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Mid-Century Modern Pottery

MID-CENTURY MODERN STYLE

Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. The style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, is characterized by pieces that were conceived and made in an energetic, optimistic spirit by creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living.

ORIGINS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW

ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS

VINTAGE MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS

The mid-century modern era saw leagues of postwar American architects and designers animated by new ideas and new technology. The lean, functionalist International-style architecture of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus eminences Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius had been promoted in the United States during the 1930s by Philip Johnson and others. New building techniques, such as “post-and-beam” construction, allowed the International-style schemes to be realized on a small scale in open-plan houses with long walls of glass.

Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century modern furniture designs. Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen, who had experimented extensively with molded plywood, eagerly embraced fiberglass for pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair, respectively. 

Architect, writer and designer George Nelson created with his team shades for the Bubble lamp using a new translucent polymer skin and, as design director at Herman Miller, recruited the Eameses, Alexander Girard and others for projects at the legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer

Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi devised chairs and tables built of wire mesh and wire struts. Materials were repurposed too: The Danish-born designer Jens Risom created a line of chairs using surplus parachute straps for webbed seats and backrests.

The Risom lounge chair was among the first pieces of furniture commissioned and produced by legendary manufacturer Knoll, a chief influencer in the rise of modern design in the United States, thanks to the work of Florence Knoll, the pioneering architect and designer who made the firm a leader in its field. The seating that Knoll created for office spaces — as well as pieces designed by Florence initially for commercial clients — soon became desirable for the home.

As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century furniture designers caught the spirit.

Classically oriented creators such as Edward Wormley, house designer for Dunbar Inc., offered such pieces as the sinuous Listen to Me chaise; the British expatriate T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings switched gears, creating items such as the tiered, biomorphic Mesa table. There were Young Turks such as Paul McCobb, who designed holistic groups of sleek, blond wood furniture, and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in minimalist teak dining tables and lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.

As the collection of vintage mid-century modern chairs, dressers, coffee tables and other furniture for the living room, dining room, bedroom and elsewhere on 1stDibs demonstrates, this period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.

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Style: Mid-Century Modern
Color:  Black
Bay Keramik Mid-Century West German Floral Design Art Pottery Vase
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A stylish mid-century West German art pottery vase with relief molded floral designs by Bay Keramik. The vase stands on a narrow rounded unglaz...
Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Pottery

Vintage Pottery Bowl And Ice Bucket by Inge-Lise Koefoed For Aluminia of Denmark
Located in Søborg, DK
Vintage pottery bowl and ice bucket from the series Tenera by Inge-Lise Koefoed for Aluminia of Denmark. In great vintage condition with no crac...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Pottery

1930s Susie Cooper Modern Grape Leaves and Grapes Pattern Breakfast Set, England
Located in Miami, FL
Susie Copper's 1930s Breakfast / Luncheon set of 8 Demitasse cups / saucers and 12 plates in blue background and white hand painted underglaze decoration of Grape Leaves and Grapes. ...
Category

1930s English Vintage Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Ceramic, Pottery

Polia Pillin Signed Mid-Century Modern California Studio Pottery Yunomi Tea Cup
Located in Studio City, CA
A wonderful, whimsical diminutive Yunomi tea cup by famed Polish-American master potter/artist Polia Pillin featuring a deep, rich cobalt blue glaze with streaks of green swirling ar...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Ceramic, Pottery

1950s Fabulous Design Green Pineapple Pina Pottery Jar & Cups Handmade Mexico
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1950s Fabulous design dark green glaze pineapple pina pottery jar & four cups Vintage Mexico Measures: 9.5 tall x 12 diameter Cup 2.5 tall x 2.5 diameter x 3.5 depth Handmade Mexi...
Category

1950s Mexican Vintage Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Pottery

Midcentury Charles and Alice Smith California Pottery Tea Cups, Set of 3
Located in Vallejo, CA
A set of 3 mid century studio teacups from the 1940s-50s by husband and wife ceramicists, Charles and Alice Smith of California. Great abstract...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Pottery

David Cressey Pro/Artisan Charcoal Glazed Bowl Planter
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ceramic planter from David Cressey's Pro/Artisan collection for Architectural Pottery. The 4066 pedestal bowl planter has a wide belly that tapers at the base with a charcoal glazed ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Clay, Pottery

1991 Harding Black Pottery Piranha Fish Bowl
Located in Seguin, TX
Mid century fish design pottery bowl in orange, purple and green, 1991 by Harding Black (1912-2004) Texas. Signed and dated on bottom. Black bec...
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Pottery

Price Kensington Mid-Century Green Glazed Pottery Seahorse Jug
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A stylish legacy from the mid-century era is this delightful jug modelled as a seahorse decorated in green glazes and by English makers Price Kensington...
Category

Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Earthenware

Eric Leaper Newlyn Studio Pottery Orange Glazed Tray or Shallow Dish
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A stylish studio pottery tray or shallow dish decorated in bright orange glazes by Eric Leaper, Newlyn and dating from around 1960. The pottery tray is of ...
Category

Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Pottery

Ed Langbein Mid-Century Modern Hand Painted Italian Hilltop Village Plate
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Mid-Century Modern pottery plates, designed and hand-painted by the American industrial designer Ed E. Langbein, and manufactured in Italy, circa 1930-1950. Offered individually, ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Pottery

Set of 4 Dutch Mid Century Studio Pottery Goblets
Located in Tilburg, NL
Set of 4 Dutch mid century Studio pottery Goblets. The Netherlands, mid 20th century. Wonderful set of 4 studio pottery goblets made in the Netherla...
Category

Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Pottery, Stoneware

Cortendorf Bavarian Pair Mid-Century Novelty Pottery Cat Musician Figures
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A delightful pair mid-century German novelty pottery cat musician figures made by Cortendorf in Bavaria. The cats stand on rounded bases with one playing a s...
Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Pottery

Pottery Coffee Set with Matching Cups by Martz
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
An elegant coffee or tea set by Marshall Studios/Martz consisting of a large coffee pot with leather holder and four matching cups. Beautiful dark brown/almost black glaze, handmade....
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Ceramic

Collection of Vases
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A set of five decorated and glazed vases with exceptional color and texture. Sizes vary from 3 -4.5 in diameter x 5-10.5 high.
Category

20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Pottery

Bofa Keramik, Miniature Pitchers, Glazed Ceramic Cane, Bornholm, Denmark, 1960
Located in High Point, NC
Bofa Keramik, Miniature Pitchers, Bornholm, Denmark, 1960s. One with paper label, other dated 1960. Stated dimensions of taller example. Other ...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Cane, Stoneware

Midcentury Brutalist Ceramic Bowl by Drejargruppen for Rörstrand Sweden
Located in Albano Laziale, Rome/Lazio
Large and heavy set ceramic bowl in typical design for Drejargruppen. Marked R, Drejargruppen 1973 in the bottom as well as having the original sticker from Rörstrand. In excellent c...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Ceramic

Italian Geometric Design Ceramic Vase
Located in Denton, TX
Modernist Italian vase with a mottled glaze over the geometric design.
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Pottery

Guy Sydenham Large English Poole Studio Pottery Atlantis Vase
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A large and scarce mid-century English Poole Pottery studio vase from the Atlantis range by Guy Sydenham (1916-2005). The vase stands on a narrow rounded unglazed foot with a recesse...
Category

Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Pottery

George West Studio Pottery Black Glazed Seated Child Sculpture Dated 1969
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A charming vintage studio pottery black glazed sculpture of a seated child by George West and dated 1969. The figure is hand modelled in red clay and is he...
Category

1960s British Vintage Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Terracotta

Marcel Vertès Ceramic Plate Tete De Femme, Signed, Edit 8/100, Vallauris, 1950s
Located in Aramits, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Large glazed ceramic plate 'Tete de Femme' created by Marcel Vertès for Tapis Vert, Vallauris, France, in the 1950s. Signed 'Vertes' and numbered 8 of 100. The inner circle with fac...
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Ceramic

Marcello Fantoni Bowl Decorated with a Still Life of Italian Vases
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Marcello Fantoni bowl decorated with a still life of Italian vases Decorated with rich applied enamel, signed on the front lower right and on the ...
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Pottery

Glazed Ceramic Kitchen Accessories, Wall Hanging Salt Box, Salt Shaker and Vase
Located in Barcelona, ES
Set of glazed ceramic radish salt wall container, vase & pink onion salt shaker Beautiful set of Majolica ceramic radishes wall salt container and vase and ...
Category

20th Century Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Ceramic, Majolica

Large Glazed Stoneware Vase by Stig Lindberg, Scandinavian Pottery, 1960s
Located in Zagreb, HR
Stunning and very rare large size glazed stoneware vase by Stig Lindberg Produced by Gustavsberg, Sweden 1960s Glaze in beautiful yellow to brown color and with traces of viole...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Stoneware

Gianni Tosin Lava & Blue Glaze Italian Mid-Century Modern Pottery Vase
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fantastic Italian modernist pottery vase by Gianni Tosin. With Gambone style mottled blue glaze and raised cream colored 'lava' decoration. Stamped I...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Pottery

