Skip to main content

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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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 chaircrafted 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.

1
984
249
65
to
73
862
345
1,298
735
1,100
2,906
1,298
1,097
674
360
286
188
151
86
79
67
40
27
25
8
2
2
1
249
1,049
4
84
107
1
1
2
23
37
32
28
10
1,280
212
195
185
84
885
281
253
206
164
91
53
46
43
43
Style: Modern
Set of 2 Obvara Vases by Doa Ceramics
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 2 obvara vases by Doa Ceramics Dimensions: small 3.5" (in). large 8" (in) Materials: Ceramic. Technique: hand-crafted. Freeform. Glazed.
Category

2010s Turkish Modern Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Bloom Sculpture by Elnaz Rafati
Located in Geneve, CH
Bloom by Elnaz Rafati (Sculpture 6) Dimensions: D 14 x W 24.2 x H 40.7 cm. Materials: Clay. I am an Iranian architect and artist living in NYC. After receiving my architectural ...
Category

2010s American Modern Ceramics

Materials

Clay

Alfonso Vase, by Project 213A
Located in Macieira de Sarnes, PT
This vase draws inspiration from the Icelandic volcanic rock formations which can be found by Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach. It is sculpted by organically displacing seventeen individ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Ceramics

Materials

Clay

Alfonso Vase, by Project 213A
Located in Macieira de Sarnes, PT
This vase draws inspiration from the Icelandic volcanic rock formations which can be found by Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach. It his sculpted by organically displacing seventeen indivi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Ceramics

Materials

Clay

Reflection Sculpture by Elnaz Rafati
Located in Geneve, CH
Reflection by Elnaz Rafati (Sculpture 10) Dimensions: W 18 x D 23 x H 50 cm Materials: Clay I am an Iranian architect and artist living in NYC. After receiving my architectural ...
Category

2010s American Modern Ceramics

Materials

Clay

Vase 0022 Grès Roux Chamotté by Marta Dervin
Located in Geneve, CH
Vase 0022 Grès Roux Chamotté by Marta Dervin Dimensions: ø7 x H 27-31 cm Materials: Stoneware Marta Dervin works with stoneware and porcelain that she shapes by hand to create simpl...
Category

2010s French Modern Ceramics

Materials

Stoneware

Triumph Sculpture by Elnaz Rafati
Located in Geneve, CH
Triumph sculpture by Elnaz Rafati (Sculpture 07) Dimensions: W 19 x D 23 x H 43 cm Materials: Clay I am an Iranian architect and artist living in NYC. After receiving my architectur...
Category

2010s American Modern Ceramics

Materials

Clay

White Whale Sculpture by Elnaz Rafati
Located in Geneve, CH
White whale by Elnaz Rafati (Sculpture 02) Dimensions: H 35 x W 10 x D 25 cm Materials: Clay I am an Iranian architect and artist living in NYC. After...
Category

2010s American Modern Ceramics

Materials

Clay

Grandmother Sculpture by Elnaz Rafati
Located in Geneve, CH
Grandmother sculpture by Elnaz Rafati (Sculpture 03) Dimensions: H 41 x W 23 x D 25 cm Materials: Clay I am an Iranian architect and artist living in NYC. After receiving my arc...
Category

2010s American Modern Ceramics

Materials

Clay

Thrown Sculpture by Elnaz Rafati
Located in Geneve, CH
Thrown by Elnaz Rafati (Sculpture 16) Dimensions: W 15 x D 25 x H 52 cm Materials: Clay I am an Iranian architect and artist living in NYC. After receiving my architectural engi...
Category

2010s American Modern Ceramics

Materials

Clay

Childhood Sculpture by Elnaz Rafati
Located in Geneve, CH
Childhood by Elnaz Rafati (Sculpture 08) Dimensions: W 10 x D 29 x H 29 cm Materials: Clay I am an Iranian architect and artist living in NYC. After receiving my architectural e...
Category

