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.
$3,497 / item
L Ceramic Vase in White Matte by Mathilde Martin
Located in Geneve, CH
L Ceramic Vase in White Matte by Mathilde Martin One Of A Kind. Dimensions: Ø 25 x H 40 cm. Opening: 13 cm. Foot: 6,5 cm. Materials: Ceramic. Handmade. Dimensions may vary. Please...
Ceramic
$722 / item
Bronze Fugit Vase by Mason Editions
Located in Geneve, CH
Bronze Fugit vase by Mason Editions. Dimensions: 12 × 15 × 34 cm. Materials: Iron. Colors: matte bronze, polished white nickel, black nickel. Fugit vase consists of a metal she...
Iron
Postmodern Gold Flecked Murano Glass Bowl / Vide-Poche, Italy
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1970s. This bowl or vide-poche is made in Murano glass and features gold fleck inclusion. It may show slight traces of use since it's vintage, but it can be considere...
Gold Leaf
Set Of 2 Sterlet Caviar Bowls in Horn, Lacquered Wood & Crystal by Arcahorn
Located in Geneve, CH
Set Of 2 Sterlet Caviar Bowls in Horn, Lacquered Wood & Crystal by Arcahorn Dimensions: Small: D 14 x W 14 x H 9 cm. Large: D 20 x W 20 x H 11 cm. Materials: Horn, lacquered wood, an...
Crystal, Other
Postmodern Blue Glass and Metal Ice Bucket in the Style of Mauro Manetti, Italy
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, circa 1970s. A highly decorative royal blue glass and metal plated ice bucket or wine cooler or bowl in the manner of Mauro Manetti. It might show slight traces of us...
Metal
Neptunus Suar Wood Patina Black Vase by Mary Verspoor
Located in Geneve, CH
Neptunus Suar Wood Patina Black Vase by Mary Verspoor Dimensions: D 22 x H 40 CM Materials: Suar wood Mary Verspoor, of Indonesian-Dutch descent, is a Bali-based designer and creato...
Other
$354Sale Price|43% Off
Massimo Lunardon Green Jellyfish-Tablet, Murano Glas, Medusa, Bowl
Located in Hamburg, DE
Special Jellyfish tray from the company Massimo Lunardon. Massimo Lunardon employs only experienced artisans who handcraft these great Murano glass objects. This clear blown glass se...
Murano Glass
Robert Lee Morris Hammered Brass Sculpture, Large Double Stack, 1980s
Located in Queens, NY
Robert Lee Morris, "Large Double Stack" 1980s, hammered brass, signed Verso.
Brass
$5,866 / item
Untitled No. 42 Vase by Marea Hildebrand
Located in Geneve, CH
Untitled No. 42 Vase by Marea Hildebrand Handmade Dimensions: D 43 x W 43 x H 40 cm Materials: Stoneware with slip. Marea Hildebrand (b. 1989) is a Zurich-based ceramic artist with...
Stoneware
Postmodern Round Cyan Murano Glass Bottle by Alfredo Barbini, Italy, 1980s
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1980s. This bottle is designed by Alfredo Barbini and it is made in Murano glass and etched glass. It is a vintage piece, therefore it might show slight traces of use...
Murano Glass, Glass
Vintage Black and Teal Fat Lava Ceramic Vase Multi-Color 484-30 Scheurich WGP
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Germany. Black and Teal Fat Lava Ceramic Vase Multi-Color 484-30 by Paul Scheurich WGP. This vase is made in hand-modeled and handprinted earthenware. It is a vintage piece,...
Ceramic
$3,142 / item
Mandala Totem by Deetee Home
Located in Geneve, CH
Mandala Totem by Deetee Home Dimensions: W 30.48 x D 30.48 x H 198.12 cm Materials: Engineered wood This totem starts with a single block of high-quality solid wood, chosen for its ...
Wood
Postmodern Round Glass Decorative Piece by Renato Anatrà, Signed, Italy
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Murano, Italy, 1980s. It is made the expert Murano glass maker Renato Anatrà. This piece is signed by him and features its original "vetri Murano" label. It is vintage, therefore it...
Murano Glass
$7,525 / item
Nacre II Sculptural Blown Glass Object by Homa
Located in Geneve, CH
Nacre II Sculptural Blown Glass Object by Homa. Dimensions: W 40 x D 34 x H 18 cm. Materials: Blown Glass, Silver Mirror. Colour: Silver Satin and Silver. A mesmerizing study of tex...
