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Modern Ceramics

MODERN STYLE

The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw sweeping social change and major scientific advances — both of which contributed to a new aesthetic: modernism. Rejecting the rigidity of Victorian artistic conventions, modernists sought a new means of expression. References to the natural world and ornate classical embellishments gave way to the sleek simplicity of the Machine Age. Architect Philip Johnson characterized the hallmarks of modernism as “machine-like simplicity, smoothness or surface [and] avoidance of ornament.”

Early practitioners of modernist design include the De Stijl (“The Style”) group, founded in the Netherlands in 1917, and the Bauhaus School, founded two years later in Germany.

Followers of both groups produced sleek, spare designs — many of which became icons of daily life in the 20th century. The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics. While Bauhaus principals Marcel Breuer and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe created furniture from mass-produced, chrome-plated steel, American visionaries like Charles and Ray Eames worked in materials as novel as molded plywood and fiberglass. Today, Breuer’s Wassily chair, Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona chaircrafted with his romantic partner, designer Lilly Reich — and the Eames lounge chair are emblems of progressive design and vintage originals are prized cornerstones of collections.

It’s difficult to overstate the influence that modernism continues to wield over designers and architects — and equally difficult to overstate how revolutionary it was when it first appeared a century ago. But because modernist furniture designs are so simple, they can blend in seamlessly with just about any type of décor. Don’t overlook them.

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Style: Modern
Eric James Mellon Studio Pottery Experimental Glazed Cup, 2006
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A very fine stoneware cup decorated in experimental glazes by renowned ceramic artist Eric James Mellon (British, 1925-2014) and dated 2006. Trained at the Central School of Arts...
Category

Early 2000s English Modern Ceramics

Materials

Stoneware

Katerina Evangelidou Greek Stoneware Hand Built Studio Pottery Vase
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A hand-built squat studio pottery vase of slight tapering rhombic form in brown glazes by Katerina Evangelidou (Greek, c.1960). The four sided vase has two erupting vertical seams at...
Category

20th Century English Modern Ceramics

Materials

Pottery

Raku Turquoise Glazed Studio Pottery Resting Pig Figure
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Delightful studio pottery raku glazed figure of a resting pig dating from the 20th century. The hollow hand-crafted ceramic pig is simply detailed in a lying position with its head r...
Category

20th Century British Modern Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Takeshi Yasuda 'Japanese, b.1943' Creamware Studio Pottery Hand Thrown Bottle
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Interesting hand thrown Japanese studio pottery creamware vase with a craquelure glaze by Takeshi Yasuda (Japanese, b.1943) dating from the 1980’s. The ...
Category

1980s Japanese Vintage Modern Ceramics

Materials

Pottery

Brown 20th Century Stoneware Ceramic Bottle or Vase La Borne Pottery 2007
Located in Neuilly-en- sancerre, FR
La Borne Realised in 2007 Stoneware black or brown ceramic bottle or vase Original good condition Signed Measures: Height 21 cm Large 9 cm.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Hen in Perpetual Motion, Ceramic Pop Art, White, Handmade in Italy, 2022
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
These splendid ceramic creations are born from the artistic laboratory of Mosche Bianche. In this casket you can keep small objects of value, born as the materialization (and unive...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Brown and White Stoneware Ceramic Pitcher La Borne circa 1990 Pottery
Located in Neuilly-en- sancerre, FR
La Borne Original french stoneware ceramic pitcher Brown and white pottery colors Signed Original perfect condition Measures: h...
Category

1990s French Modern Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Vase Hands, Matt Black and Gold Ceramic, Italy
Located in Treviso, Treviso
The “Andy” ceramic collection VG presents a collection of classic sculptures which revisits the techniques of pop art. The original work is taken apart; a few details are then remove...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Vase Psiche di Capua, White Ceramic, Italy
Located in Treviso, Treviso
VG presents a collection of classic sculptures which revisits the techniques of pop art. The original work is taken apart; a few details are then removed and highlighted, becoming th...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Susan Bennett English Glazed Thrown Studio Pottery Vase
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A stylish thrown and glazed stoneware studio pottery vase with a ribbed body attributed to Susan Bennett (b.1954) and dated 1977. The vase has a bell sha...
Category

1970s English Vintage Modern Ceramics

Materials

Stoneware

Katerina Evangelidou Greek Stoneware Hand Built Studio Pottery Vase
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A hand-built squat studio pottery vase of slight tapering rhombic form in matte pink glazes by Katerina Evangelidou (Greek, c.1960). The four sided vase has two erupting vertical sea...
Category

20th Century English Modern Ceramics

Materials

Pottery

Hand Built Sculptural Wood Fired Twin Handled Signed Studio Pottery Vase
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A truly wonderful design piece, and one of my favorite pieces, is this hand-built wood fired twin handled studio pottery vase of sculptural form dating from the 20th century. The sto...
Category

