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.
Nugget Vase Extra Colour (XL), Clear Aqua, Matte Ochre, Matte Fuschia
By Corsi Design Factory, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Toronto, ON
Extra Large "Nugget" Vase in soft resin, designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Colour: Clear Aqua, Matte Ochre, Matte Fuschia *All the pieces are hand-made ...
Resin
Vivika and Otto Heino pottery/ceramic "weed" vase
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful weed vase by the well known couple, Vivika and Otto Heino.
Pottery
Radical Memphis style table lamp clock, lacquered metal, 1980s
Located in taranto, IT
Table lamp clock in full Radical Memphis style, produced in the early 1980s, postmodern, made of lacquered metal, with white lamp-shaped dial on black background. Signature "Missiani...
Metal
$920 / item
Fungus Medium Vase by David Valner
Located in Geneve, CH
Fungus Medium Vase by David Valner Dimensions: D 20 x W 19 x H 37 cm. Materials: Glass. Weight: 3,5 kg. Finish: Medium size, pink and yellow, and matte surface. “The mystery of myce...
Glass
$1,052 / item
Dionis Vase by Moldra
Located in Geneve, CH
Dionis Vase by Moldra Dimensions: D 33 x H 35 cm Materials: Stoneware Moldra is a ceramic studio devoted to sculptural vases and objects. Rooted in the ancestral hand-building techn...
Stoneware
$370 / item
Lira Vase by Deetee Home
Located in Geneve, CH
Lira Vase by Deetee Home Dimensions: D 15.24 x H 22.86 cm Materials: Stoneware A handcrafted DeeTee Home ceramic pot that balances raw texture with subtle sculptural lines, making i...
Stoneware
$1,180Sale Price|20% Off
Postmodern Abstract Scupture by Curtis Jere Signed & Dated Marble & Steel
By Curtis Jeré
Located in San Diego, CA
Nice and rare sculpture by Curtis Jere, circa 1990 signed and dated, solid raw steel with original patina and oxidation, sitting on solid marble cylinder base.
Belgian Black Marble, Steel
$4,474 / item
Untitled No. 53 Vase by Marea Hildebrand
Located in Geneve, CH
Untitled No. 53 Vase by Marea Hildebrand Handmade Dimensions: D 39 x W 39 x H 38 cm Materials: Stoneware with slip. Marea Hildebrand (b. 1989) is a Zurich-based ceramic artist with...
Stoneware
$2,600Sale Price|31% Off
'Babel' Resin Wine Bucket by Gaetano Pesce for Fish Design Italy, 1990s, Signed
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Limited edition 1990s flexible resin wine bucket by Gaetano Pesce for Fish Design, Italy. Numbered 182/1000. Works great as an ice bucket, wine bucket, catch-all, vase, vessel, sculpture, planter, pot or jardinière. If you use it as a planter, we suggest an interior lining to protect the piece. ABOUT THE ARTIST: Gaetano Pesce, born on November 8, 1939, in La Spezia, Italy, is renowned as a leading figure in contemporary Italian design and architecture. Fearlessly experimental with materials and color, Pesce has collaborated with Italy’s foremost design companies, including Artemide, Vitra, Cassina, and B&B Italia. Pesce began his journey into design at the University of Venice, where he pursued architecture and graduated in 1965. Influenced by prominent figures such as Ernesto Nathan Rogers and Mario Bellini at the Venice College of Industrial Design, Pesce embraced a commitment to novelty and avant-garde principles. He co-founded the avant-garde architectural collective "Gruppo N," inspired by the Bauhaus aesthetic, during his formative years. Pesce’s portfolio encompasses a wide range of designs, from iconic furniture pieces to monumental architectural projects. His creations reflect a profound contemplation of modernity, exemplified by the La Mamma chair (1969), which evokes a prehistoric fertility figure, and the Organic Building in Osaka (1993), celebrated for its innovative hanging garden motif. Among his most celebrated furniture designs are the Up series for B&B Italia, including the Up5 armchair (La Donna) and Up6 ottoman (La Mamma), which challenge traditional notions of form and function with their bold, anthropomorphic shapes. Other notable designs include the 357 Feltri chair...
Resin
Ettore Sottsass Y29 Vase in Black Enameled Ceramic Yantra Series Poltronova 70s
By Poltronova, Ettore Sottsass
Located in Cascina, Pisa
This ceramic piece is part of the Yantra series by Ettore Sottsass, a collection of thirty-nine forms including containers, ashtrays, vases and bowls, created between 1969 and 1973 a...
