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.
Chicago Azure Crystal T-Light Holder, Hand-Sculpted Contemporary Crystal
Located in Geneve, CH
Chicago Azure crystal T-light holder, hand-sculpted contemporary crystal Decorative vase Hand-sculpted in crystal Measures: W 10, H 13, D 10 cm. The Reflections Copenhagen Chic...
Crystal
Set of 3 Nero 52 Decorative Objects and Mirrors by Studio Lievito
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 3 Nero 52 decorative object and mirror by Studio Lievito Dimensions: D20 x W20 x H15 // D23 x W23 X H30 // D24 x W24 X H52 cm Materials: Bucchero ceramic, mirror. Weight: 5.5 ...
Ceramic, Mirror
Nashville Crystal T-Light Holder, Handsculpted Contemporary Crystal
Located in Geneve, CH
Nashville crystal T-light holder, handsculpted contemporary crystal Decorative vase Handsculpted in crystal Measures: W 8, H 18, D 8 cm The Nashville crystal T-Light holder rad...
Crystal
Unique Warm Brown Ceramic Big Vase with Body Large Opening by Willem Van Hooff
Located in Geneve, CH
Tuja Big Vase by Willem Van Hooff. Dimensions: W 48 x D 10 x H 50 cm (Dimensions may vary as pieces are hand-made and might present slight variations in sizes) Material: Glazed Ceram...
Ceramic
Ophelia Purple Crystal T-Light Holder, Hand-Sculpted Contemporary Crystal
Located in Geneve, CH
Ophelia purple crystal T-light holder, hand-sculpted contemporary crystal Decorative vase Handsculpted in crystal Measures: W 9, H 7.8, D 9 cm The Ophelia purple crystal T-Ligh...
Crystal
Hand Sculpted Burnt Brass POD Contemporary Art Bowl by Samuel Costantini
Located in Geneve, CH
Brass hand sculpted POD bowl by Samuel Costantini Entirely handmade by the artist Edition 18 + 2 AP Measures: D 12 x H 6 cm Materials: Brass Samuel Costantini The ability to create objects lies in the tradition in our hands. In ancient times, they were our only means of realising our thoughts. Artisan is the one with this ability to breathe life into the raw material. Since Samuel Constantin was a young boy has tried to create the objects of his imagination. He has always believed when you make an object you have created yourself it is possible to bequeath...
Brass
Set of 2 Italian Satinato Series Vase and Glass Attributed to Carlo Moretti, 70s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Italian Satinato Series Vase and Glass attributed to Carlo Moretti, 1970s, Set of 2, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1970 to 1979 This piece is attributed to the mentioned designer...
Glass
$930 / item
Ganges Round Hydro Vase by Elyse Graham
Located in Geneve, CH
Ganges round hydro 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 PIECE...
Resin, Plaster
Lacquered Metal Brutante A Sculpture by Sofia Alvarado
Located in Geneve, CH
Lacquered Metal Brutante A Sculpture by Sofia Alvarado Dimensions: D 40 x W 35 x H 48 cm Materials: Lacquered metal. These objects can be customized according to the proposed colors ...
Metal
$2,850 / item
Hollow Form Oak Sculpture by Vlad Droz
Located in Geneve, CH
Hollow form oak sculpture by Vlad Droz Dimensions: D 33 x H 30 cm. Materials: Oak One of a kind. Hollow Form Oak Sculpture by Vlad Droz. Greenturned, carved, textured and sandblast...
Wood, Oak
Organic Form, Warm Brown Ceramic Tall Vase with Body Opening by Willem Van Hooff
Located in Geneve, CH
Taju Large Vase by Willem Van Hooff Dimensions: W 42 x D 10 x H 63 cm (Dimensions may vary as pieces are hand-made and might present slight variations in sizes) Material: Glazed Cera...
Ceramic
Unique Elementa Fruit Holder in Satin Brass by Mingardo
Located in Geneve, CH
Unique Elementa Fruit Holder in Satin Brass by Mingardo Dimensions: D16.5 x H8.5 cm Materials:Natural satin brass and natural varnished iron Weight: 5 kg...
Brass, Iron
Toots Zinsky Chiacchiera Venini Vase Incamiciato Glass, Italy, 1990
By Toots Zynsky, Venini
Located in Vienna, AT
Toots Zinsky Chiacchiera Venini vase, Italy, 1990. Incamiciato glass with applied threading Incised signature to underside: Zinsky x Venini 90. Signed wit...
