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.
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
Ettore Sottsass Shiva Capsule Limited Edition Blue Vase 144/999
By Ettore Sottsass, BD Barcelona Design
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
1990s John Bergen Studio Postmodern Black and White Ceramic Amorphous Vase
Located in Farmington Hills, MI
We are very pleased to offer a stunning, ceramic vase by designer John Bergen, circa the 1990s. This ceramic vase embodies postmodern attributes with its ...
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
$937Sale Price|25% Off
Ambrogio Pozzi for Rosenthal Studio-Line, Austria, White Porcelain Vase
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Ambrogio Pozzi for Rosenthal Studio-Line, Austria, white porcelain vase.
Ceramic, Porcelain
Cariátide Small Sculpture in exclusive Jurassic Fossil Stone by NERINEA
Located in VALENCIA, ES
Cariatide is a modular stone sculpture series designed by Fran Silvestre Arquitectos, available in multiple heights, proportions and materials as Jurassic Fossil Top or Marble. Insp...
Stone
Eólica Small Sculpture in Carrara Marble Stone by NERINEA
Located in VALENCIA, ES
A vertical sculptural totem, Eólica expresses the serene minimalism and architectural precision of Fran Silvestre Arquitectos. The Eólica series is a family of vertical stone sculpt...
Carrara Marble
David Erevantzi ( 1940-Armenia ) : "Maternity", Original Sculpture C. 1980-85
By David Erevantzi
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
David Erevantzi (1940-): "Maternity" Original bronze sculpture with a bronze patina representing a mother and her child on a stone base from Yerevan (Armenia) Signed: "David Erevan...
Stone, Bronze
$3,600Sale Price|20% Off
Baruch Saktsier bronze signed and numbered 4/9
By Baruch Saktsier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Important Russian/ Israel, Judaica artist,Baruch Saktsier.
Bronze
Unique Ocean Flower 001 Porcelain Sculpture by Mina Ceramics
Located in Geneve, CH
Unique Ocean Flower 001 Porcelain Sculpture by Mina Ceramics. One of a Kind. Dimensions: W 23 x D 38 x H 40 cm. Materials: Porcelain. About the artist Istanbul based artist, Mina Ka...
Porcelain
Stainless Steel Sculpture "Two Forms" By Roy Gussow
By Roy Gussow
Located in Norwood, NJ
Polished stainless steel abstract sculpture, "Two Forms" by Roy Gussow (American, 1918-2011), marked and dated with coin seal inlaid to marble base. Similar to his "Three Forms". New...
Granite, Stainless Steel
Sampson and Delilah Life Sized Elk Statues by The Peak Antler
Located in Geneve, CH
Sampson and Delilah Life Sized Elk Statues by The Peak Antler Sampson Dimensions: W 121.92 x D 243.84 x H 274.32 cm Delilah Dimensions: W 121.92 x D 182.88 ...
Antler
Gail Folwell Abstract Bronze Sculpture, Signed, Numbered, "Synaptic Gap"
By Gail Folwell
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Great abstraction sculpture for the well known Colorado artist Gail Folwell, all measures are including marble base. This Piece is numbered 4/9 and signed.Title Synaptic Gap
Bronze
Wall Mounted Vase, Stained Birch Wood by Mun Hau Production
Located in Geneve, CH
Wall Mounted Vase, Stained Birch Wood by Mun Hau Production Dimensions: W 6 x D 11 x H 50 cm. Materials: Stained Birch Wood, Steel. About Mun Hau Production is a Hong Kong woodwork...
Steel
$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
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
$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
Artist-made vintage onyx / agate & walnut lidded vessel box, signed & dated 1984
Located in Hastings, GB
This beautifully tactile sculptural onyx lidded box is a unique artist-made piece...unfortunately I've been unable to identify the maker's mark. We sourced it in Phoenix, Arizona, al...
Onyx
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
Gianni Versace for Rosenthal, Large "Jungle" Porcelain Cover Plate / Dish
Located in København, Copenhagen
Gianni Versace for Rosenthal. Large "Jungle" porcelain cover plate / dish with gold decoration and green leaves. Late 20th century. In perfect condition. Measures: 38 x 2.8 cm. ...
Porcelain
Postmodern Silver Plated Brass Jug "Kanye"by Lino Sabattini, Italy, 1978 - 1981
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy by Lino Sabattini, 1978 - 1981 This jug is made in silver plated brass. This is a vintage item, therefore it might show slight traces of use such as its original patina...
Silver, Brass
Vintage Querandí Green Art Glass Vase, Argentina, 1970s
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Vintage Querandí Green Art Glass Vase, Argentina, 1970s A stunning vintage Querandí art glass vase, crafted in a rich emerald green. The piece features a distinctive organic silhoue...
