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Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

MID-CENTURY MODERN STYLE

Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. The style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, is characterized by pieces that were conceived and made in an energetic, optimistic spirit by creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living.

ORIGINS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW

ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS

VINTAGE MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS

The mid-century modern era saw leagues of postwar American architects and designers animated by new ideas and new technology. The lean, functionalist International-style architecture of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus eminences Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius had been promoted in the United States during the 1930s by Philip Johnson and others. New building techniques, such as “post-and-beam” construction, allowed the International-style schemes to be realized on a small scale in open-plan houses with long walls of glass.

Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century modern furniture designs. Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen, who had experimented extensively with molded plywood, eagerly embraced fiberglass for pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair, respectively. 

Architect, writer and designer George Nelson created with his team shades for the Bubble lamp using a new translucent polymer skin and, as design director at Herman Miller, recruited the Eameses, Alexander Girard and others for projects at the legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer

Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi devised chairs and tables built of wire mesh and wire struts. Materials were repurposed too: The Danish-born designer Jens Risom created a line of chairs using surplus parachute straps for webbed seats and backrests. The Risom lounge chair was among the first pieces of furniture commissioned and produced by legendary manufacturer Knoll, a chief influencer in the rise of modern design in the United States, thanks to the work of Florence Knoll, the pioneering architect and designer who made the firm a leader in its field. The seating that Knoll created for office spaces — as well as pieces designed by Florence initially for commercial clients — soon became desirable for the home.

As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century furniture designers caught the spirit.

Classically oriented creators such as Edward Wormley, house designer for Dunbar Inc., offered such pieces as the sinuous Listen to Me chaise; the British expatriate T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings switched gears, creating items such as the tiered, biomorphic Mesa table. There were Young Turks such as Paul McCobb, who designed holistic groups of sleek, blond wood furniture, and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in minimalist teak dining tables and lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.

As the collection of vintage mid-century modern chairs, dressers, coffee tables and other furniture for the living room, dining room, bedroom and elsewhere on 1stDibs demonstrates, this period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.

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Style: Mid-Century Modern
Laura Andreson Signed Large Glazed Mid-Century Modern Ceramic Pottery Vase, 1940
Located in Studio City, CA
A fantastic, wonderfully drip glazed large vase by renowned American potter Laura Andreson. Gorgeous in design and color. Signed, dedicated and dated (1940) on the base by Andreso...
Category

1940s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Earthenware

Doyle Lane California Studio Pottery Mid-Century Modern Ceramic Three Bead Set
Located in Studio City, CA
A beautifully designed, gorgeously glazed, original ceramic three three-bead set (one burnt red, one ocean blue, one white crackle glaze) by famed mid-century American artist and pot...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Pottery

David Leach Lowerdown Stylized Berry Design Studio Pottery Vase
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A Lowerdown Pottery studio pottery vase decorated with a stylized berry design by David Leach (British, 1911-2005) and dating from around 1956. The rounded bulbous flagon shaped vase...
Category

1950s English Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Stoneware

Mid-Century Modern ceramic Dogs
Located in Brussels , BE
couple of dogs condition of the item: the largest dog is in very good condition the smallest has some slight break at the level of the leg and the ear.
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Barbara Willis Signed Large Mid-Century Modern California Studio Pottery Bowl
Located in Studio City, CA
A beautifully designed and gorgeously glazed large stoneware Mid-century Modern low bowl by California studio pottery artist Barbara Willis (1917-2011). The elongated curved contour...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Stoneware, Pottery

Bernard Rooke Small Studio Pottery Nature Vase
Located in Norwich, GB
British studio pottery small vase by Bernard Rooke. Featuring leaves and bird decoration. Inscribed BR. Circa 1970. In very good condition, with no damage. Bernard Rooke studied p...
Category

Late 20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Pottery

Pablo Picasso Deux danseurs (Alain Ramie 380) 1956
Located in New York, NY
Pablo Picasso (Spanish, 1881-1973), "Deux danseurs" (Alain Ramie 380) a terre de faience plate, painted and part-glaz, 1956, from the edition of 450, with ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Faience