Blown Glass, Mirror
Rib 12X Thin Burgundy Cornice Vessel by Lenny Stopp
Located in Geneve, CH
Rib 12X Thin Burgundy Cornice Vessel by Lenny Stopp Dimensions: D 12 x H 30 cm Materials: Alpha crystalline gypsum (Hard plaster) Cornice is an evolving collection of vessels born f...
Other
Italian Modern Marble 1980s Pop Art/Memphis Style Sculpture by Rose Grant
By Memphis Group, Memphis Milano
Located in Palm Springs, CA
We acquired 3 sculptures from the estate of the late artist Rose Grant. This trailblazing housewife turned artist trained under the Italian masters in Florence and created a series ...
Carrara Marble
Set Of 2 Patino Lighter & Ash Tray in Horn, Brass & Gloss Ebony by Arcahorn
Located in Geneve, CH
Set Of 2 Patino Lighter & Ash Tray in Horn, Brass & Gloss Ebony by Arcahorn Dimensions: Lighter: D 8 x W 8 x H 9 cm. Ash Tray: D 16 x W 20 x H 5 cm. Materials: Horn, chromed brass, a...
Brass, Other
$1,437 / item
Megachile Candlestick by Emmanuelle Roule
Located in Geneve, CH
Megachile Candlestick by Emmanuelle Roule Unique piece. Dimensions: Ø 22 x H 35 cm. Materials: Stoneware. Candlestick made of white stoneware wi...
Other
'Stairs Descending a Nude', Kevin Kelly 2018
By Kevin Kelly
Located in Queens, NY
Contemporary white resin sculpture of nude torso and stairs titled "Stairs Descending a Nude" (Kevin Kelly, 2018) Kevin Kelly's work encom...
Resin, Paint
Tristan Govignon "Cyclone" Abstract Bronze Sculpture
Located in Queens, NY
"Cyclone" one of a kind bronze, Tristan Govignon
Bronze
Set of 4 Colorful Crystal Perfume Flacons, Hand-Sculpted Contemporary Crystal
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 4 colorful crystal perfume flacons, hand-sculpted contemporary crystal. Hand-sculpted in crystal Measures: Small: Height 17.5 cm Width 20 cm Depth 7.5 cm Weight: 1.2 kg Material: Fine handcut crystal. The collection has 4 fine handcut crystal perfume flacons, each carefully designed with a distinct and magical appearance. The flacons are created to evoke the vibe of a vintage...
Crystal
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
Postmodern White Ceramic Vase by Ambrogio Pozzi with Hand Painted Details, Italy
By Ambrogio Pozzi, Michielotto Top Design
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1980s. This vase is made in ceramic and features pink, purple, crimson, grey and light blue hand painted parts. It might show slight traces of use since it's vintage, ...
Ceramic
$1,240 / item
Ring Planter by Deetee Home
Located in Geneve, CH
Ring Planter by Deetee Home Dimensions: D 35.56 x H 76.2 cm Materials: Stoneware To craft timeless, luxury furniture and objects that celebrates India’s rich artisanal heritage. Our...
Stoneware
Leandro Ash Tray in Glossy Horn, Chromed Brass & Pebbled Leather by Arcahorn
Located in Geneve, CH
Leandro Ash Tray in Glossy Horn, Chromed Brass & Pebbled Leather by Arcahorn Designed by Filippo Dini Dimensions: D 20 x W 20 x H 6 cm. Materials: Glossy horn, chromed brass, and Aid...
Brass, Other
Pajaros Paloma Bronze Finished Clay Sculpture by Sebastián Ángeles
Located in Geneve, CH
Pajaros Paloma Bronze Finished Clay Sculpture by Sebastián Ángeles Dimensions: D 18 x W 6 x H 24 cm Materials: Clay bronze finish What greater symbol of freedom is there than the ac...
Bronze
Querandi Art Glass Paperweight in Cobalt Blue
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Querandi Art Glass Paperweight in Cobalt Blue This Querandi art glass paperweight features an ovoid shape. Its design is characterized by a pattern of concentric bands in shades of c...
Art Glass
Beige Stoneware Hand Coiled Organic Sculptural Luuina Sculpture By Munier
Located in Geneve, CH
Stoneware Luuina Sculpture by Munier Dimensions: W 28 x D 28 x H 23 cm. Materials: Stoneware. Weight: 3.5 kg. I specialize in the ancient technique of coil building, a traditional h...
Ceramic
"Tartaruga", Ceramic sculpture by Ugo La Pietra, Superego, Italy, 2006
Located in VILLEURBANNE, FR
Ceramic sculpture "Tartaruga" by Ugo La Pietra, Superego Editions, Italy, 2006. Ugo La Pietra is an Italian designer and artist recognized for his innovative approach to design, com...
