Modern Models and Miniatures
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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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 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.
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Style: Modern
Period: 20th Century
ANCIENT FORM OF FRENCH HATS early 20th Century Maillard Allie
By Europa
Located in Madrid, ES
ANCIENT FORM OF FRENCH HATS early 20th Century
from the Maillard Allie brand in wood and metal.
Small defects, not tested.
Dim.: 19 x 29 cm
Category
20th Century French Modern Models and Miniatures
Materials
Wood
Bugatti 57 SC Atlantic Crystal Model Car, same as the Ralph Lauren Collection
Located in Milano, IT
The Bugatti 57SC is universally recognized as one of the most beautiful expressions of automotive design ever. Penned by Ettore Bugatti's son Jean and pro...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Models and Miniatures
Materials
Crystal
Jaguar XK 120 model car in clear crystal, decorative object, made in Italy
Located in Milano, IT
Victorious on track and outrageously elegant on the road, the Jaguar XK-120 is both one of the most famous and versatile cars ever made by the legendary British manufacturer. Produce...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Models and Miniatures
Materials
Crystal
Lamborghini Countach model car in clear crystal, decorative piece, made in Italy
Located in Milano, IT
Lamborghini is well known for its bold, high-performance supercars. During the 1980s the flagship model, called the Countach, received an extensive body treatment that turned the ori...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Models and Miniatures
Materials
Crystal
Semi-Precious Stone and Silver Bird Model
Located in London, GB
Semi-precious stone and silver bird model
Continental, 20th Century
Height 9cm, width 11cm, depth 6cm
A charming pair of sparrows perches atop a youngite agate rock. The birds are...
Category
20th Century European Modern Models and Miniatures
Materials
Agate, Silver, Other
Semi-Precious Stone and Silver Model of a Cockerel
Located in London, GB
Semi-precious stone and silver model of a cockerel
Continental, 20th Century
Height 12cm, width 10cm, depth 10cm
This objet d’art is made from a selection of high quality material...
Category
20th Century European Modern Models and Miniatures
Materials
Marble, Amethyst, Silver, Other
Private Parts by Giovanni Hard Cover Book Bruno Gmunder
Located in Dayton, OH
"Hard cover art photography / male photography book “Private Parts” by Giovanni – Edited & Design by Claus Kiessling – Cover Design by Dolph Caesar - Published by Bruno Gmunder...
Category
Late 20th Century European Modern Models and Miniatures
Materials
Paper
Pair of 20th Century Italian Geese
Located in Madrid, ES
Pair of 20th Century Italian Geese
metal
45cm high x 25cm
perfect condition, like new
Category
20th Century Italian Modern Models and Miniatures
Materials
Metal
Industrial Vintage Metal Aircraft Plane Model Desk Item Statue, circa 1980s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
An Industrial plane model made in the 1980s. This unique object is made of metal and has a chrome finish. A nice Industrial sculpture for displaying them on a cupboard, credenza, or ...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Models and Miniatures
Materials
Metal
Industrial Vintage Metal Aircraft Jet Plane Model Desk Item Statue, circa 1980s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
An Industrial plane model made in the 1980s. This unique object is made of metal and has a chrome finish. A nice Industrial sculpture for displaying them on a cupboard, credenza or d...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Models and Miniatures
Materials
Metal
Somso Anatomical Horse Model, 1950s
By Somso
Located in Antwerp, BE
Somso anatomical horse model - zoology model - veterinary model.
This vintage school model - educational model
dates circa 1950s and is made of plaster ...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Modern Models and Miniatures
Materials
Plaster, Wood
Industrial Vintage Metal Aircraft Plane Model Desk Item Statue, circa 1980s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
An Industrial plane model made in the 1980s. This unique object is made of metal and has a chrome finish. A nice Industrial sculpture for displaying them on a cupboard, credenza or d...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Models and Miniatures
Materials
Metal
Pair of Gilt-Metal and Enamel 'Fleurs Des Siècles' Flower Baskets by Gorham
Located in London, GB
Pair of gilt-metal and enamel 'Fleurs des Siècles' flower baskets by Gorham
American, circa 1975
Measures: height 15cm, width 17cm, depth 13cm
D...
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Models and Miniatures
Materials
Gold Plate, Enamel
Hardstone, Quartz, Amethyst, Nephrite and Silver-Gilt Flower Model
Located in London, GB
Hardstone, quartz, amethyst, nephrite and silver-gilt flower model
Continental, 20th century
Measures : Height 25cm, width 21cm, depth 12cm.
