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Modern Porcelain

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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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

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Style: Modern
Emilia Castillo “Sol y Luna” Silver & Porcelain Salt and Pepper Set
Emilia Castillo “Sol y Luna” Silver & Porcelain Salt and Pepper Set

Emilia Castillo “Sol y Luna” Silver & Porcelain Salt and Pepper Set

By Emilia Castillo

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A rare and highly collectible set of porcelain and pure silver salt and pepper shakers designed and handcrafted in Taxco, Mexico by renowned artist Emilia Castillo. Part of her celeb...

Category

1990s Mexican Modern Porcelain

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

Fornasetti Theme & Variations Porcelain Plate No. 218 with Original Box
Fornasetti Theme & Variations Porcelain Plate No. 218 with Original Box

Fornasetti Theme & Variations Porcelain Plate No. 218 with Original Box

By Fornasetti

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A fine designer porcelain plate. By Fornasetti. From the Theme & Variations series (Tema e Variazioni) Model no. 218. With a depiction of Lina Cavalliere's face behind fruit (inc...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Fornasetti Dome Plate, Cupola Galleria Di Milano Number 7 in Series
Fornasetti Dome Plate, Cupola Galleria Di Milano Number 7 in Series

Fornasetti Dome Plate, Cupola Galleria Di Milano Number 7 in Series

By Fornasetti

Located in Downingtown, PA

Fornasetti Dome Plate, Cupola Galleria di Milano Number 7 in Series, Dated 2018 Each plate in the series has a different dome of a named and numbered building on the reverse, seen from the inside and below. Dimensions: 9 1/4 inches x 1 inch high. (23.50cm diameter x 2.54cm) The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is Italy's oldest active shopping gallery and a major landmark of Milan in Italy. Housed within a four-story double arcade in the centre of town, the Galleria is named after Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of the Kingdom of Italy. . These plates were originally designed and executed for building contractor Andrea Brenta, Milan, as Christmas presents...

Category

2010s Italian Modern Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Fornasetti Porcelain Themes & Variation Plate, Number 186
Fornasetti Porcelain Themes & Variation Plate, Number 186

Fornasetti Porcelain Themes & Variation Plate, Number 186

By Fornasetti

Located in Downingtown, PA

"Sicilian Surrealism": Fornasetti "Tema e Variazioni" Trinacria Plate, (Face with Three Legs), 1990's A striking and surreal porcelain wall plate from the iconic "Themes & Variatio...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Rosenthal Andy Warhol featuring Beethoven Glass Plate
Rosenthal Andy Warhol featuring Beethoven Glass Plate

Rosenthal Andy Warhol featuring Beethoven Glass Plate

By Andy Warhol, Rosenthal

Located in Waddinxveen, ZH

Rosenthal Glass Plate, featuring Beethoven by Andy Warhol, quite possibly the greatest pop art artist of our time. Shortly before his death in 1987, Warhol created a serie of portr...

Category

1980s German Vintage Modern Porcelain

Materials

Glass, Cut Glass

Costantinopoli by Vito Nesta for Les Ottomans, Set of 6 Dessert Plates #1
Costantinopoli by Vito Nesta for Les Ottomans, Set of 6 Dessert Plates #1

Costantinopoli by Vito Nesta for Les Ottomans, Set of 6 Dessert Plates #1

By Les Ottomans

Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT

Elevate your dessert presentation with our set of 6 porcelain plates from the Costantinopoli collection, designed by the renowned Vito Nesta. Each plate features intricate designs in...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Villeroy & Boch Stella Hotel white Bone China Sugar Bowl with Cover
Villeroy & Boch Stella Hotel white Bone China Sugar Bowl with Cover

Villeroy & Boch Stella Hotel white Bone China Sugar Bowl with Cover

By Villeroy & Boch

Located in Moreno Valley, CA

Villeroy & Boch Stella hotel white bone china sugar bowl with cover by Villeroy & Boch Timeless and modern, the Chic Stella Hotel blanc de chine porcelain collection exemplifies urban elegance. With a sophisticated silhouette composed of pure white, premium bone porcelain, this is perfect both for everyday use or formal gatherings. Redefine elegance with this Villeroy & Boch Stella Hotel 12 oz, 0.35 L. White bone porcelain sugar bowl, featuring a fresh, white color, tts simple silhouette and color creates contrast, allowing your colorful, fresh dishes to become the focal point of any dining area. Use this sugar bowl to serve sugar to sweeten hot beverages and cold drinks. This piece features a traditional form with a royal feel designed to add visual interest to your tabletop presentation. Timeless, contemporary design, perfect for serving sugar table...