Stan Bitters Signed Large Mid-Century Modern California Pottery Sculpture Bowl
Located in Studio City, CA
A wonderful, unique, beautifully and sumptuously glazed sculptural bowl by American California studio pottery master potter/ceramists Stan Bitters whose work was instrumental in shap...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Earthenware, Pottery

Madonna della neve Elena Scavini, Lenci Torino 1930s Italy
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Antique Lenci Ceramic Madonna of the Snows by Elena Scavini. Italy Torino, circa 1930
Category

1930s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

California Design Stoneware Weed Pot / Vase by Wayne Chapman
Located in San Diego, CA
An absolutely stunning California design stoneware weed pot / vase by noted San Diego, CA potter Wayne Chapman, circa 1970. The pot is in very good vintage condition and measures 4.5...
Category

Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Stoneware, Pottery

Blue Ceramic Cross with Abstract Line-Drawn Christ
Located in Chicago, IL
Delve into the harmonious blend of faith and contemporary artistry with our blue ceramic cross, featuring an abstract line-drawn Christ swathed in a rust-colored fabric. This one-of-a-kind artifact seamlessly merges the profound symbolism of religious iconography with the experimental edge of modern art, creating a visually stimulating piece that sparks dialogue and reflection. Each cross in our collection is meticulously handcrafted by skilled artisans, and this piece is no exception. Bathed in a soothing navy blue glaze, it offers a tranquil backdrop to the abstract Christ figure etched at the heart of the cross. This figure, presented in minimalist line-drawn style, wears a swath that lends an earthy contrast to the cool ceramic blue. The minimalist representation of the Christ figure, drawn with mere lines, incites thoughtful contemplation, reminding us that faith often resides in simplicity. This dynamic interplay between color, texture, and symbolism makes this cross a must-have addition to any modern art enthusiast's collection or as a unique piece of home décor. This cross is more than a traditional religious symbol—it's a statement piece, a testament to the transformative power of modern art on age-old symbols...
Category

1950s European Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Beatrice Wood Signed Midcentury California Studio Pottery Cat Charger Plate
Located in Studio City, CA
A relatively rare and wonderfully hand-painted charger featuring a mischievous cat by famed American/ California ceramist Beatrice Wood. The portrait of the feline features Wood's un...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Earthenware

California Design Stoneware Brutalist Rare Vase by Wayne Chapman
Located in San Diego, CA
An absolutely stunning California design stoneware vase by noted San Diego, CA potter Wayne Chapman, circa the 1970s. The pot is in great condition very rare design stamped at the bo...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Pottery, Stoneware

California Design Small Ceramic Pedestal Bowl / "Catch-All" by Wayne Chapman
Located in San Diego, CA
A beautiful California design small ceramic pedestal bowl / "catch-all" by Wayne Chapman, circa 1969. The piece is in very good vintage condition with no chips or cracks and measures...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Pottery

Very Large Retro Vintage West Germany Scheurich Fat Lava Vase / Floor Vase / Ear
Located in Tilburg, NL
Very large retro vintage West Germany Scheurich Fat Lava vase / floor vase / ear vase Retro vintage West Germany Heinz Siery Scheurich floor vase...
Category

1950s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Retro Vintage Wall Decoration with Glazed Tiles. Image of a Sailboat Hardbor
Located in Tilburg, NL
Retro vintage Vallauris La Grange wall plate / tile tableau Retro vintage wall plate / tile tableau / wall decoration with glazed tiles. Vallaur...
Category

1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Enamel

Raul Coronel Signed Mid-Century Modern Studio Pottery Wall Plaque Sculpture
Located in Studio City, CA
A wonderful, exceptionally large, and rather rare Mid-Century Modern stoneware wall plaque/ sculpture depicting a set of birds - perhaps partridges or dov...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Stoneware, Burlap, Glass, Wood

Round Ceramic Brown Unusual Studio Pottery Vase, Signed
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Glazed in an almost metallic-looking paint, this petite round vase will be fabulous on a nightstand, bookshelf, or side table. Studio Pottery is a...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic, Paint

