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 (Large), Clear Black by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Corsi Design Factory
Located in Toronto, ON
Large "Nugget" Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. colour: Clear Black *All the pieces are handmade and therefore unique. Variations in...
Resin
Murano Glass Vase by Sergio Costantini, Picasso-Inspired, circa the 1950s
Located in Milano, IT
**Murano Glass Vase by Sergio Costantini, Picasso-Inspired, circa 1990s** A sculptural and highly expressive Murano glass vase by **Sergio Costantini**, dating from approximately th...
Murano Glass
Vintage Frosted Flower Glass Block Vase
Located in Fairfield, CA
A unique vintage vase made from a glass block. A rounded rectangular opening has been cut into the top for use as a vase. Nice heavy weight, would work well doubling as a bookend. Ha...
Glass
Meritalia Tall Vase / Blue and Red 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
Amphora Mini Vase in Polished Aluminum by CASPAL
Located in Geneve, CH
Amphora Mini Vase in Polished Aluminum by CASPAL Dimensions: Ø 20 x H 40 cm. Materials: Aluminum. Available in brushed, varnished, or polished aluminum. Available in two different ...
Aluminum
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
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
Nugget Vase (Large), Clear Green and Matte Pink by Gaetano Pesce
By Corsi Design Factory, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Toronto, ON
Large "Nugget" Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Colour: Clear Bottle Green and Matte Pink. *All the pieces are handmade and therefor...
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
$2,959 / item
Ampla 09 Stoneware Clay Vase by SOIO Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Ampla 09 Stoneware Clay Vase by SOIO Studio Dimensions: Ø 41 x H 37 cm Materials: Stoneware clay, satin glaze. SOIO Studio is a design studio based in Dubai creating sculptural coll...
Clay, Stoneware
Bitossi Ceramiche Ball Shaped Vase by Aldo Londi
By Bitossi, Aldo Londi
Located in Toronto, ON
Part of Aldo Londi’s iconic Rimini Blu series, this hand-turned fire-clay vase is engraved with rhythmic stamped motifs and finished in a luminous crystalline glaze that amplifies it...
Ceramic
Clear Vase Extra Colour (Large), Bottle Green, Clear Pink and Matte Yellow
By Corsi Design Factory, Gaetano Pesce
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
Corsi Medusa Vase (Large), Matte White by Gaetano Pesce
By Corsi Design Factory, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Toronto, ON
Large Matte White "Medusa" Vase 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
Ettore Sottsass Model 585 Oxblood Red Ceramic Vase, Il Sestante, Italy, 1961
Located in Dronten, NL
An exceptional example of Ettore Sottsass’ early ceramic production, this striking vase—model 585—was designed in 1960 and realized circa 1961 by the Società Ceramica Toscana di Figl...
Ceramic
$99Sale Price|60% Off
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
Vintage Abstract Postmodern Ikebana Studio Pottery Vase
Located in Lutz, FL
Vintage Post Modern Sculptural Ikebana vase by Keiko & David Hergesheimer of Catalpa Lane Pottery c.1990’s. Interesting abstract hashtag shape and lovely gradient glaze in pink, peac...
Ceramic, Clay, Pottery
$2,882 / item
Ampla 05 Stoneware Clay Vase by SOIO Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Ampla 05 Stoneware Clay Vase by SOIO Studio Dimensions: Ø 50 x H 20 cm Materials: Stoneware clay, matte glaze. SOIO Studio is a design studio based in Dubai creating sculptural coll...
Clay, Stoneware
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
$520Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Postmodern Italian Marble Vases
Located in San Diego, CA
Gorgeous pair of postmodern Italian marble vases, circa 1970s. Striking tan, brown, white and cream fleck throughout each vase. The pair are in ve...
Marble
Murano Glass "Lisboa" Vase
Located in NICE, FR
This Murano glass vase is a refined expression of light, color, and exceptional craftsmanship. Its sculptural surface is articulated with vibrant, jewel-like glass spheres that creat...
Gold
Pompitu II Vase (Large), Clear Red and Matte Red by Gaetano Pesce
By Corsi Design Factory, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Toronto, ON
Large "Pompitu II" Vase in Soft Resin, designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design Collection. Colour: Clear Red and Matte Red *All the pieces are handmade and therefore uniq...
Resin
$360Sale Price|50% 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
$982 / item
Ampla 03 Stoneware Clay Vase by SOIO Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Ampla 03 Stoneware Clay Vase by SOIO Studio Dimensions: Ø 30 x H 20 cm Materials: Stoneware clay, matte glaze. SOIO Studio is a design studio based in Dubai creating sculptural coll...
