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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Tessalated Horn Box
Located in New York, NY
Decorative keepsake document box decorated with hand applied rectangular horn pieces. A great addition to any desk, night stand, bookcase or coffee table.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Horn, Wood

Large Steuben Art Glass Figurine of a Trout & 18k Gold Fly by James Houston
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine Steuben art glass model of a trout just caught by an 18 karat gold fly. Designed by James Houston in 1966. Model No. 2011. Simply a wonderful figural sculpture of th...
Category

20th Century American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal, Gold

Cast Bronze Octopus Sculpture
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
A wonderful example of a hollow-cast bronze octopus. This piece features wonderful detail and resemblance to a real specimen. An exotic piece certain to...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indonesian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Hand Blown Murano Bowl Battuto in Emerald Green Large
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The captivating allure of this Murano bowl lies in its masterful application of the Battuto technique, a traditional Venetian method of glassmaking that creates a unique interplay of...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Alan White Dartington Trio Studio Pottery Mottle Glazed Bottle Vases
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A wonderful collection of three Dartington pottery mottle glazed small studio pottery bottle vases by renowned master potter Alan White (British, b. 1949) and probably dating from th...
Category

Late 20th Century English Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stoneware

Jade Onyx Bowl Centerpiece Decorative Sculpture Green Solid Marble Hand-Carved
Located in Ancona, Marche
Important sculptural bowl carved by hand from a solid block of Jade onyx. The polished finishing underlines the transparency of this special material, making it a very precious piece...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Onyx, Marble

Rosenthal Germany Crystal center Piece or Bowl
Located in Plainview, NY
A Rosenthal crystal center piece or bowl. This lovely piece by the German maker is signed " Rosenthal Germany" . The crystal center piece or bowl ...
Category

1990s German Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

1980s Modern Millefiori style Murano Glass Cylinder Vase
Located in Aci Castello, IT
1980s Modern Murano Glass Cylinder Vase – Multicolor Millefiori Style Brighten up your space with this stunning 1980s Modern Murano glass ...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Lune Box by Greg Natale
Located in Sydney,, NSW
The unique Solar collection conjures the spirit of the mystical universe. Natale’s solar candles encompass mysticism and pairs it with clean architectural lines in an evocative and e...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Black Green Marble Pedestal Bowl XL
Located in Eindhoven, NB
Introducing our stunning Black Marble Pedestal Bowl, a captivating fusion of style and utility. Crafted from premium black marble with deep green color nuances, this bowl boasts a un...
Category

2010s Dutch Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

21st Century Ovo Wood & Magazine Leather Basket with Handle Handmade in Italy
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
Fashioned of resistant recycled leather, Pinetti Ovo basket boasts an unstructured silhouette with flared sides supported by a sturdy rectangular base...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Leather

1980 Giant Iron Horse Italian Sculpture
Located in Brescia, IT
Giant Iron Horse Sculpture Artist, Gino Ghioni Italy, 1986 Excellent Condiction
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Iron

Modern Monique Pedestal Sculpture Calacatta Marble Handmade Portugal Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Monique Pedestal Stand, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. Monique is the perfect standing piece of art to enhance any interior. Monique is a unique design in Calacatta...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Onyx, Travertine, Marble, Carrara Marble

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

21st Century Canaria Magazine Holder Handmade in Italy with Regenerated Leather
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
Canaria, our brand new storage solution. A unique texture made with regenerated leather resistant to light and water and perfectly suitable for indoor as well for outdoor use. Mas...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Leather

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

Dia Contemporary LED Chandelier, Config. 3, Solid Brass, Handmade/finished, 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

21st Century Leather Soft Rectangular Tissue Box Handmade in Italy
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
Just perfect. A must have for your living, for your bedroom, for your bathroom, for your office. A soft rectangular tissue box in calf leather that comes in a wide range of colors...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Leather

Postmodern Tessellated Stone Oversized Floor Vase by Magnussen
Located in West Chester, PA
Massive Postmodern Tessellated Stone Floor Vase by Magnussen. Hand crafted in the Philippines. Signed on underside.
Category

Late 20th Century Philippine Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone

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

Stone Sculpture of a Four-Eyed Idol.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Stone sculpture of a four-eyed idol. A superb reproduction of a four-eyed idol in sandstone, the original of which dates back to 4000 BC. These idols were frequently used as votive ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Sandstone

Robot 2, Found Object Sculpture With Iconic Children's Toy Parts
Located in Chicago, IL
Self-taught artist John Seubert, AKA John Dolly, uses objects he uncovers as he rehabs older homes in Chicago. This piece is made from found and salvaged objects, including a child's...
Category

2010s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Carrara Marble, Metal

Murano, Italy. Art glass bowl. Purple and clear glass with gold leaf inlay.
Located in København, Copenhagen
PRE-OWNED GOODS ARE EXEMPT FROM IMPORT TARIFFS FOR U.S., UK, AUSTRALIAN & CANADIAN CUSTOMERS. THEREFORE, NO IMPORT TARIFFS WILL BE APPLICABLE TO YOUR PURCHASE. Murano, Italy. Ar...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass

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

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

Two 1960s Modernist Clear and Gold Murano Glass Sculptures of Swans
Located in Aci Castello, IT
Two 1960s Modernist Clear and Gold Murano Glass Sculptures of Swans are a delightful representation of the artistry and craftsmanship associated with...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Sculpture of a Black Horse's Head.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Sculpture of a black horse's head. This sculpture, taken from an original bronze statue created by Monti in the early 19th century, reveals all the animal's finesse and power. This ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Composition, Metal

