The International Style, a modernist movement within architecture and furniture design that was given its name by American architect Philip Johnson and historian Henry-Russell Hitchcock, was born during the 1920s and ’30s. It gained steam initially in Europe and then in the United States as a response to the first World War. Building projects associated with the movement, as well as vintage International Style chairs, tables and other furnishings, are minimal and pared back.
Pioneers of the International Style — architect Walter Gropius and his Bauhaus colleagues Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Marcel Breuer, De Stijl advocate and Dutch architect J.J.P. Oud and visionary designer Le Corbusier — stripped away decorative elements and placed considerable value on functionality and clean lines, integrating the use of industrial materials like steel, concrete and large sheets of glass in their work. Quite aptly, this mode of design and architectural style coincided with an era now known as the Machine Age and became a global symbol of modernism. The primary motive of its practitioners was to address the changing needs of a rapidly industrializing society, especially the demand for office complexes and apartments in large cities, through economical, technologically advanced, yet aesthetically pleasing designs for furniture and buildings.
“Space and light and order. Those are the things that men need just as much as they need bread or a place to sleep,” said Le Corbusier of the philosophy behind his practical modernist architecture.
The International Style’s designers and architects were inspired by the advantages afforded them by the era’s new technology and industrial machinery as well as state-of-the-art materials. Le Corbusier was fond of framing his buildings in steel but reinforced concrete made far more economic sense. He is probably most admired for the iconic private homes and commercial buildings that he designed or codesigned with his cousin Pierre Jeanneret, which are spread across the world, from New York City to Paris to Chandigarh, India. Today, Breuer’s Wassily Lounge chair; the elegant LC series created by Le Corbusier, Jeanneret and Charlotte Perriand; and Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona chair, crafted with his romantic partner, designer Lilly Reich, are emblems of progressive modernist design and all make prominent use of tubular steel. Vintage originals are the prized cornerstone of collections.
“The International Style is probably the first fundamentally original and widely distributed style since the Gothic,” posited Johnson in the book that accompanied “Modern Architecture: International Exhibition,” an architectural show he cocurated with Hitchcock that featured the work of Frank Lloyd Wright, Le Corbusier, Richard Neutra and others. While the term “International Style” had previously been circulating in Europe, when the show opened at the Museum of Modern Art in 1932, it yielded a much broader application of this important style of design.
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Anchor Hocking Green Uranium Glass Large 2 Liter Pitcher
Located in Philadelphia, PA
From Anchor Hocking, a green Uranium Glass pitcher from the Circle Line, circa 1930-1934. A large and heavy piece holding 80 fluid ounces, or a bit over t...
Glass
Vintage Cut Crystal Square Whiskey Decanter and Stopper
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A cut crystal whiskey decanter, circa early 1980s. Square in shape with a large round star cut stopper. Heavy weight crystal, cut with a linear pattern on all sides, a star-cut on t...
Crystal
Wine carafe of hand-blown borosilicate glass from the SoShiro Pok collection
By SoShiro
Located in London, GB
The wine decanter is an organically shaped hand-blown borosilicate glass carafe. The Pok collection celebrates the artistry of hand-crafted beadwork made by the Pokot women in Northwest Kenya. Influenced by the hand-carved African gourd...
Blown Glass
Vintage Cut Crystal Faceted Ship Captains Liquor Decanter and Stopper
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A vintage cut crystal decanter in the Ship Captains shape, with a top round stopper, circa early 1980s. The term “captains decanter” refers to the historical “ship’s decanter” used ...
Crystal
Simons Bros. Sterling Silver Thimble Two oz. Jigger Measure Bar Tool
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A sterling silver thimble jigger or whiskey shot cup bar tool for measuring out liquor when mixing cocktails. Showing the mark for Simons Brothers, circa 1900. A play on the express...
Sterling Silver
Estate Wallace Sterling Silver Liquor Collar Tags, a pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A pair of decanter liquor collar tags, Wallace Sterling, circa 1940s. Two similar tags, Sherry and Brandy, made to hang from the sterling chains on any decanter, or bottle, adding t...
Sterling Silver
Midcentury Val Saint Lambert Blown Glass Decanters, a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
From Val Saint Lambert, a pair of blown glass decanters, Belgium, circa 1960s. In the ‘State Plain’ pattern, a pair of colorless glass decanters in a bulbous shape with ringed nec...
Blown Glass
Cranberry Glass Stemmed Champagne Coupes, Set of Six
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A set of six stack-stemmed glass Champagne coupes with Cranberry colored bowls, circa 1940s. Gorgeous color! The cranberry glass bowls join a multi knobbed, stacked stem of colorl...
Glass
S. Kirk & Sons Sterling Silver Liquor Collar Tag, Engraved Scotch – 1860s
Located in Philadelphia, PA
From the S. Kirk & Sons Silver Company in Baltimore, Maryland, a sterling silver liquor collar tag, circa 1860s. The oval tag has a Repousse Rose and floral garland border, and is e...