Clay, Stoneware
Meritalia Big Surprise 1 / Purple, Pink and Red 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
$3,602 / item
Ampla 06 Stoneware Clay Vase by SOIO Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Ampla 06 Stoneware Clay Vase by SOIO Studio Dimensions: Ø 58 x H 30 cm Materials: Stoneware clay, glossy glaze. SOIO Studio is a design studio based in Dubai creating sculptural col...
Clay, Stoneware
Large Vintage Sculptural Postmodern Ikebana Studio Pottery Vase
Located in Lutz, FL
Large vintage Post Modern Sculptural Ikebana vase by Keiko & David Hergesheimer of Catalpa Lane Pottery c.1990’s. Interesting cantilevered shape and lovely gradient glaze In shades o...
Ceramic, Clay, Pottery
Riccio' Vase by Gae Aulenti in Green for Venini, Italy 2006
By Gae Aulenti, Venini
Located in Hellouw, NL
Some objects rely on contrast rather than complexity. The ‘Riccio’ vase by Gae Aulenti for Venini, designed in 2006 follows this approach through the combination of a sculptural silh...
Murano Glass
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
Corsi Spaghetti Vase (Large), Clear Pink and Matte Yellow by Gaetano Pesce
By Corsi Design Factory, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Toronto, ON
Large 'Spaghetti' Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Colour: Clear Pink and Matte Yellow. *All the pieces are handmade therefore uniqu...
Resin
Large Red Millefiori & Murine Vase, Murano Glass In Style of Dino Martens 1980s
By Dino Martens
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage Murano glass vase was made in flask shape with graphic abstract patterns on both back and front sizes of the vase. The solid red glass gather was decorated with fused multic...
Art Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso, Murrine, Glass
Post-Modern Glass Vase by Massimo Giacon for Vis-à-vis Collection of Ritzenhoff
Located in Doornspijk, NL
Cheerful glass vase designed by Massimo Giacon for the Vis-à-vis Collection of Ritzenhoff, 1999. The stubble rowdy face looks at us in a somewhat challenging but also friendly man...
Glass
$1,029 / item
Genesis Vase by Moldra
Located in Geneve, CH
Genesis Vase by Moldra Dimensions: D 35 x H 25 cm Materials: Stoneware Moldra is a ceramic studio devoted to sculptural vases and objects. Rooted in the ancestral hand-building tech...
Stoneware
Contemporary "Primrose Millefiore Vase" by Murano Glass
Located in London, GB
An attractive rounded Murano glass vase decorated with dense multicoloured millefiori canes set against a deep cobalt-blue ground. The surface is highly polished, showcasing traditio...
Glass
A unique ceramic vase by Tony Evans, signed, late 20th century
By Tony Evans
Located in View Park, CA
A absolutely stunning and wildly unique ceramic vase - art piece really - by Tony Evans, signed, late 20th century. Featuring an idiosyncratic lava glaze over scintillating pigments ...
Ceramic
$5,500
Pair of 'Buriti' Vases
By Fernando and Humberto Campana
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Pair of ‘Buriti’ Vases By Fernando & Humberto Campana of Estudio Campana Brazil, Circa 2004 Ethylene Vinyl Acetate and Glass 20”D x 16¼”H
Glass, Plastic
$374Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Black, Red and Yellow Encased Hand-Blown Murano Glass Flower Vase, Italy
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1980s. It is made in encased and hand-blown Murano glass. With its original label. This vase is vintage, therefore it might show slight traces of use, but it can be c...
Murano Glass
Indian Summer Vase (Large), Clear Red and Matte Aqua by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Corsi Design Factory
Located in Toronto, ON
Large Indian Summer Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Colour: Clear Red and Matte Aqua *All the pieces are hand-made and therefore un...
Resin
Ceramic Vase by Claudia Frignani, Wunderkammer Studio
By Claudia Frignani, Wunderkammer Studio
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
Spaghetti Special Vase (Large), Clear Blue and Matte Lime by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Corsi Design Factory
Located in Toronto, ON
"Spaghetti" Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. colour: Clear Blue and Matte Lime. *All the pieces are handmade therefore unique and th...
Resin
An authentic postmodern vase by Lindsey B., 1983
Located in View Park, CA
An elegant postmodern vase featuring a cloaked figure by Lindsey B., signed, 1983. Tones of snow and licorice. 5” W x 3.25” D x 8.75” H
Ceramic
White Art Glass Vase with Abstract Design Postmodern
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful, tall and substantial abstract clear and white opaline art glass vase with a slight iridescence, Postmodern design, circa late-20th century. Center 'ball' area has an abstract design of clear and twisted white art glass. Very good condition as shown in images and video. No chips noted. Dimensions: 4.25" diameter x 15" height. For black and white handkerchief...
