Post-Modern Decorative Objects
POSTMODERN STYLE
Strictly speaking, postmodern design was a short-lived movement that manifested itself chiefly in Italy and the United States in the early 1980s. The characteristics of postmodern furniture and other postmodern objects included hot-colored, loud-patterned, usually plastic surfaces; strange proportions and weird angles; and a vague-at-best relationship between form and function.
Critics derided postmodern design as a grandstanding bid for attention and nothing of consequence. The fact that, decades later, postmodern design still has the power to provoke thoughts (along with other reactions) proves they were not entirely correct.
Postmodernism began as an architectural critique. Starting in the 1960s, a small cadre of mainly American architects began to argue that modernism, once high-minded and even noble in its goals, had become stale, stagnant and blandly corporate. In the next decade in Milan, a cohort of designers led by Ettore Sottsass and Alessandro Mendini brought the discussion to bear on design.
Sottsass and Michele de Lucchi, in 1980, gathered a core group of young designers, which would come to include Michael Graves, Marco Zanini, Shiro Kuramata and Matteo Thun, into a design collective they called Memphis. The Memphis Group saw design as a means of communication and they wanted it to shout. That it did: the first Memphis collection appeared in 1981 and broke all the modernist taboos, embracing irony, kitsch, wild ornamentation and bad taste.
Memphis works remain icons of postmodernism: the Sottsass Casablanca bookcase, with its leopard-print plastic veneer; de Lucchi’s First chair, which has been described as having the look of an electronics component; Martine Bedin’s Super lamp: a pull-toy puppy on a power cord leash. After the initial Memphis show caused an uproar, postmodern design quickly took off in America. The architect Robert Venturi had already begun a series of plywood chairs for Knoll Inc. with beefy, exaggerated silhouettes of traditional styles such as Queen Anne and Chippendale. In 1982, the new firm Swid Powell enlisted a group of top American architects, including Frank Gehry, Richard Meier, Stanley Tigerman and Venturi to create postmodern tableware in silver, ceramic and glass.
On 1stDibs, the collection of postmodern furniture includes seating, decorative objects, lighting fixtures and more.
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Set of Hand-Sculpted Solid Bronze Candleholders, Army of Me by William Guillon
Located in Geneve, CH
7 hand-sculpted solid bronze candleholders
Army of Me by William Guillon
Signed William Guillon
Each candleholder is unique
Signed and numbered 1/1
Dimensions:
Each is differ...
Category
2010s French Post-Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Flute Pencil Tray in Pale Blue
Located in London, GB
The flute pencil tray is made from cast pigmented and sanded Jesmonite and evolves from Tino Seubert's tubular motif developed in his monolithic font for wallpaper handmade, 2017. Th...
Category
2010s British Post-Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Resin
Ettore Sottsass Shiva Limited Edition Black Prototype 2/8
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Black Shiva ceramic vase designed by Ettore Sottsass circa 1973, edited by BD in Barcelona.
This piece has been produced as a limited edition with a total of only 100 units.
This...
Category
2010s Spanish Post-Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Postmodern Studio Pottery Charger Plate
Located in New York, NY
Postmodern studio pottery charger plate with concentric circles, marked on the bottom.
Category
Late 20th Century American Post-Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Trio of Bronze Chandeliers 'Ashes to Ashes', Signed William Guillon
Located in Geneve, CH
Trio of bronze chandeliers 'Ashes to Ashes' - Signed William Guillon
Signed William Guillon
Limited edition of 99
Signed and numbered
Solid burnt oak / Solid bronze
Dimensions: ...
Category
2010s French Post-Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Ash Candlestick Holder by Evelina Kudabaite Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Ash candlestick holder by Evelina Kudabaite Studio
Handmade
Materials: Ash, brass
Dimensions: H 45 mm x D 105 mm
Colour: Yellow/light brown
Notes: For dry use
Since 2015, pro...
