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.
Vintage Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Nut Leaf Shaped Dish With Ball Feet
Located in Doraville, GA
Vintage sterling silver bowl as a stylized leaf with a raised central ridge, topped with an open circular scroll stem and smaller leaves, raised on two circular feet. The leaf is mar...
Sterling Silver
$854 / item
Polypore Small Bowl by David Valner
Located in Geneve, CH
Polypore Small Bowl by David Valner Dimensions: D 22 x W 27 x H 13 cm. Materials: Hand-crafted glass. Weight: 2 kg. Finish: Small size, light beige and orange, and matte surface. In...
Glass
$3,917 / item
Ceramic Petalouda Small Gold Vase by deBlona
Located in Geneve, CH
Ceramic Petalouda Small Gold Vase by deBlona Dimensions: D 34 x H 42 cm. Materials: Ceramic. Colors: 24Kt Gold Luster, black, blue, light blue, green, white. The ‘Petalouda Small G...
Ceramic
$2,979 / item
Ceramic Petalouda Small Vase by deBlona
Located in Geneve, CH
Ceramic Petalouda Small Vase by deBlona Dimensions: D 34 x H 42 cm. Materials: Ceramic. Colors: Matt pastel color, 24 kt gold luster. This exquisite large ceramic vase features a s...
Ceramic
$7,525 / item
Gold Ceramic Petalouda Vase by deBlona
Located in Geneve, CH
Gold Ceramic Petalouda Vase by deBlona Dimensions: D 44 x H 32 cm. Materials: Ceramic. Colors: 24 Kt Gold, black, blue, light blue, green, white. The ‘Petalouda Gold’ majolica vase...
Ceramic
$10,261 / item
Treasure L Candlestick by Kreoo
Located in Geneve, CH
Treasure L Candlestick by Kreoo Designed by Christophe Pillet Dimensions: Ø 43 x H 154 cm. Materials: Arabescato, Breccia Medicea, and Rosso Lepanto marbles. Available in different marble options. Available in four different sizes. Please contact us. Treasure is a composition of shapes and colors. The collection comprises four slender candlesticks that alternate elegantly sculpted portions and are molded in marble according to different designs, creating an iridescent and precious furnishing item. Imagined as a freestanding complement, approximately 150 cm high, they are meant to be placed in living and bedroom spaces, as well as in wellness areas or outdoor settings, where candles warm...
Marble
Large Postmodern German Studio Pottery Vase by JLK Keramik, 1980s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Large Postmodern German Studio Pottery Vase by Jakob Leopold Knödgen for JLK Keramik, 1980s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1980 to 1989 This piece has an attribution mark. Addit...
Ceramic
Postmodern ceramic 'Femme' vase, Baba, Vallauris France ca. 1980s
Located in Firenze, IT
Postmodern white 'Femme' vase Baba, Vallauris France ca. 1980s H 34 cm x Dia. 20 cm Conditions: excellent, no defects
Ceramic
$1,827 / item
Appuntito Vase Large by Project 213A
Located in Geneve, CH
Appuntito Vase Large by Project 213A Dimensions: W25 x D34 x H24cm Materials: Ceramic Each its own individual, the touch of hand from the ceramists, the blaze from the kiln, the div...
Ceramic
$439 / 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
$1,649 / item
OTOMA_02 Vase by Emmanuelle Roule
Located in Geneve, CH
OTOMA_02 Vase by Emmanuelle Roule Unique piece. Dimensions: Ø 16 x H 31 cm. Materials: Stoneware. Vase made of white stoneware with glaze. Not w...
Stoneware
$9,300Sale Price|25% Off
Peter Shire x Vistosi Murano Postmodern Bone Sculpture with Cobalt Blue Base
By Vistosi, Peter Shire
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Exceptional upright murano art glass sculpture by Peter Shire in collaboration with Vistosi Murano. Signed at bottom. Most likely one of kind. Upright bone floats above a cobalt blue...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Opaline Glass
Postmodern Memphis Style Vase by Thomas, Rosenthal, Germany, 1980s
A very rare and extraordinary Postmodern base by Thomas Porzellan, Atelier Collection, a Division of Rosenthal. Made in Germany in the 1980s this obj...
