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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Japanese Modern LAAB Nauru Sculpture Raku Ceramic Green White Black Metal
Located in monza, Monza and Brianza
Nauru sculpture The copper details of this sculpture are able to show different colors thanks to the concentric lines present on the surface that expand and contract the space whe...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Guardian Luxury Safe 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

Leather, Suede

Vintage Crystal Art Glass Steuben Bowl on Tripod Base
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage Crystal Clear Art Glass Steuben Bowl Dish. Vintage Modern Clear Crystal Art Glass Floret Footed Bowl Signed Acid Etched Steuben. Designed by Steuben in the late 20th century ...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

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

Laur Large Contemporary LED Chandelier, Brass, Handmade/Finished, Art, Sculpture
Located in Torslanda, SE
Inspired by the three states of matter, Laur combines semi-precious elements of brass, onyx, and hand blown white glass in playful interconnecting arrangements, some with functional ...
Category

2010s Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Josef Hoffmann Hammered Silver Covered Bowl
Located in New York, NY
Hoffmann’s covered bowl is a striking synthesis of Egyptian, Chinese, and medieval European design. Its lid, with a rounded conical profile and cabochon malachite finial, draws inspi...
Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Silver

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

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

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

Large Vintage Stand Alone Coral Sculpture Centerpiece Chinese Hard-Wood Stand
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Large vintage stand alone coral sculpture centerpiece Chinese hard-wood stand.
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Coral

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

Christian Dior Paris Silver Plate Picture Frame Pied de Coq Pattern
Located in Atlanta, GA
This gorgeous Christian Dior Paris silver plate picture frame features a stylized geometric "pied de coq" carved texture pattern around its rectangular photo view. The back and easel...
Category

1980s French Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal, Silver Plate

Japanese Modern LAAB Tamu Set of 2 Candle Holders Raku Ceramic Black Green
Located in monza, Monza and Brianza
Tamu candle holders A metallic effect cover these two tall candle holders so masterfully crafted that these pieces have a mirror effect along their ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

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

Steel Sculpture By Lee Sauder
Located in New York, NY
"Winged Thing #4" Sculpture, created of Mild Steel By Lee Sauder of Lexington, VA. Stamped on bottom. Good overall condition. Large impressive piece from an estate in Charlottesvill...
Category

20th Century American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Steel

Hand Blown Murano Vase Sommerso in Black Onyx
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Sommerso Murano vase is a stunning example of Venetian glass artistry, combining clear and onyx black glass in a sophisticated, elegant design. Handcrafted by the master artisan...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Kawa Vase 9.4, Organic Ceramic, White, Textured, Sculptural, Porcelain
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An sculptural and organic porcelain vase with leather textured exterior surface and satin glazed interior. As a result of the production process each item is one-of-a-kind. A multi...
Category

2010s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Clay, Porcelain

Sculptural Toucan Silver Plate Candle Holder, Style of Emilia Castillo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A bold and whimsical two-light candle holder in the style of Emilia Castillo for Los Castillo, crafted in hammered copper with a silver-plated finish. The sculptural design features ...
Category

1970s Mexican Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone, Silver Plate, Copper

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

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

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

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

Collection of Blue and Green Studio Glass Vases
Located in Greenwich, CT
Assortment of blue and green Mdina glass vases, made in Malta in the 1960s and 70s under the direction of founder Michael Harris, an English artist who established the Mdina glasswor...
Category

1960s Maltese Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Rick Owens Cast Bronze Evase Vase Nitrate Patina
Located in Chicago, IL
The iconic bronze Evase vase from the Rick Owens bronze relic collection. This is shown in the nitrate patina. Each bronze is handcrafted in France...
Category

2010s French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Klas-Göran Klaesson Sheep Sculpture in Stoneware, Sweden 1991
Located in Utrecht, NL
Standing not only as a decorative object but also as an evocation of Scandinavian folk traditions and the artist’s deep respect for nature and craft, this piece is sure to be a lovel...
Category

1990s Swedish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stoneware

Rare Vintage Bottle of Chanel N°5 Perfume Extract, in Glass, 20th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Rare vintage bottle of Chanel N°5 perfume extract, in glass, 20th century. Rare vintage glass bottle of Chanel N°5 perfume extract, 20th century. H: 28cm, W: 18,5cm, D: 8,5cm
Category