Art Glass
Bruce Niemi Bronze Sculpture Signed, 2003
Located in Chicago, IL
Bruce Niemi Bronze Sculpture Signed, 2003. Base is made out of brushed steel.
Bronze
Post-Modern Set of 2 Plastic Vases Named Vase2 by Paul Baars
Located in Doornspijk, NL
Set of two Dutch Design vases by Paul Baars, who designed them in 1997 in a true Space Age spirit. The ingenious concept ensures the versatility of the object. They can be used in t...
Plastic
Large Postmodern Orange, White and Blue Glass Vase by Opaline Florence, Italy
By Carlo Moretti, Opaline florence
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 p...
Murano Glass
Handmade Brown Lacquered Earthenware Pitcher by Aldo Londi for Bitossi, Italy
By Bitossi, Aldo Londi
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
Murano Tri-Color Sommerso Art Glass Vase, Italy, 1970s
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Murano Tri-Color Sommerso Art Glass Vase, Italy, 1970s Striking Murano art glass vase featuring a dynamic tri-color design in vibrant orange, clear glass with controlled bubbles, an...
Art Glass
Vase Tapio Wirkkala & Dorothy Hafner for Rosenthal Studio, New Wave Series 1980s
Located in Bastogne, BE
Vintage vase for flowers in textured glazed porcelain by Rosenthal, Century New Wave Series, c.1980s. This work of Postmodern design captures collaboration of American and Finnish ...
Porcelain
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
$2,468 / item
Terracotta Illustrated Vase by Solem Ceramics
Located in Geneve, CH
Terracotta Illustrated vase by Solem Ceramics Dimensions: Ø 23 x H 30 cm. Materials: Red stoneware, terracotta slip. Solem’s work pulls from memori...
Stoneware, Terracotta
Bespoke Italian Post Modern Rose Pink Murano Glass Geometric Couture Table Lamp
By Cosulich Interiors & Antiques
Located in New York, 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
John Glick ceramic /stoneware box / jewelry / table box , signed
By John Glick
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful box / jewelry / table desk box. made for the well known artist / potter , John Glick , for Plum Tree Potters .
Stoneware
$6,083 / item
I Primera Sculpture by Joel Escalona
Located in Geneve, CH
I Primera sculpture by Joel Escalona. Dimensions: D 45 x W 45 x H 190 cm. Materials: oak wood, metal. Also available in natural o...
Metal
Ruby Red Stoneware Sculptural Olima Sculpture by Munier
Located in Geneve, CH
Stoneware Olima Sculpture by Munier Dimensions: W 40 x D 40 x H 32 cm. Materials: Stoneware. Weight: 8 kg. I specialize in the ancient technique of coil building, a traditional hand...
Ceramic
Postmodern ceramic 'Femme' vase, Baba, Vallauris France ca. 1980s
Located in Firenze, IT
Postmodern white 'Femme' vase Baba, Vallauris France ca. 1980s H 34 cm x Dia. 20 cm Conditions: excellent, no defects
Ceramic
Justin Beal aluminum Cantaloupes abstract sculpture .
By Justin Beal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Very interesting sculpture of the imagination of a contemporary great artist Justin Beal. This series of Melons,Cucombers, Cantaloupes is exceptional .
Aluminum
$1,417Sale 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
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 Black Murano Glass Decorative Item of a Couple, Italy, 1990s
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1990s. This black Murano glass couple with a cyan detail in her ponytail looks like it's floating on a transparent glass ball. It is a vintage piece, therefore it migh...
Murano Glass
S1271 Decorative Object in Olive Wood by Jörg Pietschmann
Located in Geneve, CH
S1271 Decorative Object in Olive Wood by Jörg Pietschmann Dimensions: D 23 x W 27 x H 15 cm. Materials: Olive wood. In Pietschmann’s sculptures, trees that for centuries were part ...
Olive
Postmodern Silver-Plated Brass and Plexiglass Candelabrum by Mesa, Italy 1970s
By Mesa
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1970s. This splendid candelabrum is made in silver-plated brass and plexiglass. It features its original patina, but we can clean it for free. The candelabrum is vi...
Brass, Silver
Vintage Hand-Painted Ceramic Woodpecker by Bepi Tay, Italy
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Giuseppe Tagliariol, known as Bepi Tay, was pupil of Giorgio de Chirico and a sculptor. Tay is above all known for his activity as a ceramist, which began in the second half of the ...
Ceramic
Uovo Bowl Sculptural Centerpiece in Carved White Onyx by Panorammma
Located in Geneve, CH
Uovo Bowl Sculptural Centerpiece in Carved White Onyx by Panorammma Dimensions: Ø 30 x H 6,5 cm. Materials: White onyx. Each edition’s patterns and tone will naturally vary. Please ...