Sterling Silver
Stieff Sterling Silver Liquor Collar Tag, Rye – 1930s
Located in Philadelphia, PA
From the Stieff Silver Company in Baltimore, Maryland, a sterling silver liquor collar tag, circa 1930s. The rectangular and curved tag is engraved, Rye, in a block type with a deep...
Sterling Silver
Amber Cut-Glass Whiskey Decanter by Ludwig Moser, Wiener Werkstatte
Located in Vienna, AT
A striking whiskey decanter by Ludwig Moser, crafted in finely cut amber-colored glass. The piece reflects the refined geometric elegance associated with the Vienna Werkstätte tradit...
Cut Glass
German Mid-Century Hand Stitched Black Leather Glass Flask / Shot Glass Set
Located in New York, NY
German mid-century fine hand stitched black leather covered glass flask bottle with 4 shot glasses.Top snaps off to reveal shot glasses over bottle top. Label attached, UTH Offenbach...
Silver Plate
Original Aubock glass carafe with a leather cuff and brass handle
Located in Vienna, AT
This colorless glass carafe by Carl Aubock was produced in 3 different sizes, our bitcher is the largest one. It comes with the original leather wrapped stripe with sewn in brass han...
Brass
Carafe and set of glasses on a beech wooden tray from SoShiro Pok collection
By SoShiro
Located in London, GB
The wine service set is comprised of an organically shaped hand-blown borosilicate glass wine decanter and two glasses that nestle into a slender linear solid beech wood tray complet...
Ceramic, Blown Glass, Hardwood, Beech
Porcelain Ceramic Antique Hand Painted Liquor Rye Bottle Tag
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A porcelain decanter tag with a metal chain by Amari Creations Japan. A stunning victorian piece that will be fabulous on any bar cart. The piece is creat...
Metal
$695
H 1.75 in W 2.38 in D 5.63 in
Vintage Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver 'Tipsy Jigger' Liquor Measure with Handle
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed vintage silver handled liquor measure. By Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. In a hemispherical form with measuring lines, a handle, and a finial. Marked to the ...
Sterling Silver
$185Sale Price|20% Off
H 5.2 in Dm 3.55 in
Georgian Rummer Drinking Glass, Hand Blown Lead Glass, Square Foot, 1790
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a very good English "RUMMER" Drinking Glass, which were originally drinking glasses used in English taverns in the late 18th and early 19...
Glass
Art Deco Double Sided Silver Plate Jigger by Napier
By Napier Co.
Located in San Diego, CA
Vintage art deco double sided silver plated jigger, by Napier, circa 1930s. The shaker is in good condition with expected dings and scratches and measures 2"D x 7"H. The jigger has ...
Stainless Steel
Vintage Regency Cut Small Crystal Decanter
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Elevate your vanity or bar cart with this exquisite vintage Regency cut crystal decanter. Showcasing a finely crosshatched texture on its rounded base and a brilliantly faceted stopp...
Crystal
$11,800
H 25 in Dm 12 in
20th Century French Cut Crystal Whiskey Cave / Glassware Set & Art Deco Decanter
Located in Tarry Town, NY
This exceptional whiskey cave, crafted in France in the mid to late 20th century, showcases the epitome of French craftsmanship. Designed in a stunning Art Deco style, it features a ...
Crystal, Bronze
$275Sale Price|21% Off
H 5.25 in W 6.5 in D 9.5 in
Clear Glass Modernist Margarita Martini Cocktail Pitcher
Located in Ferndale, MI
Bulbous body drinks pitcher.
Glass
$1,410 / set
H 8.08 in Dm 3.94 in
fferrone Contemporary Clear handmade Czech Glass Carafe and Six Large Glass Set
Located in Chicago, IL
This contemporary clear glassware set includes 1 Bessho Carafe and 6 Rila Large Glasses. Each pieces is handmade in the Czech Republic. Just as the sm...
Glass
$705 / set
H 8.67 in Dm 3.75 in
fferrone Czech Clear Contemporary Fluted Glass Boyd Bedside Carafe with Glass
Located in Chicago, IL
Bedside carafe pitcher with one small glass The clear Czech contemporary boyd glass bedside carafe pitcher with top and small glass is formally strong, yet with delicate details expressed through the lines and inner fluting. Modern yet retro, the bedside water bottle...
Glass
$270 / item
H 7.88 in Dm 3.15 in
fferrone Czech Contemporary Minimal Dearborn Glass Pitcher Carafe Handmade
Located in Chicago, IL
Dearborn glass pitcher / carafe The handmade Czech contemporary glass carafe / pitcher is perfect for mixing cocktails or even as a water c...
