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.
Murano Glass Sommerso Decanter, Purple and Fuchsia Pink, 1980s
Located in Glasgow, GB
A substantial Murano glass decanter from the 1980s, attributed to Formia, with a compact bottle form and vivid purple and fuchsia pink sommerso decoration. The rounded body is formed...
Murano Glass, Sommerso
Bodum Ottoni Tea Kettle by Carsten Jørgensen, Stainless Steel, 1986
By Bodum
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Polished stainless steel tea kettle designed in 1986 by Carsten Jørgensen for Bodum. The cylindrical body features a sharply geometric spout cut at a diagonal angle, small decorative...
Brass, Stainless Steel
Mid-Century Modern Ceramic Set Form 3000 'Sicilia' by Arzberg, 1970
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning 11-piece porcelain tea/coffee set 'Sicilia' form 3000 ceramic set by Hans Theo Baumann for Arzberg Porzellan, Germany. The set contains a tea/coffee pot with lid, a small ca...
Porcelain
Spiros ashtray, designed by Eleonore Peduzzi Riva for Artemide in 1969.
By Artemide, Eleonore Peduzzi Riva
Located in Stockholm, SE
The square body is formed around a concave spiral along which the contrasting black sphere moves. This simple interactive element transforms the functional ashtray into a remarkably ...
Plastic
Vintage Post-Modern Style Iridescent Blue Coupe Cocktail Glasses, Set of 4
Located in Fairfield, CA
A set of 4 vintage coupe glasses. Beautiful iridescent blue color to the glasses. Nice round shape with tapered stems. Perfect for wine, champange, or cocktails. Each measures 3.25"D...
Glass
Postmodern Danish Metal Bottle Opener by Bent Falk for Menu, 1980s
By Bent Falk
Located in Hamburg, DE
Postmodern Danish Metal Bottle Opener by Bent Falk for Menu, 1980s
Metal
La Création Sculptural Centerpiece in Glazed Stoneware by Thalia Dalecky
Located in Geneve, CH
La Création Sculptural Centerpiece in Glazed Stoneware by Thalia Dalecky. Dimensions: Ø 41 x H 15 cm. Materials: Cream chamotte stoneware, glossy transparent glaze. Thalia Dalecky ...
Ceramic
$2,464Sale Price / set|20% Off
Barcelona Olympic Games hand-blown glasses by Gordiola, Spain, 1992
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Hand-blown whiskey glasses from the Barcelona Olympic Games produced and manufactured by the glass artisans of Gordiola, 1992, set of 8. Made entirely by hand in transparent glass, w...
Glass, Murano Glass
1980’s Memphis Coffee Set by Marco Zanini for Bitossi Italy
By Bitossi, Marco Zanini
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
Vintage Chrome Napkin Rings
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
A set of 8 vintage chrome napkin rings.
Metal
$89Sale Price / set|40% Off
Vintage Set of 4 Post Modern Pink Lucite Scrolling Ribbon Napkin Rings
Located in Amityville, NY
A vintage post modern set of four napkin rings in pink lucite, with a scrolling, looping, wrapping, ribbon or bow shape. Each of the 4 in the set is identical, providing a perfect fe...
Lucite
Fitz and Floyd Ceramic Vegetable Measuring Cup and Shakers Set
Located in Coral Gables, FL
This charming Fitz and Floyd set belongs to the tradition of figurative ceramic objects created for the decorative kitchen. It includes a measuring cup and several salt and pepper sh...
Ceramic
Set of 8 Kosta Boda Satellite Martini Glasses by Bertil Vallien, Signed Swedish
Located in San Diego, CA
An exceptional set of eight colorful art glass martini glasses from the Satellite collection, designed by renowned Swedish glass artist Bertil Vallien for Kosta Boda. #5739 Featurin...
Art Glass
Venini for Disaronno Amber and White Fused Glass Ice Bucket, Murano Italy
By Venini
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Modernist vintage ice bucket has abstract geometric decor of fused white glass on transparent amber colored glass with controlled bubbles effect. The piece has two small rounded han...
