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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Renzo Stellon for Salviati Orange Satin Finish "Drops" Vase 2003
Located in Cathedral City, CA
Renzo Stellon for Salviati Orange Satin Finish "Drops" Vase 2003 This is a beautiful hand-blown reddish orange glass vase with a satin finish signed Salviati 2003 (first designed in...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Blown Glass

Travertine Cat or Dog Bowl Set
Located in Eindhoven, NB
Unique and Stunning Pet bowl made of travertine stone. Expertly crafted and finished by hand, our travertine bowls are a study in sculptural simplicity. Natural variations in the sto...
Category

2010s Dutch Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Travertine

Fish Design Gaetano Pesce Spaghetti Special Vase Soft Resin Red Blue
Located in barasso, IT
Spaghetti Special Vase - Clear aqua and coral red Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Measures: L - ø 22cm x H 36cm Other sizes availa...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Resin

Organic White Ceramic Kawa Vessel, Large 02, Leather Cast Porcelain Vase
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A large porcelain vessel with leather textured exterior surface and clear glazed interior. As a result of the production process each item is one-of-a-kind. A multitude of small leather panels are sewn together to create the leather mold for the Kawa Series...
Category

2010s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Porcelain, Clay

Wonderful R&Y Augousti Crocodile Bone Picture Frame
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful R&Y Augousti Faux Crocodile Bone Picture Frame
Category

20th Century French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bone, Faux Leather

Lalique Signed Large Centre Piece, France, circa 1940
Located in Rijssen, NL
Luxury at its finest, high-end crystal bowl made and signed by Lalique. This rare Lalique centerpiece is decorated with daisy's. This round shaped centerpiece bowl has understated e...
Category

20th Century French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass

Postmodern Marble Box circa 1980
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Postmodern Marble Box circa 1980
Category

20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone, Marble

Postmodern Marble Box circa 1980
Postmodern Marble Box circa 1980
$262 Sale Price
25% Off
Owl Lucite and Wood Sculpture
Located in New York, NY
A Lucite encased hand carved wood owl, circa late-20th century, Canada. Owl is wood card and encased in Lucite with a prism-like design. Piece is marked 'hand-carved', 'Made in Canad...
Category

Late 20th Century Canadian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Lucite, Wood

Textured Porcelain Sculpture Leaf- Mabel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mabel is a one of a kind porcelain hand built leaf sculpture. She is heavily textured with folds and crevices that make her mysterious and enticing with a different presence at each ...
Category

2010s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Geometric Sculpture in Polished Resin Color Grape by Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Geometric sculpture made in polished resin in variety of colors. It is a modern and colorful piece that will liven up any space. This sculpture is ve...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Resin

1970's Joseph Sloan "Conductor" Brass and Marble Modern Sculpture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1970's "Conductor" brass and marble modern sculpture, by Joseph Sloan. A self-taught sculptor, Sloane was born in 1940 in County Down, After starting in theatre he evolved into sculp...
Category

1970s Irish Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble, Brass

Bjørn Wiinblad Porcelain Pillow Vase for Rosenthal Studio Line, Germany, c.1980
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Bjørn Wiinblad Porcelain Pillow Vase for Rosenthal Studio Line, Germany, c.1980.
Category

20th Century German Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Bud Vase Collection, Including Four Vases and Watering Can
Located in Chicago, IL
Each of these delicately, handcrafted bud vases is perfect as an individual home accessory or whimsical series. Made of brass and hand tarnished, each bad vase has its own unique for...
Category

2010s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Blue Abstract Lucite Sculpture
Located in Houston, TX
A translucent Tiffany blue and clear acrylic abstract sculpture on a black base.
Category

20th Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Acrylic, Lucite

RARE Iittala Alaska Loon Art Glass Bird by Oiva Toikka Finn Fest 2009
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This stunning Alaskan Loon glass collectible bird is a masterpiece created by Iittala of Finland. It belongs to the renowned Birds by Oiva Toikka collection, produced specifically fo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Finnish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Blown Glass

