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.
Vintage German Postmodern Alta Mira Series Ceramic Vase by Gilbert Portanier
Located in Hamburg, DE
Vintage German Postmodern Alta Mira Series Ceramic Vase by Gilbert Portanier for Rosenthal, 1980s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1980 to 1989 This piece has an attribution mark. ...
Ceramic
Shiro Kuramata flower vase pale pink acrylic Japanese minimalist style
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Shiro Kuramata's acrylic flower vase. Aluminium tube put into acrylic block. It's great work of Japanese minimalist style. Transparent body makes complex light reflections around. ...
Aluminum
Shiro Kuramata flower vase violet acrylic Japanese minimalist style
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Shiro Kuramata's acrylic flower vase. Aluminium tube put into acrylic block. It's great work of Japanese minimalist style. Transparent body makes complex light reflections around. ...
Aluminum
A Rare 1980s Minimalist Silver Plated Round Design Vase by Lino Sabattini
By Lino Sabattini, Sabattini Argenteria
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This post-modern vase designed by Lino Sabattini exemplifies the clean, sleek aesthetic typical of Sabattini's work and the minimalist movement of the era. This vase features a perfe...
Silver Plate
Ceramic Vase by Claudia Frignani, Wunderkammer Studio
By Wunderkammer Studio, Claudia Frignani
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Ceramic Vase by Claudia Frignani for Wunderkammer Studio's limited Lefka collection. Claudia Frignani is a Milan-based designer, ceramic artist, and creator known for her unique scu...
Ceramic
Jon Price Large Blue Crystalline Glaze Vase, California Art Pottery
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Rare, sculptural vase was made of pure, high-fire porcelain and glazed both on the inside and the outside. Blue and pink highly detailed crystals on crackled blue background were gr...
Ceramic
AMANO - Vintage Ceramic Vase - Rich Red Glaze - Germany - Late 20th Century
Located in Chatham, ON
AMANO - Vintage ceramic vase - rich red glaze - bullet shape - signed on the base - impressed model number '629-18' - Germany - late 20th century. Excellent vintage condition - no l...
Ceramic
Post Modern Ikebana Vase, Japan, 1980's
By Toyo, Memphis Group
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Post Modern Ikebana Vase, Japan, 1980's "interesting form and nice color" "in good as found condition with one small imperfection - see images"
Ceramic
Ajeto Glass Vase by Borek Sipek for Driade Gold Plated Metal 1989 Czechoslovakia
A Set of 5 Architectural RADICAL & POSTMODERN Metal VASES, by KAPPA, France 1970
Located in PARIS, FR
An exceptional and spectacular set of 5 geometric vases, Post-Modern, Radical, 5 different sizes stainless steel rectangular structures, forming together a kind of "Cityscape" set of...
Metal
Large Vintage Postmodern German Floral Floor Vase from Steuler
By Steuler
Located in Hamburg, DE
Large Vintage Postmodern German Floral Floor Vase from Steuler, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1980 to 1989 This piece has an attribution mark. Additional information: Material: ...
Ceramic
Iridescent "Northern Lights" Art Glass Fan Vase by M.J. Bailey
Located in San Diego, CA
Stunning iridescent footed art glass vase by M.J. Bailey, circa 1990s. The vase is in very good vintage condition and measures 14.5"W x 8"D x 7"H. it has a wonderful yuellow / gree...
Art Glass
Black Ceramic Perpetual Face Vase in the Style of Piero Fornasetti by TMS 2005
By TMS, Piero Fornasetti
Located in Troy, MI
Multi face ceramic vase in black by TMS Inc Vitruvian Collection 2005 Perpetual face design in the style of Piero Fornasetti Signed and dated to lower edge 8 inch diameter 9.5 inc...
Ceramic
Alessandro Mendini x Luigi Ontani 100% Make-Up Limited Lidded Vase, Alessi, 1992
By Alessandro Mendini, Alessi, Luigi Ontani
Located in Vienna, AT
A postmodern limited-edition porcelain vase with lid from the first edition of the “100% Make-Up” series by Alessi Tendentse, Italy, released in 1992. The vase’s shape was designed b...
Porcelain
Ettore Sottsass Postmodern "Tigris" Porcelain Vase for Memphis Milano, 1983
By Ettore Sottsass, Porcellane San Marco, Memphis Milano
Located in London, GB
For sale is a rare, early Post-Modern “TIGRIS” porcelain vase designed by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano and produced by Porcellane San Marco, in the 1980s. In 1983, Ettore Sott...