Art Glass, Murano Glass, Glass
$500Sale Price|20% Off
Swedish Postmodern Centerpiece Bowl by Ulrica Hydman-Vallien, 1990s
By Ulrica Hydman-Vallien, Kosta Boda
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful Postmodern Swedish art glass centerpiece bowl by artist and designer Ulrica Hydman-Vallien, circa 1990s, for Kosta Boda, Sweden. Centerpiece ...
Glass
Michael Graves Big Dripper Coffee Pot for Swid Powell, Post-Modern, 1980s
By Michael Graves (b.1934), Swid Powell
Located in Downingtown, PA
Michael Graves Big Dripper Coffee Pot for Swid Powell, Post-Modern, 1980s This complete and pristine example of the Big Dripper, Michael Graves's celebrated Post-Modern coffee pot ...
Porcelain
$104Sale Price|46% Off
Postmodern Cosmo Martini Cocktail Set of 2
Located in Toronto, ON
Super cool postmodern cocktail Glasses that can be used for martinis, cosmos, and other cocktails. This Memphis style glasses feature a rounded cylindrical base with a wide open tria...
Glass
Porcelain Plates 'Chromatics' by Arzberg, 1971
Located in Los Angeles, CA
wonderful set of porcelain plates from the 'Chromatic' series, designed by Gerald Gulotta for Arzberg Porzellan, Germany between 1971-73. The plates are part of the 'Goldbraun' sub s...
Porcelain
$1,400Sale Price / set|20% Off
1987 Big Dripper Ceramic Coffee Set Michael Graves for Swid Powell
By Swid Powell, Michael Graves (b.1934)
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1987 Postmodern Big Dripper Coffee Set by Michael Graves for Swid Powell High gloss white glaze large pot, filter holder, and lid with gold decoration and brick red base. Large Coffe...
Ceramic
Postmodern Pepper and Salt Shaker from Ide-Bank, Norway, 1980s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Postmodern Pepper and Salt Shaker from Ide-Bank, Norway, 1980s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1980 to 1989 This piece has an attribution mark. Additional information: Materials:...
Plastic
Teapot with Checkered & Salt Glaze, Vintage Studio Pottery
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage stoneware teapot features whimsical, exaggerated shape, accentuated with colorful glaze. The body and the lid are decorated with quirky red and cream checkered pattern, and t...
Ceramic, Pottery
Haeger Rounded Edge Mauve Pink Postmodern Vide Poche
By Royal Haeger
Located in New York, NY
Postmodern Haeger vide poche catchall. Bold rounded edges make this a standout piece, mauve color is versatile and pairs nicely with many other colors. Perfect for a coffee table, dr...
Ceramic
$520Sale Price|20% Off
Kazuko Matthews Post Modern Ceramic Teapot, California, 1980's
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Kazuko Matthews Post Modern Ceramic Teapot, California, 1980's. Kazuko Kayasuga Matthews was born Southern California and was raised in Japan. After she returned to the United Stat...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Postmodern Gray Ceramic Braided Woven Abstract Centerpiece Bowl
Located in New York, NY
Stunning woven braided ceramic centerpiece bowl glazed in a wonderful shade of gray with some blue tones. Great size for a coffee table or entryway. Very unusual abstract shape, plea...
Ceramic
Vintage Chinese Tibetan Silver Overlay Porcelain Body Teapot With Foo Dog Finial
By Alessi, Michael Graves (b.1934)
Located in San Diego, CA
A vintage Chinese / Tibetan silver overlay porcelain body teapot with foo dog finial, circa the 1970s. The pot is in very good vintage conditi...
Sterling Silver
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
Postmodern Danish Metal Bottle Opener and Corkscrew by Bent Falk for Menu, 1980s
By Bent Falk
Located in Hamburg, DE
Postmodern Danish Metal Bottle Opener and Corkscrew by Bent Falk for Menu, 1980s, Set of 2
Metal
Memphis Milano Potato Ceramic by George J. Sowden
By Memphis Milano, George Sowden
Located in Toronto, ON
Potato, designed by George J. Sowden for Memphis in 1985, is a ceramic tray with two metal handles. Round, with a pale green hue, it has raised borders that make it extremely functio...