Vase Vessel Sculpture Pink Rose Quartz Marble Collectible Design Handmade Italy
Located in Ancona, Marche
Important sculptural vase carved by hand from a solid block of rare Rose Quartz. Vase dimensions: D 57 x H 50 cm, available in different quartzite, onyx and marbles. Limited editio...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

Salvador Dali Surrealist 'Salivasofa' Unique Prototype Red Lips Sofa
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Salivasofá: First prototype sofa designed by Salvador Dalí & Oscar Tusquets, 1972. The measurements are: 175 x 110 x 80 cm Comes with a Certificate o...
Category

1970s Spanish Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Foam

New Modern Fruit Bowl in Red Marble, creator Karen Chekerdjian
Located in Milan, IT
Inside Out Fruit Bowl in red Levanto marble, designed by the internationally renowned designer Karen Chekerdjian - it is available also in other colours. I...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

SET Glaciar Small, Large, Silver Alpaca & Bordeaux Onyx Stone Box
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
Measurements : 7.8" x 4.7" x 3.5" 10.6" x5.5" x 3.5" Glaciar collection is meticulously handcrafted by our local artisans with these rectangular onyx pieces set around alpaca silver...
Category

2010s South American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone, Onyx, Metal

Contemporary Gaetano Pesce Spaghetti L Vase Soft Resin Red
Located in barasso, IT
Spaghetti vase, red. Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Measures: L - ø 22cm x H 36cm Other sizes available. Colours: Red. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Resin

Green Glazed Vase by Arequipa Pottery
Located in San Francisco, CA
Green Glazed Vase by Arequipa Pottery Stoneware vase by Arequipa Pottery, made in California in 1912. The low, rounded form features an undulating rim and a matte green glaze with n...
Category

1910s American Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Modern Decor Small White Happy Susto Ceramic Flower Vase by Jaime Hayon
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Modern Decor Small White Happy Susto Ceramic Flower Vase by Jaime Hayon Materials: Porcelain Dimensions: D 10 cm x W 24 cm x H 34 cm A cerami...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

White / Lilac Marble Pedestal Bowl XL
Located in Eindhoven, NB
A substantial white marble bowl with unique lilac veining rests atop a pedestal for a grand presentation of fruits and vegetables. Exposure to the acid of citrus fruits can stain...
Category

2010s Dutch Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

Handmade Rock Decorative Ceramic Vase I - Black & White
Located in Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, AR
Beautiful decorative ceramic vase, perfect for displaying your favorite blooms. With its simple lines and contemporary aesthetics, this handmade pottery vase crosses the line between...
Category

2010s Argentine Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Clay, Pottery

Large, Round Planter in Patinated Brass with a Black Base, Handcrafted.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Large, round planter in patinated brass with a black base, handcrafted. This large planter stands out for its smooth, slightly reflective surface and captivating colors. Its patinat...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Pink Marble Narrow Bowl
Located in Eindhoven, NB
Stunning, aesthetic, timeless are words that can be used to describe this elegant and modern pink marble narrow bowl from Kiwano. Expertly crafted and finished by hand, our traverti...
Category

2010s Dutch Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Travertine

Set of 3 Small Elemental Spinning Tops in Oiled Walnut by Alvaro Uribe for Wooda
Located in Omro, WI
The initial inspiration for the elemental top collection by Alvaro Uribe for Wooda was wooda’s iconic logo of a tree. We felt it captured the company’s synergy for working with wood ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood, Hardwood, Walnut

Rosso Levanto Eclipse Bowl
Located in Eindhoven, NB
Stunning, aesthetic, timeless are words that can be used to describe this elegant and modern travertine Eclipse bowl from Kiwano. Expertly craf...
Category

2010s Dutch Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

Silver Travertine Vase and Wine Cooler
Located in Eindhoven, NB
Our silver travertine vase is designed by us and hand crafted by the artisans within the fair-trade principles. Crafted from a natural travertine stone, this vase will be sure to wi...
Category

2010s Dutch Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Travertine

Pietra Box Travertine & Rose by Greg Natale
Located in Sydney,, NSW
Carved from one of four types of authentic marble, the Pietra Box presents a playful fusion of classic materials and modern design. With a complementary stone handle, this decorative...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

