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.
Coffee Tea Service Flash One Dorothy Hafner for Rosenthal Studio-Line
Located in Vienna, AT
Designed by Dorothy Hafner 1985 for Rosenthal Studio-Line Germany. Porcelain, mint green and black glazed, 11 pieces, 1 x coffee pot, 2 x coffee cup with saucers, 2 x plates, 2 x ...
Porcelain
Postmodern Ceramic Tea or Coffee Pot from Pagnossin, Italy, 1980s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Postmodern Ceramic Tea or Coffee Pot from Pagnossin, Italy, 1980s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1980 to 1989 This piece has an attribution mark. Additional information: Materia...
Ceramic
Postmodern Bent Glass Ashtray Bowl Catchall, 1990s
Located in New York, NY
A transparent bent glass ashtray or bowl/catchall, Modern style or Postmodern period, circa late-20th century, late 1990s to early 2000s. Two indents at top. Excellent condition as s...
Glass
Two "Signature Black" Dinner Plates Designed By Richard Meier For Swid Powell
Located in Doraville, GA
Two Signature Black buffet plates designed by Richard Meier for Swid Powell in the 1980’s. Meier was at the peak of his career during this time, having designed the much lauded High ...
Porcelain
Set of Six 1990s 'Iriana' Blown Crystal White Wine Glasses by Christofle, France
By Christofle
Located in North Miami, FL
Set of six 1990s blown crystal white wine glasses from the 'Iriana' collection with box by Christofle, France By: Christofle Material: glass, blown glass, crystal, paper Technique:...
Crystal
Mid-century modern vintage Erik Magnussen for Stelton plastic ice bucket no. 860
Located in Den Haag, NL
Vintage ice bucket made at Stelton. Designer: Erik Magnussen 1970s In nice good condition with very light signs of use (no deep scratches or cracks). The ice bucket has a Modern ti...
Plastic
$180Sale Price|20% Off
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
Postmodern Metal Tray from Inoxbeck, Italy, 1980s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Postmodern Metal Tray from Inoxbeck, Italy, 1980s
Metal
Italian Mid Century Modern Glasses by Carlo Moretti Bullet Bottom 11 Available
Located in San Diego, CA
11 glasses designed by Carlo Moretti circa 1980's, excellent condition no chips or cracks, with bullet bottom stamped Italy under each glass. buyer can buy 1,2 up to 11 as many as y...
Glass
Set of 2 Japanese Postmodern Stainless Steel Kettle
Located in Hamburg, DE
Japanese Postmodern Stainless Steel Kettle, Set of 2, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1980 to 1989 Additional information: Materials: Metal, Pla...
Metal
Italian Postmodern Marble Terracotta Wine Bottle Coaster or Catchall, Set of 2
Located in New York, NY
A set of two (2) Italian Postmodern marble terracotta hue wine bottle table coasters, circa late-20th century, Italy. A substantial pair of marble wine o...
Marble
$597Sale Price|50% Off
Pino Castagna Italian 1980s Post Modern Art Pottery Bowl
Located in New York, NY
A great Italian Post Modern art pottery bowl by noted artist , Pino Castagna . Signed. Biography: Pino Castagna was born in Castelgomberto, Italy, in 1932, and studied in the schools of fine arts of Verona and Venice. Together with Scottish sculptor Michael Noble and his wife, Ida Borleti, from 1957 and 1963 he designed a creative skill stimulation programme for the mental patients of the Verona psychiatric hospital, as well as directed a ceramics school and workshop in Garda. His growing interest in sculpture was encouraged by frequent visits to Paris and Milan. In 1969, he moved his workshop to Costermano del Garda, Italy, where he currently lives and works. Since then, Castagna’s work has been characterised by constant experimentation with new techniques and materials as diverse as ceramics, aluminium, stone, wood, concrete, strings or tree branches. Each of these offers a new and original expressive possibility, which the artist explores by testing the materials’ plastic potential and pushing their endurance limits. In addition to his practice as sculptor, Castagna’s oeuvre encompasses painting and design, as well as public art, fully revealing the architectural and environmental vocation of his work. Remarkable examples of this vocation may be found in Cespo veneziano [Venetian Basket...
