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.
$595
Vide-Poche
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Vide-poche in the format of a can cap, blue enameled porcelain, 20th century. Measures: D 27 cm, H 7 cm. Contact us before ordering to confirm product availability.
Porcelain
Rosenthal Eosin Vase & Bowl Trio, Johan van Loon, Helmut Drexler, Germany, 1990s
By Rosenthal
Located in Berlin, DE
Three porcelain forms by Dutch designer Johan van Loon, finished in Helmut Drexler's satin multicolour Eosin decor, for Rosenthal Studio Linie, Germany, 1990s. The set comprises a bo...
Porcelain
$56,348 / item
Calacatta Macchia Vecchia Tosca Bath by Serafini
Located in Geneve, CH
Calacatta Macchia Vecchia Tosca Bath by Serafini Materials: Calacatta Macchia Vecchia marble. Dimensions: D 92 x W 170 x H 50 cm Available in...
Marble
Rosenthal Eosin Porcelain Vase Pair by Van Loon and Drexler, 1993-1994
By Rosenthal
Located in Berlin, DE
Rosenthal Eosin porcelain vase pair designed by Johan van Loon, with iridescent decoration by Helmut Drexler, Germany, 1993-1994. The two Rosenthal Studio-Line vases combine two size...
Porcelain
Eric Ledoux Pair of Solid Cast Bronze Candelabras
Located in Mexico City, MX
A set of 2 solid cast bronze candelabras by French artist Eric Ledoux. The first one features a sun on the front and a crescent moon on the back with a mate finish. The second one sh...
Bronze
Set Of 2 Sterlet Caviar Bowls in Horn, Lacquered Wood & Crystal by Arcahorn
Located in Geneve, CH
Set Of 2 Sterlet Caviar Bowls in Horn, Lacquered Wood & Crystal by Arcahorn Dimensions: Small: D 14 x W 14 x H 9 cm. Large: D 20 x W 20 x H 11 cm. Materials: Horn, lacquered wood, an...
Crystal, Other
Set Of 2 Dafne Picture Frames in Dark Horn & Lacquered Black Wood by Arcahorn
Located in Geneve, CH
Set Of 2 Dafne Picture Frames in Dark Horn & Lacquered Black Wood by Arcahorn Designed by Filippo Dini Dimensions: Large: D 5 x W 23 x H 29 cm. Small: D 5 x W 17 x H 23 cm. Materials...
Brass, Other
$3,120Sale Price / set|51% Off
Sergio Asti for Vistosi Sixties Collection Luigiona & Lingham Murano Glass Vases
By Sergio Asti, Vistosi
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Sergio Asti for Vistosi, Sixties collection, Luigiona and Lingham works. Both signed on bottoms and numbered 6 of 33 and 16 of 33 (respectively). Dimensions: 5" height x 10.5" diam...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Opaline Glass
$1,048 / item
May I Kiss You Grey Vase by Erica Zanella
Located in Geneve, CH
May I Kiss You Grey Vase by Erica Zanella Dimensions: D 9 x W 27 x H 29 cm. Materials: Plaster. May I Kiss You was a regular solid block that was hollowed out, transforming into so...
Plaster
$2,680 / item
Anatolian 1 Vase by Güler Elçi
Located in Geneve, CH
Anatolian 1 Vase by Güler Elçi Dimensions: W 20.3 x D 20.3 x H 25.4 cm. Materials: Stoneware Ceramic. Güler Elçi is a ceramic artist based in Istanbul. In ...
Ceramic, Stoneware
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
Contempory Design, Organic Form Dark Grey Ceramic Bowl by Niclas Wolf
Located in Geneve, CH
Geoprimitive 112 Ceramic Bowl by Niclas Wolf Unique Piece. Dimensions: Ø 66,5 x H 24 cm. Materials: Ceramic. GEOPRIMITIVE_ is a design series that compares and connects the Precambr...
Ceramic
Mantar Pyramid Contemporary Figurative Sculpture by Homa
Located in Geneve, CH
Mantar Pyramid Contemporary Figurative Sculpture by Homa Dimensions: W 30 x D 30 x H 50 cm Materials: Blown Glass. Smoke Mirror. HOMA is a contemporary design atelier based in Istan...