20th Century British Modern Ceramics

Materials

Stoneware

Vase Hands Small, Matte White Ceramic, Italy
Located in Treviso, Treviso
The “Andy” ceramic collection VG presents a collection of classic sculptures which revisits the techniques of pop art. The original work is taken apart; a few details are then remove...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Hand Built Sculptural Wood Fired Triangular Form Signed Studio Pottery Dish
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A truly wonderful design piece, and one of my favourite pieces, is this hand-built wood fired three cornered triangular studio pottery dish of scul...
Category

20th Century British Modern Ceramics

Materials

Stoneware

Sheep Moneybox Pop Art, White, Made in Italy, 2022, New Collection
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
These splendid ceramic creations are born from the artistic laboratory of Mosche Bianche. The piggy bank, a means that has always been used to remind us of the importance of savi...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

William Illsley 'British, b.1948' Studio Pottery BLue Glazed Bowl with Snake
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A stylish English studio pottery bowl decorated in blue glazes with a trailing snake design by William Illesley (British, b.1948) and made at hi...
Category

20th Century English Modern Ceramics

Materials

Stoneware

Sheep Moneybox Pop Art, Silver, Made in Italy, 2022, New Collection
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
These splendid ceramic creations are born from the artistic laboratory of Mosche Bianche. The piggy bank, a means that has always been used to remind us of the importance of savi...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Mike Dodd Studio Pottery Brown Ash Glazed Teapot and Cover
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A stylish English studio pottery teapot and cover decorated in brown ash glazes by renowned potter Mike Dodd (English, b. 1943) and dating from t...
Category

20th Century English Modern Ceramics

Materials

Clay

Karen Ann Wood Studio Pottery Red Glazed Spot Design Lidded Teapot
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A very fine and stylish English studio pottery teapot and cover decorated in red glazes with blue spot designs by Kent based potter Karen Ann Woo...
Category

1970s English Vintage Modern Ceramics

Materials

Stoneware

David Heminsley 'Scottish, 1927-2007' Studio Pottery Lidded Conserve Jar
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A very finely made studio pottery lidded conserve jar decorated in tenmoku glazes with a ribbon and bow pattern applied around the body of the jar by Scottish based potter David Hemi...
Category

20th Century Scottish Modern Ceramics

Materials

Stoneware

Bob Fierek Cornish Studio Pottery Bowl with Barnacles
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
An impressive Cornish studio pottery bowl applied with barnacle designs by Bob Fierek and dating from the latter 20th century. The bowl is of wide rounded form standing on a narrow r...
Category

20th Century English Modern Ceramics

Materials

Stoneware

Sheep Moneybox Pop Art, Black, Made in Italy, 2022, New Collection
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
These splendid ceramic creations are born from the artistic laboratory of Mosche Bianche. The piggy bank, a means that has always been used to remind us of the importance of savi...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Hand Built Sculptural Wood Fired Twin Handled Signed Studio Pottery Vase
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A truly wonderful design piece, and one of my favourite pieces, is this hand-built wood fired twin handled studio pottery vase of sculptural form dating from the 20th century. The st...
Category

20th Century British Modern Ceramics

Materials

Stoneware

Mark Griffiths Large Twin Handled Studio Pottery Vase with Grasses
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A very stylish English large twin handled studio vase decorated with wheat like grass stems by Shropshire based potter Mark Griffiths (British b.1956) and dating from the 1970’s. The...
Category

20th Century British Modern Ceramics

Materials

Stoneware

Sheep Moneybox Pop Art, Set of 3 Pieces, Made in Italy, 2022, New Collection
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
These splendid ceramic creations are born from the artistic laboratory of Mosche Bianche. The piggy bank, a means that has always been used to remind us of the importance of savi...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Sheep Moneybox Pop Art, Pastel Blue, Made in Italy, 2022, New Collection
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
These splendid ceramic creations are born from the artistic laboratory of Mosche Bianche. The piggy bank, a means that has always been used to remind us of the importance of savi...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Sheep Moneybox Pop Art, Set of 2 Pieces, Made in Italy, 2022, New Collection
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
These splendid ceramic creations are born from the artistic laboratory of Mosche Bianche. The piggy bank, a means that has always been used to remind us of the importance of savi...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Sheep Moneybox Pop Art, Grey, Made in Italy, 2022, New Collection
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
These splendid ceramic creations are born from the artistic laboratory of Mosche Bianche. The piggy bank, a means that has always been used to remind us of the importance of savi...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

1980 Ceramic Weed Pot
Located in Denton, TX
Hand crafted weed pot with scribble design and green and orange glaze. signed J.bock80.
Category

