The design of brutalist furniture encompasses that which is crafted, hewn and worked by hand — an aesthetic rebuke (or, at least, a counterpoint) to furniture that is created using 21st-century materials and technology. Lately, the word “brutalist” has been adopted by the realms of furniture design and the decorative arts to refer to chairs, cabinets, tables and accessory pieces such as mirror frames and lighting that are made of rougher, deeply textured metals and other materials that are the visual and palpable antithesis of the sleek, smooth and suave.
ORIGINS OF BRUTALIST FURNITURE DESIGN
CHARACTERISTICS OF BRUTALIST FURNITURE DESIGN
BRUTALIST FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
VINTAGE BRUTALIST FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS
The term brutalism — which derives from the French word brut, meaning “raw” — was coined by architecture critic Reyner Banham to describe an architectural style that emerged in the 1950s featuring monumental buildings, usually made of unornamented concrete, whose design was meant to project an air of strength and solidity.
Le Corbusier essentially created the brutalist style; its best-known iterations in the United States are the Whitney Museum of American Art, which was designed by Marcel Breuer, and Paul Rudolph's Yale Art and Architecture Building. The severe style might have been the most criticized architectural movement of the 20th century, even if it was an honest attempt to celebrate the beauty of raw material. But while the brutalist government buildings in Washington, D.C., seemingly bask in their un-beauty, brutalist interior design and decor is much more lyrical, at times taking on a whimsical, romantic quality that its exterior counterparts lack.
Paul Evans is Exhibit A for brutalist furniture design. His Sculpture Front cabinets laced with high-relief patinated steel mounts have become collector's items nonpareil, while the chairs, coffee table and dining table in his later Cityscape series and Sculpted Bronze series for Directional Furniture are perhaps the most expressive, attention-grabbing pieces in American modern design. Other exemplary brutalist designers are Silas Seandel, the idiosyncratic New York furniture designer and sculptor whose works in metal — in particular his tables — have a kind of brawny lyricism, and Curtis Jere, a nom-de-trade for the California team of Curtis Freiler and Jerry Fels, the bold makers of expressive scorched and sheared copper and brass mirror frames and wall-mounted sculptures.
Brutalist furniture and sculptures remain popular with interior designers and can lend unique, eccentric, human notes to an art and design collection in any home.
Find authentic vintage brutalist chairs, coffee tables, decorative objects and other furniture on 1stDibs.
Italian Mid-Century Hand-Carved Alabaster Ashtray, 1950s Brutalist
Located in Barntrup, DE
An adorable Italian genuine alabaster hand-carved ashtray with irregular shapes and beautiful colors from light beige to gray. Italy, circa the 1950s...
Alabaster
$240Sale Price|63% Off
Monumental Brutalist Ashtray by Marcello Fantoni for Raymor, 1950s
Located in View Park, CA
A green glow: monumental vintage Italian brutalist hand-worked metal ashtray by Marcello Fantoni for Raymor, made in Italy circa 1950. Patinated copper in tones of chartreuse, teal, and pewter. Born in Florence in 1915, Marcello Fantoni wed ancient Italian pottery technique with decidedly Modernist elements, garnering tremendous acclaim both at home and abroad - his work has been collected by important museums worldwide. When Fantoni died in Florence in 2011 at the age of 95, his obituary in the Italian newspaper La Nazione hailed him “the master of beauty.” This stunning piece certainly justifies the moniker. With the signature etched on verso, it is without doubt an heirloom rarity for the savvy collector...
Copper
Vintage Bronze Ashtray with Organic Sculptural Brutalist Design, 1960s
Located in Montecalvoli, IT
This vintage bronze ashtray from the 1960s is a striking example of organic Brutalist design. Its sculptural, raw-edged form and heavy solid weight give it the presence of an art obj...
Bronze
1970s Italian Chunky Brown Ceramic Ashtray with Iridescent Glaze
Located in Toronto, CA
This sculptural ceramic ashtray was produced in Italy in the 1970s by Porcellane Laveno, a renowned maker known for its refined glazes and experimental forms. The piece features a so...