Bubble Bowl in Marbled Smoke and Black Resin by Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Our Bubble Bowl is handmade in smoke & black marbled resin. Its modern, fun and unique design makes it a statement piece and can be used as decor or as a fruit platter. Designed by ...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Resin

Yellow Semi Sphere Sculpture in Polished Resin by Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
This Geometric sculpture is handmade in polished resin in a variety of colors. It is a modern and colorful piece that will liven up any space. Our Se...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Resin

Colorado Ceramic Teapot, by Marco Zanini from Memphis Milano
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Colorado teapot in ceramic was originally designed by Marco Zanini in 1983. Marco Zanini was born in Trento in 1954. He graduated in architecture ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Pair of Handblown Glass Hurricane Lamps or Vases
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful Pair of hand Crafted, Hand Blown Hurricane lamps - simple and yet speak to the artistic with a irregular band of glass around the base of each vessel. A compliment to any ...
Category

20th Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Blown Glass

Nano Wall Clock
Located in NEW YORK, NY
The modern Nano clock has an avant-garde design with a Nordic air, combining walnut wood or oak finish with black and white colors. Nano wall clock: Hand...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood, Polystyrene

Nano Wall Clock
Nano Wall Clock
$418 / item
Black Modern/Contemporary Blackened Resin Composite Steel Coffee Table Fissured
Located in Bronx, NY
"Mono Table" Cal Summers d. 2021 A coffee table made from a unique composite material developed by Cal Summers. Graphite, resin, wood fiber, and exposed steel frame. Available in cu...
Category

2010s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Composition, Steel

Bonnie Config 2 Contemporary LED Chandelier, Brass or Nickel, Small, Art
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

Travertine Narrow Bowl
Located in Eindhoven, NB
Stunning, aesthetic, timeless are words that can be used to describe this elegant and modern travertine bowl from Kiwano. Expertly crafted and finished by hand, our travertine bowls ...
Category

2010s Dutch Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Travertine

Flow Vase
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Turned wood and cast bronze made in Los Angeles. Design is inspired by the the natural flows of water.
Category

2010s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Flow Vase
Flow Vase
$1,750
Medusa, White Matt Terracotta Sculpture, Handmade in Italy, 2022, Unique Piece
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
In Greek mythology, Medusa, was one of the three monstrous Gorgons, generally described as winged human females with living venomous snakes in place of hair. Those who gazed into her eyes would turn to stone. Medusa was beheaded by the Greek hero...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Terracotta

"Thorny" Luxury Vases Set of 3 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 4 beautiful...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Gold Leaf

Red! set of unique handcrafted fish handmade in Italy, ceramic and enamels.
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The fish is a unique representation in a modern way. The animals are gently painted with a may different colors. All the pieces from Mosche Bianche are unique since they are done wit...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Silver Travertine Bowl XL
Located in Eindhoven, NB
A substantial silver 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 ...
Category

2010s Dutch Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Travertine

Fosse Ways II by Alice Walton
Located in Atlanta, GA
Alice Walton is a talented sculptor whose work is defined by her innovative approach to form and material. Born with a deep appreciation for the visual arts, Walton developed her ski...
Category

2010s English Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Tiffany & Co. Clear Crystal Candlesticks, Pair
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of crystal candlesticks By Tiffany & Co. (signed at the base) Late 20th Century Measures: 3.5"W x 3.5"D x 9.25"H. Very good original vintage condition.
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

Contemporary Sculpted Green Block & Pearl Candlestick Set by Margit Wittig
Located in London, GB
Margit Wittig has used her sculptural skills to create beautifully-crafted, well-proportioned candlesticks, which are compositions of her unique signature pearl and block shaped designs. Each candlestick begins as hand-sculpted components which are used to create moulds in different sizes. These highly original, eye-catching candlesticks come in different sizes depending on the number of blocks. The candlesticks are cast in bio-resin with 30% recycled components and Jesmonite mixed with pigment at the start of the process, to ensure color consistency. Some of the candlesticks are subtly finished with hand painted gold patina to reflect the shimmer of the candle. Each one is made with a solid brass drip catcher and can be cast in a variety of colors. Working from her studio in London, as well as candlesticks, Margit creates artistic lighting...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Small Agua Elemental Spinning Top in Oiled Walnut by Alvaro Uribe for Wooda
Located in Omro, WI
The initial inspiration for the elemental top collection by Alvaro Uribe for Wooda was wooda’s iconic logo of a tree. We felt it captured the company’s synergy for working with wood ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Hardwood, Walnut

