Modern Ceramics
MODERN STYLE
The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw sweeping social change and major scientific advances — both of which contributed to a new aesthetic: modernism. Rejecting the rigidity of Victorian artistic conventions, modernists sought a new means of expression. References to the natural world and ornate classical embellishments gave way to the sleek simplicity of the Machine Age. Architect Philip Johnson characterized the hallmarks of modernism as “machine-like simplicity, smoothness or surface [and] avoidance of ornament.”
Early practitioners of modernist design include the De Stijl (“The Style”) group, founded in the Netherlands in 1917, and the Bauhaus School, founded two years later in Germany.
Followers of both groups produced sleek, spare designs — many of which became icons of daily life in the 20th century. The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics. While Bauhaus principals Marcel Breuer and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe created furniture from mass-produced, chrome-plated steel, American visionaries like Charles and Ray Eames worked in materials as novel as molded plywood and fiberglass. Today, Breuer’s Wassily chair, Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona chair — crafted with his romantic partner, designer Lilly Reich — and the Eames lounge chair are emblems of progressive design and vintage originals are prized cornerstones of collections.
It’s difficult to overstate the influence that modernism continues to wield over designers and architects — and equally difficult to overstate how revolutionary it was when it first appeared a century ago. But because modernist furniture designs are so simple, they can blend in seamlessly with just about any type of décor. Don’t overlook them.
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Style: Modern
Period: 20th Century
Ceramic Sculpture
Located in Cathedral City, CA
Terracotta sculpture with hand painted details
Category
20th Century American Modern Ceramics
Materials
Terracotta
Modern Drip Glaze Vase
Located in Denton, TX
Vintage drip glaze vase. Maker unknown.
Category
20th Century North American Modern Ceramics
Materials
Pottery
Ceramic Plate with Vegetable Face Fornasetti
By Fornasetti
Located in Atlanta, GA
Fornasetti Porcelain plate with face made with arranged vegetables. Stamped "1, Fornasetti-Milano, Made in Italy, Arcimboldesca'" and "Arzberg Germany...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Niels Helledie, Denmark, Unique Face Mask in Hand-Painted Stoneware
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Niels Helledie (b. 1927), Denmark.
Unique face mask in hand-painted glazed stoneware. 1980s.
Measures: 18 x 18 cm.
Depth: 9.5 cm.
In excellent cond...
Category
1980s Danish Vintage Modern Ceramics
Materials
Stoneware
1950s Blue Stoneware Figure by Helge Christoffersen for Royal Copenhagen
Located in Odense, DK
Amazing stoneware figure by Danish artist Helge Christoffersen of a young girl reading a book. The figure is a unique work of art made at Royal Copenhagen in the early 1950s by the a...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Modern Ceramics
Materials
Stoneware
European Studio Ceramicist, Large Unique Figure of Lying Cat, 1980s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
European studio ceramicist. Large unique figure of a lying cat. Beautiful glaze in blue-green shades, 1980s.
Measures: 20 x 11.5 cm.
Signed.
In excellent ...
Category
1980s Unknown Vintage Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
James Lovera Monumental Centerpiece Pottery / Footed Bow, Lava/ Volcanic Glaze
By James Lovera
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Very unusual square/round, shape centerpiece by the well known California potter. Has an olive green volcanic /lava glaze and brown under, signed Lovera. Note; one corner it goes as ...
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Ceramics
Materials
Pottery, Ceramic
Black Star Ceramic Sculpture by Nadia Pasquer French Mid Century Design
Located in Neuilly-en- sancerre, FR
Nadia Pasquer
Black star ceramic sculpture by french artist Nadia Pasquer
Signed and dated 1998
Original perfect condition
Measures: Height: 10cm large: 14cm.
Category
Late 20th Century French Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Studio Ceramic Bowl by Gary McCloy for Steve Chase
By Gary McCloy
Located in Palm Springs, CA
1980’s studio ceramic bowl glazed purple and gold by Gary McCloy for Steve Chase.
Hand signed and stamped.
Measurements: 10” Wide 10” Deep and 3.25” High.
