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.
Purple & green Murano Glass Flasks by Venini, 1980s
By Laura Diaz de Santillana, Venini
Located in Varese, Lombardia
Set of 2 small decorative Murano flasks designed by Laura de Santillana and manufactured by Venini in the 1980s. the green flask shows a visible small chip at the neck as stated in p...
Murano Glass
Polychrome Ceramic Vase by Carlo Zauli, 1960s
By Carlo Zauli
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Single flower vase in polychrome ceramic, signed on the bottom. Carlo Zauli (Faenza, 19 August 1926 - Faenza, 14 January 2002).
Ceramic
Vintage Murano Red & Opalescent Glass Perfume Bottle with Stopper
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This exquisite vintage Murano glass perfume bottle features a striking combination of deep ruby red glass framed by clear ribbed layers, creating a captivating optical depth. Its ele...
Glass, Art Glass
Steven Lundberg Studios Art Glass Perfume Bottle Vintage 1980s Seaweed Sea Floor
By Steven Lundberg
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Beautiful piece of art glass, in bottle and stopper form, signed by Steven Lundberg. Made in the 1980s showing a sea floor scene possibly. Wonderful colors.
Art Glass
$686Sale Price / set|22% Off
Collection 3 Porcelain Decanters LeRoy Neiman Decorative Sports Memorabilia
By LeRoy Neiman
Located in Miami, FL
Beautiful porcelain decorative decanter by Leroy Neiman, Circa 1979. This liquor decanter with its baseball memorabilia, intense colors and clean condition makes a great addition t...
Porcelain
Colin Reid glass studio early perfume bottle/vessel 1987.
By Colin Reid
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful early perfume bottle in cast glass with red and blue integrated fused and frosted surfaces Pyramid shape and glass stopper . Signed and dated 1987 plus R248 numbers .
Glass
$1,380 / set
Pair of Raymor Hand Vases
By Raymor
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of Raymor Hand Vases, Two left hands. Stamped on underside Raymor Mancer \ dimensions; 8' high 4' diameter
Porcelain
Decorative Resin Bottles by Constance Giraudon, France - Signed by the artist
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Collection of decorative resin bottles handcrafted by French artist Constance Giraudon, dating from 2014 and 2017. Signed by artist. Constance Giraudon beautifully continues the ar...
Resin
Flat Oval Shape, Plain Ruby Red Ceramic Hand-sculpted Vase by Willem Van Hooff
Located in Geneve, CH
Furi Vase by Willem Van Hooff Core Vessel Series Dimensions: W 23 x D 10 x H 41 cm (Dimensions may vary as pieces are hand-made and might present slight variations in sizes) Material...
Ceramic, Earthenware
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
Meridian Glass Bell, Hand-Sculpted Contemporary Crystal
Located in Geneve, CH
Meridian glass bell, hand-sculpted contemporary crystal. Hand-sculpted in crystal Dimensions: W 24 x D 15.5 x H 35 cm Materials: Crystal Weight: 1.1 kg. The Meridian glass bel...
Crystal
$1,553 / item
Fine Handcut Crystal Grand Lauderlale Perfume Flacon
Located in Geneve, CH
Fine handcut crystal grand Lauderlale perfume flacon. Materials: Fine handcut crystal Dimensions: D 11 x W 11 x H 32.5 cm Weight: 3.16 kg. Reflections Copenhagen, a collection of handmade decorative mirrors and Crystal pieces, finely balanced to Challenge the traditional styles and shapes of todays’ homes by adding new dimensions and possibilities to interior decorating. Julie Hugau and Andrea Larsson, inspired by the graphic expression of Art Deco, the vast contrasts of the 1980s and the opportunity to explore the delicate materials that the mirrors are made of, combined their visions and the start of Reflections was a fact. The collection sums up their perspectives of how to provide new expressions through strength and form, the mirrors are designed with a strong visual structure to create a contrast of light and reflections through non-traditional mirror images. A concept built on Julie’s flair for design and production, Andrea’s eye for interior and colors together with their shared vision of creating a product that unites art and decor. Remember, everything in your life is a reflection of a choice you made. If you want a different result, make a different choice Welcome to the world of Reflections. The beauty of craftsmanship All Reflections...
