Postmodern design was a short-lived movement that manifested itself chiefly in Italy and the United States in the early 1980s. The characteristics of vintage postmodern furniture and other postmodern objects and decor for the home included loud-patterned, usually plastic surfaces; strange proportions, vibrant colors and weird angles; and a vague-at-best relationship between form and function.
ORIGINS OF POSTMODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
CHARACTERISTICS OF POSTMODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
POSTMODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
VINTAGE POSTMODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS
Critics derided postmodern design as a grandstanding bid for attention and nothing of consequence. Decades later, the fact that postmodernism still has the power to provoke thoughts, along with other reactions, proves they were not entirely correct.
Postmodern design 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. Later, in Milan, a cohort of creators led by Ettore Sottsass and Alessandro Mendini — a onetime mentor to Sottsass and a key figure in the Italian Radical movement — brought the discussion to bear on design.
Sottsass, an industrial designer, philosopher and provocateur, gathered a core group of young designers into a collective in 1980 they called Memphis. Members of the Memphis Group, which would come to include Martine Bedin, Michael Graves, Marco Zanini, Shiro Kuramata, Michele de Lucchi and Matteo Thun, saw design as a means of communication, and they wanted it to shout. That it did: The first Memphis collection appeared in 1981 in Milan 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. Even though it preceded the Memphis Group’s formal launch, Sottsass’s iconic Ultrafragola mirror — in its conspicuously curved plastic shell with radical pops of pink neon — proves striking in any space and embodies many of the collective’s postmodern ideals.
After the initial Memphis show caused an uproar, the postmodern movement within furniture and interior design quickly took off in America. (Memphis fell out of fashion when the Reagan era gave way to cool 1990’s minimalism.) The architect Robert Venturi had by then 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 vintage postmodern furniture collection includes chairs, coffee tables, sofas, decorative objects, table lamps and more.
Curtis Jere Signed Abstract Sculpture Spiral Brass Tone Ribbon Metal Post Modern
By Curtis Jeré
Located in Lambertville, NJ
An exceptional signed Curtis Jeré sculpture, dated 2005, showcasing a mesmerizing spiral composition rendered in richly toned brass-hued metal. Gracefully suspended within a sleek bl...
Metal
Shlomi Haziza Op Art Acrylic Lucite Table Sculpture in Blue Green & Purple
By Vasa Velizar Mihich, Shlomi Haziza
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A mounted crescent form table sculpture by Shlomi Haziza circa 1994. This piece features beautiful shades of green, indigo, blue & purple acrylic. Signed by the artist
Acrylic
Gaetano Pesce XL Indian Summer Vase, Clear Pink & Matte Lime for Corsi Design
By Corsi Design Factory, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Toronto, ON
The Extra Large Indian Summer Vase by Italian designer Gaetano Pesce for Corsi Design is a sculptural resin vessel from the iconic Fish Design collection, originally designed in 1995...
Resin
Postmodern Black and White Abstract Figurative Ceramic Sculpture by Jack Charney
Located in Troy, MI
Unique ceramic sculpture by Jack Charney Santa Fe New Mexico circa 1990 Abstract ceramic figure with elongated limbs in a dynamic contorted form Finished with a hand-painted black s...
Ceramic, Pottery
Carlo Moretti Murano Satinato Yellow and Blue Glass Pencil-Neck Vase, Italy
Located in San Diego, CA
Striking vintage Italian Murano glass vase by Carlo Moretti, circa 1970s. Hand-blown in vivid citron-yellow glass with Moretti's characteristic acid-etched Satinato finish, the vase ...
Blown Glass
Posmodern Mantel Clock by Michael Graves for Alessi, 1980s
By Memphis Milano, Alessi, Michael Graves (b.1934)
Located in Lille, FR
Michael Graves, the renowned American architect and one of the leading figures of Postmodernism, created for Alessi a series of objects that translated his architectural language int...
Plastic, Wood
Betty Gold Abstract Geometric Metal Sculpture Signed and Numbered
By Betty Gold 1
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Stunning geometric metal and red paint sculpture by the well-known American artist Betty Gold. This work is an edition, signed and marked 23/50. Similar work, large size, as shown in...
Metal
Vintage Italian Postmodern Wall Clock from Junghans, 1980s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Vintage Italian Postmodern Wall Clock from Junghans, 1980s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1980 to 1989 This piece has an attribution mark.