Porcelain
Shell II Table Centerpiece by Sophie Parachey
Located in Geneve, CH
Shell II table centerpiece by Sophie Parachey Dimensions: W 33 x D 43 x H 4.5 cm Materials: Sand stoneware, shiny camel glaze, Inspired by exten...
Stoneware
Prime Walnut, Any Leather Handles Only by Eternal Creek
Located in Geneve, CH
Prime Walnut, Any Leather Handles Only by Eternal Creek Dimensions: D 3 x H 13 cm Materials: Wood: Prime Walnut / Black Ash / Light Ash Leather: Shadow Black / Saddle Brown / London...
Wood, Leather
$1,661
Caleido Bowl
Located in Milano, MI
The progressive extinction of some traditional craft techniques brings with it a difficult availability of some materials: this is the case of some types of glass used for stained gl...
Stained Glass
$1,460 / item
Recovered Large Vase by David Valner
Located in Geneve, CH
Recovered Large Vase by David Valner Dimensions: D 23 x W 23 x H 24 cm. Materials: Glass. Weight: 9,5 kg. Finish: Large size, purple and yellow. “The history of a glass factory and ...
Glass
Hexagonal Black Basalt Columns Decorative Object by Andres Monnier
Located in Geneve, CH
Pyrus Rock Installation by Andres Monnier One of a Kind. Dimensions: W 300 x D 300 x H 300 cm Materials: Basalt, Stainless Steel Stone options available: Grey, black and white marble...
Stone, Stainless Steel
$1,044 / item
Gaia Vase by Arturo Erbsman
Located in Geneve, CH
Gaia vase by Arturo Erbsman The name GAIA expresses its origin - 'from the earth' and is inspired by the earliest form of Japanese Ikebana style called Tatehana, or “standing flowers”. GAIA is a contemporary shallow vase designed to receive one or several single stem flowers in a unique arrangement. Carefully sculpted in a capsule shape from a single block of soft pink onyx, it is also available in Carrara marble. The vase comes with eleven holes that differ in diameter and has superficial chambers for each stem. Focusing on shape and line, simplicity and nature GAIA is an exquisite centerpiece for your everyday rituals. Due to their natural origin (onyx and marble), variations may exist and are to be embraced, making each vase truly one of a kind. Materials: Pink onyx. Also available in Carrara marble Dimensions: W36 x D10 x H4 cm Arturo Erbsman is a French designer whose works reflect different points of intersection between manufactured objects and the four elements of nature. He focuses on showing the delicacy of distinct aspects of water like ice, snow, stalactites, condensation and vapor in his handmade lighting objects. He derives his source of inspiration from his faraway travels and from closely observing natural phenomena of everyday life. Arturo Erbsman 2017 Salone Satellite 20 years of creativity - Milan Design Week 2016 Château de Maisons-Laffitte, France 2016 Design Stars / IFFS - Singapore design week 2015 Nature(s) Galerie Glassbox / Mains d’Oeuvre - COP21 Paris 2015 Now le Off - Paris design week 2015 Salone Satellite 2015 - Milan design week 2015 Maison&Objet, Parcours d'inspiration Nature Made - Paris 2015 Equations design at Cité des sciences et de l'industrie - Paris 2014 I designer del futuro at La Rinascente - Milan 2014 Biennale Interieur - Kortrijk, Belgium 2014 Experience/s at Bastille Design Center for the Designer's days - Paris 2014 Salone Satellite 2014 – Milan design week 2014 Formes at Cité des sciences et de l’industrie – Paris 2013 Salone Satellite 2013 – Milan Design Week 2013 Ambiente 2013 – Frankfurt 2013 Ecobat 2013 – Paris 2013 DMY International Design Festival – Berlin...
Onyx, Marble
$5,858 / item
Being Candle Holder by Edie Xu
Located in Geneve, CH
Being Candle Holder by Edie Xu Dimensions: W 60 x D 46 x H 30 cm. Materials: Stoneware. Edie Xu, b. in New York and graduated from the Art Institute of Chicago in 2023. Her work sp...
