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.
1969 Italy Abstract Bronze Sculpture Andrea Picini Bintou
Located in Brescia, IT
This is an intense bronze abstract sculpture and it was created by the Italian artist Andrea Picini. This artwork is a multiple of 70 specimen and thi...
Bronze
Postmodern Round Pop Art Desk or Table Clock, Memphis Milano Style, Italy, 1990s
By George Sowden, Memphis Milano, Nathalie du Pasquier
Located in Vienna, AT
An eye-catching post-modern Pop-Art Italian desk or table clock from the early 1990s. Outstanding design, the housing is made of black rubber, it has a clear see-trough clocks face, ...
Plastic, Plexiglass, Rubber
Postmodern German Studio Pottery Abstract Candleholder and Aroma Lamp, 1980s
By Studio Pottery
Located in Hamburg, DE
Postmodern German Studio Pottery Abstract Candleholder and Aroma Lamp, 1980s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1980 to 1989 Additional information: Materials: Ceramic Color: Blue S...
Ceramic
German Post-Moddern Yellow Ceramic Vases 'The Kiss' by ASA, 1980s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A stylish duo of two abstract facial vases. Executed in ceramic with flat yellow glaze. Manufactured by ASA in Germany during the 1980s. Measurements: H: 21 cm, W/D: 10/7 cm. Measu...
Ceramic
Marcelo Morandín Foundation of Tenochtitlan Eagle With Snake Sculpture
Located in Mexico City, MX
A plated bronze eagle sculpture by Argentine-born Mexican sculptor Marcelo Morandín. The ethereal sculpture depicts Mexico's national symbol and coat of arms, an eagle devouring a ra...
Stone, Bronze
Postmodern Wooden Bowl by Pietro Manzoni, Memphis Style, Italy, 1980s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Multi-colored wooden bowl by Pietro Manzoni. This large bowl follows postmodern forms and colors. M Branding on the bottom. This piece has an attribution mark. Additional informatio...
Wood
Guy Dill Large Welded Mid Century Post Modern Abstract Steel Table Sculpture
By Guy Dill
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A large and impressive steel sculpture by world renowned artist Guy Dill. It consists of black welded steel circa 1990's. Welded signature.
Cut Steel
Post-Modern Ceramic Sculptural Vase by MarCo M.A.C. Sculpture, California 1980s
By MAC
Located in San Diego, CA
A striking Postmodern ceramic vase by MarCo for M.A.C. Sculpture, California, dating to the 1980s. This architectural form features a bold, stacked profile with flared cylindrical op...
Ceramic
Valdivia Virgin Sculpture in Polished Cast Bronze by Estudio Andean
Located in Geneve, CH
Valdivia Virgin Sculpture in Polished Cast Bronze by Estudio Andean Dimensions: D 9 x W 65 x H 16,5 cm. Materials: Bronze. VALDIVIA is a sand-cast bronze sculptural object represen...
Bronze
Vintage Emerald Green and Blue Murano Art Glass Elephant Sculpture Paperweight
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Gorgeous vintage Murano Venetian style handblown art glass sculpture of an elephant. Italian art glass hand blown green and uranium neon green elephant sculpture...
Blown Glass
$1,987Sale Price / set|50% Off
Set of 3 Swarovski crystal Douglass Cloutier Starfish
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful set of artist made starfish decorated with polished shells and encrusted Swarovski crystals by Douglas Cloutier. Original label.
Crystal
Vintage Postmodern German Studio Pottery Vase, 1970s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Vintage Postmodern German Studio Pottery Vase, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1970 to 1979. Additional information: Material: Ceramic Color: Blue Styles: Postmodern Country of Or...
Ceramic
Klaus Lehmann, Postmodern German Studio Pottery Column Art Sculpture No. 247 78
Located in Hamburg, DE
Klaus Lehmann, Postmodern Brutalist German Studio Pottery Column Art Sculpture No. 247 78, 1978
Pottery
Postmodern Modern Marble and Brass Ashtray Box, circa 1970s
Located in New York, NY
A chic Postmodern marble and brass sphere ball ashtray box, circa 1970s. Piece makes a great decorative object box as well as an ashtray (three indents ar...
Marble, Brass
Robert Eickholt Large Dichroic Disc Sculpture, American Art Glass
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage art glass sculpture features complex central structure of fused colored and dichroic glass with layered gold foil fragments, surrounded by controlled bubbles, encased inside...
