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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Contemporary 'Eye' Sculpture Red Glass, Brass and 24 Kt Gold by Ghiró Studio
Located in Pieve Emanuele, Milano
The 'Eye' is not only a luxury refined piece of furniture but it is also a hand carved sculpture designed to embellish with uniqueness, beauty and charming any living area or bedroo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Gold, Brass

Contemporary Gaetano Pesce Spaghetti XL Vase Soft Resin Grey Yellow
Located in barasso, IT
Spaghetti vase, grey, yellow. Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Measures: XL ø 30cm x H 56cm Other sizes available. Colours...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Resin

Ignis Ossium Sculptural Chair by Acoocooro
Located in Geneve, CH
Ignis Ossium sculptural chair by Acoocooro Dimensions: W 46 x D 56 x H 115 cm, seat height 45 cm. Materials: Sand-cast bronze. Different finishes avail...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Modernist Studio Pottery Raku Ceramic Abstract Owl Sculpture by Jody Delind
Located in Troy, MI
Whimsical modernist raku ceramic owl sculpture by Jody Delind circa 1980s Abstract cubist design in color block glazes with incised details mounted to original stand with black wood...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

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

Contemporary 'Eye' Handcrafted Gold-white Crystal Sculpture by Ghiró Studio
Located in Pieve Emanuele, Milano
The 'Eye' is not only a luxury refined piece of furniture but it is also a hand carved sculpture designed to embellish with uniqueness, beauty and charming any living area or bedroo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Pre-Order Tamashii Pet , H.C Matte , Ceramic Raku Pottery
Located in Petaling Jaya, MY
Tamashii Urn ~ 魂 (Soul) The Tamashii Urn serves as a focal point of remembrance for a loved one that has passed from this life but not from your heart. This vessel is fired using th...
Category

2010s Malaysian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Copper

Contemporary Modern, Kubbe Minimal Candleholder, Varnished Silver-Nickel Plated
Located in İstanbul, İstanbul
Kubbe collection was designed with inspiration from the domes of the courtyards, shops and workshops of the Grand Bazaar, which has been the center of silver-smiting in Istanbul for ...
Category

2010s Turkish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass, Nickel

Requiem Carrara Marble Sculpture by Jan Keustermans
Located in Vlimmeren, BE
This abstract sculpture in Carrara marble was sculpted ‘en taille directe’ by the Belgian artist Jan Keustermans. He named it Requiem. The large sculpture is signed and dated, Jake 2001. It is a unique piece. It is the first time that Jan Keustermans and his family offer a selection of sculptures, directly from the artist’s atelier. Jan Alfons Keustermans (°1940) is a Belgian sculptor, medalist and draftsman. He studied at the National Higher Institute of Fine Arts in Antwerp and until 2000 he was director of the Municipal Academy of Fine Arts in Turnhout. He has won several art prizes for sculpture and participated in group exhibitions in Belgium and abroad. He has created more than 850 works. In 1994, he won the Ministry of Finance’s competition for a portrait of King Albert II on the Belgian currency. In 1997 he designed a similar version for the euro coin. Keustermans’ work evolved from figurative to completely abstract. He describes the abstract works as ‘memorial stones...
Category

Early 2000s Belgian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Carrara Marble

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

Andrew Crouch Marches Pottery Copper & Tenmoku Glazed Vaseuins
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A very well made studio art pottery vase or bowl decorated with copper and tenmoku glazes s by Shropshire based potter Andrew Crouch (British, b. 1955) and dating from the latter 20t...
Category

Late 20th Century English Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stoneware

New Modern Medium Pot in Black Marquinia Marble, creator Ivan Colominas
Located in Milan, IT
Pyxis pot/jar/container for multiple use. Size: 12.6 x 14.5 cm, smooth finishing. Commercial name: Pyxis M, Pyxis collection by the Spanish Designer Ivan Colominas. Available also in...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

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

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

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

Contemporary Handmade Rectangular Box "Elaphos" Marble - Brass Handle by Anaktae
Located in Athens, GR
Contemporary, handcrafted, rectangular jewelry box, model "Elaphos" in marble with a deer-shaped handle in cast oxidized brass. Interior suede lining. Variations are available in cus...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Greek Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble, Brass

Chandigarh I - Natural Concrete - Design Vase Paolo Giordano Cement Cast
Located in MILANO, ML
Chandigarh I - Natural Concrete - Design Vase Paolo Giordano Cement Cast Chandigarh I Chandigarh is a collection of vases inspired by the homonym city designed by Le Corbusier, who imagined and created it from nothing in India. The vases are made of exposed concrete...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Concrete, Cement

