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Post-Modern Decorative Objects

POSTMODERN STYLE

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

  • Emerges during the 1960s; popularity explodes during the ’80s
  • A reaction to prevailing conventions of modernism by mainly American architects
  • Architect Robert Venturi critiques modern architecture in his Complexity and Contradiction in Architecture (1966)
  • Theorist Charles Jencks, who championed architecture filled with allusions and cultural references, writes The Language of Post-Modern Architecture (1977)
  • Italian design collective the Memphis Group, also known as Memphis Milano, meets for the first time (1980) 
  • Memphis collective debuts more than 50 objects and furnishings at Salone del Milano (1981)
  • Interest in style declines, minimalism gains steam

CHARACTERISTICS OF POSTMODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

  • Dizzying graphic patterns and an emphasis on loud, off-the-wall colors
  • Use of plastic and laminates, glass, metal and marble; lacquered and painted wood 
  • Unconventional proportions and abundant ornamentation
  • Playful nods to Art Deco and Pop art

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 Mendinia 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.

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Style: Post-Modern
Danish Postmodern Glazed Studio Stoneware Bowl by Bing & Grøndahl
Danish Postmodern Glazed Studio Stoneware Bowl by Bing & Grøndahl

Danish Postmodern Glazed Studio Stoneware Bowl by Bing & Grøndahl

By Bing & Grøndahl

Located in Esbjerg, DK

Footed stoneware dish with asymmetrical edge. Decorated with dusty pink, plum purple, salmon and light green pastels. Unidentified ceramist in the postmodern style for B&G in Denmark...

Category

1970s Danish Vintage Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stoneware

Italian Murano Art Glass Paperweight Lily Flower with Curled Stem Sculpture 1980
Italian Murano Art Glass Paperweight Lily Flower with Curled Stem Sculpture 1980

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...

Category

20th Century Italian Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass

Omnia Vanitas Vanité 22 Candelabra in Patinated Cast Bronze by William Guillon
Omnia Vanitas Vanité 22 Candelabra in Patinated Cast Bronze by William Guillon

Omnia Vanitas Vanité 22 Candelabra in Patinated Cast Bronze by William Guillon

By William Guillon

Located in Geneve, CH

Omnia Vanitas Vanité 22 Candelabra in Patinated Cast Bronze by William Guillon Hand Sculpted, Dated and Signed Dimensions: Ø 22 x W 26 x H 20 cm (custom dimensions upon request) Mate...

Category

2010s French Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Miniatur Vase in Aleppo Technique by Milan Vobruba, Gusum, Sweden, 1978
Miniatur Vase in Aleppo Technique by Milan Vobruba, Gusum, Sweden, 1978

Miniatur Vase in Aleppo Technique by Milan Vobruba, Gusum, Sweden, 1978

By Gusums Bruk

Located in Bochum, NRW

Bowl in Aleppo technique by Milan Vobruba, Gusum, Sweden, 1980 Colorless glass with irregular fusions. Rough surface with fire polished applications. Signed engraved under the stand:...

Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Artisan Hand Beaded Grape Ornament
Artisan Hand Beaded Grape Ornament

Artisan Hand Beaded Grape Ornament

Located in Riverdale, NY

Hand beaded grape ornament made of vintage and contemporary glass beads in vibrant colorations. Neon yellow grapes beaded on foam and cork bases with rasbe...

Category

Early 2000s American Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Post-Modern Ceramic Vases by Alessandro Mendini for Zanotta, 1986
Post-Modern Ceramic Vases by Alessandro Mendini for Zanotta, 1986

Post-Modern Ceramic Vases by Alessandro Mendini for Zanotta, 1986

By Alessandro Mendini

Located in VILLEURBANNE, FR

Post-modern ceramic vases by Alessandro Mendini for Zanotta, known as "Dealbata". We like the richness of the shapes, counterbalanced by the sobriety of the white enamelled porcela...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Large Vintage 80s Modern Black Ceramic Swirl Vase
Large Vintage 80s Modern Black Ceramic Swirl Vase

Large Vintage 80s Modern Black Ceramic Swirl Vase

Located in Fairfield, CA

An extra large vintage 80s modern ceramic vase. Nice cylinder shape with an embossed swirl design around the sides, finished in a glossy black glaze. A scul...

