Mid-Century Modern Centerpieces
MID-CENTURY MODERN STYLE
Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. The style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, is characterized by pieces that were conceived and made in an energetic, optimistic spirit by creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living.
ORIGINS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
- Emerged during the mid-20th century
- Informed by European modernism, Bauhaus, International style, Scandinavian modernism and Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture
- A heyday of innovation in postwar America
- Experimentation with new ideas, new materials and new forms flourished in Scandinavia, Italy, the former Czechoslovakia and elsewhere in Europe
CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
- Simplicity, organic forms, clean lines
- A blend of neutral and bold Pop art colors
- Use of natural and man-made materials — alluring woods such as teak, rosewood and oak; steel, fiberglass and molded plywood
- Light-filled spaces with colorful upholstery
- Glass walls and an emphasis on the outdoors
- Promotion of functionality
MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
- Charles and Ray Eames
- Eero Saarinen
- Milo Baughman
- Florence Knoll
- Harry Bertoia
- Isamu Noguchi
- George Nelson
- Danish modernists Hans Wegner and Arne Jacobsen, whose emphasis on natural materials and craftsmanship influenced American designers and vice versa
ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS
- Eames lounge chair
- Nelson daybed
- Florence Knoll sofa
- Egg chair
- Womb chair
- Noguchi coffee table
- Barcelona chair
VINTAGE MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS
The mid-century modern era saw leagues of postwar American architects and designers animated by new ideas and new technology. The lean, functionalist International-style architecture of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus eminences Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius had been promoted in the United States during the 1930s by Philip Johnson and others. New building techniques, such as “post-and-beam” construction, allowed the International-style schemes to be realized on a small scale in open-plan houses with long walls of glass.
Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century modern furniture designs. Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen, who had experimented extensively with molded plywood, eagerly embraced fiberglass for pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair, respectively.
Architect, writer and designer George Nelson created with his team shades for the Bubble lamp using a new translucent polymer skin and, as design director at Herman Miller, recruited the Eameses, Alexander Girard and others for projects at the legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer.
Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi devised chairs and tables built of wire mesh and wire struts. Materials were repurposed too: The Danish-born designer Jens Risom created a line of chairs using surplus parachute straps for webbed seats and backrests.
The Risom lounge chair was among the first pieces of furniture commissioned and produced by celebrated manufacturer Knoll, a chief influencer in the rise of modern design in the United States, thanks to the work of Florence Knoll, the pioneering architect and designer who made the firm a leader in its field. The seating that Knoll created for office spaces — as well as pieces designed by Florence initially for commercial clients — soon became desirable for the home.
As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century furniture designers caught the spirit.
Classically oriented creators such as Edward Wormley, house designer for Dunbar Inc., offered such pieces as the sinuous Listen to Me chaise; the British expatriate T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings switched gears, creating items such as the tiered, biomorphic Mesa table. There were Young Turks such as Paul McCobb, who designed holistic groups of sleek, blond wood furniture, and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in minimalist teak dining tables and lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.
Generations turn over, and mid-century modern remains arguably the most popular style going. As the collection of vintage mid-century modern chairs, dressers, coffee tables and other furniture for the living room, dining room, bedroom and elsewhere on 1stDibs demonstrates, this period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.
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Style: Mid-Century Modern
Cenedese Trio of Mid-Century 1970s Italian Black & Clear Murano Glass Vases
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Antonio da Ros for Cenedese trio or set of three large and heavy vintage Mid-Century modern Italian Murano round, circular glass vases or oversized tealight / candle holders, circa 1...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Centerpieces
Materials
Blown Glass, Murano Glass
Mid Century Modern Abstract Design Copper Enamel Platter Harold Tishler 1950s
Located in Miami, FL
Elegant and rich Mid Century Modern Copper Enamel Platter by Harold Tishler from the 1950s. The vivid copper background shines through the very dark gray enameling fading into a very light gray outer edge. The edges are folded in to create a softer feel. Two small drilled holes are on the bottom edge, probably needed during firing. Signed on the bottom center H. Tishler.
