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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Ceramic Vase "LOTH" Handcrafted in 24-Karat Gold & white inside by Gabriella B.
Located in Treviso, IT
Ceramic vase LOTH handcrafted in 24-karat gold, white glazed inside cod. CP050 measures: H. 140.0 cm. - Dm. 40.0 cm.
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Modern Abstract Sculpture in Black Oak by Patrick Coard Paris
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The "GOLDEN RATIO" sculpture by Patrick Coard Paris is a couture masterpiece, exquisitely crafted from a black oak veneer inlaid on a fiberglass core by the finest artisans. Its grac...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Oak, Fiberglass

Contemporary 'Gocce' Set of Three Sculptures Aquamarine Crystal by Ghirò Studio
Located in Pieve Emanuele, Milano
Each crystal is exclusive and unique as it has been entirely hand-worked from a block of crystal. This makes it impossible to create two perfectly identical ones. Three natural blocks of crystal was used to make this set of decorative objects . The crystal have been processed by hand until they obtain a perfectly smooth and luminous surface. The color of the crystal is aquamarine with high transparency. They present a modern furnishing...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Abstract Sculpture Head Clown Murano Glass Pop Art by Badioli
Located in Murano, Venezia
This work, abstract sculpture Clown, made in Murano glass by the famous master glassmaker Badioli Francesco. Single work of rare beauty, full of shades of color, handmade using solid...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

"Wild" Luxury Vases Set of 5 Pieces, Handmade in Italy, 2021, Hand Painted
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

Circle Candle
Located in Chicago, IL
It is possible to have a candle that is circular, I guess so.
Category

2010s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Luxury Vase #27 "Roses Heart". Porcelain. Handmade design and crafted in Italy.
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. The heart collection is inspired by the ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain, Acrylic

Moorish Head, Handmade Sicily, Vase, Size L, Colorful, Metallized Finishing E23
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The Collection This collection offers ideas for contemporary décor through sophisticated revelations of art bound to the tradition of ceramics of Caltagirone, objets d’art that comb...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Enamel

Pierre Giraudon Resin Cube Sculpture Paperweight with Car Parts Inclusions
Located in Atlanta, GA
The design of this cube sculpture or resin paperweight is attributed to the French artist Pierre Giraudon. The resin cube features old industrial elements of an automobile engine. Ca...
Category

1970s French Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Cuyo Large Alpaca Silver & Bordeaux Onyx Stone Pair of Bookends
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
Cuyo bookends are solid heavy beautiful pieces of geometrical onyx stone, mostly in square base and round top. Very sharm for a personal library. Our pieces are made by hand. One of...
Category

2010s Argentine Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone, Onyx, Metal

Hans Hedberg for Biot, France. Rectangular ceramic vase. 1970s/80s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Hans Hedberg (1917-2007) for Biot, France. Rectangular ceramic vase. Glazing in sand colours. Dating: 1970s/80s. Signed. In perfect condition. Dimensions: H 18.4 cm. x W 17.8 cm. x D...
Category

1970s French Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Three-Stone Mill Wheels as Modern Table Sculptures, Sold Singly
Located in Sheffield, MA
The stone mill wheels are attached to wire stands with iron bases lined underneath with padding. Measures: Two with the height of 15.25".
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone, Iron, Wire

A. D. Copier, Dutch ceramicist. Ceramic flower pot. 1930s/40s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
A. D. Copier (1901-1991), Dutch ceramicist. Ceramic flower pot. Glaze in yellow-green hues. Industrial design. 1930/40s. Marked. Perfect condition. Dimensions: D 18.0 cm x H 6.4 cm.
Category

1930s Dutch Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Ivan Avoscan, Bronze Sculpture, Concrete Composition
Located in Kastrup, DK
Ivan Avoscan, French sculptor (1928-2012) Bronze sculpture, concrete composition. Made of reddish brown patinated bronze. Signed Avoscan. France, late 20th century.
Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Jaime Hayon for Baccarat Faunacrystopolis light blue crystal bird 2020
Located in Paris, IDF
This blue crystal bird, created by Jaime Hayon for Baccarat in 2020, is part of the Faunacrystopolis collection. This remarkable piece embodies Baccarat's characteristic elegance and...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

Contemporary 'Eye' Sculpture Black Glass, Brass and 24 Kt Gold by Ghiro Studio
Located in Pieve Emanuele, Milano
2023 Colletion of decorative objects by Ghiro Studio (Italy,Milan). The 'Eye' is not only a luxury refined piece of furniture but it is also a hand carved sculpture designed to embel...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Gold, Brass

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

Kandlstx Colored Glass Candle Holder Square
Located in Naucalpan, Edo de Mex
Created from a “new” technique of boiling crystal, after 5 years of prototyping, final ready to freely create forms with whips traces of color trapped in the clear crystal. This series of candle sticks with organic or faceted forms really enhances the place. 3 colors: Aqua, steel blue and pink...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

21st Century Concrete Cement Tray Centrepiece Handmade in Italy Perla WhiteColor
Located in Rome, Lazio
Renzo in a family of multipurpose trays with a very smooth surface and soft curved edges, now available in a different color composition. Each piece is a unique, no two are the same....
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Concrete

