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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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.
Hannya Kankei Modernist Abstract Bronze Vase c1950s
Located in Oakland, CA
Vintage modern abstract bronze vase by well listed Japanese artist, Hannya Kankei c1950s. Absolute stunning example of mid century Mingei. Japanese artist Hannya Kankei is consider...
Bronze
Vintage Japanese Modernist Bronze Vase c1960s
Located in Oakland, CA
Stunning modernist bronze vase by an unknown Japanese artist c1960s. Incredible craftsmanship and design with a beautiful patina. Fully signed.
Bronze
Hand-Crafted Large Vase by AIREDELSUR & Shiva Safai, Cream 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 cultur...
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
Stephen Smyers Modern Blown Art Glass Vase Abstract Feather Design, circa 1970
Located in Atlanta, GA
This exquisite hand-blown glass vase by renowned artist Stephen Smyers is a true masterpiece of modern art. Crafted in California in 1970, it stands as a rare and distinctive creatio...
Art Glass
$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
Blue Green Vase by Carl Harry Stalhane for Rörstrand
Located in San Francisco, CA
Stoneware vase with hare's fur glaze in blue and green, graduating from deep cobalt at the neck to muted olive at the base. Model CEF. Marked on base: Rörstrand, Sweden, CEF. Rörstra...
Ceramic
Vintage Ito Shin Modernist Japanese Large Wood-Fired Vase
Located in Oakland, CA
Incredible large-scale wood-fired vase with incised geometric glazed lines adding a design element which transforms this vase into an elegant architectural art piece. Ito Shin (b. ...
Clay
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 Fish Design Gaetano Pesce Medusa M 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: M - ø 16cm x H 26cm Colours: Matt white. Material: RESIN Vase in...
Resin
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
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
Fifi Amethyst - 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
Hokkaido Repousse Vase in Patinated Brass, by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Hokkaido Repousse Vase in Patinated Brass, by Vikram Goyal "Repoussé involves hammering low-relief designs into malleable metal sheets from the reverse that originated around the 3r...
Brass
Vintage Emilia Castillo Malachite Silver Vase, Taxco Mexican Modernism
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A striking Mexican Modernism decorative vase designed and handcrafted in Taxco, Mexico by renowned silversmith Emilia Castillo, daughter of master artisan Antonio Castillo of Los Cas...
Malachite, Silver, Silver Plate, Brass
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
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
Dansk Mezza Filigrana Glass Vase
By Dansk
Located in Fairfield, CA
A vintage blown glass vase in the "Mezza Filigrana" design by Dansk. Beautiful design of orange and blue swirls. Original sticker is still attached.
Blown Glass
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
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
Hand-Crafted Medium Vase by AIREDELSUR & Shiva Safai, Rose 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 cultur...
Stone, Onyx, Metal
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
Glory Lily Vase in Brass with Semi Precious Stone, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Glory Lily Vase in Brass with Semi Precious Stone, Viya by Vikram Goyal The Glory Lily flower dances in paradox, embodying breathtaking beauty and potent power. A striking climber, ...
Brass
Beranek Czech Art Glass Vase by Pavel Juda
By Pavel Juda, Beranek Glass 1
Located in Fairfield, CA
A beautiful vintage blown art glass vase designed by Pavel Juda for Beranek Glassworks of the Czech Republic. A chamber of vibrant yellow glass is encased in clear glass. Lovely tape...
Art Glass
Tutti Frutti Vessel in Brass with Semi Precious Inserts, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Tutti Frutti Vessel in Brass with Semi Precious Inserts, Viya by Vikram Goyal Forget the Maharajas’ necklace; these brass beauties are a cocktail of reinvention. Semi-precious stone...
Brass
$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
$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
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
Lukáš Jabůrek, Limited Edition Hand-Cut Uranium Crystal Vase - Evening Star
Located in Prague, CZ
A limited edition of 25 hand-blown and hand-cut uranium crystal vases by Czech master glassmaker Lukáš Jabůrek. Each piece is mouth-blown into traditional wooden beech molds and meti...
Crystal
Contemporary Fish Design Gaetano Pesce Medusa L 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: L - Ø 22cm x H 36cm Colours: Matt white. Material: RESIN Vase in...
Resin
Dechem Studio Mouth-Blown Czech Glass Bandaska 19 Limited Edition Confetti Vase
Located in Prague, CZ
The Bandaska 19 vase is designed by Jakub Janďourek and Michaela Tomíšková of the renowned Dechem Studio. Part of the Confetti collection, the piece explores the joyful and celebrato...
Blown Glass, Cut Glass
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
Sculpture Vase Vessel Solid Rare Pure White Onyx Hand Carved in Italy Wavy Shape
By Barberini & Gunnell, Pieruga Marble
Located in Ancona, Marche
Important sculptural vase carved by hand from a solid block of pure white onyx. The vase is hand sculpted, starting from a large block of white onyx which has been carefully selected...
Stone, Onyx, Marble
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
Gaetano Pesce Indian Summer Vase L Resin Blue Red
Located in barasso, IT
Indian Summer vase, clear blue, matt red. Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Measures: L ø 22cm x H 36cm Colours: clear blue, matt red ...
Resin
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
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
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
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
Rectangle Bubble Vase in Beige 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
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
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
Baccarat X Thomas Bastide, XL Spiral Vase, French Crystal Masterpiece 1996
Located in PARIS, FR
This XL Spiral vase by Thomas Bastide for Baccarat created in 1996 is a powerful sculptural work in clear crystal, defined by a dramatic, ascending twist and sharply faceted geometry...
Crystal
Katsumine Vintage Modernist Bronze Vase Japan
Located in Oakland, CA
Stunning modernist bronze vase by Katsumine c1960s, Japan.
Bronze
$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
$1,049 / item
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
$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 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
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
Hand-Crafted Set Vases by AIREDELSUR & Shiva Safai 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 cultur...
Stone, Onyx, Metal
$396Sale Price|55% Off
Lot of 5 Blue Swirl Vases Florida Design Heinrich Löffelhardt 60s Pop Art
By Schott Zwiesel, Heinrich Loffelhardt
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Set of 5 beautiful hand blown german art glass vases. Designed by Heinrich Loffelhardt for Zwiesel Glass in the Bavarian Forest. Clear, blue and silver swirl glass with lots of small...
Art Glass
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
Modern Acrylic Rectangular Vase by Studio Nova 1980's
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Sleek modern dark amber brown tone acrylic vessel by Studio Nova, circa 1980's. This large sculptural rectangular block form vase is molded from translucent resin / acrylic which all...
Resin, Acrylic
Monumental Nautilus Shell Container Vase or Planter
Located in Southampton, NJ
Vintage Palm Beach Nautilus Shell Seashell Resin Planter vase or container with gorgeous pearly silver leaf opalescent finish. Al lovely decorative option for multi- functional uses.
Silver Leaf
$808 / item
Gaetano Pesce Medusa Vase L Resin Blue
Located in barasso, IT
Medusa vase, clear blue Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Measures: L Ø 22cm x H 36cm Colours: Clear blue. Material: RESIN Vase in sof...
Resin
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
$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
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
$293 / item
Travertine Angled Wine Cooler
Located in Eindhoven, NB
The natural properties of this ANGLED travertine wine cooler will keep your wine chilled. That’s the beauty of natural stone: it looks good while serving a functional purpose. Place ...
Travertine