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.
Postmodern Set of Three Aquamarine and Brown Murano Glass Candleholders, Italy
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1980s. They are made in hand blown Murano glass. The bubbles and the difference in their dimensions are due to the handcraft process. These candleholder are vintage,...
Murano Glass
Ettore Sottsass Postmodern "Tigris" Porcelain Vase for Memphis Milano, 1983
By Memphis Milano, Porcellane San Marco, Ettore Sottsass
Located in London, GB
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 Sott...
Ceramic, Porcelain
Howard Miller George Nelson 1984 Checkerboard Table Clock, "Tempo 21" Tower 3
By George Nelson, Howard Miller
Located in Kansas City, MO
Rare postmodern brown and cream checkerboard table clock by Howard Miller Clock Company. From the 1984 "Tempo 21" collection. Slight signs of wear ...
Aluminum
Extra Large Wave Mar de Cobre Wall Sculpture by Aura Carpio
Located in Geneve, CH
Extra Large Wave Mar de Cobre Wall Sculpture by Aura Carpio. Dimensions: D 120 x H 5 cm. Materials: Copper. This piece can be produced in customized sizes and finishes upon request...
Copper
Tall SIGNED French Abstract Ceramic Sculpture in Two Pieces
Located in North Miami, FL
This is a fantastic large scale hand made ceramic sculpture SIGNED to interior top piece (SEE all detail images and video). This ethereal bird-like figure has wonderful coloring and...
Ceramic
Medium Brass Mar de Cobre Wall Sculpture by Aura Carpio
Located in Geneve, CH
Medium Brass Mar de Cobre Wall Sculpture by Aura Carpio Dimensions: D 70 x H 5 cm. Materials: Copper, Brass. Weight: 7 Kg. Aura Carpio® (CDMX). Mexican industrial designer graduate...
Copper, Brass
Cerium Oxide, Grey, Deruta Blue Dolphins Vase by deBlona
Located in Geneve, CH
Cerium Oxide, Grey, Deruta Blue Dolphins Vase by deBlona Dimensions: W 42 x D 30 x H 27 cm. Materials: Ceramic. Colors: Cerium Oxide, Grey, Deruta Blue. ...
Ceramic
White Stoneware Alavastron Vase by Elena Vasilantonaki
Located in Geneve, CH
White Stoneware Alavastron Vase by Elena Vasilantonaki Unique Dimensions: ⌀ 20 x H 40 cm (Dimensions may vary) Materials: Stoneware Available finishes: White, Red, Black, Brown, Blac...
Stoneware
Murano Style Art Glass Mushroom Toadstool Paperweight Green and Yellow 1980s
By Fornasa De Murano A L'Insegna Del Moreto
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Murano Style Italian Art Glass Mushroom Toadstool Paperweight Green and Yellow 1980s. Beautiful vintage Murano style hand made yellow with green spots Italian art glass mushroom toad...
Art Glass, Blown Glass
Vintage Original Drip Glazed Pottery Vase
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This stunning contemporary studio pottery vase is a masterwork of high-contrast glaze and bold sculptural form. Featuring a low-profile, globular silhouette, the vessel is cloaked in...
Pottery
Set Of 3 Bacco Smoking Lighter & Ash Trays in Horn, Brass & Wood by Arcahorn
Located in Geneve, CH
Set Of 3 Bacco Smoking Lighter & Ash Trays in Horn, Brass & Wood by Arcahorn Designed by Filippo Dini Dimensions: Lighter: D 10 x W 10 x H 9 cm. Cigarette Ash Tray: D 16 x W 16 x H 4...
Brass, Other
Cálice Sculptural Object in Cast Brass by Studio Orth
Located in Geneve, CH
Cálice Sculptural Object in Cast Brass by Studio Orth Dimensions: D 12 x W 12 x H 18 cm. Materials: Cast brass. Estúdio Orth is a multidisciplinary furniture and interior design of...
Brass
John Nygren Blue Ridge Landscape #2132 Post Modern Glass Vase 1980s Vintage
Located in Hyattsville, MD
This vessel is a beautiful example of studio art glass crafted by the prominent American master glassblower John Nygren.Artwork se features Nygren's signa...