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Purple Studio Pottery Ceramic Handmade Hot Chocolate Set 1 Pitcher & 4 Cups
Located in Topeka, KS
Lovely purple Studio Pottery ceramic handmade hot chocolate set includes one pitcher and four cups. Beautiful age-appropriate condition with no chips...
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Rockabilly Style French Centrepiece Red and Black Ceramic
Located in Prato, Tuscany
We kindly suggest you read the whole description, because with it we try to give you detailed technical and historical information to guarantee the authenticity of our objects.
Red and black ceramic table centerpiece made in Rockabilly style, the colors are strong and decisive, the black has the distinction of having beautiful reflections nacreè (mother of pearl), reflections that unfortunately the photos can not capture, from life are really seductive, the form is nicely undulating, pleasant and very capacious; the centerpiece was produced between 1950 and 1953, by skilled artisans in the area of Vallauris, the "French city of ceramics" in Provence north-east of Cannes, renowned since ancient times for the production of this fascinating material; there were more than 250 production centers, but today very few remain and since the mid-20th century, they are dedicated to the manufacture of contemporary ceramics. The word "Rockabilly" is a combination of "rock and roll" and "hillbilly" (a derogatory term used to define the Appalachian mountain people and, in a generic sense, meant country boor); Rockabilly was a musical genre developed in the early 1950s, it was one of the first forms of rock & roll. It was a fusion of bluegrass, country, boogie-woogie, and jazz, originally from the southern United States, and was played and sung by artists such as Buddy Holly...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Large Ceramic Pot Cover
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
An Elchinger large black and red pot cover
Elchinger is a ceramic manufacture from Soufflenheim in Alsace France from 1834 to 2016.
Category
1960s French Vintage Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Asymmetrical Bowl by Ewen Henderson
By Ewen Henderson
Located in New York, NY
An asymmetrical bowl handcrafted by Ewen Henderson, (1934-2000)
Mixed clay layered with pink, olive green, and grey glazes.
Category
1980s English Vintage Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Sheila Casson Chestnut Salt Glazed Studio Pottery Jug
By Sheila Casson
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
From a very large Studio Pottery collection we offer this stunning vintage British Studio Pottery jug by renowned potter Sheila Casson and made in Ross-On-Wye and dating from the sec...
Category
20th Century English Modern Ceramics
Materials
Pottery
Five Retro Jugs in Glazed Ceramics. Belgium, 1960s-1970s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Five retro jugs in glazed ceramics. Beautiful glazes and shapes, Belgium, 1960s-1970s.
Largest measures: 23.5 x 13 cm.
In excellent condition.
Stamped.
Category
1960s Belgian Vintage Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Belgian Studio Ceramicist, Retro Jug in Glazed Ceramics Shaped like a Fish
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Belgian studio ceramicist. Retro jug in glazed ceramic shaped like a fish.
Beautiful glaze in brown and orange shades. 1960s / 70s.
Measures: 24.5 x 18 cm...
Category
1960s Belgian Vintage Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Richard Hirsch Pedestal Bowl with Weapon #16 Ceramic Sculpture, 1997
Located in New York, NY
Contemporary American ceramic artist Richard Hirsch's Pedestal Bowl with Weapon #16 Sculpture is raku-fired, hand built with black glaze, raku patinas and enamel paint. Three separat...
Category
20th Century American Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Four Retro Jugs in Glazed Ceramics, Belgium, 1960s-1970s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Four retro jugs in glazed ceramics. Beautiful glazes and shapes, Belgium, 1960s-1970s.
Largest measures: 18.5 x 17 cm.
In excellent condition.
Stamped.
Category
1960s Belgian Vintage Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
European Studio Ceramist, Unique Carafe in Glazed Ceramics, 1980s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
European studio ceramist. Unique carafe in glazed ceramics, 1980s.
Measures: 18 x 12 cm.
In very good condition.
Signed.
Category
1980s Unknown Vintage Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Signed Luna Garcia Pottery 1992, Ebony black Ceramic
By Luna Garcia
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Modernist handmade and signed matte black by California artist Luna Garcia.
