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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
New Modern Vase in Travertine and Walnut, Designer Ivan Colominas
Located in Milan, IT
Vase in Travertine Navona marble and Walnut wood. Size: 14x25,7 cm, 5,5 x 10,11 in. smooth finishing. Commercial name: Tivoli Vase S, Tivoli Collect...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Travertine, Marble

Dora De Larios Signed Mexican American California Studio Pottery Large Art Bowl
Located in Studio City, CA
A beautifully designed and gorgeously glazed large bowl by famed Mexican-American California studio art potter Dora De Larios. This piece was done late in her career and in collaboration with Irving Place Studio...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stoneware

Seth Gravette Redwood and Sumi Ink Table Sculpture US 2023
Located in Berlin, DE
Seth Gravette Redwood and Sumi Ink Sculpture US 2023 Finished in oil and wax. Seth Gravette is a Los Angeles based artist who started with a fervor to design and build rigidly modern custom furniture...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Pine

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

Unique Contemporary Hand-engraved Crystal Bowl by Ghiró Studio
Located in Pieve Emanuele, Milano
Ciotola realizzata curvando e incidendo a mano un cristallo extra-chiaro con uno spessore di 20 mm. Ogni incisione sormonta o viene sormontata da un'altra creando cosi disegno di lin...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Venini Murano Italian Green Glass Bottle Vase Incisi Serie, 2004
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Italian glass bottle vasec with stopper, “Incisi” series, in two-color submerged glass with surface entirely worked by grinding produced by Venini Murano, Venini trademark 2004 engra...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Modern Wooden Bubble Vase in White
Located in Chicago, IL
Handcrafted modern wood vase constructed of rift cut white oak with a matte natural poly finish in white. This made-to-order, eye-catching vase is part of the Studio Line collection, known as the Bubble Vase. Available in white, black, or natural finish. Not recommended for wet use. Studio Line is an artisan product line founded by Jen Talbot Design...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Hardwood

Metal Pear sculpture by the Lebanese artist Amine El Bache
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Metal pear sculpture by the Lebanese artist Amine El Bache 1990
Category

1990s Unknown Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Chrome and Tortoiseshell Lucite Decorative Box, 1970s
Located in Atlanta, GA
This decorative lidded box is perfect for living space or vanity and was crafted in the 1970s. The piece boasts a chrome-plated framing with Lucite in a tortoiseshell (tortoise) text...
Category

1970s French Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Italian modern round vase in green and white Murano glass by Venini 1990s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern round vase in green and white Murano glass by Venini 1990s Vintage and fantastic vase with round base, in textured green Murano glass. In the upper part it has a round...
Category

1990s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Bronze Vase B by Mylene Niedzialkowski
Located in Geneve, CH
Bronze Vase B by Mylene Niedzialkowski Dimensions: D 7 x W 18 x H 28 cm. Materials: Bronze. Bronze soliflore cast in the south-east of France. All our collections start from an ex...
Category

2010s French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Aphrodite Nude Form in Black
Located in Richmond, VA
Female nude form ‘Aphrodite’ by Jude Jelfs. Slab-built earthenware with vitreous slips and sgraffito. Glazed inside. Due to the handmade nature, subtle variations in form and finish...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Earthenware

Large Red Handmade Murano Bowl, Italy
Located in Albano Laziale, Rome/Lazio
Decorative and meticulously crafted in Murano glass, this bowl boasts a distinctive leaf shape and substantial weight. The interplay of red and clear glass forms a harmonious blend, ...
Category

20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Italian modern Round vase in transparent and blue Murano glass by Venini 1990s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern Round vase in transparent and blue Murano glass by Venini 1990s Vase with an oval base in thick blue and transparent Murano glass. At the top it has an oval hole. The ...
Category

1990s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Salta Round Black 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

Onyx, Stone, Metal

Vintage Lenox Athenian Collection Vase
Located in Germantown, MD
This is a very nice Lenox China vase in the Athenian pattern. Also made in U.S.A. so it is Vintage Lenox. This vase measures 9 1/2 inches high, 3 3/4 at ...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Italian modern blue Murano glass pair of vases by Venini, 1990s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern blue Murano glass pair of vases by Venini, 1990s Pair of round base vases in blue Murano glass. The structure is curved and s...
Category