Stoneware
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
$1,301 / item
Symétrical Bowl 02 by Sophie Vaidie
Located in Geneve, CH
Symétrical Bowl 02 by Sophie Vaidie One Of A Kind. Dimensions: D 35 x W 38 x H 20 cm. Materials: Brutal Beige stoneware with fine chamotte. In the begi...
Stoneware
Resin and Steel Sawfish Shaped Sculpture
By Viktor Mtz 1
Located in Mexico City, MX
An unusual dark resin sculpture in the shape of a sawfish rostrum by Mexican artist Viktor Martínez. The piece is mounted on an Industrial style steel ...
Steel
Collection of Five Turned Wood Artisan-Created, Hand-Carved, Wood Boxes, Japan
Located in Round Top, TX
A collection of five (5) wood boxes: Two are by studio artist L.W. Joy and were all created in the early 2000's and are turned from two exotic hardwood species. They are the two sma...
Felt, Wood
Stoneware Clay, Ceramic Unbound Sculpture by Aleksandra Krasnopolska
Located in Geneve, CH
Stoneware Clay, Ceramic Unbound Sculpture by Aleksandra Krasnopolska Dimensions: W 32 x D 13.8 x H 17.5 cm Materials: Stoneware clay. Unglazed ceramic sulface. Weight: 1,9 kg. Al...
Ceramic, Clay, Stoneware
Contemporary Organic Form, Dark Grey Ceramic Sculptural Vase by Niclas Wolf
Located in Geneve, CH
Geoprimitive 079 Sculptural Vase by Niclas Wolf Unique Piece. Dimensions: Ø 35 x H 59,5 cm. Materials: Ceramic. GEOPRIMITIVE_ is a design series that compares and connects the Preca...
Ceramic
Large Scale Postmodern Ceramic Birds Figurines Jaru Art Pottery of California
By Jaru
Located in Miami, FL
A striking pair of large scale postmodern ceramic birds sculptures by Jaru Art Pottery of California in pastel tones of pink and teal. Dated 1985. Feature a stylish 1980s Art Deco ...
Ceramic
$6,599 / item
Ritus Uno Candelabra by Andres Monnier
Located in Geneve, CH
Ritus Uno Candelabra by Andres Monnier One of a Kind. Dimensions: W 30 x D 40 x H 140 cm Materials: Black marble. Designer's biography Treko concrete is a Mexican studio...
Marble
$997 / item
Paper Brass Bowl III by Gentner Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Paper brass bowl III by Gentner Design Dimensions: D 50 x W 50 x H 25.5 cm Materials: tarnished brass Available in tarnished brass and darkened brass. The Paper Series embodies the ...
Brass
$178 / item
Blue Vase by Siup Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Blue Vase by Siup Studio Dimensions: D15 x H28 cm Materials: Ceramics Siup is a small design studio based in Warsaw. The concept is created by three f...
Ceramic
Karl Springer Lacquered Snakeskin Decorative Box
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A scrupulously-crafted, decorative trinket or jewelry box by Karl Springer comprising a rectangular body with a domed, hinged lid and a suede-lined interior. The outside is wrapped e...
Suede, Animal Skin
$771
Nebula Beta
Located in Milano, MI
Serena Confalonieri continues her research in the field of self-production and craftsmanship. The subject, once again, is hand-blown borosilicate glass. After her Calypso floral glasses collection and Arabesque vases...
Blown Glass
$48,954 / item
Alabaster Screen by Andrea Giomi
Located in Geneve, CH
Alabaster Screen by Andrea Giomi Dimensions: D 210 x W 100 x H 190 cm Materials: Alabaster Volterra. Also available in another marble version. One of a kind inspired by the Basilica...
Alabaster
$598 / item
C-015 White Stoneware Vase by Moïo Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
C-015 White Stoneware Vase by Moïo Studio Dimensions: D14 x W14 x H30 cm Materials: White crawl glaze on tan stoneware Made by hand on the whee...
Stoneware
$273 / item
Brass Bottle Opener by Gentner Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Brass bottle opener by Gentner Design. Dimensions: D 14 x W 1.9 x H 1.9 cm. Materials: polished brass. Strong in form and heavy in weight, the...
