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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Salvador Dali Armchair Invisible Personage Limited Edition of 20
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Armchair designed by Salvador Dali manufactured in Spain by BD. "Invisible Personage" is extracted from the "Singularities" painting, painted by Salvador Dali in 1935. During those ...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Sheepskin, Upholstery, Lacquer

Geometric Vessel Sculpture Handmade Blackened and Waxed Iron
Located in Bronx, NY
Vessel No 4. J.M. Szymanski d. 2024 Blackened and waxed iron This is a unique architectural object made entirely of iron. J.M. Szymanski uses a unique process of metal sculpting to ...
Category

2010s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Steel, Iron

Mixto Gold N Wall Clock
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Mixto Gold N wall clock has an elegant and dynamic design , combining fine wood and chrome steel materials. Mixto N wall clock : Polished brass and walnut, hands in walnut. Polish...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Masuo Ojima Signed Large Japanese Asian Wood Fired Studio Pottery Ceramic Vase
Located in Studio City, CA
A wonderful and quite engaging wood-fired ceramic pottery vase by Japanese-American master potter Masuo Ojima. The texture and color shifts from silver greys to blues, coppers, and g...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Pottery

Handcrafted Ash Yakisugi Platter
Located in London, GB
Fine traditionally hand-crafted and turned Ash platter finished with Japanese scorched yakisugi technique and natural rim. These are handmade to the...
Category

2010s English Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ash

Jjirasi Vase #04. From the series Jjirasi
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Jjirasi Vase #04, 2021 by Yongwon Noh From the series Jjirasi Ceramic, PVC Sticker and Resin Size: 6.6 in. H x 5.5 in. W x 5.5 in. D Weight: 3kg Unpacked Unique Piece Signature writ...
Category

2010s North Korean Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Resin, PVC

Turquoise Acrylic Large Round Box by Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Modern, colorful and fun round box that can be used as a decorative element on a coffee table, desk or nightstand. Serving double duty as a storage box or as a candy bowl. They loo...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Acrylic

Large Early 21st Century Textured Ceramic Bowl / Centerpiece by Abigails, Italy
Located in Miami, FL
Large early 21st century textured ceramic bowl/centerpiece by Abigails, Italy. Features handcrafted braided-like details applied to the bowl's e...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Raaquu Hoseki Raku Pottery Vase, Smoked Raku, Handmade Ceramic, Malaysia
Located in Petaling Jaya, MY
Hoseki (宝石) ~ (n) gem The Hoseki Vase is named “gem” in Japanese for its slightly angular shape. Wide-mouthed with a textured finish and soft edges, it adds a classy touch to any dé...
Category

2010s Malaysian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Copper

Ivan Avoscan, Marble Concrete Composition Sculpture
Located in Kastrup, DK
Ivan (Yvan) Avoscan, French sculptor, 1928-2012. Marble sculpture, concrete composition. Made of Persian travertine. Signed Avoscan. Late 20th c...
Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Travertine

Chandigarh II - Mint Green - Design Vase Paolo Giordano Cement Cast
Located in MILANO, ML
Chandigarh II - Mint Green - Design Vase Paolo Giordano Cement Cast Chandigarh II - Mint Green Chandigarh is a collection of sculptures/vases inspired by the homonym city designed b...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Concrete, Cement

Superb Huge Topaz Crystals On Albite With Quartz And Mica From Pakistan
By Deloris "Dee" Giltz 1
Located in Peshawar, PK
Product Information: Specimen Name: Topaz crystals on Albite with Quartz and Mica Weight: 6 kg Dimensions: H: 20 x W: 23 x D: 20 cm Treatment: None Origin: Skardu District, Gilg...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pakistani Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal, Multi-gemstone, Quartz, Rock Crystal, Other

Sellette by Olivier de Schrijver, Carved and Stained Natural Wood, 20th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Sellette by Olivier de Schrijver, carved and stained natural wood, 20th century. Carved and stained natural wood sellette from the 20th century by Olivier Schrijver. H: 60cm, W: 29c...
Category

