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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Resin Egg with Clock Parts on Pierre GIRAUDON Sculpture /Ornament / Paperweight
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful resin egg with clock parts inside, remind us to some the resin Oierre Giraudon , the resin is coloring with age.
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Resin

Hand Blown Murano Glass Box in Grey with 24 Karat Gold Flecks
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This is a sophisticated and elegant piece that combines modern design elements with the timeless allure of Murano glass. Handcrafted on the historic Venetian island of Murano, this b...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass, Gold Leaf

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

Karl Springer Stunning "Kyoto Box" in Tessellated Penshell 1980s 'Signed'
Located in New York, NY
Exceptionally crafted "Kyoto Box" in tessellated penshell with brass inlays on top and trim around base by Karl Springer, American 1980's (signed “Karl Sprin...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Tacón 4 T Wall Clock
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Tacón 4 T wall clock focuses exclusively on the essential details, which makes it Stand out for its Minimalist presence wherever you place it. Tacón 4 T wall clock: graphite finishe...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Rare Signed Anne Nilsson for Orrefors Expo White Glass Vase
Located in East Quogue, NY
Rare signed and numbered white glass vase by Anne Nilsson for Orrefors Expo, dated 1998. This beautifully crafted clear and white glass vase is approximately 16.5" tall, the base is ...
Category

1990s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass

Twenty-Seven Woods for a Chinese Artificial Flower Vase P by Ettore Sottsass
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
From the collection of twenty-seven woods for Chinese artificial flowers, vase P by Ettore Sottsass, Edited by Design Gallery Milano, 1995. Limited edition of 12 signed and numer...
Category

1990s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Chrome

Alexandra Von Furstenberg Acrylic Treasure Box in Tulip - Large Storage Box
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Add a bold pop of modern glamour to your space with this acrylic treasure box by Alexandra Von Furstenberg, featuring a striking Tulip. Made from high-quality Lucite, this chic decor...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass

Decorative Plate ”Ten-Foot Flowers” by Andy Warhol by Rosenthal
Located in Berlin, DE
Art Plate ”Ten Foot Flowers” 1967 by Andy Warhol. Limited edition by Rosenthal group. Germany, 2002.
Category

Early 2000s German Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

21st Century Lily Decorative Box in Nubuck Leather Handcrafed in Italy
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
The sophistication of nubuck leather inspired this collection. Lily is our new family of decorative boxes embellished by tone on tone embroidery. Two finishing, three sizes and f...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Votive Holder in Galena Large
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

Votive Holder in Galena Large
Votive Holder in Galena Large
$1,127 Sale Price / item
30% Off
1970's Sommerso Murano Glass, Birds, Doves on a Tree, Sculpture
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A Murano glass sculpture depicting four birds in white and light pink perched on a clear glass tree with branches attached to a base decorated with rounds. A nice centerpiece in each...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass

American Modern Sterling Silver Box by Ubaldo Vitali for Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Modern sterling silver box. Long and rectangular with straight sides and sharp corners; cover hinged with overhanging rim and gently curved top. Box interior cedar lined and partitioned. Cover interior gilt. Nice proportions. Plenty of room for engraving. Fully marked including maker’s (Ubaldo...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Sterling Silver

Armani Casa Move Metal Oval Vases Pair
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Pair of Armani Vada Move Metal Oval vases in mate finish. El gang Armani design. Great decor or gift.
Category

2010s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Hand Blown Murano Bowl Vase Massiccio Smoky
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This beautifully crafted hand-blown Murano glass bowl vase exemplifies the artistry and elegance for which Venetian glassmakers are renowned. The bowl features a mesmerizing smoky hu...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Small Chinese Zodiac Head Busts
Located in Greenwich, CT
These small Chinese Zodiac head busts were handcrafted and designed from the Netherlands and feature sculptural busts of the twelve signs of the Chinese zodi...
Category

2010s Dutch Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Notte Di Gioie Shiny Black Men's Jewelry Box
Located in New York, NY
Polished ebony men’s box, removable tray.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ebony

Triple Tray 2.0 in African Walnut, Arno Declercq
Located in Geneve, CH
Triple tray 2.0 in African walnut, Arno Declercq Made in African walnut, sanded and finished with varnish. Measures: 30 cm wide x 28 cm long x 19cm high / 11.8” wide x 11” long x 7...
Category

2010s Belgian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Walnut

Turquoise Vase With Gold Flower by Wilhelm Kåge
Located in Atlanta, GA
Wilhelm Kåge (1889–1960) stands as a central figure in the history of 20th-century Swedish ceramic design. Widely regarded as a pioneer of Swedish modernism, Kåge played a crucial ro...
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Italian Marble Sculpture
Located in Queens, NY
Italian Marble Sculpture
Category

20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

1980s Modern Speckled Brown Dish Glazed Pottery Art
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1980s modern triangular small speckled brown dish glazed pottery art Signed by Melching 80 3.25 long x 2.5 w x .38 thick Preowned vintage condition. Se...
Category