Traditional Spanish Brass Trumpet, circa 1960
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Traditional Spanish brass trumpet. Manufactured in Spain by unknown manufacturer, circa 1960. In original condition, with minor wear consistent of age and use, preserving a bea...
Category

1960s Spanish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Brass

Glen Lukens Signed Early Midcentury Glazed California Pottery Weed Pot Vase
Located in Studio City, CA
A very rare early work featuring a dark chocolate brown glaze by master Mid-Century Modern ceramist/potter Glen Lukens whose work has become quite collectible and relatively scarce and difficult to find. The work is signed and dated (1924) by Lukens on the underside (we have only seen one other piece dated this early and that piece is in the Forrest Merrill Collection). Lukens was the founder of the University of Southern California (USC) Architectural School’s Ceramics Department where he helped establish and promote clay pottery as a universally acceptable art form. The current popularity of Studio Pottery and ceramics is widely accepted to have started with Lukens who is oft credited with being one of the first artists to raise the stature of Mid-Century Modern Studio Pottery within the art world. Lukens is famed for his experiments with various glazes and glazing techniques. His influence and glazes can be clearly seen in the works of Otto and Gertrud Natzler, Beatrice Wood, James Lovera, etc. He was also known for combining bright, colorful textile glazes (using natural, organic materials and elements he found in the Mojave Desert, Palm Springs, and Death Valley to make what he referred to as "California Colors") with the rough and raw clay surfaces of his often rudimentary forms and vessels. Lukens currently has an award in his name (Glen Lukens Award) at the University of Southern California's School of fine Arts. A very rare, unique, and truly special work This piece would be a tremendous stand-out addition to any collectors of Lukens' work or Mid-Century Modern ceramics collection or eye-catching accent piece in about any setting, modern or otherwise. A must-have. Lukens work can be found in various museum collections including: Arizona State University Art Museum, Tempe, Arizona Huntington Library...
Category

1920s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Earthenware, Pottery

Polia Pillin Signed Mid-Century Modern California Studio Pottery Yunomi Tea Cup
Located in Studio City, CA
A wonderful, whimsical diminutive Yunomi tea cup by famed Polish-American master potter/artist Polia Pillin featuring a deep, rich cobalt blue glaze with streaks of green swirling ar...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic, Pottery

Toshiko Takaezu Signed Japanese Hawaiian Glazed Pottery Chawan Yunomi Tea Bowl
Located in Studio City, CA
An absolutely gorgeous and wonderful chawan tea bowl / yunomi cup by famed Japanese American pottery master Toshiko Takaezu. The work features a rich, matte black tenmoku glaze with ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Pottery

Beatrice Wood Signed Midcentury California Studio Pottery Luster Glaze Vase
Located in Studio City, CA
A wonderful gem of a piece by famed American/California ceramicist Beatrice Wood featuring her highly coveted, gorgeously radiant turquoise luster glaze. A beautiful design with a de...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Earthenware

Polia Pillin Signed Mid-Century Modern California Studio Pottery Yunomi Tea Cup
Located in Studio City, CA
A wonderful, whimsical diminutive Yunomi tea cup by famed Polish-American master potter/artist Polia Pillin featuring a deep, rich cobalt blue glaze with streaks of green swirling ar...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic, Pottery

Laura Andreson Signed Glazed Mid-Century Modern California Studio Pottery Bowl
Located in Studio City, CA
A wonderfully crafted and beautifully glazed bowl by renowned American California master potter Laura Andreson. This bowl features a deep, mesmerizing, rich purple/blue glaze. Gorgeo...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Earthenware

David Cressey Floral Ceramic Glazed Lamp
Located in Los Angeles, CA
David Cressey ceramic lamp, circa 1960s, USA. The wheel thrown ceramic lamp features a speckled grayish blue colored glaze with applied floral detailing in a gray-brown tone. The newly rewired lamp...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Linen, Ceramic

Floral Tree of Life Ceramic Art Wall Decoration, 1960s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Handmade folk art Mexican tree of life inspired ceramic wall decoration. Shiny mustard ochre colored organic plant shaped base with dark brown, al...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic, Pottery, Stoneware

