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.
Sterling Silver Modernist Ashtray Handcrafted
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
This is a sterling silver ashtray handcrafted and signed. It has a modernist design and form. The bottom is stamped Sterling 925 and has the initials JLR.
Sterling Silver
Sculptural Synthesis Ashtray by Ettore Sottsass for Olivetti, Italy 1970s
Located in Milano, IT
Sculptural Postmodern Synthesis Ashtray by Ettore Sottsass for Olivetti, Italy, 1970s A striking example of postmodern design, this Synthesis ashtray was created by renowned archite...
Plastic
Large Vintage Porcelain Cigar Ashtray, Yellow & Black Check, 1980s
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Large vintage square ceramic porcelain cigar ashtray. Large collectible cigar ashtray in yellow and black and white check with gilt borders that break at cigar rests at either side. Gold lettering in the center reads “Cigar”. and there is a knight on horse...
Porcelain
Monumental pink marble ashtray, 20th century
Located in View Park, CA
An enormous pink marble ashtray, probably late 20th century.
Marble
Hermès Paris Porcelain Ashtray
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Hermès Paris Porcelain Ashtray An elegant fine porcelain ashtray from Hermès Paris, decorated with a refined equestrian motif, one of the maison's most recognizable emblems. The piec...
Porcelain
London Souvenir Porcelain Round Ashtray Dish with UK Landmarks
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Round Decorative Ashtray, London Souvenir Porcelain Dish with UK Landmarks.Bring a touch of London into your home with this vibrant porcelain ashtray featuring iconic landmarks from ...
Porcelain
Hermes Paris porcelain ashtray
By Hermès
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Hermes Paris Porcelain Ashtray Rectangular white porcelain ashtray with gold details on the edges. It features a central design of a horse in harness and gold and black decoration. I...
Porcelain
Vintage Murano Sommerso Orb Blue Art Glass Ashtray
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Gorgeous vintage Murano Venetian handblown art glass bowl or ashtray. Italian Murano Sommerso Cenedese orb blue art glass ashtray. Heavyweight glass ashtray in a gorgeous minimal design. A very beautiful and substantial two-tone blue Italian Murano art glass cigarette ashtray...
Blown Glass
Dunhill Cigar Ashtray Catchall England Black and Red Collectible 1970
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Large Vintage Dunhill ceramic square collectible ashtray catchall by Wade England Royal red and black. Vintage Alfred Dunhill collectible porcelain cigar ashtray by Wade, England. Material: Glazed prestige porcelain with gold lettering on red borders. Dunhill ceramic Ashtray, by Wade Porcelain England. Marked in gold lettering. DUNHILL with British Seal. "By appointment of her majesty the queen" Suppliers of smokers, Alfred Dunhill LTD London. London, Paris, New York. Dimensions: 7.25 inches square x 2.75 inches high Stamped: Orange back stamp "Wade Pdm England" Condition, some light scratches. Collector ashtray, desk decoration, vide poche catchall, collectible. Vintage Collectible Alfred Dunhill Square Porcelain Cigar Ashtray, London Paris New York. Made in England. Great addition to any gentleman desk or British collection of James Bond fans. Dunhill Ashtray...
Ceramic
Hermes Paris porcelain ashtray
By Hermès
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Hermès Paris Porcelain Ashtray This ashtray features a charming, detailed design of a duck in a natural setting, with delicate brushstrokes and a harmonious color palette. The depict...
Porcelain
$450 / set
Postmodern Marble Coasters, circa '80s
Located in New York, NY
A set of four (4) '80s Post-Modern period marble drinks cocktails coasters, circa late-20th century, 1980s. Coasters are a natural creamy beige marble stone with polished surface and...
Marble
Vintage Pastel Green Ceramic Ashtray, Postmodern Design, Circa 1980
Located in Toronto, CA
A stylish pastel green ceramic ashtray from the 1980s, reflecting the playful yet functional aesthetic of postmodern design. The piece features a simple round form with three rests, ...
Ceramic
Grey ABS 4663 Wall Ashtray/emptying trays by Centro Kappa for Kartell, 1980s
Andre Ricard Stockholm Stacking Ashtrays Flamegas S. A. Spain 1967
By André Ricard
Located in Miami, FL
The Stockholm set of 3 stacking ashtrays were originally created for Flamagas in 1967 by Andre Ricard, Spanish industrial designer. The Stockholm, as well as the Copenhagen set of...
