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Post-Modern Decorative Objects

POSTMODERN STYLE

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

  • Emerges during the 1960s; popularity explodes during the ’80s
  • A reaction to prevailing conventions of modernism by mainly American architects
  • Architect Robert Venturi critiques modern architecture in his Complexity and Contradiction in Architecture (1966)
  • Theorist Charles Jencks, who championed architecture filled with allusions and cultural references, writes The Language of Post-Modern Architecture (1977)
  • Italian design collective the Memphis Group, also known as Memphis Milano, meets for the first time (1980) 
  • Memphis collective debuts more than 50 objects and furnishings at Salone del Milano (1981)
  • Interest in style declines, minimalism gains steam

CHARACTERISTICS OF POSTMODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

  • Dizzying graphic patterns and an emphasis on loud, off-the-wall colors
  • Use of plastic and laminates, glass, metal and marble; lacquered and painted wood 
  • Unconventional proportions and abundant ornamentation
  • Playful nods to Art Deco and Pop art

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 Mendinia 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.

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Style: Post-Modern
Leyki Vase 22 by Zieta
Leyki Vase 22 by Zieta

Leyki Vase 22 by Zieta

By Zieta

Located in Geneve, CH

Leyki Vase 22 by Zieta Dimensions: D 13 x W 11 x H 22 cm. Materials: Polished stainless steel. Multifunctional subtlety Leyki is a functional object with an architectural twist. It ...

Category

2010s Polish Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stainless Steel

Recovered Medium Vase by David Valner
Recovered Medium Vase by David Valner

Recovered Medium Vase by David Valner

Located in Geneve, CH

Recovered Medium Vase by David Valner Dimensions: D 15 x W 15 x H 30 cm. Materials: Glass. Weight: 7 kg. Finish: Medium size, red and white. “The history of a glass factory and its ...

Category

2010s Czech Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Handmade Rimini Blue Lacquered Ceramic Jug by Aldo Londi for Bitossi, Italy
Handmade Rimini Blue Lacquered Ceramic Jug by Aldo Londi for Bitossi, Italy

Handmade Rimini Blue Lacquered Ceramic Jug by Aldo Londi for Bitossi, Italy

By Aldo Londi, Bitossi

Located in Bresso, Lombardy

Handmade in Italy, 1970s. This jug is made in Rimini blue lacquered ceramic. It is a vintage item, therefore it might show slight traces of use, but it can be considered as in excell...

Category

1970s Italian Vintage Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Huge Cenedese Pink Scavo Spherical or Globe Shaped Murano Glass Vase
Huge Cenedese Pink Scavo Spherical or Globe Shaped Murano Glass Vase

Huge Cenedese Pink Scavo Spherical or Globe Shaped Murano Glass Vase

By Cenedese

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A wonderfully large, spherical Murano glass vase in pink with brown highlights. The vase has an incredible 1980s Memphis School or Miami appeal. It is a bold and impressive piece of ...

Category

20th Century Italian Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Collar Object 008 by Louise Roe
Collar Object 008 by Louise Roe

Collar Object 008 by Louise Roe

Located in Geneve, CH

Collar Object 008 by Louise Roe Dimensions: Ø 48 x H 12,5 cm. Materials: Aged oak wood. THE ROE STUDIO COLLAR OBJECT 008 Our Collar Object 008 displays the si...

Category

2010s Danish Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Oak

Post Modern Memphis Milano Studio Pottery Candlesticks, Signed Mueller '97 Pai
Post Modern Memphis Milano Studio Pottery Candlesticks, Signed Mueller '97 Pai

Post Modern Memphis Milano Studio Pottery Candlesticks, Signed Mueller '97 Pai

Located in Miami, FL

Post Modern Memphis Milano studio pottery Candlesticks Offered for sale is a pair of post-modern studio pottery candlesticks created in the Memphis Memphis Milano style. Each candl...

