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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Geometric Sculpture in Polished Pearl Resin 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 very versatile and fun! You can cr...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Resin

NSNG One More Time Clock Rusted Corten
Located in Eindhoven, NL
No Screw No Glue is an iconic range of furniture and objects designed by Joost Van Bleiswijk in which the components are laser cut and assembled by slotting the pieces together. As t...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Steel

Pink Marble Narrow Bowl
Located in Eindhoven, NB
Introducing our exquisite pink marble NARROW Bowl, a fusion of elegance and functionality. Crafted from luxurious pink marble stone, this stunning bowl is a testament to timeless bea...
Category

2010s Dutch Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Travertine

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

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Resin

Pila Vase Jurassic, Merlot, Arabescato and Antico by Greg Natale
Located in Sydney,, NSW
To juxtapose marble’s natural veining, the Pila Vase references the work of modernist architect Paul Rudolph. Reflecting the tension between built and organic forms in contemporary d...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

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

2010s Argentine Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Clay, Pottery

Dia Contemporary LED Chandelier, Config. 1, solid brass, handmade/finished
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

New Modern Large Vase in Black Marquinia Marble, creator Ivan Colominas Stock
Located in Milan, IT
A vase that’s an homage to design and to marble itself: the Marquinia veins look skyward, toward the crater defined by round shapes and sinuous profiles, toward the reinterpretation ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

Contemporary Short Facet Vase in Raspberry Peking Glass by Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Short Facet Vase Raspberry Peking Glass Hand Blown Hand Carved Contemporary Limited Edition Peking glass refers to the high-quality glass art produced by the imperial and commercial workshops in Beijing during the Ching Dynasty, China 1644-1911. Since then, ‘Peking Glass’ has become synonymous with the Chinese technique of glassmaking. Robert Kuo glass...
Category

2010s Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Blown Glass

1980s Dino Martens Style Modernist Blue Murano Glass with Murrine Inserts Vase
Located in Aci Castello, IT
A particular blue Murano glass vase with murrine inserts in the style of Dino Martens, made in Italy in the 1980s, it's a unique piece. The vase is a captivating and exquisite piece ...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass, Murrine

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

“Liggend (Reclining)” by Kyle Smith, Bronze Nude with Ponytail, Edition 2 of 9
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
“Liggend (Reclining)” by Kyle Smith, Bronze Nude with Ponytail, Edition 2 of 9, 1999 Signed, Dated, and Numbered Dimensions: 7” W × 3.5” D × 3.5” H Patina: Dark Engraved Verdigris ...
Category

Late 20th Century Dutch Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Jolanda Prinsen for Whalter Glas Crystal Cigar Ashtray Bowl Vide-Poche Dish
Located in Atlanta, GA
Jolanda Prinsen designed this stunning crystal cigar ashtray, bowl, or desk tidy for Walther Glas. The piece was crafted in Germany circa 2000. Around 2000, Walther Glas commissioned...
Category

Early 2000s German Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

Under The Banyan Bronze Candelabra Small in Brass, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Under The Banyan Bronze Candelabra Small in Brass, Viya by Vikram Goyal Echoing ancient whispers of worship, each object captures the essence of the Banyan tree, believed to hold th...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

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

Dia Contemporary LED Chandelier, Config. 3, 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

White & Dark Blue Small Ceramic Kawa Dish, Textured Porcelain Catchall Bowl
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An organic shaped porcelain bowl with a tactile exterior surface and a smooth glazed interior. Small & precious, yet surprisingly practical, the Kawa Dishes are equally well-suited as a jewelry dish, salt cellar, sauces & dips bowl...
Category

2010s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Porcelain

Contemporary Rabbit Hand Blown Glass Vase Spring Animal Cute Bunny Decanter Pot
Located in Camisano Vicentino, IT
Introducing the whimsical Rabbit Vase, a charming hand-blown glass creation by the talented Simone Crestani. This delicate decanter, crafted entirely in tr...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Abstract Sculpture in Decorated Porcelain Stoneware Guglielmo Gusella, 1980s
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Abstract sculpture in decorated porcelain stoneware Guglielmo Gusella, 1980s.
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Large 1980s Crouching Monkey Sculpture, in White & Gold
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Life Size 1980s Crouching Monkey Sculpture, in White/ Cream Gold Representing Pop -Art of of the 1980s, we are pleased to offer this remarkable life-size monkey sculpture that embo...
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Composition

Iron pot -Contemporary Japanese Crafts
Located in 加須市, 11
Made of iron, this pot looks as if it has simplified the concept of a vessel and converted it into pixels. The pipes used in industrial products are carefully processed one by one wi...
Category

2010s Japanese Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Iron

Ceramic Yellow Fish Handmade in Italy, centerpiece, choose one
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

