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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Vintage Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Oil Can Vermouth Dropper
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed vintage silver vermouth dropper. In sterling silver. By Tiffany & Co. In the form of an old-timey oil can. Lacking a cap. Marked to the base for Tiffany & Co. / St...
Sterling Silver
Emilia Castillo Silver Plate Armadillo Butter Dish with Malachite, Taxco Mexico
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An exceptional and highly sculptural vintage covered butter dish by renowned Mexican designer and silversmith Emilia Castillo, conceived in the whimsical form of an armadillo and han...
Malachite, Silver, Silver Plate, Brass
1950's Ceramic Platter by Jean Lurcat
By Jean Lurçat
Located in Greenwich, CT
Fine Oblong Ceramic Platter "Nuit et Lune" by Jean Lurçat (1892-1966) - for Sant Vicens, ca. 1950 signed and numbered Hand-painted décor of "Lune, étoiles et Soleil" , glazed cer...
Ceramic
Handmade Brass Coasters with Semi Precious, Evil Eye Set , Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Handmade Brass Coasters with Semi Precious Inserts, Evil Eye Set of 2, Viya by Vikram Goyal A pair of coasters in brass with semi precious inserts. Handmade in India. The collectio...
Brass
Decorative Brass Coasters with Semi Precious, Kolam Set, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Decorative Brass Coasters with Semi Precious Inserts, Kolam Set of 4, Viya by Vikram Goyal Coasters in brass with semi precious inserts. Handmade in India. Poetic patterns conspire...
Brass
Decorative Sagittarius Trinket Tray in Brass, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Decorative Brass Trinket Tray, Sagittarius with Semi Precious Inserts, Viya by Vikram Goyal Trinket tray in brass with semi precious inserts. Handmade in India. Bring the universe ...
Brass
Brass Vanity Tray, Saffron Ecru, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Brass Vanity Tray, Saffron Ecru, Viya by Vikram Goyal Lacquered wood vanity tray with brass. Handmade in India. With moniker's such as red gold, exquisite thread or golden light, s...
Brass
Decorative Brass Trinket Tray, Gemini with Semi Precious, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Decorative Brass Trinket Tray, Gemini with Semi Precious Inserts, Viya by Vikram Goyal Trinket tray in brass with semi precious inserts. Handmade in India. Bring the universe home,...
Brass
Emilia Castillo, Silver-Plated "Monkey" Punch Bowl, Mexican Modernism
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A striking example of late 20th-century Mexican silversmithing, this monumental sculptural punch bowl was designed by Emilia Castillo in Taxco, Mexico, during the 1980s. Resting on a...
Silver Plate, Copper
Decorative Brass Trinket Tray, Capricorn with Semi Precious Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Decorative Brass Trinket Tray, Capricorn with Semi Precious Inserts, Viya by Vikram Goyal Trinket tray in brass with semi precious inserts. Handmade in India. Bring the universe ho...
Brass
Decorative Brass Trinket Tray, Aquarius with Semi Precious, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Decorative Brass Trinket Tray, Aquarius with Semi Precious Inserts, Viya by Vikram Goyal Trinket tray in brass with semi precious inserts. Handmade in India. Bring the universe hom...
Brass
Gargantuan "Toucan" Water Pitcher by Emilia Castillo, Signed, Mexican Design
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An extraordinary and monumentally scaled sculptural water pitcher designed and hand-fabricated in Taxco, Mexico in the early 1980s by celebrated Mexican silversmith Emilia Castillo. ...
Stone, Onyx, Silver Plate, Brass
Decorative Brass Trinket Tray, Scorpio with Semi Precious, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Decorative Brass Trinket Tray, Scorpio with Semi Precious Inserts, Viya by Vikram Goyal Trinket tray in brass with semi precious inserts. Handmade in India. Bring the universe home...
Brass
Decorative Brass Trinket Tray, Taurus with Semi Precious, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Decorative Brass Trinket Tray, Taurus with Semi Precious Inserts, Viya by Vikram Goyal Trinket tray in brass with semi precious inserts. Handmade in India. Bring the universe home,...
Brass
Antique Spode Copeland's England Art Nouveau Tea Set – "Blue Lily" Fleur de Lily
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful and highly collectible Art Nouveau porcelain tea service by Spode Copeland's England, featuring the elegant "Blue Lily" / "Fleur de Lys" pattern. Dating from the early 20...
