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Brutalist Collectibles and Curiosities

BRUTALIST STYLE

The design of brutalist furniture encompasses that which is crafted, hewn and worked by hand — an aesthetic rebuke (or, at least, a counterpoint) to furniture that is created using 21st-century materials and technology. Lately, the word “brutalist” has been adopted by the realms of furniture design and the decorative arts to refer to chairs, cabinets, tables and accessory pieces such as mirror frames and lighting that are made of rougher, deeply textured metals and other materials that are the visual and palpable antithesis of the sleek, smooth and suave. 

ORIGINS OF BRUTALIST FURNITURE DESIGN

CHARACTERISTICS OF BRUTALIST FURNITURE DESIGN 

  • Use of industrial materials — tubular steel, concrete, glass, granite
  • Prioritizes functionalism, minimalism and utilization of negative space
  • Spare silhouettes, pronounced geometric shapes
  • Stripped-down, natural look; rugged textures, modular construction
  • Interiors featuring airy visual flow and reliance on neutral palettes

BRUTALIST FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW

VINTAGE BRUTALIST FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS

The term brutalism — which derives from the French word brut, meaning “raw” — was coined by architecture critic Reyner Banham to describe an architectural style that emerged in the 1950s featuring monumental buildings, usually made of unornamented concrete, whose design was meant to project an air of strength and solidity.

Le Corbusier essentially created the brutalist style; its best-known iterations in the United States are the Whitney Museum of American Art, which was designed by Marcel Breuer, and Paul Rudolph's Yale Art and Architecture Building. The severe style might have been the most criticized architectural movement of the 20th century, even if it was an honest attempt to celebrate the beauty of raw material. But while the brutalist government buildings in Washington, D.C., seemingly bask in their un-beauty, brutalist interior design and decor is much more lyrical, at times taking on a whimsical, romantic quality that its exterior counterparts lack.

Paul Evans is Exhibit A for brutalist furniture design. His Sculpture Front cabinets laced with high-relief patinated steel mounts have become collector's items nonpareil, while the chairs, coffee table and dining table in his later Cityscape series and Sculpted Bronze series for Directional Furniture are perhaps the most expressive, attention-grabbing pieces in American modern design. Other exemplary brutalist designers are Silas Seandel, the idiosyncratic New York furniture designer and sculptor whose works in metal — in particular his tables — have a kind of brawny lyricism, and Curtis Jere, a nom-de-trade for the California team of Curtis Freiler and Jerry Fels, the bold makers of expressive scorched and sheared copper and brass mirror frames and wall-mounted sculptures.

Brutalist furniture and sculptures remain popular with interior designers and can lend unique, eccentric, human notes to an art and design collection in any home.

Find authentic vintage brutalist chairs, coffee tables, decorative objects and other furniture on 1stDibs.

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Style: Brutalist
Antique French Fencing Mask in Leather & Steel
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Raw authentic fencing mask that tics all the right boxes. It has such a masculine and brutal appearance. Thick patinated leather and dark metal face-cover sets the tone for this high...
Category

1920s French Vintage Brutalist Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Steel

Modern Bronze Verdigris Menorah
Located in San Diego, CA
Gorgeous modern bronze verdigris menorah from Israel, circa 1980s. The menorah measures 8"W x 3"D x 10.5"H and is quite heavy and solid. #3787
Category

Mid-20th Century American Brutalist Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bronze

Brutalist Mixed Metal Artisan Handbag ca 1970s
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Circa 1970. We offer this Brutalist Mixed Metal Artisan Handbag. This unique handmade bag is adorned with sinuous three dimensional mixed metal work designs.
Category

1970s Mexican Vintage Brutalist Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass, Copper

Brutalist 14K Gold Chai Pendant- Handcrafted, Israel 1970s
Located in New York, NY
This exceptional 14K gold Chai pendant, handcrafted in Israel during the 1970s, is a striking representation of Brutalist jewelry design. The pendant is large and solid, weighing an ...
Category

1970s Israeli Vintage Brutalist Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Gold

Brutalist Brass Necklace
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Category