Vase Vessel Sculpture Solid Block White Arabescato Marble Carrara Handmade Italy
Located in Ancona, Marche
Important sculptural vase carved by hand from a solid block of Arabescato marble. Vase dimension: D 52 x H 45 cm. Available in different marbles. Limited edition of 35. Each vase...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

Travertine Bowl With Lid
Located in Eindhoven, NB
Stunning, aesthetic, timeless are words that can be used to describe this elegant and modern travertine bowl from Kiwano. Expertly crafted and finished by hand, our travertine vases ...
Category

2010s Dutch Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

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

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Resin

Contemporary Fish Design Gaetano Pesce Pompitu I Vase
Located in barasso, IT
Pompitu I Vase - Clear Light Ruby And Matt Fuchsia Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Measures: L - Ø 22cm x H 36cm Other sizes avail...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Resin

Robert Indiana Brushed Aluminum Red Love Paperweight Sculpture
Located in San Diego, CA
This very rare rendition and unique small edition of the vintage Robert Indiana love paperweight sculpture is captivating. This rarely seen version i...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Aluminum

Broccoli Fruit Bowl, by Marco Zanini from Memphis Milano
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Ceramic three-level fruit bowl originally designed by Marco Zanini in 1985 for Memphis Milano. The three geometrical shapes in three colors complete the idea of a trilogy. Marco Zan...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

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

Peter Ilsley Crystalline Glazed Studio Pottery Porcelain Bottle Vase
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A stunning and exceptional studio pottery crystalline glazed porcelain bottle vase signed AH to the base and dated 1986. The vase is finely potted standing on a narrow unglazed round...
Category

20th Century English Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

48"x27" Metal Wall Sculpture in Stainless and Aged Brass #681
Located in Blowing Rock, NC
Aged brass, stainless steel. Measures: 48" X 27". Kue King created this elongated wall mounted sculpture using brass and stainless steel wire. The brass is aged to give the sculptur...
Category

2010s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal, Brass, Stainless Steel, Wire

Paul Hilditch Moorcroft Limited Edition London Architectural Riverscape Vase
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A stunning Moorcroft London Architectural limited edition vase recording Docklands to The City of London from the embankment by Paul Hilditch and conceived in 2011. This large tall bulbous vase is richly glazed with tour-de-force tubelining skills with three scenes framed between tall ornate Victorian gas lights. The scenes run from Docklands with the river Thames in the foreground with the Thames Barrier and with the Dome overshadowed by the tall and iconic architectural buildings which make up the famous Docklands skyline. The second scene shows the large dome of St Pauls Cathedral with an iconic London red double decker bus in the foreground with the third scene showing one of the most iconic buildings of modern London the Gherkin set amidst the tall City of London buildings. All in all a spectacular and exceptional vase not only by its sheer size but the incredible way it has been decorated. It is recorded by Moorcroft as ' Every once in a while, Moorcroft create a vase that is magical. Paul Hilditch’s magnificent London is a celebration of England’s capital, framing the new architecture of the city with wonderful Victorian gas lamps...
Category

2010s English Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Pottery

Rare Set of Four Salvador Dali Limited Edition ‘Xai’
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Set of four "XAI” lambs designed by Salvador Dali manufactured by BD Barcelona and Deyrolle. This are almost the last four pieces available, is a great opportunity to purchase it...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Set of 3 White Organic Vases, Kawa Vases, sculptural, abstract, ceramic
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A set of 3 leather-cast porcelain vases with textured exterior surface and clear glazed interior. Made by casting liquid clay into sewn leather molds, all pieces in the Kawa Series ...
Category

2010s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Clay, Porcelain

Modernist Smoked Amber Hand-Blown Murano Glass Vase
Located in New York, NY
This striking Modernist Hand-Blown Murano Glass Vase in Smoked Amber originates from Italy during the 21st Century. It features a minimal rounded form with slight tapering at a great...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

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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