20th Century North American Modern Ceramics

Materials

Clay

Sheep Moneybox Pop Art, Yellow, Made in Italy, 2022, New Collection
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
These splendid ceramic creations are born from the artistic laboratory of Mosche Bianche. The piggy bank, a means that has always been used to remind us of the importance of savi...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Sonia Lewis Studio Ceramic Craquelure Glazed Miniature Vase
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A stunning studio ceramic porcelain squat shaped miniature rounded vase decorated in a brown stained craquelure glazed finish on a white ground by renowned Cambridgeshire based potte...
Category

20th Century English Modern Ceramics

Materials

Porcelain

Lavender Hares Fur Glazed Porcelain Studio Vase in the Style of Berndt Friberg
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A very fine quality studio porcelain vase decorated in satin lavender hares fur glazes signed ST and in the style of Berndt Friberg dating from the 20th century. The small sized tall...
Category

Mid-20th Century British Modern Ceramics

Materials

Porcelain

Sheep Moneybox Pop Art, 22K Gold, Made in Italy, 2022, New Collection
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
These splendid ceramic creations are born from the artistic laboratory of Mosche Bianche. The piggy bank, a means that has always been used to remind us of the importance of savi...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Sheep Moneybox Pop Art, Lilac, Made in Italy, 2022, New Collection
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
These splendid ceramic creations are born from the artistic laboratory of Mosche Bianche. The piggy bank, a means that has always been used to remind us of the importance of savi...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Sheep Moneybox Pop Art, Green, Made in Italy, 2022, New Collection
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
These splendid ceramic creations are born from the artistic laboratory of Mosche Bianche. The piggy bank, a means that has always been used to remind us of the importance of savi...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Josef Albers Study for Homage to the Square Limited Edition Ceramic Platter 1999
Located in Studio City, CA
German-born artist Josef Albers wonderfully designed Homage to the Square, four glazed Italian porcelain ceramic platters, chargers, plates, each hallmarked/stamped on verso, from a limited sold-out edition. Each platter comes in its original box and is based on Albers' 1954 original oil on masonite work. Albers is widely considered one of the most influential artists and teachers of the visual arts in the twentieth century. The platters were done in a limited edition run of 1500 in 1999 and quickly sold out. They were all made in Italy specifically for MOCA (Museum of Contemporary Art). Would be a great addition to any modern art or ceramic collection. These platters have become rare and scarce - especially in this pristine, as new condition. Platter dimensions: .75" high, 11.75" wide, 11.75" deep...
Category

20th Century Italian Modern Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Peter Simpson Signed British Uk Studio Pottery Bowl Organic Nature Form Vessel
Located in Studio City, CA
A wonderful free-form organic bowl vessel by acclaimed British potter Peter Simpson. Simpson's works, such as this early piece, are inspired by organ...
Category

1980s English Vintage Modern Ceramics

Materials

Porcelain

Bust Ercole "Don't Speak", Small Table, Sculpture, in Matte White Ceramic, Italy
Located in Treviso, Treviso
In Bassano ceramics have been produced for 300 years. In fact, from the 17th century this art has been developed in Veneto thanks to the presence of plastic clay, solder and kaolin i...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Sheep Moneybox Pop Art, Set of 2 Pieces, Made in Italy, 2022, Black, Red
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
These splendid ceramic creations are born from the artistic laboratory of Mosche Bianche. The piggy bank, a means that has always been used to remind us of the importance of savi...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Paul Northmore Jackson Abstract Colorful Hand Painted Studio Pottery Mug, 1993
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
From an extensive collection of studio pottery we are pleased to offer this fine abstract form studio pottery mug by Cornish based potter Paul Northmore...
Category

1990s English Modern Ceramics

Materials

Pottery

Everidge Stevens Celtic Pottery Newlyn Blue Medallion Funnel Shaped Vase
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A stylish Cornish Celtic studio pottery vase decorated in the blue Medallion design by Everidge Stevens and Maggie Fisher and dating from around 1970. Made in Newlyn the vase of tall funnel or chimney shape has a wider rounded base and narrows slightly to a simple rounded open top. The lower body is decorated in matt black with a raised band separating the base from the continuous decorative pattern applied around the body with abstract incised lines decorated in mottled blue coloring with matt black around the upper rim. The vase has an incised D mark to the base along with an original Celtic Pottery...
Category

1970s English Vintage Modern Ceramics

Materials

Pottery

Hand Built Sculptural Wood Fired Twin Handled Signed Studio Pottery Vase
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A truly wonderful design piece, and one of my favourite pieces, is this hand-built wood fired twin handled studio pottery vase of sculptural form dating from the 20th century. The st...
Category

20th Century English Modern Ceramics

Materials

Stoneware

Barbara Davidson Scottish Studio Pottery Abstract Decorated Shallow Dish
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A very stylish Scottish studio pottery shallow dish decorated with abstract designs by Barbara Davidson and dating from the early 1970's. The small ro...
Category

