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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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 chair — crafted 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.
Elsa Peretti for Tiffany Sterling Silver Thumbprint Bowl with Box
By Tiffany & Co., Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Elsa Peretti for Tiffany Sterling Silver Thumbprint Bowl with Box Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co. sterling silver “Thumbprint” bowl or vide-poche, made in Spain. One of Peretti’s mos...
Sterling Silver
Emilia Castillo Taxco 950 Silver Monstera Necklace & Earrings Set, Mexican Art
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Exceptional vintage sterling silver necklace and matching earring set designed by Emilia Castillo and handcrafted in Taxco, Mexico—one of the most celebrated centers of Mexican silve...
Sterling Silver
Emilia Castillo "The Couple" Bisque Porcelain Salt Cellars & Sterling Spoons Set
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A charming and highly collectible pair of "The Couple" salt cellars designed by celebrated Mexican artist Emilia Castillo in 1995, beautifully handcrafted in bisque porcelain and acc...
Silver, Sterling Silver
BIRKS - Set of Four Sterling Silver & Cut Glass Coasters - Canada - 20th Century
By Henry Birks
Located in Chatham, ON
BIRKS - Set of four fine quality sterling silver and cut glass coasters - featuring a stackable design with wheel cut glass inserts - signed BIRKS S...
Sterling Silver
Tiffany & Co Sterling Silver Partridge in a Pear Tree Baby Spoon
Located in Huntington, NY
The Tiffany & Co. “Partridge in a Pear Tree” spoon was designed by Tiffany & Co. and produced in 1997 This sterling silver (.925) spoon features the classic holiday image of a p...
Sterling Silver
Vintage Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Branch & Birch Leaf Placecard Holders
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine pair of silver place card holders. By Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. Each in the form of a branch with a birch leaf. Fully marked to the reverse. Simply a wonderful pl...
Sterling Silver
Tiffany & Co Sterling Silver Paperweight weighted & unengraved
Located in Huntington, NY
Tiffany &co Sterling Silver paperweight Never before engraved. This weighted sterling silver paperweight makes a great gift for someone who has everything. A Classic design
Sterling Silver
Set of Twelve Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Bamboo Pattern Charger/Dinner Plates
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite Set of Twelve Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Bamboo Pattern Charger/Dinner Plates originates from the United States, Circa 1970. This stunning set can serve as either c...
Sterling Silver
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Figural Scallop Shell Dish / Vide Poche
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed silver dish or vide poche. By Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. In the form of a half-shell scallop. Marked to the base. Simply a wonderful vide poche! Date: 20...
Sterling Silver
Cigarette Box Rectangular for table blue enamel on guilloche Salimbeni.
By Franco Salimbeni, Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Rectangular with rounded corners table box for cigarettes in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with translucent enamels on a radial guilloché an...
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Antonio Reina - Vintage 1940s Scrollwork Sterling Silver Taxco Clamp Bracelet
Located in Soquel, CA
Antonio Reina - Vintage 1940s Scrollwork Sterling Silver Taxco Clamp Bracelet Beautiful 1940s hand-wrought silver bracelet by master silversmith Antonio Reina (Mexico, 20th cent.) T...
Sterling Silver
Vintage Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver 2002 Magnifying Glass
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed silver magnifying glass. By Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. With engraved leaf designs to the handle. Marked to the side of the handle. Together with its a ...
Sterling Silver
Elsa Peretti for Tiffany Sterling Silver Padova Pattern Baby or Infant Spoon
By Tiffany & Co., Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed silver feeding spoon. By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. In the Padova pattern. Together with its original pouch and box. Simply wonderful Tiff...
Sterling Silver
1950's Sterling Silver Bracelet by Pedro Castillo of Los Castillo, Mexico Modern
By Pedro Castillo, Los Castillo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Striking and sculptural sterling silver bracelet designed by Pedro Castillo of Los Castillo, crafted in Taxco, Mexico—one of the most important centers of the Mexican silversmithing ...
Sterling Silver
Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver 'Thumbprint' Dish or Vide Poche
By Tiffany & Co., Elsa Peretti, Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed silver shallow bowl or dish. By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. In the 'Thumbprint' series. Fully marked to the base. Simply wonderful Tiffany d...
Sterling Silver
Set of Ten Sterling Silver Sword Cocktail Picks / Skewers, 1960s
Located in Roma, IT
A striking set of ten miniature sword-form cocktail picks crafted in sterling silver. Each skewer is modeled as a slender ceremonial sword with a tapered blade, curved crossguard, and twisted grip handle terminating in a rounded pommel. These elegant novelty accessories were designed for serving cocktails, olives, canapés, or hors d’oeuvres, bringing a playful yet refined touch to barware and entertaining. The stylized medieval sword...