Sculpture Representing a Bust of the Emperor Augustus, 21st Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Sculpture representing a bust of the Emperor Augustus, 21st century. Sculpture of a bust of the Emperor Augustus, in patinated plaster and resin, 21st century, model from the Musée ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Resin, Plaster

Koi Koban Keihatsu Raku Pottery Vase, Full Copper Matte, Handmade Ceramic Decor
Located in Petaling Jaya, MY
Make Her Smile With The Sweetest Surprise & Brighten Up Her Birthday with our ceramic décor set. *Does not come with dried flowers. You get : 1 Koban Vase (comes with Water Tube) 1 Koi Vase...
Category

2010s Malaysian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Copper

Frank Lloyd Wright Style Modernist White Powder Coated Cold Steel Planter, USA
Located in Miami, FL
Versatile planter or centerpiece rendered in white powder coated cold steel with a clear translucent lucite acrylic insert and a decorative high end faux succulent arrangement. USA,...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Steel

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

Set/6 Ceramic Vases, White & Blue, Handmade in Portugal by Lusitanus Home
Located in Lisboa, PT
Set/6 Ceramic Vases, Lusitanus Home Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Lusitanus Home. This beautiful set includes six waterproof ceramic vases, perfect to be displayed...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

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

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

Purple Acrylic Small 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 ...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Acrylic

Italian Photo Frame Handmade Wood, Double Heart
Located in Sarezzo, IT
Double Heart is a unique arge Italian hand crafted wood double photo frame by sculptor Massimo Pasini. Wood is a very warm material and it is very m...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Zen Bonsai "Majestic Tree", Handmade in Italy, Signed by the artist
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
Unique piece sign by the artist. The choice fell on Sophora Japonica, a beautiful native tree from Japan which the artist had already created for another client. The creation of th...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Aluminum

Enzo Mari, Rare Cube Resin with Black Ball Sphere, Sculpture/Paperweight
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Very nice modern resin cube by the very well known designer Enzo Mari, Measures in cm 7 x 7 x 7.
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Resin

Vintage Hermès Paperweight Ruler Silver-plate Leather Desk Accessory 1970's
Located in Lausanne, CH
Vintage Hermès, Paris, an elegant desk accessory. The paperweight is in the shape of a decimal ruler, silver-plate with detachable black leather tab. Made circa 1975, signed.
Category

1970s French Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Silver Plate

"Gold" Hearts Design Vases Set of 3 Pieces, Made in Italy, 2019, Wall Decor
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

New Modern Flower Vase in Black Marble, Creator Karen Chekerdjian Stock
Located in Milan, IT
Flower Vase in Black Marquinia marble, designed by Karen Chekerdjian, Made in Italy Part of the accessories of the Inside Out Collection - vases, candles, bowls. It can be used to cu...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

Set of Three, Fin Trivet from Souda, Gold, in Stock
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This listing is for 3 Fin Trivets from Souda. Each one is packaged individually. Made using a manufacturing process utilized for railways, medical devices, and electronics, the Fin ...
Category

2010s Chinese Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal, Aluminum

Copalera Contemporary Resin and Brass Incense Burners by ACOOCOORO
Located in Mexico City, MX
Part of ACOOCOORO’s Ceremonia special series, Copaleras (incense burners) create a play between their soft appearance, their ceremonial function and their ambiguous materiality, moul...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Abstract Artwork, circa 2017
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Abstract artwork, circa 2017. By unknown artist. Manufactured in Spain. Materials: Wood The artwork is in its original condition, showing minor signs of wear consistent with its...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Two Gianmaria Buccellati Sterling Silver Flower Bowls in Case
By Clementi di Giovanni Mantel, Gianmaria Buccellati
Located in New York, NY
Two sterling silver flower head bowls. One is collage-style with 3 graduated layers of fluted, striated, and irregular petals and beaded center. The other has fluted and irregular pe...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Sterling Silver

Hand-Blown Murano Supreme Vase in Clear with 24-karat Gold Flecks Large
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Hand-Blown Murano Supreme Vase in clear with 24-karat gold flecks is a radiant masterpiece of Italian design, blending timeless elegance with extraordinary craftsmanship. This la...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Gold Leaf

Kindred Spirit, Abstract Sculpture, Brightly Colored Intertwined Geometric Form
Located in Chicago, IL
Robert Segal’s abstract sculpture offers a particularly fertile ground for experiments in shape, color, proportion, and technique. He steps away from non-traditional sculpting method...
Category