1970s American Vintage Brutalist Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Mid Century cast metal Brutalist Crucifix
Located in Bern, CH
Mid Century solid metal Brutalist crucifix. Name on rear: Erwin Högger (attributed as creator). Believed to be of Swiss origin. Condition: Immaculate c...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Brutalist Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Jacob Hull Large Brutalist Modernist Ring, Denmark, Statement Piece
Located in Chesterfield, NJ
Large sculptural brutalist style ring by acclaimed Danish artist, Jacob Hull. Currently a size 8, it is adjustable and signed J Hull on the back. This ring has a wonderful abstract design and makes quite a statement! Information on Jacob Hull: Hull designed...
Category

1970s Danish Vintage Brutalist Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Large Scale Brutalist Gilt Metal Pelican Sculpture Ashtray Stand
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Large scale, brutalist gilt metal pelican bird sculpture. American Mid century handcrafted metal Pelican Ashtray Stand. This stylish sculpture of a pel...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Brutalist Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Signed Bronze Brutalist Sculpture Pendant 1970s
Located in Benalmadena, ES
This extraordinary brutalist pendant, crafted in bronze, encapsulates the artistic spirit of the 1970s. With an organic and abstract design, the piece reflects a unique sculptural ae...
Category

1970s Vintage Brutalist Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bronze

Brutalist Figurative Rabbi Menorah in Bronze by Ruth Bloch / Block
Located in San Diego, CA
Gorgeous brutalist figurative "rabbi" menorah in bronze with gold overlay finish by Ruth Bloch / Block (i've seen it spelled both ways and the piece is signed the latter), circa 1980...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Brutalist Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bronze

Arata Isozaki: Four Decades of Architecture Design Series by Stewart 1st Ed 1998
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Arata Isozaki: Four Decades of Architecture - Architecture/Design Series Paperback.By David B. Stewart, Arata Isozaki, Richard Koshalek. Arata Isozaki is considered to be one of Japa...
Category

Late 20th Century Japanese Brutalist Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Anna Greta Eker Handmade Brutalist Ring in Sterling Silver
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Intertwined sterling silver ring with pronounced beads. Designed by Anna-Greta Eker for Plus in Norway. circa 1960-1970. Marked ”AGE [+ mark] sterling 925 S Norway”. Measurements: 16...
Category

1960s Norwegian Vintage Brutalist Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Sterling Silver

Mexican Abstract Brutalist Modernist Bracelet 925 Sterling Silver Cuff, 1960s
Located in San Diego, CA
Wonderful abstract bracelet cuff. All in sterling silver haute couture - iconic. This piece is not only a ready to wear creation but also the most dynamic piece of modern sculpture. ...
Category

1960s Mexican Vintage Brutalist Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Sterling Silver

Vintage Sculptural Wood Perfume Atomizer Made in France
Located in San Diego, CA
Rare, unique and exceptional perfume atomizer. This beautiful and sculptural atomizer is representative of its period. Clean lined and modernist in presence, this piece is a function...
Category

1990s French Brutalist Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Ermanno Nason Christ of the Glassblowers Murano Glass and Iron Pipes Early 1970s
Located in Tavarnelle val di Pesa, Florence
Intense and passionate glass sculpture from Ermanno Nason, using his favorite glass, the acciaio gray. This warm transparent gray color is often used by glass massiccio Sculptors, w...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Brutalist Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Iron

Vintage 1970s Brass Coil Choker Necklace and Cuff Bracelet
Located in Topeka, KS
Fabulous vintage brass coil choker necklace and cuff bracelet in wonderful vintage condition. We have left these pieces with their original patinated finish for you; however, you may decide to polish, circa 1970s. We are absolutely in love with these pieces of circa 1970s jewelry...
Category

1970s Vintage Brutalist Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Mid-20th Century Israeli Shabbat Candlesticks by David Palombo
Located in New York, NY
Shabbat candle holder crafted in brutalist style by David Palombo. David Palombo (1920-1966) was a sculptor and painter born in Turkey and im...
Category

Mid-20th Century Israeli Brutalist Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Iron

Chess Set by Marco Celotti Circa 1970
Located in Hudson, NY
A one of a kind chess set by Italian American artist Marco Celotti. Created circa 1970, the set is quit marvelous. Each figure is filled with detail. Even the individual pawns, each...
Category

1970s American Vintage Brutalist Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Pottery