Plastic
Ziro Postmodern Wall Clock, Metal & Wood, Memphis Style, 1980s UK
Located in Hamburg, DE
Postmodern English Wall Clock from Ziro, 1980s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1980 to 1989 This piece has an attribution mark. Additional information: Materials: Metal, Wood Col...
Metal
Tom Dixon-attributed Harley-Davidson motorcycle sculpture for Habitat in rattan
By Habitat International, Tom Dixon
Located in Ludwigslust, DE
This extraordinary, almost life-sized motorcycle sculpture made of rattan, wicker, and bamboo is attributed to the British designer Tom Dixon and was probably created in connection w...
Rattan
Hollywood Regency Faux Tusk Sculpture Marquis Collection of Beverly Hills
By Marquis Collection of Beverly Hills 1
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a pair of vintage Hollywood Regency style faux tusk sculpture. It is part of a matching decorative pair crafted from tessellated stone or marble with a polish...
Stone, Brass
$861Sale Price / set|20% Off
Dorothy Thorpe. Post-Modern candle holders by Elaine Bscheider, USA, 1970s
By Dorothy Thorpe, Elaine Bscheider
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Pair of Post-Modern candle holders designed by Elaine Bscheider for Dorothy Thorpe Inc., USA, 1970s. Prezel-shaped body in transparent methacrylate/acrylic with chrome-plated golden ...
Metal, Chrome
Postmodern Italian Mantel Clock by Michael Graves for Alessi, 1980s
By Michael Graves (b.1934), Alessi
Located in Hamburg, DE
Rare table clock of the Italian manufacturer Alessi after a design by Michael Graves from 1986. A special and rare collector's object of Postmoderne. The coat Clock is a miniature a...
Metal
Pair of Scavo Murano-Style Glass Vessels Bud Vases Pink Verdigris Metal Handles
By Gino Cenedese, Cenedese, Cenedese Scavo
Located in Round Top, TX
A set of two glass bud vases with verdigris metal caps. These 1980s pieces are designed to be displayed as a set; they differ in form, yet are topped with the same geometrically plea...
Metal
Unique Envol Sculpture in Chamotte Stoneware by Thalia Dalecky
Located in Geneve, CH
Unique Envol Sculpture in Chamotte Stoneware by Thalia Dalecky. Dimensions: W 43 x H 19 cm. Materials: Orange chamotte stoneware, glossy black/bluish glazed stoneware. Thalia Dalec...
Ceramic
Monumental Sergio Bustamante 'Sol Eclipse' Papier Mâché Wall Sculpture, 1997
Located in Benalmadena, ES
Monumental wall-mounted sculpture executed in painted papier-mâché by Mexican artist Sergio Bustamante (b. 1949). Titled "Sol Eclipse" (Solar Eclipse), this large-scale composition f...
Paper
Vintage German Postmodern Wall Clock from Kienzle, 1980s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Vintage German Postmodern Wall Clock from Kienzle, 1980s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1980 to 1989 This piece has an attribution mark. Additional information: Materials: Acryl...
Acrylic
1970s Howard Miller zebrawood and chrome wall clock designed by Arthur Umanoff
By Howard Miller, Arthur Umanoff
Located in Phoenix, AZ
1970s Howard Miller wall clock model 616 designed by Arthur Umanoff Associates. “Zebrawood” veneer (described as “Leriex rosewood veneer” in the 1975/1976 catalog), chrome frame and hour marks, and original George Nelson hands. 13.5” round, 2.75” deep. The clock matches the well known Peter Protzman desk...
Chrome
Salvador Dalí Leda Armchair Sculpture in Polished Brass, Spain
By BD Barcelona Design, Salvador Dalí
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Leda armchair designed by Dali manufactured by BD. Structure in polished cast brass varnish. Measures: 47 x 60 x 92 H. cm Year: 1935-1937 Taken from “Femme á la téte rose” 1935 (...
Brass
Memphis Style 1980s Metal Stick Person Candle Holders
Located in Fairfield, CA
A vintage 1980s memphis style stick person black metal candle holder. The stick person holds a wine glass in one hand and there is a candle holder in the other hand. Quirky wavy hair...
Metal
$2,360Sale Price|20% Off
Vasa Mihich Acrylic Cube Sculptures Mid Century Post Modern
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration a set of six Vasa Mihich acrylic cube sculptures. Each sculpture is crafted from multicolored laminated acrylic, allowing colors to mix and change based on li...
