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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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

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 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

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

Rosenthal Andy Warhol featuring Beethoven Glass Plate

By Rosenthal, Andy Warhol

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

Pair of Historical Porcelain Vases from the Italian Nicasio Collection
Pair of Historical Porcelain Vases from the Italian Nicasio Collection

Pair of Historical Porcelain Vases from the Italian Nicasio Collection

Located in Vero Beach, FL

Pair of Historical Porcelain Vases from the Italian Nicasio Collection. Pair of splendid porcelain vases from the limited edition of the 3000 from the well-known Nicasio Catanese ...

Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Porcelain

Materials

Gold

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

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

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

Pair of Rosenthal Studio Linie Gilt Porcelain No. 23 Cup & Saucers by Otto Piene
Pair of Rosenthal Studio Linie Gilt Porcelain No. 23 Cup & Saucers by Otto Piene

Pair of Rosenthal Studio Linie Gilt Porcelain No. 23 Cup & Saucers by Otto Piene

By Rosenthal

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A pair of fine porcelain cups & saucers. By Rosenthal. In the Künstlertasse Nr. 23 (lit. Artist Cup) pattern designed by Otto Piene. Both cup and saucer are richly gilded and have a multi-faceted, star shaped design. Each marked to the base with Rosenthal's maker's mark / Studio-linie / Germany / Künstlertasse Nr. 23 / Otto Piene / Piene's signature. Simply a wonderful pair Rosenthal cups...

Category

20th Century German Modern Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

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

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

La Menagerie Ottomane Porcelain Dessert Plates - Set of 6

By Bertrando Di Renzo

Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT

One of our best selling collection 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 t...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Dali 1977 Porcelain Dinner Service for 12 "Mermaids, Coral and Ant" n°520/1000
Dali 1977 Porcelain Dinner Service for 12 "Mermaids, Coral and Ant" n°520/1000

Dali 1977 Porcelain Dinner Service for 12 "Mermaids, Coral and Ant" n°520/1000

By Salvador Dalí­

Located in Paris, FR

Salvador Dalí (1904-1989) world-famous Spanish painter, graphic artist, and sculptor of surrealism designed this ceramic edition painted porcelain with 24-karat gold trim, complete dinner service for 12. Limited edition, plates are signed, on the front and back, and inscribed number 520/1000. Porcelain Brand Schirnding Porzellan AG in Bavaria Germany Each piece is decorated with mermaids flanked by red coral, Dali's signatures, and small symbolic depictions of a fisherman, an ant, a snail, a sailboat, a nude maiden, and a bird, with gilded rims, comprising 79 pieces: 12 dinner plates: diameter 24,5 cm 12 dessert plates: diameter 20 cm 12 soup plates: height 4 cm, diameter 23 cm 12 broth cups...

Category

1970s German Vintage Modern Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Set of 8 Memphis Style Pasta & Soup Plates by Bopla Langenthal, 1990s
Set of 8 Memphis Style Pasta & Soup Plates by Bopla Langenthal, 1990s

Set of 8 Memphis Style Pasta & Soup Plates by Bopla Langenthal, 1990s

Located in Bad Säckingen, DE

Vibrant and full of character, this set of eight porcelain pasta and soup plates by Bopla Langenthal captures the playful spirit of the Memphis design movement of the 1980s. Each pla...

Category

1990s Swiss 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

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

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

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

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

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 Jean Lurçat, Sant Vicens

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

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

Contemporary Charger Plate Gold Hand Painted Porcelain Tableware
Contemporary Charger Plate Gold Hand Painted Porcelain Tableware

Contemporary Charger Plate Gold Hand Painted Porcelain Tableware

By Coralla Maiuri

Located in Roma, RM

Handcrafted in Italy from the finest porcelain, this Apollo Bianco charger leads us into a magic world. Shades of blue lapis lazuli evoke the magic of oriental novellas. A fairytale ...

Category

2010s Italian Modern Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Contemporary Modern, Justine Porcelain Coffee Cup & Saucer 100 ml, White & Blue
Contemporary Modern, Justine Porcelain Coffee Cup & Saucer 100 ml, White & Blue

Contemporary Modern, Justine Porcelain Coffee Cup & Saucer 100 ml, White & Blue

By DAY Studio

Located in İstanbul, İstanbul

Justine porcelain pieces are inspired by the ancient Byzantine jewelry. Delicate porcelain transforms cups into timeless design objects by translating pearl and stone details of jewe...

Category

2010s Turkish 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

Le Bois Hand-Painted Ceramic Dinner Plates - Set of 4
Le Bois Hand-Painted Ceramic Dinner Plates - Set of 4

Le Bois Hand-Painted Ceramic Dinner Plates - Set of 4

By Bertrando Di Renzo

Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT

Where Italian craftsmanship meets the beauty of nature. The Le Bois collection features magnificent hand-painted ceramic plates that bring the charm of the outdoors to your table. A ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Porcelain

Materials

Ceramic

Minton England 12 dinner red and gold plates " Chicago" signed
Minton England 12 dinner red and gold plates " Chicago" signed

Minton England 12 dinner red and gold plates " Chicago" signed

By Minton

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Beautiful set of 12 dinner plates in Gold and Red enamel , stamped and marked in red mark ink.