Plastic
Vintage Black Glass Ashtray, Postmodern Design, 1980s, Good Condition
Located in Hamburg, DE
Vintage Black Glass Ashtray, 1980s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969. Additional information: Materials: Glass Color: Black Styles: Postmodern Item Type: Vintage, Anti...
Glass
Haeger Rounded Edge Mauve Pink Postmodern Vide Poche
By Royal Haeger
Located in New York, NY
Postmodern Haeger vide poche catchall. Bold rounded edges make this a standout piece, mauve color is versatile and pairs nicely with many other colors. Perfect for a coffee table, dr...
Ceramic
Ettore Sottsass Dark Olive Green Olivetti Synthesis Ashtray, Italy 1970s
Located in Milan, IT
Splendid Ettore Sottsass Dark Olive Green Olivetti Synthesis Ashtray with Its Original Box. Circa 1970 New Old Stock
Plastic
Enzo Mari Delos Ashray in Frosted Glass for Danese, Italy 1979
Located in Milan, IT
Enzo Mari Delos Ashray in Frosted Glass for Danese, Italy 1979
Glass
Murano Sommerso ashtray from the 1960s
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Murano Sommerso Ashtray from the 1960s This Murano ashtray features an organic, asymmetrical shape, with a circular base and a wraparound desig...
Art Glass
Squash Limited Color Edition Gold Ashtray Maria Sanchez for Memphis-Milano
By Memphis Milano, Maria Sanchez
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Limited color edition Squash gold by Maria Sanchez for Memphis-Milano. Brand new item.
Ceramic
Enzo Mari Pair of Gaudalupa Ashtrays for Danese, Italy, 1972
Located in Milan, IT
Enzo Mari pair of Gaudalupa ashtrays for Danese, Italy, 1972.
Stainless Steel
Ray Hollis ashtray by Philippe Starck, XO, 1990s
Located in PARIS, FR
French modern aluminum table ashtray Ray Hollis by Philippe Starck, 1986 Fantastic and iconic table ashtray mod. Ray Hollis with rectangular aluminum base. The structure tends to sh...
Iron
$3,714 / item
Modernist Stainless Steel Smoking Tray by Mingardo
Located in Geneve, CH
Modernist Stainless Steel Smoking Tray by Mingardo Dimensions: D 41 x W 25 x H 8 cm Materials: Natural polished stainless-steel with extra clear tempered...
Stainless Steel
Large Cigar Porcelain Ashtray Monte Cristo Rectangular Red and Gold
By Limoges
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Large Rectangular Montecristo Luxury Porcelain Cigar Ashtray with Gold Trim. Elevate your cigar ritual with this large Montecristo rectangular porcelain ashtray, a timeless piece of ...
Porcelain
Postmodern Chrome-Plated and Varnished Metal Ashtray Stand by Stilnovo, Italy
By Fontana Arte
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1970s. It is made in varnished a chrome-plated metal. This is a vintage piece, therefore it might show slight traces of use, but it can be considered as in good orig...
Chrome
Regolith Aluminium Ashtray & Incense Burner by Bureau of Entropy
Located in Geneve, CH
Regolith Aluminium Ashtray & Incense Burner by Bureau of Entropy. Limited edition, numbered & signed. Dimensions: W 11 x D 11 x H 4 cm. Materials: Aluminium. Composed of six alumini...
Aluminum
Postmodern Bent Glass Ashtray Bowl Catchall, 1990s
Located in New York, NY
A transparent bent glass ashtray or bowl/catchall, Modern style or Postmodern period, circa late-20th century, late 1990s to early 2000s. Two indents at top. Excellent condition as s...
Glass
Joe Colombo "Biglia" Crystal and Metal Ashtray for Arnolfo di Cambio, Italy, 1970
Located in Conversano, IT
Overview An iconic “Biglia” ashtray designed by Joe Colombo for Arnolfo di Cambio and produced in Italy during the 1970s. Combining a rounded silver-finished metal base with a remova...
Aluminum
Italian Round Travertine and Copper-Toned Metal Ashtray, 1970
Located in Conversano, IT
Overview A sculptural round ashtray made in Italy in 1970, featuring a solid travertine body with concentric carved rings and a central copper-toned metal bowl. Its strong geometric ...
Travertine
$3,103 / item
Moustache Brass Ashtray by J. Hill's Standard
Located in Geneve, CH
Moustache Brass Ashtray by J. Hill's Standard Dimensions: D 17,1 x W 7,4 x H 12,7 cm. Materials: Cast Brass Available in these materials: Cast Brass / Hand Turned Wood / Cast Glass ...