Category

1990s American Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Clay, Pottery

Matthew Buechner for Thames Glass Urn Bud Vase, American Studio Glass
Matthew Buechner for Thames Glass Urn Bud Vase, American Studio Glass

Matthew Buechner for Thames Glass Urn Bud Vase, American Studio Glass

Located in Clifton Springs, NY

Vintage art glass bud vase features orange body with undulating ribbon accent in red fused glass; the colored glass is layered in and encased in clear glass layer in sommerso technique. The urn shaped body is mounted on round conical base in mottled lime green glass. The minimal form of the vase juxtaposes the bright color palette, evocative of Memphis Milano pieces. The vase is signed by the artist on the bottom. Sculptural, highly decorative vase with graphic form, high quality craftsmanship, and striking color palette will make a great gift to a collector or a design enthusiast and a perfect addition to a wide range of interiors, from Traditional to Post Modern, Art Deco, Mid Century Modern, Eclectic, Transitional, Scandinavian Modern, Collected, or Contemporary. Matthew Buechner is an established American glass artist; he started his training in 1975 as an apprentice to glassblower Jon Meyer in Canton, New York, and continued it at Hartwick College in Oneonta, New York, where he studied glass blowing with Michael Pavlik. Matthew also served as an apprentice at the Glashutte Eisch in Germany, and attended workshops at Rhode Island School of Design, the Penland School of Design, and the Haystack Mountain School in Maine. In 1979, together with his brother Thomas Buechner III, Matthew founded Vitrix Hot Glass Studio in Corning's Market Street District, regarded among America's prominent contemporary glass studios. In 1981 Matthew founded his own studio, Thames Glass...

Category

20th Century American Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass, Sommerso, Blown Glass

Set of 2 Small Vintage German Postmodern Cult Metropolitan Vases, 1980s
Set of 2 Small Vintage German Postmodern Cult Metropolitan Vases, 1980s

Set of 2 Small Vintage German Postmodern Cult Metropolitan Vases, 1980s

Located in Hamburg, DE

Small Vintage German Postmodern Cult Metropolitan Vases by Dieter Sieger for Arzberg, 1980s, Set of 2, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1980 to 1989 This piece has an attribution ma...

Category

20th Century German Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

1980s French Postmodern Mantle Clock
1980s French Postmodern Mantle Clock

1980s French Postmodern Mantle Clock

Located in Brooklyn, NY

A sculptural French postmodern mantel clock with blue and splatter painted supports, gray face and accents, and black numbers and hands. A fantastically contrasting low triangular s...

Category

Late 20th Century Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Abstract Post Modern Ceramic & Glass Wall or Table Sculpture by Kaiser Suidan
Abstract Post Modern Ceramic & Glass Wall or Table Sculpture by Kaiser Suidan

Abstract Post Modern Ceramic & Glass Wall or Table Sculpture by Kaiser Suidan

Located in Troy, MI

Large abstract mixed media ceramic sculpture by Kaiser Suidan Studio 2001 Post Modern Memphis style design of mixed elements and colorful glazes with a rare incorporation of sculpte...

Category

Early 2000s American Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Ettore Sottsass - Fontana arte 2666
Ettore Sottsass - Fontana arte 2666

Ettore Sottsass - Fontana arte 2666

By Ettore Sottsass

Located in Naples, FL

Made by Fontana Arte, Milan. Glass, blue and dark blue.

Category

1980s Italian Vintage Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

1980s Postmodern Table Clock attr. to Shohei Mihara for Wakita and Canetti
1980s Postmodern Table Clock attr. to Shohei Mihara for Wakita and Canetti

1980s Postmodern Table Clock attr. to Shohei Mihara for Wakita and Canetti

By Canetti, Wakita

Located in Brooklyn, NY

With a chrome frame, black and white face, and geometric hands in green, red, and yellow, this amazing 1980s desk clock has all of the hallmarks of great 1980s Memphis-inspired postm...

Category

Late 20th Century Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Chrome

Glaze Small Vase by Studionudo
Glaze Small Vase by Studionudo

Glaze Small Vase by Studionudo

Located in Geneve, CH

Glaze Small Vase by Studionudo Unique Piece. Dimensions: Ø 22 x H 20 cm. Materials: Clay. Different finishes and sizes are available. Prices may vary. Please contact us. Simple and...

