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.
$14,313Sale 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
Dorothy Hafner Flash Vase and Candleholder Set for Rosenthal, 1980s
Located in Berlin, DE
Four-piece porcelain set designed by Dorothy Hafner for Rosenthal Studio-Line, comprising two vases and two triangular candleholders. Each piece features Hafner’s “Flash” pattern, wi...
Porcelain
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
White and Clear "Mezza Filigrana" Murano Glass Plate by Barovier & Toso, 1980s
Located in Varese, Lombardia
Murano glass centerpiece /decorative plate handmade in "mezza filigrana" technique. Perfect condition.
Murano Glass
Johan Van Loon and Helmut Drexler Rosenthal Porcelain Vase Duo, 1993–1994
By Rosenthal
Located in Berlin, DE
Rosenthal Studio-Line porcelain vase duo combining Johan van Loon’s folded forms with Helmut Drexler’s experimental surface decoration. Produced in Germany in 1993 and 1994, the two ...
Porcelain
Postmodern Sculptural Resin Photo Frame with Wave Form
By Anish Kapoor
Located in San Diego, CA
A striking Postmodern photo frame featuring a sculptural, wave-like form rendered in smooth white resin. The frame’s faceted, undulating surface creates a sense of movement, giving t...
Resin, Epoxy Resin
$2,170 / item
Unique Brown Ceramic Vase by Maria Loram
By Maria Loram
Located in Geneve, CH
Unique Brown Ceramic Vase by Maria Loram Dimensions: W 20.3 x D 20.3 x H 21.6 cm Materials: Stoneware with a glazed finish. Colors: Brown. Custom dimensions and glaze finishes are a...
Stoneware
Giorgio Tura Natural Parchment and Plexiglass Photo Frame for Tura Milano, 1980
By Aldo Tura
Located in Conversano, IT
Overview An elegant photo frame designed by Giorgio Tura for Tura Milano, made in Italy in 1980, combining natural goatskin parchment with clear plexiglass. A refined desk accessory ...
Plexiglass, Parchment
Modern Ikebana Vessel Handmade Black Ceramic Vase by Maku Ceramic
Located in Geneve, CH
Modern Ikebana Vessel Handmade Black Ceramic Vase by Maku Ceramic Dimensions: Ø 20.3 x H 38.1 cm Materials: Ceramic, Stoneware, Clay Maku Ceramic is an Istanbul-based ceramic studio...
Ceramic, Clay, Stoneware
Textured White & Beige Home Decor Handmade Crackle Ceramic Vase by Maku Ceramic
Located in Geneve, CH
Textured White & Beige Home Decor Handmade Crackle Ceramic Vase by Maku Ceramic Dimensions: Ø 12.7 x H 30.4 cm Materials: Ceramic, Stoneware, Clay Maku Ceramic is an Istanbul-ba...
Ceramic, Clay, Stoneware
Scandinavian Modern Decor Handmade Textured Ceramic Large Vase by Maku Ceramic
Located in Geneve, CH
Scandinavian Modern Decor Handmade Textured Ceramic Large Vase by Maku Ceramic Dimensions: Ø 38.1 x H 38.1 cm Materials: Ceramic, Stoneware, Clay Maku Ceramic is an Istanbul-based c...
Ceramic, Clay, Stoneware
Scandinavian Modern Decor Handmade Textured Ceramic Medium Vase by Maku Ceramic
Located in Geneve, CH
Scandinavian Modern Decor Handmade Textured Ceramic Medium Vase by Maku Ceramic Dimensions: Ø 30.4 x H 30.4 cm Materials: Ceramic, Stoneware, Clay Maku Ceramic is an Istanbul-based ...
Ceramic, Clay, Stoneware
Handmade Sculptural Hygge Ceramic Vase by Maku Ceramic
Located in Geneve, CH
Handmade Sculptural Hygge Ceramic Vase by Maku Ceramic Dimensions: Ø 20.3 x H 32.5 cm Materials: Ceramic, Stoneware, Clay Maku Ceramic is an Istanbul-based ceramic studio founded by...
Ceramic, Clay, Stoneware
Where Everything Ends Where Everything Begins Bronze Key by William Guillon
Located in Geneve, CH
Where Everything Ends Where Everything Begins Bronze Key by William Guillon Hand Sculpted, Dated and Signed Dimensions: L 10 to 60 cm (custom dimensions upo...