Category
2010s Lithuanian Post-Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Valentine Typewriter by Ettore Sottsass & Perry King with Olivetti Hang Tag
Located in San Diego, CA
Olivetti valentine typewriter by Ettore Sottsass & Perry King, designed in 1968 for Olivetti. Very clean condition in perfect working order with a new ribbon. Recently serviced.
...
Category
Mid-20th Century Spanish Post-Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Plastic
Oxbow Candlestick in Lacquered Steel and Satin Brushed Brass by Steven Bukowski
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This handmade candelabra features hand formed pieces and bright brass elements, inspired by ancient architecture and classical pottery. Add a touch of elegance to any room or dinner ...
Category
2010s American Post-Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass, Steel
Cofete Brass Vase, Jan Garncarek
Located in Geneve, CH
Cofete brass vase by Jan Garncarek
Dimensions: 60 x 18 x 18 cm
Material: Brass
Handcrafted by Jan Garncarek.
Signed
Jan Garncarek is an important contemporary designer, gradu...
Category
2010s German Post-Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Murano Glass Vase by Franco Moretti, Italy, 1980s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Murano glass vase by the artist Franco Moretti from Italy of the 1980s. The vase is signed on the bottom and is in very good condition. The colorful piece brings color into your home...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Post-Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Murano Glass
Long Island Crystal Flacon, Handsculpted Contemporary Crystal
Located in Geneve, CH
Long Island crystal flacon, hand-sculpted contemporary crystal
Decorative Vase
Hand-sculpted in crystal
Measures: W 8, H 19, D 8 cm
The Reflections Copenhagen Boudoir collectio...
Category
2010s Danish Post-Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Crystal
Tessellated Stone Obelisk in the Style of Marquis of Beverly Hills
Located in San Diego, CA
Tessellated stone obelisk in the style of Marquis Collection of Beverly Hills, circa 1980s. The piece was made in the Philippines and measures: 3.25" W x 3.25" D x 12" H. #1375.
Category
Late 20th Century Philippine Post-Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Stone
Gaetano Pesce Goto Vase Domus Caffe Florian, 1995
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Very nice ‘Goto’ vase designed by Gaetano Pesce made for the Caffe Florian, on the occasion of the G. Pesce show at the Caffe Florian during the Venice Biennale, 1995. The text in It...
Category
1990s Italian Post-Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Resin
Memphis Milano Ceramic Vase Luciano Florio Paccagnella, 1990s
Located in Debrecen-Pallag, HU
"Luciano Florio Paccagnella is a Memphis Group hero that has been forgotten by history.
He designed the first invitation cards for the Memphis Group.
Paccagnella was discovered by...
Category
1990s Hungarian Post-Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Solid Brass Sculpted Candleholder by William Guillon
Located in Geneve, CH
Solid brass sculpted candleholder Signed by William Guillon
Signed: William Guillon
Dimensions: Diameter 4 x height 5 cm
Diameter 3.5 x height 6 cm
Materials: Solid brass raw finish ...
Category
2010s French Post-Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Sculpted Candelabrum, Signed William Guillon
Located in Geneve, CH
Play with fire limited candelabrum
Signed William Guillon
Limited Edition of 20
Signed and numbered
Solid aluminium. Nickel smoke on copper.
Brushed.
Dimensions: H 13 cm x W 26...
Category
2010s French Post-Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Susan Eslick American Postmodern Bowl
By Susan Eslick
Located in New York, NY
Susan Eslick American Postmodern art pottery hand painted bowl, signed and dated 1989 on the bottom.
Category
1980s American Vintage Post-Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Pottery
Modern Ceramic Bull with Abstract Blue Decor
Located in South Salem, NY
Handsome mid-century modern glazed ceramic bull sculpture with hand-painted abstract decor. An original piece signed by the artist. This one of a kind piece is very reminiscent of th...
Category
1970s Unknown Vintage Post-Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
1980s Gold-Plated Crystal Glass Wall Clock Hollywood Regency JOSKA-Waldglashütte
Located in München, DE
Gorgeous very rare gilded crystal glass jewelry wall clock in the Hollywood Regency style. Manufacturer JOSKA-Waldglashütte. Label with date of sale by 1985. Frame is 24 carat gold p...