Category

20th Century German Modern Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Fornasetti Themes & Variations Plate, Pattern Number 52, Atelier Fornasetti, 19
Fornasetti Themes & Variations Plate, Pattern Number 52, Atelier Fornasetti, 19

Fornasetti Themes & Variations Plate, Pattern Number 52, Atelier Fornasetti, 19

By Fornasetti

Located in Downingtown, PA

Surreal Distortion: Fornasetti "Themes & Variations" Plate #52 (Lina Cavalieri) Circa 1990s A striking and surreal porcelain wall plate from the iconic "Themes & Variations" (Tema e...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

20th Century Bowl - Richard Ginori - Porcelain - Zodiac Series Scorpio
20th Century Bowl - Richard Ginori - Porcelain - Zodiac Series Scorpio

20th Century Bowl - Richard Ginori - Porcelain - Zodiac Series Scorpio

By Richard Ginori

Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant

Elegant porcelain bowl by Richard Ginori, from the renowned Zodiac series, likely dating from the 1980s-1990s. This refined piece is decorated in deep cobalt blue with delicate gold ...

Category

1990s Italian Modern Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Hermès Paris "Africa" porcelain tea or espresso coffee service, France 1997.
Hermès Paris "Africa" porcelain tea or espresso coffee service, France 1997.

Hermès Paris "Africa" porcelain tea or espresso coffee service, France 1997.

By Hermès

Located in Trieste, IT

The collection was created in 1997. A vintage 14 piece set of Hermes Paris designer French porcelain breakfast teacups and saucers in the Africa Yellow and Orange pattern, produced ...

Category

1990s French Modern Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Arzberg, Germany, Chromatics Coffee Set with Mug and Two Plates
Arzberg, Germany, Chromatics Coffee Set with Mug and Two Plates

Arzberg, Germany, Chromatics Coffee Set with Mug and Two Plates

Located in København, Copenhagen

Arzberg, Germany, Chromatics coffee set with a mug and two plates in shades of purple and pink. Late 20th century. Mug measures H 7.5 cm. x D 10.5 cm. including handle Largest pl...

Category

Late 20th Century German Modern Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Topkapi Set of 6 Porcelain Plates Made in Italy
Topkapi Set of 6 Porcelain Plates Made in Italy

Topkapi Set of 6 Porcelain Plates Made in Italy

By Les Ottomans

Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT

The magical atmosphere of the hidden places of the Ottoman Sultans this is what this collection represents Come and join in this mythologigal then uniq...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

20th Century Piero Fornasetti Plates Gilt Porcelain
20th Century Piero Fornasetti Plates Gilt Porcelain

20th Century Piero Fornasetti Plates Gilt Porcelain

By Piero Fornasetti

Located in Epfach, DE

Piero Fornasetti plate, to use as a place plate, dinner plate as well as decoration the plates are in a nice used condition, small abrasions of the gold are not further disturbing bu...

Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Ikat Ceramic Dessert Plates - Set of 6
Ikat Ceramic Dessert Plates - Set of 6

Ikat Ceramic Dessert Plates - Set of 6

By Bertrando Di Renzo

Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT

Ikat patterns are an integral part of our colorful world, celebrating the beauty of this timeless textile technique. Inspired by its rich heritage, we’ve transformed some of our most...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Porcelain

Materials

Ceramic

Fornasetti x Saks Roman Chariot Porcelain, 8 Pcs.
Fornasetti x Saks Roman Chariot Porcelain, 8 Pcs.

Fornasetti x Saks Roman Chariot Porcelain, 8 Pcs.

