Postmodern design was a short-lived movement that manifested itself chiefly in Italy and the United States in the early 1980s. The characteristics of vintage postmodern furniture and other postmodern objects and decor for the home included loud-patterned, usually plastic surfaces; strange proportions, vibrant colors and weird angles; and a vague-at-best relationship between form and function.
ORIGINS OF POSTMODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
CHARACTERISTICS OF POSTMODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
POSTMODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
VINTAGE POSTMODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS
Critics derided postmodern design as a grandstanding bid for attention and nothing of consequence. Decades later, the fact that postmodernism still has the power to provoke thoughts, along with other reactions, proves they were not entirely correct.
Postmodern design began as an architectural critique. Starting in the 1960s, a small cadre of mainly American architects began to argue that modernism, once high-minded and even noble in its goals, had become stale, stagnant and blandly corporate. Later, in Milan, a cohort of creators led by Ettore Sottsass and Alessandro Mendini — a onetime mentor to Sottsass and a key figure in the Italian Radical movement — brought the discussion to bear on design.
Sottsass, an industrial designer, philosopher and provocateur, gathered a core group of young designers into a collective in 1980 they called Memphis. Members of the Memphis Group, which would come to include Martine Bedin, Michael Graves, Marco Zanini, Shiro Kuramata, Michele de Lucchi and Matteo Thun, saw design as a means of communication, and they wanted it to shout. That it did: The first Memphis collection appeared in 1981 in Milan and broke all the modernist taboos, embracing irony, kitsch, wild ornamentation and bad taste.
Memphis works remain icons of postmodernism: the Sottsass Casablanca bookcase, with its leopard-print plastic veneer; de Lucchi’s First chair, which has been described as having the look of an electronics component; Martine Bedin’s Super lamp: a pull-toy puppy on a power-cord leash. Even though it preceded the Memphis Group’s formal launch, Sottsass’s iconic Ultrafragola mirror — in its conspicuously curved plastic shell with radical pops of pink neon — proves striking in any space and embodies many of the collective’s postmodern ideals.
After the initial Memphis show caused an uproar, the postmodern movement within furniture and interior design quickly took off in America. (Memphis fell out of fashion when the Reagan era gave way to cool 1990’s minimalism.) The architect Robert Venturi had by then already begun a series of plywood chairs for Knoll Inc., with beefy, exaggerated silhouettes of traditional styles such as Queen Anne and Chippendale. In 1982, the new firm Swid Powell enlisted a group of top American architects, including Frank Gehry, Richard Meier, Stanley Tigerman and Venturi to create postmodern tableware in silver, ceramic and glass.
On 1stDibs, the vintage postmodern furniture collection includes chairs, coffee tables, sofas, decorative objects, table lamps and more.
Vintage Italian Postmodern Carrara Marble Lazy-Susan.
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Vintage Italian Postmodern Carrara Marble Lazy-Susan. Vintage Italian Postmodern or Minimalist white with black veining Carrara marble Lazy-Susan. A well-balanced turntable for kit...
Carrara Marble
Set of 8 Bodum Postmodern Napkin Rings by Jumi Chan & Nathalie Du Pasquier
By Ajumi Han, Nathalie du Pasquier, Memphis Milano, Memphis Group, Bodum
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
Striking set of 8 postmodern (two of each patten) napkin rings created for Bodum by Memphis-affiliated designers Nathalie Du Pasquier and Jumi Chan. These sculptural table accessorie...
Metal, Silver Plate, Brass
Set of 6 Bodum Postmodern Napkin Rings by Jumi Chan & Nathalie Du Pasquier
By Ajumi Han, Memphis Milano, Bodum, Memphis Group, Nathalie du Pasquier
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This striking set of six Bodum postmodern napkin rings was designed in the 1980s by Jumi Chan and Nathalie Du Pasquier, a founding member of the Memphis Group. Each ring showcases a ...
Metal, Silver Plate, Brass
Post-Modern Stainless Tea Kettle with Whistle by Michael Graves
Located in San Diego, CA
A classic post-modern stainless steel tea kettle with whistle by Michael Graves, circa the 1980s. The piece is in good vintage condition and measures 11.5"W x 7.5"D x 12"H. Cool te...