20th Century French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Esther Fuhrman Abstract Bronze Stairway Scupture '20th C.'
Located in San Diego, CA
Incredible piece by Esther Fuhrman (American, b. 1939). This beautiful abstract modern bronze sculpture of a stairway leading to a gold-tone element pie...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Tsuri Raku Pottery Vase with Gift Box, Smoked Raku, Handmade Ceramic
Located in Petaling Jaya, MY
This is a gift box and the vase comes in a RAAQUU branded wooden pine box (9 in x 5.1 in x 5.1 in). YOU GET : 1 Vase in the selected finish of your choice in a Wooden pine box with ...
Category

2010s Malaysian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Copper

Contemporary Bronze Sculpture by Bertrand Créac'h, France, 2021
Located in London, GB
"Elevation" Sculpture by Bertrand Créac'h, 2021 Bronze with black patina, cast iron with sand core, chiseled and patinated. 1/8 print, signed. Dimensions: H 80 x 18.5 x 7 cm This sculpture is an abstracted exploration of the mineral landscapes in Brittany and the balance of the rocks where Creach grew up. In his felling emotion, vision deals with the physical spaces carved out by those experiences. ______ Bertrand Créac'h is a french sculptor. He studied at the Ecole Boulle in Paris and met the artists Étienne Martin...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Hand-Blown Murano Cactus Vase in Grey Small
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Inspired by the sculptural elegance of desert flora, this hand-blown Murano Cactus Vase in grey is a refined expression of organic form and contemporary ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Heather Jansch Signed British United Kingdom Sculptor Abstract Wood Sculpture
Located in Studio City, CA
A wonderful and engaging organic natural elements sculpture by renowned UK/United Kingdom artist Heather Jansch (1948-2021). Jansch was widely recognized in the British artworld for...
Category

1980s British Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood, Driftwood

Set of 4 White Mini Sphere Vase Bubl by 101 Copenhagen
Located in Geneve, CH
A set of 4 white mini sphere vase bubl by 101 Copenhagen Designed by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl Dimensions: L 13 / W 6 / H 18 CM Materials: Ceramic The Sphere collec...
Category

2010s Danish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Sven Hammershøi Ceramic Vase for Kähler with Organic Pattern
Located in Kastrup, DK
Sven Hammershøi Danish, 1873-1948 Unique ceramic vase created by Sven Hammershøi for Kähler in the 1920s. This striking vase features sculpted organic patterns in a white glaze, acce...
Category

Early 20th Century Danish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stoneware

Hand-Blown Murano Frozen Vase in Emerald Green Medium
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Murano Frozen Vase in Emerald Green is a sculptural marvel, embodying the essence of refined design and intricate craftsmanship. Its deep emerald green surface flows seamlessly i...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Salta Medium Bordeaux 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

Pair of Foresta Green Leaf Sculpture in Murano Art Glass Style
Located in Istanbul, TR
Indulge in the beauty of our handcrafted pair of green glass sculptures, each meticulously formed using the 'sommerso' Muranese glassmaking technique. With their massive, freeform de...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Blown Glass

Mike Dodd Studio Pottery Ash Glazed Vase with Seeding Grasses
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A stylish ash glazed stoneware studio pottery vase decorated with seeding grasses by renowned potter Mike Dodd (British, b.1943) and dating from the latter 20th Century. The heavily ...
Category

Late 20th Century English Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stoneware

Seicho Raku Planter Pot Pottery, Half Copper Matte, Handmade Ceramic
Located in Petaling Jaya, MY
Seicho (成長) - Growth Our Seicho pot is made to be a conversation starter for your precious indoor plant collection. Its size is perfect to be used for specialty indoor plants. Each ...
Category

2010s Malaysian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Copper

Geometric Pedestal Bowl in Smoke and Black Marbled Resin by Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Our decorative geometric pedestal bowl is great for holding fruit, plants, decorative objects, faux succulents and specially everyone's attention. You can have it on display on a kit...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Resin

Wendell Castle Rare Pair of Candle Holders with Gold Leaf 1990 (Signed & Dated)
Located in New York, NY
Pair of impressive sculpture candle holders in hand-carved mahogany, verdigris patinated brass, and gold leaf by Wendell Castle, American 1990 (each signed "W.C. 90" on base). The ar...
Category