Atomic Age Vintage Green Ceramic Owl
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Here is a piece of art that is sure to turn heads! This ceramic owl, painted in a wild, almost radium-green oozes authentic mid-century modern style. Perfect for fans of animals, or ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic, Porcelain

Laura Andreson Signed Glazed Mid-Century Modern California Studio Pottery Bowl
Located in Studio City, CA
A wonderfully crafted and beautifully glazed bowl by renowned American California master potter Laura Andreson. An uncommon form for Andreson with a high gloss glaze featuring a dark ocean deep blue / aqua color with delicate splashes of greens. Gorgeous in its Mid-Century Modern design. Signed on the base by Andreson (and stamped). A special and scarce work. Would be a great addition to any midcentury ceramics/ pottery collection or a very eye-catching stand-alone accent work in about any setting. This piece has a fantastic feel and heft to it. Andreson, who studied under Glen Lukens, founded and headed the ceramics department at UCLA from 1933 to 1970. Her work can be found in many collections and museums worldwide including: Metropolitan Museum of Art The Museum of Modern Art Museum of Fine Arts, Boston Smithsonian Museum of American Art The Los Angeles County Museum of Art The Walker Art Center The Nora Eccles Harrison Museum of Art. Her exhibitions include: 1937 Rene Rosenthal Gallery, New York City, New York 1938 First California Ceramic Exhibition, San Diego, California 1940 Honolulu Academy of Art 1947 Eleventh National Ceramics Exhibition, Metropolitan Museum of Art 1970 Fredric Art Gallery, UCLA, Los Angeles, California 1970 Laguna Beach Art Gallery 1971 Mills College Art Gallery, Oakland, California 1971 Hoover Art Gallery, San Francisco, California 1971 San Diego Fine Arts Gallery, San Diego, California 1971 Utah State University, Logan, Utah 1972 Pasadena Art Museum, Pasadena, California 1972 Ceramics West, Utah State University, Logan, Utah 1972 Ogden Art Center, Ogden, Utah 1972 Bower Museum, Santa Ana, California 1973 Utah Museum of Fine Art, Salt Lake City, Utah 1973 Clay and Fiber Gallery, Taos, New Mexico 1973 California Crafts VIII, Crocker Art Gallery, Sacramento, California 1974 California Ceramics...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Earthenware

Traditional Spanish Ceramic Trumpet, circa 1960
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Traditional Spanish rustic ceramic trumpet. Manufactured in Spain by unknown manufacturer, circa 1960. In original condition, with minor wear consistent of age and use, preserv...
Category

1960s Spanish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Davide Campari Decorative Plates for Richard Ginori
Located in Milano, IT
Splendid set of 3 decorated plates designed by Davide Campari for the Richard Ginori factory in the 1920s. The first plate is from the collection I CAVALLI in a limited edition of 1...
Category

1920s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Stan Bitters Signed Large Mid-Century Modern Ceramic Pottery Haniwa Sculpture
Located in Studio City, CA
A wonderful, unique, beautifully glazed, quite rare, and special double-faced "Haniwa" pottery sculpture by American California studio pottery master ceramists Stan Bitters whose work was instrumental in shaping the organic modernist movement in the 1960s. Bitters received his Bachelor of Arts degree in painting from the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) in 1958. He also studied under Peter Voulkos at Otis College. After graduating, he worked for Hans Sumpf as the company's resident artist. During this time he created architectural murals, tiles, birdhouses, planters, and sculptural objects – designs that would earn him recognition later on as a pioneer of the organic modernist craft movement - many still some of the most iconic designs today. Stan Bitters' work was featured as a part of the prestigious California Design series of exhibitions and annuals that chronicled art and design in California from 1954-1976. His works were also featured as part of a group show entitled Golden State of Craft 1960-1985 at the Craft and Folk Art Museum in Los Angeles, CA. This show was part of Pacific Standard Time: Art in L.A. 1945-1980, an unprecedented collaboration of more than 60 museums and other cultural institutions in Southern California, celebrating the birth of the Los Angeles art scene. Bitters' work was also exhibited at Heath Ceramics' Boiler Room...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Clay, Pottery