Fossilia Gold Vase
Located in Milan, IT
Fossils of madrepore inspire the minute texture decorating this striking vase of the Fossilia collection. A meticulously crafted mold and the use of unglazed porcelain, or "biscuit",...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Contemporary Black Copper Bai He Tray by Robert Kuo, Hand Repousse
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bai He tray Black copper Hand repoussé Limited edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief o...
Category

2010s Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Copper

Jaeger LeCoultre - Atmos Royale from 1980, Table Clock that LIVES ON AIR
Located in Greven, DE
Jaeger LeCoultre - Atmos Royale Ref. 5855 Switzerland Gold-plated and lacquered brass Year of manufacture 1980 Dimensions: H x W x D: 28 x 22 x 16 cm Description: Atmos Royale Ref...
Category

1980s Swiss Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Da Ros for Cenedese Two-Toned Sommerso Fish Bowl
Located in Riverdale, NY
Striking Sommerso glass fish bowl in an orangy-red against a surreal vaseline yellow ground. In the style of Antonio Da Ros for Cenedese. Two bubbles are ca...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Gaetano Pesce Clear Special Vase L Resin Brown Fuchsia Pink Yellow
Located in barasso, IT
Clear special extra colour vase - Clear brown, fuchsia, pink and matt yellow. Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Measures: L - Ø 22cm x...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Resin

9 Cluster Organic Porcelain Vases by Luft Tanaka, white sculptural ceramic
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A large grouping of 9 unique tactile and organic porcelain vases with leather textured exterior surface and clear glazed interior. As a result of the production process each item is ...
Category

2010s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Porcelain

AIMARA Large Alpaca Silver Box
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
The waves on a choppy lake, rough by the wind, inspire the design of alpaca boxes and picture frames of this family, whose name comes from the tribe that dwelled in the North Argenti...
Category

2010s Argentine Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal, Sheet Metal

Emilia Castillo porcelain / ceramic vase with silver school of fish paint .
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful porcelain / ceramic decorated with silver school of fish paint , signed in bottom .
Category

Mid-20th Century Mexican Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Italian Snakeskin Picture Frame, circa 1970s
Located in New York, NY
A '70s Modern Italian red burgundy suede and snakeskin picture frame, circa 1970s, Italy. Frame can sit in two positions: vertical (as shown) o...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Animal Skin, Suede, Glass

Pair of Maitland Smith Tessellated Stone and Brass Horns
Located in Hamburg, PA
This distinctive pair of Maitland Smith horns features a striking combination of tessellated stone and polished brass, showcasing the brand's sign...
Category

1980s Philippine Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

XX Century Italian Sterling Silver table box
Located in VALENZA, IT
A smooth, handcrafted sterling silver table box. The slightly curved structure of the box features a hinged lid that fits snugly against the base. The box is suitable for a prestigio...
Category

1990s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Sterling Silver

Handmade Ceramic Spikes Black Round Vase
Located in Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, AR
Beautiful black round vase with spikes, perfect for showcasing your cherished blooms. Providing a unique perspective from every angle, this round cera...
Category

2010s Argentine Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Clay, Pottery

Set of Five Puthod Cristalli Lead Crystal Perfume Bottles Silver Plated Stopper
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful 20th century Italian collection of five perfume bottles, all with a nice silver plated flower pattern stopper. Nice addition to your vanity room or just for your collection...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal, Silver Plate

Set of 3 Bronze & Gold Biomorphic Decorative Bowl Sculptures by Jonathan Adler
Located in Troy, MI
A grouping of 3 bronze biomorphic decorative bowls by Jonathan Adler Retired design model 13020 circa 2012 Graduated size and varied organic forms in bronze with gold interior Impre...
Category

2010s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Bronze Sculpture – El Gato – in the style of Fernando Botero
By Fernando Botero
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
This bronze sculpture of a cat, El Gato, by Fernando Botero, exemplifies his iconic volumetric style. The figure’s rounded body, oversized paws, and serene expression transform a sim...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Hedwig Bollhagen Ceramic Vase with Tiger Motif, Signed and Dated 1939
Located in Kastrup, DK
Hedwig Bollhagen (1907–2001) Unique ceramic vase by renowned German ceramicist Hedwig Bollhagen, created in 1929. The piece is signed with her monogram “HB” and dated 6 October 1939....
Category

Mid-20th Century German Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Nude Male Sculpture in Solid Lucite
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Introducing our stunning Nude Male Sculpture in Solid Lucite, Circa 1970's. This one-of-a-kind piece of furniture is a true masterpiece, expertly craft...
Category

1960s American Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Lucite

Malachite Picture Frame by Gorra, Gilt Metal, 1950s–1960s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant Italian photo frame produced by Gorra, the historic gioielleria and argenteria based in Turin, as indicated by the original label Gioielleria–Argenteria Gorra, Torino. The fr...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Malachite

Feliciano Béjar Glass, Steel and Brass Magiscope Sculpture
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Small Signed Vintage Feliciano Béjar Table Magiscope objec d'art. The Mexican artist and sculpture Feliciano Béjar has handcrafted beautiful decorative pieces of industrial glass, ...
Category