Category
1980s German Vintage Post-Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Crystal, Gold Plate
Brass Console Table in the Style of Antony Gormley
Located in Antwerp, BE
Console table made of rectangles and squares in gilt metal, France, 1970s.
Eclectic piece that fits well in a Hollywood Regency interior inspired by Maison Jansen or Willy Rizzo.
...
Category
1970s French Vintage Post-Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Steel
Modern Lucite and Copper Penny Obelisk, ca. 1970s
Located in New York, NY
A great 1970s modern or Postmodern period Lucite and U.S. coppery penny decorated obelisk. All copper pennies encased are dated 1973. Obelisk measures: 2.13" x 2.38" x 6.5" Height.
Category
Late 20th Century American Post-Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Copper
Jerome Kirk, Monumental Kinetic Metal Abstract, Sculpture, Signed, Titeled
By Jerome Kirk
Located in Los Angeles, CA
We can say that Jerome Kirk it is a master in kinetic sculptures and he set the new standards in this particular art work. This piece is titled "Jam Tomorrow" as shown in the origina...
Category
1980s American Vintage Post-Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
Ilana Goor Bronze, Large Plate or Charger Verdigris Patina, Signed
By Ilana Goor
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Very nice and large charger by the well-known Israeli artist Ilana Goor, signed in front as shown.
Category
1980s American Vintage Post-Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Dakota Crystal Candle Holder Handsculpted Contemporary Crystal
Located in Geneve, CH
Dakota crystal candle holder
T-Light holder
Handcrafted decor made from crystal
Measures: L 9 x H 16.5 x D 9cm
Handsculpted in crystal
The Reflections Copenhagen t-light holde...
Category
2010s Danish Post-Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Crystal
Arizona Crystal Candleholder, Handsculpted Contemporary Crystal
Located in Geneve, CH
Arizona crystal candleholder
Handcrafted decor made from crystal
Measures: L 7.9, H 12, D 5.5cm
Handsculpted in crystal
Reflections Copenhagen, a collection of handmade deco...
Category
2010s Danish Post-Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Crystal
Vintage Post Modern Black Marble Hand Carved Bookends Italy 70's
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Pair vintage Post Modern black and white hand carved marble bookends, hand made in Italy, 1970s
These are very substantial, heavy and well handmade bookends.
Sculptural Hand carved...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Post-Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble
Vintage 1980s World Map Watch Wall Clock
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A vintage world map wrist watch shaped wall clock from the 1980s. Looks exactly like a wrist watch blown up to fit a giant's wrist! Just under four feet tall, this amazing clock has ...
Category
Late 20th Century Post-Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Plastic
Set of 4 Solid Brass Sculpted Candleholders Signed by William Guillon
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 4 solid brass sculpted candleholders by William Guillon
Each is signed William Guillon
Dimensions: Diameter 4 x height 5 cm
Diameter 3.5 x height 6 cm
Materials: Solid brass...
Category
2010s French Post-Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Beatrice Wood Style Modern Art Pottery Fish Platter
Located in New York, NY
Modern art pottery large fish platter, in the style of Beatrice Wood, exuberant polychrome and incised line decoration, ruffle sculpted rim and pinched foot rim, monogrammed and date...
Category
Late 20th Century Post-Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Pottery
Leaves Pedestal Bowl by Evelina Kudabaite Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Leaves pedestal bowl by Evelina Kudabaite Studio
Handmade
Materials: tree leaves, brass
Dimensions: H 55 mm x D 65 mm
Colour: green/khaki
Notes: for dry use
Since 2015, produ...
