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.
Large SIGNED Ceramic Totem by Alessandro MENDINI
Located in Berlin, Berlin
Original ceramic designed by Alessandro Mendini. Italy, 2008. Glazed Totem ceramic by Alessandro Mendini for Superego edition, Milano. Named 'Dypilon', this ceramic is part of a T...
Ceramic
Dealbata Porcelain Vase by Alessandro Mendini for Zanotta, '1987'
By Zanotta, Alessandro Mendini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An amazing postmodern white porcelain vase designed by Alessandro Mendini (born 1931) for Zanotta's "Edizioni" collection and produced in limited numbers. Released as one of three va...
Porcelain
1980s Smoked Glass and Mirror Clock by John Gilmore for Accessories Art
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A stunning postmodern smoked glass and mirror table or mantle clock. Triangular mirrored base with beveled edges and a mirrored face with a smoked glass border featuring rounded edg...
Glass, Mirror
Set of Three Memphis Style Bronze Candlesticks by Christian de Beaumont
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Title Set of Three Memphis Style Bronze Candlesticks by Christian de Beaumont, France, 1980s Description A sculptural set of three bronze candlesticks by Christian de Beaumont, pr...
Bronze
1986 Italy Bronze Abstract Sculpture Patrizia Guerresi Donnasole Sun Woman
Located in Brescia, IT
This is an engaging bronze sculpture create by the Italian artist Patrizia Guerresi, in the 1986. The piece is a multiple of 1000 specimen on a green painted wooden base. The title o...
Bronze
$12,258 / item
Incarnato 1 Sculpture by Camille De Prêtre
Located in Geneve, CH
Incarnato 1 Sculpture by Camille De Prêtre Dimensions: W 24 x D 24 x H 138 cm. Materials: Burned pine. About Camille De Prêtre is a Belgian artist and furniture designer based betw...
Wood
Op Art Acrylic Bubble Sphere
Located in San Diego, CA
Op Art acrylic bubble sphere, circa 1980s. The sphere is in very good vintage condition and measures 5"D #4075
Acrylic
Vintage Postmodern American Studio Ceramic Vase, Signed 1992
Located in Delray Beach, FL
A sculptural postmodern studio ceramic vessel with a soft, atmospheric palette. Finished in a pastel blue glaze layered with painterly swatches of light grey and white, creating a s...
Ceramic
1980 Italy Bronze Abstract Sculpture by Vanni Viviani Star with Apples
Located in Brescia, IT
This is an engaging and intense artwork signed by the author Vanni Viviani, a well known artist of years 80' in Italy. This artwork was made in 1980 but it can be considered as new ...
Bronze
Signed Tessa Fuchs Vintage British Art Studio Pottery Bowl or Dish, circa 1980s
By Tessa Fuchs
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
British art Studio Pottery by artist and sculptor Tessa Fuchs (1936-2012), produced circa 1982. Tess Fuchs was born in Chesire and studied at the Sa...
Ceramic, Clay
$154Sale Price|30% Off
Post Modern German Brass "Clear Drops" Oil Lamp Candlestick by Freddie Andersen
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Original Freddie Andersen "Clear Drops" oil lamp made in West Germany. This lamp features an elegant brass stem, a handblown glass reservoir, and a sleek black resin base, creating a...
Brass
1976 Italy Bronze Abstract Sculpture by Vanni Viviani Easel with Two Half Apples
Located in Brescia, IT
This is an interesting one of a kind artwork signed by the author Vanni Viviani, a well known artist of years 80' in Italy. The piece was made in 1976 but it can be considered as n...
Bronze
Lilac and Black Iridescent Murano Glass Vase by Sergio Costantini, Italy 1990s
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy by Sergio Costantini, 1990s This vase is made is etched hand-blown Murano glass with a light pulegoso effect. It also features a transparent and black iridescent lattic...
Murano Glass
Postmodern Perforated Metal Desk Utensilo Organizer, 1980s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Postmodern Perforated Metal Desk Utensilo Organizer, 1980s
Metal
1985 Italy Bronze Abstract Sculpture by Urano Palma Trono Bronzo Bronze 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 ...
Bronze
Late 20th Century Italy Bronze Abstract Sculpture by Eli Riva Sole Luna Sun Moon
Located in Brescia, IT
This intense abstract bronze sculpture was created by the Italian artist Eli Riva in the Late 20th Century. The artwork is a multiple numbered and signed of 5...