Ceramic, Porcelain
Thomas Bastide x Baccarat "Oceanie" Glass Vase
Located in Astoria, NY
Thomas Bastide (French, b. 1954) for Baccarat "Oceanie" Red and Clear Glass Vase, with clear glass and millefleur removable central rod, with ...
Glass, Art Glass
Rare Resin and Fabric Gaetano Pesce Vase for Meritalia, 2004
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Designed by maestro Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia and crafted from resin-soaked fabric draped around a center vessel. Pesce’s process captures the textile mid-gesture, creating the ill...
Fabric, Resin
A monumental caged art glass vase by Vanessa Mitrani, signed, late 20th century
Located in View Park, CA
A large art glass bulbous caged vase by Vanessa Mitrani, late 20th century. In a brilliant persimmon hue and caged in metal, this piece is at once statement and sophisticated. Signed...
Metal
Postmodern Black Art Glass Vase by Hans Jürgen Richartz, 1980s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Postmodern Black Art Glass Vase by Hans Jürgen Richartz for Richartz Art Collection, 1980s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1980 to 1989 This piece has an attribution mark. Additi...
Glass
Ritratto Blue Wall Hanging Flower Vase Alessandro Mendini Postmodern
By Alessandro Mendini, Marutomi
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
"Ritratto" flower vase for the wall designed by Alessandro Mendini for Marutomi. Designed in the late 90s and start production in 2000. No longer production. New old stock in box. W...
Plastic
$259Sale 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
Post-Modern Murano Art Glass Vase by Cose Belle, Italy, 1980s
By Cose Belle Cose Rare
Located in Valencia, VC
Post-Modern Murano Art Glass Vase, Italy, circa 1980s A strong example of Post-Modern Murano glass from the 1980s, defined by scale, weight, and assertive use of color. The vase fea...
Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass
Royal Haeger Large Mauve Pink Vase
By Royal Haeger
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Royal Haeger mauve ceramic or pottery pink vase has graceful, traditional shape and monochromatic semi-glossy glaze. This large size, minimalistic vase will look great on its own or...
Ceramic, Pottery
Indian Summer Vase (Large), Clear and Matte White by Gaetano Pesce
By Corsi Design Factory, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Toronto, CA
Size Large Clear and Matte White 'Indian Summer' Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. *All the pieces are handmade and therefore unique. ...
Resin
Vintage Fused Glass Footed Vase, Hand Blown Art Glass
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Sculptural vintage vase is decorated with free-flowing fused red and yellow glass designs on mottled pink glass background; colored glass encases clear glass core, with clear glass ...
Art Glass, Blown Glass
Massive Tessellated Stone Floor Vase in the Style of Marquis of Beverly Hills
By Marquis Collection of Beverly Hills 1
Located in San Diego, CA
Massive Tessellated Stone Floor Vase in the Style of Marquis of Beverly Hills, circa 1980s. This impressive, tessellated stone floor vase, in the style of Marquis of Beverly Hills an...
Stone
$800Sale Price / set|30% Off
Post-Modern Murano Sommerso Glass Cuore and Cuoricino Vases, Italy, 1990s
By Salviati, Maria Christina Hamel 1
Located in Valencia, VC
Pair of Murano Sommerso Glass Heart Vases, Attributed to Maria Christina Hamel for Salviati, 1990s A striking pair of hand-blown Murano glass vases in the shape of stylized hearts, executed in the sommerso technique and attributed to Maria Christina Hamel for Salviati. Designed and produced in Italy in the 1990s, these vases embody the playful yet refined spirit of late Post-Modern glasswork. The pair features a smaller vase in a deep cherry red hue and a larger vase in a lighter, pink-toned red. Both are exceptionally heavy for their size, with a smooth, tactile finish that feels substantial and luxurious in hand. Their clean sculptural forms and vivid colors make them ideal accent pieces for a variety of interiors—from bathroom shelves...
Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso
Large Crumpled Vase in Dark Blue 3D Printed Plant Based Plastic - Smooth Edition
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
Gaetano Pesce Half Ball Vase with Big Surprise Base, Meritalia, 2010
Located in Las Vegas, NV
1st edition Gaetano Pesce half ball vase for Meritalia with the big surprise base. Fantastic and rare example of Pesce’s exquisite ability with resin. The wo...
