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Brutalist Ceramics

BRUTALIST STYLE

The design of brutalist furniture encompasses that which is crafted, hewn and worked by hand — an aesthetic rebuke (or, at least, a counterpoint) to furniture that is created using 21st-century materials and technology. Lately, the word “brutalist” has been adopted by the realms of furniture design and the decorative arts to refer to chairs, cabinets, tables and accessory pieces such as mirror frames and lighting that are made of rougher, deeply textured metals and other materials that are the visual and palpable antithesis of the sleek, smooth and suave. 

ORIGINS OF BRUTALIST FURNITURE DESIGN

CHARACTERISTICS OF BRUTALIST FURNITURE DESIGN 

  • Use of industrial materials — tubular steel, concrete, glass, granite
  • Prioritizes functionalism, minimalism and utilization of negative space
  • Spare silhouettes, pronounced geometric shapes
  • Stripped-down, natural look; rugged textures, modular construction
  • Interiors featuring airy visual flow and reliance on neutral palettes

BRUTALIST FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW

VINTAGE BRUTALIST FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS

The term brutalism — which derives from the French word brut, meaning “raw” — was coined by architecture critic Reyner Banham to describe an architectural style that emerged in the 1950s featuring monumental buildings, usually made of unornamented concrete, whose design was meant to project an air of strength and solidity.

Le Corbusier essentially created the brutalist style; its best-known iterations in the United States are the Whitney Museum of American Art, which was designed by Marcel Breuer, and Paul Rudolph's Yale Art and Architecture Building. The severe style might have been the most criticized architectural movement of the 20th century, even if it was an honest attempt to celebrate the beauty of raw material. But while the brutalist government buildings in Washington, D.C., seemingly bask in their un-beauty, brutalist interior design and decor is much more lyrical, at times taking on a whimsical, romantic quality that its exterior counterparts lack.

Paul Evans is Exhibit A for brutalist furniture design. His Sculpture Front cabinets laced with high-relief patinated steel mounts have become collector's items nonpareil, while the chairs, coffee table and dining table in his later Cityscape series and Sculpted Bronze series for Directional Furniture are perhaps the most expressive, attention-grabbing pieces in American modern design. Other exemplary brutalist designers are Silas Seandel, the idiosyncratic New York furniture designer and sculptor whose works in metal — in particular his tables — have a kind of brawny lyricism, and Curtis Jere, a nom-de-trade for the California team of Curtis Freiler and Jerry Fels, the bold makers of expressive scorched and sheared copper and brass mirror frames and wall-mounted sculptures.

Brutalist furniture and sculptures remain popular with interior designers and can lend unique, eccentric, human notes to an art and design collection in any home.

Find authentic vintage brutalist chairs, coffee tables, decorative objects and other furniture on 1stDibs.

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Style: Brutalist
Brutalist Folk Art Vase, Asymmetrical Ceramic Pottery, USA, 1970s
Brutalist Folk Art Vase, Asymmetrical Ceramic Pottery, USA, 1970s

Brutalist Folk Art Vase, Asymmetrical Ceramic Pottery, USA, 1970s

Located in San Carlos, CA

Cool Brutalist Folk Art vase with an asymmetrical design, nice and unusual patterns and a gorgeous blue and purple drip-glazed finish. This Mid-Century Modern vase is in very good...

Category

1970s American Vintage Brutalist Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic, Pottery

Large Brutalist Japanese Ceramic Vase by Takao Tomono
Large Brutalist Japanese Ceramic Vase by Takao Tomono

Large Brutalist Japanese Ceramic Vase by Takao Tomono

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Ceramic glazed vase by Japanese American artist, Takao Tomono. The vase features a wheel thrown form with a hand built mouth and 'wing' detailing around t...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Brutalist Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Monumental Brutalist Ashtray by Marcello Fantoni for Raymor, 1950s
Monumental Brutalist Ashtray by Marcello Fantoni for Raymor, 1950s

