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.
Pisces Crackle Glaze Ceramic Sculpture by Stephanie Phillips
Located in Geneve, CH
Pisces Crackle Glaze Ceramic Sculpture by Stephanie Phillips Dimensions: D8 x W 27 x x H 30 cm Materials: Ceramic Also available in other colors and custom sizes from 20cm tall - 5...
Ceramic
Hazorfim Eight Light Modern Sterling Judaica Candelabra
By Hazorfim
Located in Lambertville, NJ
A sterling Silver Modern Judaica 8 light candelabra. Made by Hazorfim, late 20th Century. Signed on base edge.
Sterling Silver
1980 Italy Bronze Abstract Sculpture Jiro Sugawara Orizzonte Femminile
Located in Brescia, IT
This artwork was created by the artist Jiro Sugawara, the title is "Female horizon"" Jiro Sugawara is a post-war artist and he was born in Japon in 1941....
Bronze
$667 / item
Terra Nova by Deetee Home
Located in Geneve, CH
Terra Nova by Deetee Home Dimensions: W 25.4 x D 25.4 x H 40.64 cm Materials: Stoneware Rooted in traditions of Shilpakala ( शल् पकला), the Sanskrit term for the art of sculpture an...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Morbelli 24k Gold and White Porcelain Wall Plate "Planisfero Celeste", Italy
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy by Morbelli, 1970s. It is made in white porcelain, which is decorated with 24k gold inlaid lamina. This is a vintage piece, therefore it might show slight traces of u...
Gold
Pop art "Risk" pink ceramic tank figure, Stefano Puzzo Italy ca. 2000s
Located in Firenze, IT
Pop art Risk pink ceramic tank figure Stefano Puzzo Italy ca. 2000s Signed under the base H 11.5 cm - 26.5 × 11 cm Conditions: excellent, no defects
Ceramic
1980 Italy Post Modern Bronze Sculpture Horse and Rider
Located in Brescia, IT
This is an interesting multiple artwork signed by the author Vito Antonio Mastrorocco, a talented young artist of years 80' in Italy. This is a multiple of a numbered edition of 1...
Bronze
Lassù Iconic 1983 Bronze Sculpture by Alessandro Mendini
Located in Weesp, NL
Own a Masterpiece: Alessandro Mendini’s Original 1983 Lassù Step into the world of postmodern artistry with Alessandro Mendini’s Lassù, a rare and iconic bronze sculpture from his o...
Bronze
Val Saint Lambert cut crystal vase from the 1960s
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Val Saint Lambert cut crystal vase from the 1960s This Val Saint Lambert Aberdeen crystal vase is a vintage piece from the 1960s that sta...
Crystal
$393 / item
Lehar Vase by Deetee Home
Located in Geneve, CH
Lehar Vase by Deetee Home Dimensions: D 31.75 x H 44.45 cm Materials: Stoneware The Lehar Vase is a sculptural ceramic piece defined by rhythmic hand-painted lines that flow across ...
Stoneware
$11,798 / item
Stoneware Tamala Sculpture by Munier
Located in Geneve, CH
Stoneware Tamala Sculpture by Munier Dimensions: W 35 x D 35 x H 35 cm. Materials: Stoneware. Weight: 3 kg. I specialize in the ancient technique of coil building, a traditional han...
Ceramic
Unique Nocturna Sculptural Vessel in Ceramic by Soledad Christie
Located in Geneve, CH
Unique Nocturna Sculptural Vessel in Ceramic by Soledad Christie. One Of a Kind. Dimensions: W 12 x D 10 x H 24 cm. Materials: Low-temperature, burnished earthenware ceramic with ope...
Ceramic, Earthenware
Post-War Abstract Bronze Statue
Located in Queens, NY
American Post-War design abstract bronze statue sculpture of a nude female figure seated in an easy chair.
Bronze
Postmodern Glass Footed Art Centerpiece Bowl With Cobalt Swirl Applied
By Blenko Glass
Located in San Diego, CA
Postmodern Glass Footed Art Centerpiece Bowl With Cobalt Swirl Applied ,excellent condition.
Blown Glass
Bespoke Italian Post Modern Rose Pink Murano Glass Geometric Couture Table Lamp
Located in New York, NY
A fun modernist table / desk lamp, a contemporary organic creation entirely hand made in Italy, the geometric shape inspired by a fashion tailored suit design, the waisted middle par...
Brass
Lotuso Ecru Ceramic Decorative Bowl by Simone & Marcel
Located in Geneve, CH
Lotuso Ecru Ceramic Decorative Bowl by Simone & Marcel Dimensions: D 31 x W 31 x H 8 cm. Materials:Ceramic. Different marble and ceramic options available. Custom options available on request. Please contact us. Our mission is to encourage people to make their home the best place to be, to get inspired and to receive friends and family. Designed and manufactured by ourselves, we offer lightings to help people creating distinctive living spaces. Enhancing the authenticity of natural and organic materials using associations and contrasts. Extreme quality behind a facade of ultra-minimalism. We find our materials to the source to ensure we give the best value...
