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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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: Late 20th Century
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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Constellation Lockheed L1049 Aircraft Model
Located in Paris, FR
Aircraft model constellation Lockheed L1049,
reduced model, lightweight wooden frame,
handcrafted in aluminum foil, with engraved
metal rivets. Measures: Base height: 26cm.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Models and Miniatures
Materials
Aluminum, Foil
DC-3 Dakota Aircraft Reduced Model Scale, Model 1936
Located in Paris, FR
DC-3, Dakota aircraft reduced model scale model.
Handcrafted in aluminium foil,
with engraved metal rivets, 1936.
.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary British Modern Models and Miniatures
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Aluminum
Vintage 1980s Keith Haring Exhibition Catalog
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Keith Haring 1988 Martin Lawrence limited editions catalog:
Features 49 color and 19 black and white printed illustrations and also includes an exhi...
Category
1980s Vintage Modern Models and Miniatures
Materials
Paper
Ford Aircraft Model Trimotor in Aluminium
Located in Paris, FR
Trimotor aircraft model Ford handcrafted in aluminum.
Manufactured between 1926 and 1933 by Ford's own
factory. Wingspan: 102cm.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary British Modern Models and Miniatures
Materials
Aluminum
Circular Sextant, Decorative Piece, 20th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
The sextant is an instrument that allows to measure angles between two objects such as two points of a coast or a star, traditionally the sun of the earth and the horizon. Knowing th...
Category
Late 20th Century European Modern Models and Miniatures
Materials
Metal, Other
Midcentury Made, Cast Aluminum Batmobile Classic Car Deskpiece Mercedes SSK
Located in Lisse, NL
Great for a mancave and very cool on a desk also.
This mid-century eye catcher is incredibly cool and tactile. It is the only one of it's kind we can find and it is in excellent condition. The real car that comes closes (in our view) to this aluminum model is the 1930s Mercedes Benz SSK (see image nr. 10). It may have been made as a luxurious ashtray, but with a shape and a look like this, it does not need to be functional. This is a work of art and can certainly be displayed as such. This one-piece, cast aluminum car...
Category
Mid-20th Century European Modern Models and Miniatures
Materials
Aluminum
Free Shipping
H 2.2 in W 9.1 in D 3.7 in
1980s Citizen Japanese Blue Steel Retro Vintage Industrial Antique Quartz Clock
Located in Leicester, Leicestershire
Citizen super tanker slave clock original blue finish.
A reclaimed and restored maritime slave clock also called secondary clock of superior build quality.
These clocks were us...
Category
1980s Japanese Vintage Modern Models and Miniatures
Materials
Chrome, Cut Steel, Steel
1963 Chrysler Concept Turbine Car Promotional Model with Box
By Elwood Engel, Chrysler Corporation
Located in Ferndale, MI
Chrysler promotional model of Elwood Engel designed turbine concept car. Vehicle did go to limited production of fifty five units. The bodies were built by Ghia in Turin Italy shipped...
Category
1960s American Vintage Modern Models and Miniatures
Materials
Plastic
1980s Lamborghini Miniature 350GT '1964; Made by Ricko Tm
Located in Marbella, ES
1980s Lamborghini Miniature 350GT (1964) made by Ricko Tm.
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Modern Models and Miniatures
Materials
Metal
Lladró The Family Portrait Figurine by Jaime Hayon
Located in New York City, NY
Glossy porcelain figurine designed by Jaime Hayon with a modern design of a family decorated with bright colors and golden sheen. Like all the pieces in Jaime Hayon's The Fantasy col...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Models and Miniatures
Materials
Porcelain
Baccarat Crystal Butterfly Sculpture/Figurine
By Baccarat
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a Baccarat Crystal Butterfly sculpture/figurine . It depicts an amber color translucent crystal butterfly with its large wings open up supported also by a square crystal base...
Category
20th Century French Modern Models and Miniatures
Materials
Crystal
Lladró Rhinoceros Beetle Figurine by José Luis Santes
Located in New York City, NY
An innovative porcelain and metal creation inspired by one of the fascinating creatures in nature. Part of the Awesome Insects Collection. This origi...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Models and Miniatures
Materials
Metal
Previously Available Items
Space Model London England Global Express C-FBGX Bombardier Airplane Model Plane
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Space Model London England Global Express C-FBGX Bombardier Airplane Desk Model Plane. Circa Late 20th Century.
Measurements: 10" H x 24" W...
