The International Style, a modernist movement within architecture and furniture design that was given its name by American architect Philip Johnson and historian Henry-Russell Hitchcock, was born during the 1920s and ’30s. It gained steam initially in Europe and then in the United States as a response to the first World War. Building projects associated with the movement, as well as vintage International Style chairs, tables and other furnishings, are minimal and pared back.
Pioneers of the International Style — architect Walter Gropius and his Bauhaus colleagues Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Marcel Breuer, De Stijl advocate and Dutch architect J.J.P. Oud and visionary designer Le Corbusier — stripped away decorative elements and placed considerable value on functionality and clean lines, integrating the use of industrial materials like steel, concrete and large sheets of glass in their work. Quite aptly, this mode of design and architectural style coincided with an era now known as the Machine Age and became a global symbol of modernism. The primary motive of its practitioners was to address the changing needs of a rapidly industrializing society, especially the demand for office complexes and apartments in large cities, through economical, technologically advanced, yet aesthetically pleasing designs for furniture and buildings.
“Space and light and order. Those are the things that men need just as much as they need bread or a place to sleep,” said Le Corbusier of the philosophy behind his practical modernist architecture.
The International Style’s designers and architects were inspired by the advantages afforded them by the era’s new technology and industrial machinery as well as state-of-the-art materials. Le Corbusier was fond of framing his buildings in steel but reinforced concrete made far more economic sense. He is probably most admired for the iconic private homes and commercial buildings that he designed or codesigned with his cousin Pierre Jeanneret, which are spread across the world, from New York City to Paris to Chandigarh, India. Today, Breuer’s Wassily Lounge chair; the elegant LC series created by Le Corbusier, Jeanneret and Charlotte Perriand; and Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona chair, crafted with his romantic partner, designer Lilly Reich, are emblems of progressive modernist design and all make prominent use of tubular steel. Vintage originals are the prized cornerstone of collections.
“The International Style is probably the first fundamentally original and widely distributed style since the Gothic,” posited Johnson in the book that accompanied “Modern Architecture: International Exhibition,” an architectural show he cocurated with Hitchcock that featured the work of Frank Lloyd Wright, Le Corbusier, Richard Neutra and others. While the term “International Style” had previously been circulating in Europe, when the show opened at the Museum of Modern Art in 1932, it yielded a much broader application of this important style of design.
Find International Style furniture on 1stDibs.
Portuguese Topazio Cazenovia Silverplate Salt Cellar with Spoon
By Topazio
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A vintage four-piece salt cellar from Topazio Cazenovia Abroad, Portugal, circa 1980s. In silver plate with a raised grape leaf motif, the set includes the outer cage, a glass inser...
Silver Plate
Spode Fleur de Lys Red & Gold Bone China Fluted Chelsea Tea Pot
By Spode
Located in Philadelphia, PA
From Spode, England, a Fleur De Lys-Red Tea Pot in the fluted Chelsea shape. The Fleur de Lys pattern was introduced in 1961 and remained active until 1994, now discontinued. A bone china tea pot...
Ceramic
Spode Fleur de Lys Red & Gold Bone China Fluted Chelsea Coffee Pot
By Spode
Located in Philadelphia, PA
From Spode, England, a Fleur De Lys-Red Coffee Pot in the fluted Chelsea shape. The Fleur de Lys pattern was introduced in 1961 and remained active until 1994, now discontinued. A bone china coffee...
Ceramic
Very Fine Pewter Ecuelle or Lidded Porringer, 18th Century
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
Very fine Pewter Ecuelle or lidded porringer, 18th century, continental, possibly swiss or north eastern France. Profusely decorated lid with stylized fruits and flowers, scroll shap...
Pewter
2 Porsgrund Serving Dishes “Bogstad Straw” patern close to Royal Copenhagen
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A LOT OF 2 PORSGRUND SERVING DISHES “Bogstad Straw” patern close to Royal Copenhagen Norway, green printed marks, early 20th century. Includes; An Oval Reticulated Basket. 10" in....
Porcelain
Staffordshire Crownford China Blue Calico Gravy Boat & Underplate
By Crownford China Company
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A Blue Calico transfer printed gravy boat and underplate, Staffordshire, England, circa 1940 – 1960s. Crownford China Co. was a New York-based importer and distributor that marketed Staffordshire transferware china...
Ceramic
Carl Auböck Bottle Opener, Austria, 1950s — Woven Bast Handle, Stainless Steel
Located in Vienna, AT
A classic mid-century bottle opener from the Carl Auböck workshop, crafted in the 1950s. The handle is tightly wrapped in natural bast, giving the piece its unmistakable tactile warm...