Bronze
Omnia Vanitas Vanité 30 Candelabra in Patinated Cast Bronze by William Guillon
Located in Geneve, CH
Omnia Vanitas Vanité 30 Candelabra in Patinated Cast Bronze by William Guillon Hand Sculpted, Dated and Signed Dimensions: D 10 x W 52 x H 15 cm (custom dimensions upon request) Mate...
Bronze
Ettore Sottsass Vases from 27 Woods for a Chinese Artificial Flower
Located in Kansas City, MO
Two large vases by Ettore Sottsass from 27 woods for a Chinese Artificial flower. Edition S (red) is SOLD. Each from the edition of 12. From...
Brass, Gold Leaf
Marble and Brass Picture Frame by Designer Maitland Smith, 1980s
By Maitland Smith, Artisan Collection LTD
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful '80s marble and brass picture frame by designer Maitland-Smith, circa late-20th century, 1980s. Frame is rectangular/octagonal in shape, with marble in shades of light sa...
Stone, Marble, Brass
Eólica Large Sculpture in Jurassic Fossil Stone by NERINEA
Located in Geneve, CH
Eólica Large Sculpture in Jurassic Fossil Stone by NERINEA. Dimensions: W 33 x D 29 x H 178 cm. Materials: Natural Stone (Jurassic Fossil TOP). Designed by Fran Silvestre Arquitectos...
Stone
Pair of Vintage Burgundy Candlestick holders done in Memphis Style, Italy 1990s
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a pair of vintage candlestick holders. They feature striking design resembling a lot Memphis style. The candlestick holders are made of cermic or plaste...
Plaster
Contemporary Aluminium S Shaped Ribbon Hook by Henry Wilson
By Henry Wilson
Located in Geneve, CH
Aluminium Ribbon Hook by Henry Wilson Dimensions: W 2 x D 8 x H 12 cm Materials: Aluminium The Ribbon Hook is sand cast in solid aluminium. Ribbon hook has two protruding blocks to ...
Aluminum
Baruch Saktsier bronze signed
By Baruch Saktsier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a great work for the Russian /Israel artist Baruch Saktsier.
Bronze
Euphrates Vase, Designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1983 for Memphis Milano
By Memphis Group, Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Milano
Located in Beirut, LB
The Euphrates vase was originally designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1983 for Memphis Milano 1981-1988. A classic by Sottsass, the Euphrates porcelain vase is part of three 'rivers' vase...
Porcelain
$1,860 / set
Colored plexiglass photo frame, 1980, set of 3
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Colored plexiglass photo frame, 1980, set of 3
Plexiglass
Violet Halo Illuminated Wall Art in Amethyst and Quartz by Sev Art Gallery
Located in Geneve, CH
Violet Halo Illuminated Wall Art in Amethyst and Quartz by Sev Art Gallery. Dimensions: W 60 x D 4 x H 120 cm. Materials: Natural amethyst, natural quartz, high-gloss epoxy resin, ca...
Quartz, Amethyst
Illegibly Signed Postmodern Geometric Magenta Glass Vase, 1998
Located in Astoria, NY
Postmodern Art Glass Vase, 1998, with magenta colored central glass with geometric clear glass design, illegibly signed and dated to base. 24.75" H x 11" W x 7" D. Provenance: From...
Metal
$850 / set
Vintage Jaru Geometrical Orbs
By Jaru
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Unique geometric orbs by JARU. 2 multifaceted orbs which capture the attention. White glazed ceramic with JARU copyright and date. Larger 8.25 x 7.5 Smaller 5.75 x 5
Ceramic
$2,170 / item
Lumi Candle Holder V by Homa
Located in Geneve, CH
Lumi Candle Holder V by Homa. Dimensions: W 21 x D 17 x H 18 cm. Materials: Blown Glass. Silver Mirror. Colour: Silver. HOMA is a contemporary design atelier based in Istanbul. The ...
Glass, Mirror
1990 Mexican Venetian Mosaic Wall Sculpture
Located in Mexico City, MX
A Venetian style mosaic with a organic abstract composition. Signed on the front "M T" on the upper left corner. Signed and dated MEX 1990 on the lower right back. The mosaic is fram...