Onyx
Vintage Large Murano Italian Glass Vase With White monochromatic Scallop Design
Located in Kalamazoo, MI
Amazing hand blown glass white monochromatic Murano vase or Light globe. The scallop pattern is so pretty and this vase is in excellent shape. Has made in Italy sticker and the only ...
Blown Glass, Art Glass
$840Sale Price|20% Off
Fulvio Bianconi Figurative Murano decanter by Pauly & Co.
Located in SYDNEY, AU
Fulvio Bianconi designed glass for Pauly & Co. speciically decanters featuring his signature playful style. Records indicate signed figurative decanters (e.g. model A49155) which...
Art Glass, Blown Glass
Design Rituals Kaen Candle in Brown Natural Wax by Monics+Vieira
Located in Geneve, CH
Design Rituals Kaen Candle in Brown Natural Wax by Monics+Vieira. Dimensions: D 15 x W 15 x H 12 cm. Materials: Natural wax blend, Cotton wick, Premium fragrance oils. Free from para...
Other
Postmodern Sculpture by Tony Emilson, The Old Cyclope, Sweden, 1982
By Tony Emilson
Located in Oslo, NO
Unique sculpture in painted wood by Tony Emilson. Titled "The old cyclope" (Le vieux cyclope "). Monogram signed and dated TE 82 below. Measures: Height 42 cm, 38 x 32 cm.
Wood
Postmodern Glass and Steel Ice Bucket / Bowl by Roberto Sambonet, Italy
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1970s-1980s. This ice bucket / bowl by Roberto Sambonet is made in glass and steel and features a mirrored top with a palm design. It might show slight traces of use s...
Steel
$177 / item
Amber Magma Keyring by Mana
Located in Geneve, CH
Amber Magma Keyring by Mana Dimensions: D 4 x W 4 x H 6 cm. Materials: Recycled pet from post-consumer plastics, mainly discarded bottles/single use food packaging, collected and rec...
Plastic
Lino Sabattini Silverplated Bowls 1996
Located in Čelinac, BA
Silverplated Bowls by Lino Sabattini 1996.
Silver Plate
Oxidized Bronze Green Blue Metallized Mini Totem by Frederic Texier
Located in Geneve, CH
Oxidized Bronze Green Blue Metallized Mini Totem by Frederic Texier Dimensions: W 14 x D 10 x H 37 cm. Materials: Concrete coated with bronze powder and then oxidized. Color: Oxidi...
Concrete, Bronze
Sometimes, I Have Coffee With My Own Demons Sculpture by Carri
Located in Geneve, CH
Sometimes, I Have Coffee With My Own Demons Sculpture by Carri Dimensions: W 50 x D 5 x H 50 cm Materials: Volcanic rock. B 1995 Fernanda Carri ́s int...
Stone
Postmodern Studio Ceramic Vase Signed
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Postmodern ceramic vase in a pastel palette with black interior, circa 1980s. Intriguing form / shape with geometric and linear decoration. Signed "R" to the underside.
Ceramic
Puddle Pendulum in Industrial Obsidian, Resin & Wood by Panorammma
Located in Geneve, CH
Puddle Pendulum in Industrial Obsidian, Resin & Wood by Panorammma Dimensions: Ø 47,5 x H 44 cm. Materials: Industrial obsidian, resin, and wood. Each edition’s patterns and tone wi...
Other
One Of a Kind Pogge Vessel in Pigmented Cement by Studio Noon
By Noon Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
One Of a Kind Pogge Vessel in Pigmented Cement by Studio Noon One Of a Kind Dimensions: W 35,6 x D 35,6 x H 35,6 cm Material: Pigmented cement. Based in, produced and shipped from t...
Cement
Postmodern Granite Stand with Teak Box, Ettore Sottsass Style, 1980s
By Ettore Sottsass, Michael Graves (b.1934), Sottsass Associati
Located in Round Top, TX
Postmodern artisan-made sculptural, carved granite & aluminum stand displayed with handmade, studio craft, teak trinket box. Such a beautiful and unique pairing of objects. We'v...
Granite, Aluminum
$933 / item
Polypore Small Bowl by David Valner
Located in Geneve, CH
Polypore Small Bowl by David Valner Dimensions: D 22 x W 27 x H 13 cm. Materials: Hand-crafted glass. Weight: 2 kg. Finish: Small size, light beige and orange, and matte surface. In...
Glass
John Gill Large Ewer, Sculpture, Earthware/Ceramic/Pottery, Signed, Dated
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Very nice pottery, ewer, by the well known artist, John Gill, signed, dated 1986.
Ceramic, Earthenware
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
1980’s Post Modern Ceramic Vase
Located in Houston, TX
1980s Post modern ceramic vase by noted Austrian artist Heide Warlamis (b.1942) from her renowned Vienna Collection. Signed on the bottom along with ...
Ceramic