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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Parana Ceramic Fruit Bowl, by Masanori Umeda from Memphis Milano
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Trigonal ceramic fruit bowl in pastel colors was originally designed by Masanori Umeda in 1983 for Memphis Milano. Was born in 1941 at Kanagawa in Japan. He obtained his diploma fro...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

1980s Art Pottery Modern Ceramics Gainey Planter Pot Metallic Bronze
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1980s Art Pottery Modern Ceramics Large Planter Pot in Metallic Bronze Finish Unmarked attribution Gainey Pottery 23.5 diameter x 18.75 h Preowned u...
Category

Late 20th Century North American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Pottery

Rectangle Bubble Vase in White Resin by Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Striking and elegant, the Rectangle Bubble Vase has a unique silhouette that brings a modern and playful feel to any space. Styled in built-ins or filled with florals, this vase is a...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

Votive Holder in Clear Quartz Classic
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

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

Christian Dior Home Desk Waste Basket in Metal, Lucite and Rattan, circa 1970
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning wastebasket was designed for the Christian Dior Interior Collection. The rare piece was crafted in France circa 1970. The geometric shape boasts a gilded brass gallery ...
Category

1970s French Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

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

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

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

Pair of Valley Form Two Light Candelabras in Stainless Steel by Georg Jensen
Located in New York, NY
This beautifully sculpted Pair of Valley Form Two Light Candelabras in Stainless Steel are designed by esteemed silversmith and manufacturer George Jensen in Denmark during the 20th ...
Category

20th Century Danish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stainless Steel

Hand Blown Murano Vase External Sbruffi in Clear with a Hint of Blush
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This exquisite Murano vase showcases the external Sbruffi technique, a testament to the exceptional skill and creativity of Venetian artisans. Hand-blown with meticulous care, this v...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

1986 Jaru Metallic Gold Sphere Orb Ceramic Pottery California
By Jaru
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Jaru 1986 Gold Sphere Orb Ball Ceramic Pottery California maker stamped 4 diameter x 3.5 h Original preowned vintage condition See all images for details
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Walking Cat - Lion Sized Bronze Cat Sculpture with Mosaic Patterned Surface
Located in Chicago, IL
Mary Block Walking Cat, 2022 bronze 39h x 64w x 13d in 99.06h x 162.56w x 33.02d cm MBK001
Category

2010s North American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Modern Vase Delaunay CS9 by Noom in Brass and Steel
Located in Paris, FR
Delaunay vase, one of the vases from the "Suprematic" collection. The collection inspired by the geometric works of the great Suprematist Kazimir Malevich. Suprematism is a modernis...
Category

2010s Ukrainian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass, Steel

Salvador Dali Xai 15/20 Limited Edition
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
"XAI” lamb designed by Salvador Dali manufactured by BD Barcelona and Deyrolle. Measures: 87 x 26 x H 71 (head) and H 59 (back) approximate Inspired by the painting "Interpret...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Wool

Hand Blown Murano Glass Box in Amethyst with 24 Karat Gold Flecks
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This evocative and alluring Murano glass box is a magnificent fusion of masterful craftsmanship and natural beauty. Handcrafted on the famed Venetian island of Murano, this box showc...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass, Gold Leaf

Silver Travertine Cylinder Bowl with Lid
Located in Eindhoven, NB
Stunning, aesthetic, timeless are words that can be used to describe this elegant and modern travertine bowl from Kiwano. Expertly crafted and finished by hand, our travertine vases ...
Category

2010s Dutch Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Travertine

21st Century Hook Tall Laundry Basket with Leather & Cotton Handmade in Italy
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
An attractive contrast between leather and cotton fabric. Our Hook basket is hand woven, made with eco-friendly, washable, and resistant material suitable also for outdoor use. Th...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Leather, Cotton

Centerpiece Bonsai "Hanami", Handmade in Italy, 2022 Sculpture, Contemporary
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The Reinassance is inspired by the Maple Tree. The artisan always takes inspiration from nature and natural events. The materials are wood and metals, representing both the streng...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Aluminum

Small Modern Spinning Sculpture in Turquoise Resin by Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
This modern geometric sculptures will add a touch of color to any space, you can place them on top of books on your coffee table or even as a centerpiece. The possibilities are endle...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Resin