Stainless Steel
Miss LaVazza Italian Stainless Steel Moka Pot Espresso Coffee Maker
Located in San Diego, CA
Great Italian "Miss Lavazza" coffee percolator. 18/10 stainless steel with a gold tone handle and finial. Makes six cups. Produced by Balzano. Made in Italy. Beautiful Post Modern de...
Stainless Steel
$220Sale Price|20% Off
Rede Guzzini Postmodern Acrylic Napkin Holder, Italy, 1980's
By Memphis Milano, Rede Guzzini
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Rede Guzzini Postmodern Acrylic Napkin Holder, Italy, 1980's
Acrylic
1980’s Memphis Coffee Set by Marco Zanini for Bitossi Italy
By Marco Zanini, Bitossi
Located in Waddinxveen, ZH
Beautiful set of a coffee pot, sugar bowl with lid, creamer and two coffee cups and saucers in glossy black and matte blue and glossy white details. The set from the Hollywood colle...
Ceramic
$2,064 / item
Rollingin Drink Trolley by Mingardo
Located in Geneve, CH
Rollingin Drink Trolley by Mingardo Dimensions: D86 x W54 x H82 cm Materials: Ral 9005 black varnished iron structure and black/ red varnished aluminium wheel Weight: 20 kg Als...
Aluminum, Iron
Post-Modern Tray in Steel and Veneered Plywood in Style of Ettore Sottsass, 80s
Located in Roma, IT
We are pleased to offer for sale an elegant and highly decorative postmodern tray produced between the late 1970s and early 1980s by Studio Inox. This rectangular tray, crafted in d...
Stainless Steel
80s Post Modern Pierre Casenove for Studio Salins Art Deco Style Teal Coffee Pot
Located in St. Louis, MO
Large geometric Post-Modern Teal glazed coffee pot designed by Pierre Casenove for by Studio Salins France in the 1980s. Designed during the 1980s Memphi...
Ceramic
Postmodern Classic Teapot Designed by Michael Graves for Alessi
By Alessi, Michael Graves (b.1934)
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Style of Alessi Vintage Memphis Tea Pot designed by Michael Graves stainless steel made Taiwan signed at bottom 10.5 h x 9 w 11.75 d Original vintage u...
Stainless Steel
Michael Graves Postmodern Tea Kettle by Alessi Italy Production First Years 1985
Located in Biella, IT
Michael Graves Postmodern tea kettle by Alessi Italy production years 1985 the first matte platinum grey enamel body, black knob, orange whistle bird a...
Metal
$600Sale Price / item|20% Off
American Modern Handcrafted Wood Marquetry Serving Tray, 1980s
Located in Miami, FL
Postmodern handcrafted American wood marquetry serving tray with chrome accent bars circa 1980s.
Chrome
Arzberg Oil and Vinegar Serving Bottles, 1980
By Arzberg
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Wonderful white porcelain oil and vinegar serving bottles by Arzberg, Germany, with cork caps, multilingual signage, marked.
Porcelain, Cork
Carafe with Stopper and Set of 6 Small Wine, Liqueur Glasses
Located in Verviers, BE
Carafe with Stopper and set of 6 Small Wine - liqueur Glasses Please don't hesitate to get in touch with any further questions.?? With Best Wishes Geert Niessen
Art Glass
Post-Modern Stainless Tea Kettle with Spinning Whistle by Michael Graves
Located in San Diego, CA
A classic post-modern stainless steel tea kettle with spinning whistle by Michael Graves, circa the 1980s. The piece is in good vintage condition and measures 11"W x 9"D x 10"H. Co...
Stainless Steel
Light Mahogany Tray with Antique Brass Handles
Located in Treadwell, NY
Individually stamped and numbered, these one of a kind presentation trays feature patinated brass handles with a satin finish lacquer top coat. Each wooden slab is has its own unique...
Brass
Set of Six Colorful Murano Blown Glass Wine Glasses, Italy 1980s
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1980s. These six wine glasses are made in multicolored Murano glass. They are vintage, therefore they might show slight traces of use, but they can be considered as i...