Stone, Steel
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
$3,254 / item
Sukhasana Sculpture by Marcela Cure
Located in Geneve, CH
Sukhasana sculpture by Marcela Cure Dimensions: W 38 x D 23 x H 15 cm Materials: resin and Stone Composite Our Sukhasana sculpture is inspired by the calming pose commonly used for meditation and practicing breathing exercises. This collection is inspired by the seducing form of the human body. Pieces that speak for themselves. The pieces in this collection are carefully hand-sculpted in clay and later hand cast in a mixture of resin and stone. Marcela Cure is an interior designer from Barranquilla, Colombia, who, in addition to designing contemporary spaces with a Latin Punch, creates exquisite hand-sculpted art objects in materials sourced from the earth. Inspired by the creative legacy of her late mother, a renowned plastic artist, Marcela dedicated herself to designing her own spaces with such impeccable taste and creativity, that friends and family began to comission her design projects. It was at the end of 2015 that "Marcela Cure" was established as an interior design firm focused on contemporary and luxury projects, from which modern, cheerful spaces with an evident Latin American spirit are proposed, as well as contemporary art objects.
Stone
A Hopeless Man Sculptural Statue in Stainless Steel by Metalmorphosis Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
A Hopeless Man Sculptural Statue in Stainless Steel by Metalmorphosis Studio Dimensions: D 140 x W 200 x H 90 cm. Materials: Stainless steel. Despair_ The work represents the moment...
Stainless Steel
$150 / item
Vintage Crosswalk Glass
Located in Branford, CT
Cross walk cased glass lens. Kopp Glass, Swissville, Pennsylvania. One of 10 available. Unused condition. Endless possibilities.
Glass
Italian Wooden XXL Sculpture by Gianni Pinna, 1981
By Gianni Pinna
Located in Weesp, NL
"Experience the beauty and craftsmanship of Gianni Pinna's stunning wooden sculpture, Documento No.7. This one-of-a-kind piece was created in Italy in 198...
Hardwood, Paint
Pair of Transparent Murano Glass Flutes with Colored Details, Italy, 1980s
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1980s. These flutes are made in very thin Murano glass. They can also be use as flower vases. They are vintage, therefore they might show slight traces of use, but the...
Murano Glass
French Patinated Bronze Sculpture "Au Seuil de L'existence", By Louis Lutz
Located in Norwood, NJ
Large and wonderful modern bronze sculpture by Louis Lutz, (French, 1940-): "Au Seuil de L'existence" a patinated bronze, "On the threshold of Existence" ma...
Bronze, Iron
Rene Magritte ceramic decorative plate , marked edition with original box .
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful decorative plate made by Adage et Flammarion , for the Magritte Collection .edition 330/1000 Box measures 9.5 x 9.5 x 1 high . shows light ware and scratches in cardboard .
Ceramic
Unique Norwegian Maple Long Bowl by Matt Kavanagh
Located in Geneve, CH
Unique Norwegian Maple Long Bowl by Matt Kavanagh. Signed by Matt Kavanagh. One of a Kind. Dimensions: W 54.5 x D 17.5 x H 17 cm. Materials: Norwegian Maple, scorch & wax. Uniqu...
Hardwood, Maple
Spanish-Style Life Size Wire Bull Sculpture, Post-Modern Design, 1950s
Located in Queens, NY
Spanish-style life size wire bull figure resting on a black plinth (1950s).
Wire
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
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
$7,741 / item
Ritus Tres Candelabra by Andres Monnier.
Located in Geneve, CH
Ritus Tres Candelabra by Andres Monnier. One of a Kind. Dimensions: D 100 x W 160 x H 70 cm Materials: Black marble. Designer's biography Treko concrete is a Mexican studio...
Marble
Hank Murta Adams cast glass and wire abstract sculpture " Cake" signed
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Nice and traditional cast glass sculpture for the well known contemporary artist Hank M Adams .
Art Glass
$10,890 / item
Mini Side Object by Studio Lugo
Located in Geneve, CH
Mini Side Object by Studio Lugo Dimensions: W 60 x D 44.5 x H 50 cm Materials: Roupala Tree/Lacewood Veneer. Finishing: Matt Varnish. Weight: 8 kg. Studio Lugo in Istanbul, Turkey c...
Stainless Steel
Postmodern Handmade Orange, Red and Black Glazed Ceramic Vase, Germany
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Germany, 1970s. This handmade vase is made in glazed ceramic. It is a vintage piece, therefore it might show slight traces of use, but it can be considered as in very good o...
Ceramic
Colored Murano Glass Fish Decorative Figure by La Murrina, Italy
By La Murrina
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1980s. This fish is made in polychrome Murano glass and features its original label. It is a vintage piece, therefore it might show slight traces of use, but it can be...