Art Glass
Horus by Paul Wunderlich for Rosenthal 1985
Located in Weesp, NL
Rare 1985 Paul Wunderlich Porcelain Art Piece “Horus” Elevate your art collection with this extraordinary 1985 Jahresobjekt “Horus,” created by the renowned German artist Paul Wunde...
Porcelain
Christofle , silver plate paperweight " Lucky Dice ".cube .
By Christofle
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Great paperweight design in this Christofle ornament .
Silver Plate
Black Stoneware Sfondyli Vase by Elena Vasilantonaki
Located in Geneve, CH
Black Stoneware Sfondyli Vase by Elena Vasilantonaki Unique Dimensions: ⌀ 27 x H 23 cm (Dimensions may vary) Materials: Stoneware Available finishes: Black, White, Brown, Red, White ...
Stoneware
Postmodern Pair of Brown and Aquamarine Murano Glass Candleholders, Italy
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1980s. They are made in hand-blown Murano glass. The bubbles and the difference in their dimensions are due to the handcraft process. These candleholder are vintage,...
Murano Glass
Unique Untitled 4 Hand Carved White Porcelain Vessel by Lee Jong Min
By Lee Jong Min
Located in Geneve, CH
Unique Untitled 4 Hand Carved White Porcelain Vessel by Lee Jong Min. One of a Kind. Dimensions: W 25 x D 25 x H 47 cm. Materials: Hand-carved white porcelain. "Untitled 4" is a un...
Porcelain
$9,151 / item
Tiny Gods Sculpture by Carri
Located in Geneve, CH
Tiny Gods Sculpture by Carri Dimensions: W 35 x D 5 x H 50 cm Materials: Onyx. B 1995 Fernanda Carri ́s intimate practice spans painting, sculpture, ceramics, and textile, while her...
Onyx
Set of 4, 2 Plizé Boxes & 2 Beebee Jars by Made by Choice
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 4, 2 plizé boxes & 2 beebee jars by Made by Choice with Hanna Anonen Dimensions: W17 x D17 x H22 cm (L - white), W17 x D17 x H15.5 cm (M - blue) ( Plizé boxes) D18 x H30 cm (L- green), D15.5 x H24 cm (S - orange) Beebee jars Materials: birch plywood Also available: different colors & sizes. The Plizé box – Serrated surface balanced with a spherical knob is an eye-catcher like no other. Irresistible color combinations make this box a centerpiece of any space. About Made by Choice: Nordic Happiness. Nordic Happiness is our grand theme and guiding star. Studies show that Nordic people are among the happiest on Earth. Nordic happiness is composed of authentic values and sustainable choices. The vision of Choice is based on the added value of collective creation while promoting sustainable Nordic values through authentic design. Rooted in the traditions of Finnish woodworks, Made by Choice is a creative powerhouse of collaborative thinkers, believers and makers, establishing a global brand for the 21st century. Committed to producing durable, bold and innovative designs, we combine contemporary woodworking methods and modern technology. Halikko is home to our 4000 square metre campus where we turn abstract concepts into tangible objects. Our team in our office in Helsinki coordinates all operations and installations. Made by Choice's agile, purpose driven approach means all new products are developed on demand, for a specific project and need, and carries the authentic story of it's reason of existence. Our products are developed and manufactured at our own factory in south-western Finland by some of the best craftsmen in the world. Choice is inspired by heritage and Nordic urban...
Birch, Plywood
$10,441 / item
Xenith Bronze Sculpture by Kodai Suga
Located in Geneve, CH
Last Light Bronze Sculpture by Kodai Suga Dimensions: W 50 x D 10 x H 45 cm Materials: Bronze Kodai Suga’s work features an evocative modernistic silhouette that has been imbued wit...
Bronze, Other
$175 / item
Medium Amber Magma Vase by Mana
Located in Geneve, CH
Medium Amber Magma Vase by Mana Dimensions: D 14 x W 11 x H 21 cm. Materials: Recycled pet from post-consumer plastics, mainly discarded bottles/single use food packaging, collected ...
