The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw sweeping social change and major scientific advances — both of which contributed to a new aesthetic: modernism. Rejecting the rigidity of Victorian artistic conventions, modernists sought a new means of expression. References to the natural world and ornate classical embellishments gave way to the sleek simplicity of the Machine Age. Architect Philip Johnson characterized the hallmarks of modernism as “machine-like simplicity, smoothness or surface [and] avoidance of ornament.”
Early practitioners of modernist design include the De Stijl (“The Style”) group, founded in the Netherlands in 1917, and the Bauhaus School, founded two years later in Germany.
Followers of both groups produced sleek, spare designs — many of which became icons of daily life in the 20th century. The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics. While Bauhaus principals Marcel Breuer and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe created furniture from mass-produced, chrome-plated steel, American visionaries like Charles and Ray Eames worked in materials as novel as molded plywood and fiberglass. Today, Breuer’s Wassily chair, Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona chair — crafted with his romantic partner, designer Lilly Reich — and the Eames lounge chair are emblems of progressive design and vintage originals are prized cornerstones of collections.
It’s difficult to overstate the influence that modernism continues to wield over designers and architects — and equally difficult to overstate how revolutionary it was when it first appeared a century ago. But because modernist furniture designs are so simple, they can blend in seamlessly with just about any type of décor. Don’t overlook them.
Hand-Crafted Small Vase by AIREDELSUR & Shiva Safai Green Onyx & Silver Alpaca
By AIREDELSUR
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
AIREDELSUR by SHIVA Some collaborations begin quietly. Shiva Safai, born in Iran and raised in Europe, later shaped by her years in Los Angeles, developed a refined eye across cult...
Stone, Onyx, Metal
Italian Marble Red Burgundy Urn Vase
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful and substantial Italian red burgundy and black marble urn form vase or vessel, Italy. Made from one piece or marble, polished smooth. Piece is Italian; however, label is ...
Marble
Contemporary Gaetano Pesce Spaghetti Vase L Resin Light Ruby Olive Green
Located in barasso, IT
Spaghetti Light Ruby, Olive Green Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Measures: L ø 22cm x H 36cm Colours: Light Ruby Olive Green Mater...
Resin
Gaetano Pesce Indian Summer Vase L Resin Clear Aqua, Mauve
Located in barasso, IT
Indian Summer vase - Clear Aqua, Mauve Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Measures: L - ø 22cm x H 36cm Colours: Clear Aqua, Mauve Mate...
Resin
Contemporary Modernist Pottery Vase Dark Gray Horizontal Texture
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration a contemporary modernist pottery vase in dark gray with horizontal texture. No markings from the maker present. Dimensions: 13" H x 4" diameter at widest poi...
Pottery
White Ceramic Kawa Vases Pair, Porcelain, Organic, Small Vases, Bud Vase
By Luft Tanaka
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A pair of tactile and organic porcelain vases with leather textured exterior surface and clear glazed interior. As a result of the production process each item is one-of-a-kind. Set ...
Ceramic, Porcelain
Repoussé Patinated Brass Vase, Hokkaido, Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Repoussé Patinated Brass Vase, Hokkaido, Vikram Goyal Repoussé brass vase. Handmade in India. Repoussé involves hammering low-relief designs into malleable metal sheets from the re...
Brass
Baccarat Structured Exquisite Clear Crystal Vase, France
By Baccarat
Located in Rijssen, NL
A crystal masterpiece of beautiful proportions, this vase crystallizes the extraordinary know-how of the Baccarat craftsmen. The different cuts in the vase produce a magic visual eff...
Crystal
Kawa Vase 22, Large White Organic Porcelain Vase by Luft Tanaka, Kawa Series
By Luft Tanaka
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Large organic ceramic vase. One-of-a-kind. Dimensions 9" dia x 12" height Watertight. Signed and dated on the bottom. Kawa Series by Luft Tanaka Studio The unusual and painstaking...
Ceramic, Clay, Porcelain
Fish Design Gaetano Pesce Indian Summer L Vase Soft Resin Clear And White
Located in barasso, IT
Indian Summer vase, clear and matt white. Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Measures: L - ø 22cm x H 36cm. Colours: clear and matt wh...
Resin
$647 / item
Fifi Blue and Amber - Murano Glass Vase
Located in Murano, VE
The exquisite Fifi Murano Glass Vase - a true work of art, handcrafted by skilled artisans at Wave Murano Glass. Known for its exceptional craftsmanship, each vase is carefully handm...