Stainless Steel
Matched Royal Copenhagen & Porsgrund Three Piece Tea Set and Saucer
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A Matched Royal Copenhagen & Porsgrund three piece tea set and saucer. Early 20th century. The set consists of a porsgrund teapot with lid porsgrund creamer and royal copenhagen fluted sugar bowl with a matched (porsgrund?) lid and royal copenhagen saucer...
Porcelain
Mid-Century Modern Wall Hanging Knife Set in Brazilian Rosewood, 1960s
Located in Deland, FL
Eye-catching cutlery as art! The set of six knives are constructed with rosewood handles wrapping stainless metal blades made in Japan. The case for the knives can stow in your drawer or better yet mount on your wall for display with it's original wall mounting design. This rare set is often attributed to Danish Modern construction in keeping with the materials and design elements of the knife handles...
Rosewood
Salt mill and pepper grinder set in walnut wood from the SoShiro Pok collection
Appetizer and bread wooden serving tray from the SoShiro Pok collection
By SoShiro
Located in London, GB
The bread board is an organically shaped wooden tray carved from one solid piece of walnut wood. It is beautifully sized with a crumb catcher and a small...
Hardwood, Walnut, Beads
Wooden Salt mill in beech wood from the SoShiro Pok collection
Archimede Seguso Murano glass "Ad Agnelli" with gold 1950 set Jar and 6 cups.
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible set of Archimede Seguso Murano glass set of Jar and 6 tall cups in Äd Agnelli" serie circa 1950.
Murano Glass
Carafe and set of glasses on a beech wooden tray from SoShiro Pok collection
By SoShiro
Located in London, GB
The wine service set is comprised of an organically shaped hand-blown borosilicate glass wine decanter and two glasses that nestle into a slender linear solid beech wood tray complet...
Ceramic, Blown Glass, Hardwood, Beech
Wooden pepper grinder in walnut wood from the SoShiro Pok collection
By SoShiro
Located in London, GB
The SoShiro Pok collection pepper grinder is crafted from walnut wood, embedded with glass pearl beads, and fitted with all-ceramic, non-oxidizing or corroding grinding mechanisms of...
Ceramic, Hardwood, Walnut, Beads
$6,057 / set
H 1.97 in W 4.34 in D 3.35 in
Set of Four Salt Cellars Royal Copenhagen ‘Flora Danica’ Porcelain
Located in London, GB
Set of Four Salt Cellars Royal Copenhagen ‘Flora Danica’ Porcelain Denmark, Late 20th Century Model no. 20/3557 Height 5 cm, Width 11 cm, Depth 8.5 cm Produced by Royal Copenhagen...
Porcelain
Wedgewood Gravy Boat
By Wedgewood
Located in Lyndhurst, NJ
Of typical form signed and embossed on the bottom. Fine condition
Porcelain
Spode Blue Italian 81 Piece Dinner Set
By Spode
Located in Montreal, Quebec
81 pieces crafted using fine earthenware porcelain make up this classic collection by Spode. The Blue Italian design depicts a scene in the Italian countryside with natural elements ...
Earthenware, Porcelain
Sterling Silver Viking Longship Salt Cellar w/ Spoon
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This captivating sterling silver Viking longship salt cellar is both a decorative showpiece and a functional table accessory. Designed in the form of a traditional Norse vessel, it f...
Sterling Silver
Louis Comfort Tiffany LCT Gold Favrile Art Glass Open Salt Cellar Set
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This set of four art glass open salt cellars were made by the iconic American glass maker Louis Comfort Tiffany in circa 1890 in the period Victorian ...
Art Glass
$350 / set
H 0.5 in W 12 in D 12 in
Vintage Hopeakeskus Oy Finland Modern Silver Plated Serving Plate Dishes - 3 Pc
By Hopeakeskus OY
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Hopeakeskus Oy Finland Modern Graduating Silver Plated Serving Plate Dishes - Set of 3. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 0.5"H (all approximately) x Diameter: 7.25", 10"...
Silver Plate
Blue & White Royal Copenhagen Denmark Part Dinner Set With Serving Pieces
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Discover the timeless beauty of a blue and white Royal Copenhagen Denmark part dinner set, complete with exquisite serving pieces. This remarkable collection encapsulates the essence of classic elegance and danish craftsmanship, ensuring an unforgettable dining experience. The part dinner set features a carefully selected assortment of essential pieces designed to cater to your entertaining needs. From dinner plates that provide a stunning backdrop for your culinary creations to complementing salad plates that add a touch of grace, every element of this collection is meticulously crafted. Enhancing your dining experience, the set includes an array of serving pieces that elevate the art of hospitality. Serve delectable main courses and side dishes with the elegant designed serving platters, while the covered serving bowls ensure your food stays warm and enticing. Additionally, the charming gravy boat and saucer add a touch of refinement to your dining presentation. Including 2 medium tureens, two gravy boat ( one with handle , one without ) footed serving piece, coffee tray, creamer, tea pot, coffee pot, water pitcher, two wine pitcher, sugar pot, 7 expresso cup, 4 large coffee cups,10 two handle cups,2 round serving platter, 10 lunch / dinner plates, 18 butter plates, 15 cake plates, 10 first course big plate, 9 second course medium plate, 8 first course medium plate, 8 salad plates, 6 olives little plates , 5 small...
