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.
Set of 3 Maïa Candleholders in Solid Brass & Aluminum by Studio Marine Breynaert
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 3 Maïa Candleholders in Solid Brass & Aluminum by Studio Marine Breynaert. Dimensions: Ø 10 x H 51.5 cm (Large), Ø 10 x H 36 cm (Medium), Ø 10 x H 18 cm (Small). Materials: So...
Aluminum, Brass
SALVATORE POLIZZI Molded Art Etched Glass Wave Footed Bowl Signed 1980s
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
1980s Molded Art Etched Glass Wave Footed Bowl Signed by the listed glass artist SALVATORE POLIZZI. One of a kind light aqua blue etched Art Glass footed bo...
Art Glass
Orange Blown and Etched Glass Tulip Vase by Carlo Moretti, Italy
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1970s. This wonderful tulip vase was designed by Carlo Moretti and is made in hand-blown and etched glass. It is labeled, but it is illegible. This is a vintage piece...
Blown Glass
Limited 20th Century Pate de Verre Glass Sculpture "Chevaux d'Amour" by Daum
By Daum
Located in London, GB
This expressive pâte de verre limited edition glass sculpture by Daum, entitled 'Chevaux d’Amour' or 'Love Horses', depicts two horses in dynamic motion, their intertwined forms sugg...
Glass
Postmodern Plaster Catchall Lidded Box
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Unique postmodern textural plaster lidded box. Nice low tapering profile. Lid accentuated with a rope detail and petite finial. Interior with a nicely curved bowl.
Plaster
Large Ceramic Post Modern Cubist Art Deco Cat, USA, 1980's
By Hyalyn
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Large Decorative Ceramic Post Modern Cubist Art Deco Cat Pottery Hyalyn Pottery USA, 1980's " love cats....... me too " " in very good vintage as found condition "
Ceramic
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
Miguel Berrocal Sculpture/Abstract, Torso " with Stand, Choker Necklace Art
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful mounted sculpture from the Puzzle Spanish master Miguel Berrocal, This work is signed in front and numbered 809/1000.
Bronze
Unique Sueño De Los Andes I Sculptural Vessel in Ceramic by Soledad Christie
Located in Geneve, CH
Unique Sueño De Los Andes I Sculptural Vessel in Ceramic by Soledad Christie. One Of a Kind. Dimensions: W 13 x D 11 x H 35 cm. Materials: Low-temperature, burnished earthenware cera...
Ceramic, Earthenware
Orbit Bowl by Panorammma, Hand-Carved White Onyx with Nickel-Plated Steel Feet
By Panorammma
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
A sculptural centerpiece carved from solid white Onyx, this bowl celebrates the quiet elegance of natural stone. Its soft oval silhouette reveals delicate mineral veining. A subtle b...
Onyx, Steel, Nickel
Constructivist Sculpture “Yo-ga-ga” by Henk van Putten, Netherlands, 1990s
Located in DE KWAKEL, NL
A striking geometric sculpture by Dutch artist Henk van Putten, titled Yo-ga-ga. Executed in a limited edition of 12 pieces, this work embodies the artist’s fascination with balance,...
Metal
Transparent Murano Glass Vase by Carlo Moretti, Signed and Labeled, Italy 1990s
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1970s. Made in hand-blown and hand-polished Murano glass. It is signed and labeled by Carlo Moretti. This vase might show slight traces of use since it's vintage, but...
Murano Glass
$5,718 / item
Imperial M Decorative Object by Kreoo
Located in Geneve, CH
Imperial M Decorative Object by Kreoo Designed by Christophe Pillet Dimensions: Ø 50 x H 16 cm. Materials: Black and Gold marble. Available in different marble and travertine optio...
Marble
"Encirclement" Patinated Bronze Figure Of A Nude Male Acrobat By Louis Lutz
By Lutz
Located in Norwood, NJ
LUTZ, Louis, (French, 1940-): "Encirclement" Patinated bronze figure of a male nude acrobat supported by steel rings, affixed to steel plinth. Signed dated and numbered 2/8, Blanchet...
Bronze, Steel
$4,200
Sergio Asti Vase
By Sergio Asti
Located in Chicago, IL
Sergio Asti Jaipur vase from the Toky collection, Superego Editions This example is number 11 from the edition of 50. Glazed signature and edition to underside: [Jaipur N. 11/50]. Si...
