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.
Ettore Sottsass Le Connessioni Vase from the Ruins Series by Bitossi Italy, 1992
Located in Kansas City, MO
Le Connessioni vase from the Ruins series by Ettore and made by Bitossi for Design Gallery Milano, Italy, 1992. Glazed stoneware. Signed to underside 'Ettore Sottsass 1992 3/9 Bitoss...
Stoneware
Unique Desde La Tierra I Sculptural Vessel in Ceramic by Soledad Christie
Located in Geneve, CH
Unique Desde La Tierra I Sculptural Vessel in Ceramic by Soledad Christie. One Of a Kind. Dimensions: W 15 x D 11 x H 29 cm. Materials: Low-temperature, burnished earthenware ceramic...
Ceramic, Earthenware
Raju Peddada large silver footed bowl / Tazza name "Amfortas"
By Raju Peddada
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Here we have a very rare and one small edition of 10 silver pieces designed by the well known International designer Raju Peddada . The title is Amfortas and were made in high conte...
Silver
Postmodern Irregular Shaped Grey Earthenware Vase by Rosenthal, Italy
By Rosenthal
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1980s This ceramic vase is marked by Rosenthal. This is a vintage piece, therefore it might show slight traces of use, but it can be considered as in excellent origin...
Earthenware
Bodil Manz Vase for Bing And Grøndahl. Signed and stamped 6/84.
By Bing & Grøndahl, Bodil Manz
Located in Stockholm, SE
Vase, part of decorative ware the 'Facet' series, porcelain with relief moulded and underglaze painted decoration, Manufactured by Bing & Grøndahl, Denmark, 1982. Number 6 out of 84....
Porcelain
Vintage Original Mixed Media Jenga Box
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This compelling original mixed media sculpture is a provocative blend of classical iconography and contemporary conceptualism. Centered on a substantial wooden box, the piece feature...
Wood
$1,104 / item
Sculpture FUNGHI 17 by Zanellazine Ceramics
Located in Geneve, CH
Sculpture FUNGHI 17 by Zanellazine Ceramics Dimensions: W 12 x H 23.5 cm Materials: Red and white clay. About: Giovanna Zighetti, ceramist and set designer, and Lucia Zamberletti, ...
Ceramic
$10,231 / item
Posthuman Sculptural Object By Caspi Ceramics NL
Located in Geneve, CH
Posthuman Sculptural Object By Caspi Ceramics NL Dimensions: W 20 x D 25 x H 58 cm. Materials: Ceramic, engobe, Jarre-a-la-corde, oxidation firing. About: From early childhood, cera...
Ceramic
Candlestick for a Private Talk with the Spirits in Steel by Frederic Gaillard
Located in Geneve, CH
Candlestick for a Private Talk with the Spirits in Steel by Frederic Gaillard. Limited Edition of 8 pieces. Dimensions: W 27 x D 10 x H 38 cm. Materials: Rusted steel and brushed pa...
Steel
Post Modern Flash Vases by Margareta Hennix for Gustavsberg, Sweden
By Margareta Hennix, Gustavsberg
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...
Porcelain, Stoneware
Raw & Rainbow Alla Terra Sculpture in Powder-Coated Aluminum by altreforme
Located in Geneve, CH
Raw & Rainbow Alla Terra Sculpture in Powder-Coated Aluminum by altreforme Limited Edition Of 10 Pieces. Dimensions: Ø 28 x H 55 cm. Materials: Powder-coated aluminum. Golden tactil...
Aluminum
H of the Fertile Crescent Sculptural Object By Caspi Ceramics NL
Located in Geneve, CH
H of the Fertile Crescent Sculptural Object By Caspi Ceramics NL Dimensions: W 43 x D 43 x H 130 cm. Materials: Ceramic, engobe, Jarre-a-la-corde, oxidation firing. About: From earl...