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

Marble Heart Box by Ducceschi
Located in Fairfield, CA
A vintage marble heart shaped box. Swivel top with beautiful natural veining and gray coloring to the stone. Perfect for using as a jewelry box. Made in Italy by Ducceschi, original ...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

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

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

Titicaca Porcelain Vase, by Matteo Thun from Memphis Milano
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Titicaca porcelain vase was originally designed by Matteo Thun in 1982, winks an eye to the largest lake in South America, its design follows a line of experimentation with a dis...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Large Eclissi Vase in Orange and Red by Carlo Moretti
Located in New York, NY
The alternating interplay between transparent and opaque colors and Murano crystal give this fattened sphere the identity of Carlo Moretti. A sequence of orange streaks bound togethe...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

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

Leather Tray, Medium B Rectangular Tray, Handmade - Color: Clay
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

Orrefors, Lars Hellsten, Orion Crystal / Glass Bowl, Sweden, 20th Century
Located in Chatham, ON
Orrefors (Manufacturer) - Lars Hellsten (Designer) - Orion (Product Line / Name) - Vintage Scandinavian clear crystal / glass bowl - original applied sticker and etched signature to ...
Category

Late 20th Century Swedish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

Venini Clessidra Hourglass in Grape Red Murano Glass
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Clessidra hourglass in amber murano glass by Paolo Venini and Fulvio Bianconi. Little grains of sand, impalpable and unnoticeable as a whole yet so...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Venini Ritagli Glass Vase in Iridescent Green and Aquamarine by Fulvio Bianconi
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Venini glass vase in iridescent green and aquamarine designed by Fulvio Bianconi in 1989. Perfect for indoor home decor as a flower vase or statement piece for any room. Numbered edi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass

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

Signed Tiffany & Co. Engine Turned Sterling Silver Picture or Photo Frame
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed photo or picture frame. In sterling silver. By Tiffany & Co. With fine engine turned decoration to the sides and an easel back. Sight size: c. 4.5" x 3". Simply a ...
Category

20th Century Unknown Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Sterling Silver

Brass Gazelle Antelope Sculpture Decorative Object, Tall
Located in New York, NY
A brass animal Gazelle antelope bust sculpture decorative object with tall antlers, circa late-20th century, 1970s. Dimensions: 21.5" Height.
Category

1970s Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Hand-Blown Modern Murano Bowl in Black with 24-karat Gold Flecks and Bubbles
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Hand-Blown Modern Murano Bowl in Black / Clear with 24-karat Gold Flecks and Bubbles is a masterful expression of Italian glass artistry, merging bold contrast with refined opule...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Gold Leaf

21st Century Demetra Round Laundry Basket Handwoven with Leather in Italy
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
Strictly hand woven with meticulous care, Pinetti baskets are made with eco-friendly, washable, and resistant material. Part of the Demetra collections, our short basket comes in a ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Leather

Kusachu Hexagonal Cherry Bark Bowl / Tray, Japan, 20th Century
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Kusachu Hexagonal Cherry Bark Bowl / Tray, Japan, 20th Century. This piece is in very good lightly used original condition.
Category

20th Century Japanese Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Cherry

Murano Glass Sculpture Aquarium/Reef - Blue Waves, Signed, 1950s
Located in Kastrup, DK
Murano glass aquarium/reef featuring three fish gracefully swimming amidst captivating blue glass waves. It is rare to see blue glass waves surrounding the aquarium. Signed at the ba...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass

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

Hand-Blown Murano Box in Emerald Green with Brass Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This exquisite Murano box, hand-blown in a vibrant emerald green, is a celebration of Venetian craftsmanship and refined geometry. Its octagonal form is both striking and sculptural,...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Jaeger-LeCoultre Clock – Mid-20th Century – With Original Box and Papers
Located in Madrid, ES
Elegant table clock by Jaeger-LeCoultre, dating from the mid-20th century, comes with its original brown leather box lined with yellow felt, as well as its papers and international w...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

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

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

Large 1980s Crouching Monkey Sculpture, in White & Gold
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Life Size 1980s Crouching Monkey Sculpture, in White/ Cream Gold Representing Pop -Art of of the 1980s, we are pleased to offer this remarkable life-size monkey sculpture that embo...
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Composition

Christian Dior Paris Sterling Silver Picture Frame, circa 1980
Located in Atlanta, GA
Christian Dior Paris designed this stunning sterling silver picture frame for the Dior Interior Collection. The rectangular-shaped photo frame has carved stripes and beaded beveling ...
Category

1980s French Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal, Sterling Silver

Luxury Exotic Wood and Bronze Dugout by William Stuart for Costantini Design
Located in New York, NY
Luxury Exotic Wood and Bronze Dugout by William Stuart for Costantini Design 3.75" H x 1.75 W x 0.5" D Costantini founder William Stuart has bough...
Category

2010s Argentine Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Baccarat Signed, Exquise Large Ginkgo Crystal Vase, France
Located in Rijssen, NL
Luxury at its finest, high-end crystal vase made and signed by Baccarat.  The form of the Baccarat Clear crystal Ginkgo Extra vase is a perfect homage to its namesake, the ginkgo bil...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

Lladró Dragonfly Sculpture
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

Sculpture in Resin and Marble Powder, Fragment of Apollo's Foot.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Sculpture in resin and marble powder, representing the sculpture of Fragment of Apollo's foot. A fine reproduction of an imposing fragment of a foot, almost certainly the remains of...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

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

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

Murano Barbini Blown Glass Pink & Purple Large Shell Bowl
Located in Stamford, CT
Large statement making Murano Barbini blown glass shell bowl. Pink/ purple/clear blown glass. No makers mark or signature.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Blown 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

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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