Crystal
Organic Form, Warm Brown Ceramic Tall Vase with Body Opening by Willem Van Hooff
Located in Geneve, CH
Taju Large Vase by Willem Van Hooff Dimensions: W 42 x D 10 x H 63 cm (Dimensions may vary as pieces are hand-made and might present slight variations in sizes) Material: Glazed Cera...
Ceramic
Unique Warm Brown Ceramic Big Vase with Body Large Opening by Willem Van Hooff
Located in Geneve, CH
Tuja Big Vase by Willem Van Hooff. Dimensions: W 48 x D 10 x H 50 cm (Dimensions may vary as pieces are hand-made and might present slight variations in sizes) Material: Glazed Ceram...
Ceramic
Postmodern Cat Design Bottle, 1980s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Postmodern Cat Design Bottle, 1980s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1980 to 1989. Additional information: Material: Glass, Wood Color: Yellow Styles: Postmodern Item Type: Vintag...
Glass, Wood
Carlo Nason yellow artistic bottle in Murano glass, with original box
By Carlo Nason
Located in Milano, IT
∑Carlo Nason for Murano Glassworks Artistic Bottle / Small Decanter, 1980s Murano glass with original label and original box A refined artistic bottle, or small decanter, designed b...
Murano Glass
$2,087 / item
FUWA FUWA, No. 15 Bottle by Yusuké Y. Offhause
Located in Geneve, CH
FUWA FUWA, No 15 bottle by Yusuke´ Y. Offhause One of a Kind, the work is in two parts (ceramic and glass). Dimensions: D 7 x W 7 x H 20.5 cm. Materials: stoneware, porcelain, gla...
Porcelain, Stoneware, Glass
$881Sale Price|20% Off
Venini Murano Italy Blue Glass Bottle Vase Serie “Velati” 1992
By Paolo Venini, Venini
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Amazing and fabulous very rare Italian handmade and blown bottle in light blue color glass with stopper, from the “Velati” series designed and produ...
Glass
Transparent Murano Glass Decanter Bottle by Carlo Moretti, Italy
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, in 1980s. The decanter is made in ribbed hand-blown Murano glass with a modeled polychrome glass cap. This is a vintage piece, therefore it might show slight traces o...
Murano Glass
Venini Murano Italy Green Glass Bottle Serie “Velati”, 1996
By Venini
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Amazing and fabulous very rare Italian handmade and blown bottle in light green color glass with stopper, from the “Velati” series designed and prod...
Glass
Kosta Boda Art Glass Bottle, Sweden, Late 20th Century
By Kosta Boda
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Kosta Boda Art Glass Bottle, Sweden, Late 20th Century A stunning art glass vase from Kosta Boda, Sweden. This sculptural piece features an elegant, elongated neck rising from a wid...
Art Glass
Postmodern Orange Yellow Glazed Ceramic Vase, Italy
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1970s. This orange yellow vase is made in glazed ceramic. This is a vintage set, therefore they might show slight traces of use, but they can be considered as in excel...
Ceramic
Postmodern Beige Encased and Hand-blown Glass Decanter Bottle, Italy
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1960s - 1970s. This decanter bottle is part of a three-piece set. It is made in three-color encased glass with green edges and murrines. This is a vintage item, the...
Murano Glass
Postmodern Murano Glass Decanter Bottle by Vincenzo Nason, Italy
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1980s. This decanter bottle is made in light blue Murano glass and features a hand-modeled glass cap. It is a vintage item, therefore it might show slight traces of us...
Murano Glass
Blown glass bottle by Alberto Churba, Argentine Designer.