Ceramic
1980s Memphis Milano Black and Blue Ceramic Teapot by Marco Zanini for Bitossi
By Memphis Group, Marco Zanini
Located in Aci Castello, IT
A Memphis Milano black and blue ceramic tea pot designed by Marco Zanini for Bitossi in perfect conditions. The tea pot by Marco Zanini is a stunning piece of functional art. It embo...
Ceramic
$120Sale Price|20% Off
1990s Alessi Kitchen Timer by Alessandro Mendini Italy
Located in Chula Vista, CA
AMBIANIC presents Alessi Anna Timer by Alessandro Mendini Kitchen Timer Blue Anna G line for Alessi. 1990s made in Italy. 4 x 4 x 5h Preowned vintage Refer to images
Metal
$180Sale Price|20% Off
Memphis Design Thermal Carafe by K. Shigeto Milano for Zohirushi Japan
Located in San Diego, CA
Great design on this Memphis era coffee carafe, designed by K Shigeto Milano for Zohirushi Japan circa 1980's great condition, with top switch for open/c...
Glass, Plastic
1980 Jiří Dudycha Porcelan Postmodern Design Tea Set
By Jiří Dudycha
Located in Brescia, IT
Jiří Dudycha Rep. Ceck, 1980 Teapot, Milk jug, Sugar Pot Porcelain with gold details Perfect Condictio H teapot: 29 cm H sugarpot: 14 cm H milk jug: 14.5 cm
Porcelain
White Woven Wicker Pottery Centerpiece Bowl
Located in New York, NY
A chic round off-white/antique white 'woven' 'wicker' pottery centerpiece bowl with soft edge, circa late-20th century to the early aughts. Beautiful as a standalone piece or fill wi...
Ceramic, Pottery
Postmodern Flash One Series Pepper or Salt Shaker by Dorothy Hafner, 1980s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Postmodern Flash One Series Pepper or Salt Shaker by Dorothy Hafner for Rosenthal, 1980s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1980 to 1989 This piece has an attribution markIt is compl...
Porcelain
$300Sale Price / set|20% Off
6 Porcelain Canister Set Designed by Susan Williams Ellis-Portmeirion England
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful set of 6 canisters designed by Portmeirion Pottery England circa 1980's great condition with Greek key design no chips or cracks.
Porcelain, Cork
Italian Postmodern Euclid Series Salad Bowl by Michael Graves for Alessi, 1980s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Italian Postmodern Euclid Series Salad Bowl by Michael Graves for Alessi, 1980s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1980 to 1989 This piece has an attribution mark. Additional inform...
Plastic
$881Sale Price|20% Off
Franco Bucci Italian Ceramic Bowl Centerpiece, 1970s
By Laboratorio Pesaro, Franco Bucci
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Italian ceramic bowl centerpiece designed by Frano Bucci and produced by Laboratorio Pesaro with mark under base LP Bucci, Italy, 1970s Please ...
Ceramic
Three ashtray by Pierre Cardin for Venini
By Venini, Pierre Cardin
Located in Milano, IT
Pierre Cardin for Venini Murano Glass Ashtrays, Italy, 1970s Rare and exquisite set of three small glass ashtrays designed by Pierre Cardin for Venini, one of the most renowned Ital...
Murano Glass
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
Postmodern Black and Terracotta Ceramic Bowl, 1980s 1990s
By Mikasa
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful black ceramic and terracotta bowl, Postmodern design period, circa late-20th century, 1980s, 1990s. Made in Portugal. Bowl has a black glazed ceramic exterior/interior an...