Marguerite Wildenhain Signed Pond Farm Midcentury Modern Studio Pottery Art Vase
Located in Studio City, CA
A truly spectacular work by French-born, American Bauhaus-trained master ceramic artist, educator, and author Marguerite Wildenhain. The shifting textures and color are amazing and the sumptuous blue glaze is something to behold. The shape of the vessel is timeless. Marguerite Wildenhain was born to a British mother and a German father. She lived in Germany during her formative years studying at the Berlin University of the Arts. Wildenhain later attended Bauhaus in Dornburg from 1919 to 1925. During her time at Bauhaus, Wildenhain studied alongside painters Paul Klee and Wassily Kandinsky and she worked closely with sculptor Gerhard Marcks and potter Max Krehan. In 1925, Wildenhain became the first woman to earn the Master Potter certification in Germany. In 1940 she was forced to flee Europe and moved to New York and then shortly after to California (while her husband Franz Wildenhain...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Stoneware

Talavera Ceramic Plate, Don Quixote and the Magic Horse Clavileño, Signed, 1950s
By Artesania Talaverana
Located in Benalmadena, ES
Fantastic Talavera ceramic dish painted by hand by S. Timoneda representing the wonderful scene of Don Quixote and Sancho Panza blindfolded on the back of the magic horse from Clavil...
Category

Mid-20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Paul Soldner Large Raku Fired Mid-Century Modern Vessel Wall Relief Sculpture
Located in Studio City, CA
An amazing and unique piece by renowned American pottery and ceramic master Paul Soldner who in the 1950s was Peter Voulkos' first student and who later became famed for developing t...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Earthenware

Pair of 1960's Vintage Mexican Folk Art Terracotta Head Face Planter Plant Pots
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this rare and collectable pair of Mexican circa 1960’s hand painted terracotta larger planter pots A very good...
Category

1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Terracotta

Goat Ceramic by Dominique Pouchain
Located in Lasne, BE
Ceramics in the shape of a goat stamped Dominique Pouchain.
Category

1990s French Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Beatrice Wood Signed Iridescent Luster Glaze California Studio Pottery Face Vase
Located in Studio City, CA
A wonderful gem of a piece by famed American/California ceramicist Beatrice Wood featuring her highly coveted iridescent luster glaze and highly desi...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Earthenware

William Wyman Signed Massachusetts Midcentury Herring Run Studio Pottery Bowl
By William Wyman
Located in Studio City, CA
A wonderful work by East Coast/ Massachusetts master potter William Wymann. This piece features a fantastic texture and rich, sumptuous, deep ocean-like blue crackle glaze that chang...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Stoneware

Owl Ceramic by Dominique Pouchain
Located in Lasne, BE
Ceramics in the shape of a owl stamped Dominique Pouchain.
Category

1990s French Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Unicorn by Dominique Pouchain
Located in Lasne, BE
Ceramic in the shape of a unicorn by Dominique Pouchain.
Category

1990s French Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Owl Ceramic by Dominique Pouchain
Located in Lasne, BE
Ceramics in the shape of a owl stamped Dominique Pouchain.
Category

1990s French Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Vintage Bell Shaped Ceramic Pendant, Denmark, 1970s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Unique handmade ceramic pendant with hand-carved incised organic decorations. Bell shaped body with perforations on the lower and top part for the light to shine through. Glazed with...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic, Pottery, Stoneware

Colored blue and red stoneware ceramic pitcher circa 1990 signed Maya
Located in Neuilly-en- sancerre, FR
Maya Signed under the base Colored stoneware ceramic pitcher Original good condition Red and blue colors Height 20 cm Large 16 cm
Category