Plastic
$111,323
72.5° Arcs x9
By Bernar Venet
Located in Paris, FR
Black patina steel sculpture 70 x 43 x 30 cm Title engraved at base of work Archive number: bv03ss10 To achieve a flawless curve, 72.5° Arcs x9 is based on the fundamental principle...
Steel, Stainless Steel
A POP inflatable "NANA" SCULPTURE by NIKI DE SAINT PHALLE France 1970
Located in PARIS, FR
A large inflatable sculpture of "Nana", Pop, Post-Modernist, New Realist, in black plastic with a jersey with brightly colored pictorial motifs, marked on the thigh: Niki de Saint Ph...
Plastic
Bespoke Italian Post Modern Rose Pink Murano Glass Geometric Couture Table Lamp
Located in Brooklyn, 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
$67,005 / item
Arthur Life Sized Elk Sculpture by The Peak Antler
Located in Geneve, CH
Arthur Life Sized Elk Sculpture by The Peak Antler Dimensions: W 121.92 x D 243.84 x H 274.32 cm Materials: naturally shed antlers Based in, produced and shipped from the US. Custo...
Antler
$2,600Sale Price|31% Off
'Babel' Resin Wine Bucket by Gaetano Pesce for Fish Design Italy, 1990s, Signed
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Limited edition 1990s flexible resin wine bucket by Gaetano Pesce for Fish Design, Italy. Numbered 182/1000. Works great as an ice bucket, wine bucket, catch-all, vase, vessel, sculpture, planter, pot or jardinière. If you use it as a planter, we suggest an interior lining to protect the piece. ABOUT THE ARTIST: Gaetano Pesce, born on November 8, 1939, in La Spezia, Italy, is renowned as a leading figure in contemporary Italian design and architecture. Fearlessly experimental with materials and color, Pesce has collaborated with Italy’s foremost design companies, including Artemide, Vitra, Cassina, and B&B Italia. Pesce began his journey into design at the University of Venice, where he pursued architecture and graduated in 1965. Influenced by prominent figures such as Ernesto Nathan Rogers and Mario Bellini at the Venice College of Industrial Design, Pesce embraced a commitment to novelty and avant-garde principles. He co-founded the avant-garde architectural collective "Gruppo N," inspired by the Bauhaus aesthetic, during his formative years. Pesce’s portfolio encompasses a wide range of designs, from iconic furniture pieces to monumental architectural projects. His creations reflect a profound contemplation of modernity, exemplified by the La Mamma chair (1969), which evokes a prehistoric fertility figure, and the Organic Building in Osaka (1993), celebrated for its innovative hanging garden motif. Among his most celebrated furniture designs are the Up series for B&B Italia, including the Up5 armchair (La Donna) and Up6 ottoman (La Mamma), which challenge traditional notions of form and function with their bold, anthropomorphic shapes. Other notable designs include the 357 Feltri chair...
Resin
Transparent Murano Glass Decanter Bottle by Carlo Moretti, Italy
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, in 1980s. The decanter is made in ribbed hand-blown Murano glass with a modeled polychrome glass cap. This is a vintage piece, therefore it might show slight traces o...
Murano Glass
Contemporary Glass Vase Mini Mountain by Fos, Pink
By FOS
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Moulded and then mouth blown glass. One of a kind. The Mountain vases by FOS embody the surface of the mountain, calibrated to the size of human interiors. FOS explains, “It’s ...
Glass
Postmodern Vase Senape by Ettore Sottsass for Marutomi 1997
Located in Kelkheim (Taunus), HE
Object: Vase Manufacturer: Marutomi Designer: Ettore Sottsass (1917–2007) Model: Senape Date: 1997 Period: Postmodern Material: Plastic Origin: Japan Height: 14 cm Diameter: 16.5 cm ...
Plastic
Morform Ceramic Sculpture in Terracotta Stoneware Clay by Catalin Filip
Located in Geneve, CH
Morform Ceramic Sculpture in Terracotta Stoneware Clay by Catalin Filip. Dimensions: W 35 x D 35 x H 40 cm. Materials: Terracotta Stoneware Clay, textured natural ceramic finish. Mo...