Category

Late 20th Century Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

1970s Ashtray with Ceramic and Brass Lighter by Paolo Traversi , working
1970s Ashtray with Ceramic and Brass Lighter by Paolo Traversi , working

1970s Ashtray with Ceramic and Brass Lighter by Paolo Traversi , working

By Paolo Traversi

Located in Vigonza, Padua

Ashtray with ceramic and brass lighter by Paolo Traversi. 1970s, working Paolo Traversi is a designer and manufacturer of interior furnishings known throughout the world. The curren...

Category

1970s Italian Vintage Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Vintage Pair of Dorothy Hafner for Rosenthal Flash Candlestick Holders
Vintage Pair of Dorothy Hafner for Rosenthal Flash Candlestick Holders

Vintage Pair of Dorothy Hafner for Rosenthal Flash Candlestick Holders

By Rosenthal, Dorothy Hafner

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...

Category

1980s German Vintage Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Heino Large  pottery / ceramic vase , rare  Chinese Yellow Celadon glaze
Heino Large  pottery / ceramic vase , rare  Chinese Yellow Celadon glaze

Heino Large pottery / ceramic vase , rare Chinese Yellow Celadon glaze

By Otto Heino

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Amazing studio pottery vase by the well known potter Otto Heino . This vase has the rare Yellow Celadon glaze , that the formula was lost for the Chinese artists and Otto created it ...

Category

1990s American Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Italy Cast Lost Wax Woman Figurine Bronze Sculpture by Aron Demetz Guardando
Italy Cast Lost Wax Woman Figurine Bronze Sculpture by Aron Demetz Guardando

Italy Cast Lost Wax Woman Figurine Bronze Sculpture by Aron Demetz Guardando

By Aron Demetz

Located in Brescia, IT

This intense bronze sculpture was made by the well known Italian artist, Aron Demetz, in 2004, Italy. This is a lost wax bronze hand painted. The title is "Guardando" translated in ...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

1980s Lucite Mantel Clock
1980s Lucite Mantel Clock

1980s Lucite Mantel Clock

A simple and sophisticated lucite mantle or table clock with a rectangular base, tall diamond shaped body, textured light gray face, brass marks for numbers, and brass hands. It is ...

Category

Late 20th Century Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Lucite

Guilloume Perez (1957 - ), "Heart to Heart" Sculpture
Guilloume Perez (1957 - ), "Heart to Heart" Sculpture

Guilloume Perez (1957 - ), "Heart to Heart" Sculpture

Located in Pasadena, CA

Guilloume Perez (1957 - ) is a Columbian-American Artist who currently resides and has his studio in Santa Fe, New Mexico. This petit abstract sculpture, although small, is quite pow...

Category

Late 20th Century American Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Slate, Bronze

Joel O'Dorisio for Lost Angel Glass Vase, American Studio Art Glass
Joel O'Dorisio for Lost Angel Glass Vase, American Studio Art Glass

Joel O'Dorisio for Lost Angel Glass Vase, American Studio Art Glass

Located in Clifton Springs, NY

Fused glass vase features complex multilayered colored glass core in ruby red, beige, cream, and deep cobalt blue colors, encased in clear glass in sommerso technique. Inclusion of ...

Category

1990s American Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass, Sommerso

A SCULPTURAL BRUTALIST CANDELABRA CANDLE HOLDER Unique ARTIST Piece, France 1950
A SCULPTURAL BRUTALIST CANDELABRA CANDLE HOLDER Unique ARTIST Piece, France 1950

A SCULPTURAL BRUTALIST CANDELABRA CANDLE HOLDER Unique ARTIST Piece, France 1950

Located in PARIS, FR

An exceptional sculptural Chandelier, Candelabra, Candlesticks, Candle holder, Brutalist, Rustic Modern, Shabby-Chic, , superb patinated wrought iron structure with 4 long light ar...