By Piero Fornasetti, Saks Fifth Avenue

Located in Astoria, NY

Set of Eight Piero Fornasetti for Saks Fifth Avenue Roman Chariot Porcelain Tableware Pieces, comprising: (7) seven coasters and (1) one ashtray, with gilded background, marked "Forn...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Collection of 7 Plates Herend Hungary Porcelain Wall Decoration Ready to Hang
Collection of 7 Plates Herend Hungary Porcelain Wall Decoration Ready to Hang

Collection of 7 Plates Herend Hungary Porcelain Wall Decoration Ready to Hang

By Herend

Located in Nuernberg, DE

Lot of 7 plates hand painted Hungarian porcelain by Herend. Each one ready to hang at a wall. Tallest measures approx. 6 3/4" in diameter, smallest 3 5/8". All marked with Herend H...

Category

Mid-20th Century Hungarian Modern Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Pure Silver & Porcelain Cat Salt and Pepper Set by Emilia Castillo
Pure Silver & Porcelain Cat Salt and Pepper Set by Emilia Castillo

Pure Silver & Porcelain Cat Salt and Pepper Set by Emilia Castillo

By Emilia Castillo

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A whimsical and beautifully crafted pair of porcelain and pure silver salt and pepper shakers designed and handmade in Taxco, Mexico by celebrated artist Emilia Castillo. This charmi...

Category

1980s Mexican Vintage Modern Porcelain

Materials

Silver

Diner Set for 12 Guests "Las Sirenas" by Salvador Dali 1977, N°378/1000
Diner Set for 12 Guests "Las Sirenas" by Salvador Dali 1977, N°378/1000

Diner Set for 12 Guests "Las Sirenas" by Salvador Dali 1977, N°378/1000

By Salvador Dalí­

Located in Paris, FR

This porcelain set was created by Salvador Dalí (1904-1989), a very talented artist and one of the most world-famous surrealist painters. Bavarian high-quality porcelain with gold rim, composed of 108 pièces, this service is for 12 people. Limited edition, numbered 378 / 1000. Manufactor Schirnding Porzellan Ac. Each piece is decorated by mermaids dressed hatted with red coral and surrounded by small charming patterns: a fisherman, ants, a snail-shaped shell, a sailboat, a young girl enjoying the sun, a seagull... Such a delicate sea item...

Category

20th Century German Modern Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Fornasetti "Al Merito" Porcelain Coasters, 7
Fornasetti "Al Merito" Porcelain Coasters, 7

Fornasetti "Al Merito" Porcelain Coasters, 7

By Piero Fornasetti

Located in Astoria, NY

Set of Seven Piero Fornasetti "Al Merito" Porcelain Coasters, with painted embellishments to the lithograph medals, marked "Al Merito / Fornasetti Milano / Made in Italy" to the unde...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Costantinopoli by Vito Nesta for Les Ottomans, Set of 6 Dessert Plates #2
Costantinopoli by Vito Nesta for Les Ottomans, Set of 6 Dessert Plates #2

Costantinopoli by Vito Nesta for Les Ottomans, Set of 6 Dessert Plates #2

By Les Ottomans

Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT

Elevate your dessert presentation with our set of 6 porcelain plates from the Costantinopoli collection, designed by the renowned Vito Nesta. Each plate features intricate designs in...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Under Construction:  Fornasetti's Enigmatic Themes & Variations Plate, No. 200
Under Construction:  Fornasetti's Enigmatic Themes & Variations Plate, No. 200

Under Construction: Fornasetti's Enigmatic Themes & Variations Plate, No. 200

By Fornasetti

Located in Downingtown, PA

Under Construction: Fornasetti's Enigmatic Themes & Variations Plate, No. 200 Immerse yourself in the playful genius of Piero Fornasetti with this iconic porcelain plate, Number 20...

Category

1990s Italian Modern Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Ceramic plates by Jean Lurçat, Sant-Viçens, France, 1950s
Ceramic plates by Jean Lurçat, Sant-Viçens, France, 1950s

Ceramic plates by Jean Lurçat, Sant-Viçens, France, 1950s

By Sant Vicens, Jean Lurçat

Located in Paris, FR

General characteristics: Type of object: Decorative dish or presentation plate. Artist: Jean Lurçat (1892-1966), French artist known for his tapestries, ceramics and posters. Manufa...