This exc...
Category
20th Century European Modern Models and Miniatures
Materials
Amethyst, Quartz, Silver
Authentic LLadro Handmade in Spain Figurine, a Set of 3, Retired Models
By Lladro
Located in Plainview, NY
A beautiful Authentic set of 3 retired ladies figurines handmade in Spain by LLadro. The set includes:
Figurine 1 entitled " Basket of Love " # 7622 marked in the bottom 1994 coll...
Category
20th Century Modern Models and Miniatures
Materials
Porcelain
Ettore Sottsass Twenty-Seven Woods for a Chinese Artificial Flower Vase G
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Twenty-seven woods for a Chinese Artificial flower vase G by Ettore Sottsass,
edited by Design Gallery Milano, 1995.
Limited edition of 12 signed and numered pieces, number 3 / 1...
Category
1990s European Modern Models and Miniatures
Materials
Brass
Large Hardstone, Quartz, Gold, and Lapis Lazuli Model of an Alpine Flower Bed
Located in London, GB
Large hardstone, quartz, gold, nephrite and lapis lazuli model of an alpine flower bed
Continental, 20th Century
Measures: Height 7cm, width 37cm, depth 27cm
A beautiful objet d'art, this exceptionally fine flower bed model is a 20th century continental precious stone and metal model, made from a host of precious materials and assembled with great poise, skill, and artistry. The quartz base underpinning the miniature garden...
Category
20th Century European Modern Models and Miniatures
Materials
Lapis Lazuli, Quartz, Gold
Twenty-Seven Woods for a Chinese Artificial Flower Vase U by Ettore Sottsass
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Twenty-seven woods for a Chinese artificial flower vase U by Ettore Sottsass,
Edited by Design Gallery Milano, 1995.
Limited edition of 12 signed and numbered pieces, number 4 / ...
Category
1990s European Modern Models and Miniatures
Materials
Glass, Wood
Limited Edition Vase O by Ettore Sottsass
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Twenty-seven woods for a Chinese Artificial flower vase O by Ettore Sottsass,
edited by Design Gallery Milano, 1995.
Limited edition of 12 signed and numered pieces, number 3 / 1...
Category
1990s European Modern Models and Miniatures
Materials
Brass
Ettore Sottsass Twenty-Seven Woods for a Chinese Artificial Flower Vase A
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Twenty-seven woods for a Chinese artificial flower vase A by Ettore Sottsass,
edited by Design Gallery Milano, 1995.
Limited edition of 12 signed and numered pieces, number 8 / 12.
This piece has also been produced as a limited edition with a total of only 12 units.
In good original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina.
In 2005, two years before Sottsass’ death, a gold prototype was made and was an award for an international competition for students of design. This is the very same one that Sottsass holds in his portrait.
Ettore Sottsass (14 September 1917-31 December 2007) was an Italian architect and designer of the late 20th century. His body of designs included furniture, jewelry, glass, lighting and office machine design. Sottsass was born on 14 September 1917 in Innsbruck, Austria, and grew up in Milan, where his father was an architect. In 1956, Ettore Sottsass began working as a design consultant for Olivetti, designing office equipment...
Category
1990s European Modern Models and Miniatures
Materials
Brass
Twenty-Seven Woods, Chinese Artificial Flower Vase Omega by Ettore Sottsass
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Twenty-seven woods for a Chinese artificial flower vase omega by Ettore Sottsass,
Edited by Design Gallery Milano, 1995.
Limited edition ...
Category
1990s European Modern Models and Miniatures
Materials
Aluminum
Scale Model Vintage Sterling Silver Mercedes 500 K, circa 1980
Located in Bath, GB
Beautifully executed along with it's original solid wooden plinth. Both the sterling silver label and the car have matching hallmarked for 925 silver and the Italian maker mark numbe...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Models and Miniatures
Materials
Sterling Silver
Twenty-Seven Woods for a Chinese Artificial Flower Vase S by Ettore Sottsass
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Twenty-seven woods for a Chinese artificial flower vase S by Ettore Sottsass,
edited by Design Gallery Milano, 1995.
Limited edition of 12 signed and numbered pieces, number 10 ...
Category
1990s European Modern Models and Miniatures
Materials
Wood
Rare Limited Edition of 12 Vase Alpha by Ettore Sottsass
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Twenty-seven woods for a Chinese artificial flower vase alpha by Ettore Sottsass,
edited by Design Gallery Milano, 1995.