Condition: Very Good. There are two small holes on either side of rim that were intentionally done, maybe for firing. Some rubbed spot on bottom by signature. Please look at all images and view our other H. Tishler listings.
Measurements: 13 3/4 inches diameter x 2 1/4 inches high
Harold Tishler (1893, Odessa – 1993, Florida) Studied engineering in 1910 at University of Grenoble but did not finished his studies and moved to New York 1913. During WWI, he joined the Merchant Marines and while visiting Japan was introduced to the art of Cloisonne enameling. In 1927, Tishler went to Vienna to study under Josef Hoffmann. Upon his return to NYC in 1932, he began producing copper and silver enamels that were sold at high-end stores.
In 1935, Tishler visited a fellow student from the Kunstgewerbeschule in Vienna, Edward Winter in Cleveland. Tishler was impressed by Winter’s enameling...
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Centerpieces
Materials
Copper, Enamel
Large Mid Century Centerpiece in Art Glass 1970s
Located in Tilburg, NL
Large Mid Century Centerpiece in Art Glass 1970s.
Very large mid century centerpiece or decorative platter in art glass. Very good amber color and tiger like spots in the middle. Ve...
Category
Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Centerpieces
Materials
Art Glass
Ice Effect Tray Centrepiece, Lucite and Brass Willy Rizzo Style, Italy, 1970s
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Rome, IT
Huge squared ice effect centerpiece tray in Lucite and brass in the style of the Italian designer Willy Rizzo.
Made in Italy, circa 1970.
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Centerpieces
Materials
Metal, Brass
Midcentury Petite Green Enameled Brass Bowl
Located in New York, NY
Striking brass and green enameled petite bowl, 1960s. The brass contrasts beautifully with the green enameled interior, this piece is stunning at different angles. Has a nice weight ...
Category
1960s Unknown Vintage Mid-Century Modern Centerpieces
Materials
Brass
Georg Jensen Sterling Silver Koppel Bonbonniere 1121
Located in Hellerup, DK
A vintage Mid-Century sterling silver bonbonniere designed by Henning Koppel for Georg Jensen in 1963. This exquisite two-piece organic form bonbon resembles the shape of an oyster o...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Centerpieces
Materials
Sterling Silver
Murano, 1940, Italian
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Murano
We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art Nouveau and Vintage styles since 1982. If you have any questions we are at your disposal.
Carlo Scarpa (2 June 1906 – 28 N...
Category
1940s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Centerpieces
Materials
Murano Glass
$8,100
Set of Two Ceramic Centerpieces by Gabbianelli, Italy, 1970s
By Gabbianelli
Located in Milan, IT
Set of two huge ceramic centerpieces by Gabbianelli.
Oversized handles and pure sculptural shape.
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Centerpieces
Materials
Ceramic
Vide-Poche Centerpiece Tray in Cork & Brass by Jet Set Milano, Italy 1970s
Located in Rome, IT
Amazing Mid-century octagonal serving tray or centerpiece in brass chrome, cork and glass top by Jet Set Milano.
Made in Italy in the 1970s.
The original label is still attached a...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Centerpieces
Materials
Metal, Brass
Midcentury "Cratère" Mod. by Daum Heavy Thick Crystal Centerpiece France, 1960s
By Daum
Located in Palermo, IT
Fine centerpiece in thick heavy crystal, with relief work on the bottom. Signed in scratch "Daum France", model "Cratère". Label of the producer Daum of Nancy laterally. France, 60s....
Category
1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Centerpieces
Materials
Crystal
$395 Sale Price
40% Off
Transparent "A Mugnoni" Murano Glass Vase attr. to Ercole Barovier, Italy
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1940.
This is a vase attributable to the "A Mugnoni" series in transparent heavy blown glass, decorated with prunts containing air bubbles, which is a typical Ercole ...