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Clay

Ettore Sottsass Postmodern "Tigris" Porcelain Vase for Memphis Milano, 1983
Ettore Sottsass Postmodern "Tigris" Porcelain Vase for Memphis Milano, 1983

Ettore Sottsass Postmodern "Tigris" Porcelain Vase for Memphis Milano, 1983

For sale is a rare, early Post-Modern “TIGRIS” porcelain vase designed by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano and produced by Porcellane San Marco in the 1980s. In 1983, Ettore Sotts...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Porcelain

Carol Lahy Fused Art Glass Decorative Square Vide-Poche or Ashtray, Signed
Carol Lahy Fused Art Glass Decorative Square Vide-Poche or Ashtray, Signed

Carol Lahy Fused Art Glass Decorative Square Vide-Poche or Ashtray, Signed

Located in Clifton Springs, NY

Fused glass square vide-poche or ashtray has wide rim of deep amethyst purple color and complex central bowl with checkered pattern in the center, encircled by a blue band. All area...

Category

Early 2000s American Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass, Art Glass

Regeneration 03-1 Bronze Sculpture by Kodai Suga
Regeneration 03-1 Bronze Sculpture by Kodai Suga

Regeneration 03-1 Bronze Sculpture by Kodai Suga

Located in Geneve, CH

Regeneration 03-1 Bronze Sculpture by Kodai Suga Dimensions: W 50 x D 9 x H 25 cm Materials: Bronze Kodai Suga’s work features an evocative modernistic silhouette that has been imbu...

Category

2010s Japanese Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze, Other

1980 Italy Post-Modern Bronze Abstract Sculpture Beppe Bonetti with Base
1980 Italy Post-Modern Bronze Abstract Sculpture Beppe Bonetti with Base

1980 Italy Post-Modern Bronze Abstract Sculpture Beppe Bonetti with Base

Located in Brescia, IT

This artwork was created by the Italian artist Beppe Bonetti. Title "Piccolo racconto" translate "Little tale"" Beppe Bonetti was born in 1951 in Brescia, Italy, where he lives and ...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Meritalia SENZAFINE Round Basket, Medium / Black by Gaetano Pesce
Meritalia SENZAFINE Round Basket, Medium / Black by Gaetano Pesce

Meritalia SENZAFINE Round Basket, Medium / Black by Gaetano Pesce

By Meritalia, Gaetano Pesce

Located in Toronto, ON

Tangled polyurethane is used in Edizioni del Pesce to create a series of vases with various shapes: Senzafine by Gaetano Pesce. This intrinsic variety infuses each piece with its own...

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Plastic

TOWERX23 Architectural Elm Wood Sculpture in Dark Finish by Towerland
TOWERX23 Architectural Elm Wood Sculpture in Dark Finish by Towerland

TOWERX23 Architectural Elm Wood Sculpture in Dark Finish by Towerland

Located in Geneve, CH

TOWERX23 Architectural Elm Wood Sculpture in Dark Finish by Towerland. Dimensions: W 12.5 x D 12.5 x H 26 cm. Materials: Elm Wood with Dark Finish. The TOWERX2 series is a solid woo...

Category

2010s Chinese Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Vintage Postmodern Black and White Studio Pottery Vase from EH, 1980s
Vintage Postmodern Black and White Studio Pottery Vase from EH, 1980s

Vintage Postmodern Black and White Studio Pottery Vase from EH, 1980s

Located in Hamburg, DE

Vintage Postmodern Black and White Studio Pottery Vase from EH, 1980s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1980 to 1989. Additional information: Materials: Ceramic Color: Black Styles...

Category

20th Century Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Fungus Large Vase by David Valner
Fungus Large Vase by David Valner

Fungus Large Vase by David Valner

Located in Geneve, CH

Fungus Large Vase by David Valner Dimensions: D 17 x W 16 x H 50 cm. Materials: Glass. Weight: 6 kg. Finish: Large-tall size, dark green and beige, and matte surface. “The mystery o...