Ceramic, Stoneware
'Nob Hill' Ceramic Mug Sculpture by Peter Shire, 2015
By Peter Shire
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Glazed whiteware ceramic mug sculpture by Peter Shire, 2015. Approximate measures: 11 3/4" high x 16 1/2" wide x 29" long (to handle) Peter Shire: Peter Shire is an LA-based art...
Ceramic
Vasa Velizar Mihich Acrylic Sphere Sculpture, Post-Modern Design, 1989
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Signed and dated spherical acrylic sculpture by Vasa Mihich, circa 1990. The 5 1/2" diameter piece displays evolving optical effects from the blue, green, and orange acrylics when ro...
Acrylic
$2,343Sale Price / item|20% Off
Iron Sculpture by Aldo Guarnieri
Located in Milano, IT
This modern sculpture by Aldo Guarnieri commands attention with its austerity and visual complexity. Crafted with a mixed technique, the piece consists of two overlapping square pane...
Metal, Iron
$679 / item
Paper Brass Bowl I by Gentner Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Paper brass bowl I by Gentner Design Dimensions: D 25.4 x W 25.4 x H 12.7 cm Materials: tarnished brass Available in tarnished brass and darkened brass. The Paper Series embodies th...
Brass
Ettore Sottsass 'Caravanserraglio' Centerpiece, Studio Alchimia
By Ettore Sottsass, Studio Alchimia
Located in Krefeld, DE
A rare 'Caravanserraglio' centrepiece designed by Ettore Sottsass for Studio Alchimia, Milan, circa 1979. Conceived as part of Alchimia’s experimental Bauhaus series, this sculptural...
Wood
Post-Modern Geometric Stoneware Bowl Object - Karl Fulle, Early 1990s
Located in Berlin, DE
A large hand-built stoneware bowl object by German ceramic artist Karl Fulle, dating from 1992 geometric phase and confirmed by the artist. The post-modern piece is constructed from...
Ceramic
Amazonia Vase Extra Colour (Large), Dark Salmon, Pink, Bronze, Red, Aubergine
By Corsi Design Factory, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Toronto, ON
Large "Amazonia" Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Dark Salmon, Pink, Bronze, Red, Aubergine *All the pieces are hand-made and theref...
Resin
Postmodern Glazed Ceramic Decorative Item by Giovanni Bertoncello for Schiavon
By Giovanni Bertoncello, Schiavon
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy by Giovanni Bertoncello for Schiavon, 1970s. It is made in brown glazed ceramic. It is a vintage piece, therefore it might show slight traces of use, but it can be cons...
Ceramic
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
$10,441 / item
Vanguard 02-1 Bronze Sculpture by Kodai Suga
Located in Geneve, CH
Vanguard 02-1 Bronze Sculpture by Kodai Suga Dimensions: W 50 x D 7.5 x H 40 cm Materials: Bronze Kodai Suga’s work features an evocative modernistic silhouette that has been imbued...
Bronze, Other
$14,308 / item
Genesis Bronze Sculpture by Kodai Suga
Located in Geneve, CH
Genesis Bronze Sculpture by Kodai Suga Dimensions: W 50 x D 30 x H 45 cm Materials: Bronze Kodai Suga’s work features an evocative modernistic silhouette that has been imbued with d...
Bronze, Other
Miniature Mariposa Chair Desk Decoration by Cuero Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Miniature Mariposa Chair Desk Decoration by Cuero Design Dimensions: D 23 x W 23 x H 23 cm. Materials: Black leather and metal. Finish: Crude Nature lea...
Metal
$234 / item
Blackened Brute Handle by Henry Wilson
By Henry Wilson
Located in Geneve, CH
Blackened Brute Handle by Henry Wilson Dimensions: W 3 x D 2 x H 10 cm Materials: Blackened bronze. This versatile handle can be used for cabinetry, sliding doors, and sash windows....