Ceramic
Raw & Rainbow Pavone Sculpture in Powder-Coated Aluminum by altreforme
Located in Geneve, CH
Raw & Rainbow Pavone Sculpture in Powder-Coated Aluminum by altreforme Limited Edition Of 10 Pieces. Dimensions: Ø 29 x H 55 cm. Materials: Powder-coated aluminum. The vain peacock ...
Aluminum
Raw & Rainbow Juno Sculpture in Powder-Coated Aluminum by altreforme
Located in Geneve, CH
Raw & Rainbow Juno Sculpture in Powder-Coated Aluminum by altreforme Limited Edition Of 10 Pieces. Dimensions: Ø 35 x H 65 cm. Materials: Powder-coated aluminum. A junoesque and col...
Aluminum
$1,406 / item
Velvet Realities Blue Wall Sculpture by Sven Jansse
Located in Geneve, CH
Velvet Realities Blue Wall Sculpture by Sven Jansse Collaboration with Studio Somé (Robyne Somé) and Sven Jansse. Dimensions: W 63 x D 1 x H 90 cm Materials: Print on CNC’d Acryllic...
Other
Carlo Nason Artistic bottle with Murano glass, signed at the base
By Lavorazione Arte Murano, Carlo Nason
Located in Milano, IT
Carlo Nason for Murano Glassworks Artistic Bottle / Small Decanter, 1980s Murano Glass, original label A highly refined artistic bottle, or small decanter, designed by Carlo Nason f...
Murano Glass
Handmade Brown Lacquered Earthenware Pitcher by Aldo Londi for Bitossi, Italy
By Aldo Londi, Bitossi
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Handmade in Italy, 1970s. This jug is made in lacquered earthenware with brown and orange shades, which are rare colors. It is a vintage item, therefore it might show slight traces o...
Earthenware
José Sacal Mexican "Tongo" Cast Bronze Wall Plaque
Located in Mexico City, MX
A cast bronze wall sculpture by Mexican artist José Sacal named "Tongo". It features a tribute portrait to Mexican - American exotic dancer from the Golden Age of Mexican Cinema Yola...
Bronze
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
Guy Dill Wood Sculpture with Marble Base Signed and Dated
By Guy Dill
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Very well known Abstract artist Guy Dill. He works in monumental bronze and marble abstractions.
Wood
Polished Cast Brass Buzio P Sculptural Object by Studio Orth
Located in Geneve, CH
Polished Cast Brass Buzio P Sculptural Object by Studio Orth Dimensions: W 12 x D 7 x H 7 cm Materials: Cast metal. Finishes: Polished Cast Brass or Polished Cast Aluminum About: S...
Metal
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...
Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass
Peter Shire Large Table Top Sculpture in Red, Yellow, Purple and Black, Signed
By Peter Shire
Located in Kansas City, MO
Peter Shire Postmodern abstract table sculpture, 1989. Enameled steel and brushed steel. Signed and dated "Peter Shire 1989 15/24" Very good condition. Light wear throughout in the ...
Steel
Pyrus Rock Pyramid Installation in Basalt & Stainless Steel by Andres Monnier
Located in Geneve, CH
Pyrus Rock Pyramid Installation in Basalt & Stainless Steel by Andres Monnier Unique Piece Dimensions: D 250 x W 250 x H 250 cm. Materials: Stainless steel and basalt. Available in ...
Stainless Steel, Other
Metal Heart Candleholder in Patinated Solid Brass by William Guillon
Located in Geneve, CH
Metal Heart Candleholder in Patinated Solid Brass by William Guillon Hand Sculpted, Dated and Signed Dimensions: Ø 3,5-4 x H 5-6 cm (custom dimensions upon request) Materials: Solid ...
Brass
Large Gravity Bowl in Patinated Cast Bronze by William Guillon
Located in Geneve, CH
Large dium Gravity Bowl in Patinated Cast Bronze by William Guillon Hand Sculpted, Dated and Signed Dimensions: Ø 25 x H 15 cm (custom dimensions upon request) Materials: Patinated c...