Glass
Terry Balle Resin Aqua Sculpture Vase
By Terry Balle
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This striking Post Modern resin vase by Terry Balle is a sculptural masterpiece that challenges traditional design norms. Cast in a translucent seafoam green hue, its asymmetrical fo...
Resin
Gillo Tray in Dark Hornwood with Lacquered Black Gloss Finish by Arcahorn
Located in Geneve, CH
Gillo Tray in Dark Hornwood with Lacquered Black Gloss Finish by Arcahorn Dimensions: Large: Ø 50 x H 5 cm. Small: D 35 x W 50 x H 8 cm. Materials: Dark horn and wood with lacquered ...
Other
"Toute Petite Étrangeté" Cocoon Vase by Philippe Starck for Daum, France, 1980s
By Daum, Philippe Starck
Located in Lille, FR
"Toute petite étrangeté" cocoon vase by Philippe Starck for Daum, France, 1980s. Signed.
Crystal
Contemporary Bronze Sculptures Louanges I & II by Bertrand Créac'h
Located in London, GB
Louanges I & II by Bertrand Créac'h Material: Bonze, black patina Dimensions: H 109 x 19 x 14 cm / H 114 x 17 x 16 cm Year: 2021 Type: Limited edition 3/8 + 4 AP, signed These sculp...
Bronze
Vintage Modernist Van Assche Vase, 20th Century
By Henri Van Assche, Philippe Starck
Located in San Diego, CA
A striking vintage ceramic vase by Van Assche, exemplifying the clean geometry and bold graphic sensibility of mid- to late-20th century Modernism. The tall, architectural form featu...
Ceramic
Cisco Jiménez "Vinagrillo" Hand Painted Ceramic Jar
Located in Mexico City, MX
A rare Cisco Jiménez hand painted ceramic jar depicting a whip scorpion with a sphere on top. Signed and dated 2011. Born in Cuernavaca, México in 1969, Cisco Jiménez is a multidi...
Ceramic
Cisco Jiménez Hermaphrodite Demon Bronze Sculpture
Located in Mexico City, MX
A rare hermaphrodite demon cast bronze sculpture by Mexican artista Cisco Jiménez. This bronze demon is signed and serialized 3 / 5. This sculpture includes a certificate signed by...
Bronze
American Designer, Abstract Sculpture, Ceramic, USA, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
An abstract ceramic sculpture, designed and produced in the US, c. 1970s.
Ceramic
Postmodern Daskas Amsterdam "V" Plate Glass Vase by Rob Dashorst, c. 1990s
By Fontana Arte
Located in St. Louis, MO
An exceptional and highly collectible vintage postmodern geometric art glass sculpture vase, designed by Rob Dashorst for Daskas Amsterdam, circa 1990s. Captured beautifully in photo...
Glass
$1,560Sale Price|20% Off
Op Art Acrylic Cube Sculpture by Vasa Mihich
Located in San Diego, CA
Op Art acrylic cube sculpture by Vasa Mihich, circa 1986. The optical look is changed by rotating the piece and letting the light refract at dif...
Lucite, Acrylic
Terry Balle, Large Studio Acrylic/Resin, Vase/Sculpture/ Optical Planter, Signed
By Terry Balle
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Great, large optical resin vase /planter for the known artist Terry Balle, signed in bottom Balle as shown.
Resin, Plastic, Acrylic
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
Renaat Ramon Postmodern Lacquered Steel Sculpture, Belgium, 1989
Located in Antwerp, BE
Designed by Belgian artist and architect Renaat Ramon, this abstract postmodern sculpture in lacquered steel was created in the 1990s as a functional yet artistic object. Its central...
Steel
1980s Postmodern Chrome Rocking Desk Clock
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A fantastic postmodern vintage desk, mantel, or shelf clock in the style of Shohei Mihara’s designs for Wakita. With a black face, red, white and yellow hands, and chrome rocking b...
Metal, Chrome
Dot Bowl in Cast Aluminum and Brass by Jordan Fleming
Located in Geneve, CH
Dot Bowl in Cast Aluminum and Brass by Jordan Fleming. Limited series, strictly governed by a yearly cap to ensure artisanal quality. Dimensions: W 28 x D 28 x H 7 cm. Materials: Cas...
Aluminum, Brass
'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
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
1978 Italy Bronze Abstract Sculpture by Fanna Roncoroni Forma Ovale Oval Shape
Located in Brescia, IT
This engaging artwork was created in 1978 by the Italian artist Fanna Roncoroni. It is a multiple of 1000 pieces. The title is "Forma ovale", translate in "Oval shape". Maria Pia Fa...