Monumental Brutalist Ashtray by Marcello Fantoni for Raymor, 1950s

By Raymor, Marcello Fantoni

Located in View Park, CA

A green glow: monumental vintage Italian brutalist hand-worked metal ashtray by Marcello Fantoni for Raymor, made in Italy circa 1950. Patinated copper in tones of chartreuse, teal, and pewter. Born in Florence in 1915, Marcello Fantoni wed ancient Italian pottery technique with decidedly Modernist elements, garnering tremendous acclaim both at home and abroad - his work has been collected by important museums worldwide. When Fantoni died in Florence in 2011 at the age of 95, his obituary in the Italian newspaper La Nazione hailed him “the master of beauty.” This stunning piece certainly justifies the moniker. With the signature etched on verso, it is without doubt an heirloom rarity for the savvy collector...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Brutalist Ceramics

Materials

Copper

Large 19th Century Stoneware Ceramic from La Borne Pottery French Handmade
Large 19th Century Stoneware Ceramic from La Borne Pottery French Handmade

Large 19th Century Stoneware Ceramic from La Borne Pottery French Handmade

By La Borne Potters

Located in Neuilly-en- sancerre, FR

La Borne - 19th century Large stoneware pottery from center of France Realised circa 1880 Original good condition its peculiarity is to have a piece of another pot fixed...

Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Brutalist Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Contemporary Brutalist Ceramic Catchall by Cathy Astolfi, France
Contemporary Brutalist Ceramic Catchall by Cathy Astolfi, France

Contemporary Brutalist Ceramic Catchall by Cathy Astolfi, France

Located in BORGO, FR

Small ceramic catchall by Corsican ceramic artist Cathy Astolfi, created in her studio in Calvi. For several decades, the artist has developed a body of work deeply rooted in her nat...

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21st Century and Contemporary Corsican Brutalist Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

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Mid-20th Century Brown Stoneware Studio Ceramic Vase, Modern Design
Mid-20th Century Brown Stoneware Studio Ceramic Vase, Modern Design

Mid-20th Century Brown Stoneware Studio Ceramic Vase, Modern Design

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A distinctive studio ceramic vase has a tall narrow shape, brown, with an outer glossy glaze and speckled white detailing. The cylindrical form contains an unglazed area at the neck ...

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Mid-20th Century American Brutalist Ceramics

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19th Century Decorated Bird Stoneware Jug
19th Century Decorated Bird Stoneware Jug

19th Century Decorated Bird Stoneware Jug

Located in Los Angeles, CA

19th century decorated stoneware jug with a bird on the face. This is a New York State jug. The condition is very good.

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Pair of Mid Century 1950s Howard Pierce Ceramic Quail Bird Sculpture Figurine
Pair of Mid Century 1950s Howard Pierce Ceramic Quail Bird Sculpture Figurine

Pair of Mid Century 1950s Howard Pierce Ceramic Quail Bird Sculpture Figurine

Located in San Diego, CA

Iconic pair of Howard Pierce ceramic quail bird figurines/sculptures dating from the 1950s. These are an iconic design. Great color and form. The larger ...

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Authentic Talavera Decorative Vase Folk Art Vessel Mexican Ceramic Blue White
Authentic Talavera Decorative Vase Folk Art Vessel Mexican Ceramic Blue White

Authentic Talavera Decorative Vase Folk Art Vessel Mexican Ceramic Blue White

Located in Queretaro, Queretaro

Elegant white and blue vessel made with the Talavera technique. Artist, Cesar Torres portraits the colonial art of Mexico. The Talavera is not just a simple painted ceramic: its exquisite decoration is the product of a delicate process of alchemy that translates into fine enamels. In Puebla, Mexico few people still produce using Talavera with the ancestral techniques. One of those few is Cesar Torres, Don Cesar learned his art in the workshop of the Uriarte family, an excellent workshop where his grandfather worked. In his creations he uses the black and white mud that is obtained from the nearby hills of Loreto and Guadalupe, and colors of mineral origin that he creates in his workshop with recipes from his grandfather. All the pieces are modeled in a traditional way and go through a production process that usually takes from one to two months, between drying, burning, and painting. Being surrounded by a living tradition, Cesar Torres Jr., learned from his father since childhood. Architect by profession, Cesar Jr. has come to revolutionize and modernize with new designs and ideas of the current world, nevertheless always respecting the tradition of the processes and materials that make Talavera a Creole art...