Silver Plate
Bulgari Sterling Silver Jewelry Bowl / Vase / Rings or Earrings cica 1990´s
By Bulgari
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Bulgari Sterling Silver Jewelry Bowl / Vase / Rings or Earrings cica 1990´s Bulgari BVLGARI sterling silver scalloped Jewelry bowl. Bulgari Miniature Silver Jewelry Bowl. Vide de Po...
Sterling Silver
A. Kuger Sterling Silver Mounted Ostrich Egg Bowl with Buffalo Head Handles
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A. Kuger Sterling Silver Mounted Ostrich Egg Bowl with Buffalo Head Handles A sculptural late 20th-century ostrich egg bowl mounted in sterling silver by A. Kuger, retaining its ori...
Sterling Silver
20th Century Italian Solid Silver Vase
Located in VALENZA, IT
Semi-round and flattened 800 solid silver vase. The vase was completely handmade in Milan - Italy - by the silversmith "L'artigiano del cesello" for Arva...
Silver
Tiffany & Co Sterling Silver Figural Leaf Dish or Vide Poche
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed silver dish or vide poche. By Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. Pattern no. 25054. In the form of a heart-shaped leaf with a figural stem handle and a single ball ...
Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver Padova Pattern Candle Snuffer by E. Peretti signed Tiffany & Co.
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
This Modernist sculptural sterling silver candle snuffer, designed by renowned artist Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co., is part of the celebrated Padova pattern introduced during t...
Sterling Silver
Picture Frame Silver Squared Blue Enamel modern contemporary style Salimbeni
By Salimbeni, Giorgio Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
A Modern Heirloom: Large Square Guilloché Enamel Frame by Giorgio Salimbeni Presented is a commanding and radiant square photo frame, a masterwork of contemporary Florentine jewelry...
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Key holder Like new, Never used Box & Pouch
Located in Huntington, NY
A fine vintage key holder. Like new Never used By Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. One of the ball shaped terminals is threaded and can be removed to add/remove keys from the ring....
Sterling Silver
Picture Frame Silver Rectangular Emerald Green Enamel modern style Salimbeni
By Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Mid-Century Elegance: Rectangular Guilloché Enamel Frame by Renato Salimbeni This refined rectangular photo frame is an exquisite example of the Salimbeni atelier’s mastery, blendin...
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Tranquility by International Sterling Silver Flatware Service for 6 Set 41 Pcs
Located in Big Bend, WI
TRANQUILITY BY INTERNATIONAL sterling silver flatware set - 41 pieces set. This set has a modern look with simple lines. This set includes: 6 KNIVES, 9 1/8" 6 FORKS, 7 3/8" 6 SA...
Sterling Silver
Asprey, London - Vintage Sterling Silver Chopsticks & Stand - 1989
Located in Bath, GB
A rare pair of modernist sterling silver chopsticks together with their stand all in the original presentation box. A spectacular gift espe...
Sterling Silver
Handcrafted Sterling Silver Artichoke Salt Shaker and Pepper Mill by Missiaglia
Located in New York, NY
Established in Venice in 1846, Missiaglia is one of the world's premier makers of the finest jewelry objects, as well as a select number of bespoke sterling silver tabletop accessori...
Sterling Silver
1915 Set of Six English Sheffield Butter Knives in Original Case
By Sheffield
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Set of 6 butter knives in original case, Sheffield, England, 1915. Sterling handles. King's Pattern by G.W.F. (George William Fowler). One handle slightly separated and priced accord...
Sterling Silver
Handcrafted Sterling Silver Octopus Salt Shaker and Pepper Mill by Missiaglia
Located in New York, NY
Established in Venice in 1846, Missiaglia is one of the world's premier makers of the finest jewelry objects, as well as a select number of bespoke sterling silver tabletop accessori...
Sterling Silver
$2,586Sale Price|20% Off
20th Century Italian Solid Silver Thermal Jug
Located in VALENZA, IT
800 solid silver thermo jug made entirely by hand from the silver sheet. The body is square and developing it in its height forms a parallelepiped. The spout is shaped to allow the l...