1980s Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Pottery

"BANG" Pop-Art Cased Art Glass Vase in White, Blue, Yellow, & Red, 20th Century
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine Pop-Art art glass vase. Decorated with a red "BANG" surrounded by light blue & yellow accents on a white ground. Signed to the base MAYS 99. Simply a great Pop-Art vase! Date: 1999 Overall Condition: It is in overall good, as-pictured, used estate condition with no chips, cracks, or repairs. Condition Details: There are a few noticeable scratches here & there. Otherwise, there are some fine & light surface scratches and other signs of expected light wear consistent with age. Maker: Mays Marks: Marked to the base with MAYS 99. Measurements: Height: ca. 8 1/4 in. Diameter: ca. 6 1/2 in. Items...
Category

1990s Unknown Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass

Riflessi High Blown Glass Vase by Böijte–Bottari
Located in Milan, IT
Riflessi is a project by Böjte-Bottari for Paola C. presented in 2017. This vase is designed to accommodate all types of flowers, and it is made in mouth blown glass. The collection ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Garrafa No. I Vase by Camila Apaez
Located in Geneve, CH
Garrafa No. I vase by Camila Apaez One of a kind Materials: stoneware Dimensions: 17 x 8 x 18 cm Options: White Bone, Chocolate, Buttermilk, Charcoal Black, Glossy, Spotted Gray,...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stoneware

Christian Dior Sterling Silver Two Views Picture Frame with Bow Motif
Located in Atlanta, GA
Christian Dior Paris designed this superb sterling silver picture frame for The Dior Interior Collection. The piece was expertly crafted in France circa 1980. With its double-oval pe...
Category

1980s French Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Sterling Silver

W. Beaupre Gold Chain Android Bust
Located in New York, NY
Stunning futuristic android bust by W. Beaupre. Bust is embellished with intricate gold chain, pearls and vintage jewelry findings. The atte...
Category

20th Century American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Other

Pablo Picasso Womans Magical Head Cubist Chicago Sculpture Maquette Mid-Century
Located in Hyattsville, MD
“Maquette” (after Pabloe Picasso) Very Old Maquette. Black enamel over different types of metal; steel, copper or brass. Unsigned.
Category

1950s Unknown Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Contemporary Ceramic Bosco Sculpture
Located in Porcia, IT
The Cartocci Paper Clay collection is comprised of unique paper clay ceramic sculptures, each piece with its own distinct personality. They are entirely handmade, which can result in...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Signed Hand Made Stoneware Vase
Located in Ross, CA
Small ceramic hand made earthenware vase, signed by the potter. Painted in drip glaze and geometric shapes of cream, and tones of blue.
Category

1980s Unknown Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Signed Hand Made Stoneware Vase
Signed Hand Made Stoneware Vase
$152 Sale Price
61% Off
1980's Modern Sculptural Pink Crackle Vase by Jaru
By Jaru
Located in West Chester, PA
A fantastic artisan made two-handled sculptural ceramic vase fired in a pink crackle glaze finish by the California pottery company Jaru.
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Doug Delind Ceramic Face
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Doug Delind Raku-Fired Ceramic 2 sided face Sculpture. Signed on side of base. In nice original condition! Face shows some lines in the glaze as seen in ph...
Category

1980s Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Doug Delind Ceramic Face
Doug Delind Ceramic Face
$1,400 Sale Price
20% Off
Sculpture in Resin and Marble Powder, the Sculpture of Discophorus.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Sculpture in resin and marble powder, representing a fragment of the sculpture of Discophorus This fragment of the bust of Discophorus comes from a reproduction of an original bronz...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

Papier-Mâché Bowls
Located in London, GB
A unique pair of hand-formed bowls crafted from papier-mâché, each with a richly textured surface and sculptural form. One features a shallow, open shape, while the other is footed w...
Category

1990s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Paper

Italian Contemporary Artistic Ceramic Canopo Taurus Black Green Vase by Amaaro
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Questo vaso in ceramica disegnato e prodotto da Amaaro si ispira direttamente ai vasi canopi egizi; è una reinterpretazione ironica e contemporanea di un oggetto ancestrale, nume tut...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Contemporary Modern, Kubbe Round Minimal Tealight Holder, Varnished Brass
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

Divine Decadence Multifunctional Object in Punta Azul Marble by Richard Yasmine
Located in Geneve, CH
Divine Decadence Multifunctional Object in Punta Azul Marble by Richard Yasmine Dimensions: Vase: Ø 22 x H 21,5 cm. Base: Ø 8 x H 21,5 cm. Head: Ø 5 x H 20,5 cm. Candleholder: Ø 5 x ...
Category

2010s Lebanese Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble, Silver, Steel, Other

Soapstone Amorfo 02 by Alva Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Amorfo 02 by Alva Design Materials: Soapstone Dimensions: Ø 25 x H 15 cm ALVA is a furniture and objects design office, formed by brothers Susana Bastos...
Category

2010s Brazilian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Soapstone

Apocalypse, Abstract Sculpture, Brightly Colored Geometric Intertwined 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

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Acrylic, Fiberglass

Brazilian Modern Black Steel Abstract Table Sculpture, 1980s
Located in Miami, FL
Modern black steel table sculpture. Artist unknown. Brazil circa 1980s.
Category