20th Century French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Contemporary Modern, Aya Chestnut Wood 2-Compartment Box
Located in İstanbul, İstanbul
Istanbul is a wooden box collection inspired by some of towns most iconic buildings: Galata Tower, Hagia Sophia and Bebek Mosque. Each item takes its name from these structures. The ...
Category

2010s Turkish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Chestnut

Les Ottomans "The Peacock Design" Small Porcelain Plate by Matthew Williamson
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Matthew Williamson one of the most well known fashion designer has created a tabletop and textile collection for Les-Ottomans. Colors is a must in all Williamsons’ designs as well as the peacock’s references that are here revealed in several new and original patterns. This listing shows his magnificent multi-color peacock porcelain...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain, Paint

Hand Blown Murano Tall Faceted Vase in Emerald Green
Located in West Hollywood, CA
A masterpiece of Venetian artistry, this tall Murano glass vase captivates with its striking faceted surface and mesmerizing emerald green hue. Hand-blown by master artisans in Muran...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Rare Vintage Bottle of Perfume Extract, Coco Mademoiselle, Chanel, 20th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Rare vintage bottle of perfume extract, Coco Mademoiselle, Chanel, 20th century. Rare vintage glass bottle of perfume extract by Chanel, Coco Mademoiselle, 20th century. H: 28cm, W:...
Category

20th Century French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

21st Century Leather Pedal Paper & Waste Bin Handmade in Italy
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
A chic and sleek aesthetic for our wastebasket with a black pedal. Available with a 3 and 5 liter capacity and a soft closing function that will avoid any loud noises. Finished i...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Leather

Giant Hand Blown Murano Glass Box in Ruby with Brass Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Discover the epitome of elegance with this exquisite Murano glass box, meticulously crafted in Murano, Italy. Available in both large and giant sizes, this box exudes sophistication ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Lladró Spanish Pure Breed Horse Sculpture by Ernest Massuet. Limited Edition.
Located in New York City, NY
Limited edition sculpture of a Spanish horse trotting in position in matte porcelain, embellished with blue and gold lustre on the head, chest, saddle a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

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

Bronze Owl Sculpture Signed Numbered
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Beautiful expression and sense of movement and alertness in this "Gray Owl" sculpture by Elaine Franz Witten, Vermont. Attention to detail abound. Wise one perched on a slab of grani...
Category

20th Century American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone, Bronze

Tronador Square Cream Onyx Stone Box
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
The shape of the inactive Tronador volcano reminded us of the pyramid shaped idea of our boxes that make up this collection. With a rectangular or square base, the box is a reflectio...
Category

2010s Argentine Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone, Onyx

Murano Sommerso Glass Dolphin Sculpture by V. Nason & C. on Bullicante Base
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
Elegant Murano art glass dolphin sculpture attributed to V. Nason & C., Italy, circa late 20th century. The dolphin features vibrant cobalt blue and emerald green hues, masterfully b...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso

Amuneal’s Modern Easels (Small)
Located in New York, NY
Amuneal’s modern easels offer a sculptural display system for your favorite artwork and photos. Our blackened steel and aluminum supports clamp your images between two sheets of 3/8”...
Category

2010s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Aluminum, Steel

Tiffany Box and Bow Crystal Paperweight by Tiffany & Co.
Located in San Diego, CA
Gorgeous iconic Tiffany box with bow crystal paperweight by Tiffany & Co. circa 1990's. The box is in very good vintage condition with no chips or cracks and measures 3"W x 3"D x 2....
Category

Late 20th Century German Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

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

Bronze Sculpture by Rob Cerneüs
Located in Asaa, DK
Bronze sculpture by Dutch sculptor Rob Cerneüs (1943-2021) Figurine depicting a woman with flowing garments. Signature on base.
Category

Late 20th Century Dutch Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Clear Semi Sphere Sculpture in Polished Resin by Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
This Geometric sculpture is handmade in polished resin in a variety of colors. It is a modern and colorful piece that will liven up any space. Our Semi...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Resin

Leather Giraffe Sculpture
Located in Denton, TX
Beautiful sculpted leather giraffe sculpture. Great decorative addition for a bookshelf.
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Leather