1990s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Shell and Crystal Sculpture, 20th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Shell sculpture, porcelain figure and crystal base, 20th century. h: 30cm, w: 17cm, d: 14cm
Category

20th Century French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

20th century abstracted organic bronze sculpture from UK
Located in London, GB
A tall handmade bronze sculpture kindred of a Venus fly trap. The rough metal surface is tortuous but holds a brutalist beauty, with a subtle evolution of tex...
Category

20th Century British Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal, Bronze

Marre Moerel Anatomy Series Signed Edition Gluteus Murano Glass Vase Covo, Italy
Located in Cathedral City, CA
Marre Moerel Signed and Numbered Limited Edition "Gluteus" Murano Glass Vase for Covo, Italy, ca 2001. This vase is part of her Anatomy Series and is numbered #5 of 29. The glass is a deep purple color (eggplant or wine) cased with white glass sandwiched with a pink/clear glass on the interior. Marre has said that the shapes were in reference to the beauty of the human body and colors chosen to reflect the variety of skin tones. Highly evocative and intriguing, this design is beautiful and also evokes conversation and thought. A true piece of art! This sculpture is part of a project named Smash, and curated by Emmanuel Babled for Covo in 2001. A group of famous designers (James Irvine, Jeffrey Bennet, Jerszy Seymour, Marre Moerel, Richard Hutten, Ritsue Mishima...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass

Set of Twelve Red Shagreen Napkin Rings by Fabio Ltd
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian red shagreen and stainless steel napkin rings with matching red leather boxes designed by Fabio Bergomi for Fabio Ltd / Made in Italy Each ring has diameter 1.5 inches and wi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stainless Steel

Emperador Dark Trivoli Vase L by Ivan Colominas
Located in Geneve, CH
Emperador Dark Trivoli Vase L by Ivan Colominas Dimensions: D 15 x H 31.7 cm Materials: Travertino Navona and Black Emperador. TIVOLI COLLECTION: TIVOLI, a picturesque city situated...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Travertine, Marble

Christian Dior Faux-Wood and Metal Application Picture Frame, 1960s
Located in Atlanta, GA
This elegant decorative picture photo frame was hand-made and handpainted for the Christian Dior Home collection in the 1960s. The traditional decor in the style of L'Ecole Boulle in...
Category

1960s French Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal, Brass

Crème Sandstone Vase B by Mylene Niedzialkowski
Located in Geneve, CH
Crème Sandstone Vase B by Mylene Niedzialkowski Unique Piece. Dimensions: D 7 x W 18 x H 28 cm. Materials: Sandstone and enamel. Hand-made sandstone soliflore in different solid co...
Category

2010s French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Sandstone, Enamel

Large Sodalite Tulip Vase by Studio DO
Located in Geneve, CH
Large Sodalite Tulip Vase by Studio DO Dimensions: D 55 x W 36 x H 41 cm Materials: Sodalite, stainless steel. 109 kg. Flowers are intrinsically connected with composition and earth. Influenced by varied vessels from past to present such as the dutch tulip vase...
Category

2010s Belgian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone, Stainless Steel

Custom Twisted Lucite Table Sculpture on Base
Located in Miami, FL
Custom Twisted Lucite Table Sculpture on Base Offered for sale is a custom-made twisted Lucite table sculpture that is presented on a rectangular Lu...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Lucite

Handmade Persian Cat in Wool from Sysslebäck Sweden
Located in Esbjerg, DK
'Miniature' life-like interpretation of a Persian cat. Its executed in natural wool and is entirely hand-crafted. It has a small leather patch saying Sysslebäck indicating that is wa...
Category

Early 2000s Swedish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Wool

Sculptural Abalone Shell with Baroque Pearls on Polished Agate
Located in Dublin, Dalkey
Polished Abalone (Haliotis Iris) shell with natural forming baroque pearls mounted on a metal rod on a polished agate base. The iridescent, multi-colored shell coordinates perfectly ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Agate, Metal

Black Shagreen Photo Frame by Fabio Ltd
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Black shagreen leather and nickel-plated frame with presentation black leather box by Fabio Ltd Height: 13 inches / Width: 11.5 inches / Depth: 1 inch Photo size: 8 inches by 10 inc...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Nickel

A Large 1960s Carved Rosewood Mouse: Gumps, San Francisco
Located in San Francisco, CA
the large upright mouse with direct gaze fitted with leather ears and incised whiskers; above a bulbous elongated body with curled tail; with foil label 'Gumps'
Category