1990s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Acrylic, Fiberglass

New Modern Large Pot in Black Marquinia Marble, creator Ivan Colominas
Located in Milan, IT
Pyxis pot, jar or container for multiple uses. Size: 12.6 x 19 cm, smooth finishing. Commercial name: Pyxis L, Pyxis collection by the Spanish Designer Ivan Colominas. Available also...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

Snake Large Round Box
Located in Milan, IT
Also available in a smaller variant, this exclusive, round box is inspired by the symbolism and hypnotizing charm of snakes. Fashioned of clear crystal boasting a pleasant scaled texture, this luxury design is distinguished by a bronze snake plated...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

Franco Bettonica, Ikebana, Vase, Gabbianelli, 1960s
Located in Paris, FR
Franco Bettonica (1927-1999) Ikebana A white ceramic flower holder, of rectangular shape surmounted with a white grid. Produced by Gabbianelli,...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Salta Rectangular Large Bar Tray, Alpaca Silver & Leather
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

Metal

Collection Particulière Travertine 'Key' Fruit Bowl Large by Arno Declercq
Located in Utrecht, NL
Large Romain Travertine 'Key' Fruit Bowl by Arno Declercq for Collection Particulière, France. Collection Particulière is a Parisian company, known for its unique artisan hand-made...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Travertine

Raaquu Koi Raku Pottery Vase - Half Copper Matte - Handmade Ceramic Home Decor
Located in Petaling Jaya, MY
Koi (鯉) (n) carp Our Koi vase is bottle-shaped with a wavy arched mouth which slightly resembles the mouth of a fish. Its eclectic design would blend in well in any interior décor s...
Category

2010s Malaysian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Copper

Modern Martin Pedestal Sculpture White Gold Leaf Handmade Portugal Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Martin Pedestal Stand, Modern Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by GF Modern. Martin is the perfect standing piece of art to enhance any interior. A unique design with co...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Onyx, Gold Leaf

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

Early 2000s Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Neon Green 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

Vintage Japanese Ball Shaped Plastic Tea Caddy Storage Containers, Set of 3
Located in San Carlos, CA
🍵 Elevate Your Storage: Set of 3 Japanese Natsume Tea Caddies! 🍵 Enhance your storage solutions with a touch of elegance and functionality with our wonderful set of three hard pla...
Category

1980s Japanese Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Plastic

Waste Bin in Black Shagreen by R&Y Augousti
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Black Shagreen Waste Bin with Wood Interior by R&Y Augousti is a stunning blend of luxurious craftsmanship and functionality. Its exterior, crafted from hand-selected black shagr...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood, Shagreen Stingray

Wild Boar Fish Decorative Centerpiece, Handmade Italy, 2020, Hand-Crafted
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The piece is a unique representation created by our designer. The creations are completely made by hand. Ceramic and paint are water resistant.    
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Paint

Naturalistic Ceramic Centerpiece Marine Handmade in Italy Without Mold, 2023
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The piece is a unique representation of a man in a modern way. The man is gently painted with acrylic color. Our designer creates these pieces completely by hand, without any mold....
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Paint

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

Pila Bowl Irish Green, Blue Onyx & Verde by Greg Natale
Located in Sydney,, NSW
To juxtapose marble’s natural veining, the Pila Bowl references the work of modernist architect Paul Rudolph. Reflecting the tension between built and organic forms in contemporary design, this stacked bowl...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

Ceramic Vase "Isotta" Handcrafted in 24kt Gold-White Inside, by Gabriella B.
Located in Treviso, IT
Ceramic vase ISOTTA handcrafted in 24kt gold cod. GL010 measures: H. 80.0 cm., Dm. 16.0 cm.
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

21st Century Euclide Coffee Table in Wood & Calf Leather
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
A new collection joined the Pinetti family. Euclide with its geometric look is an elegant side table crafted with wood structure and entirely covered in recycled leather. This lovel...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Leather, Wood

Hand-Blown Murano Supreme Vase in Emerald Green Tall
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Hand-Blown Murano Supreme Vase in emerald green exudes timeless elegance, blending frosted and clear glass into a harmonious masterpiece. Its gently ribbed texture creates a dyna...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Ceramic Vase "Louis" White Matte Glazed by Gabriella B. Made in Italy
Located in Treviso, IT
Ceramic vase LOUIS white matte glazed cod. CP300 Measures: H. 160.0 cm. Dm. 40.0 cm.
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Holiday Vase by Project 213A
Located in Macieira de Sarnes, PT
Holiday vase in shiny white. 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

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

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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