Mid-Century Modern Ceramics
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 legendary 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.
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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Item type: New and Made To Order
Style: Mid-Century Modern
Contemporary Ceramic Colorful Pitcher Majolica Pottery Handmade
Located in Queretaro, Queretaro
Decorative abstract contemporary ceramic pitcher by Mexican artist, Lorenzo Lorenzzo.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic, Clay
Large Striped Ceramic Straight Walled Lamp
Located in Fullerton, CA
It starts off with 1kg of clay for both the top and bottom of the lamp. Thrown on the potters wheel they are left to dry overnight and trimmed, smoothed and fitted together the next ...
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic, Clay
Pottery from Morocco, Cream & Burgundy Color, Handcrafted, Contemporary Ceramic
Located in New York, NY
Pottery from Morocco. Inspired by Swedish midcentury pottery like Stig Lindberg. Handcrafted pottery by a local artist in Rabat.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Moroccan Mid-Century Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Set of Four Blue Murano Glasses, Italy, Europe, 2000s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Beautiful set of glasses, murano glass, made by one of the many glass manufacturers based in the region of Empoli, Italy. Would make a great addition to any collection! Very good ori...
Category
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Ceramics
Materials
Glass, Murano Glass
Ceramic Fabric Dome Lamp
Located in Fullerton, CA
It starts off with 3kg of clay for both the top and bottom of the lamp. Thrown on the potters wheel the bottom is left to dry overnight and trimmed, smoothed and fitted together the ...
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic, Clay
Small Dome Lamp in Porcelain
Located in Fullerton, CA
It starts off with 3kg of clay for both the top and bottom of the lamp. White stoneware for the bottom, and porcelain for the top. Thrown on the potters wheel the bottom is left to d...
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic, Clay
Golden Eye Ceramic Lamp
Located in Fullerton, CA
It starts off with 3kg of clay. White stoneware to be specific. Thrown on the potters wheel the lamp is left to dry and then sliced the next day. It's during this process that the fi...
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic, Clay
Golden Dome
Located in Fullerton, CA
It starts off with 3kg of clay for both the top and bottom of the lamp. White stoneware for the bottom, and porcelain for the top. Thrown on the potters wheel the bottom is left to d...
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic, Clay
Deep Azure Blue Pierced Star Ceramic Bowl
Located in Oakland, CA
Inspired by Mid-Century Modern design, this bowl is wheel thrown and hand pierced stoneware with satin glaze that breaks from blue to green to grey. Small holes are created when the ...
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic, Clay
Blue/Green Pierced Star Ceramic Bowl
Located in Oakland, CA
Inspired by Mid-Century Modern design, this bowl is wheel thrown and hand pierced stoneware with satin glaze that breaks from blue to green to grey. Small holes are created when the ...
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic, Clay
Ceramic Table Lamp Curved #1 Artist Made
Located in Fullerton, CA
It starts off with 1kg of clay for both the top and bottom of the lamp. Thrown on the potters wheel they are left to dry overnight and trimmed, smoothed and fitted together the next ...
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic, Clay
Ceramic Straight Walled Lamp
Located in Fullerton, CA
It starts off with 1kg of clay for both the top and bottom of the lamp. Thrown on the potters wheel they are left to dry overnight and trimmed, smoothed and fitted together the next ...
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic, Clay
'Dome" Ceramic Lamp 'Mushroom Design'
Located in Fullerton, CA
It starts off with 3kg of clay for both the top and bottom of the lamp. Thrown on the potters wheel they are left to dry overnight and trimmed, smoothed and fitted together the next ...
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic, Clay
Ceramic Table Lamp Collapsed #2 Artist Made
Located in Fullerton, CA
Measurements:
12" tall
6" wide
Specifications:
Wiring: two prong ac plug
Length: 8ft long black cord
Switch: Integrated rotary on/off switch
Bottom: Sanded smooth.
He...
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic, Clay
Drippy Ceramic Straight Walled Lamp
Located in Fullerton, CA
It starts off with 1kg of clay for both the top and bottom of the lamp. Thrown on the potters wheel they are left to dry overnight and trimmed, smoothed and fitted together the next ...
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic, Clay
Pierced Ceramic Fruit Bowl Black
Located in Oakland, CA
Inspired by Mid-Century Modern design, the pierced collection is wheel thrown and hand pierced stoneware with a satin glaze. Small holes are created when the clay is still wet and th...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Ceramics
Materials
Clay
Rina Menardi Tall Flute Vase in Poppy Glaze
By Rina Menardi
Located in Troy, MI
New and made in Italy by Rina Menardi, this tall slender vase is 18” high and has an ombre style red glaze. Inside has a contrasting soft black wash....
Category
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Ceramic Table Lamp Burst #1 Artist Made
Located in Fullerton, CA
Measurements:
12" tall
6" wide
Specifications:
Wiring: two prong ac plug
Length: 8ft long black cord
Switch: Integrated rotary on/off switch
Bottom: Sanded smooth.
He...