Guido Gambone 1950s Charger, Italy
Located in Pymble, NSW
A large deep charger by Guido Gambone from the late 1950s with a purple/brown glaze. Decorated with a central medallion of a head in profile and shell like reserves around the ground...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Pottery

Large French Midcentury Black Matte and Glazed Green Ceramic Bowl Signed
Located in Miami, FL
Stunning very large French mid-century black matte and glazed green ceramic bowl, signed. This mid-century ceramic piece features magnificent colors of various shades of glazed green...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Ceramic

Mid-Century Modern Black & Blue American Raku Vase, Vessel Studio Art Pottery
Located in Miami, FL
American Raku Mid-Century Modern inside glazed handcrafted blue and black vase, or vessel. The Studio Art Pottery is two textured with spikes on t...
Category

1980s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Clay, Pottery

Trude Carstens Ceramic Vase, West Germany, circa 1960
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
An unusual and beautiful lava style glazed ceramic vase by Trude Carstens. A note about the potter: "In 1892 brothers Christian Hinrich Carstens and Ernst Carstens opened a ceramics...
Category

1960s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Ceramic

Set of 3 Mid-Century Modern "West-Germany" Ceramic Vases, European Design, 1950s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Trio of West German ceramic vases made in Europe in the 1950s. This set of 3 comes with free shipping to certain countries. The term "West Germany" on German pottery is not a brand description but actually the place of origin. In the 50's it was common to mark the pottery with the country name...
Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Ceramic

French Ceramic Vase with Handles from Quimper, France by Keraluc Pottery Studio
Located in Miami, FL
Dazzling glazed ceramic vase, the primary pale yellow and the floral designs are truly eye catching. Made in Quimper, France by Keraluc Pottery Studio. It can enhance any shelf, ta...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Ceramic

Scandinavian 'Naive Dreamscape' Pottery Dish or Wall Plaque, 1960s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Vibrant and glossy in color palet this pottery wall plaque depicts a girl or woman lying in bed surrounded by naive dreamscape. It is executed in Scandina...
Category

1960s Scandinavian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Pottery

Large Abstract Studio Art Pottery Charger
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A large Abstract Studio Art Pottery charger, unmarked, attributed to Poole Pottery U.K. Decorated in attractive an abstract spiral pattern i...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Pottery

1960s by Angelo Mangiarotti for Brambilla Design Pottery Ashtray
Located in Brescia, IT
Blue pottery ashtray Perfect condition.
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Pottery

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Glazed Ceramic Candleholders, Vallauris
Located in Miami, FL
Very decorative pair of vintage candleholders from the 1950s. Originating from one of France's best known pottery making villages, Vallauris in the French Riviera. Materials: ceramic...
Category

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Faience, Ceramic

Pol Chambost 1950s French Pottery Bowl
Located in New York, NY
An original 1960s pale pink and black striped glossy glazed bowl by famed French ceramicist, Pol Chambost. Signed. The inner bowl is a mottled pale pink. The top shape is either a he...
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Ceramic

1980s Bruno Contenotte Italian Pottery Abstract Art Ceramic Sculpture
Located in Brescia, IT
Silver, gold and black ceramic. 1983, Bruno Contenotte Perfect condition Measure: H 24 cm.
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Pottery

Agnete Hoy Grey & Black Slip Glazed Large Shallow Studio Pottery Dish
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A fine large vintage studio pottery shallow pottery bowl decorated grey and black slip glazes by Angete Hoy (2014-2000) dat believe to date from the 1950's. The bowl is made from a r...
Category

Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Pottery

A. Martin Vallauris French Provençal Palissy Trompe L’oeil Vegetable Wall Plate
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A rarely seen Palissy style Provençal Majolica trompe l’oeil wall plate made by the potter A. Martin, from Vallauris, Cote d’Azur, France, Mid-Century Modern Era, circa 1950s. A he...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Ceramic

Group of Malcolm Wright Art Pottery
By Malcolm Wright 1
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Group of Malcolm Wright pottery including two covered bowls and an oversized charger. All monogram signed on the unglazed bases. All in black and brown glaze and decorated with leaf motifs. The charger with a scalloped rim. Measurements: Smaller lidded bowl 9.75 inches wide and 6.5 inches high, and larger covered bowl...
Category

20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Pottery

Large Midcentury Pottery Bear, Attributed to Tony Evans
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Large midcentury pottery bear, Attributed to Tony Evans, Well modeled strutting bear. Unmarked.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Pottery

Unusual Quality Glazed Art Pottery Monkey Holding a Vase, 20th Century
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
An unusual and exceptionally well modeled studio glazed art pottery figure of a seated monkey holding a vase believed to date from the early to mid-20th...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Pottery