Category

1950s French Vintage Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

1985 Italy Cast Iron Abstract Sculpture by Urano Palma Cast Iron Throne
1985 Italy Cast Iron Abstract Sculpture by Urano Palma Cast Iron Throne

1985 Italy Cast Iron Abstract Sculpture by Urano Palma Cast Iron Throne

By Urano Palma

Located in Brescia, IT

This very intense and engaging artwork was created by Urano Palma that is a well known Italian artist who starts to create his artworks following the philosophy of Lucio Fontana. He ...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Iron

Postmodern Procelain Clock by Marcello Morandini for Rosenthal Studio Line
Postmodern Procelain Clock by Marcello Morandini for Rosenthal Studio Line

Postmodern Procelain Clock by Marcello Morandini for Rosenthal Studio Line

By Rosenthal

Located in Brooklyn, NY

A fantastic porcelain desk or table clock by Italian designer Marcello Morandini for German ceramics powerhouse Rosenthal for their designer-focused Studio Line. Black and white gra...

Category

Late 20th Century Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Matthew Buechner for Thames Glass Urn Bud Vase, American Studio Glass
Matthew Buechner for Thames Glass Urn Bud Vase, American Studio Glass

Matthew Buechner for Thames Glass Urn Bud Vase, American Studio Glass

Located in Clifton Springs, NY

Vintage art glass bud vase features orange body with undulating ribbon accent in red fused glass; the colored glass is layered in and encased in clear glass layer in sommerso technique. The urn shaped body is mounted on round conical base in mottled lime green glass. The minimal form of the vase juxtaposes the bright color palette, evocative of Memphis Milano pieces. The vase is signed by the artist on the bottom. Sculptural, highly decorative vase with graphic form, high quality craftsmanship, and striking color palette will make a great gift to a collector or a design enthusiast and a perfect addition to a wide range of interiors, from Traditional to Post Modern, Art Deco, Mid Century Modern, Eclectic, Transitional, Scandinavian Modern, Collected, or Contemporary. Matthew Buechner is an established American glass artist; he started his training in 1975 as an apprentice to glassblower Jon Meyer in Canton, New York, and continued it at Hartwick College in Oneonta, New York, where he studied glass blowing with Michael Pavlik. Matthew also served as an apprentice at the Glashutte Eisch in Germany, and attended workshops at Rhode Island School of Design, the Penland School of Design, and the Haystack Mountain School in Maine. In 1979, together with his brother Thomas Buechner III, Matthew founded Vitrix Hot Glass Studio in Corning's Market Street District, regarded among America's prominent contemporary glass studios. In 1981 Matthew founded his own studio, Thames Glass...

Category

20th Century American Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass, Sommerso, Blown Glass

Post-Modern Sculptural Dog Bench by Edna Cataldo, Hand-Crafted, 1989
Post-Modern Sculptural Dog Bench by Edna Cataldo, Hand-Crafted, 1989

Post-Modern Sculptural Dog Bench by Edna Cataldo, Hand-Crafted, 1989

By Edna Cataldo

Located in Pasadena, CA

This wonderful chair / bench is one of our favorite pieces. Extremely playful yet refined, it is large and sturdy enough to hold any adult. The piece is solid although light weight m...

Category

1980s American Vintage Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Sheepskin, Wood

White, Black and Blue Splash Glaze Vide Poche, 1980s
White, Black and Blue Splash Glaze Vide Poche, 1980s

White, Black and Blue Splash Glaze Vide Poche, 1980s

Located in Copenhagen, DK

Eyecatching Danish modernist decorative vide poche bowl. Black and blue splash decor on crisp white base. Signed under base. Beautiful vintage condition...

Category

Late 20th Century Danish Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Pottery, Stoneware

1980s Postmodern Wall Clock by Shohei Mihara for Wakita
1980s Postmodern Wall Clock by Shohei Mihara for Wakita

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 Group-influenced design at its finest! Black with white, red, green, ...

Category

Late 20th Century Japanese Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass, Plastic

Vintage Thick Lucite and Brass Candle Holders by Josh Lazar Mid-Century Modern
Vintage Thick Lucite and Brass Candle Holders by Josh Lazar Mid-Century Modern

Vintage Thick Lucite and Brass Candle Holders by Josh Lazar Mid-Century Modern

Located in Lake Worth, FL

Vintage Mid-Century Modern heavy thick lucite candles holders with brass tops. Signed Josh Lazar 1986 on the bottom. Good vintage condition, crystal clear with a few scratches and we...