19th Century French Nickel Silver Hunting Dog Collar with Engraved Provenance
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
19th century French nickel silver hunting dog collar with engraved provenance This 19th century French nickel silver hunting dog collar, is engraved giving the piece the necessary...
Category

Early 19th Century Antique Brutalist Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Nickel

Brutalist Jewelry Set Bracelet & Monumental Pendant, Skandinavian 1960s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Two Statement mid century studio modernist brutalist made jewelry pieces. A large pendant and a bracelet made of brass and copper with a black stone. Made probably in the Scandinavia...
Category

1960s Scandinavian Vintage Brutalist Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Stone, Brass, Copper

Brutalist 50s Brass Ashtray
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Brutalist 50s Brass Ashtray Vide Poche - Ashtray - Hollywood Regency Measures : Ø 17cm H:4,5cm Material: Brass
Category

20th Century Brutalist Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Pal Kepenyes Brutalist Bronze Necklace with Semiprecious Stones
Located in Mexico City, MX
A gorgeous Brutalist bronze necklace with semiprecious stones by Pal Kepenyes. The necklace with 6 organic-shaped medals and 6 irregular semiprecious stones set by needle-shaped claw...
Category

1980s Mexican Vintage Brutalist Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bronze

Mid-Century Brutalist Sakral Bronze Maria and Jesus Figurine, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Brutalist Sakral Bronze Maria and Jesus Figurine, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969. Additional information: Materials: Metal Color: Brown Styles: Br...
Category

20th Century Brutalist Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

1970s Biomorphic Brass Pendant Brutalist Style Jack Boyd
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1970s Biomorphic Brass Pendant Brutalist spore design unmarked attributed to Jack Boyd 3.63 h x 1.5 d x .75 w Preowned original vintage. No chain is included. Refer to images
Category

Late 20th Century Brutalist Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Mid-20th Century Brutalist Iron Hanukkah Lamp by David Palombo
Located in New York, NY
An impressive hand forged Hanukkah lamp inspired by Brutalist aesthetic. Hand crafted in Jerusalem, Israel circa 1960, the iron lamp stands with nine rustic candleholders...
Category

Mid-20th Century Israeli Brutalist Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Iron

Pal Kepenyes Brutalist Bronze Buckle
Located in Mexico City, MX
A sculptural Brutalist cast bronce buckle by Hungarian-born Mexican sculptor Pal Kepenyes. The round design features a man holding a spear, which end serves as the prong. Signed on t...
Category

1970s Mexican Vintage Brutalist Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bronze

Hans Hansen Vintage Claw Ring in Sterling Silver by Allan Scharff
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Brutalist/modern claw-shaped. ring designed by Allan Scharff and crafted at Hans Hansen Silversmithy in Kolding Denmark. Early version from the late 1970s....
Category

1970s Danish Vintage Brutalist Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Sterling Silver

Mid Century Brutalist cast metal Crucifix
Located in Bern, CH
Mid Century solid metal Brutalist crucifix. Appears to be either brass or brass effect. Name on rear: Frick Angela (assumed to be creator or owner o...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Brutalist Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Lorenzo Burchiellaro Hammered repoussé copper belt 1950s modernist design
Located in STRASBOURG, FR
Rare repoussé copper belt signed Burkiellaro for Lorenzo Burchiellaro, Italian sculptor, produced circa 1950. In fine condition.
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Brutalist Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Copper

Jacob Hull Brutalist Modernist Amethyst Bracelet Silver Plated, Denmark
Located in Chesterfield, NJ
Striking sculptural brutalist style cuff bracelet by acclaimed Danish artist, Jacob Hull. This piece is silver plated with a raw amethyst in the center. It measures about 2.25 inches from side to side, and is adjustable. Marked Jacob Hull, Denmark, and B & D, for Buch & Deichmann. Information on Jacob Hull: Hull designed...
Category

1970s Danish Vintage Brutalist Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Amethyst, Metal

Mid-20th Century Brutalist Iron Hanukkah Lamp By David Palombo
Located in New York, NY
An impressive hand forged Hanukkah lamp inspired by Brutalist aesthetic. Hand crafted in Jerusalem, Israel circa 1960, the iron lamp stands with nine rustic candleholders in the shap...
Category