Bronze
Postmodern Porcelain Elephant Figurine and Penny Bank by Luigi Colani, 1980s
By Luigi Colani
Located in Hamburg, DE
Postmodern Porcelain Elephant Figurine and Penny Bank by Luigi Colani for Höchst, 1980s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1980 to 1989 This piece has an attribution mark. Additiona...
Porcelain
$3,675Sale Price|20% Off
Angelo Mangiarotti Skipper Italian Black Ceramic Planter Centerpice Italy 1980s
By Angelo Mangiarotti, Skipper
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Italian black glossy glazed ceramic planter or large centerpiece “Antera” model designed by Angelo Mangiarotti (Milan 1921 - 2012) and produced by Skipper made up of two elements tha...
Ceramic
Kathy Erteman, b.1952, Studio Artist Ceramic Vase Vessel, Postmodern, 1991
By Kathy Erteman
Located in Jensen Beach, FL
Striking, early example of Kathy Erteman’s work, dating to 1991.
Ceramic
Eric Ledoux "Sun and Moon" Solid Bronze Candelabra For 2 Candles
By Eric Ledoux
Located in Mexico City, MX
A heavy cast bronze sculptural candelabra by French sculptor Eric Ledoux. The candelabra shows a sun on the front and a crescent moon on the back. The top and the arms are decorated ...
Bronze
$1,077Sale Price|40% Off
Large Murano Oceanos Abstract Multi-Color Art Glass Vase Signed Vetro Artistico
By Murano 5
Located in Montreal, QC
Beautifully designed large Murano Oceanos Vetro Artistico art glass vase with striking colors featuring glowing threads of blue, green, and amber glass, signed and numbered, measurin...
Art Glass
Miniature Mid-Century Ceramic High Glaze Bottle Neck Vase Studio Pot by Sari
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Fine miniature hand-thrown, high-glaze ceramic pot signed Sari. The piece is in excellent condition, with no chips or repairs. It has a natural firing crack on the bottom.
Ceramic, Pottery
Monumental Neo-Expressionist Hand Painted Vase, Timothy Persons 1998
Located in Helsinki, FI
A large and highly sculptural ceramic floor vase by Timothy Persons, created in 1998. Executed in glazed and painted ceramic and preserved in very good vintage condition with minor s...
Ceramic
Murano Italy glass design center
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Murano Glass Design Center, Italy Beautiful Murano glass center with a design where the colors are what stand out the most, with a gradient in a light blue tone from the lightest mou...
Art Glass
$2,350Sale Price|20% Off
Abstract Wood Sculpture by Aldo Guarnieri
Located in Milano, IT
This sculpture by Aldo Guarnieri, created in the 1990s, speaks with the strength of the material and the delicacy of form. Crafted from wood, its surface resembles a mosaic of interw...
Metal
$1,316 / item
Holey Tower Candleholder by Gabor Gobi
Located in Geneve, CH
Holey Tower Candleholder by Gabor Gobi Unique Piece. Dimensions: D 11 x W 18 x H 41 cm. Materials: Pine wood and limestone. This artfully sculpted candle holder is a testament to in...
Limestone
Renaat Ramon Postmodern Lacquered Steel Sculpture, Belgium, 1989
Located in Antwerp, BE
Designed by Belgian architect and artist Renaat Ramon, this abstract postmodern sculpture in lacquered steel was created in the 1990s as a functional yet artistic object. Its central...
Steel
$1,962 / item
Structured By Nature Large Vase by David Valner
Located in Geneve, CH
Structured By Nature Large Vase by David Valner Dimensions: D 22 x W 22 x H 72 cm. Materials: Glass. Weight: 9 kg. Finish: Large-size “bark” production style, orange color. “Authent...
Glass
Lunae Celeste White Raku Clay Ceramic Sculpture by Stephanie Phillips
Located in Geneve, CH
Lunae Celeste White Raku Clay Ceramic Sculpture by Stephanie Phillips Dimensions: D 15 x W 20 x x H 35 cm Materials: Ceramic, Raku Clay Also available in other colors and custom si...
Ceramic, Clay
Lunae Spot Raku Clay Vibrant Ceramic Sculpture by Stephanie Phillips
Located in Geneve, CH
Lunae Spot Raku Clay Vibrant Ceramic Sculpture by Stephanie Phillips Dimensions: D 13 x W 38 x x H 40 cm Materials: Ceramic, Raku Clay Also available in other colors and custom siz...