Murano Glass
Brass Vase with Semi Precious Inserts, Glory Lily, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Brass Vase with Semi Precious Inserts, Glory Lily, Viya by Vikram Goyal Vase in brass with semi precious inserts. Handmade in India. The Glory Lily flower dances in paradox, embody...
Brass
Small Duckling Tray in White Resin by Paola Valle
By Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Our Duck and Duckling trays bring a fun and exciting twist to any space, styled in built-ins or filled with eggs, this trays is are versatile as they are playful. Available in two s...
Marble
Small Duckling Tray in Blue Resin by Paola Valle
By Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Our Duck and Duckling trays bring a fun and exciting twist to any space, styled in built-ins or filled with eggs, this trays is are versatile as they are playful. Available in two s...
Marble
Sculptural Blue Vase Marble Azul Macaubas Handmade in Italy, Organic Shape
Located in Ancona, Marche
“Le Grand Bleu” is a large sculptural vase, entirely hand-carved from a single block of Azul Macaubas quartzite with stunning blue veining. Each piece begins with the careful selecti...
Marble
White & Clear Swirl Art Glass Murano Large Handkerchief Bowl, Modern, 1980s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful Murano hand blown Italian art glass handkerchief bowl with some small air bubbles in the glass. A beautiful piece of art for any room. Found at an Estate Sale in Verona, It...
Murano Glass
Gaetano Pesce Indian Summer Vase L Resin Grey Turquoise
Located in barasso, IT
Indian Summer vase - Clear grey, matt turquoise Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Measures: L - ø 22cm x H 36cm Colours: Clear grey an...
Resin
Rectangle Bubble Vase in Pink Resin by Paola Valle
By Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Striking and elegant, the Rectangle Bubble Vase has a unique silhouette that brings a modern and playful feel to any space. Styled in built-ins or filled with florals, this vase is a...
Marble
White Murano Art Glass Vase with Burgundy and Black Flame Design
Located in Milano, IT
**Red Murano Art Glass Handkerchief Vase with Black and White Swirl Design** A striking Murano art glass vase, likely dating from the late 20th century, approximately the **1980s–19...
Murano Glass
Brass Vessel, Tutti Frutti with Semi Precious Inserts, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Brass Vessel, Tutti Frutti with Semi Precious Inserts, Viya by Vikram Goyal Vessel in brass with semi precious inserts. Handmade in India. Forget the Maharajas’ necklace; these bra...
Brass
Large Modernist Fluted White Bisque Vase by Hutschenreuther, Germany, 1970s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This lovely fluted-shaped vase from Hutschenreuther brings a touch of elegant sophistication to any household. Ideal placed by the window or on any end table.
Porcelain
$364 / item
Rosso Levanto Marble Pedestal Bowl XL
Located in Eindhoven, NB
Introducing our stunning Rosso Levanto marble PEDESTAL Bowl, a captivating fusion of style and utility. Crafted from premium Rosso Levanto marble with Bordeaux red, brown, green colo...
Marble
Vase Vessel Sculpture Tulip Block Rose Quartz Handmade Collectible Design Italy
By Barberini & Gunnell, Pieruga Marble
Located in Ancona, Marche
Important sculptural vase carved by hand from a solid block of Rose Quartz. Vase dimensions: L 29 x W 20 x H 53 cm. Available in different onyx and marbles. Limited edition of 35. ...
Rose Quartz
Contemporary Gaetano Pesce Indian Summer M Vase Soft Resin Fuchsia Ocean Blue
Located in barasso, IT
Indian Summer vase, clear light fuchsia and matt ocean blue. Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish design collection. Meas...
Resin
$223 / item
Flat Vase Project by 213A - Baby blue
By Project 213A
Located in Macieira de Sarnes, PT
Flat vase in Baby blue. Designed by Project 213A in 2021. Handmade Stoneware. Creation demands destruction, taking the old and the typical to conceive the new and particular. The F...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Contemporary Gaetano Pesce Spaghetti Vase L Resin Clear White
Located in barasso, IT
Spaghetti vase, clear, white. Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Measures: L ø 22cm x H 36cm Colours: cl...
Resin
Contemporary Fish Design Gaetano Pesce Medusa XL Vase Soft Resin White
Located in barasso, IT
Medusa vase - Matt white Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Measures: XL - Ø 30cm x H 56cm Colours: Matt white. Material: RESIN Vase i...
Resin
Contemporary Gaetano Pesce Indian Summer Vase XL Resin Orange Pink
Located in barasso, IT
Indian Summer vase, clear orange, matt pastel pink. Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Measures: XL ...