Category

20th Century French Modern Porcelain

Materials

Ceramic

Contemporary Set of 2 Coralla's Mugs Gold Hand Painted Porcelain Tableware
Contemporary Set of 2 Coralla's Mugs Gold Hand Painted Porcelain Tableware

Contemporary Set of 2 Coralla's Mugs Gold Hand Painted Porcelain Tableware

By Coralla Maiuri

Located in Roma, RM

Handcrafted in Italy from the finest porcelain, Coralla's mugs are of her own design and a symbol of her work. This Michelangelo Coralla's mug is material and earthy, and like the gr...

Category

2010s Italian Modern Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Set of Six Iconic "Julia" Plates by Fornasetti
Set of Six Iconic "Julia" Plates by Fornasetti

Set of Six Iconic "Julia" Plates by Fornasetti

By Fornasetti

Located in Atlanta, GA

A set of six "Julia" displaying porcelain plates with surrealism designs by Piero Fornasetti, an iconic series from 'Temi e variazioni' (“Themes and Variations”). These plates were m...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Rosenthal Piero Fornasetti Porcelain Plate, Themes and Variations, Motiv 13
Rosenthal Piero Fornasetti Porcelain Plate, Themes and Variations, Motiv 13

Rosenthal Piero Fornasetti Porcelain Plate, Themes and Variations, Motiv 13

By Piero Fornasetti

Located in Downingtown, PA

Rosenthal Piero Fornasetti Porcelain Plate, Themes and Variations, Buttons, Motiv 13, 1980s From a collection of Rosenthal Piero Fornasetti plates that we have in stock. Wonderful rare example of the small range of plates made by Rosenthal in the 1980s from Piero Fornasetti designs. This one depicts the face of Lina Cavalieri as buttons on a military-style jacket. These plates are sometimes called Julia plates...

Category

Late 20th Century German Modern Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Collection 6 Espresso Coffee Cup and Saucer Art Porcelain Rosenthal Studio Line
Collection 6 Espresso Coffee Cup and Saucer Art Porcelain Rosenthal Studio Line

Collection 6 Espresso Coffee Cup and Saucer Art Porcelain Rosenthal Studio Line

By Rosenthal

Located in Nuernberg, DE

Collection of Six Rosenthal Studio Line Art Porcelain Espresso Cups and Saucers, Germany, circa 1980s A beautiful and rare collection of six porcelain espresso cups and saucers from ...

Category

1980s German Vintage Modern Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Modern Art Porcelain Plates, 4
Modern Art Porcelain Plates, 4

Modern Art Porcelain Plates, 4

By Jean Cocteau, Fornasetti, Limoges

Located in Astoria, NY

Group of Four Modern Art Porcelain Plates, comprising: set of three Jean Cocteau limoges portrait dishes, marked "Limoges / France" to the underside and Fornasetti "Zodiacus" circula...

Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

La Menagerie Ottoman Porcelain Dessert Plates - Set of 6
La Menagerie Ottoman Porcelain Dessert Plates - Set of 6

La Menagerie Ottoman Porcelain Dessert Plates - Set of 6

By Bertrando Di Renzo

Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT

One of our best selling collections is now available in a set of 6 for your desserts. Inspired by the wonderful world of the Ottoman Empire and the exotic animals that were living in...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Ott Another Paradigmatic Handmade Ceramic Cup by Studio Yoon Seok-Hyeon
Ott Another Paradigmatic Handmade Ceramic Cup by Studio Yoon Seok-Hyeon

Ott Another Paradigmatic Handmade Ceramic Cup by Studio Yoon Seok-Hyeon

Located in Geneve, CH

Ott another paradigmatic handmade ceramic cup by Studio Yoon Seok-hyeon Dimensions: W 10 x H 9 cm Materials: Ott(Natural resin from Ott tree), porcelain 250g It is available to...