Porcelain, Paint
Antique Chinese Cloisonné Salt Cellar and Pepper Shaker Sets
Located in New York, NY
Antique Chinese enamel on copper cloisonné salts and pepper shaker sets. There are 12 pieces in total. 6 salt cellars, and 6 matching pepper shakers. Colors include blue, dark green, red, black , and light green. The light green salt...
Copper
Vintage Victorian Silver Plated Trophy Cup Sauce Gravy Boat with Handle
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Victorian Silver Plated Trophy Cup Sauce Gravy Boat with Handle. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 4" H x 8" W x 3.5" D.
Silver Plate
$699 / set
H 1.25 in W 7.38 in D 2.75 in
Antique Russian Tsarist .888 Silver Serving Spoon & Open Salt Cellar & Spoon Set
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This pairing consists of an antique Tsarist Russian serving spoon with a fitted case and an antique Tsarist Russian open salt cellar and spoon with its original cardboard box. The sp...
Silver
Antique Georgian Sterling Silver Ladle, 18th Century
Located in NEWARK, GB
An attractive Georgian sterling silver ladle. It has a deep round bowl with a bright cut engraved handle. Large clear hallmarks to the reverse with a rat tail end pattern. N...
Sterling Silver
$1,600 / set
H 1 in W 9.25 in D 9.25 in
Spode England "Chelsea Garden" Bone China Porcelain Dinner Set 51 Pc Set
By Spode
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Spode Copeland England "Chelsea Garden" Bone China Porcelain Dinner Set - 51 Pcs Total. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: (12) D...
Porcelain
Sold
H 1.97 in W 20.48 in D 14.97 in
19th Century green tray with flowers in hand-painted metal. France 1960's
Located in Barcelona, Cataluna
An antique French oval-shaped tray, made of metal and painted with flowers on its surface, with a green background. This particular tray is of French origin and dates back to 1960.
Metal
Lot of 3 Vintage Christofle Silver-Plated Bottle/Carafe Coasters
By Christofle
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
Lot of 3 Vintage Christofle Silver-Plated Bottle/Carafe Coasters Heavy gage set of three bottle coasters in elegant simple minimalist lines....
Silver Plate
Royal Crown Derby "Heraldic Gold" Dinner Service
By Royal Crown Derby Porcelain
Located in Astoria, NY
Royal Crown Derby bone china part dinner service for twelve (12), each with iron red overglaze marks for 1966, in the "Heraldic Gold" patt...
Porcelain
Sold
H 2.5 in W 8.5 in D 5.5 in
Emilia Castillo Mexican Silver Plate Toast Rack with Malachite Frogs on Lily Pad
Located in New York, NY
Emilia Castillo lyrically hand wrought Mexican silver plate toast rack with curved edges for breakfast or tea service. Featrures two hand carved malachite frogs...
Malachite, Silver Plate
Royal Bayreuth Bavarian Porcelain Figural Tomato Water or Juice Pitcher
Located in Philadelphia, PA
From Royal Bayreuth, founded in Bavaria, Germany in 1794, a water or juice pitcher formed as a bright red tomato. Made of hand-painted hard paste porcela...
Porcelain
Royal Bayreuth Bavarian Porcelain Figural Tomato Milk Pitcher
Located in Philadelphia, PA
From Royal Bayreuth, founded in Bavaria, Germany in 1794, a milk pitcher formed as a bright red tomato. Made of hand-painted hard paste porcelain, showing a stem handle and an upper ...
Porcelain
Royal Bayreuth Bavarian Porcelain Bulls Head Creamer
Located in Philadelphia, PA
From Royal Bayreuth, founded in Bavaria, Germany in 1794, a creamer formed as a bulls head. Made of cold hand-painted hard paste porcelain, showing a spotted hide and horns. 5 in....
Porcelain
Four Seasons Oyster Dish Garth and Ada Louise Huxtable Design
By Garth and Ada Louise Huxtable
Located in Sharon, CT
A rare silver soldered oyster plate from The Four Seasons Restaurant NYC. Fully signed on bottom. Manufactured by International Silver Co. 1959...