Category
20th Century American Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Richard Hirsch's Set of 4 Raku Tea Bowls, 1996 - 1997
Located in New York, NY
Contemporary American ceramic artist Richard Hirsch's Raku tea bowls embody all the typical characteristics -- a rolling rim, an organic asymmetrical fo...
Category
20th Century American Modern Ceramics
Materials
Stoneware
Max Walter Svanberg Painted Ceramic Tile, for Rorstrand, Signed Titled in Bac
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Nice painted tile by the well-known artist, Max Walter Svanberg for Rorstrand.
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Vintage, Crown Devon Ewer, Decorative Jug, 3322, Rouge, Gold, Pearlescent
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage Crown Devon ewer. A decorative jug, #3322 in a rouge and gold finish with pearlescent inside and dating to the mid-20th century.
...
Category
20th Century English Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Richard Hirsch Ceramic Ceremonial Vessel, Tripod Vessels Collection, 1984
Located in New York, NY
Contemporary American ceramic artist Richard Hirsch's Ceramic Ceremonial Tripod Vessel is raku-fired, hand built and hand sculptured. Each piece is uniqu...
Category
20th Century American Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Antje Brüggemann for Rosenthal, Vintage Vase Art Studio German Pottery
By Antje Brüggemann, Rosenthal
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Antje Brüggemann vase or vessel for Rosenthal Porcelain 'Studio Linie' (line). Antje Brüggemann (born 1941) is one of Germany's top ceramic artists/de...
Category
1980s German Vintage Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Italian Ceramic Vessel by Guido Gambone
Located in Atlanta, GA
A sculptural ceramic vessel by Italian designer Guido Gambone (1909-1969) circa 1950s. The stoneware of dove shape is an open vessel in form. The surface is decorated with geometrica...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Black Ceramic Sculpture "Woman" 1950
Located in Milano, IT
Black ceramic sculpture "woman" mid-20th century.
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Stylish Tenmoku Glazed Pattern Studio Pottery Bowl Signed, 20th Century
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A very stylish and well made vintage studio pottery bowl with a tenmoku glazed swirl design around the body on a light mottled brown ground...
Category
1960s English Vintage Modern Ceramics
Materials
Pottery
Extra Large Ceramic Clay Vessel Vase Bowl Signed Markiewicz
By Markiewicz
Located in Montreal, QC
Sculpted and painted with shades of pastel rose, teal and blue accents. Unglazed ceramic textured clay art vessel vase signed on base: MARKIEWICZ; approx. measurements: 17" diameter ...
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Ceramics
Materials
Pottery
Waylande Gregory Ceramic Bowl
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
An elegant, hand-painted bowl by Waylande Gregory. Stylized leaf pattern in green and silver leaf.
Category
1950s American Vintage Modern Ceramics
Pair of Stylized Ceramic Swans by Waylande Gregory, circa 1940s
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A pair of large scale ( 18"L) ceramic swan sculptures by Waylande Gregory. Brown/gray with gold paint and sgraffito stylized and typical of Gregory's work, circa 1940s, signed Waland...
Category
1940s American Vintage Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Richard Hirsch Ceramic Vessel and Stand, Tripod Vessels Collection, 1987 - 1994
Located in New York, NY
Contemporary American ceramic artist Richard Hirsch's Tripod Vessels Collection, Coper-Metti Series Vessel and Stand #39 and #40 are raku-fired, hand built and hand sculptured. Each ...
Category
20th Century American Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Åland, Contemporary Ceramicist, Bowl in Glazed Stoneware, Late 20th Century
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Åland, contemporary ceramicist. Bowl in glazed stoneware. Beautiful glaze in brown and blue-green shades. Late 20th century.
Measures: 11 x 7 cm.
Signed.
In excellent condition.
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Ceramics
Materials
Stoneware
European Studio Ceramist, Unique Vase in Glazed Ceramics, 1980s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
European studio ceramist. Unique vase in glazed ceramics. Beautiful crackled glaze in light earth shades, 1980s.