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic, Clay
Brown Ceramic Straight Walled Lamp
Located in Fullerton, CA
It starts off with 1kg of clay for both the top and bottom of the lamp. Thrown on the potters wheel they are left to dry overnight and trimmed, smoothed and fitted together the next ...
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic, Clay
Ceramic Table Lamp Square Dome
Located in Fullerton, CA
It starts off with 3kg of clay for both the top and bottom of the lamp. Thrown on the potters wheel they are left to dry overnight and trimmed, smoothed and fitted together the next ...
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic, Clay
Striped Ceramic Straight Walled Lamp
Located in Fullerton, CA
It starts off with 1kg of clay for both the top and bottom of the lamp. Thrown on the potters wheel they are left to dry overnight and trimmed, smoothed and fitted together the next ...
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic, Clay
Large Ceramic Straight Walled Lamp
Located in Fullerton, CA
It starts off with 3kg of clay for both the top and bottom of the lamp. Thrown on the potters wheel they are left to dry overnight and trimmed, smoothed and fitted together the next ...
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic, Clay
Porcelain Carved Straight Walled Lamp
Located in Fullerton, CA
It starts off with 1kg of porcelain for both the top and bottom of the lamp. Thrown on the potters wheel they are left to dry overnight and trimmed, smoothed and fitted together the ...
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Ceramics
Materials
Porcelain
Splattered Ceramic Straight Walled Lamp
Located in Fullerton, CA
It starts off with 1kg of clay for both the top and bottom of the lamp. Thrown on the potters wheel they are left to dry overnight and trimmed, smoothed and fitted together the next ...
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic, Clay
Blue/Green Pierced Cylindrical Ceramic Fruit Bowl
Located in Oakland, CA
Inspired by Mid-Century Modern design, this bowl is wheel thrown and hand pierced stoneware with satin glaze that breaks from blue to green to grey. Small holes are created when the ...
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic, Clay
New Rina Menardi Medium Conchglia Bowl in Mint
By Rina Menardi
Located in Troy, MI
New and imported from Italy, this art pottery bowl by Rina Menardi is a thin-walled ceramic bowl with an irregular rim and saturated teal green glaze. Underside of base has maker’s m...
Category
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Jason Fox Wheel Thrown Ceramic Vase / Mid-Century Modern Vase
Located in Burbank, CA
Wheel Thrown Ceramic Vase by Jason Fox
Part of his Flower Bottle Series, American contemporary ceramic artist Jason Fox borrows inspiration from the a...
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic, Clay, Pottery, Stoneware
Tim Keenan Ceramic Vase
By Tim Keenan
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
Tim Keenan Ceramic vase, 2022.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
New Rina Menardi Medium Conchiglia Bowl in Linen Glaze
By Rina Menardi
Located in Troy, MI
New and imported from Italy, this art pottery bowl by Rina Menardi is a thin-walled bowl with an irregular rim and neutral bone white glaze. Underside of base has maker’s mark. New w...
Category
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Tim Keenan Ceramic Vase
By Tim Keenan
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
Tim Keenan Ceramic vase, 2022.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Tim Keenan Ceramic Vase
By Tim Keenan
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
Tim Keenan Ceramic vase, 2022.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Tim Keenan Ceramic Vase
By Tim Keenan
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
Tim Keenan ceramic vase, 2022.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Rina Menardi Bouquet Vase in Teal Green Glaze
By Rina Menardi
Located in Troy, MI
New and made in Italy by Rina Menardi, this bouquet vase stands 10” tall. This finely crafted pottery has a saturated, matte teal green glaze inside and out, thin walls, and a sculpt...
Category
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Tim Keenan Ceramic Vase
By Tim Keenan
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
Tim Keenan Ceramic vase.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Rina Menardi Royal King Vase in Mint
By Rina Menardi
Located in Troy, MI
New and imported from Italy, this art pottery vase by Rina Menardi is a thin-walled vessel with generous proportions. Round, globe-shaped base with a tall, narrow neck and saturated ...
Category
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Pierced Blush Ceramic Tabletop Fruit Bowl, in Stock
Located in Oakland, CA
Inspired by Mid-Century Modern design, this bowl is wheel thrown and hand pierced stoneware. The satin glaze varies subtly from blush to cream to white. Controlled, slow cooling in t...
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic, Clay
Skoby Joe Blue Ceramic Vase Wabi Sabi / Mid-Century Modern
By Skoby Joe
Located in La Jolla, CA
Joseph Skoby is a Southern Californian whose work is inspired by the nature of his native state. His ceramics, created in his own lush garden, recall his intimate dance with the ocea...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Ceramics
Materials
Clay, Stoneware, Ceramic
Blue/Green Pierced Cylindrical Ceramic Fruit Bowl
Located in Oakland, CA
Inspired by Mid-Century Modern design, this bowl is wheel thrown and hand pierced stoneware with satin glaze that breaks from blue to green to grey. Small holes are created when the ...