Other, Brass
Murano Sommerso Orb Blue Art Glass Vintage Ashtray Italy
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Gorgeous vintage Murano Venetian handblown art glass bowl or ashtray. Italian Murano Sommerso orb blue and clear art glass ashtray Extremely hard to fi...
Blown Glass
Three ashtray by Pierre Cardin for Venini
By Venini, Pierre Cardin
Located in Milano, IT
Pierre Cardin for Venini Murano Glass Ashtrays, Italy, 1970s Rare and exquisite set of three small glass ashtrays designed by Pierre Cardin for Venini, one of the most renowned Ital...
Murano Glass
Postmodern Ceramic Ashtray in Gold from Arabia, 1980s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Postmodern Ceramic Ashtray in Gold from Arabia, 1980s
Ceramic
Postmodern Philip Morris Porcelain Stacking Ashtray Pyramide Tip Lid, 2000s
By Frank Stella
Located in Hamburg, DE
Pyramids, pointed lid for the Limited Edition Philip Morris ashtray from Rosenthal. This top was designed by Frank Stella. The other stacking ashtrays from various designers. A new ...
Ceramic
Postmodern Screw and Nut Ashtray or Bowl, 1980s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Postmodern Screw and Nut Ashtray or Bowl, 1980s, in Good conditions. Designed 1980 to 1989. Additional information: Materials: Plastic Style: Postmodern Country of Origin: Germany C...
Plastic
Vintage Murano Star Flower Shape Art Glass Dish, Italy
By Compagnia Di Venezia E Murano (C.V.M.)
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage hand crafted Murano star flower Art glass dish Italy. Stunning petaled flower or 6 pointed star-shaped hand blown glass dish in clear and pink, bl...
Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass
Postmodern Modern Marble and Brass Ashtray Box, circa 1970s
Located in New York, NY
A chic Postmodern marble and brass sphere ball ashtray box, circa 1970s. Piece makes a great decorative object box as well as an ashtray (three indents ar...
Marble, Brass
Square Italian Travertine Ashtray with Removable Metal Dish, 1970
Located in Conversano, IT
Overview A bold square ashtray made of warm Italian travertine, from the 1970s, featuring a removable polished metal dish. A solid, architectural object whose stepped, cornice-like m...
Travertine
French studio ceramicist. Two ashtrays in faience. Abstract futuristic style.
Located in København, Copenhagen
French studio ceramicist. Two ashtrays in faience. Abstract futuristic style. Late 20th century. Marked. Perfect condition. Dimensions: D 13.0 cm x H 8.0 cm.
Faience
$176 / item
Volcanic Stone, Lava Ashtray by Tenam Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Volcanic Stone, Lava Ashtray by Tenam Studio Dimensions: W 10 x D 10 x H 10 cm. Materials: Volcanic stone. Weight: 0.8 kg About: Founded in 2024, Tenam is a contemporary design st...
Stone
$220Sale Price|20% Off
Postmodern Rare Italian Ashtray by Dajna Design in Plastic & Stainless
By Enzo Mari
Located in San Diego, CA
Great simple design on this Italian ashtray black and white plastic circa 1980's, with polished stainless steel in nice condition.
Stainless Steel
Vintage Murano Venetian Handblown Art Glass Cobalt Blue Ashtray
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Gorgeous Vintage Murano Venetian handblown art glass flower shaped bowl or ashtray. Sculptural organic open flower form in cobalt blue art glass ashtray bowl. Use it as an ashtray...
Blown Glass, Murano Glass
Pair of Small Wild Animal Ashtrays by Hermès
By Hermès
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Pair of Small Wild Animal Ashtrays by Hermès This pair of small Hermès ashtrays features a square design with rounded corners. Each ashtray features a central illustration of a wild ...
Porcelain
Madmen Ashtray in Solid Bronze, Brass & Aluminium by Studio Marine Breynaert
Located in Geneve, CH
Madmen Ashtray in Solid Bronze, Brass & Aluminium by Studio Marine Breynaert. Dimensions: Ø 22 x H 64.5 cm Materials: Solid bronze, Solid brass, Thermo-coated aluminium. The materia...
Aluminum, Brass, Bronze
A biomorphic Vintage Italian marble Ashtray, circa 1970
Located in View Park, CA
A unique monumental vintage Italian marble ashtray, circa 1970. Featuring an undulating edge with ten rivulets and a carved out biomorphic center shape. Tones of dove gray, bone, and...