Ceramic, Terracotta
33 Pc. Set of Lenox Venture Stemware in Black with Platinum Trim Ca 1970's
By Lenox's Ceramic Art Company
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional large set of stemware by noted maker Lenox, in the Venture pattern. The glasses are black glass with platinum band trim at the top rim. The set consists of three sizes as...
Glass
Large Postmodern Octagonal Salad Bowl by Arcoroc, Black Milk Glass, Circa 1980
Located in Fairfield, CA
A large vintage black octagonal salad bowl. Made out of black milk glass. Great postmodern design and geometric angles. Made in France by Arcoroc in th...
Glass
$381Sale Price|30% Off
Tapio Wirkaala "Porcelaine Noire" Centerpiece for Rosenthal Studio Linie, 1970s
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Centerpiece, fruit bowl, plate in black porcelain, vintage modernism, designed by Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal Studio Linie “Porcelaine Noire” serie...
Porcelain
$580 / 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
$560Sale Price|30% Off
SOTTSASS ASSOCIATI for EGIZIA - Hand Made Glass Carafe - Italy - Circa 1990's
By Sottsass Associati, Defne Koz, Henry Birks & Son, Egizia
Located in Chatham, ON
DEFNE KOZ for hwc EGIZIA by SOTTSASS ASSOCIATI - Retailed by Birks - Postmodern studio glass carafe - mouth blown - featuring a metallic horizontal stripe h...
Art Glass
Set of 2 Postmodern Ceramic Salt and Pepper Shakers by Gallo Design
Located in Hamburg, DE
Postmodern Ceramic Salt and Pepper Shakers by Gallo Design for Villeroy & Boch, Set of 2, in Flawless conditions. Designed 1980 to 1989 This piece has an attribution mark. Additiona...
Ceramic
Postmodern German Metal Extendable Trivet Coaster from Zack
Located in Hamburg, DE
Postmodern German Metal Extendable Trivet Coaster from Zack, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1990 to 1999 This piece has an attribution mark. Additional information: Materials: Me...
Metal
$52Sale Price|20% Off
Farberware Model 763 18-8 Stainless Steel Teapot Kettle Wood Handle 1 1/2 Quart
By Farberware
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration a Farberware Model 763 18-8 Stainless Steel Teapot Kettle Wood Handle 1 1/2 Quart. Made in Korea. Post modern - Mid ce...
Stainless Steel
Metallic Dark Brown Glazed Ceramic Teapot Pottery Mid-Century Modern
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a dark, glossy glazed ceramic teapot featuring a rounded body, a prominent overhead arched handle, and a matching flat-topped lid. Signed underneath, hard to ...
Pottery
PostModern Michael Graves Swid Powell Handblown Glass Aerator Wine Decanter
By Alessi, Swid Powell, Michael Graves (b.1934)
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
1990s Post Modern Memphis Michael Graves and Swid Powell Handblown Glass Wine Decanter with Interior Blue Bird Aerator by Alessi. Italy A remarkably delicate and clever design. The poetic glass blue bird serves as an aerator for the wine. The cross shaped acacia wood foot as used by again by Swid Powell im his coffee set. A stylistic signature that makes a pleasing come back with this decanter. Other recurring figure across Michael Graves' career, the blue glass bird...
Blown Glass, Rosewood, Cork
Vintage Lenox Swan Lake Wine Glasses, Set of 4, Frosted Winged Woman Stems, USA
Located in Fairfield, CA
A set of 4 vintage wine glasses in the Swan Lake pattern by Lenox. Beautiful frosted stems in the shape of a winged woman with clear bowls on top.
Glass
Set of 6 Plates Fujumori for Kato Kogei Japan Alpha 3 Post-Modern Memphis 1980s
By Kato Kogei, Fujimori
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Set of 6 salad/occasional plates 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 decorat...
Ceramic, Porcelain, Pottery
$716Sale Price|20% Off
Georges Briard Green Marble Ice Bucket, Italy, 1970s Modern Design
Unique 1970s Green Marble Modernist ice bucket with lid. Sculptural and made of richly speckled green marble with ivory veining. You won't have to...