Ceramic Multicolor Whale Handmade in Italy, Bespoke! New Creation, 2023
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
Mosche Bianche is glad to add those wonderful fishes to its collection. The fishes are all handmade and bespoke: choose the colors and shape you like! Our artisans can make also cust...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Contemporary 'Dumbbell' Aquamarine Crystal Handmade in Italy by Ghirò Studio
Located in Pieve Emanuele, Milano
2021 Collection of decorative objects by Ghiro Studio (Milan, Italy). Each ‘Dumbbell’ sculpture is a unique piece. It is handmade with the utmost care and attention to detail. It...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Contemporary Black Copper Bai He Tray by Robert Kuo, Hand Repousse
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bai He tray Black copper Hand repoussé Limited edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief o...
Category

2010s Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Copper

ClassiCon Folding Screen in Black by Eileen Gray
Located in New York, NY
The high-tech look that arose in the 1980s and which is still potentially current had an ingenious predecessor. Over half a century ago, Eileen Gray anticipated the cool Industrial a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

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

POP Moorish Head, Handmade in Sicily, Vase, Size L, Choose Your Color
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The POP! 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 combine history and design. POP moorish heads...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Enamel

Organic Modern Ceramic Wave Form Vase in White Glaze by Forma Rosa Studio
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Wave collection offers playful geometric shapes rooted in primal forms that appeal universally. Our "Mini" version of our iconic Wave form vases is a...
Category

2010s Peruvian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Stoneware

Soft Clock, Ceramics, White Ceramics
Located in Eindhoven, NL
Soft is a collection of sensual and tactile ceramic pieces in which Kiki looks at vernacular shapes to re-imagine them. The Netherlands has a long history of craft and Dutch designer...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Sculpture, Bust of Zeus in Patinated Marble, Statue in the Style of Ancient Rome
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Sculpture, bust of Zeus in patinated marble, statue in the style of Ancient Rome, 21st century. Bust, sculpture of Zeus in patinated marble, contemp...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

GMT-MASTER Store Display Wall Clock in Stainless Steel & Green Enamel
Located in Miami, FL
GMT-Master Store Display Wall Clock. This is a very decorative wall clock depicting the wristwatch. The wall clock has been crafted in Switzerland with parts made up in stainless st...
Category

2010s Swiss Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Enamel, Aluminum

La Paglia Sterling Silver Bowl by International Silver
Located in Miami, FL
An impressive sterling silver bowl by Alphonse La Paglia for International Sterling. Alphonse La Paglia is known for his distinct designs and studied under Georg Jensen. This bowl ha...
Category

20th Century American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Sterling Silver

Contemporary Modern, Kubbe Minimal Candleholders, Silver-Nickel 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

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

Ceramic Vase "PAMELA" Handcrafted in Black by Gabriella B. Made in Italy
Located in Treviso, IT
Pamela - Ceramic vase black glazed cod. PA001 measures: H 125.0 cm., Dm. 38.0 cm.  
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Contemporary Gaetano Pesce Spaghetti XL Vase Resin Clear Gold
Located in barasso, IT
Spaghetti vase, clear and gold. Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Picture showing L size. When ordering alternative sizes the proporti...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Resin

Murano, Italy. Art glass vase in clear and red glass. Modern form.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Murano, Italy. Art glass vase in clear and red glass. Modern form. Approximately 1960s. Label. Perfect condition. Dimensions: H 20.9 cm x W 10.5 cm.
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass

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

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Resin

Sterling Silver Chunky Ring Heidi Abrahamson 2015
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Contemporary design. Handmade. Artisan Jewelry. One-of-a-kind. Sterling silver with fun colored stones of carnelian, amethyst and prehnite. Original vintage condition with patina / ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Amethyst, Carnelian

Marble Bust of a Young Roman Man, Patinated Marble, Contemporary Work.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Marble bust of a young Roman man, patinated marble, contemporary work. Bust of a young man in patinated marble and black granite base, reproduction of a Roman bust from the 1st-2nd ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

Cartier Must II ballpoint pen silver plated and palladium 1980s
Located in Paris, IDF
This Cartier Must II ballpoint pen from the 1980s is a rare piece made of silver plating and palladium, adorned with a distinctive engraved motif featuring Cartier's iconic "C". It b...
Category

