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.
$520Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Postmodern Italian Marble Vases
Located in San Diego, CA
Gorgeous pair of postmodern Italian marble vases, circa 1970s. Striking tan, brown, white and cream fleck throughout each vase. The pair are in ve...
Marble
Marble Box Dark Green Jewelry Desk
Located in New York, NY
A round marble box, Postmodern period, circa late-20th century. Marble is a dark moss green with white veining. A great piece to hold items on a desk or jewelry (demonstrated.) Lid i...
Marble
An important deconstructed cubist ceramic male torso, signed by artist, 20th c.
Located in View Park, CA
A monumental deconstructed ceramic male torso, signed by artist, 20th century. In tones of burnt pêche, apricot, and sienna, this stunning sculpture epitomizes cubism in three dimens...
Ceramic
Red Stoneware Sfondyli I Vase by Elena Vasilantonaki
Located in Geneve, CH
Red Stoneware Sfondyli I Vase by Elena Vasilantonaki Unique Dimensions: ⌀ 30 x H 25 cm (Dimensions may vary) Materials: Stoneware Available finishes: Bla...
Stoneware
Contemporary Art The Butterfly Sofa in Silk Velvet by Carla Tolomeo
Located in Pistoia, IT
Sculpture. Unique piece hand made by the artist. The silk velvet fabric and the embroideries are made expressly for the artist, Carla Tolomeo.
Silk
$180Sale Price|20% Off
Thierry Mugler Angel Etoile Collection Factice with Box
By Thierry Mugler
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful Thierry Mugler 2.6 fluid ounce “Etoile Collection” Eau de Parfum factice-dummy in mint condition. This piece comes in the factory box with molded stand. The piece has color...
Glass, Plastic
20th Century Post-Modern Glazed Ceramic Penis/Phallic Sculpture, United Kingdom
Located in North Miami, FL
Late 20th century Post-Modern painted and glazed ceramic penis/phallic sculpture, United Kingdom By: unknown Material: ceramic, paint, enamel, clay ...
Enamel
Post-Modern Glass Vase by Roger Selden for Vis-à-vis Collection of Ritzenhoff
By Roger Selden
Located in Doornspijk, NL
Cheerful glass vase designed by Roger Selden for the Vis-à-vis Collection of Ritzenhoff, 1999. This black and white vase from the Vis-à-vis Collection has a stylized cartoon chara...
Glass
High-Quality Postmodern Pink Sommerso Murano Glass Swan by Elio Raffaeli, Italy
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1980s. This is a high-quality handmade Sommerso glass decorative item. It might show slight traces of use since it's vintage, but it can be considered as in excellent ...
Sommerso
$142 / item
Brass Ribbon Hook by Henry Wilson
By Henry Wilson
Located in Geneve, CH
Brass Ribbon Hook by Henry Wilson Dimensions: W 2 x D 8 x H 12 cm Materials: Brass The Ribbon Hook is sand cast in solid brass. Ribbon hook has two protruding blocks to allow you to...
Brass
Vintage Italian Korno Thermos Coffee or Tea Bottle by G. Gagliani, 1980s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Vintage Italian Postmodern Korno Thermos Coffee or Tea Bottle by G. Gagliani for Macabo, Milano and Alfi, 1980s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1980 to 1989 This piece has an attr...
Plastic
Salvador Dalí Drawers Lamp by BD Barcelona, Pale Limewood, Spain
By BD Barcelona Design, Salvador Dalí
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Drawers lamp designed by Dali manufactured by BD. Carved structure in pale varnished limewood. Lampshade in beige linen. Measures: 30 x 30 x 87 H cm Sculpture-lamp drawers A stan...
Plastic
$2,500 / item
Shiro Kuramata Pink Vase
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Shiro Kuramata's acrylic flower vase. Small model. Acrylic block which pink is inside and glass tube.
Glass, Acrylic
Polished Cast Brass Galhos Wall Hanger by Studio Orth
Located in Geneve, CH
Polished Cast Brass Galhos Wall Hanger by Studio Orth Dimensions: W 12 x D 8-12 x H 2.5 cm Materials: Cast metal. Finishes: Polished Cast Brass or Polished Cast Aluminum About: Stu...
Metal
Post Modern Flat Arch Hanukkiyah Menorah By Luigi Del Monte
Located in San Diego, CA
Arched menorah in anodized solid aluminum By Luigi Del Monte. Produced in 1999 in a limited number and part of the permanent collection of Chicago’s Spertus Museum. New York’s Museum...