Marble
Set of 2 1980s Ashtrays & Picture Frame in Cut Glass
By Gallotti & Radice, Fontana Arte
Located in Varese, Lombardia
This set is composed by 2 glass ashtrays and 1 glass picture frame. Very good condition. Picture frame: cm 13 H x 10 W x 2,6 D Ashtray: cm 3 H x 9 W x 9 D.
Cut Glass
Gray Fat Lava Earthenware Catchall / Videpoche by Lino Zaramella, Signed
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy by Lino Zaramella in the 70s. This bowl is made in hand-modeled earthenware. It is a vintage piece, therefore it might show slight traces of use, but it can be consid...
Earthenware
Set of 2 Postmodern Art Glass Ashtrays by Hans Jürgen Richartz, 1980s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Postmodern Art Glass Ashtrays by Hans Jürgen Richartz for Richartz Art Collection, 1980s, Set of 2, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1980 to 1989 This piece has an attribution mark....
Glass
Post-Modern Alabaster Ashtray, Hand-Crafted, Italy, 1970s, Beige Stone
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Large vintage Polished Alabaster square ashtray with a low profile and wide bowl. Vintage beige stone large ashtray with brown and grey color accents...
Marble, Stone, Alabaster
Post Modern Round Green Marble Ashtray 1970, Made in Italy Set of 2
By Angelo Mangiarotti, Sergio Asti
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Post Modern round green marble ashtray circa 1970, Made in Italy. Vintage set of 2 marble stone green ashtrays. Vintage carrara marble stone in green hues Italian ashtray or catchall. Post Modern stylish post modern round green onyx marble stone ashtray with two indents around top. Beautiful stone marble green catchall...
Marble
Round Italian Travertine Ashtray with Removable Metal Dish, 1970
Located in Conversano, IT
Overview A sculptural round ashtray made of warm Italian travertine, from the 1970s, featuring a removable polished metal dish. A solid, architectural object whose gently curved, col...
Travertine
Kosta Boda Royal Blue Crystal Candle Holder by Anna Ehrner, 1990's
By Anna Ehrner
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage Kosta Boda royal cobalt blue "Atoll" votive Tealight candle holder designed by Anna Ehrner, 1990s. With characteristic craftsmanship and good design, and an ongoing commitme...
Blown Glass
Italian Clear Murano glass ashtray with red Murrine by VeArt Venezia
By VeArt
Located in Varese, Lombardia
Nice ashtray in clear Murano glass and murrine by VeArt. Original label. Signature engraved.
Murano Glass, Murrine
Large Triangular Blue Murano Glass Trinket Bowl - Ashtray, Italy 1970s
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, Murano, 1970s. It is made in quite heavy hand-blown Murano glass. This is a vintage piece, therefore it might show slight traces of use, but it can be considered as i...
Murano Glass
Vintage Brass Ashtray of in the Modernist Style Marked "Gourmetine" / "France"
Located in Nantucket, MA
Two-part brass ashtray of box for, the shallow square base with a conforming top fitting over the rim and with four square holes, each with one cigarette rest facing to two of the fo...
Brass
$1,163 / item
Moustache Wood Ashtray by J. Hill's Standard
Located in Geneve, CH
Moustache Wood Ashtray by J. Hill's Standard Dimensions: D 17,1 x W 7,4 x H 12,7 cm. Materials: Wood Available in these materials: Cast Brass / Hand Turned Wood / Cast Glass Availa...
Other
$3,103 / item
Moustache Cast Glass Ashtray by J. Hill's Standard
Located in Geneve, CH
Moustache Cast Glass Ashtray by J. Hill's Standard Dimensions: D 17,1 x W 7,4 x H 12,7 cm. Materials: Cast Glass Available in these materials: Cast Brass / Hand Turned Wood / Cast G...
Other
Pair of Italian Travertine Ashtrays / Vide-Poches, round and square, 1970
Located in Conversano, IT
Overview A striking pair of Italian travertine ashtrays from the 1970s—one round, one square—each fitted with a removable polished metal dish. Two sculptural, architectural objects c...
Travertine
Hermes Paris porcelain ashtray
By Hermès
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Hermes Paris Porcelain Ashtray The ashtray features an elegant and classic design, with a rectangular shape and slightly rounded edges. Its base is a soft grey colour, which contrast...
Porcelain
Val St Lambert cut glass ashtray
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Val Saint Lambert carved glass ashtray Beautiful Val Saint Lambert ashtray made of green carved glass, its rounded shape together with the striking shade of green resembles an apple....
Art Glass