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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
ClassiCon Folding Screen in Red 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

Pietra Box Antico & Arabescato by Greg Natale
Located in Sydney,, NSW
Carved from one of four types of authentic marble, the Pietra Box presents a playful fusion of classic materials and modern design. With a complementary stone handle, this decorative...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

Pablo Picasso Glazed Earthenware Têtes Pitcher
Located in Bradenton, FL
Pablo Picasso (Spain, 1881 - 1973) Glazed Earthenware "Tètes" Pitcher. The Têtes pitcher was created in Vallauris, France in late 1940's, early 1950s. Pitcher is known for its distin...
Category

Early 20th Century French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Earthenware

Vintage Sergio Bustamante Brass Snail Sculpture Mexico Mid Century Modern 1970s
Located in Troy, MI
Sergio Bustamante rare snail sculpture Mexico 1970s Hollow form brass welded construction with great detail and character Unmarked 19 inch width 9 inch depth 10 inch height
Category

1970s Mexican Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Life Size Painted Plaster Gigas Tridacna Clam Shell
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Life Size Painted Plaster Gigas Tridacna Clam Shell, France, circa 1950s  Style and design influence of Serge Roche A rare and impressive life-size painted plaster Gigas Tridacna cl...
Category

20th Century French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Plaster

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

Eye Candy Saucer
Located in Jerusalem, IL
Eye Candy Saucer, a miniature bowl meticulously crafted through the fusion of mouth and hand-blown glass techniques. This exquisite saucer is a celebration of artisanal craftsmanship...
Category

2010s Palestinian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass, Blown Glass

Modern Sculptural Wood Room Divider by Sebastiano Bottos, Italia
Located in Pordenone, IT
The "Cortina" screen designed by Sebastiano Bottos is a sculptural piece of furniture handcrafted by assembling extroflexed wood elements, the result of an innovating processing tech...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Grand Aperture 4
Located in Glen Cove, NY
A scaled version of our Aperture 4 chandelier, this fixture was build for grand spaces. Four large glass domes encircle a 4-globe geometric light source to ...
Category

2010s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Grand Aperture 4
Grand Aperture 4
$28,600 / item
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

Scheurich Keramik Vase Germany 1980s
Located in Debrecen, HU
This extraordinary Scheurich Keramik vase, made in West Germany, captures the iconic style of the 1980s. Decorated with playful paint splashes in purple, black, and gold, it boasts a...
Category

1980s German Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Paul Ysart Poinsettia on a Pink & White Latticino Ground Glass Paperweight
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine Paul Ysart glass paperweight. It has a slightly off-center poinsettia flower on a pink and white latticinio ground. It has an H cane for Harland Glass Studios below the flow...
Category

20th Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass, Blown Glass

Set Salta Rectangular Flower Vases, Alpaca Silver & Onyx Stone
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
Dimensions : 15,3 x 5,5 x 20 cm // 6" x 2,1" x 7,8" 16,5 x 24,8 cm // 6,5" x 9,8" 17,3 x 8 X 30 Cm//3.1" X 6.8" X 11.8" Salta province is called the beautiful, and this adjective in...
Category

2010s Argentine Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Onyx, Stone, Metal

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

Handmade Spikes White Round Ceramic Vase
Located in Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, AR
Beautiful white round ceramic vase, perfect for displaying your favorite flower arrangements. Offering a unique view from every angle, this round ceramic vase crosses the line between functionality and ornament. Use it as a fully functional flower vase or as an adornment for your home. All vases...
Category

2010s Argentine Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Clay, Pottery

Large Decorative Bottle for the Perfume Shalimar, Guerlain, 1970.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Large decorative bottle for the perfume Shalimar, Guerlain, 1970. Vintage decorative bottle for the perfume Shalimar by Guerlain in Baccarat glass, 1970 . H: 39,5cm, W: 27cm, D: 10cm
Category

20th Century French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Cartier Sterling Silver Picture Frame
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful, French handmade sterling silver rectangular picture frame from luxury Maison, Cartier, in the Modern design style, circa mid-20th century, France. Frame can sit horizont...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Sterling Silver

Picture Frame Large Vertical in White Quartz
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Kathryn McCoy is a designer renowned for her exquisite home decor pieces that highlight the natural beauty of crystals. Beginning her career in New York City's fashion industry, Kath...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Quartz, Rock Crystal