Category

1980s American Vintage Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Ceramic Rose, Peach, Grey Vase with Perforated Decor, 1980s
Ceramic Rose, Peach, Grey Vase with Perforated Decor, 1980s

Ceramic Rose, Peach, Grey Vase with Perforated Decor, 1980s

Located in Copenhagen, DK

Rose, peach, white and dark grey glazed barrel shaped handmade ceramic vase wiith perforated decor and asymmetrical top. Stamped under base. Beautiful vintage condition. Denmark, 1...

Category

Late 20th Century Danish Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Pottery, Stoneware

Post Modern Flash Vases by Margareta Hennix for Gustavsberg, Sweden
Post Modern Flash Vases by Margareta Hennix for Gustavsberg, Sweden

Post Modern Flash Vases by Margareta Hennix for Gustavsberg, Sweden

By Gustavsberg, Margareta Hennix

Located in Stockholm, SE

Post Modern flash vases by Margaretha Hennix for Gustavsberg, Sweden, shaped as trees. Margareta Hennix is a Swedish ceramicist, glass artist and designer. During her long career as...

Category

1980s Swedish Vintage Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain, Stoneware

Curtis Jere 1980s Brass on Marble Base Ribbon Heart Flame Table Floor Sculpture
Curtis Jere 1980s Brass on Marble Base Ribbon Heart Flame Table Floor Sculpture

Curtis Jere 1980s Brass on Marble Base Ribbon Heart Flame Table Floor Sculpture

By Curtis Jeré

Located in Keego Harbor, MI

A Curtis Jere 1980s ribbon heart flame sculpture. This monumental Jere sculpture features a massive brass sculpture inset inside a round marble stone base. The sculpture features a r...

Category

1980s Vintage Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Organic Salvaged Teak Wood Sphere Sculpture
Organic Salvaged Teak Wood Sphere Sculpture

Organic Salvaged Teak Wood Sphere Sculpture

Located in San Diego, CA

Super cool organic salvaged teak wood sphere sculpture, circa 1980s. The rustic sculpture is made of pieces of teak wood nailed together to form ...

Category

Late 20th Century American Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Teak

Modern bronze on brass sculptural object
Modern bronze on brass sculptural object

Modern bronze on brass sculptural object

By Argosy Designs

Located in Treadwell, NY

The Chameleon: a modern bronze-on-brass sculptural object by Erik Johnson of Argosy Designs and APD. The Chameleon is a magical and transformat...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Silver Plated Ice Bucket / Wine Cooler by Ambrogio Pozzi for Padova Argenti
Silver Plated Ice Bucket / Wine Cooler by Ambrogio Pozzi for Padova Argenti

Silver Plated Ice Bucket / Wine Cooler by Ambrogio Pozzi for Padova Argenti

By Ambrogio Pozzi

Located in Bresso, Lombardy

Made in Italy, circa 1970s. This is a silver plated brass ice bucket or wine cooler by Ambrogio Pozzi for Padova Argenti. It might show slight traces of use since it's vintage, but i...

Category

1970s Italian Vintage Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Silver Plate

Murano Blue Art Glass Vase in the Manner of Paolo Venini
Murano Blue Art Glass Vase in the Manner of Paolo Venini

Murano Blue Art Glass Vase in the Manner of Paolo Venini

By Paolo Venini

Located in Miami, FL

A fine hand-crafted Murano art glass vase, signed Marcello Furlou. This high quality Murano art glass vase is hand blown. It is designed in the manner of some Paolo Venini vases, m...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass, Murano Glass

Poncho Green Art Glass Catwalk Sculpture by Kjell Engman for Kosta Boda Sweden
Poncho Green Art Glass Catwalk Sculpture by Kjell Engman for Kosta Boda Sweden

Poncho Green Art Glass Catwalk Sculpture by Kjell Engman for Kosta Boda Sweden

By Kjell Engman, Kosta Boda

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...

Category

Late 20th Century Swedish Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass

Geometrical Rose Ceramic Vase by Evangeline, Quebec 1970s – Postmodern Memphis
Geometrical Rose Ceramic Vase by Evangeline, Quebec 1970s – Postmodern Memphis

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...