Murano Glass
Set of 2 PostModern Serving Platters in Steel & Veneered Plywood, Sottsass Style
Located in Roma, IT
We are pleased to offer for sale a pair of elegant and highly decorative postmodern serving platters produced between the late 1970s and early 1980s by Studio Inox, as confirmed by t...
Stainless Steel
Angelo Mangiarotti for Vilca Crystal Italy Olive Oil Vinegar Table Top Set
By Cristalleria ColleVilca, Ambrogio Pozzi, Angelo Mangiarotti
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Angelo Mangiarotti for Vilca Crystal Italy Olive Oil Vinegar Table Top Set on Tray. 7 pieces set. Hard to find. Amazing post modern classic vintage Angel...
Crystal
$280Sale Price / item|20% Off
Postmodern Design Glass and Wood Tray by Thor, 1996
Located in Miami, FL
Postmodern design glass and wood serving tray with handles by Thor, 1996. One side is gold leaf and the other is purple.
Glass, Wood
$564 / item
Brass Oil Decanter by Gentner Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Brass oil decanter by Gentner Design Dimensions: D 6.3 x W 10 x H 22.2 cm Materials: polished tarnished brass Made of brass and hand tarnished, the...
Brass
$220Sale Price|20% Off
Post Modern Memphis Carnival Large Platter by Kato Kogei for Fujimori
Located in San Diego, CA
Postmodern Memphis colorful "Carnival" platter / serving dish by Kato Kogei for Fujimori, circa the 1980s. Wonderful colorful Memphis style.
Ceramic
$60Sale Price|20% Off
1990s Chantal Heat Resistant Glass Trivet or Candle Holder NOS New in Box
Located in San Gabriel, CA
6” deep x 2.75” high 1990s Chantal trivet or candle holder. Multifunctional, a heavy piece of glass, weighing over 2.5 pounds. Seven glass prongs to hold a hot plate, or candle. Made...
Glass
$432 / item
Glass Decanter by Gentner Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Glass decanter by Gentner Design Dimensions: D 15.2 x H 28 cm Materials: glass, brass A place to ready the tastes and hidden intoxicating offerings of your libation to the evening. ...
Brass
Refined Contemporary Marble 02 Kyknos Marble Cake Stand
Located in Geneve, CH
Refined Contemporary marble 02 Kyknos marble cake stand Signed by Leo Aerts. Dimensions: diameter 32 x height 15 cm Material: Kyknos Marble Tech...
Marble
$1,584 / item
Temple Tray by Emre Yunus Uzun
Located in Geneve, CH
Temple tray by Emre Yunus Uzun. Dimensions: D 50 x W 30 x H 4 cm. Materials: brushed oak wood, leather top. Custom sizes and finishes available. ...
Leather, Oak
Refined Contemporary Marble 02 Travertino Rosso Marble Cake Stand
Located in Geneve, CH
Refined Contemporary marble 02 Travertino Rosso marble cake stand Signed by Leo Aerts. Dimensions: Diameter 32 x height 15 cm Material: Travertino ros...
Travertine, Marble
Refined Contemporary Marble 02 Grey Saint Laurent Marble Cake Stand
Located in Geneve, CH
Refined Contemporary marble 02 grey saint laurent marble cake stand Signed by Leo Aerts. Dimensions: diameter 32 x height 15 cm Material: graf...
Marble
Oak Tray with Antique Brass Handles
Located in Treadwell, NY
Individually stamped and numbered, these one of a kind presentation trays feature patinated brass handles with a satin finish lacquer top coat. Each wooden slab is has its own unique...
Brass
Refined Contemporary Marble 02 Bianco Statuarietto Marble Cake Stand
Located in Geneve, CH
Refined Contemporary Marble 02 Bianco Statuarietto Marble Cake Stand Signed by Leo Aerts. Dimensions: Diameter 32 x Height 15 cm Material: Bianco Statuariet...
Marble, Statuary Marble
$420 / item
Serving Bowl L by Eter Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Serving Bowl L by Eter Design Unique Piece. Dimensions: Serving Bowl L: Ø 39.5 x H 11 cm. Materials: Clay. Sustainable - Eco-friendly. Handmade. Each piece may vary slightly in colo...