Brass
$9,009 / item
So Be Lonely Sculpture by Carri
Located in Geneve, CH
So Be Lonely Sculpture by Carri Dimensions: W 52 x D 5 x H 75 cm Materials: Green Cantera. B 1995 Fernanda Carri ́s intimate practice spans painting, sculpture, ceramics, and texti...
Stone
Wing Wide Wall Piece in Welded Mirror-Polished Stainless Steel by Julian Mayor
Located in Geneve, CH
Wing Wide Wall Piece in Welded Mirror-Polished Stainless Steel by Julian Mayor Limited Edition of 5 + 2AP. Dimensions: D 25 x W 228 x H 122 cm. Materials: Mirror-polished stainless ...
Stainless Steel
Hermès Paris decorative box in leather and bronze.
By Hermès
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Hermès Paris decorative box in leather and bronze. This Hermès Paris decorative box features a cylindrical design covered in textured black leather on the exterior. The top and botto...
Bronze
Postmodern Hand Carved and Burnished Stone Egg and Holster Set, Memphis Inspired
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Carefully curated set of semi-precious stone eggs in vibrant pastels with corresponding stone platform bases for display. Set is comprised of 5 eggs and 3 stone bases and one white e...
Quartz, Alabaster, Granite, Marble
Post-Modern Kombi Vases by Margareta Hennix for Gustavsberg, 1980s, Set of 7
By Gustavsberg, Margareta Hennix
Located in Bochum, NRW
Collection of Seven Post-Modern "Kombi" Vases, Margareta Hennix for Gustavsberg. Six vases in white glazed stoneware and one in black satin glaze, made by the Swedish artist Margare...
Ceramic
$10,291 / item
Treasure M Candlestick by Kreoo
Located in Geneve, CH
Treasure M Candlestick by Kreoo Designed by Christophe Pillet Dimensions: Ø 43 x H 150 cm. Materials: Arabescato, Breccia Medicea, and Rosso Lepanto marbles. Available in different marble options. Available in four different sizes. Please contact us. Treasure is a composition of shapes and colors. The collection comprises four slender candlesticks that alternate elegantly sculpted portions and are molded in marble according to different designs, creating an iridescent and precious furnishing item. Imagined as a freestanding complement, approximately 150 cm high, they are meant to be placed in living and bedroom spaces, as well as in wellness areas or outdoor settings, where candles warm...
Marble
$8,487 / item
Basket Shape Green Vase by Emilie Lemardeley
Located in Geneve, CH
Basket Shape Green Vase by Emilie Lemardeley Unique Piece Dimensions: ⌀ 48 x H 38 cm Materials: Hand blown glass. DRYADE Collection All in crystal, these large vases are raised and ...
Blown Glass
$1,305 / item
Pink Vase by Markus Friedrich Staab
Located in Geneve, CH
Pink Vase by Markus Friedrich Staab One of a Kind Dimensions: D 18 x H 31 cm. Materials: Wood, paint, brass, paper mache. Indian Vase out of paper mache with brass inlay for your fl...
Brass
Small Wave Mar de Cobre Wall Sculpture by Aura Carpio
Located in Geneve, CH
Small Wave Mar de Cobre Wall Sculpture by Aura Carpio Dimensions: D 40 x H 4 cm. Materials: Copper. Weight: 3 Kg. Aura Carpio® (CDMX). Mexican industr...
Copper
Vintage Georg Jensen Stainless Steel Letter Opener by Allan Scharff
By Georg Jensen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A stylish organically shaped paper knife in brushed stainless steel. Designed by Allan Scharff in 90s and manufactured at Georg Jensen in Denmark. Marked: Georg Jensen, Denmark. ...
Stainless Steel
$887 / item
Glacier Hesse Pasteur Vase by Elyse Graham
Located in Geneve, CH
Glacier Hesse Pasteur vase by Elyse Graham. Dimensions: W 20 x D 20 x H 23 cm. Materials: plaster, resin. Molded, dyed, and finished by hand in LA. Customization available. All ...