Category

Mid-20th Century Canadian Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Unique Cherry Red Art Glass Vase by Mikael Axenbrant, Sweden 1990
Unique Cherry Red Art Glass Vase by Mikael Axenbrant, Sweden 1990

Unique Cherry Red Art Glass Vase by Mikael Axenbrant, Sweden 1990

By Strombergshyttan

Located in Grythyttan, SE

This heavy and elegant art glass vase bursting in color, is made by the glass master Mikael Axenbrant in 1990. Glossy red like a delicate cherry with blue, white, and black strokes a...

Category

1990s Swedish Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass

Golden Geode Illuminated Wall Art in Citrine and Quartz by Sev Art Gallery
Golden Geode Illuminated Wall Art in Citrine and Quartz by Sev Art Gallery

Golden Geode Illuminated Wall Art in Citrine and Quartz by Sev Art Gallery

Located in Geneve, CH

Golden Geode Illuminated Wall Art in Citrine and Quartz by Sev Art Gallery. Dimensions: W 100 x D 4 x H 180 cm. Materials: Natural quartz stone, citrine stone, epoxy resin, canvas, ...

Category

2010s Dutch Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Quartz, Stone

Post-Modern Figurative Sculpture in Plaster, Bone-White Finish, USA
Post-Modern Figurative Sculpture in Plaster, Bone-White Finish, USA

Post-Modern Figurative Sculpture in Plaster, Bone-White Finish, USA

Located in W Allenhurst, NJ

This striking late 20th-century sculpture captures a quiet moment of introspection through a simplified, figurative form. Rendered in a crisp, bone-white finish, the piece features a...

Category

Late 20th Century American Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Plaster

Venini Murano Italy Green Glass Bottle Serie “Velati”, 1996
Venini Murano Italy Green Glass Bottle Serie “Velati”, 1996

Venini Murano Italy Green Glass Bottle Serie “Velati”, 1996

By Venini

Located in Reggio Emilia, IT

Amazing and fabulous very rare Italian handmade and blown bottle in light green color glass with stopper, from the “Velati” series designed and prod...

Category

1990s Italian Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Modern Aluminum Sculptural Bookends
Modern Aluminum Sculptural Bookends

Modern Aluminum Sculptural Bookends

By Argosy Designs

Located in Treadwell, NY

Collection I: Sculptural bookends Architectural forms, minimalist design, and Machine Age simplicity inform these statuesque bookends. Each p...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Aluminum

Art Glass Sculptural Table Lamp by William Olivier for Antiques Mc, France, 2009
Art Glass Sculptural Table Lamp by William Olivier for Antiques Mc, France, 2009

Art Glass Sculptural Table Lamp by William Olivier for Antiques Mc, France, 2009

Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR

The creator is William Olivier, a lover of glass, wood and steel. These piece has been made in 2009. This is a beautiful Art glass work that could be, as the same time a sculpture a...

Category

Early 2000s French Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stainless Steel

Pyramid-shaped stacked ceramic ashtrays / centerpiece, Amalgames, France, 1980s
Pyramid-shaped stacked ceramic ashtrays / centerpiece, Amalgames, France, 1980s

Pyramid-shaped stacked ceramic ashtrays / centerpiece, Amalgames, France, 1980s

Located in Firenze, IT

Pyramid-shaped stacked ceramic ashtrays / centerpiece Amalgames, France, 1980s Set of 3 ashtrays / vide poche / centerpiece H 25 cm - 25 × 25 cm Conditions: excellent consistent ...

Category

1980s French Vintage Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Murano Inclamo bowl, model “Palladia”, designed by Ettore Sottsass for Vistosi
Murano Inclamo bowl, model “Palladia”, designed by Ettore Sottsass for Vistosi

Murano Inclamo bowl, model “Palladia”, designed by Ettore Sottsass for Vistosi

By Ettore Sottsass

Located in Milano, IT

Decorative piece - Made in Italy - model “Palladia”, designed by Ettore Sottsass - 1977 Sourced by Spinzi Milano, this is a rare and highly decorative "Palladia" bowl designed by Et...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass

Carlo Nason yellow artistic bottle in Murano glass, with original box
Carlo Nason yellow artistic bottle in Murano glass, with original box

Carlo Nason yellow artistic bottle in Murano glass, with original box

By Carlo Nason

Located in Milano, IT

∑Carlo Nason for Murano Glassworks Artistic Bottle / Small Decanter, 1980s Murano glass with original label and original box A refined artistic bottle, or small decanter, designed b...