Aluminum
Sam Francis set of 4 limited edition ceramic plates , Museum of Contemporary Art
By Sam Francis
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Great set of 4 plates from original designs of well known artist Sam Francis , Made after for the Museum of Contemporary Art , Los Angeles .
Ceramic
Large Vintage Ceramic Pop Art Bayer Aspirin Paperweight or Display
Located in New York, NY
A big ceramic Bayer Aspirin from a store called Think Big in SoHo, NYC in the 1980s . Fun. Decorative piece for display, art in a bathroom or a paperweig...
Ceramic, Plaster
1980s Postmodern Black Wall Clock by Linden
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A beautiful postmodern wall clock from the 1980s by West German clockmaker Linden. It has a black case, black face with geometric accents, and red and green hands, Striking contras...
Plastic
Abstract lifesize ceramic sculpture by Dieter Eichelmann, Germany 1980s
Located in ECHT, NL
Handcrafted ceramic sculpture. The sculpture is made from several tiles that form a human figure. The tiles are fixed to a wood back. Dieter Eichelmann Born: 1946 in Bardenberg -...
Ceramic, Clay
Life Sized Wall Mounted Mule Deer Bust by The Peak Antler
Located in Geneve, CH
Life Sized Wall Mounted Mule Deer Bust by The Peak Antler Dimensions: W 73.66 x D 50.80 x H 132.08 cm Materials: naturally shed antlers Based in, produced and shipped from the US. ...
Antler
Turquoise Glass Amphora Vase by Jerzy Słuczan-Orkusz, Poland, 1980s
Located in Glasgow, GB
A turquoise cased glass amphora vase produced in Poland in the early 1980s, designed by Jerzy Słuczan-Orkusz for the Tarnowiec Glassworks. The form is based on the classical amphora,...
Art Glass
Set of Kaleido12, Candleholders by Arturo Erbsman
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of Kaleido12, candleholders, handmade and signed by Arturo Erbsman Dimensions: Small: 25 x 15 x 15 cm. Medium: 37 x15 x 15 cm. Big: 49 x 15 x 15 cm. Materials: Acrylic mirrors Kaleidoscopic one-way glass photophores...
Mirror
Biblichor Sculpture with Candle by Marcela Cure
Located in Geneve, CH
Biblichor sculpture with candle by Marcela Cure Dimensions: W 19 x D 14 x H 6 cm Materials: Resin and Stone Composite Also Available: Sandalwood and Tobacco colours available. No...
Stone
Postmodern Shosh Paper Mache Sculpture Israel
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Sweet whimsical postmodern paper mache sculpture of a woman or girl in by Artist Shosh in the manner of Patience Brewster for Mackenzie Childs. ...
Paper
Postmodern Green Ceramic Braided Woven Abstract Centerpiece Bowl
Located in New York, NY
Stunning woven braided ceramic centerpiece bowl glazed in a chic glossy green. Great size for a coffee table or entryway. Very unusual abstract shape, pleasing from every angle. Not ...
Ceramic
An authentic postmodern vase by Lindsey B., 1983
Located in View Park, CA
An elegant postmodern vase featuring a cloaked figure by Lindsey B., signed, 1983. Tones of snow and licorice. 5” W x 3.25” D x 8.75” H
Ceramic
1980s Postmodern Mantle Clock by Empire Arts
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A vintage 1980s postmodern textured mantle clock by Empire Art Products in various shades of spelled gray. In very good vintage condition and works well. Measures: 9.5" x 5" x 14.5".
Glass, Wood
$1,208 / item
Sanayi313 V Vase by Sanayi 313
Located in Geneve, CH
Sanayi313 v vase by Sanayi 313 Unique Piece Dimensions: W 15 x D 10 x H 58 cm Materials: Ash Veneered Vase, Metal Leg SANAYI313 is an Istanbul-based inter...
Metal
'Love Knot' Murano Sculpture by Renato Anatrà, Signed, Italy, 1980's
Located in Doylestown, PA
Elegant 'Love Knot' abstract sculpture by Renato Anatrà, signed, Italy. Representing eternal love, this graceful sculpture is beautifully hand crafted of clear...
Murano Glass
Gusum Metallslöjden, Candelabra, Brass, Sweden, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A brass candelabra designed and produced by Gusum Metallslöjden, c. 1970s. Holds 0.45” diameter candles
Brass
Jaeger “Rue de la Paix” desk clock, France, ca. 1960
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Jaeger “Rue de la Paix” Desk Clock, France, ca. 1960 Original decorative clock in the shape of a Parisian lantern, made of dark green enameled metal w...