Late 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Large 20th Century Design Stoneware Ceramic Pitcher by Alain Magne La Borne
Located in Neuilly-en- sancerre, FR
Alain Magne Large XXL stoneware ceramic pitcher Signed by Alain Magne Circa 1970 original perfect condition height 35 cm Large 33 cm.
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Clyde Burt Signed Large Mid-Century Modern Studio Pottery Ceramic Art Bowl
Located in Studio City, CA
A wonderful and quite impressive large, heavy, hand-decorated bowl by Ohio-born Midwest American master potter/ artist Cyde Burt who early in his career studied under Maija Grotell...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Pottery, Stoneware

Paul Ami Bonifas Signed Large Early Midcentury Swiss Studio Pottery Art Bowl
Located in Studio City, CA
A truly gorgeous and wonderfully crafted large art bowl by Swiss American sculptor/artist/ceramicist Paul Ami Bonifas (1893-1967). The glaze on this par...
Category

1930s Swiss Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Stoneware

Lane Gordon Thorlaksson Canadian Studio Pottery Bowl with Stand
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A stunning Canadian studio pottery miniature bowl decorated in yellow glazes with an associated pottery stand by Lane Gordon Thorlaksson (Canadian, 1937-2009) dated 1976. Lane Gordon Thorlaksson was born in 1937 in Winnipeg, Manitoba and moved to Vancouver as a child. In his twenties, he represented Canada in the 1959 Chicago Pan-American Games, running alongside Henry 'Harry' Winston Jerome in both the 100 yard and 220-yard dash. Following this, he attended San Jose University of California and in 1966 received a BFA in Ceramics. Working with clay was Thorlaksson’s passion. He was fascinated with Asian ceramics, in particular the Song dynasty Chinese pot forms and glazes. In 1985, the Mayor of Vancouver, Mike Harcourt, visited China on a goodwill mission for the twinning of Vancouver with Guangzhou China. As gifts, he took with him several of Thorlaksson’s ceramics and presented them to Cao Yun-ping, Secretary-General of the People's Municipal Government of Guangzhou. The pieces were well received and local Chinese potters were interested to learn about his glazing techniques. In 1987, Thorlaksson was invited to visit China’s Guangzhou University to exhibit more of his work. He was aided in this exchange by Joanne Mah, the Director of Intercultural Training and Educational Consultants (ITEC), who had worked with the Harcourt exchange. In 1988, she and her husband sponsored a pre-gallery showing of Thorlaksson’s ceramics at the ITEC’s Hong Kong office, prior to an exhibition at Alvin Gallery in Hong Kong. Thorlaksson was celebrated and introduced to academics and the media, including the head of ceramics at the Guangzhou Institute of Fine Arts. Local Chinese potters were eager to learn about his firing techniques, which used multiple firings to create special glaze characteristics. They were also intrigued to understand how he designed his own stands as an integrated part of his presentation. Unlike Asian potters who used wooden stands, Thorlaksson produced his stands in clay, matching each stand in aesthetic and tone to its pot. This two-part process elevated his pieces to sculpture. He believed that ceramics should be viewed as fine art and not craft. He was inspired by the female form and was quoted as saying 'Most potters make pots; I make parts of people'. The bowl is of wide squat rounded form with a fold over rim and is decorated in pale yellow glazes over a brown ground and stands on a narrow round unglazed foot. The design is probably based and inspired by a Chinese brush washer...
Category

1970s Canadian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Pottery

Bernard Howell Leach Studio Pottery Vase with Stylized Patterning
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
An exceptional English studio pottery vase decorated with stylized patterning by renowned British potter Bernard Howell Leach (British, 1887-197...
Category

Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Stoneware

Dora De Larios Signed Mid-Century Modern California Studio Pottery Large Vase
Located in Studio City, CA
A gorgeous, rare, and unique large stoneware vase by famed Mexican American California studio art potter Dora De Larios. De Larios was born in Los Angeles to Mexican immigrant parents. She grew up in the artistic Silver Lake district near downtown Los Angeles amongst Mexican and Nisei Japanese immigrants. As a result, De Larios was heavily influenced by ancient American...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Stoneware

