Category

1990s Irish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

In-Stock, White Organic Vase, Kawa Vase 19, sculptural ceramic abstract
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Kawa Vase 19 Made by casting liquid clay into sewn leather molds, all pieces in the Kawa Series are one-of-a-kind. 4" dia. x 11" h 1 unit in stock. Ships in 5-7 days. Kawa Seri...
Category

2010s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Clay, Porcelain

Magnificent Italian Torso Carrara Marble, Early 20th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Magnificent Italian Torso Carrara Marble Early 20th Century H: 127cm The height is including the base good conditions weight: 800kg This sculpture needs export certificate Delivery t...
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Carrara Marble

Small Bowl Pedestal in Smoke Resin by Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
This small pedestal stands tall as a stately centerpiece or bookshelf display. The spheres give the piece a playful and modern look, making it a perfect statement piece for any space...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Resin

Abstract Brutalist Chrome Sculpture by Jason Seley "Sculptor's Harp 2" 1966
Located in Rochester, NY
Abstract brutalist welded chrome sculpture by Jason Seley "Sculptor's Harp 2". An abstract deep sea monster. Created 1966. Seley's preferred medium was chrome bumpers. Unsigned. J...
Category

Mid-20th Century North American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Chrome

Ghidini 1961 Omini the Climber Clips Holder in Polished Brass
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This unconventional paperclip holder is made of brass. This versatile piece features a small, stylized man climbing up a ladder that contains magnets, ensuring that all unruly paperc...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

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

Hand Blown Murano Vase in Cobalt Blue with Bubbles
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Crafted with the timeless Bullicante technique, this hand-blown Murano vase embodies the meticulous artistry of Venetian glassmakers. Each bubble is carefully encapsulated within lay...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Modern Abstract Sculpture in Black Oak by Patrick Coard Paris
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Embodying a seamless balance between fluidity and strength, the Thaddeaus sculpture by Patrick Coard Paris is a triumph in modern abstract art. Handcrafted from a luxurious black oak...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Oak, Fiberglass

Nozomu Raku Pottery Vase, Smoked Raku, Handmade Ceramic Home Decor Gift
Located in Petaling Jaya, MY
Nozomu ( 望む ) ~ (n) hope Our Nozomu Vase has a flattened surface and a narrow mouth, heart-shaped with a smaller base. With its soft curves and a textured finish, it adds a soothing...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Malaysian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Copper

Supersport Double Ashtray
Located in Milan, IT
From the Yacht collection, our Dolcevita double Ashtray is the perfect detail for any luxurious enviroment. The ashtray is total high gloss varnished ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Gold

Italian Murano Art Glass Bowl Bubble Design
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful and substantial Italian Murano controlled bubble clear-transparent art glass bowl, circa mid-20th century, 1960s Italy. Use as a s...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass, Murano Glass

Abstract white sculpture , one of a kind
Located in London, GB
A beautiful one of a kind sculpture of an abstract figure in white, it is handcrafted in full bodied gypsum reinforced with fibreglass matting. The creative process takes multiple ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Jute, Plaster, Fiberglass

Aluminum Incense Burner by Henry Wilson
Located in Geneve, CH
Aluminum Incense Burner by Henry Wilson Dimensions: D 6 x H 5 cm Materials: Aluminum. Available in aluminum, bronze, and blackened bronze. The Incense Burner was initially designed...
Category

2010s Australian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Aluminum

Italian Murano Glass Sculpture Of A Heron
By Luca Bojola
Located in Bradenton, FL
Impressive 20th century Italian Murano Glass Sculpture Of A Heron, attributed to designer Luca Bojola for Lico Zanetti, Florence, Italy. Sculpture features heavy solid glass bird wit...
Category

20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Pair of glasses attributed to Barovier and Toso
Located in Lugo, IT
Pair of glass and bubble vases attributed to Barovier and Toso. One smaller Good conditions. Thank you
Category

1940s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Sculpture, Bust of Zeus in Patinated Marble, Statue in the Style of Ancient Rome
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Sculpture, bust of Zeus in patinated marble, statue in the style of Ancient Rome, 21st century. Bust, sculpture of Zeus in patinated marble, contemp...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

Modernist Abstract Figural Sculpture in Brushed Pewter Manner of Willi Gutmann
Located in New York, NY
This charming Modernist Abstract Figural Sculpture in Brushed Pewter Manner of Willi Gutmann originates from Switzerland, Circa 1970. Features a rectilin...
Category

1970s Swiss Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Pewter

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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