Vallauris French Midcentury Flower Vase Multicolored Fat Lava Style
Located in Miami, FL
This dazzling fat lava, glazed ceramic vase with multiple colors was handcrafted in Vallauris, France during the 1950s or 1960s. The primary blue, red, wh...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Ceramic, Pottery

Studio Del Campo Enamel Italian, 1960s Bowl
Located in New York, NY
A 1960s handmade enamel over copper with an abstract design in colors of black, and olive and teal green. Signed.
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Copper, Enamel

Vintage Modernist Black Ceramic Bird Form Sculpture Mid-Century Abstract Dove
Located in Hyattsville, MD
A glazed ceramic dove form sculpture by Quebec artists Guy Simoneau and Christiane Paquin.
Category

1980s Canadian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Pottery

A.Martin Vallauris French Provençal Palissy Trompe L’oeil Vegetable Wall Plate
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A rarely seen Palissy style Provençal majolica trompe l’oeil wall plate made by the potter A. Martin, from Vallauris, Cote d’Azur, France, Mid-Century Modern Era, circa 1950s. A he...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Ceramic

Italian Ceramic Art Platter by Eugenio Pattarino
Located in Atlanta, GA
An Italian art pottery charger by Professor Eugenio Pattarino circa 1950s. The platter can services as a large centrepiece and it features a thick and contrasting glaze with mottled ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Pottery

Joseph David Broudo Massive Stoneware Abstract Expressionist Boulder Vessel
By J. David Broudo
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Large-scale stoneware vessel created by Massachusetts ceramist, Joseph David Broudo. Piece has an amazing abstract glaze with scrafitto texture, re...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Stoneware

Pablo Picasso, Scène De Tauromachie Dish 'A. R. 412'
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Terre de faïence dish 1959 numbered 52/100 and incised 'Empreinte Originale de Picasso' & 'Madoura' stamps. The dish is centrally decorated with a scene comprising of a matador br...
Category

1950s European Vintage Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Pottery

Ceramic Vase by Mancioli, Italy, circa 1960s
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
An unusual black and white ceramic vase, hand-painted by Mancioli, Italy, circa 1960s.
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Group of Seven Handcrafted Pottery Vases
By Various Ceramic Factories
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
Group of seven handcrafted pottery vases, produced by different artists-craftsmen in various shapes and finishes, in the 1970s-1980s, mostly North Ameri...
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Pottery

Rare Ceramic Jar in Crackle Glaze Technique
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
This ceramic jar is manufactured using crackle glaze technique, the jar have two colors and different size of crackles, unknown designer and unknown date of manufacture.
Category

1970s Unknown Vintage Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Ceramic

Marianna von Allesch Mid-Century Modern Abstract Studio Pottery
Located in Buffalo, NY
Large biomorphic ceramic by noted artist Marianna von Allesch. Incised abstract design with pewter glaze. Signed on lower rear.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Pottery

Zaccagnini Pharaoh's Head Italy, circa 1955
Located in Pymble, NSW
A brilliant Pharaoh's head with bright metallic glazes of silver and gold mounted on a black finished wooden base. Marked with a 'Z' on the base. Of large size this is an imposing de...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Pottery

Ceramic Leaf By Christian Schollert
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
An interesting ceramic bowl, shaped like a leaf by a Danish potter, Christian Schollert, ca' 1960's. Signed on the bottom. Tiny chip underneath, otherwise in good condition-see pics.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Modern Black White Coffee Set Bennington Potteries of Vermont David Gil 1960s
By Bennington Potters, David Sil Bennington, David Gil
Located in Miami, FL
Designed by David Gil (1922-2002) for his company Bennington Potters of Vermont, a set of 8 Matte black cups #1760 and saucers #1627 and Matte white sugar #1769 and creamer #1768. Th...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Pottery

Unique Midcentury Fat Lava Studio Bowl by Charles Cart, 1960s
Located in Miami, FL
The distinctive glaze on this stunning bowl was developed by Charles Cart the founder of the Le Cyclope Pottery brand in Annecy-le-Vieux in the Haute S...
Category

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Pottery

Monumental Ceramic Vase by Nick Trotski
Located in Westport, CT
Extra large modernist ceramic Vase signed Nick Trotski, wonderful work. Decorated both sides.
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Ceramic, Pottery

Mid-century Modern pottery for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Mid-Century Modern pottery 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 pottery 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, pottery and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Mid-Century Modern pottery made in a specific country, there are Europe, North America, and United States pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original pottery, popular names associated with this style include Bitossi, Aldo Londi, Scheurich Keramik, and Marcello Fantoni. 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 pottery differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $78 and tops out at $29,941 while the average work can sell for $726.

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