2010s American Modern Ceramics

Materials

Clay

Lady Godiva Sculpture by Elnaz Rafati
Located in Geneve, CH
Lady Godiva Sculpture by Elnaz Rafati (Sculpture 09) Dimensions: W 15 x D 25 x H 45 cm Materials: Clay I am an Iranian architect and artist living in NYC. After receiving my arc...
Category

2010s American Modern Ceramics

Materials

Clay

"Aquila" Ceramic Bowl
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
Studio pottery
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Silver Lining Sculpture by Elnaz Rafati
Located in Geneve, CH
Silver lining sculpture by Elnaz Rafati (Sculpture 05) Dimensions: W 14 x D 33 x H 30.5 cm Materials: Clay I am an Iranian architect and artist living in NYC. After receiving my...
Category

2010s American Modern Ceramics

Materials

Clay

Fornasetti “Commedia” Ceramic Paperweight and Cup Pair
Located in Brooklyn, NY
“I have thus dressed ceramics, furniture, and things in signs, and in that way I have placed a message in every work — a small story that is sometimes ironic, obviously wordless, but...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Set of 2 Sconces by Olivia Cognet
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 2 sconces by Olivia Cognet Materials: Ceramic Dimensions: L 18 cm H 27 cm Each of Olivia’s handmade creations is a unique work of art, the...
Category

2010s French Modern Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Modern Ceramica Gatti 1928 Crown Bowl Basket Handmade Ceramic Gold Pink Flowers
Located in Faenza, IT
CARLA CORONA elegant cup or centerpiece in ceramic, forged on the lathe and hand painted. The inside of the crown is entirely painted in pure gold, while the outside is presented in ...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Modern Ceramica Gatti 1928 Crown Bowl Basket Handmade Ceramic Gold Platinum Gems
Located in Faenza, IT
LAURA CROWN Centerpiece bowl in ceramic, made on the wheel and hand painted. The inside of the crown is entirely hand painted in pure gold, while the outside is painted in a shade of...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Pineapple Hand Painted Ceramic Starter Set of 2
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Wonderful set of handapainted ceramic starter plates. Pineapple shaped these paltes are made in Italy and will bringa tropical touch on your table.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Modern Ceramica Gatti 1928 Crown Bowl Basket Handmade Ceramic White Platinum
Located in Faenza, IT
LAURA CROWN Centerpiece bowl in ceramic, made on the wheel and hand painted. The inside of the crown is entirely hand-painted in platinum, while the outside is in white majolica embe...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Decorative Plate Centerpiece Wall Dish Fireclay Warm White Materic Finish, Italy
Located in Recanati, IT
Decorative plate in fireclay, entirely handmade in Italy. The incredibly material finish has been left natural to highlight the beauty and uniqueness of this clay. The whiteness of i...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic, Clay

Modern Matera Blue and Gold Vase Original Ceramic
Located in monza, Monza and Brianza
Recovered from the roof of an ancient masseria ( farmhouse ) outside Matera - Basilicata, these series of pieces have been treated to recover their insulation properties first, and t...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Peter Voulkos Signed Large California Studio Pottery Stoneware Charger Plate
Located in Studio City, CA
A truly fantastic, large, heavy charger/plate/platter by American master potter/artist Peter Voulkos who is known for his abstract expressionist ceramic pottery pieces and sculptures...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Ceramics

Materials

Stoneware

Enyo Vase by Lava Studio Ceramics
Located in Geneve, CH
Enyo vase by lava studio ceramics. Unique, 2020 Materials: Glazed stoneware Dimensions: H 27 cm x D 28 cm Lava ceramics is a collective studio ba...
Category

2010s Greek Modern Ceramics

Materials

Stoneware

Ribbonear Ceramic Vase by Lava Studio Ceramics
Located in Geneve, CH
Ribbonear ceramic vase by Lava Studio Ceramics Unique, 2020 Materials: Glazed stoneware Dimensions: H 25 cm x D 18-20-40 cm Lava ceramics is a collective studio based in Athens.
Category