Glass, Mirror
Buon Appetito! Reppublica Italiana Tray in Powder-Coated Aluminum by altreforme
Located in Geneve, CH
Buon Appetito! Reppublica Italiana Tray in Powder-Coated Aluminum by altreforme Dimensions: Ø 32,5 x H 1,5 cm. Materials: Powder-coated aluminum. Available in different graphics. Pl...
Aluminum, Other
Postmodern Green and Orange Murano Glass Fazzoletto Vase by Fratelli Toso, Italy
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1980s. This is a Murano glass vase by Fratelli Toso with green and orange brush strokes. It is a vintage piece, therefore it might show slight traces of use, but it c...
Murano Glass
Large Vintage Clock Kurt B.Del Banco Acerbis Kloks Morphos Italy 1980
Located in Biella, IT
Kloks Morphos Italy Kurt B.Del banco design, large clock years ’80 Acerbis International production (Memphis era) XL size of 32 inches 82 cm for side, good vintage condition.
Plastic, Plexiglass
$1,572 / item
BG 446 Handcrafed Sculpture by Bronwen Grieves
Located in Geneve, CH
BG 446 handcrafed sculpture by Bronwen Grieves Dimensions: D 40 x W 18 x H 18 cm Materials: black stoneware white slip. Other models can be done. Fired to 1180 c Bronwen Gri...
Stoneware
$1,965 / 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
Medea Picture Frame in Dark Horn & Lacquered Wood with Black Gloss by Arcahorn
Located in Geneve, CH
Medea Picture Frame in Dark Horn & Lacquered Wood with Black Gloss by Arcahorn Designed by Filippo Dini Dimensions: D 5 x W 16 x H 21 cm. Materials: Dark horn and lacquered wood. ...
Other
$3,990 / item
Light 31 Porcelain Sculpture by Laura Pasquino
Located in Geneve, CH
Light 31 Porcelain Sculpture by Laura Pasquino One of a kind Dimensions: D 32 x H 32 cm Material: White porcelain. Laura Pasquino Incorporating references from ancient Korean ceram...
Porcelain
$524 / item
Lea Vase by Moldra
Located in Geneve, CH
Lea Vase by Moldra Dimensions: D 20 x H 17 cm Materials: Stoneware Moldra is a ceramic studio devoted to sculptural vases and objects. Rooted in the ancestral hand-building techniqu...
Stoneware
Postmodern Arclumis Series Swan Aluminum Candleholder by Matthew Hilton, 1980s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Postmodern Arclumis Series Swan Aluminum Candleholder by Matthew Hilton for SCP England, 1980s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1980 to 1989 official proof of authenticity such as ...
Aluminum
Black Alongside Out Hand Crafted Sculpture by Rachael Heritage
Located in Geneve, CH
Black Alongside Out Hand Crafted Sculpture by Rachael Heritage Each Piece is Unique Dimensions: D 28 x W 24 x H 24 cm Materials: recycled card, fibre-cement, black burnished plaster....
Other
Mid-Century Brutalist Studio Pottery Art Sculpture, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Brutalist Studio Pottery Art Sculpture, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1980 to 1989. Additional information: Materials: Ceramic Style: Postmodern Color: Beige ...
Ceramic
Windmill Turquoise Porcelain Vase Duo by Jan van der Vaart for Rosenthal, 1988
By Rosenthal, Jan van der Vaart
Located in Berlin, DE
Pair of glossy turquoise porcelain vases from the “Windmill” series, designed by Dutch ceramic artist Jan van der Vaart for Rosenthal Studio-Line in 1988. The set comprises two rela...
Porcelain
$4,979 / item
Ritus Cuatro Candelabra by Andres Monnier
Located in Geneve, CH
Ritus Cuatro Candelabra by Andres Monnier Unique Piece. Dimensions: W 72 x D 20 x H 40 Materials: White Onyx Treko Concrete is a Mexican studio based in Ensenada, that aims to creat...
Onyx
Set of 3 Black Cibele Plant Stands by OK Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 3 Black Cibele Plant Stands by OK Design Dimensions: D 35 x H 30 cm, D 35 x H 45 cm, D 35 x H 54 cm. Materials: Powder-coated metal. Available in small, medium, and large. Av...
Metal
$1,048 / 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
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
Mule Deer Antler Life Sized Bust Sculpture by The Peak Antler
Located in Geneve, CH
Mule Deer Antler Life Sized Bust Sculpture by The Peak Antler Dimensions: W 83.82 x D 55.88 x H 109.22 cm Materials: naturally shed antlers Based in, produced and shipped from the U...
