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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
André Ricard 'Olympic Torch Prototype' for Barcelona 1992 Games, circa 1992
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Olympic torch prototype (PT) in chromed plastic for Barcelona '92 by André Ricard. Manufactured in Spain, circa 1990. In good original condition, w...
Category

1990s Spanish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Chrome

Cartier 925 Sterling Silver Table Picture Frame Very Sober and Elegant
Located in Schöfflisdorf, CH
CARTIER 925 Sterling silver table picture frame very sober and elegant.
Category

1980s French Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Silver

Bjørn Wiinblad - Ceramic figure, Monumental Decorative 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

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

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

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

Dia Contemporary LED Chandelier, Config. 3, Brass, Handmade, Art
Located in Torslanda, SE
Dia is a sculptural chandelier inspired by the heterophony of natural sound. Each frame (or melody) is hand-rolled with all joints cleverly concealed within the circular light source...
Category

2010s Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

1980s Silver Plated Metal Partridge Paperweight By Gucci
Located in Aci Castello, IT
Vintage Gucci Italian Metal Bird Desk Ornament or Paperweight This charming desk accessory is a vintage piece of home décor or paperweight by the renowned Italian luxury house, Gucci...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Silver Plate

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

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

Italian Marble Egg Sculptures
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful set of five (5) Italian marble egg sculptures, in the Modern style, circa mid-20th century, Italy. Eggs include marble, alabaster and T...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Alabaster, Marble

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

Austin production nude Lady “rebirth” statue Jean Pierre Renard sculpture
By Jean-Pierre Renard
Located in Den Haag, NL
This stunning sculpture by Austin Productions ''Rebirth'' crafted with exceptional attention to detail, is perfect for any art lover's collection. The sculptor, French artist J.P. R...
Category

1980s French Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Plaster

A Large White Shaped Onyx Bowl Or Centerpiece
Located in New York, NY
Offered for sale is a large and exquisite hand-carved onyx bowl, polished to a refined luster and natural elegance. This sculptural piece features bands of translucent and semi-opag...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Onyx

Hand-Blown Glass Vase by Chihuly
Located in Austin, TX
Hand-blown glass vase by renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly. This piece has lovely red and green tones with a neon yellow rim. We love the organic, asymmetrical shape. This piece is ...
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Blown Glass

Venini Ando Time Hourglass in Crystal and Aquamarine by Tadao Ando
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Ando time hourglass, designed by Tadao Ando and manufactured by Venini, is a limited edition of 49 art pieces (per color) plus an additional 20 P.d.A. a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Robert Indiana Brushed Aluminum Red Love Paperweight Sculpture Desk Accessory
Located in North Miami, FL
This very rare rendition and small edition of the vintage Robert Indiana love paperweight sculpture is rarely seen version in red brushed aluminum. This may have only been a very sma...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Aluminum

Bonnie Large LED Handmade Sculptural Pendant in Solid Brass, 90cm/35".
Located in Torslanda, SE
The Bonnie range is designed around the stylized form of a Saffron flower, known around the world for its valuable beauty, fragrance and essence. Each part is handmade, wether it be cast, milled, fabricated and finished from our Swedish workshop. With a combination of hand-brushed and polished surfaces, this solid brass fixture...
Category

2010s Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

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

Menorah Jewish Candelabrum in Blown Murano Glass, Vintage Murano Gallery 1970s
Located in Villaverla, IT
High-End Menorah Jewish Candelabrum in Blown Murano Glass, Vintage Murano Gallery 1970s. This unique Murano glass masterpiece is one of the most...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

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

Leather Tray, Medium A Rectangular Tray, Handmade - Color: Saffron
Located in Curitiba, Parana
Monochrome Collection Trays For various purposes, the Monochrome Collection Trays can be used individually or as a set. Their sizes are customizable, so feel free to get creative an...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Leather

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

21st Century Ovo Towel & Magazine Leather Basket Outdoor Use Handmade 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

Marble Desk Pen Holder Organizer
Located in New York, NY
A substantial marble desk pen/pencil/marker holder organizer, in the modern style, Midcentury Modern design period, circa mid-20th century. Organizer can hold small pieces of paper, ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

Sculpture of the Head of Hercules, Small Size, in Resin and Metal Base.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Sculpture of the head of Hercules, small size, in resin and metal base. Heracles is the son of Zeus and Alcmene. Greek mythology lends him a great many adventures that saw him trave...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

1990s Modern Black Lacquered Wood Italian Picture Frame by Bussolari
Located in Aci Castello, IT
Vintage 1990s Bussolari Italian Picture Frame This is a beautiful and authentic vintage picture frame from the 1990s, designed and crafted by the Italian brand Bussolari. Made in Ita...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Fruitwood, Lacquer

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

Luxury Vase #48 "Home", Biscuit Porcelain. Handmade crafted and paint 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