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Blown glass bottle by Alberto Churba, Argentine Designer. Beautiful cylindrical bottle by Churba with a narrow neck. The glass has a color combination in green tones. It has a modern...
Art Glass
Carlo Nason Artistic bottle with Murano glass, signed at the base
By Lavorazione Arte Murano, Carlo Nason
Located in Milano, IT
Carlo Nason for Murano Glassworks Artistic Bottle / Small Decanter, 1980s Murano Glass, original label A highly refined artistic bottle, or small decanter, designed by Carlo Nason f...
Murano Glass
Postmodern Murano Glass Vase with Light Blue and White Canes, Italy
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1970s. This vase is made in Murano glass and features light blue and white canes. This decanter is a vintage item, therefore it might show slight traces of use, but it...
Murano Glass
Organic Form, Sculpted Dark Terracotta Ceramic Medium Vase by Willem Van Hooff
Located in Geneve, CH
Uble Medium Vase by Willem Van Hooff Dimensions: W 38 x D 10 x H 42 cm (Dimensions may vary as pieces are hand-made and might present slight variations in sizes) Material: Glazed Cer...
Ceramic
Bohemian Transparent and Red Crystal Decanter Bottle by Dresden Crystal, Germany
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Dresden, Germany, in 1960s - 1970s. This decanter is made in fine Bohemia crystal. It is a vintage piece, therefore it might show slight traces of use, but it can be considered as in excellent original condition and ready to become a piece in a home. Labeled Dresden Crystal...
Crystal
Pair of Transparent Crystal Decanter Bottles by Bleikristall, Germany
By Bleikristall
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Germany, in 1970s. These decanters are made in hand-polished crystal. These are vintage pieces, therefore they might show traces of use ( on one cap there's a slight flaw)...
Crystal
Black and Azure Ceramic 1980s Decorative Bottles by L. Boscolo for Forma & Luce
By Luigi Boscolo
Located in Varese, Lombardia
Set of 4 decorative bottles made from blue/violet and black ceramic. Measures: Big bottle: cm 43 H x 21 D Medium bottle: cm 36 H x 18 D Small bottle: cm 20...
Ceramic
Postmodern Beige Encased and Hand-blown Glass Decanter Bottle, Italy
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1960s - 1970s. This decanter bottle is part of a three-piece set. It is made in three-color encased glass with green edges and murrines. This is a vintage item, the...
Murano Glass
Kosta Boda Cobalt Blue Art Glass Vase, Sweden, Late 20th Century
By Kosta Boda
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Kosta Boda Cobalt Blue Art Glass Vase, Sweden, Late 20th Century This art glass vase from Kosta Boda, Sweden, showcases the bold color palette and expressive craftsmanship for which...
Art Glass
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
Large Italian Venetian Murano Glass Bottle or Vase by La Murrina
By Mazzega, La Murrina, 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
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
Set of 3 Milo Round Black Vases by Mason Editions
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 3 Milo round black vases by Mason Editions. Designed by Quaglio Simonelli. Dimensions: Tall vase: Ø 5 x H 11.3 cm. Medium vase: Ø 7.1 x H 8.8 cm. Low vase: Ø 8.9 x H 11.5 ...
Glass
Murano Artistic Glass Bottle by Vincenzo Nason
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Artistic Murano Glass Bottle by Vincenzo Nason Beautiful Murano glass bottle by artist Vincenso Nason, it has a beautiful design where you can see the brush strokes of color that giv...
Art Glass
NYC Contemprary Vase, Hand-Sculpted Contemporary Crystal
Located in Geneve, CH
NYC contemprary vase, hand-sculpted contemporary crystal Crystal vase Hand-sculpted in crystal Measures: Height 25.5 cm Width 23 cm Depth 13.5 cm Weight 8.3 kg Material: Fine ...