Ceramic, Clay
Lunae White Raku Clay Vibrant Ceramic Sculpture by Stephanie Phillips
Located in Geneve, CH
Lunae White Raku Clay Vibrant Ceramic Sculpture by Stephanie Phillips Dimensions: D 8 x W 27 x x H 35 cm Materials: Ceramic, Raku Clay Also available in other colors and custom siz...
Ceramic, Clay
Moonbulb White Raku Clay Sandy Glaze Ceramic Sculpture by Stephanie Phillips
Located in Geneve, CH
Moonbulb White Raku Clay Sandy Glaze Ceramic Sculpture by Stephanie Phillips Dimensions: D 18 x W 28 x x H 43 cm Materials: Ceramic, Raku Clay Also available in other colors and cu...
Ceramic, Clay
Postmodern German Minimalist Vase from Arzberg, 1980s
By Arzberg
Located in Hamburg, DE
Postmodern German Minimalist Vase from Arzberg, 1980s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1980 to 1989 This piece has an attribution mark. Additional...
Porcelain
Polished Cast Brass Calice Sculptural Object by Studio Orth
Located in Geneve, CH
Polished Cast Brass Calice Sculptural Object by Studio Orth Dimensions: W 12 x D 12 x H 18 cm Materials: Cast metal. Finishes: Polished Cast Brass or Polished Cast Aluminum About: ...
Metal
Vintage Postmodern Danish Metal Candleholder by Tommy Larsen, 1990s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Vintage Postmodern Danish Metal Candleholder by Tommy Larsen, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1990 to 1999 This piece has an attribution mark, I am sure...
Metal
French Art Deco Chrome and Rosewood Double Glass Photo Frame - 1930s
By Marcel Breuer, Robert Mallet-Stevens, (after) Jean Michel Frank, Jacques Adnet
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
A refined French Art Deco modernist photograph frame dating from the 1930s, combining elegant geometry with noble materials characteristic of the period. The frame features a minima...
Steel
Postmodern Italian Voilà Voilà Metal Tablet Bowl by Philippe Starck, 1980s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Postmodern Italian Voilà Voilà Metal Tablet Bowl by Philippe Starck for Alessi, 1980s, in Flawless conditions. Designed 1980 to 1989 This piece has an attribution mark. Additional i...
Metal
Polished Cast Brass Mino Paper Holder by Studio Orth
Located in Geneve, CH
Polished Cast Brass Mino Paper Holder by Studio Orth Dimensions: W 17 x D 4 x H 5 cm Materials: Cast metal. Finishes: Polished Cast Brass or Polished Cast Aluminum About: Studio Or...
Metal
Mid-Century German Glass Block Bubble Vase from Karl Friedrich Glass, 1970s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century German Glass Block Bubble Vase from Karl Friedrich Glass, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1970 to 1979 official proof of authenticit...
Glass
Vintage Postmodern Tessellated Stone Abalone Shell Decorative Box, 1970s
By Maitland Smith, Karl Springer
Located in Delray Beach, FL
A striking vintage postmodern decorative box showcasing the luxurious craftsmanship associated with late 20th century tessellated stone furniture and accessories. Hand clad in richly...
Marble, Brass
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
Postmodern German Studio Pottery Abstract Candleholder and Aroma Lamp, 1980s
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
$804 / item
Mocap "White/Black" Illusionistic Wall Clock
Located in Maastricht, NL
Mocap (white-black) Illusionistic wall clock Design: Jan Paul “Time is an illusion” Most wall-clocks have the same basic shape: round. Also t...
Steel
Ceramic vase Memphis, “HSING” by Ettore Sottsass blue star, Milan, late 1980s.
Located in Milan, IT
Memphis Milano painted ceramic vase, “HSING”by Ettore Sottsass, blue star-shaped color. Alessio Sarri ceramiche. Memphis Group, an Italian design and architecture collective founded ...
Ceramic
Memphis Style Ceramic Vase by Luciano Florio Paccagnella for Florio Keramia, 90s
By Florio Keramia, Luciano Florio Paccagnella
Located in Lucija, SI
Postmodern designed by Florio Paccagnella for Florio Keramia, Italy, 1990s Luciano Florio Paccagnella is a Memphis Group hero that has been forgotten by history. Paccagnella was discovered by Matteo Thun after finishing his studies at the Academy of Fine Arts at Brera in Milan. He was introduced to Ettore Sottsass...
Ceramic