Glass
Sterling Silver Liquor Decanter Bottle Name Tags 7 Available
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Beautiful sterling silver liquor & wine decanter name tags. Marked sterling, some with hallmarks two marked made in Spain. They run the gamut from gin to...
Sterling Silver
$18,500 / set
H 11.5 in Dm 5 in
Six-Piece Cut Crystal Liquors Set Four Decanters, Claret & Pitcher, 19th Century
By Baccarat
Located in Great Barrington, MA
This is a rare and exceptional 19th century crystal drinks set attributed to Baccarat. The service consists of four matching decanters, a claret jug and a matching water pitcher. Eac...
Crystal
1960s Cobalt Pitcher and Tumblers Sangria Set- 7 Pieces
Located in Pueblo, CO
Cobalt Sangria set, pitcher 6x6x9 and eight shot tumblers 1.5x1.5x3. Hand blown glass with hand pained enamel work, fish, flowers, birds, and an owl, zoom in, it is really stunning....
Art Glass
Sold
H 11.25 in W 8.75 in D 10.25 in
Vintage 1990s FRANCIS FRANCIS X5 Italian Espresso Maker, in Canary Yellow
Located in Philadelphia, PA
FRANCIS FRANCIS X5 Italian Espresso Maker, in Canary Yellow Francis-Francis Italian Espresso Maker - Designed by Luca Trazzi by Francis-Francis...
Metal, Stainless Steel
Pair of original Aubock leather wraped Hip Flasks
Located in Vienna, AT
Made in Vienna by Carl Aubock II. 2 Sculptural Vintage Flasks, sold as a lot. The biger bottle comes with two shot glases into the Screw cap and the sma...
Leather, Glass
Sold
H 7.4 in W 6.5 in D 5 in
1980's Mexican Hand Blown Glass Decanter with Mercury Glass Sphere Stopper
Located in New York, NY
1980's Mexican handblown ribbed glass decanter bottle with mercury glass sphere bottle stopper.
Blown Glass, Mercury Glass, Cork
Saint Louis "Tommy" Hand-Cut Crystal Ice Bucket, France, 2022
By Saint Louis
Located in Cagliari, IT
From its star-shaped base to the sparkling glints of the diamond, bevel, pearl and rim cuts, Tommy stands as a timeless collection since 1928. Its straight lines have afforded elegan...
Crystal
Tiffany & Co. New York Silver Plate Wine Bottle Coaster with Liner Insert
Located in Philadelphia, PA
From Tiffany & Co. New York, a silver soldered bottle coaster with a removable liner insert, circa 1950- 1960s. The liner fits into the coaster to prevent a chilled bottle of wine from dripping condensation into the coaster. A heavily chased roped design edges the coaster. Marked: Tiffany & Co. numbered, silver soldered extra plate...
Silver Plate
Sold
H 5.5 in Dm 3.5 in
Val Saint Lambert Kent York Mid-Century Belgian Crystal Champagne Coupes, Set 8
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A set of eight crystal champagne coupes in the Kent York pattern, from Val Saint Lambert, Belgium, circa 1956-1962. Val Saint Lambert is a Belgian crystal glassware manufacturer, fo...
Crystal
Sold
H 5.5 in Dm 3.5 in
Val Saint Lambert Kent York Pattern Mid-Century Belgian Crystal Goblets, Set / 8
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A set of eight crystal goblets in the Kent York pattern, from Val Saint Lambert, Belgium, circa 1956-1962. Val Saint Lambert is a Belgian crystal glassware manufacturer, founded in ...
Crystal
Sold
H 1.75 in Dm 1.25 in
Simons Bros, Sterling Silver Thimble Two oz. Jigger Measure or Shot Cup Bar Tool
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A sterling silver thimble jigger or shot glass bar tool for measuring out liquor when mixing cocktails. Showing the mark for Simons Brothers, c...
Sterling Silver
Sold
H 2 in W 3.75 in D 6 in
Henry Birks & Co Sterling Silver Double Jigger Ounce Measure Bar Tool Dated 1947
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A sterling silver double jigger bar tool for measuring out liquor when mixing cocktails, Marked Birks Sterling with a date stamp of the letter ‘M’ for 1947. The jigger has both a one ounce and a half ounce measuring cup with a hollowware handle. The handle is joined to the cups with an ornate collar. Henry Birks...
Sterling Silver
Waterford Lead Crystal Star Cut Colorless Drink Coasters, Set of Six
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A set of six vintage Waterford lead crystal drink coasters with a center star shaped cut pattern and pie-crust cut raised rims. Crystal produ...
Crystal
Sold
H 5.5 in Dm 3 in L 5.5 in
Midcentury Boopie Royal Ruby Red & Colorless Footed Hocking Glass Goblets, S/14
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A set of fourteen Royal Ruby Red Boopie goblets, made by Anchor Hocking Glass, circa 1930-1940. Suitable for water or wine, the bell shaped g...
Glass