Ceramic
Large Mid-Century Danish Studio Pottery in Bright Orange Glaze Brutalist 1960s
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Large Mid-Century Danish Studio Pottery Ashtray in Bright Orange Glaze – Brutalist Fat Lava Bowl, 1950s–60s This striking Mid-Century Modern Danish studio pottery ashtray is a rare a...
Ceramic, Pottery
Burnished Metal Brutalist Inspired Tray, Late 20th Century
Located in South Salem, NY
Embrace the bold spirit of the 1970s with this small brutalist-style tray, an American-made piece that marries form and function. Crafted from burnished metal, its curved sides are a...
Metal
Sculptural Brutalist Bronze Cigar Ashtray designed by Heinz Goll, Austria 1960s
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find an extremely rare and absolutely extraordinary sculptural Brutalist ashtray for cigars done in bronze. It was designed by Austrian designer Heinz Goll...
Bronze
Mid-Century Modern Fat Lava Ashtray or Vide-Poche by Jan Van Erp
By Copper Shop & Van Erp Studio
Located in Camblanes et Meynac, FR
Mid-Century Modern Fat Lava Asbak by Jan Van Erp This vintage ashtray is a strong example of the iconic Fat Lava aesthetic by Dutch ceramicist Jan van Erp. Produced in the mid-20th ...
Ceramic
Long Mid-Century Modern Fat Lava Ashtray or Vide-Poche by Jan Van Erp
By Copper Shop & Van Erp Studio
Located in Camblanes et Meynac, FR
Mid-Century Modern Fat Lava Asbak by Jan Van Erp This vintage ashtray is a strong example of the iconic Fat Lava aesthetic by Dutch ceramicist Jan van Erp. Produced in the mid-20th ...
Ceramic
Brutalist Emerald Green & Gold Alabaster Ashtray with Gold Leaf - Made in Italy
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A bright emerald green Italian alabaster ashtray or trinket dish. This piece has a Brutalist feel. It is round and hand-carved with an uneven...
Alabaster, Stone, Metal
Mid-Century Brutalist Pottery Ashtray or Bowl by Gerhard Liebenthron, 1968
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Brutalist German Studio Pottery Ashtray or Bowl by Gerhard Liebenthron, 1960s, 1968, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 This piece has an attribution mark. A...
Ceramic
Agate Ashtray or Vide Poche, Grey and Brown Color, Italy 1970
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
This Vide-poche, or ashtray, was carved from a block of stone,Agathe stone, then polished. We can see as a decoration scheme this extraordinary sinuous Veinage, in brown and beige gr...
Agate
Wrought Iron Chain Link Standing Ashthay with Horseshoe Detail, France 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Horseshoes standing ashtray with chain link iron base. France, 1950s. Rare find. Unique ashtray made of horseshoes and an iron chain. It features an iron horseshoe with metal stud rivet detail on the top. It stands on an iron chain link...
Iron, Wrought Iron
Vallauris Lava Ceramic Cigar Ashtray Marius Giuge Catchall Vide Poche 1960s
By Marius Giuge
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Mid-Century Modern Vallauris Ashtray Bowl attributed to Marius Giuge, France, 1960s Large Fat Lava Glazed Ceramic in Octagonal Form with Turquoise, Ochre and Brown Palette Highly collectible French mid-century ashtray or catchall, handcrafted in the 1960s in Vallauris, a town renowned for its ceramic artistry. Attributed to Marius Giuge (1909–1980), this striking Fat Lava ceramic bowl features a distinctive octagonal shape with four recessed holders, ideal for cigars or cigarettes and a bold, lava-like texture. The volcanic glaze technique creates a tactile surface in deep brown and ochre tones, accented by a vibrant turquoise blue glazed center with a crackled effect. This vivid, contrasting palette and thick glaze are signature characteristics of the "Fat Lava" movement, made famous in postwar European ceramic design. Perfect as a statement piece for a coffee table, entryway, or office desk. Use it as a vide-poche, cigar ashtray, decorative bowl, or desk tidy. * Designer: Attributed to Marius Giuge * Origin: Vallauris, France * Period: 1960s * Style: Mid-Century Modern / Brutalist / Fat Lava * Technique: Hand-glazed ceramic with textured lava glaze * Color Palette: Earthy ochre, rich brown, and turquoise blue * Markings: Signed "Vallauris" on underside Dimensions: 7.5 in. x 7.5 in. x 2.25 in. H In excellent vintage condition, with minimal wear consistent with age; one minor glaze loss on the underside (see final photo). Vallauris Ceramic Round Bowl , Glazed Ceramic Fat Lava Bowl French Vallauris Bowl, Mid-Century Vallauris Circular Ashtray. Vallauris ceramic ashtray, Marius Giuge ceramic, mid-century French ceramics, Fat Lava ashtray...