Silver
Handwrought Sterling Silver Puffer Fish Salt Shaker and Pepper Mill, Missiaglia
Located in New York, NY
Established in Venice in 1846, Missiaglia is one of the world's premier makers of the finest jewelry objects, as well as a select number of bespoke sterling silver tabletop accessories. This handcrafted puffer salt Shaker and pepper mill showcase the skill and impeccable craftsmanship of Missiaglia's artisans. Each puffer fish features a hand-hammered dappled skein with an abundance of protruding conical spikes, as well as striated dorsal, tail and pectoral fins. Their whimsically refined faces offer stylized eyes consisting of concentric circular forms with a concave depression at centre, and an ovoid mouth with protuberant lips. The larger vessel holds pepper- artfully concealed within the body of the piece- which is ground by rotating the tail fin. The salt Shaker has an abundance of holes adorning the forehead of the smaller puffer...
Sterling Silver
Cartier Letter Opener Sterling Original Box ca' 1970's
By Cartier
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
An elegant letter opener by Cartier ca' 1970's. Sterling handle, made in Italy, original box and wrapping.
Metal, Sterling Silver
Vintage English Silver Table Bell Christopher Lawrence Warbler Bird On Bullrush
Located in Norwich, England
A vintage sterling solid silver and silver-gilt table bell made in London in 1982 by Christopher Nigel Lawrence. Hallmarked. The handle formed with a warbler perched on a bull rush,...
Silver, Sterling Silver
$3,200Sale Price|20% Off
Georg Jensen Sterling Silver Grape Tazza Dish 296 E
By Georg Jensen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Elevate your fruit with this small tazza from Georg Jensen’s grape series. Designed by Georg Jensen in 1916, Produced in Denmark with post-1945 marks. Very good condition. Surface ...
Sterling Silver
Small Picture Frame Round English style, early 1900s. Salimbeni
By Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Small round frame with flat edge in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with translucent fired enamel on guilloche, English style, early 1900s. External diameter cm. 7.2, internal c...
Sterling Silver, Enamel
Scale Model Vintage Sterling Silver Mercedes 500 K, circa 1980
Located in Bath, GB
Beautifully executed along with it's original solid wooden plinth. Both the sterling silver label and the car have matching hallmarked for 925 silver and the Italian maker mark numbe...
Sterling Silver
Los Castillo Taxco Sterling Silver Modernist Cuff Bracelet, Mexican Modernism
By Los Castillo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bold and sculptural modernist sterling silver cuff bracelet designed and produced in Taxco, Mexico by the highly regarded Los Castillo workshop, a cornerstone of the Mexican silversmithing movement and a favorite among collectors and fashion artists. This striking piece features an openwork architectural form composed of intersecting silver bands accented with applied spherical elements. The design creates a dynamic, dimensional structure that wraps the wrist with movement and presence—an iconic example of mid-century modernist Taxco...
Sterling Silver
Fountain pen Ballpoint pen and pocket magnifying glass Set enamel Salimbeni
By Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Luxurious Desk Set Ballpoint pen, fountain pen and small pocket magnifying glass in 925/1000 sterling silver with translucent polychrome fire enamels on guilloche in an early 1900s A...
Gold, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Mid-Century Sterling Silver Pedestal Bowl / Compote, 1950s
Located in Roma, IT
An elegant sterling silver pedestal bowl featuring a sleek asymmetrical oval form with gently flared ends and a raised circular foot. The clea...
Silver
Italian 925 Sterling Silver Gilt Interior Centerpiece Bowl-Ventrella, Roma, 1970
Located in Roma, IT
Elegant Italian 925 sterling silver centerpiece bowl featuring a graceful scalloped form with finely fluted sides and a richly gilded interior. Raised on a circular pedestal foot, th...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Handcrafted Sterling Silver Seashell Salt Shaker & Pepper Mill Signed Missiaglia
Located in New York, NY
Established in Venice in 1846, Missiaglia is one of the world's premier makers of the finest jewelry objects, as well as a select number of bespoke sterling silver tabletop accessories. This handcrafted stylized conch shell shaker...
Sterling Silver
Table Box Fired Enamel on Guillochè Arab-Style Ornament Sterling Silver Salimben
By Giorgio Salimbeni, Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Rectangular box with rounded corners in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with translucent fired enamel on guillochè with hand-engraved and enamelled Arab-style ornament. Dimensio...
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Fisher Silversmiths (Co.) Serving Tray in Sterling Silver and Ebonite
Located in København, Copenhagen
Fisher Silversmiths (Co.) serving tray in sterling silver and ebonite. Stylish design, 1960s. In very good condition. Stamped. Measures: 24 x 1...
Emilia Castillo Plata Pura Frog Salt & Pepper Shakers, Taxco Mexico 1998
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A charming and highly collectible pair of salt and pepper shakers designed by Emilia Castillo, handcrafted in celadon green porcelain with sculptural elements in plata pura (pure sil...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Padova Sterling Silver Candle Snuffer
By Tiffany & Co., Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed silver candle snuffer. In sterling silver. By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co. In the Padova pattern. Marked to the reverse of the handle. Simply wonderful Tiffany d...