Gold
Memphis Wall Clock by George Sowden & Nathalie du Pasquier for NEOS Lorenz
By Nathalie du Pasquier, George Sowden
Located in Tilburg, NL
Beautiful black and white wall clock by Memphis group founding members George Sowden and Nathalie du Pasquier. The postmodern design of the Memphis Group was very influential in the ...
Plastic
Lucite Abstract Art Sculpture 20th Century
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
This is a unique lucite art sculpture with a post-modern design. Three yellow circles are trapped within a 1 1/4” thick transparent lucite mold. Unsigned.
Lucite
Postmodern German Ceramic Vase from Amano, Germany
Located in Hamburg, DE
Postmodern German Ceramic Vase from Amano, Germany, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1990 to 1999 This piece has an attribution mark. Additional information: Materials: Ceramic Col...
Ceramic
$7,600Sale Price|20% Off
Large Post Modern Lucite Sculpture by Norman Mercer c 1991
Located in New York, NY
Spectacular post modern sculpture by noted artist Norman Mercer, signed and dated ( Aug. '91 ). This impressive piece is created of colored lucite, which creates a mesmerizing prismatic effect, changing colors and hues as you change your perspective. The large lucite diamond...
Lucite
Modernist Executive Desk Ink Pen Holder
Located in San Diego, CA
Simple, elegant design on this executive pen holder circa 1980s. Made of solid steel with a metallic orange finish and a magnetic pen holder. In very nice condition with light surfac...
Steel
Tim Lazer Art Glass Vase Blue Post-Modern 1990
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, an art glass vase designed by Tim Lazer (signed on the bottom). Blue tones in swirl motion. Post-modern , dated 1990. Dimensions: 3.5" H x 3.75" diameter. P...
Art Glass
Post-Modern Italian Marble Vase
Located in San Diego, CA
Small post-modern Italian marble vase, circa 1980s. The vase is primarily a dark green in color, but has black and grey veining throughout. The vase is in very good vintage condition...
Marble
$169Sale Price / set|26% Off
Vintage Pair of Dorothy Hafner for Rosenthal Flash Candlestick Holders
Located in Amityville, NY
Vintage pair of Dorothy Hafner of "Flash" ceramic candlestick holders by Dorothy Hafner for Rosenthal Studio Line. Originally sold as part of a larger set of dinnerware and tableware...
Ceramic
Large Vintage Glass Vase by Hysteria, Orange, Postmodern Style, 1980s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Large Vintage Glass Vase from Hysteria, 1980s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1980 to 1989 This piece has an attribution mark. Additional information: Materials: Glass Color: Ora...
Glass
$710 / item
Liconchi Vase by Marioni
Located in Geneve, CH
Liconchi Vase by Marioni Dimensions: W 49 x D 20 x H 18 cm. Materials: Ceramic. Product code: 02271 As a reminder of the geological shapes of the rock cavity, the Liconchi vase exp...
Ceramic
$236Sale Price / set|20% Off
Rare Pair of Post-Modern Wrought Iron Candelabra
Located in San Diego, CA
Vintage rare pair of post-modern wrought iron candleholders. The two pieces are graphic and clean lined. Wrought iron in wave-like shapes peak with a golden disk that holds the candl...
Wrought Iron
Unique Sculptural Ceramic Composition No.2 in Green by Austin Coudriet
Located in Geneve, CH
Unique Sculptural Ceramic Composition No.2 in Green by Austin Coudriet. One of a kind. Dimensions: W 71 x D 64 x H 79 cm. Materials: Ceramic (stoneware), underglaze. About Austin C...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Mahogany Tray with Antique Brass Handles
Located in Treadwell, NY
Individually stamped and numbered, these one of a kind presentation trays feature patinated brass handles with a satin finish lacquer top coat. Each wooden slab...
Brass
Lauren Lesko 'Coifed' Mongolian Lambskin Chaise Lounge On Silk Jacquard Cushion
Located in Dayton, OH
Lauren Lesko 'Coifed', 1993 Psychoanalyst's couch covered in Mongolian lambs skin and clipped by a professional dog groomer into a royal dutch cut. Sits on a silk jacquard cushion....