Large Mackenzie-Childs Flower Market Picture Frame with White Background
Located in Morristown, NJ
Vintage MacKenzie-Childs 11" x 13" white enamel "flower market" pattern picture frame for a 5" x 7" picture. Heavy-gauge, hand-glazed steel underbody embellished with hand-applied fl...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal, Enamel

Echo Hand Built Sculptural Double Fin Ceramic Vase
Located in Brooklyn, NY
One of a kind, these statement pieces are unique in design and execution. Meticulously hand built in Brooklyn, each slab of clay is cut with precision dried over time to maintain...
Category

2010s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Stoneware, Clay

Three Colorful Graduated Inlaid Shell Abstract Pattern Concave Trays
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Three colorful graduated inlaid shell abstract pattern concave trays Attributed to the workshops of Maitland-Smith Retailed by Shawana Storey, San Francisco Three large scale, g...
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Shell, Abalone, Mother-of-Pearl

Pin Candle Sticks with Three Sizes, Handcrafted in Brass with Patinated Finishes
Located in Chicago, IL
With an 12”, 16”, or 20” height, the candlesticks appear to almost float. Machined from solid brass both top and bottom, each one is hand polished and tarnished to just the right poi...
Category

2010s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Translucent Glass Decorative Dish by Elsa Peretti for Tiffany
Located in New York, NY
Part of Elsa Peretti iconic Thumbprint collection for Tiffany & Co, this translucent glass decorative dish/ ash tray was designed in 1978, and executed shortly thereafter. Peretti, a...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Handcrafted Tweety Decorative Bird CS4 by Noom in Natural Oak
Located in Paris, FR
Bring a touch of whimsy to your home or office with the charming wooden bird from the Tweety series. Designed by Kateryna Sokolova, this minimalist sculpture is an attractive accent...
Category

2010s Ukrainian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood, Oak, Ash

Architectural Abstract Marble Sculpture
Located in Hudson, NY
Architectural Abstract Marble Sculpture unsigned. modernist. mid to late 20th c. Contact me with any questions or for shipping quotes
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

Vintage Hinged Brass Frog Box
Located in North Miami, FL
This lovely polished vintage brass frog box is hinged. It is from the 70's and charming. It has a background of black wash on the brass. The label says Made In Korea. The forms are i...
Category

1970s Korean Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Outdoor Planter Made from Stainless Steel
Located in Santo Tirso, PT
Serena is a premium line of outdoor planters designed to add elegance and functionality to gardens, patios and balconies. Inspired by the serene beauty of nature, the S size is ideal...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Fiberglass

Hand Blown Murano Glass Box in Amber with Brass Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The exquisite octagonal jewel box in brilliant amber is a captivating blend of traditional craftsmanship and luxurious aesthetics. Handcrafted on the historic island of Murano, this ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Walt Disney, Mickey Mouse Cookie Jar
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a Walt Disney, Mickey Mouse Head Cookie Jar. It depicts a hand painted glazed ceramic cookie jar shaped as Mickey Mouse head. He is wearing a yellow hat with a band that have...
Category

20th Century Mexican Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Small Cairn Elemental Spinning Top in Oiled Walnut by Alvaro Uribe for Wooda
Located in Omro, WI
The initial inspiration for the elemental top collection by Alvaro Uribe for Wooda was Wooda’s iconic logo of a tree. We felt it captured the company’s synergy for working with wood ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Hardwood, Walnut

James Myford "Two Forms" Aluminum Sculpture
Located in Bradenton, FL
Stunning aluminum cast sculpture of "Two Forms" on black marble base by noted sculptor James C. Myford (1940-2014). Myford began creating aluminum sculptures in Pittsburgh, PA in the...
Category

20th Century American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble, Aluminum

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

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Kong XS Gorilla Dark Orange Table Lamp, Designed by Stefano Giovannoni
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Scroll down and click "view all from Seller" to see more than 400 other unique products. (2.2) Giovannoni's Kong is, surprisingly, technological and almost human. It shines in front of itself just as if the power went out. It's out of scale to be a toy, out of scale to be a lamp, but it is also out of scale to be a gorilla. With its 20.8" (53 cm) height, Kong XS...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Plastic

Miguel Berrocal: "Eros", Sculpture-jewel and Perfume - 1994
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Miguel Ortiz Berrocal (1933-2006, Spain): "Eros" Perfume bottle in its original box topped with a sculpture of a male bust with an antique green patina, and 24-carat gold plated fo...
Category

1990s French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal, Bronze

Miguel Fernando Lopez 'Milo', Large Bronze Sculpture of Venus
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Miguel Fernando Lopez (Milo). Portuguese sculptor. Large semi-abstract bronze sculpture of Venus on a marble base. Late 20th century. Measures: 22 x 16 cm. Height: 39 cm. In exc...
Category

Late 20th Century Portuguese Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble, Bronze