Antler
Ash Candlestick Holder by Evelina Kudabaite Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Ash candlestick holder by Evelina Kudabaite Studio Handmade Materials: Ash, brass Dimensions: H 45 mm x D 105 mm Colour: Yellow/light brown Notes: For dry use Since 2015, pro...
Brass
Black XIV Décima Cuarta Mobile Sculpture by Joel Escalona
Located in Geneve, CH
Black XIV Décima Cuarta mobile sculpture by Joel Escalona Dimensions: D 120 x H 185 cm Materials: oak wood. Mobile made of natural white oak with burnt finish and stainless stee...
Oak
Unique Hand-Painted Screen with Sculptural Brass Frame by Jan Garncarek
Located in Geneve, CH
Unique Hand-Painted Screen with Sculptural Brass Frame by Jan Garncarek and Ewelina Makosa Each screen is unique and signed by Jan Garncarek and Ewelina Makosa Full brass frame. Hand painted on both sides of the screen. Dimensions: 180 x 5 x 200 cm Weight:20 kg Hand painted cloth...
Brass
champagner bowl by Philipp Starck for Alessi, italy
Located in Kiel, SH
high decorative champagner bowl attribute by Philippe Starck for Alessi. The bowl is in a good used condition with small signs of use and age.
Metal, Brass, Chrome
$6,028 / item
Untitled No. 42 Vase by Marea Hildebrand
Located in Geneve, CH
Untitled No. 42 Vase by Marea Hildebrand Handmade Dimensions: D 43 x W 43 x H 40 cm Materials: Stoneware with slip. Marea Hildebrand (b. 1989) is a Zurich-based ceramic artist with...
Stoneware
$7,731 / item
Nacre VIII Sculptural Blown Glass Object by Homa
Located in Geneve, CH
Nacre VIII Sculptural Blown Glass Object by Homa. Dimensions: W 46 x D 36 x H 24 cm. Materials: Blown Glass, Silver Mirror, Smoke Mirror. Colour: Silver Satin and Smoke Satin. HOMA ...
Blown Glass, Mirror
Kosta Boda Cleopatra Purple Glass Carafe-Vase and Bowl by Ulrica Hydman-Vallien
By Kosta Boda, Ulrica Hydman-Vallien
Located in Berlin, DE
Kosta Boda “Cleopatra” glass carafe and footed bowl designed by Swedish artist Ulrica Hydman-Vallien. Offered as a matched two-piece ensemble, both pieces combine clear glass with sm...
Glass
Medium Wave Mar de Cobre Wall Sculpture by Aura Carpio
Located in Geneve, CH
Medium Wave Mar de Cobre Wall Sculpture by Aura Carpio Dimensions: D 70 x H 5 cm. Materials: Copper. Weight: 7 Kg. Aura Carpio® (CDMX). Mexican indust...
Copper
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
$1,250 / item
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 clear. “The history of a glass factory and its ...
Glass
$2,466 / item
Ash and Copper Vase by Vlad Droz
Located in Geneve, CH
Ash and copper vase by Vlad Droz. Dimensions: ?29 x H30 cm. Materials: Ash and Copper. One of a kind. Ash and Copper Vase by Russian Vlad Droz. This vase is greenturned, charr...
Copper
Richard Meier for Swid Powell Stainless Steel Bowl/Centerpiece
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful post modern design by the well known architect Richard Meier. Measure: 10 inches.
Stainless Steel
Helle Lemon Tint Cast Glass Sculpture by Bowen Liu
Located in Geneve, CH
Helle Lemon Tint Cast Glass Sculpture by Bowen Liu Dimensions: D 2.25 x W 5 x H 7 cm Materials: Cast Glass Based in, produced and shipped from the US. Bowen Liu founded her award-...
Other
$452 / item
Puff Sculpture in Ceramic by Liliana Silva
Located in Geneve, CH
Puff Sculpture in Ceramic by Liliana Silva. Signed by Liliana Silva. Dimensions: W 24 x D 24 x H 26 cm. Materials: Ceramic. This piece is available in a wide range of hand-painted f...
Ceramic
$1,441 / item
Structured By Nature Medium Vase by David Valner
Located in Geneve, CH
Structured By Nature Medium Vase by David Valner Dimensions: D 22 x W 22 x H 52 cm. Materials: Glass. Weight: 8 kg. Finish: Medium-size “branches” production style, light orange colo...