Measures: 14 x 11.2 cm.
In very good condition.
Signed.
Category
1980s Unknown Vintage Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Two-Tone Square Plate / Wall Panel by Jun Kaneko
By Jun Kaneko
Located in Stamford, CT
A black and white square plate / wall hanging by Jun Kaneko. Signed and dated "Kaneko 93" on back.
Category
1990s American Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
European Studio Ceramist, Unique Vase in Glazed Ceramics, circa 1980
Located in Copenhagen, DK
European studio ceramist. Unique vase in glazed ceramics, circa 1980.
Measures: 12.5 x 9.5 cm.
In very good condition.
Category
1980s Unknown Vintage Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Richard Hirsch Ceramic Ceremonial Cup #34, Tripod Vessels Collection, 1985
Located in New York, NY
Contemporary American ceramic artist Richard Hirsch's Ceremonial Cup #34 is part of his Tripod Vessels collection. It’s hand sculptured clay, multi-fire...
Category
20th Century American Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Max Walter Svanberg Painted, Signed Tile for Rörstrand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Very nice tile painting, by the well known artist Max Walter Svanberg, signed titled in back as shown in picture, also marker R R R in front.
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Circular Plate / Wall Panel by Jun Kaneko
By Jun Kaneko
Located in Stamford, CT
A black and white circular plate/wall hanging by Jun Kaneko. Signed and dated "Kaneko 93" on back.
Category
1990s American Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Pablo Picasso Large Ceramic Plate, Tormented Face 1956 C117
Located in London, GB
Pablo Picasso Tormented face. Ceramic plate 1956.
Large unglazed light earthenware charger with raised design from the “Tormented Face” series . Produced by Madoura in 1956. Numbered...
Category
1950s French Vintage Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Set of Three Frank Keramik Denmark Red Glazed Ceramics
Located in New York, NY
Set of three ceramics in a bright red/orange color with raised areas of un-glazed matte brown in bands/diamond pattern. With original sticker, 'Frank Keramik...
Category
1970s Danish Vintage Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Modern Stoneware Ceramic Vase by Astoul in La Borne 1982 Shinny Grey Color
By Eric Astoul
Located in Neuilly-en- sancerre, FR
Astoul E.
Elegant and large ceramic stoneware vase.
Masterpiece of the artist realised and dated 1982, signed at the base.
Original excellent conditions.
Dimensions: 28 x...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Guido Gambone 33 Piece Ceramic Coffee and Espresso Set, 1950s
Located in New York, NY
33 Piece hand-thrown ceramic coffee and espresso service set with iconic yellow and blue colors and salt glaze by Guido Gambone, Italy, 1950s (signed on the bottom on all pieces with...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Ruskin Pottery Ceramic Vase, Glazed Stoneware, 1927
Located in New York, NY
Ruskin Pottery ceramic vase is made of hand thrown drip glazed stoneware. Impressed signature and date to underside: [Ruskin England 1927].
About the studio:
"The Ruskin Pottery ...
Category
20th Century British Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Set of Three Colors Ceramic Lamp French Grès du Marais, circa 1970
Located in Neuilly-en- sancerre, FR
Beautiful set of three ceramic table lamp
Realised by "grès du marais", circa 1970
Famous French production
All in original good conditions
...
Category
1970s French Vintage Modern Ceramics
Nanni Valentini for Ceramiche Arcore Italian Pottery Set of Boxes, 1970s
Located in Brescia, IT
Glazed Gres
Set of three boxes
Perfect condition.
Measure: Height 7 x diameter 13 cm
Height 6 x diameter 11 cm
Height 6 x diameter 10 cm.
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Ceramic Sculpture by Ka Kwong Hui
By Hiu Ka Kwong
Located in Pawtucket, RI
Rare and large ceramic sculpture by Pop ceramicist Ka Kwong Hui. Signed.
Hui immigrated to U.S. in 1948. Received a BFA in 1951 and a MFA in 1952 from Al...