Category
1940s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Centerpieces
Materials
Murano Glass
1940s Large Mirror and Nickel Bronze Table Centre-Tray
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Unusually large mirror and nickel bronze table centre-tray,
1940s.
France.
Category
1940s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Centerpieces
Materials
Mirror
Lino Sabattini Sculptural Modernist Silverplate Centerpiece Bowl, Italy, 1970s
Located in Bilzen, BE
A refined and sculptural silverplate centerpiece by renowned Italian designer Lino Sabattini.
This elegant bowl features a broad, gently curved form supported by a dynamic, sweeping...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Centerpieces
Materials
Silver Plate
Murano Garnet Pink White Organic Art Glass Centerpiece Vase
Located in Barcelona, ES
Italian Mid-Century Modern purple and white murano glass free form centerpiece. Italy, 1960s
A highly decorative and sculptural Murano glass centerpiece made in shades of garnet and ...
Category
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Centerpieces
Materials
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Opaline Glass
Large Murano Glass Bullicante red Bubble Bowl Element Shell Italy 1970
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article:
Murano glass bowl element ashtray
Origin:
Murano, Italy
Decade:
1970s
This original glass element was produced in the 1970s in Murano, Italy. An elegant red Murano...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Centerpieces
Materials
Murano Glass
Vintage Large Art Glass Bowl Tazza Centerpiece Bowl in Brass Stand
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Vintage Large Art Glass Bowl Tazza Centerpiece Bowl in Brass Stand
Clear classical hand blown glass bowl fitting in an exquisite brass base. It is most likely dating from the Mid-Ce...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Centerpieces
Materials
Brass
Vintage 1950s Italian Enamelled Copper Dish
Located in Torquay, GB
Extraordinary vintage 1950s large copper centrepiece dish.
Featuring a burst of multicoloured lava bubble with a textured surface.
This is a good sized dish, ideal for coffee tables ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Centerpieces
Materials
Copper, Enamel
Centerpiece in Frosted Blown Murano Glass by Seguso, 1980s, Italy
Located in Villaverla, IT
Centerpiece in Frosted blown Murano glass by Seguso 1980s Italy
This extraordinary Murano glass centerpiece was handcrafted in the 1980s by the famous Italian glass-maker Seguso.
T...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Centerpieces
Materials
Bronze
$4,025 Sale Price
20% Off
Large 30cm 1.9kg Glass element bowl by Flavio Poli Attrib., Murano, Italy, 1970s
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article:
Murano glass bowl, element
Origin:
Murano, Italy
Design:
Flavio Poli attrib.
Decade:
1970s
This original vintage glass shell bowl element was produced in the 19...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Centerpieces
Materials
Murano Glass
Starry Night Murano Art Glass Vase, 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Hand blown Murano Starry Night Apparenza vase in shades of Purple.
Italy, 1950s.
Rare find.
Exquisite handblown Murano art glass purple vae with an...
Category
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Centerpieces
Materials
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass
$1,332 Sale Price
20% Off
Large Centerpieces Murano Glass Violet Transparent Midcentury Modern Italy 1970s
Located in Palermo, IT
Centerpieces of considerable size, produced in Italy in the 1970s. Centerpiece has been made of Murano glass in shades of purple and transparent with leaf-effect veins. Furnishing c...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Centerpieces
Materials
Murano Glass
1960s Three Colorful Globes Gazing Ball Spheres Hand Blown Mercury Glass Mexico
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1960s Mexico three colorful globes gazing ball spheres hand blown mercury glass.
Measures: Green 8 tall x 8 diameter silver 10 tall x 10 diameter blue 9 tall x 9 diameter.
Set of 3...