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Ceramics
Materials
Clay, Ceramic
Tim Keenan Ceramic Vase
By Tim Keenan
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
Tim Keenan ceramic vase, 2022.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Tim Keenan Ceramic Vase
By Tim Keenan
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
Tim Keenan ceramic vase, 2022.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Tim Keenan Ceramic Vase
By Tim Keenan
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
Tim Keenan Ceramic vase, 2022.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Black Satin Pierced Cylindrical Ceramic Bowl
Located in Oakland, CA
Inspired by Mid-Century Modern design, the pierced collection is wheel thrown and hand pierced stoneware with a satin glaze. Small holes are created when the clay is still wet and th...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Ceramics
Materials
Clay
Blue/Green Pierced Cylindrical Ceramic Fruit Bowl
Located in Oakland, CA
Inspired by Mid-Century Modern design, this bowl is wheel thrown and hand pierced stoneware with satin glaze that breaks from blue to green to grey. Small holes are created when the ...
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic, Clay
Shallow Pink Pierced Ceramic Tabletop Bowl, in Stock
Located in Oakland, CA
Inspired by Mid-Century Modern design, this bowl is wheel thrown and hand pierced stoneware. The satin glaze varies subtly from rhubarb to pale pink to eggshell to white. Controlled,...
Category
Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic, Clay
Green Pierced Ceramic Tabletop Bowl, in Stock
Located in Oakland, CA
Inspired by Mid-Century Modern design, this bowl is wheel thrown and hand pierced stoneware. The satin glaze varies subtly from moss green to blue to gray. Controlled, slow cooling i...
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic, Clay
Set of Three Pierced Turquoise Ceramic Tealight Candle Holders
Located in Oakland, CA
Inspired by Mid-Century Modern design, the pierced collection is wheel thrown and hand pierced stoneware with a turquoise crackle glaze. Small holes are created when the clay is stil...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Ceramics
Materials
Clay
Black and White Pierced Ceramic Nesting Bowls, in Stock
Located in Oakland, CA
Inspired by Mid-Century Modern design, these bowls thrown wheel thrown and hand pierced stoneware. Small holes are created when the clay is still wet and then each hole is painstakin...
Category
Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic, Clay
Pierced Cylindrical Ceramic Bowl Black
Located in Oakland, CA
Inspired by Mid-Century Modern design, the pierced collection is wheel thrown and hand pierced stoneware with a satin glaze. Small holes are created when the clay is still wet and th...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Ceramics
Materials
Clay
Pierced Turquoise Column Vessel/Candleholder
Located in Oakland, CA
Wheel thrown, hand pierced ceramic tabletop sculpture/ vessel. This piece provides the perfect pop of color to any room. It can stand alone as an art piece, or with a candle it can i...
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic, Clay
Ceramic Waterdrop Nesting Bowls-Mossy Green and White, in Stock
Located in Oakland, CA
Inspired by Mid-Century Modern design, these bowls thrown wheel thrown and hand pierced stoneware. Small holes are created when the clay is still wet and then each hole is painstakin...
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic, Clay
Curvy Ceramic Lace Vessel-White
Located in Oakland, CA
Inspired by Mid-Century Modern design, the pierced collection is wheel thrown and hand pierced stoneware with a satin glaze. Small holes are created when the clay is still wet and th...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Ceramics
Materials
Clay
Blue/Green Pierced Cylindrical Ceramic Fruit Bowl
Located in Oakland, CA
Inspired by Mid-Century Modern design, this bowl is wheel thrown and hand pierced stoneware with satin glaze that breaks from blue to green to grey. Small holes are created when the ...
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic, Clay
Contemporary Ceramic Vase Majolica Pottery Handmade
Located in Queretaro, Queretaro
Decorative contemporary vase by Mexican artist, Lorenzo Lorenzzo.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic, Clay
Majolica Colorful Ceramic Bowl Mid-Century Modern Mexican Signed on the Bottom
Located in Queretaro, Queretaro
Decorative contemporary Majolica bowl by Mexican artist, Lorenzo Lorenzzo.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic, Clay
Pierced Ceramic Teardrop Vase/Sculpture-Turquoise
Located in Oakland, CA
Inspired by midcentury modern design, the pierced collection is wheel thrown and hand pierced stoneware with a turquoise crackle glaze. Small holes are created when the clay is still...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Ceramics
Materials
Clay
Rina Menardi Royal Princess Vase in Poppy Red Glaze
By Rina Menardi
Located in Troy, MI
New and made in Italy by Rina Menardi, this thin-walled vase stands over 12” high and has a pleasing shape. The ombre-style poppy red colored glaze has a contrasting dark washed inte...
Category
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Ceramic Table Lamp Split #2 Artist Made
Located in Fullerton, CA
Measurements:
12" tall
6" wide
Specifications:
Wiring: two prong ac plug
Length: 8ft long black cord
Switch: Integrated rotary on/off switch
Bottom: Sanded smooth.
Hello, my name is Daniel and I am a ceramic artists based out of Fullerton, Ca. All my lamps...
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic, Clay
Mid-century Modern ceramics for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Mid-Century Modern ceramics 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 ceramics created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, decorative objects, lighting and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with ceramic, stoneware and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Mid-Century Modern ceramics made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and France pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original ceramics, popular names associated with this style include Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund, Roger Capron, and Bitossi. 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 ceramics differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $30 and tops out at $113,467 while the average work can sell for $901.
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