2010s Greek Modern Ceramics

Materials

Stoneware

Rupert Deese, Blue, Ceramic/Stoneware" Apple" Sculpture, Paperweight, Marked
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is one of the most simple and elegant sculptures made for the very well known artist, ceramist Rupert Deese, has amazing blue tones in the glaze, marked with cypher 's artist mark.
Category

1960s American Vintage Modern Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Irena Pop Ceramic Sculpture, Smiley Denim by Malwina Konopacka
Located in Geneve, CH
Irena pop ceramic sculpture - smiley denim by Malwina Konopacka Unique sculpture Materials: Ceramic, sgraffito blue glaze Dimensions: D20, H 2...
Category

2010s Polish Modern Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Contemporary Ceramic Dining Set
Located in Geneve, CH
Tea pot n°1– Diameter 16 x height 18cm Tea cup n°2– Diameter 10.5 x height 13.8 cm Coffee cup n°3– Diameter 10.5 x height 13.4 cm Milk jug n°4– Diameter 6.7 x height 8.6cm Sugar ...
Category

2010s French Modern Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Modern Ceramica Gatti 1928 Crown Bowl Basket Handmade Ceramic Gold Colored Gems
Located in Faenza, IT
CORONA DIANA elegant cup or centrepiece, made on the lathe and hand painted. It can also be a precious fruit holder. Inside the crown is enamelled in white with multicolored mother-o...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Modern Ceramica Gatti 1928 Crown Bowl Basket Handmade Ceramic Gold Pink Flowers
Located in Faenza, IT
CARLA CORONA elegant cup or centerpiece in ceramic, forged on the lathe and hand painted. The inside of the crown is entirely painted in pure gold, while the outside is presented in ...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Modern Ceramica Gatti 1928 Crown Bowl Basket Handmade Ceramic White Platinum
Located in Faenza, IT
LAURA CROWN Centerpiece bowl in ceramic, made on the wheel and hand painted. The inside of the crown is entirely hand-painted in platinum, while the outside is in white majolica embe...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Modern Ceramica Gatti 1928 Crown Bowl Basket Handmade Ceramic Gold Colored Gems
Located in Faenza, IT
LAURA CROWN Elegant centerpiece ceramic bowl, made on the lathe and hand painted. The inside and outside of the crown are entirely hand painted in pure gold. The diamond-shaped stone...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Fine Bone China Mug with Organic Shapes and Delicate Watercolor Techniques
By Deborah M. Allen
Located in London, GB
Jenny, 1882 Ltd. with Deborah M Allen. Californian-based artist Deborah M Allen’s love of the water has always influenced her work, which often includes references to carved landscapes and the unexpected organic shapes and colours we prize in nature. The result? Gorgeous contemplations of space, fluidity and light. This collection of fine bone china showcases...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Modern Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Modern Ceramica Gatti 1928 Crown Bowl Basket Handmade Ceramic Gold Black Flowers
Located in Faenza, IT
CARLA CORONA elegant cup or centerpiece in ceramic, forged on the lathe and hand painted. The inside of the crown is entirely painted in pure gold, while the outside is presented in ...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Wheel Thrown Flower Stamped Vase by Jason Fox
Located in Burbank, CA
Wheel Thrown Flower Stamped Buncheong Vase by Jason Fox 6 1/2" x 6 1/2" American Contemporary Ceramic Artist Jason Fox shows his love of Korean Pottery with his take on Bunche...
Category

2010s American Modern Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic, Clay, Pottery, Stoneware

Vase 0025 Grès Roux Chamotté by Marta Dervin
Located in Geneve, CH
Vase 0025 Grès Roux Chamotté by Marta Dervin Dimensions: ø7.5 x H 31-35 cm Materials: Stoneware Marta Dervin works with stoneware and porcelain that she...
Category