Bronze
Mickry 3 Large Scale Sculpture 73" x 43" Post Modern Swiss Pop Art
Located in Atlanta, GA
Mixed Media Sculpture by the artist group Mickry 3, Swiss, circa 2000s. Mickry 3 consists of the female artists Nina von Meiss, Dominique Vigne, and Christina Pfander. Their work has...
Paint, Paper
$37,937Sale Price|20% Off
The great Force of Nature in Elvio Becheroni's Amazonia series
Located in Milano, IT
"The Great Force of Nature" by Elvio Becheroni is a majestic sculpture, part of the series "Amazonia - Disenchanted Forest," embodying the artist's deep respect for nature and, at th...
Wood
Black and Red Blown Murano Glass Fish Decorative Figure, Italy
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Murano, Italy, 1980s. This fish is made in hand-blown sommerso Murano glass with murrains. It is a vintage piece, therefore it might show slight traces of use, but it can be conside...
Murano Glass
1980 Italy Post Modern Abstract Figurative Bronze Sculpture by Marisa Ruberti
Located in Brescia, IT
This is an interesting multiple artwork signed by the author Marisa Ruberti, a talented artist of years 80' in Italy. This is a multiple of a numbere...
Bronze
$308 / item
Alabaster Diogenèa Bowl by ZPS Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Alabaster Diogenèa Bowl by ZPS Studio Dimensions: D 23 x H 4.8 cm Materials: Alabaster. A number of 31 bowls of identical shape, made in limited edition by fine Italian artisans in ...
Stone
$8,144 / item
Concrete and Clay Totem 160 by Frederic Texier
Located in Geneve, CH
Concrete and Clay Totem 160 by Frederic Texier Dimensions: W 40 x D 25 x H 160 cm. Materials: Concrete coated with lime and cement. Color: Cray. Artist Frédéric Texier expresses ...
Concrete, Cement
$380Sale Price|20% Off
Postmodern Ceramic Signed "Jagged" Vase
Located in San Diego, CA
Gorgeous postmodern broken ceramic vase, circa 1970s. The piece is assembled with irregular pieces of blue and cream glazed ceramic giving it a real "jagged" look. The vase is in ver...
Ceramic
Four Post-Modern "Kombi" Vases by the Artist Margareta Hennix for Gustavsberg
By Margareta Hennix, Gustavsberg
Located in Stockholm, SE
Four Post-Modern "Kombi" vases in white glazed stoneware made by the Swedish artist Margareta Hennix for Gustavsberg. Made in the 80´s and are in great condition. Measures: Small v...
Stoneware
1985 Italy Wooden Abstract Sculpture by Urano Palma Grande Trono Big 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 ...
Wood
Ettore Sottsass Shiva Capsule Limited Edition Blue Vase 142/999
By BD Barcelona Design, Ettore Sottsass
Located in Barcelona, ES
Blue Shiva ceramic vase designed by Ettore Sottsass, circa 1973, edited by BD in Barcelona. This piece has been produced as a limited edition with a total of only 999 units. This is...
Ceramic
$220Sale Price|20% Off
Live Edge in Maple Burl Wood Trinket Box
Located in San Diego, CA
A highly sculptural studio crafted live edge maple burl wood trinket box, circa 1980s. The box has a removable lid and measures 7.25" W x 2.875" D x 2.75" H and is in very good vinta...
Maple
1970 Italy Bronze Abstract Sculpture by Urano Palma Omaggio a Giacometti
By Urano Palma
Located in Brescia, IT
This very intense and engaging artwork was created by Urano Palma that he is a well known Italian artist who starts to create his artworks following the philosophy of Lucio Fontana. ...
Bronze
Arctuaria Totem in Marble, Travertine & Steel by Andres Monnier
Located in Geneve, CH
Arctuaria Totem in Marble, Travertine & Steel by Andres Monnier Unique Piece Dimensions: D 40 x W 30 x H 170 cm. Materials: Marble, steel, and travertine. Available in different fin...
Travertine, Marble, Steel
Postmodern Glass Hand Made Zodiac Paperweights by Svoboda Karlov Checoslovakia
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful Zodiac paperweights made by Svoboda Karlov circa the 1980s, with Picis Aries and Tauro Logos, we are selling them separately buyer has the choice to by which one they want...
Blown Glass
$912 / item
Eos Vase by Moldra
Located in Geneve, CH
Eos Vase by Moldra Dimensions: D 24 x H 27 cm Materials: Stoneware Moldra is a ceramic studio devoted to sculptural vases and objects. Rooted in the ancestral hand-building techniqu...