Ceramic
Set Of 3 Temptations Trays in Powder-Coated Aluminum by altreforme
Located in Geneve, CH
Set Of 3 Temptations Trays in Powder-Coated Aluminum by altreforme Dimensions: D 40 x W 40 x H 4 cm. D 20 x W 40 x H 4 cm. Materials: Powder-coated aluminum. Pop stylish trays to se...
Aluminum, Other
$14,003Sale Price|20% Off
Born Again from Amazonia Disenchanted Forest series by Elvio Becheroni
Located in Milano, IT
The work **Being Born Again** by Elvio Becheroni is a unique and extraordinary sculpture, part of the "Amazonia - Disenchanted Forest" series. This piece captures the essence of the ...
Wood
Set of 2 Unique Sueño De Los Andes II, Sculptural Vessels by Soledad Christie
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 2 Unique Sueño De Los Andes II, Sculptural Vessels by Soledad Christie. One Of a Kind. Dimensions: Left: W 11 x D 8 x H 27 cm. Right: W 24 x D 8 x H 21 cm. Materials: Low-tem...
Ceramic, Earthenware
$2,567 / item
Wine Gum 1 Vessel by Casper Johs
Located in Geneve, CH
Wine Gum 1 Vessel by Casper Johs Dimensions: Ø 42 x H 48 cm. Materials: Wine gum and resin. The vivid and colorful universe was the start of an in-depth investigation of the possibi...
Other
Postmodern Lino Sabattini Silver-Plated Brass Shell Vide-Poche, Italy
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1970s. This is a great silver plated brass vide-poche in the shape of a shell. Its simple design was created by Lino Sabattini. This is a vintage piece, therefore it ...
Silver Plate, Brass
Ettore Sottsass Candelstick / Candle Holder, Silver Plate for Swid Powell
By Ettore Sottsass, Swid Powell
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is one icon of Post Modern design by the well known architect Ettore Sottsass.
Silver Plate
Unique Minimalist Textured Ceramic Vase by Maria Loram
By Maria Loram
Located in Geneve, CH
Unique Minimalist Textured Ceramic Vase by Maria Loram Dimensions: W 20.3 x D 20.3 x H 20.3 cm Materials: Stoneware with a glazed finish. Colors:...
Stoneware
Ottavia Box in Glossy Horn, Ebony Veneer & Aida Pebbled Leather by Arcahorn
Located in Geneve, CH
Ottavia Box in Glossy Horn, Ebony Veneer & Aida Pebbled Leather by Arcahorn Designed by Filippo Dini Dimensions: D 13 x W 22 x H 8 cm. Materials: Glossy horn, ebony veneer, and Aida ...
Stainless Steel, Other
Ceramic vase Memphis, “ILIOS” by Luciano Florio Paccagnella, Milan, 1990’s.
Located in Milan, IT
Memphis Milano painted ceramic vase by Luciano Florio Paccagnella, “ILIOS” in yellow. Florio was a key member of the Memphis group when he created his series of unique handmade vases...
Ceramic
$2,333Sale Price|20% Off
Post Modern Italian Sculpture
Located in Milano, IT
This 1980s sculpture is a powerful testament to contemporary abstract modern art, an artwork that embodies the essence of industrial design transformed into visual poetry. Created by...
Iron
Post Modern Black Gold Glazed Stoneware Op Art Cylinder Face Vase With Handles
Stunner done this Stoneware Vase in shiny glazed Black and Gold Color, front with Tribal Face and Handles. Ideal for Flowers or create a spectacular focal point vase piece on your li...
Stoneware, Paint
Set of Three Ceramic Candle holders
Located in Denton, TX
Set of three ceramic candle holders with multi colored glaze. 1980s There is a signature on them but cant read please see pictures
Pottery
Engraved Anatomical Heart Model Crystal Art Glass Decor Paperweight
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Laser Engraved Anatomical Human Heart Model Crystal Art Glass Decor Paperweight. Rectangular shape with a 3D human heart model. Great to use as a paperweight or decor for a heart doc...
Art Glass
Set of 3 Unique Vasijas Para Sembrar Agua, Black Vessels by Soledad Christie
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 3 Unique Vasijas Para Sembrar Agua, Black Vessels by Soledad Christie. One Of a Kind. Dimensions: Left: W 16 x D 10 x H 20 cm. Center: W 6.5 x D 7 x H 10 cm. Right: W 19 x D 1...