2010s French Modern Ceramics

Materials

Stoneware

Italian Contemporary Artistic Ceramic Canopo Vase by Amaaro, 2022
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Italian contemporary "Canopo" serie ceramic vase designed and produced by Amaaro. This vase is directly inspired by the Egyptian canopic jars; i...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Pomegranate Hand Painted Ceramic Starter Set of 2
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Wonderful set of handapainted ceramic starter plates Pomegranate shaped these items are made in Italy and will bring a tropical touch on your table.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Blue Stool by Milan Pekař
Located in Geneve, CH
Blue stool by Milan Pekar Dimensions: W40 x D40 x H42 cm Materials: Glaze, clay Handmade in the Czech Republic Also available: Different colors and ...
Category

2010s Czech Modern Ceramics

Materials

Clay

Hand Painted Monkeys Salt&Pepper Made in Italy Set of 2
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
There are few salt&pepper as finky as these ones. Shaped as monkeys these items are handmade and handpainted in Italy.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Jason Fox Wheel Thrown Ceramic Vase / Flower Bottle
Located in Burbank, CA
Wheel Thrown Ceramic Vase/ Flower Bottle by Jason Fox Part of his Flower Bottle Series, American contemporary ceramic artist Jason Fox borrows inspira...
Category

2010s American Modern Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic, Clay, Porcelain, Pottery, Stoneware

ROSENTHAL Studio Line Wolf Bauer - Porcelain Vase - Germany - Circa 1970's
Located in Chatham, ON
ROSENTHAL Studio Line Wolf Bauer (Designer) - Mid Century gilt and floral decorated vase - signed in the design - Rosenthal stamp to the base - Germany - circa 1970's. Excellent/m...
Category

Late 20th Century German Modern Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Elisabeth Garouste "Vive la vie" Clock in Ceramic Signed Unique piece 2000
Located in Saint Rémy de Provence, FR
Rare Elisabeth Garouste "Vive la vie" ceramic clock signed 2000. Unique piece Certificate of authenticity on request Very good condition, no thread, no scratch signed E.G under the b...
Category

Early 2000s French Modern Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Mini Organic Modern Ceramic Wave Form Vase in Pool Glaze by Forma Rosa Studio
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Wave collection offers playful geometric shapes rooted in primal forms that appeal universally. Our "Mini" version of our iconic Wave form vases is a perfect size to serve as a mu...
Category

2010s Peruvian Modern Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic, Stoneware

Modern Ceramica Gatti 1928 Crown Bowl Basket Handmade Ceramic Gold Colored Gems
Located in Faenza, IT
CORONA DIANA elegant bowl or centerpiece, made on the lathe and hand painted. Inside the crown is completely painted in pure gold, while outside it has a light and bright green colou...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Contemporary Handmade Ceramic Ash Vase XL, Green and White
Located in Brooklyn, NY
One of a kind ceramic ash vase. The vase is comprised of two different clay bodies and is glazed with a coppery green glaze on the top contrasting a speckled matte white bottom. Asse...
Category

2010s American Modern Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic, Clay

Vallauris, France, Modernistic Four-Person Coffee Service in Ceramics
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Vallauris, France. Modernistic four-person coffee service in ceramics consisting of four coffee cups with matching saucers, coffee pot, creamer, sugar bowl and three small plates. ...
Category

1970s French Vintage Modern Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Glazed Ceramic Jar Studio Pottery Karen Karnes
Located in Atlanta, GA
A ceramic (earth ware) lidded jar with glazed surface by American studio potter Karen Karnes (1925-2016). The mark on the jar indicates that the piece was m...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Modern Ceramica Gatti 1928 Crown Bowl Basket Handmade Ceramic Gold Black Flowers
Located in Faenza, IT
CARLA CORONA elegant cup or centerpiece in ceramic, forged on the lathe and hand painted. The inside of the crown is entirely painted in pure gold, while the outside is presented in ...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Off White Stoneware Moon Jar
Located in Geneve, CH
Off White Stoneware Moon Jar Signed and Numbered Dimensions: Diameter 30cm x Height 30cm Materials: Ceramic. Pigment. Technique: Hand-crafted. Freeform. Glazed. Bicci de’ M...
Category