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21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Brutalist Ceramics

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Mexican Nativity Set Folk Art Ceramic Christmas Decoration Pottery Sculptures
Mexican Nativity Set Folk Art Ceramic Christmas Decoration Pottery Sculptures

Mexican Nativity Set Folk Art Ceramic Christmas Decoration Pottery Sculptures

By Aurelio Martinez Flores

Located in Queretaro, Queretaro

Folkloric ceramic nativity set decorated in Tonalá, Jalisco, México. Beautifully hand painted. Handmade in clay. Includes 14 figures. The figures are first handmade in clay and burned in a wood burned oven at low temperature, then painted with acrylic paint and decorated manually. Mexican folk art...

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2010s Mexican Brutalist Ceramics

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Red glazed ceramic vase by Michel Lanos
Red glazed ceramic vase by Michel Lanos

Red glazed ceramic vase by Michel Lanos

$3,131

H 9.85 in Dm 7.49 in

Red glazed ceramic vase by Michel Lanos

By Michel Lanos

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

Red glazed ceramic vase by Michel Lanos. 9.8 x 7.5 inches. Perfect original decorations. Artist monogram under the base. Circa 1980. Unique piece. - Born in Paris in 1926, Michel L...

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20th Century French Brutalist Ceramics

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Ceramic

Talavera Jar Decorative Vase Folk Art Vessel Mexican Ceramic Blue White

Talavera Jar Decorative Vase Folk Art Vessel Mexican Ceramic Blue White

By Cesar

Located in Queretaro, Queretaro

Elegant white and blue jar made with the authentic Talavera technique. Master artisan, Cesar Torres portraits the colonial art of Mexico. The Talavera is not just a simple painted ceramic: its exquisite decoration is the product of a delicate process of alchemy that translates into fine enamels. In Puebla, Mexico few people still produce using Talavera with the ancestral techniques. One of those few is Cesar Torres, Don Cesar...

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A Decorative Ceramic Plate by Simone Picault Vallauris France 1970s
A Decorative Ceramic Plate by Simone Picault Vallauris France 1970s

A Decorative Ceramic Plate by Simone Picault Vallauris France 1970s

Located in HYÈRES, FR

A Decorative Plate by Simone Picault Vallauris France 1970s. Wife of the famous artist Robert Picault. In good condition.

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Ceramic Vase by Joseph Talbot, to La Borne, circa 1940
Ceramic Vase by Joseph Talbot, to La Borne, circa 1940

Ceramic Vase by Joseph Talbot, to La Borne, circa 1940

By Michael Talbot

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

A ceramic vase by Joseph Talbot, to La Borne. Signed under the base. Perfect original conditions, circa 1940.

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Large Moorish Glazed Ceramic Vase with Arabic Calligraphy Black Writing Fez
Large Moorish Glazed Ceramic Vase with Arabic Calligraphy Black Writing Fez

Large Moorish Glazed Ceramic Vase with Arabic Calligraphy Black Writing Fez

Located in Moreno Valley, CA

Large Moroccan glazed ceramic vase from Fez. Moorish style ceramic handcrafted and hand painted with Arabic calligraphy writing. This kind of Art Writing looks calligraphic is called...

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Green Swirl Ceramic Touring Pottery Folk Art Pot in Green and Brown
Green Swirl Ceramic Touring Pottery Folk Art Pot in Green and Brown

Green Swirl Ceramic Touring Pottery Folk Art Pot in Green and Brown

Located in Oklahoma City, OK

A beautiful green, brown, and cream touring pot or planter. This piece is glazed on the interior in rich emerald verdigris blue-green glaze and will be perfect for use as a planter. Bottom reads in black: Made in Cripple Creek...