Ceramic, Earthenware
Ettore Sottsass Vase from Stepped Series in Enameled Ceramic by Bitossi
Located in Cascina, Pisa
A vase from the stepped series in hand-turned in white clay enameled with two-tone matt gray and light green glaze, manufactured in the 1990s by Bitossi and designed by Ettore Sottsa...
Ceramic
Alvino Bagni Large Ceramic Bowl, Italy, 1970s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Large ceramic bowl designed by Alvino Bagni and produced in Italy during the 1970s. Executed in glazed ceramic, the bowl features Bagni’s characteristic graphic decoration-warm terr...
Ceramic
Conceptual Miniature Chair by Natasha Nicholson
Located in Chicago, IL
Conceptual Miniature Chair by Natasha Nicholson, Oakwood structure with rubber strands pass through multiple holes throughout. Can be displayed hung on wall or Shelf, Table, etc. Fro...
Wood
Ceramic vase Memphis, “LOLA” by Luciano Florio Paccagnella, Milan, 1990’s.
Located in Milan, IT
Memphis Milano painted ceramic vase by Luciano Florio Paccagnella, “LOLA” in yellow. Florio was a key member of the Memphis group when he created his series of unique handmade vases....
Ceramic
Murano Beige Handblown Flower 5.5"
By Murano 5
Located in Pasadena, TX
This flower is handblown. It was crafted in Murano, Italy. It is a beige color with brownish accents on the the petals. Makes for a great gift.
Art Glass
Postmodern Memphis Style Vase by Thomas, Rosenthal, Germany, 1980s
A very rare and extraordinary Postmodern Vase by Thomas Porzellan, Atelier Collection, a Division of Rosenthal. Made in Germany in the 1980s this obj...
Porcelain
Tanya Poust Flamenco Dancer Patinated Bronze
Located in Astoria, NY
Tanya Poust (American, XX) Flamenco Dancer Verdigris Patinated Bronze Sculpture, mounted on a circular black marble base. 22.5" H x 8.5" W x 5" D. Provenance: From a New York City ...
Bronze
Tanya Poust Horse Patinated Bronze Sculpture, 1969
Located in Astoria, NY
Tanya Poust (American, XX) Galloping Horse Patinated Bronze Sculpture, 1969, signed and dated "Tanya Poust 69" to base, with a green marble plinth. Overall: 14.5" H x 13" W x 5" D. ...
Marble, Bronze
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
$7,702 / item
Gaia Teak Wood Vase by Mary Verspoor
Located in Geneve, CH
Gaia Teak Wood Vase by Mary Verspoor Dimensions: D 60 x W 42 x H 30 CM Materials: Teak wood Mary Verspoor, of Indonesian-Dutch descent, is a Bali-based designer and creator. She wor...
Other
Colorwood vase designed by Angelo Mangiarotti for Alpimass 1980ies
Located in Offenburg, Baden Wurthemberg
Unique wooden color-wood vase designed by Angelo Mangiarotti, ca. 1981, with creator mark on bottom: „Alpimass“, „A. Mangiarotti“ Exceptionally rare vase from a series that Angelo...
Plywood
Grace Gold Edition Serving Trolley by Schönbuch
Located in Geneve, CH
Grace Gold Edition Serving Trolley by Schönbuch Design by Sebastian Herkner Dimensions: W 72 x D 46.7 x H 70 cm Materials: Gilded steel frame and wheels (gold leaf copper-zinc alloy)...
Bronze, Steel
Stanley Landsman Infinity Mirror Sculpture
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
Post Modern Curved Lucite Table Sculpture Van Teal Style
By Van Teal
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
This is a post-modern lucite table sculpture in the style of Van Teal. The entire piece is crafted from lucite, including the base and the arms that extend from the top. The sculptur...
Lucite
Robert Lee Morris "Cigar Car" Bronze Sculpture
Located in Queens, NY
Robert Lee Morris, "Cigar Car" 1980's, Bronze, Signed Verso
Bronze
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
Birds of the Pari Daiza Sculptural Object By Caspi Ceramics NL
Located in Geneve, CH
Birds of the Pari Daiza Sculptural Object By Caspi Ceramics NL Dimensions: W 25 x D 79 x H 23 cm. Materials: Ceramic, engobe, Arabian luster glaze, press mold, reduction firing. Abo...