Metal
Set of 2 Postmodern Flash One Series Milk and Sugar Pot by Dorothy Hafner, 1980s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Postmodern Flash One Series Milk and Sugar Pot by Dorothy Hafner for Rosenthal, 1980s, Set of 2, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1980 to 1989 This piece has an attribution mark. A...
Porcelain
Modern to Postmodern Calla Lily Blue & Clear Lucite Sculpture or Centerpiece
Located in Topeka, KS
Beautiful vintage Modern to Postmodern calla lily sculpture or centerpiece comprised of light blue frosted Lucite blooms and leaves, frosted Lucite base & leaf, and clear Lucite stems. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that this is vintage and not new so will have signs of use and wear. Please see photos and zoom in for details. We attempt to portray any imperfections. Circa, Late 20th Century. The meaning of a calla lily is purity, faithfulness, and holiness. Well, HOLY MOLY… that explains a lot! Just feast your eyes upon this PURELY GORGEOUS vintage calla lily...
Lucite
Set of 2 Vintage Postmodern German Fantasia Series Teapot and Cup, 1980s
By Matteo Thun
Located in Hamburg, DE
Vintage Postmodern German Fantasia Series Teapot and Cup by Matteo Thun for Arzberg, 1980s, Set of 2, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1980 to 1989 This piece has an attribution mar...
Porcelain
Vintage French Amethyst Purple Hand-Blown Wine Glasses, Set of 4, circa 1980
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
A beautiful set of four vintage French hand-blown stemmed wine or water glasses, circa 1980, in a sophisticated amethyst purple coloration ranging from delicate lavender and dusty rose to deeper plum tones. Each glass features an elegant, softly curved bowl with a gently tapered profile, supported by a long slender stem and circular foot. The simplicity of the silhouette allows the unusual color of the glass to become the principal decorative element. Depending upon the surrounding light, the translucent glass takes on subtle shades of amethyst, plum, mauve and lavender, giving the set a particularly attractive jewel-like quality. The glasses were mouth-blown by hand, and small bubbles and subtle variations may be visible within the glass. These are characteristic of traditional hand-blown production rather than defects and contribute to the individuality of each piece. Elegant without being overly formal, the glasses work beautifully with both antique and contemporary table settings. Their clean lines and saturated color make them particularly suitable for an eclectic European table, modern Mediterranean interior, or a sophisticated barware collection. They may be used as wine glasses, water goblets or decorative stemware, and the rich amethyst coloration makes them especially effective when mixed with clear crystal, colored Venetian-style glass or complementary vintage tableware. This set is vintage old-new stock and has never been used, remaining in mint condition. Sold as a set of four. Multiple sets are available, making it possible to assemble a larger service while availability lasts. Dimensions: 7.5 in. H × 2.75 in. top diameter × 3 in. base diameter. Origin: France Date: circa 1980 Period: Late 20th Century Material: Blown glass Technique: Hand-blown / mouth-blown Color: Amethyst purple, plum and lavender Condition: Mint vintage condition; never used. Small bubbles and minor variations inherent to hand-blown glass production. French amethyst wine glasses, purple wine glasses...
Blown Glass
Vintage Crystalex Wine Glasses Set of 6 – Bohemian Glass, Czech Republic, 1990s
By Crystalex
Located in Praha, CZ
Add a bold splash of color and elegance to your collection with this stunning set of 6 vintage wine glasses by Crystalex, crafted in Czechoslovakia in the 1990s. These exquisite glas...
Crystal
Postmodern Black Octagon Milk Glass Mugs, Set of 4, Octime by Arcoroc, France
By Arcoroc
Located in Fairfield, CA
A set of 4 vintage black octagon mugs. Made out of black milk glass. Great postmodern design and geometric shape. Made in France by Arcoroc in the "Oc...