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20th Century American Brutalist Ceramics

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Mexican Ceramic Jug Vase Fishes 1994 Dolores Porras Folk Art Decorative Vessel
Mexican Ceramic Jug Vase Fishes 1994 Dolores Porras Folk Art Decorative Vessel

Mexican Ceramic Jug Vase Fishes 1994 Dolores Porras Folk Art Decorative Vessel

By Dolores Porras

Located in Queretaro, Queretaro

Dolores Porras Enríquez is widely known throughout Mexico and the world for being the creator of a technique rooted in the land of Oaxaca: pottery in natural color, glazed and decora...

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1990s Mexican Brutalist Ceramics

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Previously Available Items
Paolo Soleri Brutalist Pottery Wind Bell for Hand of The Craftsman
Paolo Soleri Brutalist Pottery Wind Bell for Hand of The Craftsman

Paolo Soleri Brutalist Pottery Wind Bell for Hand of The Craftsman

By Paolo Soleri, Arcosanti

Located in New Windsor, NY

An amazing example of a Paolo Soleri Arcosanti wind and earth bell. Comprised of a earthenware pottery bell, clapper with a copper "tail" and hanging chain. This work still retains i...

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1970s American Vintage Brutalist Ceramics

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Copper

Vintage Mid-Century Modern Brutalist Signed Studio Pottery Vase 1970s
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Brutalist Signed Studio Pottery Vase 1970s

Vintage Mid-Century Modern Brutalist Signed Studio Pottery Vase 1970s

By Bernard Rooke Studio

Located in Moreno Valley, CA

Vintage Mid-Century Modern Brutalist Signed Studio Pottery vase 1970s. Very unique brutalist stoneware vase, textured, rectangular form with relief carved design detailed with raise...

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Late 20th Century American Brutalist Ceramics

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Brutalist Studio Pottery "Hourglass" Vase Signed Inge
Brutalist Studio Pottery "Hourglass" Vase Signed Inge

Brutalist Studio Pottery "Hourglass" Vase Signed Inge

By Stan Bitters

Located in New Windsor, NY

Straight from a beautiful Mid-Century Modern estate in White Plains, NY, Westchester County. Numerous pieces by this potter or sculptor were purchased. Terra Cotta body with heavy frog skin...

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1960s American Vintage Brutalist Ceramics

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Funky Brutalist School Studio Pottery Owl on Chinese Style Stand
Funky Brutalist School Studio Pottery Owl on Chinese Style Stand

Funky Brutalist School Studio Pottery Owl on Chinese Style Stand

Located in New York, NY

Very funky pottery owl with enameled metal eye sockets. This piece dos have some condition issues, notably one ear is repaired, one is missing, and there is some loss to the ceramic ...

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Late 20th Century American Brutalist Ceramics

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Brutalist Paul Kingma One-Off Ceramic and Brass Artwork Coffee Table, Signed
Brutalist Paul Kingma One-Off Ceramic and Brass Artwork Coffee Table, Signed

Brutalist Paul Kingma One-Off Ceramic and Brass Artwork Coffee Table, Signed

By Paul Kingma, Gulden Interieur

Located in Voorburg, NL

Fantastic and unique Paul Kingma ceramic art slate coffee table with metal foot. Made and signed in 1974 for the Dutch firm ‘Gulden Interieur’ in Rotterdam Holland. Paul Kingma was a...

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Mid-20th Century Dutch Brutalist Ceramics

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Brutalist ceramics for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Brutalist ceramics for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Late 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage ceramics created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include folk art, decorative objects, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with ceramic, pottery and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Brutalist ceramics made in a specific country, there are Europe, North America, and United States pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original ceramics, popular names associated with this style include Marcello Fantoni, La Borne Potters, and Raymor. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for ceramics differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $145 and tops out at $1,220 while the average work can sell for $367.