Resin, Plaster
Tiered Structure Burnt Iroko Wood Bunker Candleholder by Arno Declercq
Located in Geneve, CH
Bunker candle holder by Arno Declercq Materials: Burned and waxed Oak. Dimensions: W 32 x D 32 x H 50 cm. Arno Declercq Belgian designer and art dealer who makes bespoke objects wi...
Oak
$4,200Sale Price|40% Off
Futurist Cryogenic Freezing Chamber Tube Sculpture Hero Prop, 1997 Austin Powers
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Large 12-foot tall Futurist cryogenic freezing chamber tube sculpture for the 1997 smash comedy "Austin Powers" starring Mike Myers. This large sculpture is made of a wood frame and ...
Resin, Plaster, Wood
Vintage Mexican Glass Sculpture
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This captivating vintage Mexican art glass sculpture is a striking example of modern abstract design and artisanal studio craft. Hand-crafted using sophisticated fused glass techniqu...
Copper
$3,773 / item
Red Fold Room Divider by Storängen Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Red Fold room divider by Storängen Design Dimensions: D 4 x W 70 x H 170 cm Materials: oak wood, leather straps. Available in other colors and ...
Leather, Oak
$249 / item
Incense Burner by Saturday Yard Work
Located in Geneve, CH
Incense Burner by Saturday Yard Work Dimensions: W 10 x D 10 x H 2.5 cm Materials: Aluminium. Finish: Polished face / blackened texture. SATURDAY YARD WORK by Nathan Martin is a Ka...
Aluminum
C. Jeré brass and chrome kinetic sculpture wall art
By Curtis Jeré, Artisan House, C. Jeré Artisan House
Located in Phoenix, AZ
C. Jeré uncommon kinetic brass and chrome wall sculpture. It’s made of a brass frame with two separate parts that connect or can be displayed separately. It can also be positioned offset (not pictured). Polished brass and chrome bent diamonds hang on hooks. These can slightly move under a fan or if touched, providing movement and an op art sparkling...
Brass, Chrome
Contemporary Art Green TOTEM Moon Mannequin in Silk Velvet by Carla Tolomeo
Located in Pistoia, IT
Sculpture. Unique piece hand made by the artist. The silk velvet fabric and velvet embroidery are made expressly for the artist, Carla Tolomeo.
Silk
$5,222 / item
Earthenware Inara Sculpture by Munier
Located in Geneve, CH
Earthenware Inara Sculpture by Munier Dimensions: W 23 x D 24 x H 25 cm. Materials: Earthenware. Weight: 3.3 kg. I specialize in the ancient technique of coil building, a traditiona...
Ceramic
$1,127 / item
Amber Marsala Cap and Vase by Studio Bojola
Located in Geneve, CH
Amber Marsala Cap and Vase by Studio Bojola Dimensions: D 22 x H 58 cm Materials: Pure crystal. Colour: Amber. Weight: 8 kg. The Ustica is a combination of two vases, serving as b...
Crystal
Nathalie du Pasquier Sculpture Badger by Sarri 1990s
By Nathalie du Pasquier, Alessio Sarri Ceramiche
Located in Cascina, Pisa
Terracotta sculpture representing a badger realized by Nathalie du Pasquier and produced by Alessio Sarri in the 1990s. The lion sculpture is part of Gli Animali che Fanno La Parte ...
Terracotta
Amazonia Vase (Large), Silver and Matte Orange, Turquoise Feet by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Corsi Design Factory
Located in Toronto, CA
Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Sparkling silver, Opaque Orange and Clear Blue with Turquoise 'Feet'. * All the pieces are hand-mad...
Resin
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
1980s Postmodern Wall Clock by Shohei Mihara for Wakita
By Shohei Mihara, Wakita
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A perfectly elegant and sophisticated 1980s wall clock designed by Shohei Mihara for Wakita. Postmodern, Memphis-influenced design at its finest! Black with white, red, green, and ye...
Glass, Plastic
$771
Nebula Gamma
Located in Milano, MI
Serena Confalonieri continues her research in the field of self-production and craftsmanship. The subject, once again, is hand-blown borosilicate glass. After her Calypso floral glasses collection and Arabesque vases...
Blown Glass