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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
21st Century Demetra Round Laundry Basket Handwoven with Leather in Italy
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
Strictly hand woven with meticulous care, Pinetti baskets are made with eco-friendly, washable, and resistant material. Part of the Demetra collections, our short basket comes in a ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Leather

Contemporary Set of Two Handmade Transparent Crystal Photo Frames by GhiróStudio
Located in Pieve Emanuele, Milano
Set of two photo frames, one horizontal and one vertical, of excellent workmanship and artistic quality. The rounded edges give harmony and elegance. The high transparency crystal ha...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

21st Century Ovo Magazine or Shoes Leather Basket Handwoven in Italy
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
Ovo basket: Compact yet capacious. Fashioned of resistant recycled leather, with tan or black this basket boasts an unstructured silhouette with fl...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Leather

Baccarat French Crystal Vase
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful and substantial clear transparent crystal vase from French luxury crystal Maison Baccarat, circa late-20th century, France. This elegant vase has long vertical bevel cuts around exterior accentuating its beauty. Beautiful as a standalone piece or with a few flowers at a bedside, vanity, or for a bathroom, desk/office, side table, etc. Markers' mark/acid stamp "Baccarat" "France" on underside, authenticating piece, as shown in last image. Dimensions: 1.75" Diameter x 6.88" Height. Baccarat Heart...
Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

Vintage Abstract Modern Teak Driftwood Horse Head Bust Sculpture Statue 17"
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage 20th century bust / sculpture depicting a semi-abstract horse's head crafted of pieces of driftwood, mounted on a rectangular burl wood base. Dimensions: 14" x 5.25" x 16.5"...
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Driftwood, Burl

Ettore Sottsass, Shiva Flower Vase, Pink, Glazed Ceramic, Spanish, XXth
Located in Barcelona, ES
The Shiva vase is sculpture and vase. It is a symbol of Ettore Sottsass and an icon. Sottsass designed the Shiva Vase when travelling to Barcelona for love in 1973. He encountered m...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Large Vintage Demijohn Style Dark Green Blown Glass Wine Bottle, a Pair
Located in Plainview, NY
A large pair of vintage dark green blown glass Demijohn style bottles of wines. The bottles are sturdy and very decorative. Embellish you r...
Category

20th Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Blown Glass

Luxury Vase #33 "Gold Pain". Porcelain, Gold Leaf. Handmade design 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 N...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Gold Leaf

Vintage Modernst Japanese Iron Vase c1960s
Located in Oakland, CA
Fantastic vintage modernist Japanese iron vase with fish motif c1960s. Excellent condition, signed.
Category

1960s Japanese Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Iron

Hand Blown Murano Bowl Battuto in Emerald Green Large
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The captivating allure of this Murano bowl lies in its masterful application of the Battuto technique, a traditional Venetian method of glassmaking that creates a unique interplay of...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Contemporary Ceramic Cartocci Texture White and Gray Tall Vase
Located in Porcia, IT
A testament to superb craftsmanship and creative flair, this elegant tall vase in white is a new take on a Classic decorative object. Meticulously handmade through a long crafting pr...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Sculpture, Hellenistic Female Bust.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Sculpture, Hellenistic female bust. A magnificent reproduction of a fragment of a female bust, delicately evoking the ideal of classical beauty. The unfi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Resin

Contemporary Fish Design Gaetano Pesce Medusa L Vase Soft Resin Red Pastel Blue
Located in barasso, IT
Medusa vase, Clear Dark Ruby And Matt Pastel Blue Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Measures: L Ø 22cm x H 36cm Colours: Clear Dark R...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Resin

Vase Vessel Sculpture Pink Rose Quartz Marble Collectible Design Handmade Italy
Located in Ancona, Marche
Important sculptural vase carved by hand from a solid block of rare Rose Quartz. Vase dimensions: D 57 x H 50 cm, available in different quartzite, onyx and marbles. Limited editio...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

Brass Gazelle Antelope Sculpture Decorative Object, Tall
Located in New York, NY
A brass animal Gazelle antelope bust sculpture decorative object with tall antlers, circa late-20th century, 1970s. Dimensions: 21.5" Height.
Category