Category

2010s Czech Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Orion Candleholders by Dan Yeffet
Orion Candleholders by Dan Yeffet

Orion Candleholders by Dan Yeffet

By Dan Yeffet

Located in Geneve, CH

Orion Candleholders by Dan Yeffet Dimensions: Ø 19.7 x H 25 cm Materials: Marble Size available: Ø 18.7 x H 12 cm Ø 19.7 x H 25 cm Ø 32 x H 12 cm Marble available: ...

Category

2010s French Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

"YOU SPIN ME ROUND" Desk Clock by Kim Mullis as Wilderness Bodies
"YOU SPIN ME ROUND" Desk Clock by Kim Mullis as Wilderness Bodies

"YOU SPIN ME ROUND" Desk Clock by Kim Mullis as Wilderness Bodies

Located in Brooklyn, NY

An exceptional architectural desk clock with bold postmodern spirit, "YOU SPIN ME ROUND" by Kim Mullis as Wilderness Bodies exhibits a striking structure that commands attention thro...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Contemporary Art Pouf - Saudade by Carla Tolomeo
Contemporary Art Pouf - Saudade by Carla Tolomeo

Contemporary Art Pouf - Saudade by Carla Tolomeo

By Mirabili, Carla Tolomeo

Located in Pistoia, IT

Sculpture. Unique piece hand made by the artist. Semi-circular pouff designed by Gabriel. Vintage chenille Pontoglio cotton velvets, silk and cotton trimmings, designer decorations

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Cotton, Silk

1980s Fiorucci New Wave Italian Porcelain Heart Trinket Dish Tray
1980s Fiorucci New Wave Italian Porcelain Heart Trinket Dish Tray

1980s Fiorucci New Wave Italian Porcelain Heart Trinket Dish Tray

Vintage 1980s Fiorucci "New Wave" Italian porcelain heart-shaped trinket dish, ashtray or vide poche. This rare authentic post-modern piece is glazed porcelain with the traditional 1...

Category

1980s Italian Vintage Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain, Paint

A Memphis Milano Alcor glass vase designed by Ettore Sottsass
A Memphis Milano Alcor glass vase designed by Ettore Sottsass

A Memphis Milano Alcor glass vase designed by Ettore Sottsass

By Ettore Sottsass

Located in Oxford, GB

A Memphis Milano Alcor glass vase designed by Ettore Sottsass, made by Compagnia Vetraria Muranese, designed 1983, clear, green and opaque white glass swollen panels, applied with bl...

Category

1980s Italian Vintage Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

1980s Pink Heart Wall Clock by Lorenz
1980s Pink Heart Wall Clock by Lorenz

1980s Pink Heart Wall Clock by Lorenz

By Lorenz

Located in Brooklyn, NY

A fun round postmodern Lorenz wall clock with multi-color accents from Japan. A pink case, white face, red and blue heart hands, red heart second hand, and red and blue hearts for n...

Category

Late 20th Century Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Plastic

Hollow Form Oak Sculpture by Vlad Droz
Hollow Form Oak Sculpture by Vlad Droz

Hollow Form Oak Sculpture by Vlad Droz

Located in Geneve, CH

Hollow form oak sculpture by Vlad Droz Dimensions: D 33 x H 30 cm. Materials: Oak One of a kind. Hollow Form Oak Sculpture by Vlad Droz. Greenturned, carved, textured and sandblast...

Category

2010s Russian Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood, Oak

Italy 1980 Bronze Abstract Sculpture Walter Valentini Tavole Panels
Italy 1980 Bronze Abstract Sculpture Walter Valentini Tavole Panels

Italy 1980 Bronze Abstract Sculpture Walter Valentini Tavole Panels

By Walter Valentini

Located in Brescia, IT

Walter Valentini was born in 1928 in South Italy. A painter and engraver, he lives and works in Milan. He is Holder of the chair for engraving at the Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti in...

Category

Late 20th Century Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Prime Walnut, Any Leather Rings Only by Eternal Creek
Prime Walnut, Any Leather Rings Only by Eternal Creek

Prime Walnut, Any Leather Rings Only by Eternal Creek

Located in Geneve, CH

Prime Walnut, Any Leather Handles Only by Eternal Creek Dimensions: D 24 x H 3.2 cm Materials: Wood: Prime Walnut / Black Ash / Light Ash Leather: Shadow Black / Saddle Brown / Lond...