1990s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass, Gold Leaf

John Conrad Lewis Abstract Art Glass "Moon Bowl" 1979
Located in Rochester, NY
John Conrad Lewis (American, b. 1942) Moon Bowl 1979, from the Moon Bottle series. Hand-blown glass with abstract landscape of red, pink, and blue ir...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass

Tucan Sitting on a Cristall Made of Sodalith and Rose Quarz
Located in Schöfflisdorf, CH
Tucan sitting on a crystall made of sodalith and rose quarz.
Category

1990s European Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

Contemporary Gaetano Pesce Clear Special L Vase Resin Fuchsia Pink Lilac
Located in barasso, IT
Clear special extra color vase - Clear pink, clear fuchsia, clear lilac, matt pink. Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Measures: L...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Resin

Vertigo Short and Tall Bordeaux Onyx Stone Candleholders
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
Measures: 6.6" x 2.9" x 2.9" 9.4" x 3.5" x 3.5" A composition of onyx with alpaca metal. Inspired by the pure and essential lines of a structure of solid stones, with a vertigo sta...
Category

2010s Argentine Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone, Onyx, Metal

Vase Vessel Sculpture Organic Shape Solid Block Blue Azul Marble Collectible
Located in Ancona, Marche
Important sculptural vase carved by hand from a solid block of Azul Macaubas. Vase dimensions: D 52 x H 45 cm, available in different quartzite, onyx and marbles. Limited edition ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Quartz

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

Venini Battuto Multicolor Vase in Light Green & Red by Carlo Scarpa
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Venini Battuto bicolor vase in light green/red by Carlo Scarpa. Numbered Edition. Blown handmade glass, realized with the “Incalmo” technique, then cut....
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Blown Glass

French Modern Wrought Iron Three -Light Candelabra Floor Lamp
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
French modern wrought iron three light candelabra floor lamp, Of substantial size and scale, Beautifully made, fitted with three 2.75" square bobeches with 11.5" high candle sleeved ...
Category

20th Century French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Wrought Iron

"Simone" Leather Desk Blotter Designed by Claude Bouchard for Oscar Maschera
Located in Brooklyn, NY
"Simone" is a leather desk blotter, designed by Claude Bouchard and manufactured by Oscar Maschera. Genuine Italian leather vegetable tanned. Co...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Leather

Large Hand Blown Murano Glass Box in Onyx Black W/24 Karat Gold Flecks
Located in New York, NY
This stunning modernist decorative box was realized in Murano, Italy- the island off the coast of Venice renowned for centuries for its superlative glass production. It features a vo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

3 Tapio Wirkkala, Rosenthal Paper Bag Vases, 1970s
Located in New York, NY
Set of 3 iconic Mid Century porcelain paper bag vases designed by Tapio Wirkkala for Rorenthal. Each vase is stamped on bottom.
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Olé 11 Vase by Hania Jneid
Located in Geneve, CH
Olé 11 Vase by Hania Jneid Unique Piece. Dimensions: Ø 26 x H 27 cm. Materials: Stoneware, glaze and gold luster. Numbered Olé Vase in the collection Olé, a tribute to the Flamenco ...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Luster, Stoneware

Garrard & Co Silver Four Sconce Three Branch Candelabra
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A very fine quality silver three branch candelabra with four candle sconces by Garrard & Co of Regent Street, London and dated 1978. Often refe...
Category

1970s English Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Silver

James Bearden "Meteor Storm Screen"
Located in New York, NY
Sonic sculpture of torch-cut and polychromed steel, fused bronze, solvent dyes, and glass enamel. An elongated version of "Meteor Storm" that can serve as a screen or divider. A 2019...
Category

2010s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze, Enamel, Steel

Wonderful Baccarat Harcourt Medium Baluster Signed Crystal Vase
Located in Roslyn, NY
Wonderful Baccarat Harcourt medium baluster signed crystal vase.
Category