Milk Glass
Richard Ginori Italian Porcelain Coffee Tea Cup Brown & Gold 1 of 16 Available
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Richard Ginori coffee or tea cup and saucer porcelain set "Contessa" Pattern, Italy. 16 cups set available, each sold separately, 1 cup and one saucer se...
Porcelain
Large 67 Piece Set of Post Modern Dorothy Hafner Rosenthal Flash Dinnerware
Located in Chesterfield, NJ
Large set of Memphis style Flash series porcelain dinnerware for twelve designed in 1982 by noted American ceramist and glass artist, Dorothy Hafner, and manufactured in Germany by R...
Porcelain
$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
Postmodern Bubble Martini Liquor Cocktail Set of 4
Located in Toronto, ON
Super cool postmodern cocktail small glasses. This Memphis style glasses feature a rounded cylindrical base with a wide open triangular top in the similar shape as martini glass tops...
Glass
$337Sale Price / item|25% Off
Rosenthal Line Phases Porcelain White Ball Ornament by Dror Benshetrit, Germany.
By Rosenthal
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Rosenthal Line Phases Porcelain White Ball Ornament by Dror Benshetrit, Germany. To understand the work of Dror Benshetrit, one must grasp the logic and thought processes underlying...
Porcelain
Set of 6 Postmodern Flash One Series Coffee Service Plates, Cups, Saucers, 1980s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Postmodern Flash One Series Coffee Service Plates, Cups, Saucers by Dorothy Hafner for Rosenthal, 1980s, Set of 6, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1980 to 1989 This piece has an at...
Porcelain
$32Sale Price|20% Off
1980s Postmodern Porcelain Mug by Kato Kogei for Fujimori
By Kato Kogei
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1980s Alpha-3 Mug designed by Kato Kogei for the Fujimori Collection. Made in Japan, this Memphis M mug is part of the Omega set.
Porcelain
Vintage 1960's Porcelain Coffee Set by Enesco Japan Retro Floral Design
By Enesco
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage ENESCO JAPAN Mid Century Modern porcelain Coffee Set. Beautiful set of 1 coffee or tea pot, 4 cups, sugar and creamer, in porcelain by Enesco Japan, in great condition no ch...
Porcelain
Large Noritake Spinnaker Stoneware Serving Platter, Japan, 1971-1976
Located in Fairfield, CA
A large vintage stoneware serving platter. Made in the "Spinnaker" pattern by Noritake, Japan. Dark blue glaze featuring a postmodern sailboat design in the center. The spinnaker pat...
Stoneware
Hot Bertaa Postmodern Water Kettle by Philippe Starck for ALESSI
Located in Linkebeek, BE
"Hot Bertaa" Water Kettle by Philippe Starck for ALESSI Philippe Stark - 1990s - Italian - Alessi Measures : 32cmx17cm H:25cm Materials: Brushed Aluminium - Thermo Plastic Wear con...
Aluminum
$3,275 / item
Dream/Reality Bar Cart by Six Dots Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Dream/Reality Bar Cart by Six Dots Design Unique Piece. Dimensions: D 54 x W 35 x H 71 cm Materials: Raw aluminum. The Dream/Reality Bar Cart is a playful and practical piece, perfe...
Aluminum
Recinto tray Alessi Alessandro Mendini Postmodern
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
"Recinto" table tray designed by Alessandro Mendini for Alessi. Designed in around 2000. Vintage blue color. There are a little trace of use. Over all good condition.
Stainless Steel
$1,598Sale Price / set|20% Off
ELSA PERETTI 1980 Tiffany & Co. Pumpkin Trinket Lidded Box In .925 Sterling
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co., Elsa Peretti
Located in Miami, FL
Pumpkin box designed by Elsa Peretti (1940-2021) for Tiffany & Co. Beautiful vintage rounded trinket box with a lid, designed in the shape of a pumpkin by Elsa Peretti at the Ti...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Jean-Luc Bertrand for Bouillet Bourdelle Chargers Metanode and Stainless
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
A rare and visually arresting set of French modernist chargers designed by artist Jean-Luc Bertrand for Bouillet-Bourdelle, executed in polished stainless steel with hand-polychromed...