Category

2010s Lithuanian Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Leather, Wood

Gold Plated Ceramic Ethereal Grace Sculpture by deBlona
Gold Plated Ceramic Ethereal Grace Sculpture by deBlona

Gold Plated Ceramic Ethereal Grace Sculpture by deBlona

Located in Geneve, CH

Gold Plated Ceramic Ethereal Grace Sculpture by deBlona Dimensions: W 21 x D 13 x H 51 cm. Materials: Coated resin, Gold plated ceramic, base in golden brass / White, 24 kt gold lust...

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Sterling Silver Sculptural Vessel by Marco Zanini for Pampaloni, Italy
Sterling Silver Sculptural Vessel by Marco Zanini for Pampaloni, Italy

Sterling Silver Sculptural Vessel by Marco Zanini for Pampaloni, Italy

By Marco Zanini, Pampaloni

Located in Palm Desert, CA

This exceptional sterling silver vessel was designed by Marco Zanini for Pampaloni, one of Italy’s most renowned silversmiths, celebrated for their innovation and craftsmanship since...

Category

1980s Italian Vintage Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Sterling Silver

Fungus Little Vase by David Valner
Fungus Little Vase by David Valner

Fungus Little Vase by David Valner

Located in Geneve, CH

Fungus Little Vase by David Valner Dimensions: D 10 x W 10 x H 24 cm. Materials: Glass. Weight: 1,5 kg. Finish: Little size, Light pink and black, and matte surface. “The mystery of...

Category

2010s Czech Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

2006 Bronze Sculpture by Ugo Riva Innocente Provocazione
2006 Bronze Sculpture by Ugo Riva Innocente Provocazione

2006 Bronze Sculpture by Ugo Riva Innocente Provocazione

Located in Brescia, IT

This is an intense bronze sculpture created by the Italian artist Ugo Riva, in 2006. Lost wax bronze on iron basement. The title of this artwork is "I...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Unique London Plane Long Bowl 45 cm by Matt Kavanagh
Unique London Plane Long Bowl 45 cm by Matt Kavanagh

Unique London Plane Long Bowl 45 cm by Matt Kavanagh

Located in Geneve, CH

Unique London Plane Long Bowl 45 cm by Matt Kavanagh. Signed by Matt Kavanagh. One of a Kind. Dimensions: W 45 x D 26.5 x H 19 cm. Materials: London Plane, scorch & wax. Unique ...

Category

2010s British Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Hardwood

Contemporary Art Sofa - Nandì Verà by Carla Tolomeo
Contemporary Art Sofa - Nandì Verà by Carla Tolomeo

Contemporary Art Sofa - Nandì Verà by Carla Tolomeo

By Mirabili, Carla Tolomeo

Located in Pistoia, IT

Sculpture. Unique piece hand made by the artist. 20th century sofa from the De Curtis home in Lugano. Decorations and velvet in Pontoglio silk, exclusive design by the Author. Gold,...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Silk

Michael Lax Design Grainware METAAL Vase, circa 1992
Michael Lax Design Grainware METAAL Vase, circa 1992

Michael Lax Design Grainware METAAL Vase, circa 1992

By Michael Lax

Located in Cathedral City, CA

Measures 12-3/4” high, 7-1/2” wide at the mouth, 2-7/8” wide at the base. Stamped on base METAAL Grainware c 1992 Michael Lax Design ML-4012 There are some light scuffs and scratches especially toward the base, patina to finish. See images for detail. Michael Lax (1929–1999) was an American industrial designer who created household products for companies such as Copco, Lightolier, Dansk, Salton, Metaal, Mikasa, Tupperware, and American Cyanamid. Several of his best-known products, including the Lytegem lamp by Lightolier and the Copco enamel...

Category

1990s American Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Aluminum

Memphis Style Ceramic Vase "Ilios" by Florio Keramia 1990s
Memphis Style Ceramic Vase "Ilios" by Florio Keramia 1990s

Memphis Style Ceramic Vase "Ilios" by Florio Keramia 1990s

By Florio Keramia

Located in Debrecen, HU

This beautiful Florio Keramia ceramic vase features an abstract pattern and a glossy finish. The Ilios model is a handmade, postmodern style piece measuring 19 cm long, 24 cm wide an...