Bronze
Medium Gravity Bowl in Patinated Cast Bronze by William Guillon
Located in Geneve, CH
Medium Gravity Bowl in Patinated Cast Bronze by William Guillon Hand Sculpted, Dated and Signed Dimensions: Ø 20 x H 12 cm (custom dimensions upon request) Materials: Patinated cast ...
Bronze
Omnia Vanitas Vanité 37 Candelabra in Patinated Cast Bronze by William Guillon
Located in Geneve, CH
Omnia Vanitas Vanité 37 Candelabra in Patinated Cast Bronze by William Guillon Hand Sculpted, Dated and Signed Dimensions: Ø 12 x H 30 cm (custom dimensions upon request) Materials: ...
Bronze
Omnia Vanitas Vanité 29 Candelabra in Patinated Cast Bronze by William Guillon
Located in Geneve, CH
Omnia Vanitas Vanité 29 Candelabra in Patinated Cast Bronze by William Guillon Hand Sculpted, Dated and Signed Dimensions: D 8 x W 18 x H 36 cm (custom dimensions upon request) Mater...
Bronze
Omnia Vanitas Vanité 28 Candelabra in Patinated Cast Bronze by William Guillon
Located in Geneve, CH
Omnia Vanitas Vanité 28 Candelabra in Patinated Cast Bronze by William Guillon Hand Sculpted, Dated and Signed Dimensions: D 11 x W 57 x H 18 cm (custom dimensions upon request) Mate...
Bronze
Omnia Vanitas Vanité 24 Candelabra in Patinated Cast Bronze by William Guillon
Located in Geneve, CH
Omnia Vanitas Vanité 24 Candelabra in Patinated Cast Bronze by William Guillon Hand Sculpted, Dated and Signed Dimensions: Ø 19 x H 25 cm (custom dimensions upon request) Materials: ...
Bronze
$4,022 / item
Aegis Vase 350 by Lost Profile Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Aegis Vase 350 by Lost Profile Studio Dimensions: ⌀ 15 x H 35 cm Materials: Brass, White Glass Finishes: Aged Brass (waxed) only Notes: The brass...
Brass
Omnia Vanitas Vanité 23 Candelabra in Patinated Cast Bronze by William Guillon
Located in Geneve, CH
Omnia Vanitas Vanité 23 Candelabra in Patinated Cast Bronze by William Guillon Hand Sculpted, Dated and Signed Dimensions: Ø 10 x W 19 x H 15 cm (custom dimensions upon request) Mate...
Bronze
Omnia Vanitas Vanité 21 Candelabra in Patinated Cast Bronze by William Guillon
Located in Geneve, CH
Omnia Vanitas Vanité 21 Candelabra in Patinated Cast Bronze by William Guillon Hand Sculpted, Dated and Signed Dimensions: Ø 10 x W 16 x H 17 cm (custom dimensions upon request) Mate...
Bronze
Omnia Vanitas Vanité 19 Candelabra in Patinated Cast Bronze by William Guillon
Located in Geneve, CH
Omnia Vanitas Vanité 19 Candelabra in Patinated Cast Bronze by William Guillon Hand Sculpted, Dated and Signed Dimensions: Ø 7 x W 14 x H 41 cm (custom dimensions upon request) Mater...
Bronze
Omnia Vanitas Vanité 17 Candelabra in Patinated Cast Bronze by William Guillon
Located in Geneve, CH
Omnia Vanitas Vanité 17 Candelabra in Patinated Cast Bronze by William Guillon Hand Sculpted, Dated and Signed Dimensions: Ø 9 x W 34 x H 20 cm (custom dimensions upon request) Mater...