Category

2010s Dutch Modern Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Set of 3 Vase, Vessel, & Bowl in Dark Grey Porcelain by Lisa Fleming
Set of 3 Vase, Vessel, & Bowl in Dark Grey Porcelain by Lisa Fleming

Set of 3 Vase, Vessel, & Bowl in Dark Grey Porcelain by Lisa Fleming

Located in Geneve, CH

Set of 3 Vase, Vessel, & Bowl in Dark Grey Porcelain by Lisa Fleming One Of a Kind Dimensions: Tall vase form: D 7 x W 7 x H 15,9 cm. Pedestal vessel with rounded foot: D 14 x W 14 x...

Category

2010s Mexican Modern Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Bjørn Wiinblad for Rosenthal, Christmas plate with a biblical motif. 1973
Bjørn Wiinblad for Rosenthal, Christmas plate with a biblical motif. 1973

Bjørn Wiinblad for Rosenthal, Christmas plate with a biblical motif. 1973

Located in København, Copenhagen

Bjørn Wiinblad for Rosenthal, Christmas plate with a biblical motif. 1973 - "Heilige 3 Könige Melchior". (Holy Three Kings) Marked. In perfect condition. Dimensions: Diameter 28.5 cm.

Category

1970s German Vintage Modern Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Rosenthal Andy Warhol Marilyn Monroe Glass Plate
Rosenthal Andy Warhol Marilyn Monroe Glass Plate

Rosenthal Andy Warhol Marilyn Monroe Glass Plate

By Andy Warhol, Rosenthal

Located in Waddinxveen, ZH

Rosenthal Glass Plate, featuring Marilyn Monroe by Andy Warhol, quite possibly the greatest pop art artist of our time. Maker: Rosenthal Andy Warhol. Rosenthal mark: left on the b...

Category

1980s German Vintage Modern Porcelain

Materials

Glass, Cut Glass

Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal Studio-line. SIx demitasse cups with saucers
Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal Studio-line. SIx demitasse cups with saucers

Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal Studio-line. SIx demitasse cups with saucers

Located in København, Copenhagen

Tapio Wirkkala (1915-1985) for Rosenthal Studio-linie. A set of six demitasse cups with saucers. Modernist retro design. 1980’s. Marked. Perfect condition. Cup: Height 7.0 cm x Diam...

Category

1980s German Vintage Modern Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Bjørn Wiinblad for Rosenthal, Christmas plate with a biblical motif. 1972
Bjørn Wiinblad for Rosenthal, Christmas plate with a biblical motif. 1972

Bjørn Wiinblad for Rosenthal, Christmas plate with a biblical motif. 1972

Located in København, Copenhagen

Bjørn Wiinblad for Rosenthal, Christmas plate with a biblical motif. 1972 - "Holy King Caspar". Marked. In perfect condition. Dimensions: Diameter 28.5 cm.

Category

1970s German Vintage Modern Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Fornasetti Surrealist Themes & Variations Plate, #18, Fornasetti, "Circles"
Fornasetti Surrealist Themes & Variations Plate, #18, Fornasetti, "Circles"

Fornasetti Surrealist Themes & Variations Plate, #18, Fornasetti, "Circles"

By Fornasetti

Located in Downingtown, PA

Fornasetti Porcelain Themes & Variation Plate, #18, Circles, Atelier Fornasetti The Fornasetti porcelain plate in the Themes & Variation pattern depicts a depiction of the ...

Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Bjørn Wiinblad for Rosenthal, Christmas Plate in Porcelain from 1989
Bjørn Wiinblad for Rosenthal, Christmas Plate in Porcelain from 1989

Bjørn Wiinblad for Rosenthal, Christmas Plate in Porcelain from 1989

Located in København, Copenhagen

Bjørn Wiinblad for Rosenthal. Christmas plate in porcelain from 1989. In good condition. Signed. Diameter: 27 cm. Limited edition.

Category

1980s German Vintage Modern Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Modern porcelain for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Modern porcelain 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 porcelain created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with ceramic, porcelain and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Modern porcelain made in a specific country, there are Europe, Asia, and East Asia pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original porcelain, popular names associated with this style include 1616 / Arita Japan, Maharam, Scholten & Baijings, and Fornasetti. 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 porcelain differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $19 and tops out at $4,750 while the average work can sell for $383.