Category
1960s Mexican Vintage Mid-Century Modern Centerpieces
Materials
Mercury Glass
Alfredo Barbini Venetian Murano Console Set Center Piece Candle Holders Grapes
Located in Ann Arbor, MI
Alfredo Barbini Murano 3 piece Venetian glass console set. Console bowl is 7 3/4 inches tall by 11 1/2 inches wide. Candles are 11.5 inches tall...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Centerpieces
Materials
Blown Glass
Potiche in Limoges Porcelain, 1960
By Limoges
Located in Milano, MI
Limoges porcelain pottery, 1960s
Measures: Ø cm 20 H cm 20
The Limoges porcelain dates back to the 60s-70s of the seventeenth century, when a deposit of kaolin was discovered i...
Category
1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Centerpieces
Materials
Porcelain
$253 Sale Price
20% Off
Green Murano Glass Vase, circa 1970
Located in Barcelona, ES
Green murano glass vase, circa 1970
Manufactured in Italy.
In original condition, with minor wear consistent of age and use, preserving a beautiful patina.
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Centerpieces
Materials
Metal
Mid-20th C. Modern Glass Centerpiece Salad Bowl by Argentine Designer A. Churba
Located in North Miami, FL
Mid-20th century Modern glass centerpiece salad bowl by argentine designer Alberto Churba
By: Alberto Churba
Material: glass, art glass
Technique: cast...
Category
Mid-20th Century Argentine Mid-Century Modern Centerpieces
Materials
Glass, Art Glass
Large Hand-made Earthenware Artistic Wall Panel or Centerpiece, Italy
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy in 1959 by Cioffi. It is marked on the bottom.
This tray / centerpiece is made in hand-modeled and hand-painted earthenware.
It is a vintage item, therefore it might s...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Centerpieces
Materials
Earthenware
Large Bronze Centerpiece Vessel with Carved Bird Handles, USA 1960's
Located in New York, NY
A stunning centerpiece in cast bronze with a grooved motif adorned with solid bronze cast parrots.
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Centerpieces
Materials
Bronze
Italian Modernist Murano Blue White Art Glass Centerpiece Vase
Located in Barcelona, ES
Midcentury Modernist Sommerso Murano centerpiece vase in blue and white hand blown Glass. Italy, 1960s.
It has an eye-catching color and a highly decorative organic design in star s...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Centerpieces
Materials
Metal
$1,624 Sale Price
20% Off
1950s Gio Ponti Style Mid-Century Modern Serving Tray by Krupp Milano
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This 1950s Gio Ponti style serving tray by Krupp Milano is an elegant and functional representation of mid-century modern design, blending materials and craftsmanship with sculptural...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Centerpieces
Materials
Alpaca, Glass
Vintage Steuben Glass Crystal Pedestal Centerpiece or Tazza
Located in Sheffield, MA
Signed vintage Steuben glass crystal pedestal centerpiece. Hand blown crystal centerpiece with scrolled pedestal base.
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Centerpieces
Materials
Acrylic
Italian Modernist Murano Purple White Glass Centerpiece Vase
Located in Barcelona, ES
Outstanding hand blown Sommerso Murano glass centerpiece in purple and white. Italy, 1960s.
The interior part is made in white opaline glass. Beautiful organic design and eye catchi...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Centerpieces
Materials
Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Opaline Glass
Da Ros Cenedese Italian Yellow & Blue Sommerso Murano Glass Candlestick Holder
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Rare Antonio da Ros for Cenedese vintage Italian yellow uranium Murano glass candlestick stand, holder or Candelabra made circa 1960s with a blue central sphere and blue sommerso top...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Centerpieces
Materials
Blown Glass, Murano Glass
Midcentury Modern Seguso Centerpiece in Murano Glass Italian Design 1960/70s
Located in Palermo, IT
Rare and unique Seguso sculpture centerpiece, transparent circular body. The peculiarity is visible from a large Murano glass with a magnifying effect. Production label. Please watch...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Centerpieces
Materials
Murano Glass
Mid Century Vallauris XL Majolica Centerpiece Fruit Bowl, Signed, France, 1950s
By Vallauris
Located in Valencia, VC
Majolica XL Vallauris Signed Centerpiece – Chard Leaf (1950s, France)
Handmade in France circa the 1950s, this large Vallauris majolica centerpiece is shaped like a chard leaf, feat...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Centerpieces
Materials
Ceramic, Clay, Earthenware, Majolica
$565 Sale Price
43% Off
Ceramic Decorative Plate by Giacomo Raimondi for Albisola, Italy
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy by Giacomo Raimondi for Albisola, 1960s.