1970s Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Giant, Large Champage perfume Bottle, Yves Saint Laurent, XXth Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Giant, large Champage perfume bottle, Yves Saint Laurent, XXth century. Giant, giant Champagne perfume bottle, Yves Saint Laurent, XXth century, without perfume. H: 17cm, D: 17cm
Category

20th Century French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Japanese Modern LAAB Cratere Vase Raku Ceramic Black White Crakle Spiral
Located in monza, Monza and Brianza
Cratere Vase Named after the Italian for crater, the design of this handcrafted ceramic bowl flaunts a singular design of speckles and crackles. The white look on the interior - a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Lacquered Solid Wood Modern Minimal Modular Drawers from Costantini, Baccello
Located in New York, NY
Baccello lacquered solid wood Modern minimal modular drawers from Costantini. Each unit measures 20" x 20" x 5" high. 6 units as shown. Each one...
Category

2010s Argentine Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

John-Paul Philippe Abstract Sculpture on Wood Base
By John-Paul Philippe
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Striking abstract steel sculpture by New York–based artist John-Paul Philippe. Artist signature “JP”—etched into the wood base. Perfect on a desk. Best known for his fluid, organi...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Steel

Japanese Tanoa Large Bowl Raku White and Black Ceramic
Located in monza, Monza and Brianza
Tanoa is a large bowl, designed with simplicity and masterful skill of the raku firing technique expressing the master artisan will in its white crackle drippings and black burn clay...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Lune Box by Greg Natale
Located in Sydney,, NSW
The unique Solar collection conjures the spirit of the mystical universe. Natale’s solar candles encompass mysticism and pairs it with clean architectural lines in an evocative and e...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Akashi-Awaji Pottery Modernist Manipulated Volcanic Drip Glaze Vase
Located in Wilton, CT
This Akashi-Awaji pottery vase, dating to circa 1930, exemplifies the modernist direction and innovative glaze work characteristic of late Awaji ware, particularly after the Sanpei k...
Category

1930s Japanese Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Pottery

Bonnie Config 1 Contemporary Custom Extra Large LED Sculptural Chandelier
Located in Torslanda, SE
This piece was designed around the form of the artists newborn daughters eyes, and aptly named after her. Matthew Holleman is originally from New Zealand but now resides in Sweden wh...
Category

2010s Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Turquoise Blue Pottery Vase
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful Modern turquoise blue Amphora pottery vase, circa early-20th century, USA. Very good condition as shown in images. No chips noted. Dimension...
Category

Early 20th Century American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Clay

Murano Glass Sculpture Aquarium/Reef - Blue Waves, Signed, 1950s
Located in Kastrup, DK
Murano glass aquarium/reef featuring three fish gracefully swimming amidst captivating blue glass waves. It is rare to see blue glass waves surrounding the aquarium. Signed at the ba...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass

Contemporary 'Apple' Sculpture Blue Crystal Handcrafted in Italy by Ghirò Studio
Located in Pieve Emanuele, Milano
The sculpture propose the romantic vision of two halves that perfectly complement each other once together. Each crystal is exclusive and unique as it has been entirely hand-worked ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

7 Stunning Italian Marble Sculptures Representing "The Baths of Apollo" VIDEO
Located in Madrid, ES
7 Stunning Italian Marble Sculptures Representing "The Baths of Apollo" H: 220cm early 20th Century France. Versailles. Palace. Gardens. Grove of the Baths of Apollo. Hubert Robert....
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

Supernova Vase, Hand-Blown Murano Glass, Available in Different Colors, L
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The organically shaped bowls of different sizes and forms offer multiple opportunities of poetic harmony. The iridescent amber contains all the colors of the spectrum and fascinates ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Blown Glass

Rick Owens Cast Bronze Duck Neck Vase Black Patina Signed Rick Owens
Located in Chicago, IL
The now iconic bronze duck neck vase from the Rick Owens bronze relic collection. This is shown in the black patina but other patinas are available by order. Each bronze is signed. ...
Category