Crystal
$1,553 / item
Fine Handcut Crystal Grand Hamilton Perfume Flacon
Located in Geneve, CH
Fine handcut crystal grand Hamilton perfume flacon. Materials: Fine handcut crystal. Dimensions: D 8 x W 21 x H 26.5 cm. Weight: 3.68 kg. Reflect...
Crystal
Colorful Crystal Perfume Flacon, Hand-Sculpted Contemporary Crystal
Located in Geneve, CH
Colorful crystal perfume Flacon, hand-sculpted contemporary crystal Hand-sculpted in crystal Small: Height 17 cm Width 12 cm Depth 4.7 cm Weight...
Crystal
$2,087 / item
FUWA FUWA, No. 16 Bottle by Yusuké Y. Offhause
Located in Geneve, CH
FUWA FUWA, No 16 bottle by Yusuke´ Y. Offhause One of a Kind, the work is in two parts (ceramic and glass). Dimensions: D 8 x W 8 x H 23 cm. Materials: stoneware, porcelain, glass...
Porcelain, Stoneware, Glass
Orange & Clear 1990s Murano Glass Bottle with Silver Cork by Cleto Munari
By Cleto Munari
Located in Varese, Lombardia
Decorative bottle in transparent and orange Murano glass. Post modern shape cork in silver metal. Labeled and signatured by manufacturer. Very good condition.
Silver
Set of Three Postmodern Blue and Yellow Glazed Vase and Bottles by Parravicini
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1970s. These two blue bottles and yellow vase are made in glazed ceramic by Parravicini. Parravicini is not very known as a company, therefore it's not easy to find in...
Ceramic
$1,071 / item
Vase by Evelina Kudabaite Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Vase by Evelina Kudabaite Studio Handmade Materials: oak, brass Dimensions: H 260 mm x D 120 mm Colour: dark brown Notes: for indoor use Since 2015, product designer Evelina ...
Brass
Postmodern Beige Cylindric Encased and Hand-blown Opaline Glass Vase, Italy
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1960s - 1970s. This vase is part of a three-piece set. It is made in encased opaline and hand-blown glass with colored canes. This is a vintage item, therefore it m...
Murano Glass
Colorful Crystal Perfume Flacon, Hand-Sculpted Contemporary Crystal
Located in Geneve, CH
Colorful crystal perfume flacon, hand-sculpted contemporary crystal Hand-sculpted in crystal Measures: Small: Height 16.5 cm Width 8 cm Depth 8 c...
Crystal
Postmodern Murano Glass Leaf Trinket Bowl / Vide-Poche by Alfredo Barbini, Italy
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1970s. This trinket bowl / vide-poche is designed by Alfredo Barbini and it is made in light blue and transparent Murano glass with lines obtained from a mold and then...
Murano Glass
$1,565 / item
Fuwa Fuwa, No. 7 Bottle by Yusuké Y. Offhause
Located in Geneve, CH
FUWA FUWA, No 7 Bottle by Yusuke´ Y. Offhause One of a Kind, the work is in two parts (ceramic and glass). Dimensions: D 6.5 x W 6.5 x H 18 cm. Materials: stoneware, porcelain, gl...
Porcelain, Stoneware, Glass
Fine Handcut Crystal Riverside Perfume Flacon
Located in Geneve, CH
Fine handcut crystal riverside perfume flacon Materials: fine handcut crystal Dimensions: D 5.7 x W 16 x H 16 cm Weight: 1.05 kg Reflections Copenhagen, a collection of handmade decorative mirrors and crystal pieces, finely balanced to Challenge the traditional styles and shapes of todays’ homes by adding new dimensions and possibilities to interior decorating. Julie Hugau and Andrea Larsson, inspired by the graphic expression of Art Deco, the vast contrasts of the 1980s and the opportunity to explore the delicate materials that the mirrors are made of, combined their visions and the start of Reflections was a fact. The collection sums up their perspectives of how to provide new expressions through strength and form, the mirrors are designed with a strong visual structure to create a contrast of light and reflections through non-traditional mirror...