The artist worked as an external ceramist with various factories in Albisola.
In 1965 he was commissioned to create some dec...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Centerpieces
Materials
Ceramic
Strawberry Leaf Shaped Platter in Glazed Ceramic, Portugal 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Modernist strawberries leaf design glazed ceramic platter, Portugal, 1950s
A beautiful hand painted Majolica ceramic leaf with strawberries large plat...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Centerpieces
Materials
Majolica, Pottery, Ceramic
Ceramic Table Centerpiece or Decorative Plate, Signed Perret, Saint-Paul
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Title: Ceramic Table Centerpiece or Decorative Plate, Signed Perret, Saint-Paul, 1970s
Description:
This vibrant ceramic centerpiece, signed by the artist Perret and crafted in Saint-Paul, France, during the 1970s, is a striking blend of art and functionality. Featuring a bold, naïve depiction of a woman with generous forms and a minimalist aesthetic, this piece embodies the unique artistic expression of the era.
Key features include:
Design and Motif: The centerpiece showcases a stylized representation of a woman with one hand on her chest. The artwork is rendered in a naïve and simplistic style, emphasizing bold forms and clean lines.
Colors and Glazing: The piece is adorned with a rich color palette of blues, yellows, and reds, creating a vibrant and eye-catching composition that adds warmth and character to any space.
Craftsmanship: Handcrafted in the renowned ceramic region of Saint-Paul in southern France, this piece reflects the artistic and cultural heritage of the 1970s. Signed by the artist Perret, it is a testament to the creativity and skill of French artisans.
Versatility: Whether used as a functional table centerpiece, a decorative plate, or displayed as an art piece, this ceramic work seamlessly integrates into modern, eclectic, or rustic interiors.
A true collector's item, this ceramic centerpiece is both a functional accessory and a unique piece of French artistry. Its bold design and vibrant colors make it an unforgettable addition to any home or collection.
Keywords: Perret ceramic centerpiece, 1970s Saint-Paul ceramics, signed French ceramic plate, colorful ceramic art, naïve art table decor, mid-century French pottery, artistic ceramic plate...
Category
1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Centerpieces
Materials
Ceramic
$431 Sale Price
20% Off
Italian Mid-Century Modern Green Murano Bowl
Located in Copenhagen, K
Green Mid-Century Sommerso Murano bowl or centerpiece.
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Centerpieces
Materials
Art Glass
$499 Sale Price
47% Off
1950s Italian Venetian Blown Murano Glass Vase with Murrine by Gino Cenedese
Located in Vigonza, Padua
antique 1950s Italian Venetian blown Murano glass vase with murrine by Gino Cenedese.
Measure cm: H 50 Diam. 28
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Centerpieces
Materials
Murano Glass, Murrine
Flavio Poli for Seguso, Red Lighter in Murano Glass, 60's
By Flavio Poli
Located in Ljubljana, SI
Design by Flavio Poli for Seguso, Red Lighter in Murano Glass, 60's, Mint Vintage Condition
The lighter in murano glass by Flavio Poli is a luxury piece of Italian design from the 1...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Centerpieces
Materials
Murano Glass
Round Centerpiece Plate in Acrylic with Ears of Wheat Inclusions, Italy 1970s
Located in Rome, IT
Beautiful round centerpiece / plate / bowl in Acrylic with Ears of Wheat Inclusions.
Made in Italy in the 1970s.
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Centerpieces
Materials
Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass
Midcentury Vide-Poche in Brass, Glass & Rattan Christian Dior Style, Italy 1970s
Located in Rome, IT
Midcentury beautiful squared vide-poche or centerpiece in brass, glass and rattan in the style of Christian Dior Home.