2010s French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Vintage Centrepiece Fruit Bowl, English, Cut Crystal Glass, Decor, Serving Dish
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage centrepiece fruit bowl. An English, cut crystal glass decorative serving dish, dating to the late 20th century, circa 1980. Striking cut detail throughout this app...
Category

1980s British Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Cut Glass

Marble Picture Frame, circa 1980s
Located in New York, NY
A neutral tan marble picture frame with brass and mother of pearl accents, in the Modern style or Postmodern period, circa late-20th century, 1980s. Picture area: 3.19" Width x 5.13"...
Category

Late 20th Century Philippine Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble, Brass

Sculpture of Venus in Resin and Metal Base, Medium-Sized Model.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Sculpture of Venus in resin and metal base, medium-sized model. Venus is the goddess of love, seduction and beauty in Roman mythology. She is the equivalent of the Greek goddess Aph...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Fin Trivet from Souda, Black, in Stock
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Made using a manufacturing process utilized for railways, medical devices, and electronics, the Fin Trivets bring an Industrial touch to your tabletop....
Category

2010s Chinese Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Aluminum, Metal

Fin Trivet from Souda, Black, in Stock
Fin Trivet from Souda, Black, in Stock
$21 Sale Price / item
65% Off
Bjørn Wiinblad - Monumental Decorative Ceramic figure, 155 cm
Located in Kastrup, DK
Bjørn Wiinblad, Danish 1919–2006 Unique monumental female figure by Bjørn Wiinblad, created in 1971. The sculpture stands 160 cm tall and is composed of five separate elements in gl...
Category

Late 20th Century Danish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Hand-Blown Murano Surpime Vase in Tobacco Medium
Located in West Hollywood, CA
A captivating interplay of artisanal mastery and opulent aesthetics, the Hand-Blown Murano Surpime Vase in Tobacco commands attention with its warm amber hues, gently deepening into ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Appuntito Ceramic Vase
Located in Macieira de Sarnes, PT
Artisanal Ceramic Vase by Project 213A in 2023 Each its own individual, the touch of hand from the ceramicist, the blaze from the kiln, the dive in the glaze. This plate is part of ...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Baccarat Crystal Lidded Candy Dish or Crystal Mustard Bowl
Located in Miami, FL
A very good quality Baccarat crystal lidded candy dish or mustard bowl. This serving piece is in perfect condition, still has the original sticker...
Category

20th Century French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

Bang & Olufsen BeoCom 1401 Telephone
Located in Chattanooga, TN
This BeoCom 1401 telephone is a time capsule gem, and still has the original, unused, paper address booklet inside. Introduced in 1998 as the successor of the 1400, the model that fo...
Category

1990s Danish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Aluminum

Luxury Vase #33b "Black Pain". 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

Gold Leaf

Titus I Large Blown Glass Vase by Jaime Hayon
Located in Milan, IT
Titus I is a large pink blown grass vase with a gunmetal stand. The product is part of the collection New Roman, by Jaime Hayon: inspired by the vessels of...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Glaciar Tall Silver Alpaca & Bordeaux Onyx Stone Flower Vase
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 b...
Category

2010s Argentine Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone, Onyx, Metal

Rick Owens Swan Neck Cast Bronze Vase Nitrate Patina
Located in Chicago, IL
The now iconic bronze swan neck vase from the Rick Owens bronze relic collection. This is shown in the nitrate patina. Originally designed in 2012. Each ...
Category

2010s French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Seguso Italian Murano Art Glass Vase
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful and colorful Italian Seguso Viro Murano art glass vase, Italy, circa 1990s, late-20th century. Maker's mark on bottom/underside as shown...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass

Hand Blown Murano Vase in Smokey Gold with Bubbles
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Crafted with the timeless Bullicante technique, this hand-blown Murano vase embodies the meticulous artistry of Venetian glassmakers. Each bubble is carefully encapsulated within lay...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Three Sculptural Objects 'Cubism', Man Ray, Raw White Ceramic
Located in Carballo, ES
Geometry set of 3 pieces made of ceramic, with high quality stoneware in the Galician town of Buño, known throughout the world for its quality in the pottery technique. The shapes in...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Stoneware, Terracotta