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

2010s Argentine Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone, Onyx

Christmas Tree Decorative Sculpture Marble Onyx Steel Collectible Design Italy
Located in Ancona, Marche
The very different, extra-ordinary X-mas tree made of mirror polished stainless steel or brass. Decorated with round or oval disks in marble. The X-mas tree is available in two versions: one profile or double profiles. The marble disks...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble, Brass

Organic Curvy Aura Reclaimed Wood Sculpture with Steel Base by CEU Studio
Located in New York, NY
Represented by Tuleste Factory Aura 2018 by CEU L 110.2" - W 29.5"" x H 90.6" Reclaimed wood sculpture with steel base. One of a kind. Shipping is not included. See our shipping...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Balinese Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Steel

Bowl Vase Vessel White Calacatta Marble Collectible Design Handmade Italy
Located in Ancona, Marche
Bowl sculpted by hand from a solid block of Calacatta marble. Velvet finishing. Dimensions: Medium L 45 x W 22 x H 10 cm. Also available: Small L 35, W 17, H 8 cm. and Big L 56, W...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

Danish Art Glass Hen Figurines, 1980s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Decorative pair of hen figurines in marbled multicolored glass. Hand blown and finished by the founders of Danish glass art husband and wife John and Ulri...
Category

1980s Danish Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass

Hand-Blown Murano Ashtray in Clear and Onyx Black
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This exquisite hand-blown Murano ashtray is a true masterpiece of Venetian glass artistry, combining elegance and functionality in one luxurious design. Crafted from the finest Muran...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

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

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Modern Gutta Vase CS2 by Noom in Blown Amber glass
Located in Paris, FR
Sculptural glass vases “Gutta” pay homage to the ancient glassblower-artist technique "guta," which goes back to the times of the Kyivan Rus'. The Guttas vases...
Category

2010s Ukrainian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass, Smoked Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass

Murano Glass Portrait Bust "Il Volto" by Mario Badioli & Robert Scherer
By Robert Scherer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Murano Glass Portrait Bust "Il Volto" by Mario Badioli and Robert Scherer Italy, late 20th century  An exquisite Murano glass portrait bust of "Il Volto" by the distinguished artist...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

An American Brass Shabbat Candle Holder by Maxwell Chayat
Located in New York, NY
This brass Shabbat candlestick holder by Max Chayat is a classic example of the artist's constructivist work in the 20th century. Holder rests on four arched legs of which the cente...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Modernist Uruguayan Amethyst Rock Crystal Specimen on Black Lacquer Base
Located in New York, NY
This powerfully scaled and stunning Modernist Uruguayan Amethyst Rock Crystal Specimen on Black Lacquered Base originates from Uruguay during the latter half of the 20th Century. Fea...
Category

20th Century Uruguayan Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Rock Crystal

Miniature Modernist Crystal Obelisk
Located in San Diego, CA
Miniature modernist crystal obelisk / paperweight, circa 1980s. The piece is in very good vintage condition with no chips or cracks and measures 1.5"W x 1.5"D x 4.5"H. #3990
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

Murano Glass Centerpiece Organic Shape
Located in Murano, VE
Discover Oculus, a mesmerizing blown glass plate boasting an organic, casual shape. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, each piece is a testament to the artistry of glassmak...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Solid Brass Nude Female Sculpture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Introducing our exquisite Solid Brass Nude Female Sculpture, Circa 1960's. This captivating piece showcases the timeless beauty of the fema...
Category

1960s French Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Blue 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 as a candy bowl. They loo...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Acrylic

Lucite and Velvet Jewelry Box with Storage Drawers
Located in New York, NY
A Lucite and velvet jewelry box with storage draws, in the Modern style, circa late-20th century. Box has ample room with four (4) storage draws lined with r...
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Lucite, Velvet

Karl Springer Superb Waste Basket in Gray Cobra 1980s
Located in New York, NY
Meticulously crafted waste paper basket in gray cobra with inside and bottom in silk moiré by Karl Springer, American 1980's. This piece is beautifully made using the finest materials.
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Animal Skin, Silk, Wood

Pegasus Contemporary Pop Centerpiece 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

Vintage French Candle Stand, Lamp in Gilt Brass and Glass
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A French candle table lamp featuring a Tristan base in gilded brass and a thick glass shade decorated with birds. Imprint/marking from unidentified French Work shop. Signed made in F...
Category

1980s French Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Pair Georg Jensen Alfredo Vases Made in Denmark
Located in San Diego, CA
Incredibly sculptural pair of polished stainless steel vases by Georg Jensen. This pair stands alone by themselves with their beauty. The substantial height combined with the chrom...
Category

Early 2000s Danish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stainless Steel, Chrome

Ceramic Hoopoe Vase , Hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
This exquisite "Hoopoe and Flower" vase, crafted by Ardmore Ceramics in South Africa, stands as a testament to the studio's renowned artistry. Measuring 16 inches in height, 17 inche...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Emerald Green Semi Sphere Sculpture in Polished Resin by Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
This Geometric sculpture is handmade in polished resin in a variety of colors. It is a modern and colorful piece that will liven up any space. Our Semi Sphere is a very cool and f...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Resin

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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