Ceramic
Stoneware Clay, Ceramic The Wind of Change Sculpture by Aleksandra Krasnopolska
Located in Geneve, CH
Stoneware Clay, Ceramic The Wind of Change Sculpture by Aleksandra Krasnopolska Dimensions: W 31 x D 20 x H 35 cm, W 28.5 x D 15 x H 30 cm Materials: Stoneware clay. Unglazed cerami...
Ceramic, Clay, Stoneware
Ritus Uno Unique Candelabra & Censer in Carved White Marble by Andres Monnier
Located in Geneve, CH
Ritus Uno Unique Candelabra & Censer in Carved White Marble by Andres Monnier Unique Piece Dimensions: D 20 x W 12 x H 20 cm. Materials: White marble. Available in different finishe...
Marble
Stanley Landsman "Starry Night" Lightbox Sculpture
Located in Astoria, NY
Stanley Landsman (American, 1930-1984) "Starry Night" [Infinity Lit Cabinet] Electrified Light Box Sculpture, composed of fountain pens, light bulbs, and mirrored glass, mounted on e...
Glass, Mirror, Wood
Set of 3 Unique Vasijas Para Sembrar Agua, Red Vessels by Soledad Christie
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 3 Unique Vasijas Para Sembrar Agua, Red Vessels by Soledad Christie. One Of a Kind. Dimensions: Left: W 7 x D 7 x H 13 cm. Center: W 14 x D 9 x H 19.5 cm. Right: W 20 x D 13 x...
Ceramic, Earthenware
Crater Unique Sculptural Bowl in Carved Grey Marble by Andres Monnier
Located in Geneve, CH
Crater Unique Sculptural Bowl in Carved Grey Marble by Andres Monnier Unique Piece Dimensions: D 20 x W 20 x H 10 cm. Materials: Grey marble. Available in different finishes and mat...
Marble
Postmodern Blue and Teal Ceramic Vase in the style of Bitossi
By Bitossi
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1960s - 1970s. This is a blue and cyan glazed and engraved ceramic vase. It is a vintage item, therefore it might show slight traces of use, but it can be considered...
Ceramic
Silver Plated Metal Candleholder by M. De Lucchi for Produzione Privata, 90s
By Michele de Lucchi, Produzione Privata
Located in Varese, Lombardia
A rare candle stick design by Michele de Lucchi in the 1996 and produced in a limited edition by Produzione Privata (3/30). This version is called "candeliere 4" and it's made of sil...
Silver, Brass
Sekichū Unique Floor Candelabra in Carved Basalt Stone by Andres Monnier
Located in Geneve, CH
Sekichū Unique Floor Candelabra in Carved Basalt Stone by Andres Monnier Unique Piece Dimensions: D 40 x W 30 x H 130 cm. Materials: Basalt stone. Available in different finishes an...
Stone
Spanish Style Life Size Wire Bull
Located in Queens, NY
Spanish-style life size wire bull figure resting on a black plinth (1950s).
Wire
Postmodern Murano Glass Decanter Bottle by Vincenzo Nason, Italy
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1980s. This decanter bottle is made in light blue Murano glass and features a hand-modeled glass cap. It is a vintage item, therefore it might show slight traces of us...
Murano Glass
Murano Glass Vase by Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso with White Canes, Italy
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1970s. This is an extremely fine vase, designed by Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso's company in Murano. It is made in hand-blown glass with white canes. This is...
Murano Glass
Postmodern Murano Glass Vase by Barovier and Toso, Italy, 1980s
Located in Milan, IT
Remarkable Murano glass vase by Barovier and Toso. Blue body with yellow and green inclusions.
Murano Glass
$1,400Sale Price|20% Off
Framework Inspired by the Blockcain Packman by Bomberbax
Located in Milano, IT
Painting created by artist BomberBax Inspired by BlockCain depicting the famous and iconic Packman game where he is allegorically painted eating (as in the game) an American dollar...
Canvas, Paint
David Gilhooly, Title "Burrito Frog " Ceramic/Pottery Sculpture Signed
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Nice piece of the well known artist David Gilhooly creator of the Funk movement, This is a Burrito frog title work.
Ceramic