Crystal
Contemporary Sculpted Light Brown Ceramic Oval Large Vase by Willem Van Hooff
Located in Geneve, CH
Ovas Large Vase by Willem Van Hooff Dimensions: W 38 x D 10 x H 65 cm (Dimensions may vary as pieces are hand-made and might present slight variations in sizes) Material: Glazed Cera...
Ceramic
NYC Contemporary Vase, Hand-Sculpted Contemporary Crystal
Located in Geneve, CH
NYC contemporary vase, hand-sculpted contemporary crystal. Crystal vases Hand-sculpted in crystal Measures: small Height 21.5 cm Width 16 cm Depth 11 cm Weight: 4.2 kg Materi...
Crystal
Organic Shape, Plain Dark Brown Ceramic Sculpture Vase with by Willem Van Hooff
Located in Geneve, CH
Maji Vase by Willem Van Hooff Core Vessel Series Dimensions: W 31 x D 10 x H 49 cm (Dimensions may vary as pieces are hand-made and might present slight variations in sizes) Material...
Ceramic, Earthenware
Colorful Crystal Perfume Flacon, Hand-Sculpted Contemporary Crystal
Located in Geneve, CH
Colorful crystal perfume flacon, hand-sculpted contemporary crystal Hand-sculpted in crystal Measures: Small Height 20 cm Width 7 cm Depth 7 cm Weight 0.8 kg Material: fine ha...
Crystal
Set of 3 Milo Square Transparent Vases by Mason Editions
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 3 milo square transparent vases by Mason Editions. Designed by Quaglio Simonelli. Dimensions: Medium vase: D 6.4 x W 6.4 x H 8.8 cm. Tall vase: D 5.6 x W 5.6 x H 12.5 cm. ...
Glass
$1,553 / item
Fine Handcut Crystal Grand Belleville Perfume Flacon
Located in Geneve, CH
Fine handcut crystal grand Belleville perfume flacon. Materials: Fine handcut crystal. Dimensions: D 12.8 x W 12.8 x H 27 cm. Weight: 2.94 kg. Re...
Crystal
$1,750 / item
Fine Handcut Crystal Grand Rochester Perfume Flacon
Located in Geneve, CH
Fine handcut crystal grand rochester perfume flacon. Materials: Fine handcut crystal. Dimensions: D 9 x W 27.8 x H32 cm. Weight: 3.68 kg. Reflec...
Crystal
$1,124 / item
Fine Handcut Crystal Grand New Haven Basin
Located in Geneve, CH
Fine handcut crystal grand new haven basin Materials: Fine handcut crystal Dimensions: D 20 x W 20 x H 16.8 cm Weight: 5 kg Reflections Copenhagen, a collection of handmade decorative mirrors and crystal pieces, finely balanced to Challenge the traditional styles and shapes of todays’ homes by adding new dimensions and possibilities to interior decorating. Julie Hugau and Andrea Larsson, inspired by the graphic expression of Art Deco, the vast contrasts of the 1980s and the opportunity to explore the delicate materials that the mirrors are made of, combined their visions and the start of Reflections was a fact. The collection sums up their perspectives of how to provide new expressions through strength and form, the mirrors are designed with a strong visual structure to create a contrast of light and reflections through non-traditional mirror...
Crystal
Organic Shape, Plain Terracotta Ceramic Large Vase by Willem Van Hooff
Located in Geneve, CH
Lata Vase by Willem Van Hooff Core Vessel Series Dimensions: W 58 x D 10 x H 26 cm (Dimensions may vary as pieces are hand-made and might present slight variations in sizes) Material...
Ceramic, Earthenware
Small Revolved Burnt Beech Bottle by Daniel Elkayam
Located in Geneve, CH
Small revolved burnt beech bottle by Daniel Elkayam One of a Kind Dimensions: D 10 x W 10 x H 10 cm Materials: beech wood Daniel Elkayam — Designer Jerusalem-born Art-designe...
Beech