Clay
$1,850 / set
Swid Powell Postmodern Serving Spoon Set
By Michael Graves (b.1934), Swid Powell, Reed & Barton
Located in New York, NY
A Postmodern set of sterling silver-plate salad serving spoons by architect and designer Michael Graves for Swid Powell Co., 1990. Each spoon bears the following on back as shown in ...
Silver Plate
$356 / item
Medium Creux Tray by Clemence Birot
Located in Geneve, CH
Medium Creux tray by Clemence Birot Dimensions: 39 x 22 cm Materials: ash (black stained). Clemence Birot started her career in Copenhagen,...
Ash
Postmodern Pink and Purple Espresso Pot by Ettore Sottsass for Lagostina
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A quintessentially postmodern espresso pot/coffee maker designed by the Memphis Milano master, Ettore Sottsass, for Lagostina in the 1980s. From Lagostina’s Accademia line, this rare...
Metal
$180Sale Price|20% Off
Large Espresso Coffee Maker Postmodern Design by Bodum 6 Cup
By Bodum
Located in San Diego, CA
Simple, stylish, and sustainable, the Chambord Espresso Maker allows you to brew a rich, authentic espresso coffee in minutes. No need for a complicated Inspired by traditional Italian stovetop Moka pots...
Metal
1980 Geert Koster Michele De Lucchi Solid Postmodern Design Metal Salt Pepper
Located in Brescia, IT
Salt and Pepper Geert Koster & Michele De Lucchi prod. Solid Group Italy, 1987 Postmodern Shapes Great Manufacture Rare items "SOLID" mark engraved Excellent Condiction. Never used.
Metal
Postmodern Italian Yellow Plastic Tray from Guzzini
By Guzzini
Located in Hamburg, DE
Postmodern Italian Yellow Plastic Tray from Guzzini, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1980 to 1989 This piece has an attribution mark, Additional information: Materials: Plastic Co...
Plastic
Pair of Post-Modern Salad Servers by Erik Magnussen for Stelton of Denmark, NOS
Located in San Diego, CA
Stylish pair of post-modern salad servers by Erik Magnussen for Stelton of Denmark, circa 1980s. The set is in brand new condition and each server ...
Plastic
$600 / item
Pearl Amber Jug by Studionudo
Located in Geneve, CH
Pearl Amber Jug by Studionudo Dimensions: Ø 15 x H 22,5 cm. Materials: Glass. Different finishes and colors are available. Prices may vary. Please contact us. Studionudo was born t...
Glass
Post-Modern Stainless Steel Cream and Sugar Set by Michael Graves for Alessi
By Michael Graves (b.1934), Alessi
Located in San Diego, CA
A classic post-modern stainless steel cream and sugar set designed by Michael Graves for Alessi, circa the 1980s. The set is in good vintage condition and measures 5"W x 4.5"D x 3"H...
Stainless Steel
Italian Postmodern Round Tray with Violet Murano Glass Handles , 1980s
Located in Roma, IT
We are pleased to offer for sale a round tray that achieves a refined balance between minimalist design and artisanal decoration. This piece was made in Italy between the 1980s and 1...
Stainless Steel
Karim Rashid 'Hugs and Kisses' Nambe Salt&Peppers
By Karim Rashid
Located in Sharon, CT
Two rarevcast aluminum salt and pepper sets-"Hugs" and "Kisses", designed by Karim Rashid for Nambe. The larger: 9x3 1/2x2 7/16" and the smaller: 5x2 7/16 x 1.
Aluminum
$2,160 / item
FUWA FUWA, No. 15 Bottle by Yusuké Y. Offhause
Located in Geneve, CH
FUWA FUWA, No 15 bottle by Yusuke´ Y. Offhause One of a Kind, the work is in two parts (ceramic and glass). Dimensions: D 7 x W 7 x H 20.5 cm. Materials: stoneware, porcelain, gla...
Porcelain, Stoneware, Glass
Refined Contemporary Marble 03 Kyknos Marble Cake Stand
Located in Geneve, CH
Refined Contemporary marble 03 Kyknos Marble cake stand Signed by Leo Aerts. Dimensions: Diameter 26 x height 22.5 cm Material: Kyknos marble Te...