Porcelain
Decorative Brass Trinket Tray, Cancer with Semi Precious, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Decorative Brass Trinket Tray, Cancer with Semi Precious Inserts, Viya by Vikram Goyal Trinket tray in brass with semi precious inserts. Handmade in India. Bring the universe home,...
Brass
Lacquered Towel Tray with Brass, Saffron Dark Blue, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Lacquered Towel Tray with Brass, Saffron Dark Blue, Viya by Vikram Goyal Lacquered towel tray with brass. Handmade in India. With moniker’s such as red gold, exquisite thread or go...
Brass
5pc Ralph Lauren RL Polo 1992 Wedgwood Claire Plates Tea Cup Place Setting
By Ralph Lauren, Wedgwood
Located in Dayton, OH
4 Available, sold separately Ralph Lauren RL Polo 1992 Wedgwood Claire embossed Neoclassical ribbon / acanthus berries motif place settings. Each set includes five pieces and comes...
Porcelain
Libra Trinket Tray in Brass with Semi Precious, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Libra Trinket Tray in Brass with Semi Precious, Viya by Vikram Goyal Bring the universe home, and see what’s written in the stars. These renderings of enamel and brass depict the in...
Brass
20th Century Pig Wood & Metal Cutting Board Plate Tray Plater Vintage German
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A striking and sculptural serving piece, this pig-shaped cutting board seamlessly blends utility with functional design. Made from oak wood and accented with cast aluminum detailing,...
Aluminum
Decorative Ice Bucket, Shalimar Small in Brass, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Decorative Brass Ice Bucket, Shalimar Small with Semi Precious Inserts, Viya by Vikram Goyal Ice bucket in brass with semi precious inserts. Handmade in India. ""Repoussé involves ...
Brass
Rosenthal Andy Warhol featuring Beethoven Glass Plate
By Andy Warhol, Rosenthal
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...
Glass, Cut Glass
Gucci Barware Silver Plate and Crystal HighBall Tumbler Glasses Set, circa 1970
By Gucci
Located in Atlanta, GA
A rare and luxurious Gucci barware ensemble, this exceptional set of five crystal highball tumblers epitomizes the elegance and glamour of Italian design from the 1970s. Each glass f...
Crystal, Metal, Gold Plate, Silver Plate
$1,100 / item
French Hand Decorated Fish Plates
By Faience Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Unique set of 11 hand decorated porcelain ceramic dinner plates featuring various fish using exuberant brushstrokes. Each plate signed on back with the name of fish depicted.
Ceramic
$760Sale Price|20% Off
Large Tiffany Elsa Peretti Cobalt Blue Thumbprint Glass Bowl
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co., Tiffany & Co.
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Large Italian vintage cobalt blue thumbprint glass bowl, designed and signed by Elsa Peretti For Tiffany. Impressive piece that we see sitting on a dining, hall or coffee table.
Art Glass
$331 / item
Ceramic Tissue Box
By Project 213A
Located in Macieira de Sarnes, PT
CERAMIC TISSUE BOX, designed in 2023. Artisanal ceramic tissue box created by skilled artisans in Project 213A's own ceramic workshop. Each piece is unique due to its handmade natu...
Ceramic, Clay
$330 / item
Ceramic Tissue Box
By Project 213A
Located in Macieira de Sarnes, PT
CERAMIC TISSUE BOX, designed in 2023. Artisanal ceramic tissue box created by skilled artisans in Project 213A's own ceramic workshop. Each piece is unique due to its handmade natu...
Ceramic, Clay
White Ceramic Kawa Vases Pair, Porcelain, Organic, Small Vases, Bud Vase
By Luft Tanaka
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A pair of tactile and organic porcelain vases with leather textured exterior surface and clear glazed interior. As a result of the production process each item is one-of-a-kind. Set ...
Ceramic, Porcelain
1960s Mexican Modernist Alpaca Silver & Abalone Pitcher, Los Castillo Style
By Los Castillo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A striking 1960s Mexican modernist pitcher crafted in alpaca silver with intricate abalone shell mosaic inlay, executed in the style of renowned Los Castillo Taxco silver designs. Th...
Abalone, Alpaca
Christian Dior Lucite, Metal and Rattan Basket Bowl Centerpiece, circa 1970
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning centerpiece basket or decorative bowl was designed for the Christian Dior Interior Collection circa 1970. The geometric shape features a brass metal gallery and genuine...
Metal, Brass
66 pcs Silverplate Flatware Classic Rim pat. 10 Table Settings plus Serving pcs.