Bronze
Omnia Vanitas Vanité 13 Candelabra in Patinated Cast Bronze by William Guillon
Located in Geneve, CH
Omnia Vanitas Vanité 13 Candelabra in Patinated Cast Bronze by William Guillon Hand Sculpted, Dated and Signed Dimensions: Ø 13 x H 29 cm (custom dimensions upon request) Materials: ...
Bronze
Omnia Vanitas Vanité 12 Candelabra in Patinated Cast Bronze by William Guillon
Located in Geneve, CH
Omnia Vanitas Vanité 12 Candelabra in Patinated Cast Bronze by William Guillon Hand Sculpted, Dated and Signed Dimensions: Ø 12 x H 33 cm (custom dimensions upon request) Materials: ...
Bronze
Omnia Vanitas Vanité 10 Candelabra in Patinated Cast Bronze by William Guillon
Located in Geneve, CH
Omnia Vanitas Vanité 10 Candelabra in Patinated Cast Bronze by William Guillon Hand Sculpted, Dated and Signed Dimensions: Ø 18 x H 28 cm (custom dimensions upon request) Materials: ...
Bronze
Omnia Vanitas Vanité 8 Candelabra in Patinated Cast Bronze by William Guillon
Located in Geneve, CH
Omnia Vanitas Vanité 8 Candelabra in Patinated Cast Bronze by William Guillon Hand Sculpted, Dated and Signed Dimensions: Ø 7 x W 23 x H 19 cm (custom dimensions upon request) Materi...
Bronze
Omnia Vanitas Vanité 4 Candelabra in Patinated Cast Bronze by William Guillon
Located in Geneve, CH
Omnia Vanitas Vanité 4 Candelabra in Patinated Cast Bronze by William Guillon Hand Sculpted, Dated and Signed Dimensions: Ø 8 x W 12 x H 40 cm (custom dimensions upon request) Materi...
Bronze
Omnia Vanitas Vanité 3 Candelabra in Patinated Cast Bronze by William Guillon
Located in Geneve, CH
Omnia Vanitas Vanité 3 Candelabra in Patinated Cast Bronze by William Guillon Hand Sculpted, Dated and Signed Dimensions: Ø 8 x W 12 x H 40 cm (custom dimensions upon request) Materi...
Bronze
Cat of the Pari Daiza Sculptural Object By Caspi Ceramics NL
Located in Geneve, CH
Cat of the Pari Daiza Sculptural Object By Caspi Ceramics NL Dimensions: W 36 x D 61 x H 55 cm. Materials: Ceramic, engobe, Arabian luster glaze, press mold, reduction firing. About...
Ceramic
Jaca Vase No. 17 in Black Organic Textured Ceramic by Hanna Englund
Located in Geneve, CH
Jaca Vase No. 17 in Black Organic Textured Ceramic by Hanna Englund Dimensions: D 27 x W 29 x H 46 cm. Materials: Ceramic. Large vase with an organic textured exterior. This piece ...
Ceramic
Postmodern Glass blown tall Vase in Amethyst With Frosted Edge
Located in San Diego, CA
Striking brutalist postmodern glass blown vase , circa 1990's incredible piece of art , with frosted edge. excellent condition no chips or cracks.
Blown Glass
Extra Large Origins Mar de Cobre Wall Sculpture by Aura Carpio
Located in Geneve, CH
Extra Large Origins Mar de Cobre Wall Sculpture by Aura Carpio. Dimensions: D 120 x H 5 cm. Materials: Copper. This piece can be produced in customized sizes and finishes upon requ...
Copper
Huge Impressive Postmodern Maple Abstract Sculpture, 1980s
Located in Miami, FL
Huge Impressive Postmodern Maple Abstract Sculpture, 1980s Offered for sale is a huge 3.5" tall Post-modern abstract sculpture crafted from a warm-toned maple. The result is organic...
Wood, Maple
Karl Springer Design Murano Italy Scavo Art Glass Candle Pillar Set, Signed
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Rare set of 3 Murano Italy Scavo art glass candlestick pillars designed by Karl Springer. Shortest is signed/etched "Karl Springer" on base, circa 1980...