Art Glass, Blown Glass
$1,766Sale Price|30% Off
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
$300Sale Price|20% Off
Post-Modern Italian Marble Vase
Located in San Diego, CA
Small post-modern Italian marble vase, circa 1970s. The vase is primarily a dark tan in color, but has cream, black and grey veining throughout. T...
Marble
Medusa Vase (Large), Matte Cherry by Gaetano Pesce, Corsi
By Corsi Design Factory, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Toronto, ON
Large 'Medusa' Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Colour: Matte Cherry *All the pieces are hand-made and therefore unique. Variations ...
Resin
Fast Vase by Cédric Ragot for Rosenthal, Gilt Porcelain, Circa 2000
Located in San Francisco, US
Cédric Ragot was an iconic designer that is only gaining more recognition with each passing year. “Fast,” created for Rosenthal, exemplifies his genius—a dynamic explosion frozen in ...
Porcelain
Dolium Vase in Stoneware, Slip & Oxydes by Robin Kerr
Located in Geneve, CH
Dolium Vase in Stoneware, Slip & Oxydes by Robin Kerr Unique Piece Dimensions: D 51 x W 51 x H 92 cm. Materials: Stoneware, slip, and oxydes. Robin Kerr is a Swiss ceramic artist li...
Other
Chris Heilman Wisteria Vase Artist Studio Art Glass Paperweight Ball Bud
By Chris Heilman
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Deep mesmerizing Art glass layered scene of beautiful flora, believed to be from the 'Wisteria Series' by Chris Heilman, piece is signed and dated. Heavy.
Art Glass
Le Petit Poisson Beige Sandstone Vase by Lou Thomas
Located in Geneve, CH
Le Petit Poisson Beige Sandstone Vase by Lou Thomas Dimensions: ⌀ 18 x H 14 cm Materials: Beige sandstone "Drawing on her extensive travels to Japan, Mexico, and Morocco, Lou Thomas...
Sandstone
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
$327Sale Price|20% Off
White, Black and Blue Hand-Painted Ceramic Jug / Vase in the Style of Picasso
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in France, 1960s - 1970s. It is made in white hand-painted ceramic with blue and black motifs, that recalls Pablo Picasso's style. It is a vintage item, therefore it might show ...
Ceramic
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
Small Breakout Vase in Gypsum & Fiberglass by Brent Warr Studios
By Brent Warr
Located in Bainbridge, GA
The Small Breakout Vase by Brent Warr is a sculptural statement piece that embraces organic form and material experimentation. Hand-shaped from a proprietary blend of gypsum, pulp, a...
Epoxy Resin, Fiberglass, Plaster, Paint
$910 / item
Vijayam Vase by Deetee Home
Located in Geneve, CH
Vijayam Vase by Deetee Home Dimensions: D 22.86 x H 34.29 cm Materials: Stoneware Handcrafted with precision by our skilled artisans, the pot's balanced form and subtle texture lend...
Stoneware
Studio Art Pottery Vase, Green, Brown, Tan, Hand-crafted, Postmodern
Located in New York, NY
Postmodern studio art pottery vessel/ vase. The glazed areas of green contrast beautifully with the unglazed tan clay. This is a striking piece that looks wonderful as part of a grou...
Clay
Murano glass vase, Anthropomorphic (face) vase
Located in London, GB
A whimsical and stylized art glass vase in the shape of an expressive human face. The body is characterized by a vibrant, mottled pattern in shades of teal, deep blue, and black, ach...
Blown Glass, Murano Glass
$1,029 / item
Gaya Vase by Moldra
Located in Geneve, CH
Gaya Vase by Moldra Dimensions: D 38 x H 28 cm Materials: Stoneware Moldra is a ceramic studio devoted to sculptural vases and objects. Rooted in the ancestral hand-building techniq...
Stoneware
Twins C Vase (Large), Matte Pastel Pink and Coral Red by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Corsi Design Factory
Located in Toronto, ON
Large 'Twins C' Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Matte Pastel Pink and Coral Red. *All the pieces are hand-made and therefore unique...
Resin
Le Vase Pique Beige Sandstone Vase by Lou Thomas
Located in Geneve, CH
Le Vase Pique Beige Sandstone Vase by Lou Thomas Dimensions: ⌀ 22 x H 24 cm Materials: Beige sandstone "Drawing on her extensive travels to Japan, Mexico, and Morocco, Lou Thomas is...
Sandstone
$683Sale Price / set|38% Off
Post-Modern Murano Glass Heart Vases by Maria Christina Hamel, 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
'Special Colour' Vase, Large / Emerald, Clear Ruby & Salmon by Gaetano Pesce
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. 'Special Colour', Emerald, Clear Ruby & Matte Salmon. *Due to the handmade nature of th...
Resin