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

Monoliti Magma Carlo Moretti Murano Glass Sculpture
Located in New York, NY
One of a kind Murano crystal multicolored sculpture created in 2017. Carlo Moretti: An artisan factory Strolling afoot through the foundations of Murano, the visitor provi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

Contemporary Modern, Kubbe Minimal Tealight Holders, Varnished Brass, 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

Modernist Spotted Stalking Leopard in Frosted Crystal Signed by Lalique
Located in New York, NY
This elegant modernist frosted crystal leopard was realized in France by the legendary maker Lalique, circa 1980. It depicts a hunting panther, crawling low to the ground on all four...
Category

1980s French Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

21st Century Large Hook Leather Basket for Towels with Fabric Handmade in Italy
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
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. The insi...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Leather, Fabric, Cotton

Monumental Arturo Di Modica Carrara Marble Abstract Sculpture (1941-2021)
Located in Hamburg, PA
A Monumental White Carrara Marble Abstract Sculpture by Arturo Di Modica. The Italian American Sculptor for the Charging Bull Bronze (1987-1989) at the New York Stock Exchange NYC. T...
Category

20th Century American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Carrara Marble

"Hanahana" Polished Steel Flower Stand Designed by Kazuyo Sejima for Driade
Located in Brooklyn, NY
"Hanahana" is an iconic flower Stand, designed by Kazuyo Sejima and manufactured by Driade, featuring a mirror polished stainless steel structure and bas...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stainless Steel

Japanese Modern Minimalist LAAB Dome L Vase Raku Ceramic White Crakle
Located in monza, Monza and Brianza
Dome L vase A bulging body marked by generous curves and enlivened by tiny dark speckles defines this exquisite ceramic vase, whose characteristic, delicate cracks result from a d...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Sculpture, Stone Sculpture Representing the Oeil Oudjat.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Sculpture, stone sculpture representing the Oeil Oudjat. Magnificent reproduction of a sandstone amulet, hand-carved by our craftsmen, representing an Oudjat, a protective symbol in...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Sandstone

Aimara Medium Alpaca Silver Box
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
The waves on a choppy lake, rough by the wind, inspire the design of alpaca boxes and picture frames of this family, whose name comes from the tribe that dwelled in the North Argenti...
Category

2010s Argentine Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal, Sheet Metal

Alexandra Von Furstenberg Acrylic Treasure Box in Green - Medium Storage Box
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Add a bold pop of modern glamour to your space with this acrylic treasure box by Alexandra Von Furstenberg, featuring a striking neon Green. Made from high-quality Lucite, this chic ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass

Elongated Octagonal Lidded Tessellated Bone Box in the Style of Enrique Garcel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A well crafted wooden Octagonal box with Tessellated bone inlay - lidded and ready for many different contents, from desk accessories to television remotes, jewelry, letters, memento...
Category

20th Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bone, Wood

Les Ottomans "The Peacock Design" Rectangular Iron Tray by Matthew Williamson
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Renowned British designer Matthew Williamson, known for his bold use of colour and nature-inspired motifs, has created a tabletop and textile collection with Les Ottomans. This colla...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Iron

Signed Gerson Silver-Plate and Amethyst Duck Sculptures and Objects Pair Of
By R. Gerson
Located in North Miami, FL
This pair of vintage signed Gerson Silver-Plate duck sculptures and or objects have amethyst bodies in layers. Gerson is a Brazilian artist and these are both signed Gerson BA-P 90....
Category

1990s Brazilian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Amethyst, Silver Plate

"Freevolle" Lady Lamp, Gold Lampshade, Brass Body
Located in Pietrasanta, IT
FREEVOLLE Twist and go! The Freevolle Lady lamp captures a quiet elegance, with its refined curves, delicate and airy silhouette, it moves with grace—strik...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

16/20 Limited Edition "Xai" Surrealist side tables by Salvador Dalí, Spain
Located in Barcelona, ES
Design inspired on an artwork by Salvador Dali´: Interpretation project for a stable-library, 1942 Stuffed lamb, elaborated with a technique by a taxidermist. Drawer and table top i...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Penshell and Silvered Bronze Turtle Sculpture
Located in Kilmarnock, VA
A beautifully crafted tabletop sculpture combining silvered bronze and faux tortoiseshell made from penshell, dating from the mid to late 1970s. This piece exemplifies the era’s fasc...
Category

1970s French Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Silver, 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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