Resin, Plastic
Post-Modern French Ceramic Vase by Claude Dumas, Vintage Remix Gallery Edition
By Claude Dumas
Located in COLMAR, FR
Art Deco black ceramic vase by French designer Claude Dumas – early 2000s Remix Gallery edition, made from the original mould, sourced in France, in very good vintage condition This...
Clay
Nathalie Du Pasquier For Memphis Milano "Carrot Flower" Vase, 1980s
Located in Skokie, IL
Nathalie Du Pasquier For Memphis Milano "Carrot Flower" Vase, Italy, 1980S Additional information: Materials: Glazed Ceramic Dimensions: 5" Diameter x 11.75" H Condition: Excellent
Ceramic
Meritalia Flower Vase / Orange and Green by Gaetano Pesce
Located in Toronto, ON
Each vase by Edizioni del Pesce embodies a singular and unrepeatable identity, telling a different story through innovative shapes, intricate details and a varied chromatic range. Th...
Resin
$4,030 / item
Light 32 Porcelain Sculpture by Laura Pasquino
Located in Geneve, CH
Light 32 Porcelain Sculpture by Laura Pasquino One of a kind Dimensions: D 32 x H 32 cm Material: Unglazed white porcelain. Laura Pasquino Incorporating references from ancient Kor...
Porcelain
$468Sale Price|35% Off
Handblown Murano Glass Vase in Female Torso Form, White & Brown, 1980s
Located in Toronto, CA
A sculptural handblown glass vase in the form of a female torso, crafted in Murano, Italy, circa 1980s. The piece features an elegant marbled pattern in crisp white with flowing dark...
Murano Glass
Italian Unique Prototype Vase Veronese in Murano Glass by Cleto Munari, 2002
By Cleto Munari
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian Post-modern Unique prototype vase Veronese in Murano glass by Cleto Munari, 2002 Vase mod. Veronese in black Murano glass, unique piece as a prototype of the vase that later...
Murano Glass
$1,275 / item
Stoneware, Distressed Vessel NO.2 by Alexandria Roby
Located in Geneve, CH
Stoneware, Distressed Vessel NO.2 by Alexandria Roby Dimensions: D 17.78 x H 20.32 cm Materials: Black and White Stoneware Lined with Bronze Glaze Colors - Sandstone/Ivory or Onyx/Iv...
Stoneware
A Memphis Milano Post-Modern Ceramic Vase By Marco Zanini for Bitossi
By Bitossi, Marco Zanini
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This Marco Zanini vase for Bitossi is a quintessential example of the Memphis Milano style, characterized by its bold colors, geometric shapes, and playful, innovative design. The va...
Ceramic
Indian Summer Vase (Large), Clear Pink and Matte Lime by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Corsi Design Factory
Located in Toronto, CA
Indian Summer Vase, size Large, in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. * All the pieces are hand-made and therefore unique. Variations in the hu...
Resin
Nugget Vase (Large), Clear Green and Matte Pink by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Corsi Design Factory
Located in Toronto, CA
Clear Green and Matte Pink "Nugget" Vase, size Large in soft resin, designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. *All the pieces are handmade and therefore unique. ...
Resin
$220Sale Price|20% Off
Post Modern Memphis era Japanese Ikebana Style Vase
By Toyo
Located in San Diego, CA
Striking porcelain finish geometric vase made in Japan circa 80s. excellent condition no chips or cracks.
Ceramic
Set of Three Postmodern Vases by Heide Warlamis for Vienna Collection
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An outstanding set of three postmodern ceramic vases by Austrian artist and designer Heide Warlamis (born 1942). Part of Warlamis' Vienna Collection design series, these vases utiliz...
Ceramic
Miniature Murano Glass Vase with Bullicante, Gold Leaf, 1980s, Italy
Located in Glasgow, GB
A miniature Murano glass vase in vivid emerald green, attributed to Archimede Seguso and crafted in Italy circa 1980s. This small Italian art glass vase exemplifies the technical fin...
Gold Leaf
$481Sale Price|20% Off
Two beautiful 80s porcelain vases by Rosamonde Nairac for Rosenthal studio-line
By Rosenthal, Rosemonde Nairac
Located in München, DE
Two beautiful white porcelain vases with typical colorful floral motifs from the 1980s. Designed by Rosamonde Nairac for Rosenthal studio-line. Signed by the designer and manufacture...