Marble
Memphis Milano Celery Ceramic by Michele De Lucchi
By Memphis Milano, Michele de Lucchi
Located in Toronto, ON
Michele De Lucchi decorates Celery, a serving dish in ceramic with geometric patterns and figures. He works on the juxtaposition of simple figures: in the central part a rectangle ma...
Ceramic
Black Art Glass Sphere Paperweight Decorative Object
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful Modern/Postmodern black and neutral flesh-tone art glass sphere decorative object or paperweight with an organic modern design, circa 1970s. This handmade art glass color...
Blown Glass, Art Glass
$585Sale Price / set|40% Off
Champagne Flutes Glasses, Postmodern 1990s
By Kosta Boda
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful set of four (4) art glass Champagne flutes glasses, Postmodern, circa 1990s, Europe. In the style of Kosta Boda, Sweden. Colors ...
Art Glass, Blown Glass
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
$272Sale Price|38% Off
Monumental art glass platter with frosted motif, on plinth, late 20th century
Located in View Park, CA
An impressive and monumental art glass bowl, late 20th century. Featuring frosted glass in a “dripping liquid” motif. Platter sits atop a stacked art glass plinth. Light scratches bu...
Art Glass
Postmodern Cupola Series Sugar Pot from Rosenthal, 1980s
By Rosenthal
Located in Hamburg, DE
Postmodern Cupola Series Sugar Pot from Rosenthal, 1980s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1980 to 1989 This piece has an attribution markIt is completely authentic Additional inf...
Porcelain
Set 4 Collectible Postmodern Ceramic Coffee Mugs by Waechtersbach Spain 2 Avail.
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful set of 4 coffee mugs by Waechtersbach Spain circa 1980s excellent condition like new great pattern 2 sets of 4 available .
Ceramic
Postmodern Funnytime Kitchen Timer by Roberto Pezzetta for WikiDue
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A whimsical Italian postmodern multicolor kitchen timer designed by Roberto Pezzetta for WikiDue. Stacked dark gray, white and yellow discs give it a...
Metal
24K gold-plated drink set designed by Pino Spagnolo for Biesse, Italy 1978
Located in Milano, IT
24K gold-plated drink set designed by Pino Spagnolo for Biesse, Italy 1978. Biesse products are made using die-casting in alloy and undergo a four-layer galvanic process, achieving ...
Metal, Gold Plate
KAWS URGE (ceramic plates)
By KAWS
Located in Brooklyn, NY
KAWS URGE: Complete set of 4 ceramic plates produced on the occasion of the 2021 KAWS Brooklyn Museum retrospective, KAWS: WHAT PARTY. New in original packaging. Rare. Each individu...
Ceramic
Vintage German Ceramic Coffee Pot from Könitz
Located in Hamburg, DE
Vintage German Ceramic Coffee Pot from Könitz, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1980 to 1989 This piece has an attribution mark. Additional information: Materials: Ceramic Color: B...
Ceramic
$220Sale Price|20% Off
Postmodern Rare Italian Ashtray by Dajna Design in Plastic & Stainless
By Enzo Mari
Located in San Diego, CA
Great simple design on this Italian ashtray black and white plastic circa 1980's, with polished stainless steel in nice condition.
Stainless Steel
Postmodern Drinking Glass by Hans Jürgen Richartz, 1980s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Postmodern Drinking Glass by Hans Jürgen Richartz for Richartz Art Collection, 1980s, in Flawless conditions. Designed 1980 to 1989 This piece has an attri...
Glass
Set of 4 Post Modern / Memphis Era Plates by Kato Kogei for Fujimori Sonata
By Fujimori, Kato Kogei
Located in San Diego, CA
Rare Set of four post-modern / Memphis plates by Kato Kogei for Fujimori, circa the 1980s. Sonata collection rare shape and pattern no chips or cracks.