Category

1990s European Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Natalie Du Pasquier Vase Bitossi Ceramic
Natalie Du Pasquier Vase Bitossi Ceramic

Natalie Du Pasquier Vase Bitossi Ceramic

By Bitossi, Nathalie du Pasquier

Located in San Diego, CA

Capturing the unique post-modernist style of Nathalie du Pasquier, this sculpture is defined by bold geometric elements in different colors stacked in an abstract shape. Turned on a ...

Category

20th Century Italian Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Handmade Ceramic Alidoro Yellow Vase by deBlona
Handmade Ceramic Alidoro Yellow Vase by deBlona

Handmade Ceramic Alidoro Yellow Vase by deBlona

Located in Geneve, CH

Handmade Ceramic Alidoro Yellow Vase by deBlona Dimensions: D 40 x H 45 cm. Materials: Ceramic. Colors: Yellow, 24 kt gold luster. Alidoro’ is a handmade ceramic vase, finished wit...

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Pyramid quartz watch by Seiko, Japan, 1980s
Pyramid quartz watch by Seiko, Japan, 1980s

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...

Category

1980s Japanese Vintage Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Plastic, Laminate

Massive Post-Modern Italian Marble Vase
Massive Post-Modern Italian Marble Vase

Massive Post-Modern Italian Marble Vase

Located in San Diego, CA

Massive post-modern Italian black marble vase, circa 1980s. The vase has a black background with tan, white and grey veining throughout. The vase is in very good vintage condition w...

Category

20th Century Italian Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

Large Haeger Modern Ceramic Drip Glaze Vase Vessel Raku Collection
Large Haeger Modern Ceramic Drip Glaze Vase Vessel Raku Collection

Large Haeger Modern Ceramic Drip Glaze Vase Vessel Raku Collection

By Haeger

Located in Chesterfield, NJ

Large and impressive Japanese influenced vase by Haeger. This vessel is from the 1980s and has a bulbous form with a slightly irregular opening and is finished in a charcoal black matte and metallic bronze colored drip glaze. Retains the original label on the bottom - Haeger, American Made, 4416. About Haeger Potteries, from Collectors Weekly: Founded in 1871 as the Dundee Brickyard, Haeger Potteries was one of the leading American manufacturers of art pottery, jardinieres, and figurines. Beyond bricks, its first products appeared around the turn of the century in the form of red flower pots for florists. By 1912, Haeger Potteries was offering customers multiple lines of what it called "artware," some influenced by an Arts and Crafts aesthetic (its buttress-handle vases come to mind), others hearkening back to forms developed by the ancient Greeks and given evocative names like Adam and Eve. One of the biggest changes in the company's fortunes occurred in 1938, when a designer named Royal Hickman was hired by Haeger. Hickman focused on Haeger's artware, a line that was quickly named Royal Haeger, presumably to capitalize on Hickman's reputation but also to imitate the names of potteries in England such as Royal Albert and Royal Doulton. The figurines produced by Royal Haeger, the most famous of which was Hickman's black panther from 1941, were a smash with customers, as was the company's white gazelle, whose style appeared to straddle Art Deco and Mid-Century Modern. Subsequent designers such as Eric Olsen added to the Royal Haeger legacy—his muscular red bull was introduced in 1955. Throughout its history, Haeger also made lamps, from models designed for tables and desks during the Art Deco era to its popular TV lamps of the 1950s. In fact, the Mid-Century Modern tendency runs strong in Haeger; collectors of vintage Haeger know that ceramists such Sascha Brastoff got their start working for the firm. Some of these same collectors look for vintage Haeger ashtrays...

Category

1980s American Vintage Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Ceramic totem statue by Dieter Eichelmann, Germany 1980s
Ceramic totem statue by Dieter Eichelmann, Germany 1980s

Ceramic totem statue by Dieter Eichelmann, Germany 1980s

Located in ECHT, NL

Hand sculpted ceramic statue. Made by German artist Dieter Eichelmann in the 1980s. Totem or phallus style abstract figure sculpted from terracotta clay with Polychrome glazing. T...