Circular Lucite Sculpture by Shlomi Haziza
Located in Denton, TX
Bullseye Lucite sculpture signed by Shlomi Haziza. Haziza started as a painter and later began to explore new mediums. He ran a small studio in his hometown. Later on he started his...
Category

1990s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Acrylic, Lucite

Candy Cable Car Dispenser No. 38, 2000
Located in Manzano, IT
Vintage Candy Dispenser An authentic icon of the 1990s American aesthetic, this charming "Candy Cable Car Co." candy dispenser is an original Blackdog creation, made in the United S...
Category

18th Century and Earlier Central American Antique Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Modern Monique Pedestal Sculpture Calacatta Marble Handmade Portugal Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Monique Pedestal Stand, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. Monique is the perfect standing piece of art to enhance any interior. Monique is a unique design in Calacatta...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Onyx, Travertine, Marble, Carrara Marble

Japanese Modern LAAB Impermanenza Grey Sculpture Raku Ceramic White Crakle
Located in monza, Monza and Brianza
Impermanenza Grey Defined by an unglazed finish and fluid, irregular aesthetic, this ceramic vase in gray and white will embellish any tabletop with its unique and sophisticated character. The singular crackles adorning the piece result from a deft application of the ancient Japanese Raku pottery...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Sculpture of a Black Horse's Head.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Sculpture of a black horse's head. This sculpture, taken from an original bronze statue created by Monti in the early 19th century, reveals all the animal's finesse and power. This ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Composition, Metal

Wonderful French Lalique Coppelia Crystal Rose Garland Brass Dresser Jewelry Box
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful Vintage French Lalique Coppelia Frosted Crystal With Roses & Garland And A Brass Housing Dresser / Jewelry Box
Category

20th Century French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal, Brass

Pair of Venetian Glass Pomegranate Sculptures by Romeo Gigli for Pauly & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine pair of Murano glass fruit figures. Designed by Romeo Gigli for Pauly & Co. In the form of a pomegranate. The body, stem end, and crown with gold inclusions and the seeds c...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass

Fabienne Jouvin-Paris Cloisonne 'Ouzbek' Box, Circa 1980s
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Fabienne Jouvin-Paris Cloisonne 'Ouzbek' Box Designed by artesian Fabienne Jouvin-Paris Made in China, 1980s This stunning Fabienne Jouvin-Paris Cloisonné 'Ouzbek' Box, crafted in t...
Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Copper, Enamel

Contemporary Modern, Kubbe Tealight Holders, Nickel Silver Plated, Set of 2
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

1970s Metal Sculpture After "The Gymnast" By Richard MacDonald
Located in San Francisco, CA
1970s metal sculpture after "The Gymnast" By Richard MacDonald
Category

1970s Unknown Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

IZDATGLAZ Set Lilyz Big and Small Color Glass Centerpiece by Orfeo Quagliata
Located in Naucalpan, Edo de Mex
Set two Lilyz centerpiece created by Orfeo Quagliata from our new collection IZDATGLAZ. These shimmering glass gems create a simple modern touch for any space. Whether it’s gold, sil...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

White Lilac Marble Narrow Bowl
Located in Eindhoven, NB
Introducing our exquisite white lilac marble narrow bowl, a fusion of elegance and functionality. Crafted from luxurious white marble with deep purple vein...
Category

2010s Dutch Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

Two 1960s Modernist Clear and Gold Murano Glass Sculptures of Swans
Located in Aci Castello, IT
Two 1960s Modernist Clear and Gold Murano Glass Sculptures of Swans are a delightful representation of the artistry and craftsmanship associated with...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Contemporary Modern, Kubbe Large Candleholder, 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

Vintage Japanese Modernist Ceramic Ikebana
Located in Oakland, CA
Spectacular modernist Japanese ceramic ikebana c1970s. Incredible form and still retains the original kiln label. Beautiful matte blue glaze.
Category

1970s Japanese Vintage 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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