Glass
Set of 3 Dusty Peach Cibele Plant Stands by OK Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 3 Dusty Peach Cibele Plant Stands by OK Design Dimensions: D 35 x H 30 cm, D 35 x H 45 cm, D 35 x H 54 cm. Materials: Powder-coated metal. Available in small, medium, and lar...
Metal
$3,014 / item
Untitled No. 45 Vase by Marea Hildebrand
Located in Geneve, CH
Untitled No. 45 Vase by Marea Hildebrand Handmade Dimensions: D 29 x W 29 x H 32 cm Materials: Stoneware with slip. Marea Hildebrand (b. 1989) is a Zurich-based ceramic artist with...
Stoneware
Passarinho Sculptural Ceramic Bird Vase by Studio Mano
Located in Geneve, CH
Passarinho Sculptural Ceramic Bird Vase by Studio Mano. Dimensions: W 20 x D 9 x H 17 cm. Materials: Reclaimed clay with butternut scotch glaze. Studio Mano is the work of Bruno Na...
Ceramic
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
Signal-Low, On Base Sculpture in Fibre Cement & Plaster by Rachael Heritage
Located in Geneve, CH
Signal-Low, On Base Sculpture in Fibre Cement & Plaster by Rachael Heritage Unique Piece Dimensions: D 20 x W 22 x H 33 cm. Materials: Fibre-cement and burnished plaster. Shapes for...
Cement, Other
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...
Leather, Wood
Stoneware Clay, Ceramic Flowing Silence Sculpture by Aleksandra Krasnopolska
Located in Geneve, CH
Stoneware Clay, Ceramic Flowing Silence Sculpture by Aleksandra Krasnopolska Dimensions: W 25 x D 10 x H 51 cm Materials: Stoneware clay. Unglazed ceramic sulface. Weight: 3,8 kg. ...
Ceramic, Clay, Stoneware
$917 / item
Atheria Vase by Moldra
Located in Geneve, CH
Atheria Vase by Moldra Dimensions: D 26 x H 24 cm Materials: Stoneware Moldra is a ceramic studio devoted to sculptural vases and objects. Rooted in the ancestral hand-building tech...
Stoneware
Omnia Vanitas Vanité 24 Candelabra in Patinated Cast Bronze by William Guillon
Located in Geneve, CH
Omnia Vanitas Vanité 24 Candelabra in Patinated Cast Bronze by William Guillon Hand Sculpted, Dated and Signed Dimensions: Ø 19 x H 25 cm (custom dimensions upon request) Materials: ...
Bronze
Omnia Vanitas Vanité 10 Candelabra in Patinated Cast Bronze by William Guillon
Located in Geneve, CH
Omnia Vanitas Vanité 10 Candelabra in Patinated Cast Bronze by William Guillon Hand Sculpted, Dated and Signed Dimensions: Ø 18 x H 28 cm (custom dimensions upon request) Materials: ...
Bronze
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...
Wood
$3,216 / item
Sculptural Vase 2 by Donatas Zukauskas
Located in Geneve, CH
Sculptural Vase 2 by Donatas Zukauskas Unique Piece. Dimensions: D 28 x W 30 x H 66 cm. Materials: Recycled paper, concrete, cardboard, and glue. All products are handmade and uniqu...
Concrete, Other
Rosenthal Phi City Matte White Bisque Porcelain Vase by Cairn Young, 2019
By Rosenthal
Located in Berlin, DE
Designed by British designer Cairn Young for Rosenthal, the Phi City vase is a large contemporary porcelain piece defined by an intricate surface of interlocking cubic forms. Introdu...
Porcelain
Large Rosenthal Creative Center Blockglas Amber Art Glass Globe Vase, 2012
By Rosenthal
Located in Berlin, DE
A substantial globe vase from Rosenthal’s Blockglas Amber collection, designed by the Rosenthal Creative Center and documented in the company’s 2012 Studio-Line catalogue. Its rounde...
Glass
$5,718 / item
Ewer by Laura Pasquino
Located in Geneve, CH
Ewer by Laura Pasquino Limited Edition of 8 Dimensions: D 24 x H 46 cm Material: Soft-paste porcelain, glaze. Laura Pasquino Incorporating references from ancient Korean ceramics a...
Porcelain