Category

1980s Italian Vintage Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Carol Lahy Fused Art Glass Decorative Square Vide-Poche or Ashtray, Signed
Carol Lahy Fused Art Glass Decorative Square Vide-Poche or Ashtray, Signed

Carol Lahy Fused Art Glass Decorative Square Vide-Poche or Ashtray, Signed

Located in Clifton Springs, NY

Fused glass square vide-poche or ashtray has wide rim of deep amethyst purple color and complex central bowl with checkered pattern in the center, encircled by a blue band. All area...

Category

Early 2000s American Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass, Art Glass

Hand Blown Glass Soliflore Vase Blue and Coral Red
Hand Blown Glass Soliflore Vase Blue and Coral Red

Hand Blown Glass Soliflore Vase Blue and Coral Red

Located in Marinha Grande, PT

Elegant hand-blown art glass soliflore featuring a striking two-tone composition with a deep cobalt blue body and an elongated coral red neck. The silhouette combines a generous roun...

Category

1980s Italian Vintage Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass

2006 Italy Bronze Sculpture by Ugo Riva Con gli Occhi Nelle Stelle
2006 Italy Bronze Sculpture by Ugo Riva Con gli Occhi Nelle Stelle

2006 Italy Bronze Sculpture by Ugo Riva Con gli Occhi Nelle Stelle

Located in Brescia, IT

This is an intense bronze sculpture created by the Italian artist Ugo Riva, in 2006. Lost wax bronze. The title of this artwork is "Con gli occhi nell...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

1980 Italy Post Modern Figurative Bronze Sculpture
1980 Italy Post Modern Figurative Bronze Sculpture

1980 Italy Post Modern Figurative Bronze Sculpture

Located in Brescia, IT

This is an interesting multiple artwork signed by the author Andrea Picini, a talented artist of years 80' in Italy. This is a multiple of a numbered edition of 1.000 pieces; we c...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Post-Modern Lucite and Brass Menorah
Post-Modern Lucite and Brass Menorah

Post-Modern Lucite and Brass Menorah

Located in San Diego, CA

Beautiful post-modern lucite and brass menorah, circa 1980s. The piece features a etched lucite base and back with brass candle vessels. The menorah is in very good vintage conditio...

Category

Late 20th Century American Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Swedish Designer, Candlesticks, Pine, Sweden, 1970s
Swedish Designer, Candlesticks, Pine, Sweden, 1970s

Swedish Designer, Candlesticks, Pine, Sweden, 1970s

Located in High Point, NC

A pair of pine candlesticks designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1970s. Fits 0.85” diameter candles

Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Pine

1980 Italy Kinetic Wooden Abstract  Sculpture by Bruno Chersicla
1980 Italy Kinetic Wooden Abstract  Sculpture by Bruno Chersicla

1980 Italy Kinetic Wooden Abstract Sculpture by Bruno Chersicla

Located in Brescia, IT

This sculpture is one of a kind piece, no other one exists and it was realized in 1980 by the well known Italian artist Bruno Chersicla. This is a kinetic abstract sculpture, most o...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Ken and Ingrid Hansen Art Glass Vase
Ken and Ingrid Hansen Art Glass Vase

Ken and Ingrid Hansen Art Glass Vase

Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA

Ken And Ingrid Hansen Art Glass Vase ,.

Category

1990s American Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Michael Arntz Ceramic/Pottery Bowl /Centerpiece, Signed Dated
Michael Arntz Ceramic/Pottery Bowl /Centerpiece, Signed Dated

Michael Arntz Ceramic/Pottery Bowl /Centerpiece, Signed Dated

By Michael Arntz

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Great sample of the later work of the very well known ceramist/ potter artist Michael Arntz. Similar geometric design are in Museums now.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Postmodern Tessellated Stone Inlay Mod Cachepot / Planter Attrib. Maitland-Smith
Postmodern Tessellated Stone Inlay Mod Cachepot / Planter Attrib. Maitland-Smith

Postmodern Tessellated Stone Inlay Mod Cachepot / Planter Attrib. Maitland-Smith

By Maitland Smith

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Postmodern Tessellated Stone Inlay Mod Cachepot/PPlanter, Attributed to Maitland-Smith, Circa 1980s  This striking postmodern tessellated stone inlay cachepot/planter, attributed to...