Lucite
Italian 1980s Perforated Yellow Metal Waste Basket
By Rexite
Located in Milan, IT
A vibrant and graphic 1980s waste basket crafted in perforated lacquered metal, finished in a bold mustard yellow. The cylindrical form is defined by a rhythmic pattern of evenly spa...
Metal
Vintage Memphis Style Adjustable Candleholders, Atomic Design, 1970s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A pair of vintage Danish postmodern or Memphis style candlestick holders in string metal. Adjustable in height up to 28 cm. They are reminiscent in style to similar design from Marku...
Steel, Chrome
Indian Summer Vase (Large), Clear Orange and Pastel Pink by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Corsi Design Factory
Located in Toronto, ON
Large "Indian Summer" Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Colour: Clear Orange and Matte Pastel Pink. *All the pieces are hand-made and...
Resin
Kjell Engman for Kosta Boda – ‘CanCan’ Art Glass Bowl, Model 59145, Sweden, 1990
Located in Bochum, NRW
A vibrant and collectible art glass bowl from the *“CanCan”* series, designed by esteemed Swedish glass artist **Kjell Engman** for **Kosta Boda** in the early 1990s. This hand-blown...
Glass
Pop Art Handmade Oversized Wooden Stapler c. 1970s
Located in Oakland, CA
Hand carved oak Pop Art stapler by woodworker Joseph DeNeff. A finely crafted sculpture with details as would be found in conventional staplers. An interesting and unusual piece.
Oak
Black Ceramic Perpetual Face Vase in the Style of Piero Fornasetti by TMS 2005
By TMS, Piero Fornasetti
Located in Troy, MI
Multi face ceramic vase in black by TMS Inc Vitruvian Collection 2005 Perpetual face design in the style of Piero Fornasetti Signed and dated to lower edge 8 inch diameter 9.5 inc...
Ceramic
Vintage Classic "MoMA" Glass Ribbon Tall Vase by Peter Hewitt, 1996
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Glass Ribbon Vase by Peter Hewitt, 1996 A "Museum of Modern Art" Design Store Classic " A ribbon of anodized aluminum metal is securely sandwiched between 3/8" plate glass walls to ...
Aluminum
$500Sale Price|20% Off
Swedish Postmodern Centerpiece Bowl by Ulrica Hydman-Vallien, 1990s
By Ulrica Hydman-Vallien, Kosta Boda
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful Postmodern Swedish art glass centerpiece bowl by artist and designer Ulrica Hydman-Vallien, circa 1990s, for Kosta Boda, Sweden. Centerpiece ...
Glass
Two abstract metal floor sculptures by Tony Almén and Peter Gest for Ikea 1990
By IKEA
Located in München, DE
Pair of original limited abstract metal Ikea floor sculptures from 1990. In good condition. Suitable for all living areas and very decorative. Design by Tony Almén and Peter Gest. Ik...
Metal
Modern Mirrored Planter Cachepot Jardinière, circa 1970s
Located in New York, NY
A substantial square mirrored planter cachepot jardinière, '70s Modern/Postmodern period, circa 1970s. Entire piece is mirror with a graduated design. A great piece for a plant or fl...
Mirror, Wood
$446Sale Price|35% Off
Murano Sommerso Glass Vase by Alessandro Mandruzzato, Italy, 1970s
By G. Campanella & Co., Alessandro Mandruzzato
Located in Valencia, VC
A stunning Murano glass vase by Mandruzzato. Hand-produced in Venice circa the 1970s. Measurements: Height: 22.50cm (8.85 in.) Width: 13cm (5.10 in.) Depth:: 6cm (2.35 in) This va...
Art Glass, Sommerso, Murano Glass
Vintage 1980s Swatch Maxi Giant Oversized Pop Art Wall Clock - Memphis Design
By Swatch
Located in St. Louis, MO
This iconic, colossal 1980s Swatch "Maxi" giant wall clock is the ultimate artifact of late 20th-century pop art culture and Memphis-style postmodern design. Originally engineered as high-impact promotional storefront displays for Swatch boutiques before becoming a holy grail for collectors, this functional giant wall clock measures an impressive 82 inches (nearly 7 feet) in length. As vibrantly documented in photos, this specific model features a quintessential '80s New Wave colorway, pairing a bold bubblegum pink strap with a rich teal-green watch head and bezel. The clock face showcases a minimalist, pixelated pink and mint-green geometric block design with stark white hands, completely capturing the digital-age aesthetic of the era. Crafted in Switzerland out of durable molded matte polymer, the clock cleverly replicates every charming detail of a classic wrist-worn Swatch watch blown up to a monumental scale—complete with the signature ribbed strap, traditional buckle, and sizing holes. The clock is fully operational, running on a reliable quartz movement that transforms a massive wall space into a bold, nostalgic conversation piece. Perfect for an eclectic living room, a design studio, or a retro-inspired lounge, this rare working Maxi Swatch...
