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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Aluminum Cast Abstract Sculpture "Introspect" on Marble Base by James C. Myford
Located in San Diego, CA
Stunning large aluminum cast abstract sculpture "Introspect" on black marble base by noted sculptor James C. Myford, circa 1983. #2520 The piece is in very good vintage condition with no chips or cracks and measures 11" W x 7" D x 29.5" H; the marble base measures 7" W x 7" D x 1" H. The sculpture is signed and dated by the artist on the base.   James C. Myford (1940 - 2014) Myford's interest in aluminium began in 1970 when he attended a workshop sponsored by Alcoa at the art centre in Pittsburgh. "I fell in love with aluminium as a material." Myford then began creating contemporary aluminium sculptures by using the casting process. He had the first one-man art exhibit of his works in Pittsburgh in 1972. The eighteen pieces of work produced for the show ranged from twelve inches to four feet. Several of these pieces were purchased by Pittsburgh art...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble, Aluminum

Vintage Italian Figural Snail Pill Box in White Metal
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Unusual miniature pill box in the shape of a very detailed snail. These were made in Italy circa 1970-90s usually of 800/1000 silver or alpaca/argentan/German silver (an alloy of zin...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Modernist Silver Plate Pear Paperweight
Located in San Diego, CA
A very cool modernist silver plated pear paperweight / sculpture, circa 1970s. The piece is well crafted with a nice weight and in very good vintage condition with no chips or cracks...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Silver Plate

Monumental Art Glass Hand Blown Drip Bowl by Will Dexter
By William Dexter
Located in Chesterfield, NJ
Striking monumental sized drip bowl hand blown by acclaimed glass artist, Will Dexter. This bowl is composed of thick rivulets of glass that give it a dyna...
Category

1990s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Hand Blown Murano Studded Vase Frosted
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This vase is a sophisticated masterpiece of Murano glass artistry. Handcrafted in Italy, this vase features a unique opal cloudy glass base, with eye-catching clear glass skillfully ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Debbie Vase Sage & Silver by Greg Natale
Located in Sydney,, NSW
Channelling the raw and rebellious energy of New York’s post-punk scene, the Debbie collection pays tribute to the legendary Blondie frontwoman with a mix of rock-and-roll audacity a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Silver

Lladró Hercules Beetle Figurine by José Luis Santes
Located in New York City, NY
An innovative porcelain and metal creation inspired by one of the fascinating creatures in nature. Part of the Awesome Insects collection. This origi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Miniature Italian .800 Silver Rat Figurine by Pietro Sorini
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage Italian miniature figurine. In .800 fine silver. By Pietro Sorini of Arezzo, Italy. In the form of a rat. Marked to the stomach with Italian hallmarks. Simply a w...
Category

20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Silver

Raffaeli Murano Glass Sculpture
Located in New York, NY
Modernist large scale smokey grey Murano glass sculpture. The abstracted spiral is made from a thick murano glass which sis set upon a solid glass pedestal. Signed
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

1970s Space Age Opaline Murano Glass Ashtray and Vase by Carlo Moretti
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This striking two-piece set of Murano glass, a vase and an ashtray, is a quintessential example of 1970s Space Age design by the acclaimed glassmaker Carlo Moretti. The set showcases...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Venini Black Belt Otto Short Glass Vase in Crystal and Green by Peter Marino
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Venini glass vase in crystal and grass green with black decoration designed by Peter Marino in 2017. Perfect for indoor home decor as container or statement piece for any room. Also ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass

Bernard Girette puzzle aluminum abstract sculpture, titel Le Pentac .
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bernard Girette designer of this aluminum sculpture of 5 components that can be arrange in many different options creating a different sculpture any , time. Title " Le Pentac"
Category

Mid-20th Century French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Aluminum

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

French Midcentury Granite Bust on Wood Base, Signed
Located in Houston, TX
French Midcentury hand-sculpted granite bust on wood base, circa 1965. Signed by the artist G. Gregoire.
Category

Mid-20th Century French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Granite

Abstract Brutalist Chrome Sculpture by Jason Seley "Sculptor's Harp 2" 1966
Located in Rochester, NY
Abstract brutalist welded chrome sculpture by Jason Seley "Sculptor's Harp 2". An abstract deep sea monster. Created 1966. Seley's preferred medium was chrome bumpers. Unsigned. J...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Hand Blown Murano Vase with Emerald Green Details
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Introducing a captivating hand-blown Murano glass vase, an exquisite embodiment of Venetian artistry and elegance. This stunning vase features a unique marbled design with rich, deep...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Contemporary stoneware ceramic sculpture by a French artist
Located in SAINT-YRIEIX-SUR-CHARENTE, FR
Contemporary stoneware sculpture by French artist Véra Rybaltchenko.The stoneware was fired at 1100 degrees and is therefore very resistant. The chamotte stoneware is rough on the in...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Sandstone

Tiffany & Co. Clear Crystal Candlesticks, Pair
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of crystal candlesticks By Tiffany & Co. (signed at the base) Late 20th Century Measures: 3.5"W x 3.5"D x 9.25"H. Very good original vintage condition.
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