Ceramic
American Post-War Di Pasquale Bark Textured Vase
Located in Queens, NY
American Post-War Design textured "Bark" vase/planter with scalloped form design. (signed: GARY DI PASQUALE)
Ceramic
Large Italian Venetian Murano Glass Bottle or Vase by La Murrina
By La Murrina, Mazzega, La Murina
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Exquisite hand-blown Murano art glass vase in a large bottle format. Suitable as a decorative object as well as a functional and "next level" water jug. Made by La Murrina in Italy i...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass
American Post-War Bentley Terra-Cotta Vase
Located in Queens, NY
American Post-War Design cylindrical terra-cotta vase with geometric patter of carved relief (by ROBERT BENTLEY)
Terracotta
Postmodern Glazed Ceramic Pen Holder by Giovanni Bertoncello for Schiavon
By Giovanni Bertoncello, Schiavon
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy by Giovanni Bertoncello for Schiavon, 1970s. It is made in brown glazed ceramic. It is a vintage piece, therefore it might show slight traces of use, but it can be cons...
Ceramic
French Champagne Cooler or Planter in Polished Copper Brass and Chrome, 1970s
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Elevate your entertaining style with this striking French champagne cooler, crafted from a sophisticated combination of polished copper brass and chrome. With its sleek silhouette ...
Metal
$904 / item
Repose Vessel by Deetee Home
Located in Geneve, CH
Repose Vessel by Deetee Home Dimensions: D 29.464 x H 45.72 cm Materials: Stoneware Standing version also available. The Repose Vessel captures a quiet moment of stillness. Designe...
Stoneware
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
Small Artificial Formations Concrete Vase by Davide Ronco
Located in Geneve, CH
Small Artificial Formations Concrete Vase by Davide Ronco Dimensions: D 30 x H 42 cm. Materials: Concrete. Available in white and black. Please contact us. Concrete, the most wide...
Concrete
$175Sale Price|30% Off
Claudia Shuride Postmodern Glass Plate, 1980s
Located in Miami, FL
Postmodern decorative painted glass plate by Claudia Shuride.
Glass
Ulf Rollof, Sculpture "Heated Chair", 1993
By Ulf Rollof
Located in Stockholm, SE
Sculpture "Heated chair" 1993, mixed media. By Ulf Rollof b. 1961, Sweden. Chair with heating function.
Metal
$5,797 / item
Cosmo Bunny Sweet Fuchsia Sculpture by Aki Kuroda
Located in Geneve, CH
Cosmo Bunny Sweet Fuchsia Sculpture by Aki Kuroda Dimensions: D 65 x W 88 x H 185 cm. Materials: Polyethylene. Weight: 15 kg. Available in different color options. Prices may vary. ...
Other
20th Century Abstract Modernist Stone Sculpture of Three Faces in Profile
Located in South Salem, NY
Elegant contemporary art sculpture in an Art Deco revival style, signed by artist C. Marinse. Carved from beautiful green stone, three sensual faces with eyes closed are shown profil...
Stone
$1,402 / 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
Black ceramic and glass vase Mario Dalla Gassa Nove ceramiche 1980
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Ceramic and black glass vase made by Mario Dalla Gassa for Nove Ceramiche around 1980. The work reflects the material and formal research of the Venetian ceramist, active in enhancin...
Ceramic, Glass
Rib 12X Sturdy Dark Green Cornice Vessel by Lenny Stopp
Located in Geneve, CH
Rib 12X Sturdy Dark Green Cornice Vessel by Lenny Stopp Dimensions: D 18 x H 30 cm Materials: Alpha crystalline gypsum (Hard plaster) Cornice is an evolving collection of vessels bo...
Other
Rib 12X Sturdy Tall Red Cornice Vessel by Lenny Stopp
Located in Geneve, CH
Rib 12X Sturdy Tall Gray Mint Cornice Vessel by Lenny Stopp Dimensions: D 18 x H 40 cm Materials: Alpha crystalline gypsum (Hard plaster) Cornice is an evolving collection of vessel...
Other
$7,525 / item
Nacre VIII Sculptural Blown Glass Object by Homa
Located in Geneve, CH
Nacre VIII Sculptural Blown Glass Object by Homa. Dimensions: W 46 x D 36 x H 24 cm. Materials: Blown Glass, Silver Mirror, Smoke Mirror. Colour: Silver Satin and Smoke Satin. HOMA ...