Colorado Ceramic Teapot, by Marco Zanini from Memphis Milano
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Colorado teapot in ceramic was originally designed by Marco Zanini in 1983. Marco Zanini was born in Trento in 1954. He graduated in architecture ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Set of Five Puthod Cristalli Lead Crystal Perfume Bottles Silver Plated Stopper
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful 20th century Italian collection of five perfume bottles, all with a nice silver plated flower pattern stopper. Nice addition to your vanity room or just for your collection...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal, Silver Plate

Exaltation Crystal Bowl by Rosenthal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Description: Giftware, cut curved lines, uneven edge Pattern number: 54089 Pattern: Exaltation by Rosenthal Status: Discontinued. Actual: 2002 - 2005 In...
Category

Early 2000s German Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

All'EDEN Yellow/Clear Handmade Crystal Decorative Bowl – Elegant Artisan Craft
Located in Glendale, CA
Introducing the All'EDEN Handmade Crystal Decorative Bowl in a vibrant yellow and clear design. This exquisite bowl is meticulously crafted by skilled artisans, showcasing a stunnin...
Category

2010s Central American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

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

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

Contemporary Gaetano Pesce Spaghetti M 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: L ø 16cm x H 26cm Other sizes available. Colours: Red. Va...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Resin

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

Pietra Vase Travertine by Greg Natale
Located in Sydney,, NSW
Evoking the organic architecture of Australian coastlines, the Pietra Vase features extractions modelled from hand-cast forms. An innovative vessel that connects nature and craftsman...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

White Lilac Marble Vase and Wine Cooler
Located in Eindhoven, NB
Crafted from a natural marble, this vase will be sure to win your heart. It can be used to hold your wine bottle, blooms, kitchen utensils and so much more. Place it in amongst your ...
Category

2010s Dutch Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

Anthony Redmile Silverplated Figural Frog Mounted Ostrich Egg Candlestick
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Anthony Redmile Silverplated Figural Frog Mounted Ostrich Egg Candlestick Stamped 'Redmile London' London, Circa 1970s Fashioned as a standing a 17.5...
Category

20th Century English Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Small Duckling Tray in White Resin by Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Our Duck and Duckling trays bring a fun and exciting twist to any space, styled in built-ins or filled with eggs, this trays is are versatile as they are playful. Available in two s...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

Debbie Low Vase Sage & Gold 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

Gold

Mario Bellini Shanghai Gold Vase for Kartell
Located in Miami, FL
Gold Shanghai vase designed by Mario Bellini for Kartell. A multi-faceted vase widening from the base to the top in a swirling motion. Shanghai is like ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Plastic

Venini Battuti Canoa in Green by Tobia Scarpa and Ludovico Diaz de Santillana
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Venini Battuti glass series by Tobia Scarpa and Ludovico Diaz de Santillana. Indoor use only. Dimensions: W 60 cm x D 12 cm x H 6 cm.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Tiffany & Co Signed Crystal Vase
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
This contemporary Tiffany & Co crystal vase features a modern geometrical pattern design, making it stylish and elegant. The bottom of the vase is marked, " Tiffany & Co."
Category

1990s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Rock Crystal

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

26 Niobe Glass Vase, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Niobe Glass Vase was originally designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1986. The vase is made out of blown glass and signed on the base. For further information please see authenticity i...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Contemporary Gaetano Pesce Indian Summer XL Vase Soft Resin Grey Turquoise
Located in barasso, IT
Indian Summer vase - Clear grey and matt turquoise Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Measures: XL -...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Resin

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

Giant Hand Blown Murano Glass Box in Emerald Green with Brass Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This rectangular emerald green Giant Green Murano Box is a stunning testament to the beauty and artistry of Murano glass. Handcrafted on the historic ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Modern Murano Art Glass Owl Sculpture Figurine, V. Nason Murano Italy
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful Murano hand blown owl figure. Colors are a clear with gold flakes inside. Made in Murano, Italy by the Vincenzo Nason & Cie company. Marked with original label. A great pie...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Gucci Brown Leather Desk Letter Opener with Gilded Equestrian Motif, circa 1970
Located in Atlanta, GA
Bring a touch of sophistication to your workspace with this rare Gucci-designed luxury leather desktop accessory. Crafted in Italy circa 1970, this exquisite letter opener embodies r...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal, Gold Plate