2010s Belgian Modern Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Stoneware Clay milk jug in terracotta colour hand cast in UK
Located in London, GB
The pieces are slip cast in London, made from stoneware in small batches. The hand painted details around the rim of each item in the collection is created by glaze in a complimentar...
Category

2010s English Modern Ceramics

Materials

Cast Stone

Ceramic Table Lamp by Olivia Cognet
Located in Geneve, CH
Ceramic table lamp by Olivia Cognet Materials: Ceramic Dimensions: around 40-50 cm tall Available in different sizes, finishes...
Category

2010s French Modern Ceramics

Materials

Clay

Ceramic Milk Jug
Located in Geneve, CH
Ceramic Milk Jug Dimensions: Diameter 15cm x height 21cm Materials: Ceramic. Anthracite stoneware clay. Pigment. Technique: Hand-crafted. Glazed. Bic...
Category

2010s Belgian Modern Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Eddie Curtis Large Porcelain Celadon Glazed Studio Pottery Bowl
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
An impressive and stylish large Studio Pottery bowl decorated in celadon and shino glazes by renowned British potter Eddie Curtis and made in the 20th cen...
Category

20th Century English Modern Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Sculpture Form No_002 by AOAO
Located in Geneve, CH
Sculpture form no_002 by AOAO Dimensions: W 37 x D 4 x H 47 cm Materials: plaster Color options available upon request. The idea was born after deciding to reconnect with my family and my grandfather – a sculptor artist. Learning to sculpt and being a designer compelled me to combine these two mediums and use their best values. Experimenting with the functionality of sculpture and the meaning of furniture led me to create the collection. Studio AOAO is an interdisciplinary studio combining art and design. It was created by Alicja Strzyzynska and Onur Iseri in Amsterdam in 2020. “We specialise in making sculptural pieces by experimenting with the functionality of sculpture and the meaning of furniture. In our works, we focus on the emotional connection between the object and the user. All of our work seeks the experience of intimacy and the metaphysical bond between personal interaction and meaningful narrative. Through sculptural value and reflective design, we aim to create pieces that last for generations and help reduce environmental waste.” The inspiration to sculpt came from Alicja’s roots, her grandfather – an artist sculptor. Alicja completed Masters of Arts Degree in Product and Visual Communication Design at Warsaw Academy of Fine Arts and finished her bachelor degree in Interior Architecture. Alicja previously worked in Tokyo and Amsterdam in architectural design studios. Onur completed his business studies in Japan and worked in digital design & marketing as well as teaching in Tokyo. The studio’s first collection debuted at Rossana Orlandi Gallery during Milan Design Week 2021. The studio currently collaborates with RO Gallery...
Category

2010s Dutch Modern Ceramics

Materials

Plaster

Amorphia L Vase by Lava Studio Ceramics
Located in Geneve, CH
Amorphia L vase by Lava Studio Ceramics. Unique, 2020 Materials: Glazed stoneware Dimensions: H 17 cm x D 15-17 cm Lava ceramics is a collective studio based in Athens.
Category

2010s Greek Modern Ceramics

Materials

Stoneware

Maria Vessel, Handmade in Portugal
Located in Macieira de Sarnes, PT
Maria vessel in Shiny White Designed by Project 213A in 2020 Handmade Stoneware This vase is inspired by the Greco-Roman period, having a timeless appearance and finished with a contemporary textured shiny glaze. Each piece develops its own distinctive character with shades of black as it goes through the firing process. No two pieces will look alike...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Ceramics

Materials

Stoneware

Pair of Blue Peacocks Sculptures, by Waylande Gregory
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of blue peacocks sculptures, by Waylande Gregory USA, Circa 1950s Each figure of large scale, perched on a plinth base, beautifully modeled and decorated, in blue enamel, with...
Category

20th Century American Modern Ceramics

Materials

Porcelain

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.

Recently Viewed

View All