Early 2000s Mexican Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass, Steel

Jaeger LeCoultre, Desk Clock, Atmos Prestige, Limited Edition, 1980s
Located in Greven, DE
Atmos Clock - "Prestige" by Jaeger LeCoultre with original box Switzerland Gold-plated brass 1980s Dimensions: H x W x D: 27 x 17 x 16 cm Description: The Atmos Prestige from Jaeg...
Category

1980s Swiss Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Handmade Sicilian Ceramic Pine Nut Italian Potter
Located in Palermo, PA
This exquisite handmade Sicilian ceramic pine nut is a timeless symbol of prosperity, good fortune, and Mediterranean heritage. Crafted by skilled artisans in Sicily, each piece is m...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Clay

Classic Large Bowl in Clear Quartz by Kathryn McCoy
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Glowing with quiet brilliance, the Classic Large Bowl in Clear Quartz by Kathryn McCoy exudes an elemental elegance that feels both grounded and celestial. Handcrafted from clusters ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Quartz, Rock Crystal

Rosenthal Studio-Line Frosted & Clear Crystal Cube Ashtray or Vide-Poche, 1970s
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Rosenthal Studio-Line clear and Frosted crystal Cube Ashtray or Vide-Poche, Germany, 1970s This is a striking Rosenthal Studio-Line Lucite and glass ashtray or vide-poche, designed...
Category

20th Century German Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

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

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

Venini Ritagli Glass Vase in Iridescent Green and Aquamarine by Fulvio Bianconi
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Venini glass vase in iridescent green and aquamarine designed by Fulvio Bianconi in 1989. Perfect for indoor home decor as a flower vase or statement piece for any room. Numbered edi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass

Modern Glass Perfume Bottle by Mdina, Sand and Sea, Malta, 1970s, Signed
Located in Glasgow, GB
This modern glass perfume bottle by Mdina was handcrafted in Malta during the 1970s, embodying the studio’s signature blend of vibrant colour and modern form. The piece adopts a scul...
Category

1970s Maltese Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass

Pedro Ramirez Vasquez for Daum Crystal Athena Cubist Torso Female Sculpture
By Daum
Located in Atlanta, GA
This is a spectacular Daum Nancy France crystal Athena art glass paperweight or sculpture designed by the Mexican architect and statesman Pedro Ramirez Vazquez (1919 - 2013). The stu...
Category

1970s French Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

Georges Jouve for Longchamp. Organic-shaped ceramic bowl. Ca 1950s
Located in København, Copenhagen
Georges Jouve (1910–1964) for Longchamp, France. Organic-shaped ceramic bowl with deep burgundy glaze. Mounted with leather-covered underside, stamped with the Longchamp mark. H. 4....
Category

1950s French Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Leather

Izdatglaz Oval Long Color Glass Decorative Centerpiece by Orfeo Quagliata
Located in Naucalpan, Edo de Mex
Rectangle centerpiece created by Orfeo Quagliata from our new collection IZDATGLAZ. These shimmering glass gems create a simple modern touch for any space. Whether it’s gold, silver ...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

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

Sommerso Vase by Salviati
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian Murano glass vase or sculpture hand blown in Sommerso technique to form elegant layers in clear, smoky and red / Made in Italy by Salviati, circa 1980s Original sticker on th...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Blown Glass, Murano Glass

Silver Travertine Eclipse Bowl
Located in Eindhoven, NB
Expertly crafted and finished by hand, our travertine bowls are a study in sculptural simplicity. This silver travertine Eclipse Bowl is stunni...
Category

2010s Dutch Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Travertine

Aperture 4
Located in Glen Cove, NY
The Aperture series was created to provide a beautiful quality of light by combining bounce and ambient glow. The light source is held in a hand-spun perforated brass dome on one sid...
Category

2010s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Aperture 4
Aperture 4
$8,350 / item
Travertine Cylinder Bowl
Located in Eindhoven, NB
This substantial silver travertine bowl is beautifully handcrafted from a single piece of genuine travertine and honed for a silky mat finish. Expertly crafted and finished by hand, ...
Category

2010s Dutch Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Travertine

Venini Monofiore Balloton Vase in Amber Horizon Thread Murano Glass
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Monofiore Balloton small vase in amber Murano glass by Venini. Monofiori breaks with tradition in 1970 and then does it again in 2016. But its essen...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Tafi Large Onyx Oval Box
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
Tafi oval box, it is made entirely by hand in alpaca metal and onyx stone. It comes in three different sizes and you can choose between four different onyx stone colors: black, white/cream, blue or bordeaux Our pieces are made by hand. One of a kind. All natural stones may vary in color. About AIREDELSUR: With its rustic chic personality and the elegant designs of Marcelo Lucini...
Category

2010s Argentine Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone, Onyx

Bonnie Contemporary LED Small Pendant, Solid Brass, Handmade and handfinished in
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

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.