Category
Late 20th Century Modern Models and Miniatures
Materials
Metal
H 10 in W 24 in D 22 in
Listing for Mariino / Set of 3x Limited Edition Ettorre Sottsass Flower Vases
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Set of 3x Vases from the collection : Twenty-seven woods for a Chinese artificial flowers by Ettore Sottsass,
edited by Design Gallery Milano, 1995.
Vases E
Dimensions: Height: 22....
Category
1990s European Modern Models and Miniatures
Materials
Brass
H 24.41 in W 23.63 in D 7.88 in
Northtrop F-5 Supersonic Fighter Aircraft Promotional Ashtray
By Buhler
Located in Weesp, NL
Introducing the ultimate collector's piece for aviation enthusiasts and connoisseurs of fine craftsmanship—the near mint chrome-plated Northrop F-5 Supersonic Fighter Aircraft Promot...
Category
1980s Swiss Vintage Modern Models and Miniatures
Materials
Metal, Chrome
Vintage Bibendum Michelin Man, Made in France, 1980s
By Michelin Man
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Standing original Bibemdum the Michelin mans initial name dating from the early 1980s. Made by Michelin in France for sign, truck or display purposes. Sta...
Category
1980s French Vintage Modern Models and Miniatures
Materials
Plastic
Ettore Sottsass Twenty-Seven Woods for a Chinese Artificial Flower Vase Z
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Twenty-seven woods for a Chinese Artificial flower vase Z by Ettore Sottsass,
edited by Design Gallery Milano, 1995.
Limited edition of 12 signed and numered pieces, number 4 / 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.
Flowers not included.
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 Spanish Modern Models and Miniatures
Materials
Wood, Glass
H 13 in W 25.99 in D 9.45 in
Ettore Sottsass Twenty-Seven Woods for a Chinese Artificial Flower Vase M
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Twenty-seven woods for a Chinese artificial flower vase M by Ettore Sottsass,
edited by Design Gallery Milano, 1995.
Limited edition of 12 signed and numbered pieces, number 3 /...
Category
1990s European Modern Models and Miniatures
Materials
Brass
H 29.53 in W 19.69 in D 8.67 in
Vintage Scan Globe A/S Illuminated Lighted Globe on Stand, Denmark
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage scan globe A/S 16" Illuminated lighted globe on stand, Denmark. Item features cherry wood base, rolling casters, fiberglass 16" diameter lighted glo...
Category
Late 20th Century Modern Models and Miniatures
Materials
Plastic, Wood
Limited Edition Vase D by Ettore Sottsass
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Twenty-seven woods for a Chinese artificial flower vase D by Ettore Sottsass,
edited by Design Gallery Milano, 1995.
Limited edition of 12 signed and numbered pieces, number 7 / ...
Category
1990s European Modern Models and Miniatures
Materials
Brass, Aluminum
Margaret Thatchers Oil Barrel Sculpture - Cacchione of Milan circa 1985
Located in London, London
This unique sculptural piece representing ten oil barrels, was handcrafted in sterling silver by Fratelli Cacchione of Milan circa 1985.
Each oil barrel was then set with a collet-set brilliant-cut diamond by Harry Winston.
The set stands on a lapis lazuli veneered base, and is presented in a blue leather fitted case, embossed with the Harry Winston logo...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Models and Miniatures
Materials
Sterling Silver
H 2.96 in W 8.47 in D 9.45 in
McLaren Car Scale Model Honda Celebrating Ayrton Senna
By Andrew McLaren & Co
Located in Milano, IT
Rare McLaren racing car model in 1:8 scale. The model toy is the celebratory car for Ayrton Senna's 1988 world championship victory . The model is one of ...
Category
1980s English Vintage Modern Models and Miniatures
Materials
Plastic
Swarovski Green Crystal Figurine Christmas Tree
By Swarovski
Located in Plainview, NY
Swarovski decorative crystal Christmas tree in green. The tree figurine comes in it is original box with a certificate of authentication.
D...
Category
1990s Austrian Modern Models and Miniatures
Materials
Crystal
Rare Lalique Crystal Green Scarab Beetle Paperweight, Circa 1970's
By Lalique
Located in Plainview, NY
A vintage rare Lalique crystal scarab paperweight Circa 1970s in a luster green color with gold finish. The piece is engraved "Lalique France"
...
Category
Late 20th Century French Modern Models and Miniatures
Materials
Crystal
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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