Category
1960s American Vintage Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Jules Agard Large Terracotta "Owl", Sculpture, Signed
By Jules Agard
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a great work by the well-known French artist Jules Agard. He was one of the most important artist working with Pablo Picasso in Vallauris , Madoura...
Category
1950s French Vintage Modern Ceramics
Materials
Terracotta
Beautiful 1972 Lino Bersani Polymorphic Ceramic Sculpture Gold-Colored
By Lino Bersani
Located in Milano, IT
1972 Lino Bersani polymorphic ceramic sculpture gold-colored
"Lino Bersani was a painter, sculptor and ceramist born in Genoa in 1935.
Its first ceramics date back to the mid-1960s".
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Ceramics
Waylande Gregory Ceramic Jar with Sgraffito Decoration
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
An interesting ceramic lidded jar by Waylande Gregory with sgraffito decoration.
Category
1950s American Vintage Modern Ceramics
Richard Hirsch Ceramic Ceremonial Vessel #12, Tripod Vessels Collection, 1994
Located in New York, NY
Contemporary American ceramic artist Richard Hirsch's Tripod Vessels Collection, Round Series Ceremonial Vessel #12 is raku-fired, hand built and hand sc...
Category
20th Century American Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Richard Hirsch Ceramic Ceremonial Vessel #10, Tripod Vessels Collection, 1994
Located in New York, NY
Contemporary American ceramic artist Richard Hirsch's Tripod Ceremonial Vessel #10 is raku-fired, hand built and hand sculptured. The tripod is uniquely with bronze acrylic, iron-rust interactive acrylic, airbrushed enamels (red, green and yellow) all layered on top of each other. Signed by the artist, each piece is comprised of a marriage of four elements -- a vessel held aloft by three legs. The process of fluid transition between the elements so that the product reads as one form was vital as he built the foundation for his signature collection. The Tripod Vessels...
Category
20th Century American Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
20th Century Rare and Mint Condition Purple Glazed Ceramic Barn Owl Sculpture
Located in Lisse, NL
Rare and highly decorative, 1980's owl sculpture.
This stunning barn owl will look great on any mid-century design piece of furniture. It is beautifully made and in perfect conditio...
Category
20th Century Unknown Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Ceramic Pyramid Vase by Sergio Asti Italy Signed
By Sergio Asti
Located in Ft Lauderdale, FL
Ceramic pyramid vase by Sergio Asti Italy signed. White glazed, angled-cut pyramid form vase with geometric decoration. Signed 'Asti' to underside.
Category
Late 20th Century Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Horst Kerstan Modern-Age Art Pottery Ceramic Vase
Located in Niederdorfelden, Hessen
Unique Minimalist art pottery wood-fired ceramic vase made after his trip to Japan in the first Japanese anagama wood oven in Germany.
Horst Kerstan, own st...
Category
1980s German Vintage Modern Ceramics
Materials
Stoneware
Monumental Pair of Marcello Fantoni Etruscan Sgraffiti Vases with Covers
Located in Skanninge, SE
An outstanding pair of vases with covers in the sgraffiti technique by the Italian master Marcello Fantoni. These ceramic masterpieces are in perfect condition and they are both sign...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Richard Hirsch Ceramic Altar Bowl with Cast Glass Weapon, 1998
Located in New York, NY
Contemporary American ceramic artist Richard Hirsch's Altar Bowl with Glass Weapon #31 is raku-fired, hand built and hand sculptured. Two separate pieces of high fired stoneware are ...
Category
20th Century American Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic, Glass
Collection of French Art Pottery Vases, Lidded Boxes, Denbac
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Collection of French art pottery vases, lidded boxes, Denbac,
circa 1940s. Stamped.
Largest measures: 12.5 cm. X 11 cm.
In perfect condition.
Category
1940s French Vintage Modern Ceramics
Modern ceramics for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique 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, folk art and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with ceramic, stoneware and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Modern ceramics made in a specific country, there are Europe, North America, and Italy pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original ceramics, popular names associated with this style include Monika Patuszynska, Mosche Bianche, Richard A. Hirsch, and LAAB Milano. 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 $20 and tops out at $50,348 while the average work can sell for $614.
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