1970s Scottish Vintage Modern Ceramics

Materials

Stoneware

Musician Brown Ceramic Sculptur circa 1980 Realised by Thimonnier La Borne
Located in Neuilly-en- sancerre, FR
Bernard Thimmonier Realised in la Borne circa 1980 Large brown ceramic musician sculpture by Thimmonier Signed at the base Original good ...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Modern Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Don Reitz Signed Salt Fired Studio Ceramic Pottery Sculpture Vase
Located in Studio City, CA
A wonderful and unique work by famed American ceramic master Don Reitz who was known for his salt-fired works and the distinctive colors and forms he achiev...
Category

20th Century American Modern Ceramics

Materials

Stoneware

Large White and Grey Stoneware Ceramic Sculpture by Anne Bulliot Unique Piece
Located in Neuilly-en- sancerre, FR
Anne Bulliot Signed under the base Realised circa 1980 Original abstract white and grey ceramic sculpture by the french artist Unique handmade...
Category

20th Century French Modern Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Vase Horse Small, Matt White Ceramic, Italy
Located in Treviso, Treviso
In Bassano ceramics have been produced for 300 years. In fact, from the 17th century this art has been developed in Veneto thanks to the presence of plastic clay, solder and kaolin i...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Kazuko Matthews Signed Brutalist Studio Pottery Slab Modern Table Lamp Sculpture
Located in Studio City, CA
A wonderful, powerful, rivetting work by Japanese American, California architectural/post-modern potter and artist Kazuko Matthews. Quite heavy and substantial. Truly eye-catching. ...
Category

20th Century American Modern Ceramics

Materials

Stoneware

Ann & John Farquharson Studio Pottery Sculptural Bison Figure
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A stylish sculptural Studio Pottery of a bison made by Ann & John Farquharson and dating to the later 20th or early 21st century. The standing figure is hand formed with piped clay t...
Category

Late 20th Century English Modern Ceramics

Materials

Pottery

Large Ceramic Sculpture
Located in Munich, DE
Creative phantasy sculpture signed by the artist
Category

Mid-20th Century French Modern Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Handcrafted Illustrated Ceramic by Mathew, Spain, 2021
Located in Madrid, ES
Handcrafted ceramic bowl by Mathew. Handpainted in brown over light blue background. "Colorfull nature".
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Vase Psiche di Capua in Ceramic, Italy
Located in Treviso, Treviso
VG presents a collection of classic sculptures which revisits the techniques of pop art. The original work is taken apart; a few details are then removed and highlighted, becoming t...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Vase 'David by Michelangelo' Mouth, Matt White Ceramic, Italy
Located in Treviso, Treviso
The “Andy” ceramic collection VG presents a collection of Classic sculptures which revisits the techniques of pop art. The original work is taken apart; a few details are then remove...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Stylish Raku Metallic Glazed Conical Shape Signed Studio Pottery Vase
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A very stylish studio pottery raku vase applied with copper metallic glazes, signed and dating from the 20th century. The vase of rounded conical bottle shape stands on a wide rounde...
Category

20th Century British Modern Ceramics

Materials

Stoneware

Lidya Buzio Signed New York Artist Hand Painted Pottery Ceramic Vessel Vase 1980
By Lidya Buzio
Located in Studio City, CA
A truly wonderful and whimsical work by Uruguayan-born American ceramist Lidya Buzio. This work was done when she was at her most prolific during her time in New York in the 1970s/ 1980s. Buzio is best known for her uniquely hand painted scenes of New York rooftops...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Ceramics

Materials

Terracotta

Chelsea Pottery Studio Pottery Figural Courtroom Scene
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A stylish and unusual studio pottery model of a Courtroom scene by Chelsea Pottery, London and dating from the 20th century. The courtroom is modeled a...
Category

20th Century English Modern Ceramics

Materials

Stoneware

20th Century Blue and White Stoneware Ceramic Decorativ Ebox by C Poulsen, 1980
Located in Neuilly-en- sancerre, FR
Charlotte Poulsen - La Borne Unique piece signed at the base Original stoneware ceramic decorative box by Charlotte Poulsen Blue and white colors Original perfect conditi...
Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

French Modernist Commercial Butter Urn
Located in Denton, TX
French Deco glazed terra cotta ceramic butter jar with handles and Lid. Originally used in a restaurant.
Category

20th Century French Modern Ceramics

Materials

Terracotta

Modern ceramics for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique 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 Modern ceramics made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and United Kingdom pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original ceramics, popular names associated with this style include VG-VGnewtrend, Mosche Bianche, Marco Segantin, and Eric James Mellon. 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 $94 and tops out at $19,500 while the average work can sell for $702.

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