Wonderful French Lalique Coppelia Crystal Rose Garland Brass Dresser Jewelry Box
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful 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

Ghidini 1961 Perished Large Bowl in Gold-Plated Stainless Steel by Studio Job
Located in Villa Carcina, IT
Large bowl in openwork steel. After having visited the Museum of Natural History in New York, Studio Job created a neo-gothic pattern of dancing human and animal skeletons...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stainless Steel

Agresti Black Ebony Polished Wood Box for 24 Cufflinks with Leather Detail
Located in New York, NY
Box for 54 pairs of cufflinks in black polished wood with leather handles.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ebony

Gyrowinder Watch Winder by Döttling
Located in New York, NY
Around the world, Döttling luxury safes find homes among select connoisseurs and enthusiasts of the finest locksmith artisanry. They originate from the Döttling manufactory in Sindel...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Aluminum, Nickel

Contemporary Blue and Clear Resin Vase from the Fish Collection by Gaetano Pesce
Located in Ibiza, Spain
The “Nugget” vase, designed by Gaetano Pesce as part of his celebrated Fish Collection, is a sculptural object crafted entirely in hand-poured resin, a signature technique of the des...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Resin

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

Malachite Picture Frame by Gorra, Gilt Metal, 1950s–1960s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant Italian photo frame produced by Gorra, the historic gioielleria and argenteria based in Turin, as indicated by the original label Gioielleria–Argenteria Gorra, Torino. The fr...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Malachite

White Bone And Brass Keepsake Box
Located in New York, NY
Handmade decorative keepsake, desk box clad in white bone and brass inlay pinstripes.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

"Love" Heart Vase Collection, 4 pieces, Porcelain, Handmade in Italy, Wall decor
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
Special collection of Love's inspirated hearts.
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Gold Leaf

Ward Bennett Murano glass bowl/ Vide-Poche by Salviati , signed
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vice and simple modern design in this bow / vide-poche by Ward Bennett , made and signed Salviati.
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Shlomi Haziza Colorful Lucite Prismatic Modern Table Sculpture
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Shlomi Haziza Colorful Lucite Prismatic Modern Sculpture. Beautiful colors! Square Cube with a drilled out hole sits upon a Clear Lucite Base. Looks good from every angle! Signat...
Category

1990s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Lucite

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

Contemporary Lafaiette S Wall Light Sconce Lamp Abstract Sculptures Brass Radar
Located in Milan, Lombardy
Since the origin of Radar Interiors the founder, designer Bastien Taillard, has chosen to work on essential lines and a meticulous re-visitation of shap...
Category

2010s Polish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Sphere table cigarette lighter Red enamel Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Sphere table cigarette lighter in 925/1000 gold-plated sterling silver and translucent fire enamel on guilloché, in a modern contemporary style. Piezoelectric mechanism. Dimensions d...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel

Froxfield Clock, Black Oak
Located in London, GB
The Froxfield clock in Black Oak. A unique limited edition floor clock created by Comitti designer Edmund Barker using selected timbers and contemporary styling. The design is inspir...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Steel

Lladró Great Dragon Sculpture by Francisco Polope. Limited Edition.
Located in New York City, NY
Limited edition dragon sculpture in matte porcelain with gold lustre. A symbol of power and prosperity in Eastern culture, this magical creature, the bearer of good luck, is the protagonist in this spectacular High Porcelain limited edition. The hundreds of scales covering its skin are individually hand painted with gold lustre, an extremely laborious technique requiring the expertise of the finest artists. The luminosity distinguishing its spectacular embellishment is attained by combining gloss and satin finishes, united by an iridescent metallic hue on the chest and a vivid turquoise hue on the crest. The complexity of the dragon´s...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Modernist Chrome on Black Marble Stacked Pears Sculpture
Located in San Diego, CA
Modernist chrome on black marble stacked pears sculpture, circa 1980s. The piece is very well crafted and in excellent vintage condition with no chips or cracks; it measures 6"W x 6...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble, Chrome

Tiffany Modern Sterling Silver Picture Frame
Located in New York, NY
Modern sterling silver picture frame. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1910. Rectangular window in flat and plain surround. With glass, silk lining, and stained-wood back, and h...
Category

Early 20th Century American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Sterling Silver

Armani Casa Set of 3 Ginger Bowls Oval Metal
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Set of 3 stackable Armani Casa ginger metal bowls. Gloss finish outside and matte inside. Elegant Armani casa design.
Category

2010s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

MORTERO Decorative Volcanic Stone Bowl with Bronze Details by ANDEAN, In Stock
Located in Miami, FL
Decorative volcanic stone hand-carved bowl from Chimborazo volcano, with lathed bronze base & detail. Drawing inspiration from the sacral and baroque motifs of Quito, as well as Ecu...
Category