Made in Italy in the 1970s.
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Centerpieces
Materials
Metal, Brass
Midcentury Ice Effect Lucite and Chrome Italian Tray, Willy Rizzo Style, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning midcentury decorative tray in ice-effect clear lucite and chrome. This elegant tray was made in Italy during the 1970s and it is attributed to Willy Rizzo.
This centrepiece...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Centerpieces
Materials
Metal, Chrome
Trivet in Metal and Glass, France, 1970
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
This trivet is a centerpiece in metal and glass. It has been made in France, around 1970.
The pattern is a silver fish shape.
Category
1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Centerpieces
Materials
Metal
$258 Sale Price
20% Off
Claude Victor Boeltz Golden Crystal French 1970s Table Sculpture
Located in New York, NY
A French 1970s Gold and bronze clam shell center peice sculpture with three large quartz and amethyst crystal clusters. Signed
Biography:
Claude Boeltz was born in Paris in 1937. The fourth generation in a line of artists, from his early childhood Boeltz was interested in disciplines as far ranging as sculpture, painting, ceramics, architecture, and blacksmithing. From the very start he was fascinated by what would become life long inspirations—anatomy and geology.
His first apprenticeship was with the sculptor Henri Molins, which was followed by apprenticeships at the prominent Susse and Houdot foundries. His last was with Soudoun, under whose tutelage he was honored with the national “Best Worker in France” award.
During these apprenticeships Boeltz took night classes at the Boule School, the Gambetta School, and at the Academy of Art in Paris. He would eventually take degrees from all three. On Sundays he went to museums, particularly the Louvre, where he sought out work in the Louis XIII - Louis XVI styles. He also spent long hours in study of the many artists he admired, such as Bersus, Meunier, Giacometti, Ponpon, Chipparus, Dali, Dajou, and Ruhlman.
After these apprenticeships he tried to establish himself in the Riviera, where he befriended, and briefly collaborated with Picasso. Boeltz’s time in this vibrant community was, however, cut short—in the early 1960s he was called into the French military. While on tour in the Sahara he carved miniatures, and would carry them in his baggage from base to base. One that survived—a replica of the Arc d’triumph—was later offered to President Eisenhower on behalf of the French Army.
Upon leaving the service Boeltz established a foundry in the Loire, and by the late 1960s his work, now enormously popular, was shown all over Europe. In the early 1970s he met the sculptor Cesar. The famous sculptor’s “compression” pieces inspired Boeltz to create the work for which he would soon become best known. Boeltz’s “exploded” bronze works were pieces plated with 24 karat gold made to look like liquid gold crystalized an instant after explosion.
Boeltz augmented this unique medium with vibrant details, often with African emeralds, but with other stones or unusual materials as well. In his famous Cleopatra, dedicated to Elizabeth Taylor and installed in Georve V hotel in Paris, the artist employed metacrylite as a base and for its veil.
The immediate success of these “exploded” works allowed Boeltz to build two foundries devoted largely to their creation, one in the Faubourg St. Honore’ in Paris, and the other in Fontenay Sous Bois. “Exploded” works from the foundries were presented and sold at Fred’s Jewelers...
Category
1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Centerpieces
Materials
Rock Crystal, Gold, Bronze
Large 1.3kg Murano Glass Bullicante purple Bubble Bowl Element Shell Italy, 1970
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article:
Murano glass bowl element ashtray
Origin:
Murano, Italy
Decade:
1970s
This original glass element was produced in the 1970s in Murano, Italy. An elegant light purp...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Centerpieces
Materials
Murano Glass
Vintage Pair Blenko Amoeba Tangerine Glass Candleholders
By Blenko Glass
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful pair of vintage Blenko Amoeba Glass Candleholders in Tangerine. The beautiful freeform and color of these catapults them to sculptures. The joyo...