1960s Philippine Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Kosta Boda Glass Vase or Planter Signed Bertil Vallien
Located in Miami, FL
A lovely Kosta Boda glass vase or planter. The specked details makes this glass vase or planter very appealing accentuated by a purplish/blue rim. This decorative object is signed b...
Category

20th Century Swedish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass, Art Glass

Glazed Stoneware Bowl by Arne Bang, c. 1930
Located in New York City, NY
Glazed Stoneware Bowl by Arne Bang, Denmark, c. 1930 This modern, geometric bowl is a beautiful example of Arne Bang's design sensibility and glazing expertise. The contrast between...
Category

20th Century Danish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stoneware

Marre Moerel Anatomy Series Signed Edition Corpus Murano Glass Vase Covo, Italy
Located in Cathedral City, CA
Marre Moerel Signed and Numbered Limited Edition "Corpus" Murano Glass Vase for Covo, Italy, ca 2001. This vase is part of her Anatomy Series and is numbered #6 of 29. The glass is a light pink color (almost a flesh color) cased with white glass sandwiched with orange glass on the interior. Marre has said that the shapes were in reference to the beauty of the human body and colors chosen to reflect the variety of skin tones. Highly evocative and intriguing, this design is beautiful and also evokes conversation and thought. A true piece of art! This vase is part of a project named Smash, and curated by Emmanuel Babled for Covo in 2001. A group of famous designers (James Irvine, Jeffrey Bennet, Jerszy Seymour, Marre Moerel, Richard Hutten, Ritsue Mishima...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass

Mauricio Bentes brazilian pair of trees in resin, gold and copper circa 1990
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible Mauricio Bentes brazilian pair of trees in resin, gold and cooper circa 1990.
Category

1990s Brazilian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Gold, Copper

Glaciar Large Silver Alpaca & Bordeaux Onyx Stone Box
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
Glaciar collection is meticulously handcrafted by our local artisans with these rectangular onyx pieces set around alpaca silver flower vases, boxes and trays. Our pieces are made...
Category

2010s South American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Onyx, Stone, Metal

Large Scale Vessel No. 1325 by Chris Gustin
Located in New York, NY
Glazed stoneware. Wood fired large scale vase. Artist signed on underside.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stoneware

Jaguar Sculpture in Wood
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Impressive sculpture of a female Brazilian jaguar made in a huge single wood block. This piece was exceptionally well-executed, made in the 1930/1940'...
Category

1930s Brazilian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Venini Clessidra Hourglass in Apple Green Straw Yellow Murano Glass
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Clessidra hourglass in amber murano glass by Paolo Venini and Fulvio Bianconi. Little grains of sand, impalpable and unnoticeable as a whole yet so real, like time ticking away. In 1...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Rookwood Pottery, "Aventurine Glaze" Vases, Porcelain, USA, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A set of three green-glazed porcelain vases designed and produced by Rookwood Pottery and Kenton Hills Porcelains respectively. One vase signed Roger H. Ferger and dated 1941. Overa...
Category

1940s American Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

New Modern Vase in Travertine and Marble, Designer Ivan Colominas
Located in Milan, IT
Vase in Travertine Navona and Emperor dark marbles. Size: 15×31,7 cm., 5,9x12,4 in. smooth finishing. Commercial name: Tivoli Vase L, Tivoli Collect...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Travertine, Marble

New Modern Side Table in Travertine and Marble, Designer Ivan Colominas
Located in Milan, IT
Side Table in Travertine Navona and Emperador dark. Size: 38×50 cm. - 14,9×19,6 in. smooth finishing. Commercial name: Tivoli Side Table in marble, Tivoli Collection by the Spanish ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Travertine, Marble

Villeroy & Boch Orange and Green Lucite Vases, 1990s
Located in Atlanta, GA
Villeroy & Boch produced that lovely pair of vases in the 1990s. This playful design is modern with an incredible color combination. Each vase is built with a multilayer sandwich sha...
Category

1990s German Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Acrylic, Plexiglass, Lucite

Fazzoletto Opalino Large Glass Vase in Sapphire by Fulvio Bianconi and Venini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Created from the collaboration between Fulvio Bianconi and Paolo Venini, characterized by a soft shape with a graceful wavy lip, always unique, obtained using the free-hand technique...
Category