By Oneida
Located in Miami, FL
Silver plated flatware in the Classic Rim pattern with 10 table settings + serving pieces + extras from 1990s. There are 4 pc. setting of silverware for 10 people (no soup spoons), each comprising of one of each - 8.75 in. knife, 7.5 in. fork, 6.75 in. fork and one 5.75" teaspoons each set ( total 40 pcs). Flatware pieces: 15 Knives, 10 Forks, 23 sm. Forks, 11 Teaspoons and 1 Butter? Knife. Serving pieces are: 4 serving 8 " Spoons, 1 Butter 6 3/4" knife and 1 gravy/dressing 6" Laddle and 1 sugar/lemon 4.75" long tong. The set comprises of two makers or possibly two brands from the same Oneida conglomerate : WM Rodgers Hotel Plate...
Silver Plate
Glaciar Small Silver Alpaca & Cream Onyx Stone Square Tray
By AIREDELSUR
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
Glaciar collection is meticulously handcrafted by our local artisans with these rectangular onyx pieces set around alpaca silver flower vases, boxes and trays. Our pieces are made b...
Stone, Onyx, Metal
$49,733Sale Price|20% Off
'Pichet Espagnol' from the Madoura Pottery 'AR 245' by Pablo Picasso '1954'
Located in London, GB
'Pichet Espagnol' ceramic piece from the Madoura Pottery (A.R. 245) by Pablo Picasso (1954). A fired, unglazed ceramic pitcher in the form of a stylise...
Ceramic
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
1990s Modern Lino Sabattini Clear Glass and Silver Plated Bar Tray
By Sabattini Argenteria, Lino Sabattini
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This 1990s Modernist serving tray by Lino Sabattini embodies the designer's minimalist and refined aesthetic, with sleek lines and high-quality materials. This tray features a base c...
Silver Plate
Coasters Set of 4 Cocktail Green Quartzite Marble Handmade Italy Collectible
By Barberini & Gunnell, Pieruga Marble
Located in Ancona, Marche
Set of 4 coasters in Green Quartzite. Thanks to their shape and size they can be used as exclusive presentation plates for finger food. Dimensions: D ...
Quartz
Decorative Bowl Vase Vessel Sculpture Brown Emperador Marble Handmade Italy
By Barberini & Gunnell, Pieruga Marble
Located in Ancona, Marche
"Elegant and light, it seems to drift through the placid waters of the lagoon". Gondola, big elegant bowl, hand-sculpted from a solid block of Brown Emperador Marble. Bowl dimension...
Marble
$640Sale Price|20% Off
Gold Plated Flatware 24-piece set in a crystal glass Egg holder L’ambrosia.
Located in Glendale, CA
L'Ambrosia is a unique 24-piece cutlery set that comes in a crystal case, bringing elegance to any interior. The extraordinary design of this timeless set allows it to serve as the ...
Crystal, Stainless Steel
$18Sale Price / item|70% Off
Fin Trivet / Tray from Souda, Anodized Gold, in Stock
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Made using a manufacturing process utilized for railways, medical devices, and electronics, the Fin Trivets bring an Industrial touch to your tabletop. Both durable and multifunction...
Metal, Aluminum
Contemporary Silver Plated Lava Stone Cup Handcrafted Italy by Natalia Criado
Located in Milan, IT
Elevate your daily tea or coffee ritual with our exquisite lava cup. Handcrafted with plated brass, its geometric silhouette offers a sleek and minimal aesthetic. The exquisite stone...
Gold Plate, Brass
Emilia Castillo Taxco Silver Plate & Copper Serving Utensils, 1980s, Signed
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A striking pair of vintage serving utensils designed and handcrafted by Emilia Castillo in Taxco, Mexico, circa 1980s. Sculptural and highly decorative, the set combines the celebrat...
Silver Plate, Brass, Copper
Bubble Bowl in Clear and Marbled Aqua Resin by Paola Valle
By Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Our Bubble Bowl is handmade in clear resin with aqua marbled texture. Its modern, fun and unique design makes it a statement piece and can be used as decor or as a fruit platter. De...
Resin
$331 / item
Ceramic Tissue Box square in White
By Project 213A
Located in Macieira de Sarnes, PT
Ceramic Tissue Box Square in brushed White Designed by Project 213A in 2023 Artisanal ceramic tissue box created by skilled artisans in Project 213A's own ceramic workshop. The tiss...