Limited edition of 12 signed and numbered pieces, number 7 / 12.
This piece has also been produced as a limited edition with a total of only 12 units.
In good original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina.
Ettore Sottsass (14 September 1917-31 December 2007) was an Italian architect and designer of the late 20th century. His body of designs included furniture, jewelry, glass, lighting and office machine design. Sottsass was born on 14 September 1917 in Innsbruck, Austria, and grew up in Milan, where his father was an architect. In 1956, Ettore Sottsass began working as a design consultant for Olivetti, designing office equipment...
Category
1990s European Modern Models and Miniatures
Materials
Brass
Llardo Madame Butterfly Japanese Geisha Figurine, Signed and Dated
Located in Plainview, NY
A 1970's Lladro figurine of a Madame Butterfly Japanese Geisha holding a fan. The figurine is signed by the maker and dated 1978. The figurine is numbe...
Category
Late 20th Century Spanish Modern Models and Miniatures
Materials
Porcelain
Set of twelve silver-plated bronze Queen hand bells by Gorham
Located in London, GB
Set of twelve silver-plated bronze Queen hand bells by Gorham
American, Late 20th Century
Height 13cm, diameter 6cm
A set of six pairs, each depicting significant royal figures from...
Category
20th Century American Modern Models and Miniatures
Materials
Silver Plate, Bronze
Embraer 170 Jet Airplane Aircraft Model Brazil
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Scaled model of the Embraer 170 Jet. Made of Wood in the Scale of 1/75. This exquisite Embraer 170 Model is handcrafted by a master craftsmen from the finest Wood. Attention is given...
Category
Late 20th Century Brazilian Modern Models and Miniatures
Materials
Metal
Ettore Sottsass H Limited Edition Vase in Wood and Murano Glass for Flowers
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Vase H designed by Ettore Sottsass, from the collection 'Twenty-seven Woods for a Chinese Artificial Flowers',
Edited by Design Gallery Milano, 1995.
Limited edition of 12 numbered ...
Category
1990s European Modern Models and Miniatures
Materials
Glass, Wood
Embraer 190 Jet Airplane Aircraft Model Brazil
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Scaled model of the Embraer 190 Jet. Made of Wood in the Scale of 1/75. This exquisite Embraer 190 Model is handcrafted by a master craftsmen from the finest Wood. Attention is given...
Category
Late 20th Century Brazilian Modern Models and Miniatures
Materials
Metal
Twenty-Seven Woods for a Chinese Artificial Flower Vase P by Ettore Sottsass
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
From the collection of twenty-seven woods for Chinese artificial flowers, vase P by Ettore Sottsass,
Edited by Design Gallery Milano, 1995.
Limited edition of 12 signed and numer...
Category
1990s Italian Modern Models and Miniatures
Materials
Chrome
1989-90’s Clear Crystal Lexus LS 400 Car Paperweight
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a clear crystal Lexus LS 400 car paperweight. Very nicely you can see through the crystal the inside details of the car, like the seats and the b...
Category
20th Century Japanese Modern Models and Miniatures
Materials
Crystal
A set of four sterling silver crab-form boxes by Buccellati
Located in London, GB
A set of four sterling silver crab-form boxes by Buccellati
Italian, 20th Century
Height 5cm, width 11cm, depth 7cm
Crafted by Mabuti in Milan, Italy, and...
Category
20th Century Italian Modern Models and Miniatures
Materials
Coral, Silver, Sterling Silver
Twenty-Seven Woods for a Chinese Artificial Flowers, Vase F by Ettore Sottsass
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
F vase made for the collection of twenty-seven woods for Chinese Artificial flowers vase by Ettore Sottsass,
Edited by Design Gallery Milano, 1995.
Limited edition of 12 numbered pi...
Category
1990s Italian Modern Models and Miniatures
Materials
Brass
Large Precious Stone and Silver-Gilt Flower Model by Asprey
Located in London, GB
A large precious stone and silver-gilt flower model by Asprey.
English, 20th century.
Measures: 47cm high x 14cm wide x 12 cm depth.
Crafted ...
Category
20th Century English Modern Models and Miniatures
Materials
Rock Crystal, Gold Plate, Silver
Silver-Gilt and Enamel Austro-Hungarian Horse Drawn Carriage Model
Located in London, GB
A silver-gilt and enamel Austro-Hungarian horse drawn carriage model
Austro-Hungarian, Early 20th Century
Case: 28cm high x 89cm wide x 44...