Plastic
Meritalia Tall Vase / Blue and Red by Gaetano Pesce
Located in Toronto, ON
Each vase by Edizioni del Pesce embodies a singular and unrepeatable identity, telling a different story through innovative shapes, intricate details and a varied chromatic range. Th...
Resin
"Tutti Frutti" Gaetano Pesce Fish Design Green Resin Bowl
Located in Brescia, IT
Tutti Frutti basket Green soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. With original box Excellent condiction.
Resin
Post-Modern Murano Glass Vide-Poche Dish, Italy, 1990s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Beautiful Murano art glass square shaped vide-poche plate in deep red, cream white and black colors. Original label on both sides: "Chromia Glass. Hand made. Vetro di Murano". An ey...
Glass, Art Glass, Murano Glass
Salvador Dali Surrealist Fine Gold Leaf Bracelli Lamp Sculpture for BD Barcelona
By BD Furniture, Salvador Dalí
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Braceli lamp designed by Salvador Dali manufactured by BD furniture in Barcelona. Bracelli Panel structure covered with silver plated polyester painting (Fine gold leaf). Lampshade ...
Cotton
1980's Postmodern Advertising Wall Clock by RADO of Switzerland
Located in San Diego, CA
Rare Rado wall clock advertizing for store owners double tone silver and black beautiful condition the face is made of polished acrylic and aluminium back , battery operated clock ci...
Aluminum
Signed Shlomi Haziza Op Art Acrylic Lucite Table Sculpture in Green & Purple
By Shlomi Haziza, Vasa Velizar Mihich
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A zig-zag table sculpture by Shlomi Haziza circa 1994. This piece features beautiful shades of green, indigo & purple acrylic. Signed by the artist
Acrylic
Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian Mixed Woods Valet / Desk Box
Located in San Diego, CA
A finely crafted mid-century modern valet or desktop storage box executed in contrasting mixed hardwoods, likely teak with lighter maple or birch accents. The box features clean Scan...
Wood
Medusa Vase (Large), Matte Cherry by Gaetano Pesce, Corsi
By Gaetano Pesce, Corsi Design Factory
Located in Toronto, ON
Large 'Medusa' Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Colour: Matte Cherry *All the pieces are hand-made and therefore unique. Variations ...
Resin
$128,000 / set
Rare Pair Anthony Redmile Palm Tree Sculptures
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of 1970s Antony Redmile bespoke steel palm trees featuring ostrich eggs, agate cabochons, and octagonal black-lacquered wood bases. A seldom encountered form, reflecting the mor...
Agate, Stainless Steel
Shiro Kuramata flower vase violet acrylic Japanese minimalist style
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Shiro Kuramata's acrylic flower vase. Aluminium tube put into acrylic block. It's great work of Japanese minimalist style. Transparent body makes complex light reflections around. ...
Aluminum
1980s Postmodern Black & Silver Pendulum Desk Clock
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A fantastic postmodern vintage desk, mantel, or shelf clock with a oval base, rounded top case, geometric hands, and a silver pendulum 'ring' above the base of the clock that keeps t...
Plastic
Crystalline Glaze Ceramic Vase, Red and Beige, American Art Studio Pottery
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
The monumental studio pottery ceramic vase is decorated with crystalline glaze in striking, dark red and beige palette. The vase was hand thrown on a wheel; beige color crystals on ombre colored base, shifting from purplish tones on top to deep, dark red on the bottom, were grown in a kiln during a very long, controlled firing. Each crystalline piece is unique due to the nature of the glaze. The vase was allowed to develop an abundance of distinct, graphic crystals, creating a free-flowing abstract pattern and adding rich texture to the minimally shaped piece. The vase was made by Wizards of Clay...
Ceramic, Pottery
A monumental bronze female nude sculpture by Somchai, circa 1970
Located in View Park, CA
A monumental nude sculpture of a femme torso in bronze by Hattakitkosol Somchai, signed, circa 1970. A striking rarity of Somchai’s oeuvre, this piece stands at nearly twenty-six inc...