Swing I Wall Clock
Located in NEW YORK, NY
The Swing I clock will allow you to maintain an interior design that stands out for incorporating a delicate and simplistic soft touch no matter what room you are in. The comfort of ...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Chrome

Swing I Wall Clock
Swing I Wall Clock
$1,012 / item
Delmori G Wall Clock
Located in NEW YORK, NY
This Delmori G clock stands out for its unique design as it has a double-fiberglass structure a touch that gives a lot of personality and style to any room or space Delmori N wall c...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Pair sculptures of a couple , hand crafted in pigmented scagliola, unique
Located in London, GB
Standing 63cm tall, this pair of unique sculptures represent a couple, hand crafted in pigmented scagliola - a lengthy process that involves multiple stages of craftsmanship, sandi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Steel

21st Century Ludovica+Roberto Palomba Laguna Stua Tray Murano Glass Steel Grey
Located in Brembate di Sopra (BG), IT
Stua is the new tray / centerpiece from the Laguna collection designed by Ludovica+Roberto Palomba for Purho in spring 2023. Characterized by organic shapes inspired by the rounded ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano 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

Christa Hausler-Goltz Matte White Porcelain Vase for Rosenthal, Germany
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Christa Hausler-Goltz Matte White Porcelain Vase for Rosenthal Studio-Linie, Germany, 20th Century
Category

20th Century German Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

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

Jewelry box attributed to Maison Bague / Maria Pergay bamboo
Located in Lugo, IT
Jewelry box attributed to Maison Bague / Maria Pergay. Good condition. Thank you
Category

1960s French Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Silver Plate

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

Pair Modern Tole Polychromed Life Size Sculptures of Potted Palm Trees
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Modern Tole Polychromed Life-Size Sculptures of Potted Palm Trees Late 20th Century This striking pair of life-size tole palm tree sculptures offers a stunning blend of modern craftsmanship and exotic charm. Each tree is meticulously crafted and polychromed, capturing the essence of tropical beauty with remarkable realism. The first palm tree stands at an impressive 60 inches high and 56 inches in diameter, placed in a 15-inch diameter swing-handled bucket, while the second stands 58 inches tall and 50 inches in diameter, presented in a 17-inch diameter twin-handled bucket. Both trees are adorned with eight removable palm fronds, each measuring 24 inches wide, 6 inches high, and 5 inches deep, which can be easily adjusted for an even more customized look. The hand-painted enamel finish in vibrant greens, yellows, and browns brings a lifelike quality to the sculptures, ensuring they make a striking statement in any space. Perfect for adding a touch of tropical flair to your interior or covered exterior, these tole sculptures...
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Pre-Order Omoide Urn 170 Cubic Inches, Obvara, Ceramic Raku Pottery
Located in Petaling Jaya, MY
Omoide ~ (思い出) - memories The passing of a loved one will always be a defining moment in a person's life. The Omoide Urn is a one of a kind ceramic piece that offers a focal point ...
Category

2010s Malaysian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Copper

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

Eslabón Marble Wall Clock
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Eslabón Walnut wall clock has a unique style with a design that seeks to convey warmth elegance . The hands of this clock are delicately made with walnut wood, case in marble and the...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble, Metal, Brass

Bonnie Contemporary LED Small Pendant, Solid Brass or Nickel, Handmade/Finished
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 organic flower-like form is ...
Category

2010s Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Vintage 18 Karat Gold Amethyst & Natural Pearl Royal Crown Jewel Pendant
Located in Portland, OR
A fine and substantial 18k gold, amethyst and natural pearl pendant. The pendant modelled in gold as a crown is of the very highest quality, the gem is set with five imposing oval fa...
Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Amethyst, Gold

Mawu Chair in Snow by Laura Gonzalez
Located in Paris, FR
Made in France with hand-turned, flared oak legs. Upholstered backrest and seat in a textured cream bouclette fabric (LG.FB-89).
Category

2010s French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Oak, Fabric

Clear Coaster Set, Contemporary Coaster Set with Brass Inlay
Located in NEW YORK, NY
The clear coaster collection celebrates transparency through the use of modern techniques and materials such as resin, while inlaying it with brass elements through the ancient techn...
Category

2010s Lebanese Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

"Horned Mask" Gio Ponti by Sabattini Silver Plated 1970s Italian Design
Located in Brescia, IT
"Horned Mask" Gio Ponti by Sabattini, 1978 Openwork metal sheet.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage 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

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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