Ceramic
Pr. Postmodern Silverplate Candlesticks by Richard Meier for Swid Powell, 1980's
Located in New York, NY
Incredible pair of post modern silver plate candlesticks, by Richard Meier for Swid Powell. Very hard to find, especially in pairs, this impre...
Silver Plate
Large Matte Pastel Yellow, Lemon Ceramic Vase BonBon by deBlona
Located in Geneve, CH
Large Matte Pastel Yellow, Lemon Ceramic Vase BonBon by deBlona Dimensions: D 34 x H 42 cm. Materials: Ceramic. Colors: Matt pastel color, 24 kt gold luster. This exquisite large c...
Ceramic
Rare Post-Modern Artist Signed Ceramic Raku 1980s Pottery Vase
Located in San Diego, CA
A unique rare tall Raku fired art pottery vase, circa 1980's. This piece is 11.25" tall, 3" wide and 10.5" deep and is in good vintage condition. The iridescent and mottled colors, a...
Pottery
$1,471 / item
Le Tetraodon Beige Sandstone Vase by Lou Thomas
Located in Geneve, CH
Le Tetraodon Beige Sandstone Vase by Lou Thomas Dimensions: ⌀ 30 x H 30 cm Materials: Beige sandstone "Drawing on her extensive travels to Japan, Mexico, and Morocco, Lou Thomas is ...
Sandstone
Rock Vase (Large), Black and Matte White by Gaetano Pesce
By Corsi Design Factory, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Toronto, ON
Large "Rock" Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. *All the pieces are handmade and therefore unique. Variations in the dimensions, hues a...
Resin
$3,086 / item
Floral Dance Heritage Vase by deBlona
Located in Geneve, CH
Floral Dance Heritage Vase by deBlona Dimensions: W 42 x D 30 x H 51 cm. Materials: Ceramic. Colors: Black, golden yellow, orange, light blue, copper green. The “Floral Dance” amph...
Ceramic
$2,679 / item
Antique Blue Peacock Heritage Vase by deBlona
Located in Geneve, CH
Antique Blue Peacock Heritage Vase by deBlona Dimensions: D 34 x H 63 cm. Materials: Ceramic. Colors: Deruta Blue. The “Antique Blue Peacock” potiche vase is a stunning testament t...
Ceramic
$593Sale Price / set|28% Off
Two Gold Blue Post-Modern Vases by Allan Hytholm, Denmark 1980s
Located in Hannover, DE
Exceptional, postmodern in an excellent color combination, gorgeous turquoise blue and gold characterize this wonderful pair of vases. The slightly larger vase has a height of 29cm a...
Ceramic, Pottery
Lotuso Ecru Ceramic Decorative Bowl by Simone & Marcel
Located in Geneve, CH
Lotuso Ecru Ceramic Decorative Bowl by Simone & Marcel Dimensions: D 31 x W 31 x H 8 cm. Materials:Ceramic. Different marble and ceramic options available. Custom options available on request. Please contact us. Our mission is to encourage people to make their home the best place to be, to get inspired and to receive friends and family. Designed and manufactured by ourselves, we offer lightings to help people creating distinctive living spaces. Enhancing the authenticity of natural and organic materials using associations and contrasts. Extreme quality behind a facade of ultra-minimalism. We find our materials to the source to ensure we give the best value...
Ceramic
Flower Vase (Large), Yellow, Bottle Green and Fuchsia by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Corsi Design Factory
Located in Toronto, ON
Large "Flower" Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Colour: Yellow, Bottle Green and Fuschia *All the pieces are handmade therefore uniq...
Resin
$14,695 / item
Astral Bronze Sculpture by Kodai Suga
Located in Geneve, CH
Astral Bronze Sculpture by Kodai Suga Dimensions: W 50 x D 8 x H 32 cm Materials: Bronze Kodai Suga’s work features an evocative modernistic silhouette that has been imbued with dra...
Bronze, Other
Alessandro Mendini & Linde Burkhardt Limited Edition Ceramic by Superego 2000s
By Linde Burkhardt, Alessandro Mendini, Superego
Located in Cascina, Pisa
Limited edition ceramic vase model Colletto 4 from 4 Mani series, it was composed of two different pieces (a black one and a white one) designed by Alessandro Mendini decorated by Li...
Ceramic
Indian Summer Vase (Large), Clear Orange and Pastel Pink by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Corsi Design Factory
Located in Toronto, CA
"Indian Summer" Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Handmade in Italy by Corsi Design. *Due to the handmade nature of the piece, variati...