Lava
Brutalist travertine ashtray, Cerri Nestore, Italy, 1970s
Located in Firenze, IT
Brutalist travertine ashtray Manufactured by CN Cerri Nestore, Italy, 1970s. H 3.5 cm 29 x 14 cm Conditions: excellent consistent with age and use
Travertine
$220Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 5.75 in W 5 in D 3 in
Pair of Mid Century 1950s Howard Pierce Ceramic Quail Bird Sculpture Figurine
Located in San Diego, CA
Iconic pair of Howard Pierce ceramic quail bird figurines/sculptures dating from the 1950s. These are an iconic design. Great color and form. The larger ...
Ceramic
Glass Ashtray, Italy 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Glass ashtray is an object realized in 1970s. Art glass, D 15 x 4 cm. Very good conditions!
Art Glass
Vintage Cobalt Blue Glass Ashtray, Italy, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Vintage cobalt blue ashtray is an elegant glass decorative object, realized during the 1970s. Vibrant cobalt blue ashtray will help add...
Glass
Sculptural Bronze Ashtray by Oscar Bach
Located in Tarrytown, NY
Sculptural Art Deco bronze ashtray with bird motif by Oscar Bach. Signed.
Bronze
$1,195
H 7.5 in Dm 6.25 in
Early 20th Century Bell Metal and Brass Monkey Cigar Cutter w/Match Box Holder
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Early twentieth century cigar cutter in the form of a monkey holding a lamp post which holds a match box, on a circular ashtray base. The body of the monkey is bell metal (brass with high copper content, giving it a pinker color)), the rest is brass. The monkeys tail moves up and down to operate the cutter. Included is a box of Vintage...
Brass, Copper
Vintage Onyx Ashtray, Mid-Century Modern, Italy, 1950s
Located in Miklavž Pri Taboru, SI
Adorable vintage onyx ashtray made in Italy in the 1950s. Good vintage condition. The original label has been partially preserved Dimensions: Width: 10.5 cm / 4.1 inches Height: 3 c...
Stone
$336Sale Price|20% Off
H 1.96 in Dm 3.93 in
Flavio Poli Bullicante Murano Glass Ashtray, 1960s Italian Design
By Flavio Poli
Located in Milano, IT
1960s Gorgeous ashtray or catchall by Flavio Poli for Seguso in Bullicante Murano glass. Made in Italy The item is in excellent condition. Dimension: 3,93 diameter x 1,96 H inches cm...
Murano Glass
A Stunning 20th Century Ceramic Ashtray By Hermès, France
By Hermès
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
A ceramic ashtray by Hermes, made in France in the latter half of the 20th Century. These ashtrays have always been very collectable with the vintage models in particular. This one h...
Ceramic
Large 1960's German Sculptural Glass Ashtray
Located in New York, NY
1960's German textured glass cigar ashtray with mottled glass around top and surrounding perimeter. where bowl looks as if floating in space. The bottom of the piece has a square ge...
Art Glass
Large Mid-Century Murano Glass Ashtray Italian Design 1960s
Located in Palermo, IT
Large mid-century Murano glass ashtray, 1960s Italian design Intact and in good condition. Small scratches on the bottom.
Murano Glass
$440Sale Price|20% Off
H 3.14 in Dm 5.11 in
Flavio Poli Murano Glass Ashtray, Sommerso Design, 1960s, Excellent
By Flavio Poli
Located in Milano, IT
1960s Astonishing ashtray or catch-all By Flavio Poli for Seguso in Murano Sommerso Glass. The item is in excellent condition. Dimension: 5,11" diameter x 3,14" H inches cm 13 x cm 8 H
Murano Glass
Unavailable|$380
H 2.75 in Dm 4.72 in
Flavio Poli Murano Glass Ashtray, Green, Sculptural Design, 1960s
By Flavio Poli
Located in Milano, IT
1960s Astonishing green ashtray or Vide Poche Rare By Flavio Poli for Seguso in Murano Glass. It's a sculpture The item is in excellent condition. Dimension: 4,72 diameter x 2,75 H i...