Lambskin, Silk, Hardwood
Postmodern Marble Sculpture Attributed to Renoir, Circa 1980s
By Marquis Collection of Beverly Hills 1, Maitland Smith, Renoir Designs
Located in Round Top, TX
Postmodern pink and black marble sculpture with a twisty, swirly presentation. Attributed to Renoir production, in the Philippines, this tessellated marble treasure seems to be a rar...
Marble
$480Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Paolo Marioni Sculptural Face Vase Made In Italy Post Modern
Located in Lake Worth, FL
This Paolo Marioni sculptural face vase is a unique addition to any collection. Made in Italy during the post-modern era, this vase showcases intricate details that make it a true wo...
Ceramic
White and Clear "Mezza Filigrana" Murano Glass Plate by Barovier & Toso, 1980s
Located in Varese, Lombardia
Murano glass centerpiece /decorative plate handmade in "mezza filigrana" technique. Perfect condition.
Murano Glass
$454Sale Price|20% Off
Post-Modern hand-blown iridiscent glass tibor by La Mediterranea, Spain, 1980s
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Iridiscent glass tibor from the 80s produced by La Mediterranea. The base and lid of this piece are made of slightly iridescent transparent hand-blown glass, with black trims. Very l...
Glass
Glass basket from Bleikristall, Germany
By Bleikristall
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Bleikristall Crystal Basket, Germany This Bleikristall crystal basket from Germany features a striking, vibrant green color, enhanced by its distinctive, deep-cut pattern. The design...
Art Glass
Aerated concrete sculpture by Robert Neuhauser, Switzerland 1980s
Located in VILLEURBANNE, FR
Aerated concrete sculpture by Robert Neuhauser, made in Switzerland in the mid-1980s. Composed of a monolithic volume carved with recesses and sharp edges, the piece introduces a mo...
Concrete
Organic pink sandstone sculpture by Robert Neuhauser, Switzerland 1980s
Located in VILLEURBANNE, FR
Sandstone sculpture by Robert Neuhauser, made in Switzerland in the mid-1980s. Developed horizontally, the piece is structured around an elongated volume with softened contours, cr...
Sandstone
$294Sale Price|64% Off
Néstor Post-Modern Hand Painted Ceramic Vase, 1990
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Sizeable modernist ceramic handmade, hand painted vase manufactured in 1990 by Néstor. Multicolored cubist decorations in pink, yellow and blue under clear glaze. Beautiful vintage c...
Pottery, Stoneware, Ceramic
Vintage Italian Top Hat Vase in Murano Glass, 1980s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Vintage Italian Top Hat Vase in Murano Glass, 1980s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1980 to 1989. Additional information: Materials: Glass Color: Black Styles: Postmodern Country...
Glass
Vintage Black Abstract Tessellated Stone Sculpture
Located in Houston, TX
Elevate your space with this compelling abstract sculpture, meticulously crafted from high-quality tessellated stone. Featuring a distinctive black hue interspersed with intricate gr...
Stone
Mini Oxblood Wave Form Vase by Forma Rosa Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Mini Oxblood Wave Form Vase by Forma Rosa Studio Dimensions: D 8.9 x W 8.9 x H 17.8 cm. Materials: Ceramic. Available in Crystal Cream, Mint Blue, Bron...
Ceramic
Large Etrangeté glass vase by Philippe Starck
Located in PARIS, FR
Philippe Starck (b. 1949) Large vase Étrangeté, Ca. 1988 Daum edition, Nancy, France Molded green colored glass Engraved Starck and 57/75 The Daum crystal factory in eastern France ...
Glass
Postmodern Double Decker White Oak & Brass Desk Paper Tray
By Lou Hodges
Located in San Diego, CA
Very nice design with rounded corners and brass rods double decker desk paper tray circa 1980's great condition stalish and versatile solid owhite oak ...
Brass
1970s Post-Modern Humaniod Bust by Kahn Ceramics
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Wonderful heavy glazed ceramic bust from late female Washington D.C. area artist, Kahn. About 8.5 inches high.
Ceramic
Yellow Atoll Art Glass Dish by Anna Ehrner for Kosta Boda, 1980s
By Anna Ehrner
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Thick, heavy and lemon-colored small art glass bowl from Kosta Boda in Sweden. It was designed by Anna Ehrner in the mid 1980s. The bowl is called Atoll and it features swirl-work in...