Bronze
Homage to Newton Figurative Sculptures by Salvador Dalí 1981
Located in Madrid, ES
This sculpture, Homage to Newton, was cast by the Perseo Foundry in Mendrisio, Switzerland, using the lost-wax casting method from a mold made from Salvador Dalí's original work, cre...
Bronze
$10,441 / item
Vanguard 01 Bronze Sculpture by Kodai Suga
Located in Geneve, CH
Vanguard 01 Bronze Sculpture by Kodai Suga Dimensions: W 50 x D 7.5 x H 27 cm Materials: Bronze Kodai Suga’s work features an evocative modernistic silhouette that has been imbued w...
Bronze, Other
Raw & Rainbow Rainwow Sculpture in Powder-Coated Aluminum by altreforme
Located in Geneve, CH
Raw & Rainbow Rainwow Sculpture in Powder-Coated Aluminum by altreforme Limited Edition Of 10 Pieces. Dimensions: D 2,5 x W 14 x H 7 cm. Materials: Powder-coated aluminum. "Somewher...
Aluminum
Soft and Organic Form Ivory Stoneware Luwana Sculpture by Munier
Located in Geneve, CH
Stoneware Luwana Sculpture by Munier Dimensions: W 42 x D 45 x H 36 cm. Materials: Stoneware. Weight: 10 kg My work is driven by the desire to infuse homes with harmony, the kind th...
Ceramic
Vintage Adjustable Sculptural Metal Candlesticks, Set of Twelve
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A collection of twelve vintage sculptural metal candlesticks featuring elongated adjustable stems, tapered cone tops, and weighted organic bases. Each stem bends and reshapes by han...
Metal, Pewter
$1,394 / 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
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
Tall Forest Green Magma Vase by Mana, Recycled Plastic, Post-Modern
Located in Geneve, CH
Tall Forest Green Magma Vase by Mana Dimensions: D 11 x W 11 x H 25 cm. Materials: Recycled pet from post-consumer plastics, mainly discarded bottles/single use food packaging, colle...
Plastic
Flores Hammered Suar Wood Patina Black Vase by Mary Verspoor
Located in Geneve, CH
Flores Hammered Suar Wood Patina Black Vase by Mary Verspoor Dimensions: D 50 x H 50 CM Materials: Suar wood Mary Verspoor, of Indonesian-Dutch descent, is a Bali-based designer and...
Other
Vintage Rosenthal Lead Crystal Heart Bud Vase or Paper Weight
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a vintage Rosenthal lead crystal heart vase. These heavy, handcrafted pieces were often made in Brazil and are designed to function as both a decorative sculp...
Acrylic
Rosenthal Eosin Porcelain Vase Trio by Johan van Loon and Helmut Drexler, 1990s
By Rosenthal
Located in Berlin, DE
Curated trio of Rosenthal Studio-Linie porcelain vases pairing Johan van Loon’s folded forms with Helmut Drexler’s satin-iridescent Eosin decoration. The finish shifts between gold,...
Porcelain
$10,312 / item
Posthuman Sculptural Object By Caspi Ceramics NL
Located in Geneve, CH
Posthuman Sculptural Object By Caspi Ceramics NL Dimensions: W 20 x D 25 x H 58 cm. Materials: Ceramic, engobe, Jarre-a-la-corde, oxidation firing. About: From early childhood, cera...
Ceramic
Life Sized Wall Mounted Mule Deer Bust by The Peak Antler
Located in Geneve, CH
Life Sized Wall Mounted Mule Deer Bust by The Peak Antler Dimensions: W 73.66 x D 50.80 x H 132.08 cm Materials: naturally shed antlers Based in, produced and shipped from the US. ...
Antler
$400Sale Price|20% Off
Lucite Sculpture Signed Vaham 88
Located in Denton, TX
Sculpted abstract Lucite on stand in the style of Van Teal.
Lucite
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
Ceramic vase Memphis, “BASTIONE” by Luciano Florio Paccagnella, Milan, 1990’s.
Located in Milan, IT
Memphis Milano painted ceramic vase by Luciano Florio Paccagnella, “BASTIONE” in purple, red, green, yellow color. Florio was a key member of the Memphis group when he created his se...
Ceramic