Ceramic
Kosta Boda Royal Blue Crystal Candle Holder by Anna Ehrner, 1990's
By Anna Ehrner
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage Kosta Boda royal cobalt blue "Atoll" votive Tealight candle holder designed by Anna Ehrner, 1990s. With characteristic craftsmanship and good design, and an ongoing commitme...
Blown Glass
Anodised Aluminium Planter / Vessel Multi-Coloured from Cosmos collection
By Tino Seubert
Located in London, GB
Cosmos extends the exploration into manually anodised aluminium pieces. Building on the success of Grow-UP planters for MCQ in 2021, the collection showcases abstract anodising dye p...
Aluminum
$1,966 / item
Amphora Vase by Moldra
Located in Geneve, CH
Amphora Vase by Moldra Dimensions: D 45 x H 40 cm Materials: Stoneware Moldra is a ceramic studio devoted to sculptural vases and objects. Rooted in the ancestral hand-building tech...
Stoneware
$1,418 / item
Large Lingara Planter by Deetee Home
Located in Geneve, CH
Large Lingara Planter by Deetee Home Dimensions: W 48.768 x D 48.768 x H 60.96 cm Materials: Stoneware Lingara is an ode to that feeling. To divinity. To rootedness. INSPIRED BY Shi...
Stoneware
$8,187 / item
Concrete and Clay Totem 160 by Frederic Texier
Located in Geneve, CH
Concrete and Clay Totem 160 by Frederic Texier Dimensions: W 40 x D 25 x H 160 cm. Materials: Concrete coated with lime and cement. Color: Cray. Artist Frédéric Texier expresses ...
Concrete, Cement
$14,646 / item
Regeneration 03-2 Bronze Sculpture by Kodai Suga
Located in Geneve, CH
Regeneration 03-2 Bronze Sculpture by Kodai Suga Dimensions: W 50 x D 9 x H 30 cm Materials: Bronze Kodai Suga’s work features an evocative modernistic silhouette that has been imbu...
Bronze, Other
Stunning Postmodern Brown Scavo Glass Trinket Bowl or Centerpiece, Italy
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1980s. This bowl / centerpiece / vide-poche is made in brown scavo Murano glass. It is a vintage piece, therefore it might show slight traces of use, but it can be co...
Murano Glass
Lumières du Paradis Twisted Candleholder by Katia Luna Benaï
Located in Geneve, CH
Lumières du Paradis Twisted Candleholder by Katia Luna Benaï. Dimensions: D 17 x H 30 cm. Materials: Reclaimed Venetian briccole wood, amber Murano glass. This captivating set, hand...
Murano Glass, Wood
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...
Clay, Pottery
Colored Murano Glass Fish Decorative Figure by La Murrina, Italy
By La Murrina
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1980s. This fish is made in polychrome Murano glass and features its original label. It is a vintage piece, therefore it might show slight traces of use, but it can be...
Murano Glass
$536 / item
Kaya Vase by Deetee Home
Located in Geneve, CH
Kaya Vase by Deetee Home Dimensions: D 25.4 x H 33.02 cm Materials: Stoneware The Kaya Vase celebrates form and movement through bold hand-drawn patterns that flow across its sculpt...
Stoneware
Tecton Tray in Red Alabaster Limited Edition by Félix Millory for Monitillo 1980
Located in Geneve, CH
Tecton Tray in Red Alabaster Limited Edition by Félix Millory for Monitillo 1980. Limited Edition of 2 Pieces. Dimensions: W 26 x D 26 x H 6 cm. Materials: Alabaster. An exclusive l...
Alabaster
Abbott Pattison Bronze Sculpture on Marble Base 'Signed'
Located in North Miami, FL
Bronze with slight green patina on original rectangular marble base. This abstract figural sculpture is extremely detailed. Mr. Pattison was educated at the Francis W. Parker School in Chicago, Yale and the Yale School of Fine Arts. (B. 1916 - 1999) In 1939, he was granted Yale's first traveling fellowship, enabling him to study and work in China and Japan for 12 months. Mr. Pattison's many other prestigious prizes included the Logan, Eisendrath, and Pauline Palmer Awards from the Art Institute of Chicago. The Logan prize, awarded in 1942, was for a bronze titled "Kneeling Women." In 1951 Mr. Pattison placed first in the Metropolitan Museum's contemporary American sculpture show. Between 1940 and 1970 alone, Mr. Pattison had 10 one-man shows in Chicago. His work is on display in some of the world's most renowned museums, including the Art Institute; the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York City; the Corcoran Gallery in Washington, D.C.; and the Israeli State Museum in Jerusalem. His public commissions include installations for the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.; the U.S. State Department; Stanford University Medical Center; the Johnson Wax...