Stoneware
1980s Postmodern Black Empire Art Products Clock
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A postmodern 1980s Empire Art Products clock looks like it could be straight out of a Swatch store or Pee Wee’s Playhouse. Black frame, yellow, blue, and red h...
Glass, Wood
Scandinavian Surreal Female Figurine 'Lizard Queen' in the Style of Åke Holm
Located in Esbjerg, DK
An unusual Scandinavian studio-piece in the shape of this voluptuous female torso with lizard head and neck. Unknown ceramist circa 1970-80 reminiscent of pieces by Beatrice Wood and...
Ceramic
Postmodern Old Rose Murano Glass Vase with a Hole, Italy
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1970s. This is an old rose Murano glass vase. It is a vintage item, therefore it might show slight traces of use, but it can be considered as in perfect original condi...
Murano Glass
1980s Desk or Mantle Clock by Hermle
By Hermle
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An outstanding black and aqua blue desk or mantle clock by Hermle, a 100 year old German clockmaker. With all of the panache of the postmodern era, this clock most likely dates from...
Plastic
Mini Murano Mandruzzato Vase with 925 Silver Inclusions
By Mandruzzato
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Mini Murano Mandruzzato Vase with 925 Silver Inclusions This elegant, geometric mini vase was produced by the prestigious Mandruzzato workshop in Murano, renowned for its mastery of ...
Sterling Silver
Bespoke Italian Post Modern Rose Pink Murano Glass Geometric Couture Table Lamp
By Cosulich Interiors & Antiques
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A fun modernist table / desk lamp, a contemporary organic creation entirely hand made in Italy, the geometric shape inspired by a fashion tailored suit design, the waisted middle par...
Brass
$2,800Sale Price|35% Off
Stanley Landsman Infinity Mirror Sculpture with Gilt Bronze Base
Located in Astoria, NY
Stanley Landsman (American, 1930-1984) Infinity Mirror Sculpture, circular glass mounted on gilt bronze base. 15.25" H x 12.25" W x 3" D. Provenance: From the Estate of American Fa...
Bronze
Pair of Post-Modern Marble Spheres / Paperweights
Located in San Diego, CA
Gorgeous set of two post-modern marble spheres / paperweights, circa 1980s. The pieces are in very good condition with no chips or cracks and the largest one measures 3"D x 3"H and ...
Marble
Languid#2 Vase in Fig Tree Wood by Yann Marot
Located in Geneve, CH
Languid#2 Vase in Fig Tree Wood by Yann Marot Dimensions: D 29 x W 22 x H 26 cm Materials: Fig tree Born in Mayenne (France) in 1974. I have always been attracted by wood and all th...
Wood
Through The Window Vase in Fig Tree Wood by Yann Marot
Located in Geneve, CH
Through The Window Vase in Fig Tree Wood by Yann Marot Dimensions: D 19 x W 16 x H 42 cm Materials: Fig tree Born in Mayenne (France) in 1974. I have always been attracted by wood a...
Wood
Rope Bowl in Evergreen Oak Oxides Wood by Yann Marot
Located in Geneve, CH
Rope Bowl in Evergreen Oak Oxides Wood by Yann Marot Dimensions: D 25 x W 22 x H 25 cm Materials: Evergreen Oak Oxides Born in Mayenne (France) in 1974. I have always been attracte...
Wood, Oak
$2,335 / item
Rope Bowl in Oak Black Stain Wood by Yann Marot
Located in Geneve, CH
Rope Bowl in Oak Black Stain Wood by Yann Marot Dimensions: D 32 x W 28 x H 20 cm Materials: Oak Black Stain Born in Mayenne (France) in 1974. I have always been attracted by wood ...
Wood, Oak
$2,335 / item
Rope Bowl in Oak Oxides Wood by Yann Marot
Located in Geneve, CH
Rope Bowl in Oak Oxides Wood by Yann Marot Dimensions: D 32 x W 28 x H 20 cm Materials: Oak Oxides Born in Mayenne (France) in 1974. I have always been attracted by wood and all th...
Wood, Oak
Rope Bowl in Hackberry Wood by Yann Marot
Located in Geneve, CH
Rope Bowl in Hackberry Wood by Yann Marot Dimensions: D 65 x W 61 x H 36 cm Materials: Hackberry Born in Mayenne (France) in 1974. I have always been attracted by wood and all the c...