Category

Late 20th Century Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone

Postmodern Modern Marble and Brass Ashtray Box, circa 1970s
Postmodern Modern Marble and Brass Ashtray Box, circa 1970s

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...

Category

1970s Italian Vintage Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble, Brass

Jon Kuhn Early Sculptural Op-Art Vase, American Art Studio Glass, 1982
Jon Kuhn Early Sculptural Op-Art Vase, American Art Studio Glass, 1982

Jon Kuhn Early Sculptural Op-Art Vase, American Art Studio Glass, 1982

By Jon Kuhn

Located in Clifton Springs, NY

Triangular faceted vase features a graphic pattern of ruby red, white, and dichroic glass encased in clear glass layers in sommerso technique. The body of the vase is cut and polished in triangular shape, exposing complex, colorful core; the subtle sheen of dichroic glass adds complexity and visual interest to a reserved color scheme. The vase is signed and dated by the artist in etching on the bottom; this rare, hard to find example of American studio glass would make a great gift to any studio glass, art collector, or modern design enthusiast. Jon Kuhn is one of the foremost glass artists in his field, creating highly intricate architectural glass art sculpture that has won world-wide acclaim. He received BFA from Washburn University in 1974, MFA from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1978, and Honorary DFA from Washburn University in 2006. Jon Kuhn early work was done in molten glass, but currently he works in cold glass that is cut, polished, and fused, resulting in sculptures that take in surrounding light, then reflects and refracts it back; they appear to change color and radiance when viewed from different angles and lighting. Kuhn creates cold glass art in a variety of shapes and forms, but he is perhaps best known for his glass cubes which contain a colorful glass interior cased in clear glass. Kuhn’s work stands out for its complexity, its geometric forms, and for its mesmerizing presence. Jon Kuhn glass...

Category

1980s American Vintage Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass, Blown Glass, Sommerso

Post-Modern Lidded Marble Trinket Box
Post-Modern Lidded Marble Trinket Box

Post-Modern Lidded Marble Trinket Box

Located in San Diego, CA

Post-modern lidded marble trinket box, circa 1980s. The box has well cut lines and is well constructed The piece is in very good condition and measures 5"W x 4"D x 2"H. Cool little ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble, Brass

Large Murano Oceanos Abstract Multi-Color Art Glass Vase Signed Vetro Artistico
Large Murano Oceanos Abstract Multi-Color Art Glass Vase Signed Vetro Artistico

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...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass

Masa Mami Pink Satin Glaze Memphis Style Squiggle Vase
Masa Mami Pink Satin Glaze Memphis Style Squiggle Vase

Masa Mami Pink Satin Glaze Memphis Style Squiggle Vase

Located in View Park, CA

A monumental pink postmodern Memphis Milano style cylindrical ikebana vase with squiggle collar, late 20th century. Signed by artist Masa Mami. One fla...

Category

1980s Unknown Vintage Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Cariátide Small Sculpture in Carrara Marble Stone by NERINEA
Cariátide Small Sculpture in Carrara Marble Stone by NERINEA

Cariátide Small Sculpture in Carrara Marble Stone by NERINEA

Located in VALENCIA, ES

Cariatide is a modular stone sculpture series designed by Fran Silvestre Arquitectos, available in multiple heights, proportions and materials as Jurassic Fossil Top or Marble. Insp...

Category

2010s Spanish Post-Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Carrara Marble

Post-modern decorative objects for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Post-Modern decorative objects for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage decorative objects created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, building and garden elements and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, ceramic and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Post-Modern decorative objects made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and North America pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original decorative objects, popular names associated with this style include Tom von Kaenel, Reflections Copenhagen, Christopher Gentner, and Ettore Sottsass. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for decorative objects differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $33 and tops out at $216,361 while the average work can sell for $1,098.