Blown Glass, Mirror
$6,261 / item
Morning Bed Clock by The Cult
Located in Geneve, CH
Morning Bed Clock by The Cult Dimensions: W 45 x D 30 x H 190 cm Materials: Metal Sheet folded, Automatice Paint The Cult STUDIO Generates Emotional Solutions And Experiences In Dif...
Metal
Stoneware Clay, Swan III Candleholder by Aleksandra Krasnopolska
Located in Geneve, CH
Stoneware Clay, Swan III Candleholder by Aleksandra Krasnopolska Dimensions: W 21 x D 13.5 x H 11.5 cm Materials: Stoneware clay, unglazed surface, coated with protective wax. Weigh...
Clay, Stoneware
Postmodern Sculptural Hand-Made Iridescent Blue Glazed Earthenware Vase, Italy
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1960s - 1970s. It is hand-made in glazed earthenware: fingerprints are still visible on its surface. It features iridescent colors, decorative scratches and irregular...
Earthenware
The Neiredes Fruit Bowl, Brass and Porcelain, by AUSTE OST
Located in Geneve, CH
The Neiredes Fruit Bowl, Brass and Porcelain, by AUSTE OST Dimensions: W 19 x D 19 x H 17 cm Materials: Brass, Porcelain. Presented during “Algae Unveiled” exhibition at Milan Desi...
Brass
$1,124 / item
Rib 12X Sturdy Yellow Cornice Vessel by Lenny Stopp
Located in Geneve, CH
Rib 12X Sturdy Yellow Cornice Vessel by Lenny Stopp Dimensions: D 18 x H 30 cm Materials: Alpha crystalline gypsum (Hard plaster) Cornice is an evolving collection of vessels born f...
Other
$730 / item
Channel Sculptural Vessel by Karin Amdal
Located in Geneve, CH
Chanel Sculptural Vessel by Karin Amdal One Of A Kind. Dimensions: D 14 x W 13 x H 15.5 cm. Materials: Ceramic / Grey stoneware clay. Pieces are hand-made, one of a kind, and sizes ...
Ceramic, Clay, Stoneware
Stunning Double Color White and Pink Etched Murano Glass Vase, Italy, 1980s
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1980s. This vase is made in etched transparent, white and pink Murano glass. It is a vintage item, therefore it might show slight traces of use, but it can be consid...
Murano Glass
Bikuben Money Coin Bank Soholm Ceramics Denmark Anders Anderssen
Located in Den Haag, NL
Soholm Ceramics, Denmark. Bikuben piggy bank annual "Sparemand" from 1980. Anders Andersen. Danish finance minister. Design by Arne Finne. Stoneware. Lim...
Stoneware
$1,414 / item
Nero Vessel by Deetee Home
Located in Geneve, CH
Nero Vessel by Deetee Home Dimensions: D 39.37 x H 91.44 cm Materials: Stoneware Bold, sculptural, and quietly commanding, the Nero Vessel is a study in timeless form and texture. C...
Stoneware
Lucido Costello Original Hand Made Iron Sculpture
Located in North Miami, FL
This lovely hand made iron sculpture is part of a set (male and female) - completely original by Lucido Costello, a well renowned heavy iron sculpture artist in Barcelona, Spain. Co...
Metal
Fedora Jewlery Box in Glossy Ebony, 24K Gold-Plated Brass, & Horn by Arcahorn
Located in Geneve, CH
Fedora Jewlery Box in Glossy Ebony, 24K Gold-Plated Brass, & Horn by Arcahorn Dimensions: D 13 x W 13 x H 8 cm. Materials: Glossy ebony, engraved 24K gold-plated brass, and horn. Av...
Brass, Other
$2,678 / item
Frosted Yellow Frooot Bowl by Maha Alavi Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Frosted Yellow Frooot Bowl by Maha Alavi Studio Dimensions: D 30 x H 33 cm Materials: Resin. Maha Alavi is a Tokyo-based Canadian industrial designe...
Resin
Pair of Green Murano Glass Vases with Black Mottled Decoration, Italy 1980s
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a decorative pair of Murano glass vases in deep emerald green with expressive black mottled decoration throughout the body. Each vase has a tall tapered...
Murano Glass
$1,147 / item
Vyrethis Vase by Moldra
Located in Geneve, CH
Vyrethis Vase by Moldra Dimensions: D 29 x H 26 cm Materials: Stoneware Moldra is a ceramic studio devoted to sculptural vases and objects. Rooted in the ancestral hand-building tec...
Stoneware