Glass
'90s Wristwatch "Ollo" by Museo Alchimia Alessandro Mendini, Italy
By Studio Alchimia, Alessandro Mendini
Located in Milano, IT
Alessandro Mendini's wristwatch, crafted during the 1990s for the Museo Alchimia, served as a pioneering prototype for Swatch, a renowned company for wh...
Stainless Steel
Eólica Large Sculpture in Jurassic Fossil Stone by NERINEA
Located in Geneve, CH
Eólica Large Sculpture in Jurassic Fossil Stone by NERINEA. Dimensions: W 33 x D 29 x H 178 cm. Materials: Natural Stone (Jurassic Fossil TOP). Designed by Fran Silvestre Arquitectos...
Stone
$360Sale Price|20% Off
Poncho Green Art Glass Catwalk Sculpture by Kjell Engman for Kosta Boda Sweden
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice poncho green art glass "Catwalk" sculpture / figurine by Kjell Engman for Kosta Boda Sweden, circa 1980s. The piece is in very good vintage condition with no chips or cra...
Art Glass
Postmodern American Mid Century Modernist Ceramic Sculpture by Jaru Califirnia
By Jaru
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful ceramic sculpture Lovers by Jaru of California , in a beautiful copper glossy glaze excellent condition no chips or cracks. Signed and dated on the bottom this piece would ...
Ceramic
Pair of Postmodern Zigzag Candelholders, 70s
Located in Lucija, SI
Pair of Postmodern zigzag candelholders made from aluminium They are made in Italy in early 80s
Aluminum
1970s Brass Abstract Joystick Table Sculpture Tamper Hammer like Aubock
By Joannis Avramidis, Arnaldo Pomodoro
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Joystick Sculpture, Cast Brass, Slightly Rounded Bottom. No signature. Weight is approx. 11 oz.
Brass
Postmodern Lucite Desk Pen Holder
Located in New York, NY
A Lucite and U.S. coppery penny decorated desk pen holder, Postmodern design period, United States of America. All copper pennies encased in Lucite are dated 1953 - 1981. A great des...
Copper
Memphis Style Pair of Candleholders, 1980s Italian-Inspired Design
Located in Herentals, BE
A sculptural pair of Memphis-style candleholders, embodying the bold creativity of 1980s postmodern design. The matte dark red/burgundy ceramic elements contrast elegantly with the c...
Metal, Chrome
Decorative Bowl with Interesting Decoration made from a Coconut
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Decorative Bowl Interesting Decoration Made from a Coconut "in nice as found conditions" "unusual"
Coconut
$284Sale Price|20% Off
Alessi Round Polished Stainless Steel Tray Postmodern
By Alessi
Located in Bochum, NRW
Alessi Round Polished Stainless Steel Tray Postmodern. Round tray with a leased edge. Maker's mark on the bottom. Diameter 48cm. Good use condition with minor wear.
Stainless Steel
Geometrical Rose Ceramic Vase by Evangeline, Quebec 1970s – Postmodern Memphis
Located in Toronto, CA
Striking and sculptural, this rose-toned pink ceramic vase was handcrafted by Evangeline Ceramic Accessories Inc. in Labelle, Quebec, circa 1970s. Produced in small studio batches, e...
Ceramic
$591 / item
Artemisa Vase by Cuit Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Artemisa Vase by Cuit Studio One of a Kind. Dimensions: D 26 x W 38 x H 45 cm. Materials: Brown textured stoneware. Sculptural flower vase. Brown textured stoneware with white matt ...
Stoneware
$331 / item
Pure Crystal Nuvola Vase by Studio Bojola
Located in Geneve, CH
Pure Crystal Nuvola Vase by Studio Bojola Dimensions: D 18 x H 18 cm Materials: Pure crystal. Colour: Clear. Weight: 1 kg. The Nuvola piece can serve both as a sculptural crystal ...
Crystal
Postmodern Ceramic Bowl, 20th Century
By Peter Shire
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Postmodern Ceramic Bowl, 20th Century.
Ceramic
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
Set of Three Large Postmodern Tasselated Mactan Stone Floor Vases. Circa 1980s.
Located in Miami, FL
Set of Three Large Postmodern Tasselated Mactan Stone Floor Vases. Circa 1980s. Features: Three Sizes Stone Floor Vases with polished bodies and accentuated rough mactan stone detail...
Stone