Category

Early 20th Century British Modern Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Danubio Vase by Matteo Thun for Memphis Collection

Danubio Vase by Matteo Thun for Memphis Collection

By Matteo Thun

Located in La Morra, Cuneo

Matteo Thun – mindful of his family’s tradition of use of ceramic materials – wagers on white for a series of porcelain vases turned and shaped by hand, including Danubio (1983), mad...

Category

2010s Italian Modern Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Lladro Porcelain Couple Figurine "Amor Et Desirerium"
Lladro Porcelain Couple Figurine "Amor Et Desirerium"

Lladro Porcelain Couple Figurine "Amor Et Desirerium"

By Lladro, Ernest Massuet

Located in Norwood, NJ

Lladro porcelain sculpture Amor et Desirerium sculpted by Ernest Massuet for Lladro. Translated to Love and Desire, porcelain figure in matte and glazed finish. Two lives merge into ...

Category

Early 2000s Spanish Modern Porcelain

Materials

Ceramic, Porcelain, Wood

La Menagerie Ottomane Dessert Plates - Set of 4
La Menagerie Ottomane Dessert Plates - Set of 4

La Menagerie Ottomane Dessert Plates - Set of 4

By Bertrando Di Renzo

Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT

Discover the fascinating world of exotic animals once hidden within the Sultan’s palaces, often gifted by foreign dignitaries and treasured as symbols of wonder and prestige. La Menagerie Ottomane...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal “Modulation” Porcelain Coffee and Dessert Service
Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal “Modulation” Porcelain Coffee and Dessert Service

Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal “Modulation” Porcelain Coffee and Dessert Service

By Tapio Wirkkala, Rosenthal

Located in Debrecen, HU

An elegant Rosenthal Studio-Line “Modulation” porcelain coffee and dessert service, designed by the celebrated Finnish designer Tapio Wirkkala and produced in Germany in the 1970s by...

Category

1970s German Vintage Modern Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Handmade Decorative Centrepiece Rosone Black White Gold
Handmade Decorative Centrepiece Rosone Black White Gold

Handmade Decorative Centrepiece Rosone Black White Gold

By Fornasetti

Located in MILANO, IT

The art of the table is manifested in this hand-decorated porcelain centrepiece with gold accents: Fornasetti's unmistakable decorative style makes it a true collector's item. Any...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Porcelain

Materials

Ceramic

Contemporary Modern, Justine Porcelain Coffee Cup & Saucer 100 ml, Beige & White
Contemporary Modern, Justine Porcelain Coffee Cup & Saucer 100 ml, Beige & White

Contemporary Modern, Justine Porcelain Coffee Cup & Saucer 100 ml, Beige & White

By DAY Studio

Located in İstanbul, İstanbul

Justine porcelain pieces are inspired by the ancient Byzantine jewelry. Delicate porcelain transforms cups into timeless design objects by translating pearl and stone details of jewe...

Category

2010s Turkish Modern Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Contemporary Modern, Justine Porcelain Cappuccino Cup without handle, Beige
Contemporary Modern, Justine Porcelain Cappuccino Cup without handle, Beige

Contemporary Modern, Justine Porcelain Cappuccino Cup without handle, Beige

By DAY Studio

Located in İstanbul, İstanbul

Justine porcelain pieces are inspired by the ancient Byzantine jewelry. Delicate porcelain transforms cups into timeless design objects by translating pearl and stone details of jewe...

Category

2010s Turkish Modern Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Contemporary Set of 2 Soup Coupe Plates Gold Hand Painted Porcelain Tableware
Contemporary Set of 2 Soup Coupe Plates Gold Hand Painted Porcelain Tableware

Contemporary Set of 2 Soup Coupe Plates Gold Hand Painted Porcelain Tableware

By Coralla Maiuri

Located in Roma, RM

Hand painted in Italy from the finest porcelain, this Dafne soup coupe plate has a narrow pink and blue dotted rim surrounding a broad, delicate golden decor of stylised flowers; sub...

Category

2010s Italian Modern Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Contemporary Set of 2 Dessert Plates Gold Hand Painted Porcelain Tableware
Contemporary Set of 2 Dessert Plates Gold Hand Painted Porcelain Tableware

Contemporary Set of 2 Dessert Plates Gold Hand Painted Porcelain Tableware

By Coralla Maiuri

Located in Roma, RM

Hand painted in Italy from the finest porcelain, this Dafne Dessert Rim Plate has a narrow pink and blue dotted rim surrounding a broad, delicate golden decor of stylised flowers; su...

Category

2010s Italian 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.