Resin
Contemporary Gaetano Pesce Spaghetti Vase XL Resin Clear Gold
Located in barasso, IT
Spaghetti vase, clear and gold. Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Picture showing L size. Measures: XL - ø 30cm x H 56cm Colours: Cle...
Resin
Organic White Ceramic Vase, Kawa Vase Zigzag, Sculptural Porcelain object
By Luft Tanaka
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Kawa Vase Zigzag Organic white ceramic vase with textured raw porcelain exterior surface and clear glazed interior. As a result of the production process each item is one-of-a-kind....
Ceramic, Clay, Porcelain
Gaetano Pesce Clear Special Vase L Resin Amber Fuchsia Blue
Located in barasso, IT
Clear Special extra colour vase, clear amber, fuchsia and blue Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Measures: L Ø 22cm x H 36cm Colour: C...
Resin
A 1970s Modern Purple and Blue Sommerso Murano Glass Vase by Flavio Poli
By Seguso Vetri d'Arte, Flavio Poli
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This striking 1970s Murano art glass vase is a masterful example of the "Sommerso" (submerged) technique, attributed to the renowned Italian designer Flavio Poli. The sculptural, bio...
Murano Glass
$329 / item
Maria Vessel, Handmade in Portugal
By Project 213A
Located in Macieira de Sarnes, PT
Maria Vessel in Brick Designed by Project 213A in 2020 Handmade Stoneware This vase is inspired by the Greco-Roman period, having a timeless appearance and finished with a contempor...
Stoneware
Contemporary Gaetano Pesce Spaghetti L Vase Soft Resin Orange Dark Lavender
Located in barasso, IT
Spaghetti vase, clear orange, matt dark lavender. Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Measures: L...
Resin
Gaetano Pesce Clear Special Vase XL Resin Fuchsia Pink Lilac
Located in barasso, IT
Clear special extra color vase - Clear pink, clear fuchsia, clear lilac, matt pink. Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Measures: XL - ø...
Resin
Vintage Emilia Castillo Silver & Malachite Vase, Mexican Silversmithing
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare and highly collectible vintage vase designed and handcrafted in Taxco, Mexico by acclaimed Mexican silversmith Emilia Castillo, a key figure in the legacy of the Los Castillo wo...
Malachite, Silver, Silver Plate, Brass
Contemporary Gaetano Pesce Pompitu II Vase L Soft Resin Light Ruby Cerulean Blue
Located in barasso, IT
Pompitu II vase, Clear Light Ruby Cerulean Blue Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Measures: L ø 22cm x H 36cm Colours: Clear Light Rub...
Resin
$394 / item
Silver Travertine Eclipse Bowl
Located in Eindhoven, NB
Expertly crafted and finished by hand, our travertine bowls are a study in sculptural simplicity. This silver travertine Eclipse Bowl is stunni...
Travertine
$223 / item
Flat Vase Project by 213A
By Project 213A
Located in Macieira de Sarnes, PT
Flat vase in Shiny Black. Designed by Project 213A in 2021. Handmade Stoneware. Creation demands destruction, taking the old and the typical to conceive th...
Ceramic, Stoneware
1980s Modern Blue and Yellow Murano Glass Vase by Carlo Moretti
Located in Aci Castello, IT
Vintage 1980s Modern Blue and Yellow Murano Glass Vase by Carlo Moretti This exquisite vintage vase is a signed piece of art glass from the renowned Murano glassmaker, Carlo Moretti....
Murano Glass
Contemporary Hand Blown Glass Vase entitled "Murano Vase" by Silvano Signoretto
Located in London, GB
A highly attractive blown glass vase featuring a bold, sculptural form with a sweeping, curved lip and a vibrant blue core. Layered bands of pink and green encase the center, creatin...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass
Pair of Italian Silver Plated Soliflore Handled Vases, Sophisticated Design
By Aldo Cibic
Located in Bochum, NRW
A pair of gorgeous Silver plated Ewer Vases expertly crafted in Italy. These elegant vases boast a gracefully curved handle and a sophisticated mode...
Silver Plate
Vase Vessel Sculpture Pink Rose Quartz Marble Collectible Design Handmade Italy
By Pieruga Marble, Barberini & Gunnell
Located in Ancona, Marche
Important sculptural vase carved by hand from a solid block of rare Rose Quartz. Vase dimensions: D 57 x H 50 cm, available in different quartzite, onyx and marbles. Limited editio...
Marble
Contemporary Gaetano Pesce Spaghetti Vase L Resin Clear Gold
Located in barasso, IT
Spaghetti vase, clear and gold. Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Measures: L - ø 22cm x H 36cm Colours: Clear and Gold. Material: RE...