Porcelain
Art Deco Speckled Ceramic Vase
Located in Rümmingen, BW
"shipping note: If your region or country is not listed under the shipping options please contact us directly" This unique ceramic vase is crafted in the style of the celebrated Fre...
Ceramic, Clay
Black Stoneware Sfondyli Vase by Elena Vasilantonaki
Located in Geneve, CH
Black Stoneware Sfondyli Vase by Elena Vasilantonaki Unique Dimensions: ⌀ 27 x H 23 cm (Dimensions may vary) Materials: Stoneware Available finishes: Black, White, Brown, Red, White ...
Stoneware
$2,827 / item
Grain 8 Porcelain Sculpture by Laura Pasquino
Located in Geneve, CH
Grain 8 Porcelain Sculpture by Laura Pasquino One of a kind Dimensions: D 28 x H 27 cm Material: Unglazed white porcelain. Laura Pasquino Incorporating references from ancient Kore...
Porcelain
$117Sale Price|55% Off
1980s Pink Mottled Glass Vase by Mdina Glass, Malta
By Mdina
Located in Glasgow, GB
A tall stemmed bud vase, handcrafted in the late 1980s by Mdina Glass, Malta. Crafted from pink opaque glass perfectly mottled and encased in a sheath of crystal clear glass. The...
Art Glass
Medusa Vase (Large), Matte White by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Corsi Design Factory
Located in Toronto, CA
Matte White 'Medusa' 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...
Resin
Shiro Kuramata flower vase blue acrylic Japanese minimalist style
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Shiro Kuramata's acrylic flower vase. Aluminium tube put into acrylic block. It's great work of Japanese minimalist style. Transparent body makes complex light reflections around. ...
Aluminum
Clear Vase Extra Colour (Large), Bottle Green, Clear Pink and Matte Yellow
By Gaetano Pesce, Corsi Design Factory
Located in Toronto, ON
Large "Clear" Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Clear vase extra colour - 2-Tone Bottle Green, Clear Pink and Matte Yellow 'Feet'. *...
Resin
Indian Summer Vase (Large), Clear Orange and Pastel Pink by Gaetano Pesce
By Corsi Design Factory, Gaetano Pesce
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
Rock Vase (Large), Black and Matte White by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Corsi Design Factory
Located in Toronto, CA
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 and colours’ d...
Resin
$926 / item
Fungus Medium Vase by David Valner
Located in Geneve, CH
Fungus Medium Vase by David Valner Dimensions: D 16 x W 17 x H 35 cm. Materials: Glass. Weight: 3,5 kg. Finish: Medium size, mint and grey, and matte surface. “The mystery of myceli...
Glass
$60,346 / item
Large Stone Bathtub by Studio Loho
Located in Geneve, CH
Large stone bathtub by Studio Loho Dimensions: D 85 x W 175 x H 57 cm Materials: stone Other stone types are possible upon request. Available in 2 si...
Stone
Spaghetti Vase (Large), Clear Blue and Matte Lime by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Corsi Design Factory
Located in Toronto, CA
Clear Blue and Matte Lime 'Spaghetti' Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. *All the pieces are handmade and therefore unique. Variations...
Resin
$260Sale Price|20% Off
Haeger Beige Ecru Oblong Abstract Postmodern Vase
By Royal Haeger
Located in New York, NY
A stunning abstract Haeger beige/ ecru vase, medium size. In great condition, no crazing, chips or cracks. This piece coordinates with four other matching vases, listed separately, s...
Ceramic, Pottery
Vittorio Mazzuconni Firenze Bowl Silver-Plated Vide Poche Vase Post-Modern
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a Vittorio Mazzucconi silverplate modernist bowl (also referred to as a vide poche or vase). Designed and signed by Vitto...
Silver Plate
$3,308 / item
Grain Sculpture by Laura Pasquino
Located in Geneve, CH
Grain Sculpture by Laura Pasquino One of a Kind Dimensions: D 37 cm x H 38 cm Material: Ceramic Finishing: Textured, Unglazed Artist stamp on the bottom Laura Pasquino Incorporatin...
Ceramic
Val Saint Lambert green carved crystal vase.
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Val Saint Lambert green cut crystal vase. Green cut crystal vase. It features a cylindrical shape that widens slightly toward the top. The design features deep carving that creates a...
Art Glass