Bronze
$1,099Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of “Totem” Candlesticks by Hilton McConnico for Maison Lanvin – 1990s
By Lanvin Paris, Hilton McConnico
Located in Marinha Grande, PT
Rare pair of “Totem” candlesticks designed by Hilton McConnico and produced by Maison Lanvin circa 1992. Crafted from a striking mix of gilt bronze, painted wood, resin, leather, car...
Brass
$25Sale Price / set|84% Off
1990s Metal Sculpture Candelabra with Faux Ruby Gem Style Pieces
Located in San Gabriel, CA
24” high x 13” wide x 10” deep Interesting industrial abstract metal sculpture. Could hold candles. Red faux gem accents.
Stone, Metal
Pyramid quartz watch by Seiko, Japan, 1980s
By Seiko
Located in modena, Emilia-Romagna
Pyramid Quartz Clock produced in the 1980s by SEIKO, with its pyramidal shape, so unique, gives the object a futuristic character, but with a deeply retro soul. A timeless piece of d...
Plastic, Laminate
Large Mother and Child Ceramic Postmodern Sculpture by Vanguard USA, Circa 1980
Located in Fairfield, CA
A large vintage postmodern ceramic sculpture of a mother and child. Lovely simplified form, finished in a glossy white glaze. Made in the USA by Vanguard, marked on the bottom. Measu...
Ceramic
BeoCom 6000 Desktop Telephone in Royal Blue by Martin Iseli for Bang & Olufsen
Located in San Diego, CA
BeoCom 6000 cordless handset and table charger by Martin Iseli for Bang & Olufsen, circa 1990s. The phone is royal blue and grey and has a grey cradle / table charger; it is in very...
Plastic
Italian Scissors and Letter Opener Leather Case Post-Modern
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful set of fine Italian brass-plated and stainless-steel scissors, letter opener, and grained leather case, Post-Modern design period//70s Modern, circa late-20th century, It...
Stainless Steel, Brass
Italian Lucite Pen Pencil Desk Holder By Designer Rede Guzzini
By Rede Guzzini
Located in New York, NY
An Italian Lucite pen, pencil, marker and small paper desk organizer/holder, Postmodern period or Modern style, by designer Rede Guzzini, circa 1980s, Italy. A great desk accessory a...
Lucite
Postmodern Gray Ceramic Braided Woven Abstract Centerpiece Bowl
Located in New York, NY
Stunning woven braided ceramic centerpiece bowl glazed in a wonderful shade of gray with some blue tones. Great size for a coffee table or entryway. Very unusual abstract shape, plea...
Ceramic
Handblown Murano Glass Vase in Female Torso Form, White & Brown, 1980s
Located in Toronto, CA
A sculptural handblown glass vase in the form of a female torso, crafted in Murano, Italy, circa 1980s. The piece features an elegant marbled pattern in crisp white with flowing dark...
Murano Glass
$664 / item
Tabono Vase in Ceramic by Soheila Mahmoodi
Located in Geneve, CH
Tabono Vase in Ceramic by Soheila Mahmoodi Dimensions: D 13 x W 34 x H 28 cm. Materials: Ceramic Available in different colors. Please contact us. All our lamps can be wired accor...
Ceramic
$360Sale Price|20% Off
Danish Oak Elephant by Kay Bojensen
By Kay Bojesen
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Danish Oak Elephant by Kay Bojensen, articulating arms, legs and trunk. Excellent condition.
Oak
Large Barrett DeBusk Postmodern Iron Sculpture / Valet Stand. Circa 1990s.
Located in Miami, FL
Large Barrett DeBusk Postmodern Iron Sculpture / Valet Stand. Circa 1990s. Signed by the artist. Features a male figure formed with iron wire and painted in black. I good original condition with signs of wear consistent with age and history. There is some oxidation at the base and some minor scratches in the paint in other areas. Please see close up pictures for more details. About the Artist Barrett Debusk (American 1955...
Iron
$97Sale Price|60% Off
Miniature Murano Glass Vase with Bullicante, Gold Leaf, 1980s, Italy
Located in Glasgow, GB
A miniature Murano glass vase in vivid emerald green, attributed to Archimede Seguso and crafted in Italy circa 1980s. This small Italian art glass vase exemplifies the technical fin...
Gold Leaf
Memphis Milano Carlton Miniature, Limited Edition by Ettore Sottsass
By Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass
Located in Toronto, ON
Perfect 1:4 scale reproduction of the Carlton bookcase in a limited edition of 1000 pieces. About Carlton: An absolute icon of Memphis designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1981, Carlton ...
Laminate, Wood