Wood
$3,770 / item
Ovalie Vase in Fig Tree Wood by Yann Marot
Located in Geneve, CH
Ovalie Vase in Fig Tree Wood by Yann Marot Dimensions: D 33 x W 22 x H 24 cm Materials: Fig tree Born in Mayenne (France) in 1974. I have always been attracted by wood and all the c...
Wood
$1,422Sale Price|20% Off
Italian 1980s Post Modern Vase in Alabaster
Located in Milan, IT
Italian 1980s Post Modern Vase in Alabaster Attributed to Alessandro Mendini Italy 1980s
Alabaster
$300Sale Price|20% Off
Whimsical Postmodern Torch Cut Solid Iron Candle Holder Sculpture Signed
Located in San Diego, CA
A rare candle holder Stamped M 1994, fire torch welded iron figurines after Keith Haring, each holder takes a 3/4" diameter candle.
Metal
1980, Italy Post-Modern Rodica Tanasescu Bronze Abstract Sculpture Maratoneta
Located in Brescia, IT
This artwork was created by the Italian artist Rodica Tanasescu. The title " Maratoneta" Marathon runner. Rodica Tanasescu was born in Rumania and now...
Bronze
Wax Clock in Stainless Steel, Nickel Plated Steel & Wax Candle by Panorammma
Located in Geneve, CH
Wax Clock in Stainless Steel, Nickel Plated Steel & Wax Candle by Panorammma Dimensions: D 60 x W 60 x H 50 cm. Materials: Stainless steel, nickel-plated steel, and wax candle. Cust...
Steel, Stainless Steel, Other, Nickel
Set Of 2 Almas Caviar Bowl & Spoon in Horn & Crystal by Arcahorn
Located in Geneve, CH
Set Of 2 Almas Caviar Bowl & Spoon in Horn & Crystal by Arcahorn Dimensions: Ø 24 x H 7 cm. Materials: Horn and crystal. Colours and shades of horn processed by Arcahorn are unique ...
Crystal, Other
$650Sale Price|23% Off
Tanya Poust Patinated Bronze Female Figure Sculpture, Post-Modern, USA
Located in Astoria, NY
Tanya Poust (American, XX) Stylized Female Figure Patinated Bronze Sculpture, floating atop a stem above a black marble plinth. 17.25" H x 16" W x 9.5" D. Provenance: From a New Yo...
Bronze
$260Sale Price|20% Off
Petite Post-Modern Italian Marble Vase
Located in San Diego, CA
Gorgeous petite post-modern Italian marble vase, circa 1970s. Striking black and white flecking throughout the dark green background on this piece...
Marble
Murano Glass Aquarium by Gino Cenedese with Two Fishes, Paperweight
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Murano, Italy, 1980s. This rare decorative object, which can also be used as a paperweight, depicts two colored fishes in an aquarium with its own algae and corals. It is made in m...
Murano Glass
Post Modern Italian Sculpture, Aluminum & Copper, Bold Design, 1980s
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This particular 1980s Post Modern Italian sculpture embodies the bold and provocative spirit of a pivotal design era. Three distinct vertical ...
Aluminum
Postmodern Red, White and Blue Murano Glass Vase by Carlo Moretti, Italy
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1970s. Made in Murano glass. It might show slight traces of use since it's vintage, but it can be considered as in excellent original condition and ready to become a ...
Murano Glass
Postmodern Solid Polished Granite Massive Italian Footed Compote Bowl
Located in San Diego, CA
Massive 1" thick compote polished granite bowl in graphite color unfinished inside, can be used as a mortar circa 1980s Memphis era beautiful solid heavy excellent condition.
Granite
$260 / set
1980s Memphis Style Brass Candlesticks
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A sculptural pair rooted in early 1980s postmodern design. These vintage candlesticks pull from the Memphis Milano playbook, bold geometry, exaggerated scale, and a graphic sense of ...
Brass
Multicolored Murano Glass Plate by Berit Johansson for Salviati, 1991
Located in Varese, Lombardia
Murano glass centerpiece dish designed by Berit Johansson for Salviati in 1991. Signature of the maker engraved on the back. Perfect condition.
Murano Glass
$11,784 / item
Jomon Contemporary Fertility Vessel 26 by Noe Kuremoto
Located in Geneve, CH
Jomon Contemporary Fertility Vessel 26 by Noe Kuremoto Materials: White stoneware Dimensions: D 32 x W 47 x H 44 cm (Dimensions are approximate). Milk, Clay, and Ashes I’m a middle...
Stoneware