Art Glass
$1,023 / item
Triad Black Kenya Marble Vase by Phillip Jividen
Located in Geneve, CH
Triad Black Kenya Marble Vase by Phillip Jividen Dimensions: W 14.5 x H 25.5 cm Materials: Black Kenya Marble Based in, produced and shipped from the US. The Triad Vase was inspire...
Marble
Elan Polished Bronze Candelabras by Pierre Salagnac, France
Located in London, GB
Elan Candelabras by Pierre Salagnac Material: high polished bronze Dimensions: 32 x 27 cm -- H 63 cm Type: limited edition, numbered and signed A pair of sculptural, polished bronze...
Bronze
Parrot of the Pari Daiza Sculptural Object By Caspi Ceramics NL
Located in Geneve, CH
Parrot of the Pari Daiza Sculptural Object By Caspi Ceramics NL Dimensions: W 28 x D 74 x H 28 cm. Materials: Ceramic, engobe, Arabian luster glaze, press mold, reduction firing. Ab...
Ceramic
Trípodes Hexa Sculptural Object in Ceramic by Julius Nobre
Located in Geneve, CH
Trípodes Hexa Sculptural Object in Ceramic by Julius Nobre. Dimensions: W 30 x D 30 x H 40 cm. Materials: Ceramic. The series brings together larger-scale sculptures with more arch...
Ceramic
Murano Green and Clear Handblown Flower
By Murano 5
Located in Pasadena, TX
This flower is handblown. It was crafted in Murano, Italy. It is green and clear with 3 petals. Makes for a great gift.
Art Glass
$1,480Sale Price|20% Off
Modern Steel and Brass Object
Located in Treadwell, NY
Modern steel and brass sculptural object by Erik Johnson of APD. 1 of 1 Stamped APD 00039 Letter of Authenticity included with the piec...
Steel, Brass
C of the Fertile Crescent Sculptural Object By Caspi Ceramics NL
Located in Geneve, CH
C of the Fertile Crescent Sculptural Object By Caspi Ceramics NL Dimensions: W 81 x D 81 x H 140 cm. Materials: Ceramic, engobe, Jarre-a-la-corde, oxidation firing. About: From earl...
Ceramic
Set of 3 Crystal Vases by Angelo Mangiarotti for Cristalleria Colle, 1980s
Located in Varese, Lombardia
Set of 3 soliflower vases designed by Mangiarotti for Colle, a Tuscany glass manufacturer. This set belongs to an extensive collection of vases and tableware produced in the 1980s. ...
Glass
$1,750Sale Price / set|30% Off
Marble Mountain Bookends
Located in Treadwell, NY
Refined and rugged marble mountain bookends. Listing for one pair of bookends. One of a kind. Dimensions: A - 7 3/4" x 11" x 11" B - 7 1/2" x 11" x 11 1/2" Weight: Approx....
Marble
$12,149 / item
Incarnato 2 Sculpture by Camille De Prêtre
Located in Geneve, CH
Incarnato 2 Sculpture by Camille De Prêtre Dimensions: W 24 x D 24 x H 156 cm. Materials: Burned pine. About Camille De Prêtre is a Belgian artist and furniture designer based betw...
Wood
Olas Sculpture in Black Marble & Stainless Steel by Andres Monnier
Located in Geneve, CH
Olas Sculpture in Black Marble & Stainless Steel by Andres Monnier Unique Piece Dimensions: D 40 x W 150 x H 110 cm. Materials: Black marble and stainless steel. Available in differ...
Marble, Stainless Steel
Small Amphora in White Terracotta by Marta Bonilla
Located in Geneve, CH
Small amphora in white terracotta by Marta Bonilla Dimensions: D20 x H25 cm Materials: Terracotta, Clay Small Amphora in terracotta: Low temperature hand modeled piece. Enameled...
Clay, Terracotta