Marble, Bronze
Two Rings- Contemporary Italian Gold Patinated Bronze Abstract Modern Sculpture
By Cosulich Interiors & Antiques, Fp Art
Located in New York, NY
Cosulich Interiors & Antiques’ biggest aspiration, through this Contemporary Collection, launched for WNWN 2023, is to communicate the power of colors to trigger personal healthy env...
Granite, Bronze
Pair Post-Modern Marble Interlocking Rings / Paperweight
Located in San Diego, CA
Pair of post-modern marble interlocking rings / paperweight, circa 1980s. The piece is in very good condition with no chips or cracks and measures 5"W x 3.5"D x 3"H. Beautiful brown ...
Marble
Boho Artisan Pigmented Plaster Scagliola Plinth
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Add a splash of artistic flair to your vignette with this striking vintage Scagliola plinth. Expertly crafted using the traditional Italian technique of blending plaster and pigments...
Plaster
$360Sale Price|20% Off
Baccarat Crystal Glass Zodiac Dragon
By Baccarat
Located in Mérida, YU
Baccarat Crystal Glass Ornament Zodiac Dragon. 2012. Perfect condition. Marked.
Crystal
Pair Of 1970s Post Modern White Marble Rams By Masatoyo Kishi Kuki
By Kuki
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
This striking pair of 1970s post modern ram sculptures by Masatoyo Kishi Kuki showcases a bold yet refined sculptural presence. Expertly carved fro...
Marble
Duramen Stainless Steel Top and Solid Walnut Sculptural Object by Jules Lobgeois
Located in Geneve, CH
Duramen Stainless Steel Top and Solid Walnut Sculptural Object by Jules Lobgeois Unique Piece Dimensions: D 35 x H 42 cm. Materials: Solid walnut, stainless steel. The heartwood is ...
Stainless Steel
$6,137 / item
Materia Colectiva VI Resin Bowl by Marcela Cure
Located in Geneve, CH
Materia Colectiva VI Bowl by Marcela Cure Limited Edition of 8 Dimensions: W 50 x D 36 x H 18 cm Materials: Hand-pigmented resin. A faceted bowl with pierced handles, recalling anci...
Resin
$440 / item
Small Coral Vase by Dzovag Kotchian
Located in Geneve, CH
Small Coral Vase by Dzovag Kotchian Dimensions: W 12 x D 12 x H 30 cm Materials: Stabilized Raw Clay, Metal. Dzovag Kotchian's work develops through theoretical reflection and arti...
Metal
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
Postmodern Millefiori Green Murano Glass Vase with Murrines and Gold Leaf, Italy
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1980s. This millefiori vase features different murrines and gold leaf flakes. It has its original label from Murano. This item is vintage, therefore it might show s...
Gold Leaf
Prime Walnut, Any Leather Sack Leather Kettlebell by Eternal Creek
Located in Geneve, CH
Prime Walnut, Any Leather Sack Leather Kettlebell by Eternal Creek Dimensions: W 20 x D 26 x H 30 cm Materials: Wood: Prime Walnut / Black Ash / Light Ash Leather: Shadow Black / Sa...
Metal
Contemporary Art The Butterfly Sofa in Silk Velvet by Carla Tolomeo
Located in Pistoia, IT
Sculpture. Unique piece hand made by the artist. The silk velvet fabric and the embroideries are made expressly for the artist, Carla Tolomeo.
Silk
Avantgarde Sculpture, hand-painted, signed - Jankov, 1983
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a stunning avantgarde hand-painted sculpture in plaster. The sculpture depicts a child with the hollow chest, which is painted in the manner of Frida Ka...
Plaster, Paint
$1,966 / item
Elara Vase III in Blown Glass by Homa
Located in Geneve, CH
Elara Vase III in Blown Glass by Homa. Dimensions: W 26 x D 23 x H 36 cm. Materials: Blown Glass. Colour: Purple. The ‘Elara Vase’ embraces contemporary design through its fluid an...
Blown Glass
Ottavia Box in Glossy Horn, Ebony Veneer & Aida Pebbled Leather by Arcahorn
Located in Geneve, CH
Ottavia Box in Glossy Horn, Ebony Veneer & Aida Pebbled Leather by Arcahorn Designed by Filippo Dini Dimensions: D 13 x W 13 x H 11 cm. Materials: Glossy horn, ebony veneer, and Aida...
Stainless Steel, Other
Tanya Poust Dancing Couple Patinated Bronze
Located in Astoria, NY
Tanya Poust (American, XX) Dancing Couple Patinated Bronze Sculpture, atop a black marble plinth with "Tanya Poust" plaque label. Overall: 26.5" H x 18" W x 7" D. Provenance: From ...