Late 20th Century Brazilian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Steel

'Horse and Boy' sculptural table lamp, hand crafted and cast
Located in London, GB
A beautiful whimsical sculptural table lamp titled 'Horse and Boy' is hand crafted, molded and cast. The intricate design features a boy and his hors...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Gold Leaf, Iron

Masterful Pair of Italian Horses in bronze 20th Century 1:1
Located in Madrid, ES
Masterful Pair of Italian Horses in bronze 20th Century 1:1 real height, lost wax casting. Origin Venice, private collection. Perfect for the outside or even for the inside. The dim...
Category

20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

“Ella y Él” Porcelain & Pure Silver Sculptures by Emilia Castillo, 1995
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A charming and signed pair of figural table sculptures by acclaimed Mexican artist Emilia Castillo, titled “Ella y Él” and dated 1995. Crafted in fine porcelain with hand-applied pur...
Category

1990s Mexican Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Silver

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

2010s Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Copper

Tomaso Barbi Ceramic and Brass Centerpiece Bowl with Red Marbleized Glaze
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This striking centerpiece bowl by Tomaso Barbi exemplifies the Italian designer’s refined approach to decorative arts in the mid-20th century. Crafted in ceramic with a brass insert,...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Modern 20th Century Sterling Silver Watering Can - London 1991
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 1991 by Whitehill Silver & Plate Company, this attractive, Sterling Silver Watering Can, would make an ideal piece...
Category

1990s English Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Sterling Silver

Hand Blown Murano Vase Goccia in Grey Medium
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Murano vase exudes a contemporary allure, merging geometric precision with the organic inspiration of a raindrop. Crafted by master glassmakers, this piece showcases a striking ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Austin Productions Henry Moore Style Seated Family
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Austin Productions Henry Moore Family on Bench. Plaster cast with a bronze finish. Shows a few paint chips, but overall looks good with no major chips or cracks.
Category

1960s American Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Plaster

Contemporary Triple Tray in Burnt Iroko Wood, Arno Declercq
Located in Geneve, CH
Triple tray in Iroko wood, Arno Declercq. Measures: 30 cm L x 28 cm W x 19 cm H. 11.8” L x 11” W x 7.5” H. Material: Iroko wood Signed by Arno Dec...
Category

2010s Belgian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Wonderful Pair Modern Clear Crystal Glass Urn Form Signed Baccarat Pearl Vases
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful Pair Of Modern Clear Crystal / Glass Urn Form Signed Baccarat "Pearl" Vases.
Category

20th Century French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

Modern Antelope Bottle Hand Blown Glass Liquor Animal Africa Horn Trophy Nature
Located in Camisano Vicentino, IT
Introducing the Antelope Bottle, a stunning hand-blown glass masterpiece by the talented Simone Crestani. This exquisite piece is part of the captivati...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

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

Spectacular Art Glass Vase, flower vase, Massimo Lunardon, signed, Murano, Itlay
Located in Wien, AT
This spectacular glass object is from italian glass artist Massimo Lunardon. This original is of highest quality and in perfect condition. The vase is bulb-shaped with 5 outlets in...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Blown Glass

Hand-Stitched A&F Leather Pig, 1960s
Located in New York, NY
Hand-stitched leather pig designed by Omersa and Company for display at the Abercrombie and Fitch stores, England, 1960s.
Category

1960s English Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Leather

Church-Shaped Decorative Clock
Located in Lisboa, Lisboa
Decorative clock in the shape of a church. It represents a picturesque miniature church, richly detailed to evoke traditional European architecture....
Category

Mid-20th Century French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Resin

Pair of Albert Paley Blossom Candlesticks
Located in Chicago, IL
A pair of blossom candlesticks by Albert Paley Studio. Forged and blackened steel with brass. Signed and dated [Albert Paley 1994].
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass, Steel

Console Table Geometrical Modern Contemporary Waxed Blackened Steel
Located in Bronx, NY
Console No. 5 J.M. Szymanski d. 2022 This console is composed of stark, perpendicular planes that have been notched and precisely slotted together. Its hand-carved rough edges contr...
Category

2010s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Steel, Iron

Waterford Crystal Glass Vase
Located in Staffordshire, GB
Elegant cut crystal vase in Grant pattern standing 25cm in height and is signed in etching on the bottom and also having the Sea horse motif on the side label. The Grant pattern is o...
Category

Early 2000s British Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

Planter Bowl Grande in Black Quartz
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

Quartz, Rock Crystal

Planter Bowl Grande in Black Quartz
Planter Bowl Grande in Black Quartz
$2,366 Sale Price
29% Off
Vintage Boho Purple Art Glass Bowl After Murano
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This amethyst-hued art glass bowl is a sculptural stunner, with fluid, flame-like edges that curl upward in dramatic motion. The rich plum glass is thick and glossy, catching light a...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass, Murano Glass

Woman's Head Blue Decorative Ceramic Piece, Handmade Italy, 2021, Hand-Crafted
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The piece is a unique representation of a woman's head in a modern way. Our designer creates these pieces completely by hand.    
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Paint

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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