Category

Late 20th Century German Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Paint

Dionis Vase by Moldra
Dionis Vase by Moldra

Dionis Vase by Moldra

Located in Geneve, CH

Dionis Vase by Moldra Dimensions: D 33 x H 35 cm Materials: Stoneware Moldra is a ceramic studio devoted to sculptural vases and objects. Rooted in the ancestral hand-building techn...

Category

2010s Indian Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stoneware

Joe Colombo Glass Box, Italy 1970
Joe Colombo Glass Box, Italy 1970

Joe Colombo Glass Box, Italy 1970

By Joe Colombo

Located in Conversano, IT

Designed by Joe Colombo and produced by Arnolfo di Cambio in the early 1970s, the “Biglia” box is a refined example of material experimentation and functional design. The object refl...

Category

1970s Italian Vintage Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Steel

Meritalia Big Surprise 1 / Purple, Pink and Red by Gaetano Pesce
Meritalia Big Surprise 1 / Purple, Pink and Red by Gaetano Pesce

Meritalia Big Surprise 1 / Purple, Pink and Red by Gaetano Pesce

By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia

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...

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Resin

Solingen German Steel Scissors, 1970s
Solingen German Steel Scissors, 1970s

Solingen German Steel Scissors, 1970s

Located in Bresso, Lombardy

Often called “The City of Blades”, Solingen, in North-Rhine Westphalia, has been a center for the manufacturing of scissors since medieval times. At the end of the 18th century it’s ...

Category

1970s Vintage Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Steel

Aluminium Counter Hook by Henry Wilson
Aluminium Counter Hook by Henry Wilson

Aluminium Counter Hook by Henry Wilson

By Henry Wilson

Located in Geneve, CH

Aluminium Counter Hook by Henry Wilson Dimensions: W 6 x D 4 x H 5 cm Materials: Aluminium Designed for hanging bags and coats under bar counters. Each piece is sand cast in alumi...

Category

2010s Australian Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Aluminum

Black Semi Matte Glaze Intuitive Built Sculpture 2 by Anna Shipulina Ceramics
Black Semi Matte Glaze Intuitive Built Sculpture 2 by Anna Shipulina Ceramics

Black Semi Matte Glaze Intuitive Built Sculpture 2 by Anna Shipulina Ceramics

Located in Geneve, CH

Black Semi Matte Glaze Intuitive Built Sculpture 2 by Anna Shipulina Ceramics Dimensions: W 34 x D 42 x H 14 cm. Materials: Ceramic. This piece is shaped from stoneware clay and fo...

Category

2010s American Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

October Sculpture by Carri
October Sculpture by Carri

October Sculpture by Carri

Located in Geneve, CH

October Sculpture by Carri Dimensions: W 73 x D 5 x H 90 cm Materials: Onyx. B 1995 Fernanda Carri ́s intimate practice spans painting, sculpture, ceramics, and textile, while her ...

Category

2010s Mexican Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Onyx

Borek Sipek sculpture glass bowl centerpiece signed
Borek Sipek sculpture glass bowl centerpiece signed

Borek Sipek sculpture glass bowl centerpiece signed

By B. Sipek

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Borek Sipek master Czech glass blower , artist of high end glass work . This one is known as Trinite”. Signed

Category

1990s Czech Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Vintage Asian Octagonal Lacquer Box with Turtle Closure
Vintage Asian Octagonal Lacquer Box with Turtle Closure

Vintage Asian Octagonal Lacquer Box with Turtle Closure

Located in Houston, TX

Vintage Asian Octagonal Lacquer Box With Turtle Closure. Lovely 20th century Asian lacquer box with Greek key design and a metal turtle closure. Th...

Category

20th Century Asian Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl, Lacquer

Post-modern decorative objects for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Post-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, building and garden elements and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, ceramic and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Post-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 Tom von Kaenel, Reflections Copenhagen, Christopher Gentner, and Ettore Sottsass. 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 $33 and tops out at $216,361 while the average work can sell for $1,098.