2010s Ecuadorean Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone, Bronze

Kutch Bowl Large in Brass, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Kutch Bowl Large in Brass, Viya by Vikram Goyal Inspired by the Rann of Kutch, a landscape where earth and sky converge in a dramatic interplay of textures, forms this collection of...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Vase Painted Two-handled Amphora Majolica Renaissance Vessel Italian Ceramic
Located in Recanati, IT
This large luxurious amphora, in majolica handmade in Italy and hand-painted in polychrome, is characterized by a dense presence of naturalistic ornamental motifs that decorate the v...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Majolica

Contemporary Signed Italian Metal Sculpture
Located in Roma, IT
Beautiful and interesting Italian metal sculpture of contemporary art. The work is presented under an elegant shrine with a wooden base. Excell...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

21st Century Penelope Rectangular Laundry Basket in Leather & Canvas Cotton
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
A simple and linear shape, where the resistant and waterproof leather is combined with the softness of the ecru cotton layer that give the piece a natural beauty. A rectangular silhouette for our Penelope laundry...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Leather, Cotton

Contemporary Modern, Esnaf Navy Candle Holders, Set of 2
Located in İstanbul, İstanbul
Esnaf collection is inspired by the ever-curios carts and tools of street vendors of Istanbul. The collection takes its cues from the colorful and quirky geometric compositions of t...
Category

2010s Turkish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Sheet Metal

Modernist Hand-Blown Murano Glass Box in Tobacco W/ Polished Brass Fittings
Located in New York, NY
This Modernist Hand-Blown Murano Glass Box in radiant smoked tobacco is a vibrant and elegant accessory, handcrafted in Italy during the 21st century. Meticulously created by Murano ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

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

Baccarat France Heart-Shaped Crystal Cigar Ashtray Bowl Vide-Poche Dish
Located in Atlanta, GA
Baccarat France designed this stunning crystal cigar ashtray, bowl, or desk tidy. The rare piece was crafted in France circa 1980. The vide-poche has a heart-shaped design with a hea...
Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

Astral Vase – Two Piece Handmade Glass Vase Available in a Variety of Colors
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Astral Vase is a hand-blown glass vessel composed of two contrasting, color-saturated components that, when combined, produce a third hue. The rounded outer form supports a more line...
Category

2010s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Blown 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

Contemporary Modern, Kubbe Large Candleholder, Varnished Silver-Nickel Plated
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

Polished Brass Candelabra by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn
Located in San Francisco, CA
A brass candelabra designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn with 9 candle holders.
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Decorative Marble Sculpture Ornament White Rose Blossom Statuary Handmade Italy
Located in Ancona, Marche
A refined sculpture, entirely handcrafted from a single block of fine Statuario marble. Each piece begins with the careful selection of the marble, chosen for the purity of its tones...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble, Statuary Marble

W. Beaupre Chain Mail Bust
Located in New York, NY
Futuristic android bust with hand applied chain mail and vintage jewelry findings and tiara from New York artist W. Beaupre. Signed.
Category

20th Century American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Vertigo Menorah Black Onyx Stone Candle Holder
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
A composition of onyx with alpaca metal. Inspired by the pure and essential lines of a structure of solid stones, with a vertigo stability. Our pieces are made by hand. One of a kin...
Category

2010s Argentine Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone, Onyx, Metal

Gucci Leather Desk Notepad with Equestrian Motif, circa 1970
Located in Atlanta, GA
Enhance your private workspace with this rare Italian designer Gucci modernist desktop accessory, a stunning blend of luxury and virtuosity. Created in Italy circa 1970, this exquisi...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass, Metal

Tiffany & Co. Clear Crystal Candlesticks, Pair
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of crystal candlesticks By Tiffany & Co. (signed at the base) USA, Late 20th Century Each measures: 4.25"W x 3.75"D x 9.25"H. Very good original vintage condition.
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

Aluminum Bonsai "Prickly Copper", Handmade in Italy, Sculpture, Contemporary
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The Prickly Copper Bonsai is inspired by trees moved by a strong wind. The materials are wood and metals, representing both the strength of life and the roots of Mother Nature. Scu...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Aluminum

Vintage African Fine Art Wood Bust - Hand Carved - Unsigned - Mid 20th Century
Located in Chatham, ON
Vintage African hand carved fine art wood bust - unsigned - Zimbabwe (likely) - mid 20th century. Excellent vintage condition - no loss - minor staining and surface scratches from a...
Category

Mid-20th Century Zimbabwean Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Hardwood

21st Century Leather Tilting Lid Waste Bin Handmade in Italy
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
A cylindrical and contemporary silhouette with subtle detail. Our round metal bin with tilting lid is perfectly sized for use in the bathroom. More than 30 harmonious shades can be paired with our modern bathroom...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Leather

White Ceramic Flower Vase, Kawa Vase #6, Handmade Organic Sculptural Porcelain
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Kawa Vase 06 Tactile and organic white vase with textured raw porcelain exterior surface and clear glazed interior. As a result of the production process each item is one-of-a-kind....
Category

2010s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Clay, Porcelain

Contemporary Ceramic Cactus Vase #3 Colored
Located in Porcia, IT
This unique vase was handcrafted using paper clay, a clay-base mixture enriched with natural fibers. The final firing phase results in the distinctive, light-yet-strong appearance an...
Category

2010s Italian 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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