20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Anthony Redmile Silverplated Figural Frog Mounted Ostrich Egg Candlestick
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Anthony Redmile Silverplated Figural Frog Mounted Ostrich Egg Candlestick Stamped 'Redmile London' London, Circa 1970s Fashioned as a standing a 17.5...
Category

20th Century English Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

1980's Sommerso Murano Glass Bird Swan Statue Catchall Sculpture
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A Murano glass sculpture depicting a swan in clear and green. A nice addition to any room. Made in Venice Italy in the 1980s. found at an Estate Sale in Vienna, Austria.
Category

20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass

Shagreen Photo Frame by Fabio Ltd
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Multi-color shagreen leather and 24 karat gold-plated picture frame by Fabio Ltd Measures: Height 13.5 inches, width 11.5 inches, depth 1 inch Photo size: 8 inches by 10 inches LAST ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Gold

74"x74" Metal Wall Sculpture in Stainless and Bronze #703
Located in Blowing Rock, NC
Aged bronze, stainless steel. Measures: 74" X 74". Kue King created this large-scale diamond wall mounted sculpture using bronze, brass, and stainless steel wire. The bronze is aged...
Category

2010s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal, Wire, Stainless Steel, Bronze, Brass

Head in Terracotta, Isis of the Greek-Roman World, Early 20th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Head in terracotta - Isis of the greek-roman world early 20th century. Patinated terracotta cast of a Roman head from the second century BC of the Vatican Museums. Taken from a plas...
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Terracotta

"Amore E Odio" Design Vases Collection of 4 Pieces, Made in Italy, 2019
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

Monumental Abstract Steel Sculpture by Curtis Jeré
Located in San Francisco, CA
An impressively scaled vintage abstract steel sculpture on onyx base by Curtis Jeré. Intersecting assemblage of wings, ribbons, and rods gives the stationary piece an exceptionally ...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Onyx, Steel

Tronador Square Cream Onyx Stone Box
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
The shape of the inactive Tronador volcano reminded us of the pyramid shaped idea of our boxes that make up this collection. With a rectangular or square base, the box is a reflectio...
Category

2010s Argentine Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone, Onyx

New Modern Side Table in Travertine and Marble, Designer Ivan Colominas
Located in Milan, IT
Side Table in Travertine Navona and Emperador dark. Size: 50×50 cm. - 19,6x19,6 in. smooth finishing. Commercial name: Tivoli Side Table in marble, Tivoli Collection by the Spanish ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Travertine, Marble

Agresti Il Mio Tempo Ebano Italian Lacquered Modern Wood Watch Storage Box Locks
Located in Dayton, OH
Serious watch collectors only need apply for this last offering from Agresti Firenze. A stunning wooden watch chest, in polished ebony, Il Mio Tempo Ebano ...
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ebony, Lacquer

Knead Mirror by kar
Located in Geneve, CH
Knead mirror by kar Materials: Fiberglass. Dimensions: W 80 x D 22 x H 193 cm. Knead mirror preserves the handmade traces of clay-kneading, and the hand-polished texture captures th...
Category

2010s Chinese Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Fiberglass

21st Century Luxury 125 Piece Walnut Poker Set
Located in Oakhurst, NJ
Introducing the epitome of luxury in game nights – our Walnut Poker Set Box. Crafted from 100% walnut hardwood, this exquisite box boasts Brusso brass hardwa...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Walnut

Itera Lilac Pink Single Vase by Ia Kutateladze
Located in Geneve, CH
Itera Lilac Pink Single Vase by Ia Kutateladze One Of A Kind. Dimensions: D 10 x W 10 x H 27 cm. Materials: Clay. Handcrafted sculptural ceramic vase in black. Please note colorati...
Category

2010s German Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Clay

Large Kähler Vase in Orange Glazed Stoneware
Located in Kastrup, DK
Large one-of-a-kind stoneware floor vase of tall cylindrical shape by Svend Hammershøi for Kähler. H: 48 cm. Beautiful orange-yellow glaze. The body of the vase is decorated with a m...
Category

Early 20th Century Danish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stoneware

Armand Petersen: "Hippopotamus", Uniq known sculpture in white mat china, C.1932
By Armand Petersen
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Armand PETERSEN (1891-1969) : "Hippopotamus" White mat enameled porcelain edited by Bing & Grundahl between 1932 and 1955 Originally planned for a 55 pieces edition, this exceptio...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

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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