Ceramic
Bottega Vignoli Large Majolica/Ceramic Vase, Signed, Dated
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bottega Vignoli is brand created in Italy in the 1970's and makes unique and limited editions of Byzantine, Roman design ceramics, Majolica, located in Faenza.
Ceramic
Set of 2 Italian Postmodern Euclid Series Salad Servers by Michael Graves, 1980s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Italian Postmodern Euclid Series Salad Servers by Michael Graves for Alessi, 1980s, Set of 2, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1980 to 1989 This piece has an attribution mark. Addi...
Plastic
Postmodern Metal and Art Glass Goblet by Hans Jürgen Richartz, 1980s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Postmodern Metal and Art Glass Goblet by Hans Jürgen Richartz for Richartz Art Collection, 1980s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1980 to 1989 This piece has an attribution mark. ...
Metal
Set of 4 Cream Homer Laughlin Speckled Salad Plates Classic American Stoneware
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Set of 4 Homer Laughlin Speckled Salad or Bread Plates – Classic American Stoneware, 1983 Step into the rich history of American pottery with this charming set of 4 vintage Homer Laughlin stoneware plates. Crafted in 1983, these speckled cream-colored plates reflect the timeless Mid-Century Modern aesthetic combined with the practicality and durability Homer Laughlin is celebrated for. Each plate bears the signature Homer Laughlin maker’s mark, a testament to their authenticity and the brand’s enduring legacy. History of Homer Laughlin: Homer Laughlin, one of the most iconic American pottery manufacturers, was established in 1871 in East Liverpool, Ohio. Revered for its innovative designs and high-quality craftsmanship, the brand became synonymous with everyday elegance in tableware. Best known for their Fiesta line, Homer Laughlin’s contributions to Mid-Century and modern American design remain unparalleled, blending functionality with style. This particular collection highlights their mastery of speckled stoneware, popular during the 1970s and 1980s for its rustic yet refined appeal. Design Features: • Material: Durable stoneware with a speckled cream glaze • Dimensions: Perfectly sized for serving bread, salads, or desserts • Style: The natural, minimalist design complements both casual and formal dining settings • Period: Manufactured in the 1980s, capturing the essence of rustic modernism • Color Palette: Neutral tones with subtle flecks of brown, making them incredibly versatile How to Style These Plates: 1. Modern Rustic Dining: Pair with wooden chargers...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Matteo Thun Extravergine Cruet for Anthologie Quartett, 1980s
By Anthologie Quartett 1, Matteo Thun
Located in Vienna, AT
Matteo Thun Extravergine Cruet for Anthologie Quartett, 1980s. Nice heart-shaped cruet for oil and vinegar. Dimensions are 7.08 x 7.08". Very good condition with no cracks or chips.
Porcelain
$435Sale Price|25% Off
Transparent Murano Glass Vase by Carlo Moretti, Signed and Labeled, Italy 1990s
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1970s. Made in hand-blown and hand-polished Murano glass. It is signed and labeled by Carlo Moretti. This vase might show slight traces of use since it's vintage, but...
Murano Glass
Set of 8 German Postmodern Flying Objects Series Plates for Arzberg, 1990s
By Arzberg
Located in Hamburg, DE
German Postmodern Flying Objects Series Plates by David Palterer and Sieger Design for Arzberg, 1990s, Set of 8, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1990 to 1999 This piece has an attr...
Ceramic
Postmodern Tac Series Box with Lid from Rosenthal, 1980s
By Rosenthal
Located in Hamburg, DE
Postmodern Tac Series Box with Lid from Rosenthal, 1980s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1980 to 1989 This piece has an attribution mark. Additional information: Materials: Glass...
Glass
Postmodern Philip Morris Porcelain Stacking Ashtray Pyramide Tip Lid, 2000s
By Frank Stella
Located in Hamburg, DE
Pyramids, pointed lid for the Limited Edition Philip Morris ashtray from Rosenthal. This top was designed by Frank Stella. The other stacking ashtrays from various designers. A new ...
Ceramic