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Centerpieces
Materials
Glass
$260 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Venini '89 Murano Glass Centerpiece, Italy, 1989
By Venini
Located in Naples, IT
Glass ashtray or centrepiece worked with the submerged glass technique.
Production: Venini, Italy.
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Centerpieces
Materials
Murano Glass
Large Da Ros for Cenedese Italian Pink Sommerso Murano Glass Candlestick Holder
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Antonio da Ros for Cenedese large, heavy and tall vintage Italian pink Murano glass candlestick holder made circa 1980s -1990s. Utilizing no less than three top Murano glass techniqu...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Centerpieces
Materials
Blown Glass, Murano Glass
Round Rattan & Brass Plate Centerpiece, Italy, 1970s
Located in Rome, IT
Round centerpiece in rattan framed by brass border made in Italy in the 1970s.
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Centerpieces
Materials
Metal, Brass
Pair Large Zanetti Glass Seal Sculptures, Murano, Italy
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Pair of large heavy hand-blown clear Murano glass seal sculptures by Licio Zanetti.
In 1956 Zanetti Vetreria Artistica was founded by the Glass Master Osca...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Centerpieces
Materials
Glass
$378 Sale Price
80% Off
Gianmaria Potenza for La Murrina, Murano Glass Catch-All Bowl, 1970s
Located in Bagnolo Mella, Brescia
A striking Murano glass catch-all/centerpiece designed by Gian Maria Potenza for La Murrina in the 1970s. This exceptional piece seamlessly combines vibrant orange, deep black, and ...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Centerpieces
Materials
Art Glass, Murano Glass
Atelier des Orfèvres Ra-sa Padova silver plated centrepiece, Italy 1960s
Located in Milan, IT
Atelier des Orfèvres Ra-sa Padova silver plated centrepiece, Italy 1960s
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Centerpieces
Materials
Silver, Copper
Del Campo 1960s Italian Enamel Vase Rare
Located in New York, NY
A rare 1960s Italian turquoise blue and white enamel, bronze vase by Studio Del Campo. Signed.
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Centerpieces
Materials
Bronze, Enamel
Marble Effect Acrylic and Frame Chrome Tray Centerpiece Italy 1970s
Located in Rome, IT
Large rectangular Acrylic marble effect and frame chrome tray centerpiece, Italy, 1970s.
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Centerpieces
Materials
Metal, Chrome
Enameled Copper Bowl Dish Centerpiece Paolo De Poli Gio Ponti Style Italian
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
Vintage handcrafted organic shaped enamel bowl or centerpiece attributed to Paolo De Poli. This is a stunning piece of Italian craftsmanship, with a beautiful green, black, and red e...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Centerpieces
Materials
Metal, Copper
$1,150 Sale Price
20% Off
Ceramic Sign : Germany 650 26
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Ceramic Sign : W-Germany 650 26
We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art Nouveau and Vintage styles since 1982. If you have any questions we are at your disposal.
Pushin...
Category
1960s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Centerpieces
Materials
Ceramic
Barovier Tosso Murano Glass Centerpiece with Gold Inclusion
Located in Miami, FL
A beautiful 11 inch in diameter Barovier Tosso Mid Century Centerpiece Dish of Blown Murano Glass with Lovely Gold Flake Inclusion.
Category
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Centerpieces
Materials
Bronze
Stunning Bohemin Cut Crystal Centrepiece Bowl
Located in Vienna, AT
Extravagant cut and polished crystal bowl made circa the 1970s in one of the Bohemian glass works. The cutting is especially Fine and deep with the very intricate patterns. Designed ...
Category
1970s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Centerpieces
Materials
Crystal
Mid-century Modern centerpieces for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Mid-Century Modern centerpieces for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage centerpieces created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, decorative objects, folk art and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with glass, murano glass and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Mid-Century Modern centerpieces made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and North America pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original centerpieces, popular names associated with this style include Cenedese, Fratelli Toso, Archimede Seguso, and Antonio da Ros. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for centerpieces differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $71 and tops out at $28,368 while the average work can sell for $1,055.