Bronze, Enamel
Chrome Sculptural Candle Holder
By Panorammma
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Chrome Candle Holder is the first in a series of pieces that integrate the use of upcycled electroplating rods. These rods, regularly used for submerging metal items into chrome bath...
Copper, Steel, Chrome, Nickel
$1,850
Black Sculpture Vase
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful and substantial Postmodern black charcoal sculpture vase, circa late-20th century. Piece is clay pottery with a black charcoal matte finish and a round, cylindrical, asymmetric design. Designers mark...
Ceramic, Clay, Pottery
1980's Tessellated Stone & Brass Lidded Box by Desia
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Felt-lined lidded box all handcrafted from natural stones Indigenous to the Philippines.
Stone
Fast Vase by Cédric Ragot for Rosenthal, Gilt Porcelain, Circa 2000
Located in San Francisco, US
Cédric Ragot was an iconic designer that is only gaining more recognition with each passing year. “Fast,” created for Rosenthal, exemplifies his genius—a dynamic explosion frozen in ...
Porcelain
John Miller Blue Plate Special Fries 2008 Hand Blown Pop Art Glass Sculptures
By John Miller
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Inspired by Americana, Miller's work stands to bring new light and perspective to the often overlooked but ubiquitous cultural artifacts that form the American visual lexicon and lived experience. Maybe as impressive as the work itself, is the magnitude of which his creations come to life. At such an impressive scale, his process is truly spectacle to witness. Pieces from his famed ‘Blue Plate Special...
Blown Glass
Vintage Italian Pink And Gold Alabaster Round Pill Box 1970
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage timeless elegance handcrafted Italian pink alabaster pill box trimmed in gold tone metal. Featuring a hinged lid and gilt brass metal trim,the lid is decorated with a rose, i...
Alabaster
Joel O'Dorisio for Lost Angel Glass Vase, American Studio Art Glass, 2003
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Fused glass vase features complex multilayered colored glass core in dark Bordeau or burgundy red, toffee brown, cream, and deep cobalt blue colors, encased in clear glass in sommer...
Art Glass, Sommerso
'Belmont' Ceramic Mug Sculpture by Peter Shire, 2016
By Peter Shire
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Glazed Whiteware ceramic mug sculpture by Peter Shire, 2016. Approx: 8 3/4" high x 13" wide x 23" long (to handle). Peter Shire: Peter Shire is an LA-based artist whose work elu...
Ceramic
Post Modern Art Time Wall Clock designed by Nicolai Canetti, 1984
By Canetti
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Nicolai Canetti for Art time post modern wall clock. Black enamel background with reds and whites. Sweep second hand. Great design and hard to find! Working condition! Produced in Ja...
Aluminum
Studio Wood Jewelry Box
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful, hand-crafted studio wood jewelry or trinket box, Modern Brutalist style, Postmodern design period, circa late-20th century, USA.
Wood
Modern Abstract Ceramic Sculpture by Andree & Michel Hirlet, France
Located in London, GB
Sculpture 'Borne' by Andrée & Michel Hirlet 2000Material: Glazed stoneware Dimensions: H 66 x 55 x 15 cm Year: 2010 Type: Unique Working outside of any wider artistic community or ...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Postmodern Solid Polished Carved Italian Marble Female Figurative Sculpture
Located in Miami, FL
Postmodern female sculpture carved from a solid block of Italian marble, 1980s. This piece was removed from a built in pedestal and was attached using a bolt. Due to the size, we ...
Marble
$56,004 / item
Calacatta Macchia Vecchia Tosca Bath by Marmi Serafini
Located in Geneve, CH
Calacatta Macchia Vecchia Tosca Bath by Marmi Serafini Materials: Calacatta Macchia Vecchia marble. Dimensions: D 92 x W 170 x H 50 cm Availa...
Marble
1980 Italy Post Modern Abstract Bronze Sculpture the Bather
Located in Brescia, IT
This is an interesting multiple artwork signed by the author Roberto Nanut, a talented artist of years 80' in Italy. This is a multiple of a numbered ed...
Bronze
$1,124 / item
Polypore Medium Bowl by David Valner
Located in Geneve, CH
Polypore Medium Bowl by David Valner Dimensions: D 27 x W 30 x H 18 cm. Materials: Hand-crafted glass. Weight: 3,5 kg. Finish: Medium size, Dark green and beige, and matte surface. ...