Category
2010s Lithuanian Post-Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Pair of Very Large Memphis Glass Objects by Matteo Thun for Tiffany & Co. 1987
Located in Tilburg, NL
Extraordinary and very large (54,5 & 86 cm in height) glass objects by famous designer and Memphis Group founding member Matteo Thun (1952 – Italy). Rinascimento Collection for Tiffa...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Post-Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Glass, Art Glass, Murano Glass
Architectural Sculpture by Sottsass for Ultima Edizione, Italy 1986
Located in London, GB
Ettore Sottsass (1917–2007) was an Italian architect and designer during the 20th century. He is perhaps most celebrated as the founder of the Memphis Group, famous for its colourful...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Post-Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble
Architectural Sculpture by Sottsass for Ultima Edizione, Italy 1986
Located in London, GB
Ettore Sottsass (1917–2007) was an Italian architect and designer during the 20th century. He is perhaps most celebrated as the founder of the Memphis Group, famous for its colourful...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Post-Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble
Glass Artwork by Renato Santarossa, Italy, 1977
Located in London, GB
Renato Santarossa was born in Bolzano, north Italy and trained as an engineer. Working as the Art Director of a German glass manufacturer he was exposed to the many processes involve...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Post-Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Glass, Paper
Colorful Crystal Perfume Flacon, Hand-Sculpted Contemporary Crystal
Located in Geneve, CH
Colorful crystal perfume flacon, hand-sculpted contemporary crystal
Hand-sculpted in crystal
Measures: Small:
Height 16.5 cm
Width 8 cm
Depth 8 cm
Weight 0.8 kg
Material: Fine...
Category
2010s Danish Post-Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Crystal
Bertil Vallien Kosta Boda Studio Art Glass Vase
Located in New York, NY
Bertil Vallien for Kosta Boda large modern studio art glass vase in orange with multicolored glass flecks near the neck. 17" H x 21" W x 16" D.
Category
Late 20th Century European Post-Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Art Glass
Italian Postmodern Jewelry Dish Vide-Poche Catchall, ca. 1970s
Located in New York, NY
A chic '70s Italian Modern or Postmodern period ceramic dish or vide-poche (catch-all) for small items such a jewelry as demonstrated, circa 1970s, Italy. Dish has a modern 'flower' ...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Post-Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Large White Flower Vase by Toru Hatta
Located in Geneve, CH
Large white flower vase by Toru Hatta
Unique piece
Dimensions: Diameter 11 x height 12 cm
Material: Handmade ceramic.
Toru Hatta was both in Kanazawa in 1977. His love of an...
Category
2010s Japanese Post-Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Ensemble of Bronze Chandeliers 'Ashes to Ashes', Signed William Guillon
Located in Geneve, CH
Ensemble of six bronze chandeliers 'Ashes to Ashes' - signed William Guillon
Signed William Guillon
Limited edition of 99
Signed and numbered
Solid burnt oak / Solid bronze
Dime...
Category
2010s French Post-Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Modern Brass Candleholder / Vase by Michael Aram
By Michael Aram
Located in Chicago, IL
Modern brass candleholder / vase by Michael Aram.
Manner of Paul Evans and Curtis Jere
Category
Late 20th Century American Post-Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Basilico Big Fruits Tray Ettore Sottsass Japanese Urushi Laquer Model
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
"Basilico big" fruits tray designed by Ettore Sottsass for Marutomi. This model is limited Japanese urushi lacquer model.
Japanese traditional urushi pigment is made from natural ur...
Category
Early 2000s Japanese Post-Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Plastic
Ettore Sottsass Tahiti Table Lamp for Memphis Srl
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The ultimate Sottsass table light!!
Anthropomorphic (looks like a parrot)!! The head w/ lamp swivels up and down.
His Sottsass-designed "Bacteriae" laminate on the base! An a...
Category
2010s Italian Post-Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
Ettore Sottsass, Bitossi Montelupo 'Signed in Ink'
Located in East Hampton, NY
Beautifully painted and glazed in grey, blue and off-white - this signed vase is oversized and in the style of a large bobbin or wheel.
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Post-Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Midcentury Postmodern Steel and Wood Coat Stand in the Shape of a Man
Located in Doornspijk, NL
This playful Postmodern coat stand is not only a smart space saver in a hallway, pantry or dressing room, it is also a pleasant and cheerful interior element to look at.