Finish Samples by Alessandra Delgado Design
Located in Alto da Lapa, SP
Finishing options for Alessandra Delgado Design products. Choose the samples you want for finishing the product, and check with the store for the cost of sending the chosen samples....
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Steel

Labuan Small Glass Vase in Red by Venini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A classical form inspired by faraway places, magically projected in the contemporary world by the new colours. It draws inspiration from faraway places, halfway between fantasy an...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Blown Glass

Unir Solid Stone Sculpture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Hathor is the first collaboration between Farrah Sit and TRNK Collection. The collection is inspired by Farrah’s pilgrimages to ancient monolithic structures and her reactions to the...
Category

2010s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone, Limestone

Unknown American Artisan Modern Steel Kinetic Mobile, Circa 1970s
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Unknown American Artisan Modern Steel Kinetic Mobile, Circa 1970s  This striking kinetic mobile, made by an unknown American artisan in the 1970s, embodies the spirit of modern abst...
Category

20th Century American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Steel, Wire

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

Set Of 2 Nautilus Candle Holders in Glazed Black Clay by Kallia Panopoulou
Located in Geneve, CH
Set Of 2 Nautilus Candle Holders in Glazed Black Clay by Kallia Panopoulou Dimensions: Ø 10 x H 30 cm. Materials: Clay. Available in different...
Category

2010s Greek Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Clay

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

Pair Vallauris France Table Lights Color Turquoise With Rafia Fringed Shades
Located in Hamburg, DE
1 pair of Table lights from Vallauris France, color turquoise, the initials VF for VALLAURIS FRANCE is given on the bottom and a stamp FRANCE , size: 30cm height x 20cm diameter, Han...
Category

1960s French Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Hermès by Limoges Ceramic Picture Frame with Equestrian Decor, circa 1960
Located in Atlanta, GA
A masterpiece of sophistication, this Hermes, Paris photo frame is an embodiment of timeless luxury. Meticulously designed in France circa 1950, this stunning ceramic frame was exclu...
Category

1960s French Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain, Leather, Glass, Ceramic, Suede, Earthenware

Rick Owens Cast Bronze Evase Vase Black Patina
Located in Chicago, IL
The iconic bronze Evase vase from the Rick Owens bronze relic collection. This is shown in the black patina. Each bronze is hand crafted in France and is signed. Can be used as vas...
Category

2010s French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

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, 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

Tiffany Large & Heavy American Modern Sterling Silver Box
Located in New York, NY
Large and heavy sterling silver desk box. Made by Tiffany in New York. Rectangular with straight sides. Cover flat and hinged with molded rim. Box interior cedar lined and partitione...
Category

1940s American Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Sterling Silver

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

Lalique signed Centre Piece, France
Located in Rijssen, NL
Luxury at its finest, high-end crystal bowl made and signed by Lalique.  This rare Lalique centerpiece adorned with orchids on each end. This oval shaped centerpiece bowl has underst...
Category

20th Century French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

New Modern Fruit Bowl in Red Marble, creator Karen Chekerdjian
Located in Milan, IT
Inside Out Fruit Bowl in red Levanto marble, designed by the internationally renowned designer Karen Chekerdjian - it is available also in other colours. I...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

Tiffany & Co. Cut Crystal Vase
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous cut crystal glass vase By Tiffany and Co. USA, Late 20th Century Measures: 2.63"W x 2.63"D x 8"H Very good original vintage condition.
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

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

Large Cluster of Organic Ceramic Kawa Vase, Set of 9, by Luft Tanaka, Porcelain
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A large grouping of 9 unique tactile and organic porcelain vases with leather textured exterior surface and clear glazed interior. As a result of the production process each item is ...
Category

2010s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Porcelain

Gucci Vintage Picture Frame with Bamboo-Style Detailing
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This elegant vintage Gucci photo frame features a refined design blending matte silver-tone metal with gold bamboo-style accents. The corners and cross-sections are wrapped with fine...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

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

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

Luxury Vase Collection "Love", Porcelain, Handmade Design Handcrafted in Italy
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
Special collection of Love's inspirated hearts.
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Gold Leaf

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

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

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

Dia Contemporary LED Chandelier, Config. 1, solid brass, handmade/finished
Located in Torslanda, SE
Dia is a sculptural chandelier inspired by the heterophony of natural sound. Each frame (or melody) is hand-rolled with all joints cleverly concealed within the circular light source...
Category

2010s Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Walt Disney Mickey Mouse Cookie Jar
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a Walt Disney, Mickey Mouse Cookie Jar. It depicts a hand painted glazed ceramic cookie jar shaped as a seated smiling Mickey Mouse. Below the...
Category

20th Century Mexican Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

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

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

SkLO "Float" Glass Bubble Vessels, Set of Three
By SkLO
Located in Dallas, TX
Organic spheres of handblown Czech glass with broken flame polished mouths. They are entirely free‑blown, produced without the use of moulds to shape them. The tops are given a sligh...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Czech Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass

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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