Murano Glass
Sold
H 1.58 in W 7.88 in D 7.09 in
Vintage Italian Outdoor Ashtray in Turquoise Alabaster Stone, 70s Romano Bianchi
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Jumbo outdoors ashtray executed in solid turquoise alabaster stone. Made at the workshop of Romano Bianchi in Italy during the 1970s. Striking brutalist appearance and intense vibran...
Alabaster
Sculptural Ashtray Signed by David Marshall, 1980s
Located in Benalmadena, ES
Sculptural ashtray with elegant lines in a Brutalist style, signed by sculptor David Marshall, crafted in brass and aluminum in the 1980s.
Aluminum, Brass
Agate Ashtray or Vide Poche, Brown Color Italy 1970 Set of 2
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Agate Ashtray or Vide Poche, Brown Color Italy 1970 Set of 2
Agate
Agate Ashtray or Vide Poche, Grey and Brown Color, Italy 1970
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
This Vide-poche, or ashtray, was carved from a block of stone,Agathe stone, then polished. We can see as a decoration scheme this extraordinary sinuous Veinage, in brown and beige gr...
Agate
Hollywood regency brutalist solid brass ashtray, Italy 1970s
Located in Firenze, IT
Hollywood regency brutalist solid brass ashtray Italy 1970s heavy solid brass H 4 x 16.5 cm Conditions: excellent consistent with age and use
Brass
Sold
H 0.79 in W 6.11 in D 5.12 in
Brutalist 3-piece Sculptural Cigar Ashtray done in Bronze, Yugoslavia 1970s
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a spectacular Brutalist 3-piece Cigar ashtray done in bronze and designed by Yugoslav architect Vera Stanarcevic. This sculptural piece allows you to ha...
Bronze
1970s David Marshall Cast Brass & Aluminium Hexagonal Ash Tray
Located in Norwich, GB
An aluminium and cast brass ashtray designed by David Marshall, circa 1970-80s. Delivery included to mainland UK. Demonstrating the sculptor's signature use of contrasting metals. ...
Aluminum, Brass
Brutalist Hand Carved Onyx Ashtray
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hand carved polished onyx ashtray features a beautiful golden and cream coloring with a raw edge. The center of the tray has a round dish with three grooves coming off the center. Th...
Onyx
Large Vintage Italian Raw Travertine Slab Ashtray, 1960s
Located in View Park, CA
A monumental vintage Italian raw travertine slab ashtray, circa 1960s. hand carved and featuring three chunky rivulets. Tones of crème brûlée and pearl. Pick up in central west Los A...
Travertine, Marble
Brutalist Metal Ashtray by Marcello Fantoni for Raymor, circa 1950
Located in View Park, CA
A vintage Italian Brutalist hand-worked metal ashtray by Marcello Fantoni for Raymor, made in Italy circa 1950. Patinated copper in tones of chartreuse, turquoise, and pewter. Born in Florence in 1915, Marcello Fantoni wed ancient Italian pottery technique with decidedly Modernist elements, garnering tremendous acclaim both at home and abroad - his work has been collected by important museums worldwide. When Fantoni died in Florence in 2011 at the age of 95, his obituary in the Italian newspaper...
Metal, Copper
Agate Ashtray or Vide Poche, Grey and Brown Color, Italy 1950
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
This Vide-poche, or ashtray, was carved from a block of stone,Agathe stone, then polished. We can see as a decoration scheme this extraordinary sinuous Veinage, in brown and beige gr...
Agate
Round Brutalist Brass Ashtray or Catchall Encrusted with Wooden Accents, India
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A round brutalist style brass ashtray encrusted with brown oval wood pieces around the edges. This would be a great piece to use to accent your other mid-century barware, or as a cat...
Brass