Resin
$400 / set
Pair Chrome Geometric Vases, 1980
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair Chrome Geometric Vases, 1980’s. Original excellent condition. Rectangular vase measures 11.25” tall 3.25” wide 1.5” deep, Circular vase 11.25” tall 3” diameter
Chrome
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
$258Sale Price|20% Off
Postmodern Calacatta Marble Pedestal Vase Made in Italy Around 1980s
Located in Rümmingen, BW
"shipping note: If your region or country is not listed under the shipping options please contact us directly" Striking Italian pedestal vase sculpted from Calacatta marble, dating ...
Ceramic, Clay
Michael Schunke for Nine Iron Studio Vase, American Studio Art Glass, 1995
By Michael Schunke
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Large vintage art glass vase features deep, jewel-like color palette and complex sculptural shape. The vase has ovoid silhouette with flattened sides, forming an elongated disk-shap...
Gold
Postmodern White Glass Vase "Fazzoletto" by Giorgio Berlini, Italy
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1970s. It is made in white heat soaked Murano glass. Since the manufacturing process of these vases was manual, each vase is different and one-of-a-kind. It is a vinta...
Murano Glass
Medium Brass Mar de Cobre Wall Sculpture by Aura Carpio
Located in Geneve, CH
Medium Brass Mar de Cobre Wall Sculpture by Aura Carpio Dimensions: D 70 x H 5 cm. Materials: Copper, Brass. Weight: 7 Kg. Aura Carpio® (CDMX). Mexican industrial designer graduate...
Copper, Brass
$1,136 / 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
$1,200Sale Price|20% Off
Solid Patinated Bronze Post-Modern Abstract Sculpture by Bob Bennett
By Bob Bennett
Located in San Diego, CA
Solid patinated bronze post-modern abstract sculpture on black marble base by listed artist Bob Bennett, circa 1990. The piece has a great look and beautiful finish and patina; it m...
Marble, Bronze
Light Mahogany Tray with Antique Brass Handles
Located in Treadwell, NY
Individually stamped and numbered, these one of a kind presentation trays feature patinated brass handles with a satin finish lacquer top coat. Each wooden slab is has its own unique...
Brass
Set of Two Salvador Dali Surrealist Fine Gold Leaf Bracelli Lamp Sculpture
By Salvador Dalí, BD Furniture
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Set of Two Braceli lamps designed by Salvador Dali manufactured by BD furniture in Barcelona. Bracelli Panel structure covered with silver plated polyester painting (Fine gold leaf)...
Cotton
$1,076 / item
Bunny Pumpkin Orange Decorative Object by Aki Kuroda
Located in Geneve, CH
Bunny Pumpkin Orange Decorative Object by Aki Kuroda Dimensions: D 22 x W 29 x H 60 cm. Materials: Polyethylene. Weight: 2 kg. Available in ...
Other
$14,691 / item
Gold Plated Ceramic Ethereal Grace Sculpture by deBlona
Located in Geneve, CH
Gold Plated Ceramic Ethereal Grace Sculpture by deBlona Dimensions: W 21 x D 13 x H 51 cm. Materials: Coated resin, Gold plated ceramic, base in golden brass / White, 24 kt gold lust...
Ceramic
$22,108 / item
Écon Mural in Basalt Granite & Steel by Andres Monnier
Located in Geneve, CH
Écon Mural in Basalt Granite & Steel by Andres Monnier Unique Piece Dimensions: D 15 x W 180 x H 150 cm. Materials: Steel and basalt granite. Available in different finishes and mat...
Onyx, Other
$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
$181Sale Price|62% Off
Ceramic Rose, Peach, Grey Vase with Perforated Decor, 1980s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Rose, peach, white and dark grey glazed barrel shaped handmade ceramic vase wiith perforated decor and asymmetrical top. Stamped under base. Beautiful vintage condition. Denmark, 1...
Ceramic, Pottery, Stoneware
Murano Style Art Glass Mushroom Toadstool Paperweight Green and Yellow 1980s
By Fornasa De Murano A L'Insegna Del Moreto
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Murano Style Italian Art Glass Mushroom Toadstool Paperweight Green and Yellow 1980s. Beautiful vintage Murano style hand made yellow with green spots Italian art glass mushroom toad...
Art Glass, Blown Glass
Sample Wall Art Sculptured Tiles by Studio Mano & Mambo Jambo
Located in Geneve, CH
Sample Wall Art Sculptured Tiles by Studio Mano & Mambo Jambo. Dimensions: W 20 x D 2 x H 20 cm. Materials: Santa Fe and reclaimed clay, Mixed glazes. Studio Mano is the work o...