Resin
Decorative Bowl Centerpiece Vessel Sculpture Brown Emperador Marble Handmade
Located in Ancona, Marche
Gondola, big elegant bowl, hand-sculpted from a solid block of Brown Emperador Marble. Bowl dimensions: Big L 65 x W 13 x H 11 cm. Also available: Small L 55 x W 12 x H 9.5 cm. Ava...
Marble
Eric Dobson and Michael Harris for Mdina Blue Streaked Studio Glass Vase
By Mdina
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A stunning Maltese Mdina studio glass streak pattern vase by Eric Dobson and Michael Harris dating from around 1970. Mdina glass was founded in 1968 by Michael Harris on the Island...
Blown Glass
Tall Bubble Vase in White Textured Resin by Paola Valle
By Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Striking and elegant, the Tall Bubble Vase has a unique silhouette that brings a modern and playful feel to any space. Styled in built-ins or filled with florals, this vase is as ver...
Resin
Gaetano Pesce Spaghetti Vase XL Resin Grey Yellow
Located in barasso, IT
Spaghetti vase, grey, yellow. Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Measures: XL ø 30cm x H 56cm Colours: Grey, yellow. Material: RESIN Va...
Resin
$589 / item
Green Drop Vase - Murano Glass
Located in Murano, VE
The GOCCIA Murano Glass Vase is an exquisite and understated piece from Wave Murano Glass, embodying the perfect harmony between nature-inspired design and contemporary artisanal tec...
Murano Glass
Gaetano Pesce Clear Special Vase L Resin Brown Fuchsia Pink Yellow
Located in barasso, IT
Clear special extra colour vase - Clear brown, fuchsia, pink and matt yellow. Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Measures: L - Ø 22cm x...
Resin
Contemporary Gaetano Pesce Clear Special L Vase Resin Mint Fuchsia
Located in barasso, IT
Clear special vase - Matt Mint and Clear Light Fuchsia. Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Measures: L - Ø 22cm x H 36cm Colours: Matt...
Resin
Contemporary Gaetano Pesce Pompitu II Vase M Resin Light Fuchsia Green
Located in barasso, IT
Pompitu II vase, clear light fuchsia, matt dust green. Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Measures: M - ø 16cm x H 26cm Colours: Clear...
Resin
Contemporary Fish Design Gaetano Pesce Medusa L Vase Soft Resin Red Pastel Blue
Located in barasso, IT
Medusa vase, Clear Dark Ruby And Matt Pastel Blue Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Measures: L Ø 22cm x H 36cm Colours: Clear Dark R...
Resin
Gaetano Pesce Spaghetti Vase L Soft Resin Red
Located in barasso, IT
Spaghetti vase, matt and clear red. Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Measures: L - ø 22cm x H 36cm Colours: Matt and clear red. Mater...
Resin
Set of 3 White Ceramic Kawa Vases, Luft Tanaka, organic, porcelain
By Luft Tanaka
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A set of three white ceramic Kawa Vases by Luft Tanaka Studio. Each item is made by casting porcelain into sewn leather molds and are truly one-of-a-kind. As a result of the product...
Ceramic, Clay, Porcelain
Vase Vessel Decorative Sculpture White Onyx Marble Hand-carved Italy
By Pieruga Marble, Barberini & Gunnell
Located in Ancona, Marche
Luxurious small vase sculpted by hand from a solid block of white onyx. Vase dimensions: D 13, H 22 cm. The polished finishing underlines the transparency of the onyx making this a...
Onyx
Glaciar Tall Silver Alpaca & Black Onyx Stone Flower Vase
By AIREDELSUR
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
Glaciar collection is meticulously handcrafted by our local artisans with these rectangular onyx pieces set around alpaca silver flower vases, boxes and trays. Our pieces are made...
Stone, Onyx, Metal
Gaetano Pesce Pompitu II Vase L Resin Green Gold
Located in barasso, IT
Pompitu II vase, green and gold. Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Measures: L - ø 22cm x H 36cm Colours: green and gold. Material: RE...
Resin
Organic White Ceramic Vase, Kawa Vase 21, Handmade Sculptural Porcelain object
By Luft Tanaka
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Kawa Vase 21 Organic white ceramic vase with textured raw porcelain exterior surface and clear glazed interior. As a result of the production process each item is one-of-a-kind. Va...
Ceramic, Clay, Porcelain
$347 / item
Travertine Pedestal Bowl XL
Located in Eindhoven, NB
Introducing our stunning beige travertine PEDESTAL bowl XL, a captivating fusion of style and utility. Crafted from premium natural travertine stone this stunning statement piece wit...
Travertine