Mid-20th Century Israeli Brutalist Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Iron

Mid-20th Century Brutalist Iron Hanukkah Lamp by David Palombo
Located in New York, NY
An impressive hand forged Hanukkah lamp inspired by Brutalist aesthetic. Hand crafted in Jerusalem, Israel circa 1960, the iron lamp stands with nine drip-shaped rustic candleholders...
Category

Mid-20th Century Israeli Brutalist Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Iron

Heavy Metal Silver Ring Double Band Modernist design
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Man's Double Band Ring Modernist design Heavy Metal Rocker Modernist 1 x 1 x .38 W   size 9 Preowned vintage condition no stamp Refer to images listed
Category

Late 20th Century American Brutalist Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Mid-20th Century Brutalist Iron Hanukkah Lamp Menorah by David Palombo
Located in New York, NY
Hand forged, iron Hanukkah lamp Menorah in the style known as “Brutalism”, David Palombo, Jerusalem, Israel, circa 1950. David Palombo (1920-1966), was a sculptor and painter. He wa...
Category

Mid-20th Century Israeli Brutalist Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Iron

World War Two Trench Art, Brass Shell Case Table Lamp, USA, 1940s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Brass table lamp made of a naval artillery shell dated production year 1943. The shell is meticulously incised with lines to create a brick pattern. Marked at the bottom 3" MK7 MOD 1...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Brutalist Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

James De Wulf Cue Rack, Floor Standing Concrete Billiards Cue Rack
Located in Paia, HI
Floor standing billiards concrete cue rack to accompany the James De Wulf pool table. Please select a color option when placing an order: Natural Tone, Ligh...
Category

2010s American Brutalist Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Concrete

Wrought Iron Chain Link Standing Ashthay with Horseshoe Detail, France 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Horseshoes standing ashtray with chain link iron base. France, 1950s. Rare find. Unique ashtray made of horseshoes and an iron chain. It features an iron horseshoe with metal stud rivet detail on the top. It stands on an iron chain link...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Brutalist Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Iron, Wrought Iron

Vintage Hand Painted Skateboard, circa 1989
Located in Barcelona, ES
Vintage hand painted skateboard, circa 1989. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina. Materials: Wood Metal Dimensi...
Category

1980s Spanish Vintage Brutalist Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Brian Bijan Hot Air Balloon Table Top Sculpture in Copper, Brass & Stone
By Brian Bijan
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Brian Bijan Attributed Hot Air Balloon Mixed Media Table Sculpture. Featuring a handcrafted, welded mixed metal sculpture in Copper, Iron coated Brass and Basalt, with tethered early...
Category

1960s American Vintage Brutalist Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Stone, Brass, Iron

Large Mid-Century Modern Brutalist Metal Cross & Chain Wall Hanging or Sculpture
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This large and substantial Mid-Century Modern handcrafted metal cross and chain was made by Talleres Monasticos of Cuerravaca Mexico in approximate...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mexican Brutalist Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Vintage 1980s Christian LaCroix Bijoux Splatter Set Brooch Earrings Costume
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Made in France, c.1980s. LaCroix designed matching set; brooch pin and pair of clip-back earrings. Brutalist, Abstract Biomorphic forms. Sold with the original box. Brooch Dia 3 ...
Category

1980s French Vintage Brutalist Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Hand Hammered Polished Brass Woman's Belt Buckle 1970's Boho Style
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful Brutalist style hand hammered solid brass woman's belt buckle, circa 1970s, we polished the piece look striking.
Category

20th Century American Brutalist Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Brutalist Bell in the Manner of Paul Evans
Located in Chicago, IL
This sculptural unique bell is a great art object, hand-hammered metal with welded aluminum handle, this is a unique piece.
Category

1960s American Vintage Brutalist Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Aluminum, Metal

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Brutalist Styled 18 Karat Yellow Gold Cufflinks
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This pair of cufflinks are initialed by an unknown maker, but originated from West Germany and date to approximately 1960 and done in the Brutalist Mid-Century Modern style. The cuff...
Category

Mid-20th Century German Brutalist Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Gold