Glass
Margareta Hennix, Large Glass Vase, Reijmyre Sweden Post-Modern
By Reijmyre Glasbruk, Margareta Hennix
Located in Stockholm, SE
A large apple green glass vase designed by Margareta Hennix for Reijmyre Sweden 1990s. Signed M. Hennix In good condition.
Glass
1980 Italy Bronze Abstract Kinetic Sculpture Franco Zazzeri Sfera Stratificata
Located in Brescia, IT
This engaging abstract bronze sculpture was created by the Italian artist Franco Zazzeri. The title is "Sfera Stratificata" translated in " Stratified S...
Bronze
Prime Walnut, Any Leather Rings Only by Eternal Creek
Located in Geneve, CH
Prime Walnut, Any Leather Handles Only by Eternal Creek Dimensions: D 24 x H 3.2 cm Materials: Wood: Prime Walnut / Black Ash / Light Ash Leather: Shadow Black / Saddle Brown / Lond...
Leather, Wood
$680Sale Price / set|20% Off
Glass Candle Holders by Kosta Boda Sweden
By Kosta Boda
Located in San Diego, CA
Minimalist and incredibly glamorous pair of Kosta Boda glass candle holders. The pair exhude beautiful lines that can streamline or maximize elegance in your décor. Crystal clear gla...
Glass, Paint
Set of 2 Italian Postmodern Minimalist Vases from Bel Mondo, 1980s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Italian Postmodern Minimalist Vases from Bel Mondo, 1980s, Set of 2, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1980 to 1989 This piece has an attribution mark. Additional information: Mater...
Ceramic
1970 Italy Bronze Abstract Sculpture by Cristiana Isoleri Reperto Fragment
Located in Brescia, IT
This engaging bronze artwork was created by the Italian artist Cristiana Isoleri. This is a multiple of 1.000 specimens, numbered and signed. The title is "Reperto" translated in "Fr...
Bronze
$140Sale Price|20% Off
Postmodern Studio Nova Porcelain Hi Fi Fluted Pie Serve & Bake
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful and rare fluted Pay Serve & Bake by Studio Nova , circa 1980's excellent condition beautiful colors and design.
Porcelain
Indian Summer Vase (Large), Clear Orange and Pastel Pink by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Corsi Design Factory
Located in Toronto, ON
Large "Indian Summer" Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Colour: Clear Orange and Matte Pastel Pink. *All the pieces are hand-made and...
Resin
Vintage Postmodern Metal Candleholder, 1980s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Vintage Postmodern Metal Candleholder, 1980s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1980 to 1989. Additional information: Materials: Metal Styles: Postmodern Period: 1980s Item Type: Vi...
Metal
Gaetano Pesce Goto vase Domus Caffe Florian 1995
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
This charming vase designed by Gaetano Pesce and made by Caffe Florian in 1995 was created to mark the G. Pesce show at the Caffe Florian during the Venice Biennale in 1995. The vase is shaped like the head of the Lion of San Marco, and it has the Italian text "Toast to Venice" molded onto it. On the bottom, you'll find the words "Florian Temporanea." Each Goto vase...
Rubber
$41,803 / item
Aceleración Screen by Joel Escalona
Located in Geneve, CH
Aceleración screen by Joel Escalona Limited edition of 9 Dimensions: D 230 x W 40 x H 187 cm Materials: oak wood. Natural white oak screen. J...
Oak
$2,084 / item
Drift Teak Wood Vase by Mary Verspoor
Located in Geneve, CH
Drift Teak Wood Vase by Mary Verspoor Dimensions: D 28 x H 22 CM Materials: Teak wood Mary Verspoor, of Indonesian-Dutch descent, is a Bali-based designer and creator. She works clo...
Other
Large Vintage Post-Modern Travertine Lidded Box
Located in San Diego, CA
Vintage large post-modern travertine lidded box, circa 1980s. The box is in very good vintage condition with no chips or cracks and measures 12"W x 8"D x 4"H. Super cool and very wel...
Travertine
Large Crumpled Vase in Pink 3D Printed Plant Based Plastic
By É Pedra
Located in São Paulo, BR
3D-printed in bioplastic and hand-shaped, the Crumpled Vase combines digital precision with expressive craftsmanship. Its sculptural form and delicate texture make each piece a one-o...
Plastic