Swedish Floral Organic Modern Ceramic Wall Plate / Centerpiece, 1950s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Vintage handmade fully glazed Swedich midcentury modern wall platter / centrepiece with organic, floral decor depicting a gazelle with a direct gaze surrounded by vegetation in brown, ochre, green, white and bright pink colors on a striped dark blue background created with the experimental sgraffito technique that Tilgmans became famous for. Designed and handpainted in the late 1950s by Eivor Lang and manufactured by German/Finnish Paul Harald Tilgman in his workshop in the small town of Kortedala close to Gothenburg, Sweden. Milky white glaze on the base and sides with curved, muted green decor framing the image along the edge. Three holes for hanging - two in use with metal wire. Signed under base. An handpainted piece in beautiful condition. Paul Harald “Harry” Tilgmann was born in Dresden, Germany in 1904 and emigrated to Sweden during WWII where he started Tilgmans Keramik (= Ceramics) in 1948 in the small town of Utbynäs close to Gothenburg. Tilgman had 16 employees working for him and when he hired the Polish refugee Marian Zawadzki (1912-1978) as artistic director in 1953, Tilgman Keramik started experimenting with the distinct sgraffito technique. The sgraffito technique consists of carving fine lines into the background of a design through a light colored glaze down to a dark grey clay slip. This created a unique textured ground which has become a style associated with Tilgmans Keramik in particular. The decorative elements also appear to be outlined with a carved line and then hand painted with overglazes where birds, fish, flowers, butterflies and other animals were a common theme. This type of work was the most popular in midcentury Sweden alongside Tilgmans small animal figurines...
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Pottery, Ceramic, Stoneware

Large Heavy Mid-Century Modern Signed Glazed Centerpiece Studio Pottery Bowl
Located in Studio City, CA
A truly fabulous, large, heavy, wonderfully crafted, and uniquely designed centerpiece Studio Pottery bowl. The work features a fantastic black metallic glaze similar to works by Ott...
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Stoneware

Ceramic wall goat by Dominique Pouchain
Located in Lasne, BE
Ceramic goat to hang on the wall. Stamped Dominique Pouchain. 5 items, possibility to buy per item.
Category

1990s French Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Americana Studio Pottery Ceramic Bud Vase in White and Orange Brown, Signed
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A pretty one-of-a-kind Americana Revival petite ceramic hand-made studio pottery vase. Created from ceramic, this vase reminds of stoneware and is round in form. The top of the piece...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic, Paint

Hand-Painted Terra Cotta Vintage Danish Pottery Decorative Plate
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage Romanian Ceramika hand-painted terra cotta pottery decorative plate. Highly detailed marbleized pattern in shades of green, rust, yellow, ivory and dark brown. Vintage Handmade ceramica de Horezu pottery...
Category

Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Pottery

Lucie Rie Signed Stamped Yellow Speckle Glazed British Pottery Bowl, circa 1950s
Located in Studio City, CA
A gorgeous earth-toned, yellow, green, brown speckle glazed ceramic footed bowl by famed Austrian-born British potter Lucie Rie. The bowl is signed with Lucie Rie's impressed seal on the base. A rare and unique work. Simply a must for any collector of Rie's work or a beautiful stand-alone piece sure to light up any setting. Dame Lucie Rie...
Category

1950s English Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Pottery

Modernist Vintage Ceramic Vase, Italy 1960's.
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Modernist Vintage ceramic vase, Italy 1960's. Beautiful Bitossi style etched vase. Handcrafted Modernist Minimalist vintage Mid Century Modern studio pottery ceramic Vase in brown ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Antique Mexican Pitcher in Frog Shape
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Circa 1970. We offer this Antique Mexican Pitcher in Frog Shape attributed at Gorky Gonzalez, made in ceramic and hand painted. About Gorky Gonzalez: Founder and artistic director of Traditional Pottery began his studies with his father, the Mexican sculptor...
Category

1970s North American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Mid-century Modern ceramics for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Mid-Century Modern ceramics for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, 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, stoneware and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Mid-Century Modern 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 La Borne Potters, Gertrud and Otto Natzler, Beatrice Wood, and Laura Andreson. 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 $119 and tops out at $25,000 while the average work can sell for $1,068.

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