Mid Century Brutalist cast metal Crucifix No.2
Located in Bern, CH
Mid Century cast metal Brutalist crucifix. Appears to be either brass or brass effect. Tag on reverse side: 1. Hl Communion - Bruderklaus, Birsfelden - 5. April 1964. Believed to be ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Brutalist Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Pal Kepenyes Brutalist Silver and Bronze Necklace
Located in Mexico City, MX
Brutalist nickel brass necklace with silver plated bronze pendant by Pal Kepenyes. The nickel silver collar shows a bone-shaped design. The silver plated bronze round pendant...
Category

1980s Mexican Vintage Brutalist Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silver, Bronze

Mid-Century Modern / Brutalist Torch Cut Metal Bull Sculpture, USA, c. 1960's
Located in Deland, FL
Awesome Brutalist Mid-Century Modern torch cut metal bull sculpture in excellent condition. Circa 1960's. .
Category

1960s American Vintage Brutalist Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Mid-20th Century Brutalist Iron Shabbat Candlesticks by David Palombo
Located in New York, NY
Small iron Shabbat candle holder crafted in brutalist style by David Palombo. Made for three candles, the holders come together in their middle, ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Israeli Brutalist Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Iron

Mid-20th Century Israeli Brass and Iron Memorial Candle by David Palombo
Located in New York, NY
Pierced brass cylinder and iron base form this beautiful Memorial candle, crafted in brutalist style by David Palombo. Reminiscent of the Pillar of Fire, which provides a scared elem...
Category

Mid-20th Century Israeli Brutalist Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass, Iron

"Chalice" Contemporary Sculptural piece in Cast Brass by Estudio Orth
Located in Sao Paulo, BR
Produced in São Paulo, Brazil. This contemporary cup in cast brass was meticulously handmade by master artisans one piece at a time. It is therefo...
Category

2010s Brazilian Brutalist Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Mid-20th Century Israeli Iron Shabbat Candle Holder by David Palombo
Located in New York, NY
Iron Shabbat candle holder crafted in brutalist style by David Palombo. Made for two candles, each of the holders is decorated with petals-like s...
Category

Mid-20th Century Israeli Brutalist Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Iron

Mid-20th Century Israeli Brutalist Iron Hanukkah Lamp by David Palombo
Located in New York, NY
A uniquely shaped Hanukkah lamp crafted in a brutalist style by David Palombo. Impressively massive, this Hanukkah lamp intimates playful motives, both animalistic and anatomical in ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Israeli Brutalist Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Iron

Brutalist Handmade Christ made of steel and bronze details
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Circa 1970. We offer this Brutalist Handmade Christ made of steel and bronze details. Fantastic patina and great vintage conditions.
Category

1970s North American Vintage Brutalist Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass, Iron

Brutalist Menorah Candelabra Cast Aluminium & Brass David Marshall Handmade
Located in Benahavis, AN
The candelabra was created by David Marshall, from sand cast aluminium and brass. We use recycled materials all our pieces are handmade, mounted and finished in our foundry and workshop in Spain. It is certified authentic by the Artist David Marshall with his signature. He is insipired by nature and the landscaps making useful art with cast brass and alumium materials. We also make bespoke designs for clients, like signage for condominums,private homes, Hotels & Restaurants , awards for Charity...
Category

2010s Spanish Brutalist Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass, Aluminum

Mid-20th Century Israeli Shabbat Candle Holder by David Palombo
Located in New York, NY
Shabbat candle holder crafted in brutalist style by David Palombo. Made for two candles, this uniquely shaped holder appears to be almost anthrop...
Category

Mid-20th Century Israeli Brutalist Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Iron

Mid-20th Century Israeli Brutalist Iron Candlesticks by David Palombo
Located in New York, NY
Hand forged, iron Shabbat candlesticks in the style known as "Brutalism," David Palombo, Jerusalem, Israel, circa 1955. David Palombo (1920-1966) was a sculptor and painter born ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Israeli Brutalist Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Iron

Brutalist collectibles and curiosities for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Brutalist collectibles and curiosities 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 collectibles and curiosities created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, bronze and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Brutalist collectibles and curiosities made in a specific country, there are North America, Mexico, and Europe pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original collectibles and curiosities, popular names associated with this style include and Pal Kepenyes. 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 collectibles and curiosities differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $225 and tops out at $1,800 while the average work can sell for $869.

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