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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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 chair — crafted 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.
$2,700Sale Price|55% Off
Prestigious Bronze Bust of Vincenzo Gemito "Alessandro" (Anastolè) 1890
Located in Manzano, IT
Fine bronze sculpture bearing the signature of the celebrated master of Neapolitan verismo, Vincenzo Gemito (1852-1929). The work depicts a young boy with the distinctive features ...
Bronze
Berkel's Model 23 Vintage Flywheel Slicer - Berkel & Parnall's
Located in Manzano, IT
magnificent and rare vintage Berkel's Model 23 flywheel slicer, a true gem of engineering and design. This model was produced in the historical period between 1928 and 1936, and is p...
Metal, Steel
$600 / item
Animal House arte animale
Located in Manzano, IT
Sotto il titolo Animal house, che richiama il famoso film ma con il quale non centra, Naka ha raccolto una serie di opere dove l’animale è protagonista in un contesto antropico. Il p...
Plastic, Wood
Bronze Sculpture: Oriental Knight on Horseback
Located in Manzano, IT
A richly detailed work of art, perfect for discerning collectors and luxury spaces that want to make a style statement. Thissculpture captures the dynamic power of a Knight or Warri...
Bronze
Artistic Metal Turtle Sculpture
Located in Manzano, IT
Magnificent decorative sculpture in the shape of a turtle, made of high quality metal, ideal for enriching your garden, terrace or indoor environment with a touch of elegance and ori...
Bronze
Swedish 100% Original Painted Trunk Art
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a 100% Original Painted Swedish Trunk Art dated 1818. the trunk was found in a barn resting on its back in mud, it was in such bad condi...
Pine
Swedish 100% Original Trunk Art
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a 100% Original Painted Swedish Trunk Art dated 1814. the trunk was found in a barn resting on its back in mud, it was in such bad condi...
Oak
Senufo Crocodile Headdress, Africa
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
Large openwork crest mounted upon a woven basketry cap. The large, square decorative panel bears a central reptilian or stylized crocodile depiction with alternating squared painted ...
Wood
19th century Primitive Painted Early American Floor Lamp
Located in Savannah, GA
Rare painted iron standing floor lamp made to burn oil but converted to electricity. Nice lines and detail with upturned feet, scroll work and finial at top. See measurements below.
Iron
Fine Traditional French Provincial Dark Stained Armoire
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Very fine traditional antique French armoire with a useful and hard to come by 12” depth. A carved bonnet over a frieze with carved cross motif. With the Classic shaped and carved burled door panels with patinated metal escutcheons (lacking a key). Five newer custom shelves...
Wood
Pine and Oak Rocking Cradle
Located in Baltimore, MD
This is a charming, very rustic hooded rocking cradle with an interesting and unusual “bird house” with a circular opening, built into the shallow hood,...
Oak, Pine
$1,295
H 29 in W 54 in D 26.5 in
Early 19th Century Primitive American Demilune Large Sized Console Table
Located in Savannah, GA
Early 19th century American primitive demilune console table featuring center drawer with brass knob, straight plain foot legs and original finish. ...
Mahogany
Antique Carved and Decorated Ship's Figurehead
Located in Sheffield, MA
Antique carved and decorated ship's figurehead, circa 1890, depicting a regal bird with a beak. The sculpture is in original paint. Although there has been much paint loss and age cr...
Wood
Primitive Patinated Hand Crafted Star Christmas Tree Topper
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautiful handmade metal and wire Christmas tree topper, thoughtfully crafted with an artisanal touch. The sculptural design showcases delicate wirework and hand-formed detailing, ...
Metal, Wire
$4,500
H 20.25 in Dm 8.75 in
English Royal Navy Leather Gun Charge Carrier with Coat of Arms, Circa 1840
Located in Charleston, SC
English Royal navy leather gun charge carrier with a centered coat of arms depicting lion and unicorn and the original tacked leather handle, Mid-19th...
Leather, Paint
$975
H 5 in W 1.5 in D 1.5 in
Set of 9 20th Century Eastern Orthodox Hand Painted Figural Christmas Ornaments
Located in Red Lion, PA
Set of 9 20th Century Eastern Orthodox Hand-Painted Figural Christmas Ornaments: Father Frost and Snow Maidens A charming and beautifully crafted set of nine 20th-century Eastern Or...
Wire
18th Century Swedish Decorated Mangle Board
Located in Kramfors, SE
Folk art mangle board from northern Sweden. This is a typical proposal gift to the would-be bride from the groom. If he had the skill the groom would make...
Pine
Right Proper Handmade Black Leather Dust Pan
Located in Chicago, IL
Handmade by artisans in rural Kentucky, our Right Proper black leather dustpan was crafted with Shaker design principles in mind: “Don't make something un...
Leather
Right Proper Handmade Natural Leather Dust Pan
Located in Chicago, IL
Handmade by artisans in rural Kentucky, our Right Proper leather dustpan was crafted with shaker design principles in mind: “Don't make something unless i...
Leather