20th Century French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

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

Set of 3 Trays. From The Tempera series
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Set of 3 Trays, 2023 From The Tempera series Material: Duck egg yolk, binder Overall size: 19.5 Diameter x 15 H (cm) Individual Dimensions: 19.5 Diameter x 5 H (cm) Weight: avg. 1kg Every piece is hand-made, color and measurement may slightly vary. Colors: Black and Ivory Tempera series Candle Holder...
Category

2010s North Korean Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Shell

Hand-Blown Murano Frozen Vase in Light Amaretto Large
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This hand-blown Murano "Frozen" vase in light amaretto is a true masterpiece. The rich, russet hue radiates warmth and sophistication, creating a striking contrast with the frosted, ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Umi Raku Pottery Vase - Carbon Copper - Handmade Ceramic Home Decor
Located in Petaling Jaya, MY
Umi ( 海 ) - (n) Sea Our Umi vase is named so because at first glance it looks like part of a coral, further evoking the sense of being at sea, exploring interesting life underwater....
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Malaysian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Copper

Raaquu Urn Set, Full Copper Matte, Ceramic Raku Pottery
Located in Petaling Jaya, MY
This is a set of 3 urns that are made of the following pieces : *Heiwa - Peace* Our Heiwa urn is a mid sized urn that has a unique lipped design where ...
Category

2010s Malaysian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Copper

Black and Brown Unique Abstract Ceramic Vase by David Whitehead La Borne
Located in Neuilly-en- sancerre, FR
David Whitehead Stoneware ceramic vase realised in La Borne Circa 2000 Unique handmade piece signed under the base Black and bron stoneware ceramic colors Measures: H...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Raaquu Sara Raku Ceramic Plate 7.5" Half Copper Matte Handmade Pottery Decor
Located in Petaling Jaya, MY
Sara ~ (皿) Plate Our Sara decorative raku pottery plates are an expression of Raku in one of its most visible forms, a flat circular surface. Our Sara plates are best used hanging on your wall as a statement piece, a commemorative award...
Category

2010s Malaysian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Copper

Contemporary Ceramic Figural Lifesize Female Sculpture by Dora Várkonyi
Located in Salzburg, AT
Zeitlosnah (“timeless and close”) This series of lifesize female sculptures exuding a static aura of self-containment was created in 2013 /...
Category

2010s German Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Clay

Orrefors Vase
Located in Bridgewater, CT
Ariel girl and dove vase by Edvin Öhrström for Orrefors of blue, silver and clear glass. Signed and dated.
Category

20th Century Swedish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Spanish Cedar Cigar Tray, by Massimo de Munari, Handmade in Italy
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Scroll down and click "view all from Seller" to see more than 400 other unique products. (1.8) Useful accessory in premium kiln dried Spanish cedar pres...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Cedar

Tsuchi Raku Mini Planter Pot Set of 3, Obvara, Handmade Ceramic
Located in Petaling Jaya, MY
Tsuchi - Earth *Plants are not included in this purchase Our Tsuchi pot is named after the medium it holds ; Earth. This pot is double sealed to prevent moisture from seeping i...
Category

2010s Malaysian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Copper

Extra Large Bowl in Selenite
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Indulge in the captivating allure of Kathryn McCoy's Rock Crystal Collection, a masterpiece that seamlessly blends nature's raw beauty with exquisite craftsmanship. Available in vari...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Rock Crystal

Rounded Black, White and Brown Volcanic Vessel with Lava Stone
Located in London, GB
An individual Rounded black, white and brown volcanic vessel with added lava stone. Inspiration for the piece comes from the clay itself and the chemical relationships that glaze an...
Category

2010s British Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Porcelain

Impressive Pair of Artisan Neoclassical Malachite Urns 20th-Century
Located in New York, NY
Pair of beautifully crafted Neoclassical style urns in polished malachite, Italian from the second half of the 20th century. These are absolutely magnificent and would be showstopper...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Malachite

Toosh Incense Holder – Colorful Contemporary Cast Silicone Incense Burner
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Meet Toosh: a cheeky twist on the classic incense holder, crafted from flexible, heat-resistant silicone. Unbreakable and full of personality, it blends effortlessly into any interio...
Category

2010s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Silicone

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

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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