Murano Glass
Ettore Sottsass Floor Vases from 27 Woods for a Chinese Artificial Flower, Pair
Located in Kansas City, MO
Two large vases made of burl wood, black and brass designed by Ettore Sottsass for his "27 woods for a Chinese Artificial flower" series. Each of the 27 different vases were made in an edition of 12. These are Numbers 3 and 9 of the twelve "I" editions. Each is signed with applied manufacturers label, "Design Gallery, Milano, Ettore Sottsass, 1995, Made in Italy" with the edition number. Price is for the pair. Condition: Both are in very good vintage condition. No chips, dents or significant scratches. Both retain the original heavy brass vase insert...
Brass
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
$4,592 / item
Sphere Suar Wood Vase by Mary Verspoor
Located in Geneve, CH
Sphere Suar Wood Vase by Mary Verspoor Dimensions: D 40 x H 36 CM Materials: Suar wood Mary Verspoor, of Indonesian-Dutch descent, is a Bali-based designer and creator. She works cl...
Other
Hidden Secret Two-Piece Decorative Object in Glazed Ceramic by BERTO
Located in Geneve, CH
Hidden Secret Two-Piece Decorative Object in Glazed Ceramic by BERTO Unique Piece Dimensions: D 45 x W 45 x H 48 cm. Materials: Glazed ceramics. At MUT Design, for over a decade, I ...
Ceramic
$4,723 / item
Sculpture The root by Touch With Eyes
Located in Geneve, CH
Sculpture The root by Touch With Eyes Dimensions: W 50 x D 50 x H 50 cm Materials: Wood, Oil and Wax. Weight: 30 Kg. The sculpture was made of root washed out by the sea. The wood...
Wood
$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
Alessandro Mendini Murano glass bowl/centerpiece for Venini . Signed
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Great post modern bowl in bright red color , by the well known artist / designer Alessandro Mendini .signed Venini 94.
Glass
Hank Murta Adams cast glass and wire abstract sculpture " Cake" signed
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful sample of the work " Cake" from the well known artist Hank M Adams , this work is signed and dated 1998. Cast Glass and wire.
Art Glass
Architettura Domestica Sculpture in Powder-Coated Aluminum by altreforme
Located in Geneve, CH
Architettura Domestica Sculpture in Powder-Coated Aluminum by altreforme Limited Edition Of 10 Pieces. Dimensions: D 18 x W 41 x H 65 cm. Materials: Powder-coated aluminum. A jewel ...
Aluminum
Postmodern Beige Earthenware Pitcher / Vase by Aldo Londi for Bitossi, Italy
By Aldo Londi, Bitossi
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1970s. It was designed by Aldo Londi and produced by Bitossi. Bitossi was founded in 1921 in Montelupo, a city near Florence, and it is one of the most known Italian ...
Earthenware
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
$1,574 / item
Specimen Vessel Aluminium Vase by Bureau of Entropy
Located in Geneve, CH
Specimen Vessel Aluminium Vase by Bureau of Entropy. Limited edition, numbered & signed. Dimensions: W 8 x D 8 x H 22 cm. Materials: Aluminium. Specimen Vessel is assembled without ...
Aluminum
Natural White Textured Handmade Ceramic Vase by Maku Ceramic
Located in Geneve, CH
Natural White Textured Handmade Ceramic Vase by Maku Ceramic Dimensions: Ø 17.7 x H 35.5 cm Materials: Ceramic, Stoneware, Clay Maku Ceramic is an Istanbul-based ceramic studio foun...
Ceramic, Clay, Stoneware
Tall Sculptural Earthy Textured Contemporary Decor Ceramic Vase by Maku Ceramic
Located in Geneve, CH
Tall Sculptural Earthy Textured Contemporary Decor Ceramic Vase by Maku Ceramic Dimensions: Ø 17.7 x H 43.1 cm Materials: Ceramic, Stoneware, Clay Maku Ceramic is an Istanbul-based ...
Ceramic, Clay, Stoneware
Handmade Textured Moon Surface Decor Large Ceramic Vase by Maku Ceramic
Located in Geneve, CH
Handmade Textured Moon Surface Decor Large Ceramic Vase by Maku Ceramic Dimensions: Ø 38.1 cm Materials: Ceramic, Stoneware, Clay Maku Ceramic is an Istanbul-based ceramic studio fo...
Ceramic, Clay, Stoneware