The black s...
Category
Late 20th Century Dutch Post-Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Steel
Stacked Oak 'Rocker' Vessel, by Richard Haining
Located in New York, NY
Contemporary American salvaged oak stacked wood vessel with honed finish. Titled 'Rocker' by Richard Haining.
Richard Haining is a Brooklyn-based studio furniture maker and arti...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Post-Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Oak
Table Clock Shohei Mihara Wakita Superpresent Postmodern, 1980s
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Table clock by Wakita hi-tecs, Japan. Wakita hi-tecs produced a lot of small pieces in the 1980s-1990s under the name of superpresent.
Especially Shohei Mihara's clock series are f...
Category
1980s Japanese Vintage Post-Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Plastic
Tree Leaves Candlestick Holder by Evelina Kudabaite Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Tree leaves candlestick holder by Evelina Kudabaite Studio
Handmade
Materials: tree leaves, brass
Dimensions: H 45 mm x D 105 mm
Colour: green
Notes: for dry use
Since 2015, ...
Category
2010s Lithuanian Post-Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Senape Flower Vase Ettore Sottsass Japanese Urushi Laquer Model A
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Senape flower vase designed by Ettore Sottsass for Marutomi. This model is limited Japanese urushi laquer model.
Japanese traditional urushi pigment is made from natural urushi tree...
Category
Early 2000s Japanese Post-Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Plastic
Handmade Postmodern Wall Clock by Joseph E. Ferris
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An amazing 1980s handmade sculptural wall clock by Floridian artist Joseph E. Ferris utilizing a mix of brushed aluminum, painted metals, and textured materials. One pink and one tur...
Category
Late 20th Century Post-Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
Large Hand Carved Onyx Bowl or Centerpiece in Black, Gold, Tan and Cream
Located in New York, NY
A large hand carved onyx bowl or centerpiece with a zebra striped undulating rim in striking shades of gold, charcoal gray, black, tan and white. Impressive in size and certain to ma...
Category
2010s Mexican Post-Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Onyx
Rare Perforated Metal Bowl Designed by Joseph Hoffman for Bieffeplast
Located in San Diego, CA
Great design and a rare piece perforated metal catch it all bowl designed by Joseph Hoffman for Bieffeplast early production circa the 1980's.
Category
20th Century Italian Post-Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
Wayne Bates Postmodern Decorative Ceramic Charger
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The practice of sgraffito is on full display on this plate made by ceramic artist Wayne L Bates. After spending decades teaching at various arts institutions, Bates became inspired b...
Category
Late 20th Century American Post-Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Porcelain
Repoussé Black Lacquer Sheep Sculpture by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sheep sculpture (Male)
Black lacquer
Antique copper
Hand repoussé
Limited edition
Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet metal. This tech...
Category
2010s Post-Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Copper
Postmodern Tusca Vase by Lino Sabattini for Rosenthal, 1980s
Located in Uppsala, SE
This is the smallest model of the Tusca vase series, designed by Lino Sabattini and produced by Rosenthal in the 1980s. The white porcelain vase features a silver coloured motif and ...
Category
1980s German Vintage Post-Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Bruce Houston, Painted Sculpture, Frank Stella Truck, Pop Art, Signed
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Great Work for the L A artist Bruce Houston. Signed. This is one of his icon works of art.
Category
1990s American Post-Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Hamptons Crystal Bonbonniere, Hand-Sculpted Contemporary Crystal
Located in Geneve, CH
Hamptons Crystal Bonbonniere, hand-sculpted contemporary crystal
Decorative Vase
Hand-sculpted in crystal
Measures: W 19 H 20 D 19 cm
The Hamptons crystal bonbonniere is a maje...
Category
2010s Danish Post-Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Crystal
Randy Strong Contemporary Art Glass Vase
By Randy Strong
Located in New York, NY
Randy strong art glass vase with feathered layered and cased glass design, incised signature on the bottom. 8.75" height x 5.25" Diameter.
Category
Late 20th Century American Post-Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Art Glass