1980s French Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Silver Plate

Hand Blown Murano Glass Box in Grey W/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

Volga White Vase, by Matteo Thun from Memphis Milano
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Volga Vase for one flower in decorated white porcelain, was originally designed in 1983 by Matteo Thun for Memphis Milano. Born 1952 in Bolzano, Italy. Matteo Thun studies under Os...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

1970s Seguso Style Green and Yellow Sommerso Murano Glass Sculptural Vase
Located in Aci Castello, IT
Exquisite 1970s Green and Yellow Sommerso Murano Glass Sculptural Vase. Immerse your space in the vibrant artistry of Murano with this stunning 1970s sculptural glass vase, masterful...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Black Apollo Torso Sculpture, Small Size, in Resin and Metal Base.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Black Apollo torso sculpture, small size, in resin and metal base. Apollo is the male emblem of strength and beauty. This small Greek torso is the perfect embodiment of the son of Z...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Lladro Limited Edition of Lady in Love and Flowers for Goddess Woman, Retired
Located in Plainview, NY
A set of two LLadro figurines. One is " Lady in Love" figurine #6712. The figurine is in mint condition was issued in 2000 and retired in 2004. The sec...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Jaeger LeCoultre - Atmos Royale from 1980, Table Clock that LIVES ON AIR
Located in Greven, DE
Jaeger LeCoultre - Atmos Royale Ref. 5855 Switzerland Gold-plated and lacquered brass Year of manufacture 1980 Dimensions: H x W x D: 28 x 22 x 16 cm Description: Atmos Royale Ref...
Category

1980s Swiss Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

21st Century Prestige Jewellery Box with Leather &Suede Handcrafed in Italy
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
Turning elegance in a modern way. That's what Pinetti did with the Prestige jewellery box. Available in 3 different sizes, our unmistakable lea...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Rick Owens Cast Bronze Duck Neck Vase Nitrate Patina
Located in Chicago, IL
The now iconic bronze duck neck vase from the Rick Owens bronze relic collection. This is shown in the nitrate patina. Each bronze is handcrafted in Franc...
Category

2010s French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

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

Mawu Chair in Snow by Laura Gonzalez
Located in Paris, FR
Original chair in golden oak, satin finish. Flared legs, backrest and seat upholstered in a textured cream fabric by Dedar.
Category

2010s French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Oak, Fabric, Bouclé

Rigel Glass Bowl, by Marco Zanini for Memphis Milano Collection
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Rigel Glass Bowl was originally designed by Marco Zanini in 1982. The piece features blue, black, green, red and clear glass with lid and ste...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

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

Silver Vessel, Fruit Bowl Sculptural Object by Raju Peddada - "Wotan"
Located in Chicago, IL
Organic and industrial shapes fuse in this inverted and fierce warrior helmet of the Norse warlord. Playfully malevolent tension -arrests the bowl atop the dagger like legs. This m...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Silver

21st Century Nadia Washcloth Holder Handmade in Italy
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
Nadia collection introduced its own wash clothes holder. Perfect also for sunglasses and sunscreen, the resistant and waterproof leather joined with a co...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Leather, Fabric

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

Geometric Pedestal Bowl in Marbled Aqua Resin by Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Our decorative geometric pedestal bowl is great for holding fruit, plants, decorative objects, faux succulents and specially everyone's attention. You can have it on display on a kit...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Resin

James Bearden Containment Box #2
Located in New York, NY
Sculptural "Containment" box, a vessel in blackened steel, dyed bronze, and red glass enamel by American artist James Bearden. Number 2 in a series. Top lifts off revealing an abstra...
Category

2010s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Steel, Bronze, Enamel

Bruno Cassinari Italian Art Horse Sculpture Bronze 13/28
Located in Brescia, IT
"Horse Head" Bruno Cassinari Italy, 1970 Bronze Sculpture Artist Sign engraved on the bronze base Limited Edition 13/28 Excellent Condition
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Hermes, Paris - Silver & Gold Plated Vase / Beaker / Desk Cup
Located in Bath, GB
A rare find, this stunning small vase / beaker / cup is perfect for a small bouquet, pens on a desk-top or perhaps cosmetic brushes on a dressing table; or simply enjoy it's modernis...
Category

1980s French Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Gold Plate, Silver Plate

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

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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