Marble, Bronze
Italian Murano Art Glass Paperweight Lily Flower with Curled Stem Sculpture 1980
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Italian Murano Art Glass Lily Flower with Curled Stem Paperweight. VIntage Murano Italian Art Glass Flower Sculpture Decorative Object, 1980s. Beautiful blown art glass Murano lily...
Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass
$2,621 / item
Sculpture Bloomen 14 by Zanellazine Ceramics
Located in Geneve, CH
Sculpture Bloomen 14 by Zanellazine Ceramics Dimensions: W 26 x D 23 x H 43 cm Materials: Red and white clay, Green semi-refractorie clay. About: Giovanna Zighetti, ceramist and se...
Ceramic
"MULTI-COLOR" Corian Wall Clock by Kim Mullis as Wilderness Bodies
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A captivating contemporary wall clock, "Multi-Color" by Kim Mullis as Wilderness Bodies demonstrates masterful geometric composition through bold angular forms. It combines precision...
Corian
Contemporary Art The Bed Palm Tree Bed in Silk Velvet by Carla Tolomeo
Located in Pistoia, IT
Bed in silk velvet, unique pieces hand made by the artist. The silk velvet fabrics and the embroideries are made expressly for the artist, Carla Tolomeo.
Silk
$7,734 / item
Nacre IX Sculptural Blown Glass Object by Homa
Located in Geneve, CH
Nacre IX Sculptural Blown Glass Object by Homa. Dimensions: W 52 x D 36 x H 17 cm. Materials: Blown Glass, Silver Mirror, Smoke Mirror. Colour: Beige Satin and Smoke Satin. HOMA is...
Blown Glass, Mirror
Pair of Cyan Murano Cased Glass Vases by Carlo Moretti, Italy
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1970s. Made in cased Murano glass. The smaller vase is labelled (as shown in the video), while the other had it but lost it due to cleaning. We've had an identical vas...
Murano Glass
Lumières du Paradis Tall Candleholder by Katia Luna Benaï
Located in Geneve, CH
Lumières du Paradis Tall Candleholder by Katia Luna Benaï. Dimensions: D 17 x H 30 cm. Materials: Reclaimed Venetian briccole wood, amber Murano glass. This captivating set, hand-cr...
Murano Glass, Wood
$865 / item
Dust Mercury Vase by Elyse Graham
Located in Geneve, CH
Dust Mercury vase by Elyse Graham Dimensions: W 14 x D 14 x H 25.5cm Materials: Plaster, Resin Molded, dyed, and finished by hand in LA. Customization Available. All pieces are ...
Resin, Plaster
$691 / item
Dune Bloom Vase by Deetee Home
Located in Geneve, CH
Dune Bloom Vase by Deetee Home Dimensions: D 38.1 x H 35.56 cm Materials: Stoneware A handcrafted ceramic vessel where flowing glazes meet earthy textures, creating a piece that fee...
Stoneware
Rare Orange Murano Glass Vase by Ercole Barovier model "Rotellati", Italy
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1970s. This is an extremely rare vase, designed by Ercole barovier for Barovier's company in Murano. It is made in hand-blown glass, with a tile composition that req...
Murano Glass
Ettore Sottsass Le Connessioni Vase from the Ruins Series by Bitossi Italy, 1992
Located in Kansas City, MO
Le Connessioni vase from the Ruins series by Ettore and made by Bitossi for Design Gallery Milano, Italy, 1992. Glazed stoneware. Signed to underside 'Ettore Sottsass 1992 3/9 Bitoss...
Stoneware
Sven Wejsfelt, Vase, Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1981
Located in Stockholm, SE
A charming vase made by ven Wejsfelt. Made in Gustavsberg Studio and marked with the Studio hand. Modell "Castrol", and signed and dated 1981. Bright glaze, almost resembling a lemon...
Stoneware
$7,138 / item
XIV Décima Cuarta Mobile Sculpture by Joel Escalona
Located in Geneve, CH
XIV Décima Cuarta mobile sculpture by Joel Escalona Dimensions: D 120 x H 185 cm Materials: oak wood. Also available with burnt finish. Mobile made of natural white oak or natu...
Oak
Sommerso Vase by Flavio Poli for Seguso, Murano, Italy, 1970s
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Sommerso Vase by Flavio Poli for Seguso, Murano, Italy, 1970s This vase features a Sommerso design, characterized by its encapsulated layers of glass. Its shape is prismatic and elon...
Art Glass
Signed crystal glass vase by Louis Leloup. Made by Val Saint Lambert, Belgium
Located in München, BY
Beautiful crystal glass table vase by Val Saint Lambert. Designed by Louis Leloup. With original label and signed base. Stunning design in black and clear...
Crystal