Marble
$448 / item
Large Creux Tray by Clemence Birot
Located in Geneve, CH
Large Creux tray by Clemence Birot Dimensions: 33 x 32 cm Materials: Ash (black stained). Clemence Birot started her career in ...
Ash
$180Sale Price / item|20% Off
Post Modern / Memphis "Carnival" Platter by Kato Kogei for Fujimori
Located in San Diego, CA
Post modern / Memphis "Carnival" platter / serving dish by Kato Kogei for Fujimori, circa 1980s. Wonderful colorful Memphis style! #1817.
Ceramic
Italian Postmodern Condiments Dish
Located in New York, NY
An Italian Post-Modern period condiments dish, circa late-20th century, Italy. Condiments dish is glass with a two-part plastic green holder with handle...
Glass, Plastic
Post Modern Spice Rack by Alan Wisniewski for Umbra
By Umbra
Located in San Diego, CA
Great design and very rare piece on this wood lacquered frame , and push off on tops that hold each container in place , this piece was never used like new condition .
Acrylic, Wood
Fujumori for Kato Kogei Japan Alpha 3 Platter Post-Modern Memphis 1980s
By Kato Kogei, Fujimori
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Serving platter in Alpha 3 pattern was designed by Kaneaki Fujimori for Kato Kogei Japan in 1980s. Alpha 3 series consists of mugs, salad/casual plates, and decorative serving platt...
Ceramic, Porcelain, Pottery
Mahogany Tray with Antique Brass Handles
Located in Treadwell, NY
Individually stamped and numbered, these one of a kind presentation trays feature patinated brass handles with a satin finish lacquer top coat. Each wooden slab...
Brass
Mahogany Tray with Antique Brass Handles
Located in Treadwell, NY
Individually stamped and numbered, these one of a kind presentation trays feature patinated brass handles with a satin finish lacquer top coat. Each wooden slab is has its own unique...
Brass
Pair of Black & Yellow Glass Handkerchief Vases by Ulrica Hydman-Vallien
By Ulrica Hydman-Vallien, Kosta Boda
Located in Barcelona, ES
Pair of "handkerchief" style vases by Ulrica Hydman-Vallien for Kosta Boda, Sweden, 1980s. Whimsical graffiti style hand-painted pattern on mouth-blown art glass. Marked UHV at bottom.
Art Glass
1980s Postmodern Ceramic Tea or Coffee Pot by Marco Zanini for Bitossi
By Marco Zanini, Bitossi
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Stunning postmodern ceramic tea or coffee pot from the Hollywood collection designed by Marco Zanini for Flavia Montelupo/Bitossi. White body, rounded pink handle, and stacked teal top...
Ceramic
Silver Plated Venison Dish with Pyrex Glass Casserole Dish by Sabattini, Italy
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1970s. This is an elegant silver plated venison dish with a pyrex glass casserole dish and a cover. It is perfect to serve warm meals, as there is space on the botto...
Silver
Great Postmodern Set 4 Cups & Creamer by Studio Nova Japan Memphis Era
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful and rare set 4 cups and a creamer by Studio Nova Japan part of the Black Expressions collection excellent condition beautiful design.
Porcelain
Franco Munari Bassano Sandwich Board-Made in Italy
By Bassano
Located in Medina, OH
Franco Munari Bassano-Made in Italy 14" sandwich board or serving tray. Featuring vibrant hand-painted grappa or grape scenes. This is a hand painted ceramic serving tray with no vi...
Ceramic
Set of 2 Postmodern Minimalist Swiss Salad Servers, 1970s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Postmodern Minimalist Swiss Salad Servers, Set of 2, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1970 to 1979. Additional information: Materials: Plastic Styles: Minimalist, Postmodern Color:...
Plastic
Set of 2 Postmodern Minimalist Swiss Salad Servers, 1970s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Postmodern Minimalist Swiss Salad Servers, Set of 2, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1970 to 1979. Additional information: Materials: Plastic Styles: Minimalist, Postmodern Color:...
Plastic
Pair of Italian Post-Modern Ceramic Salad Servers
Located in San Diego, CA
A nice pair of Italian post-modern ceramic salad servers, circa 1980s. The set is in very good vintage condition and measures 2.75"W x 11"H. Great look! #3689
Ceramic