Stainless Steel, Enamel
Kazuko Matthews Stoneware Post Modern California Studio Zig Zag Teapot with Lid
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Flattened stoneware Post Modernist vase by California studio artist Kazuko Matthews. Teapot measures 16.5" by 9.5" by 3" and is signed Kazuko Matthews on the bottom. In very good vin...
Stoneware
Set of 5 Hand-Blown Green Bubble Glass Tumblers, Mid-Century Modern
Located in Toronto, CA
A charming set of five hand-blown green glass tumblers featuring a lively seeded bubble design. Each glass showcases unique variations in bubble placement, a hallmark of artisanal cr...
Glass, Blown Glass
Set of Four Aluminum/Brass Coasters in Brutalist Design by David Marshall
Located in München, BY
A set of four rare, substantial, and large coasters in a Brutalist style, crafted from aluminum and brass by David Marshall. Made in Spain. Stamped on the brass; the undersides feat...
Aluminum, Brass
White, Black and Blue Hand-Painted Ceramic Jug / Vase in the Style of Picasso
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in France, 1960s - 1970s. It is made in white hand-painted ceramic with blue and black motifs, that recalls Pablo Picasso's style. It is a vintage item, therefore it might show ...
Ceramic
Vintage Italian Blue Crystal Glasses, 1970s, Set of 12
Located in Torino, Piemonte
Set of 12 glasses with a square base in light blue crystal and a clear bowl, Italian design, 1970s. CONDITION: In good condition; may show slight signs of wear due to age. DIMENSIO...
Crystal
Vintage Hand-Blown Tortoise Shell Glass Pitcher, Italian Murano, 1980
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage hand-blown glass pitcher in a tortoise shell pattern. Elegant barware hand blown tortoise shell glass pitcher amber with clear glass handle. A distinctive tortoise shell motif brings rich color and dimension to a glass carafe that makes a stunning addition to your bar. A beautiful tall Martini or Lemonade pitcher...
Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass
$120Sale Price|35% Off
1980s Vintage Arcoroc Black Glass Set of Three Serving Bowls
By Arcoroc
Located in San Gabriel, CA
This is a beautiful set of 3 black glass serving bowls by renowned French manufacturer Arcoroc. Part of the much loved Octime range which is octagon-shaped homeware. One large and tw...
Glass
$460Sale Price / set|20% Off
Postmodern Set of 6 Beveled Glass Placemats with Gold Trim
Located in San Diego, CA
Incredible rare set of 6 placemats from the 1980's, beautiful beveled glass edge with gold trim by Kafka Industries, circa 1985 Memphis era this set has bo...
Glass
Michael Graves for Alessi "Bird" Wine Decanter with Mahogany Stand, Italy, 1980s
Located in San Diego, CA
Whimsical yet sophisticated, this sculptural wine decanter was designed by celebrated American architect and designer Michael Graves for Alessi, Italy, and exemplifies Graves' signat...
Glass, Wood, Cork
Transparent Heavy Crystal Trinket Bowl - Ashtray with Shells by Jolanda Prinsen
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1970s. It is made in quite heavy 4-layered iridescent cornflower blue and white hand-blown glass. This trinket bowl / ashtray looks like a fossil. It is polished insi...
Crystal
Miguel Ortiz Berrocal Complete & Original 18-Piece Service
Located in North Miami, FL
Miguel Ortiz Berrocal (1933-2006), cheese service with 18 unique pieces (forks, knives and spoons). All in silvered metal and in original box with designer name. Provenance and authe...
Metal
Porcelain Coffee Cups B 'Chromatics' by Arzberg, 1971
Located in Los Angeles, CA
wonderful tea/coffee cups from the 'Chromatic' series, designed by Gerald Gulotta for Arzberg Porzellan, Germany between 1971-73. The cups are part of the 'Goldbraun' sub series with...
Porcelain