Category
Early 20th Century Austrian Modern Models and Miniatures
Materials
Gold, Silver, Enamel
Twenty-Seven Woods for a Chinese Artificial Flower Vase L by Ettore Sottsass
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Twenty-seven woods for a Chinese artificial flower vase L by Ettore Sottsass,
Edited by Design Gallery Milano, 1995.
Limited edition of 12 signed and numbered pieces, number 3/12...
Category
1990s European Modern Models and Miniatures
Materials
Glass, Wood
Spanish Pedal Car from the 30s, Denia
Located in Madrid, ES
Pedal car from the 30s, Denia beautiful pedal car it is manufactured in denia in the decade of the 30s although it has no visible marks or label, it looks like it is a car manufactur...
Category
20th Century Spanish Modern Models and Miniatures
Materials
Metal
Ettore Sottsass Flower Vase C for Twenty-Seven Woods for an Artificial Flower
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
C vase made for the collection of twenty-seven woods for Chinese artificial flowers vase by Ettore Sottsass,
Edited by Design Gallery Milano, 1995.
Limited edition of 12 numbere...
Category
1990s Italian Modern Models and Miniatures
Materials
Brass
Italian Modern Finely Worked Capitals in Brown Plaster, 1990s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern Finely worked capitals in brown plaster, 1990s
Pair of finely worked capitals with curls and floral patters, in brown painted plaster. They can be used as a shelf bra...
Category
1990s Italian Modern Models and Miniatures
Materials
Plaster
Enric Miralles Spanish 'Gerro' Vase, circa 1970
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Gerro is a small vase that reproduces the large ones built in the Diagonal Mar Park in Barcelona, a project by Enric Miralles and Benedetta Tagliabue.
...
Category
1970s Spanish Vintage Modern Models and Miniatures
Materials
Ceramic
LLadro Porcelain Figurines, a Set of 4
By Lladro
Located in Plainview, NY
A set of 4 Lladro (Spain) porcelain figurines. One figurine of a woman feeding ducks, one figurine of a woman holding a lamb, one of a group of ducks and the last one is a clown. Eac...
Category
Late 20th Century Spanish Modern Models and Miniatures
Materials
Porcelain
Italian Modern Finely Worked Capital in Grey Plaster, 1990s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern finely worked capital in grey plaster, 1990s
Finely worked capital with curls and floral patters, in gray painted plaster. It can be used as a shelf bracket.
1990s
...
Category
1990s Italian Modern Models and Miniatures
Materials
Plaster
Galos Design Porcelain of a Couple Driving a Car
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a hand painted Galos porcelain depicting a couple who are enjoying driving their sport car without hood. Black, white and silver are the predominant colors.
Category
20th Century Spanish Modern Models and Miniatures
Materials
Porcelain
Vintage Scale Model of The 1928 Mercedes Benz SS in German Silver, Circa 1950
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A rare scale model of the classic 1928 Mercedes Benz SS (Super Sport) which was the fastest car of its time. Made entirely of solid silver, the chassis shows a vented & belted hood, ...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Modern Models and Miniatures
Materials
Silver
Art Deco Revival White Full Body Vintage Plastic Mannequin, 1980s, France
Located in Vienna, AT
Art Deco Revival white full body vintage plastic mannequin, which was designed and manufactured, 1980s, France.
The mannequin shows geometric and cubism inspired features. The body ...
Category
Late 20th Century French Modern Models and Miniatures
Materials
Plastic
Rare VW Beetle Pedal Car by Pines
By Pines of America
Located in Highland, IN
Made by Pines of America Inc. of Fort Wayne, Indiana this exceptional vintage VW pedal car comes with its original cardboard box. These plastic pedal cars...
Category
1960s American Vintage Modern Models and Miniatures
Materials
Metal
Compulsion Gallery Pewter Landrover Range Rover Third Generation L322 Model Car
Located in GB
We are is delighted to offer for sale this lovely vintage circa 2005 Compulsion Gallery Pewter model of a Range Rover L322 Third Generation car
I have another of these pewter cars...
Category
20th Century English Modern Models and Miniatures
Materials
Pewter
Modern models and miniatures for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Modern models and miniatures 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 models and miniatures created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include more furniture and collectibles, decorative objects, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, other and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Modern models and miniatures made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and Spain pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original models and miniatures, popular names associated with this style include Gufram Furniture, A$AP Rocky, Lladro, and Design Gallery Milano. 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 models and miniatures differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $23 and tops out at $96,443 while the average work can sell for $999.
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