Ceramic
Contemporary Abstract Bronze Sculpture by Bertrand Créach
Located in London, GB
" Famille I " Bronze sculpture by Bertrand Creach, 2021. Limited edition 1/8, hand-crafted adorned in a black patina. ______ Dimension: H 35 x 15.5 x ...
Bronze
$14,703 / item
Regeneration 04 Bronze Sculpture by Kodai Suga
Located in Geneve, CH
Regeneration 04 Bronze Sculpture by Kodai Suga Dimensions: W 50 x D 7.5 x H 30 cm Materials: Bronze Kodai Suga’s work features an evocative modernistic silhouette that has been imbu...
Bronze, Other
1980s Postmodern Chrome Rocking Desk Clock
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A fantastic postmodern vintage desk, mantel, or shelf clock in the style of Shohei Mihara’s designs for Wakita. With a black face, red, white and yellow hands, and chrome rocking b...
Metal, Chrome
Push Me Pull You Goldene Glaze Ceramic Sculpture by Stephanie Phillips
Located in Geneve, CH
Push Me Pull You Goldene Glaze Ceramic Sculpture by Stephanie Phillips Dimensions: D 9 x W 35 x x H 40 cm Materials: Ceramic, Gold Also available in other colors and custom sizes f...
Gold
$720Sale Price|20% Off
Postmodern Black Handcrafted Blown Glass Bowl, 1980s
Located in Miami, FL
Black glass centerpiece piece or bowl circa 1980s.
Glass
$1,471 / item
Fermo Doorstop by Rampinelli Edizioni
Located in Geneve, CH
Fermo Doorstop by Rampinelli Edizioni Designed by Martinelli Venezia Dimensions: D 11.5 x W 30 x H 25.5 cm, Materials: Metal. MARTINELLI VENEZIA Fermo is a metal doorstop, character...
Metal
Spiral Clock a Shiro Kuramata Japanese Zen Minimal Postmodern
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Spiral clock designed by Shiro Kuramata. Dial is inside acrylic edge rounded shade.
Acrylic
$646 / item
Fungus Little Vase by David Valner
Located in Geneve, CH
Fungus Little Vase by David Valner Dimensions: D 10 x W 10 x H 24 cm. Materials: Glass. Weight: 1,5 kg. Finish: Little size, Grey and black, and glossy surface. “The mystery of myce...
Glass
Salvador Dalí Leda Armchair Sculpture in Polished Brass, Spain
By Salvador Dalí, BD Barcelona Design
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Leda armchair designed by Dali manufactured by BD. Structure in polished cast brass varnish. Measures: 47 x 60 x 92 H.cm Year: 1935-1937 Taken from “Femme á la téte rose” 1935 (W...
Brass
Art Glass Sculptural Table Lamp by William Olivier for Antiques Mc, France, 2009
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
The creator is William Olivier, a lover of glass, wood and steel. These piece has been made in 2009. This is a beautiful Art glass work that could be, as the same time a sculpture a...
Stainless Steel
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
$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
$3,587 / 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
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
Postmodern Brass Candle Holders, Memphis Milano Style, Circa 1980s
By Memphis Group, Michael Graves (b.1934), Aldo Londi, Memphis Milano, (After) Gio Ponti
Located in Round Top, TX
This exceptional duo of brass candle holders exemplifies a refined fusion of neoclassical elegance and minimalist form. The sleek, polished brass bases anchor the design, while the a...
Brass
Loet Vanderveen Bronze Sculpture of a Gazelle Signed Numbered Limited Ed.
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Loet Vanderveen (Dutch, 1921-2015). Artistic African Antelope bronze wildlife animal sculpture. Original Loet Vanderveen bronze Ibex or gazelle sculpture in Charcoal patina finish. L...
Bronze
$1,938 / item
Perspectiva Space Divider by Colección Estudio
Located in Geneve, CH
Perspectiva space divider by Colección Estudio Dimensions: D 30 x W 30 x H 163 cm Materials: oak wood, grey wool felt Also available in ebonized o...
Felt, Oak
Murano Multicolored Handblown Flower
By Murano 5
Located in Pasadena, TX
This flower is handblown. It was crafted in Murano, Italy. It is multicolored with 3 petals. Makes for a great gift.
Art Glass
Salvador Dalí Sculpture Lamp with Drawers, Varnished Limewood, Spain
By Salvador Dalí, BD Barcelona Design
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
1980s Postmodern Table Clock attr. to Shohei Mihara for Wakita
Located in Brooklyn, NY
With a chrome frame, black and white face, and geometric hands in green, red, and yellow, this amazing 1980s desk clock has all of the hallmarks of great 1980s Memphis-inspired postm...
Chrome