Sterling Silver
Yaakov Greenvurcel Modernist Silver-Plated Hanukkah Menorah, Jerusalem, 20th C.
Located in New York, NY
An ingeniously conceived silver-plated Hanukkah lamp by Israeli designer Yaakov Greenvurcel, combining Jewish ceremonial tradition with the clean geometry and experimental spirit of ...
Silver Plate
Vintage Israeli Sterling Silver Bezalel-Style Filigree Kiddush Cup by Zadok.
Located in Vero Beach, FL
A beautifully crafted mid-century Israeli sterling silver Kiddush cup (ceremonial wine goblet) executed in the iconic Bezalel style. Produced by the renowned Zadok workshops in Israe...
Sterling Silver
Tiffany & Co., Sterling Silver Ball/Sphere/Jewelry Box, Modern, Marked
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Very pretty sterling silver Tiffany & Co. jewelry ball, box, number 35378 Weighted, 7.
Sterling Silver
Picture Frame Silver rectangular sterling silver enamel on guilloché Salimbeni
By Renato Salimbeni, Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Rectangular photo frame in 9251000 sterling silver gold-plated with translucent fired enamel on guilloché. Modern contemporary style. Blue velvet panel. External dimensions 18 x 24 c...
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Sterling Water Pitcher by Juvento Lopez Reyes Mexico
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1960s, Sterling, by Juvento Lopez Reyes, Mexico. This hyper- modern water pitcher features a curvilinear handle, elongated everted rim and ...
Sterling Silver
Italian Sterling Silver Presentation Box by C. Nardetti, Florence, Dated 1962
Located in Roma, IT
Small rectangular sterling silver presentation or trinket box with softly shaped corners and a restrained modernist form. The lid bears an engraved Italian inscription reading "Fabi...
Silver Plate
Spherical frame for 2 portrait translucent fire enamel on guilloché Salimbeni.
By Salimbeni, Giorgio Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Spherical frame for 2 hinged photographs in 925/1000 sterling silver goldplated with translucent fire enamel on guilloché. Modern contemporary style. Sphere diameter cm. 7.5. Weight ...
Gold, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Cigarette case black in the shape of a packet. Salimbeni
By Franco Salimbeni, Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Cigarette case in the shape of a packet of long cigarettes in 925/1000 sterling silver with black fired enamel in Art Deco style, early 1900s. With lost hinge, i.e. semi-invisible. ...
Sterling Silver, Enamel
Leonore Doskow Two Sterling Silver Knifes, Butter/Chesse and Serving, Modern
By Leonore Doskow
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Great design in these two knifes, both marked Leonore Doskow, and large also marked. Handmade sterling. This shape is a well known design by the artist. The butter/cheese is 6.75 and...
Sterling Silver
English Sterling Silver Mounted Glass Jar, Modern Design, Italy, 1950s
Located in Roma, IT
A refined cylindrical glass jar fitted with a sterling silver lid featuring a domed profile and spherical finial handle. The lid includes a shaped notch designed to accommodate a spo...
Silver
Animalier Zebra Pattern Frame hand painted Salimbeni
By Giorgio Salimbeni, Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Rectangular photo frame in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with fired enamel, hand-painted with spotted zebra fur type in a modern contemporary style. External measurements cm. ...
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Emilia Castillo "The Couple" Bisque Porcelain & Sterling Silver Salt Cellars
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A rare and highly collectible pair of "La Pareja" (The Couple) salt cellars designed by renowned Mexican artist Emilia Castillo, daughter of legendary Taxco master silversmith Antoni...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Emilia Castillo Taxco Sterling Silver Frog Bracelet & Earrings Set
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Striking Emilia Castillo sterling silver frog bracelet and earrings set, handcrafted in Taxco, Mexico, one of the world’s most celebrated centers for fine silver jewelry. This sculpt...
Sterling Silver
Pair of Sterling Silver salt shakers / cellars , pumpkin / flower lotus , Japan
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful pair of salt shakers , can be used as pepper as well . Marked Japan . Pumpkin or lotus flower style .
Sterling Silver
Buccellati Sterling Silver & Murano Glass Pumpkin Marmalade Jar
By Buccellati
Located in New York, NY
Modern figural marmalade jar. Murano glass bowl in form of pumpkin. Round and lobed in speckled orange with green patch ; cased solid white interior. Sterling silver cover domed with...
Sterling Silver