Ceramic, Clay
Large Gien Rambouillet Wild Boar Hand-Painted Ceramic Serving Platter
By Gien
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
A striking large hand-painted ceramic serving platter from Faïencerie de Gien, France, featuring the iconic Rambouillet hunting series. This impressive piece showcases a beautifully ...
Ceramic, Pottery
Decorative Brass Trinket Tray, Virgo with Semi Precious, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Decorative Brass Trinket Tray, Virgo with Semi Precious Inserts, Viya by Vikram Goyal Trinket tray in brass with semi precious inserts. Handmade in India. Bring the universe home, ...
Brass
Swedish Ceramic Tea or Coffee Pot by Ann-Carin Wiktorsson for Sagaform, 2000s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Swedish Ceramic Tea or Coffee Pot by Ann-Carin Wiktorsson for Sagaform, 2000s, in Flawless conditions. Designed from 2000 This piece has an attribution markIt is completely authentic...
Ceramic
Rare Carlo Scarpa "Bianchi Aurati" shell for Venini, 1930
By Carlo Scarpa
Located in Vigevano, PV
Carlo scarpa. A rare shell-shaped piece from the "lattimo aurato" (lattimo with gold leaf) series, circa 1930. Produced by Venini; hand-blown glass with gold leaf inclusions. Linear ...
Milk Glass
$365 / item
Rosso Levanto Marble Pedestal Bowl XL
Located in Eindhoven, NB
Introducing our stunning Rosso Levanto marble PEDESTAL Bowl, a captivating fusion of style and utility. Crafted from premium Rosso Levanto marble with Bordeaux red, brown, green colo...
Marble
$567 / item
Travertine Pet Bowl Set Rectangle
Located in Eindhoven, NB
Unique and Stunning Pet bowl made of travertine stone. Expertly crafted and finished by hand, our travertine bowls are a study in sculptural simplicity. Natural variations in the sto...
Travertine
Vintage French Copper & Brass Champagne Bucket Stamped “Made in France”, 1950s
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Vintage French Copper & Brass Champagne Bucket Stamped “Made in France” 10 in. W (handle to handle) x 8 in. diameter x 8 in. H A classic mid-20th-century French hotel champagne ...
Tin, Copper, Brass
$388 / item
Rosso Levanto Marble Narrow Bowl
Located in Eindhoven, NB
Introducing our exquisite Rosso Levanto Marble NARROW Bowl, a fusion of elegance and functionality. Crafted from luxurious Levanto marble stone, this stunning bowl is a testament to ...
Marble
Bubble Bowl in Light Pink Resin by Paola Valle
By Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Our Bubble Bowl is handmade in marbled light pink resin. Its modern, fun and unique design makes it a statement piece and can be used as decor or as a fruit platter. Designed by Pao...
Resin
Charger Plates Platters Serveware Set of 6 in Green Marble Collectible Handmade
By Pieruga Marble, Barberini & Gunnell
Located in Ancona, Marche
Set of 6 hand carved charger plates from Green Ming marble. Multiple use as charger plates, plates platters and placers. Dimensions: D 33 x H 1.9 cm. Available in different marbles...
Marble
$388 / item
Onyx Narrow Bowl
Located in Eindhoven, NB
Introducing our exquisite Onyx NARROW Bowl, a fusion of elegance and functionality. Crafted from luxurious onyx stone, this stunning bowl is a testament to timeless beauty and sophis...
Marble
$331 / item
Ceramic Tissue Box
By Project 213A
Located in Macieira de Sarnes, PT
CERAMIC TISSUE BOX, designed in 2023. Artisanal ceramic tissue box created by skilled artisans in Project 213A's own ceramic workshop. Each piece is unique due to its handmade natu...
Ceramic, Clay
Medium Bowl in Green Marbled Resin by Paola Valle
By Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Our colorful bowl is handmade in traslucid white resin with marbled texture int three shades of green. Its fun and colorful design makes it a statement piece and can be used as decor...
Resin
$224 / item
Flat Vase Project by 213A - Baby blue
By Project 213A
Located in Macieira de Sarnes, PT
Flat vase in Baby blue. Designed by Project 213A in 2021. Handmade Stoneware. Creation demands destruction, taking the old and the typical to conceive the new and particular. The F...
Ceramic, Stoneware
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
Set of 12 Deborah Ehrlich Simple Crystal Water Glasses, Hand Blown in Sweden
Located in Accord, NY
Launched with Takashimaya in 1999, these handblown crystal water glasses have become a modern Classic. Each Deborah Ehrlich piece is designed for t...
Crystal