Skip to main content

Modern Toys and Dolls

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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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.

22
to
3
11
11
22
22
22
141
131
44
25
24
10
7
3
3
3
1
15
6
14
6
3
3
7
13
5
4
4
3
19
9
3
3
3
4
3
2
1
1
Style: Modern
Period: 20th Century
1970s Vintage Pez Witch Candy Dispenser U.S, Pat. 2.620.061 No Feet
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Stunning Pop Art PEZ dispenser from Austria. Made of plastic, in the 1970s. Marked made in Austria and US Pat. 2.620.061. It is a No Feet dispenser. Found at an estate sale in Vienna...
Category

1970s Austrian Vintage Modern Toys and Dolls

Materials

Plastic

Vintage Porsche Carrera Pedal Car by Giordani
By Giordani
Located in Antwerp, BE
Vintage Porsche Carrera pedal car by Giordani Bologna Italy. A white vintage Porsche toy pedal car circa 1970 - 1980. This old pedal car type Porsche 911 ...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Toys and Dolls

Materials

Plastic

Barbie Marilyn Monroe, Hollywood Legends Collection Doll
Located in Milano, IT
In the year 1997, a Barbie doll emerged from the depths of Hollywood's golden era to immortalize one of the most iconic moments in film history. She is none other than Barbie as Marilyn Monroe, a dazzling tribute to the legendary actress and her unforgettable role in "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes." This Barbie, a prized gem from the Hollywood Legends Collection by Mattel, is a breathtaking embodiment of Marilyn's timeless glamour. Adorned in the famous pink dress that Marilyn Monroe wore in the film, this Barbie exudes the allure and magnetism of a Hollywood icon. The dress, tailored to perfection, hugs her figure in all the right places, capturing the essence of Marilyn's seductive elegance. The intricate jewelry from the movie has been meticulously inserted into the Barbie, adding an extra layer of authenticity to this collector's masterpiece. But it is not just the dress and jewelry that make this Barbie extraordinary. What sets her apart is that she has remained intact, her box never opened since the day she was created. It has been a silent witness to the passage of time, a tribute to Marilyn Monroe's enduring legacy and her indelible mark on film history. The box set itself is very elegant, a window into the glamorous and intriguing world that Marilyn inhabited. It is adorned with images and drawings that pay homage to the unforgettable moments Marilyn brought to the silver screen. Opening this box would be like unveiling a piece of film history, releasing the magic of Marilyn Monroe into the world once again. Included in this collector's package is a doll stand...
Category

1990s Italian Modern Toys and Dolls

Materials

Plastic, Paper

Ferrari telephone , 80s Miami Vice Era Phone , Vintage Telephone , Collectible
Located in Milano, IT
Rare Ferrari Telefone / Decorative Object / Limited Edition piece of the 80's It may not be white, but Miami Vice vibes are guaranteed with this funny and rare "Ferrari Testarossa" ...
Category

1980s Hong Kong Vintage Modern Toys and Dolls

Materials

Plastic

Hollywood Legends Collection Barbie Doll Scarlett O'Hara in Green Drapery Dress
Located in Milano, IT
In the enchanting year of 1994, a Barbie doll emerged, not as a mere plaything, but as a living legend. She embodied the timeless allure of Hollywood, capturing the essence of Scarle...
Category

1990s Italian Modern Toys and Dolls

Materials

Plastic, Paper

Barbie 1994 Scarlett O'Hara Gone with the Wind by Mattel
Located in Milano, IT
In the year 1994, amidst a world of fleeting trends and ever-changing fashions, there emerged a timeless icon, a Barbie doll that would captivate hearts and minds for generations to come. Her name was Scarlett O'Hara, dressed in a resplendent red velvet gown...
Category

1990s Italian Modern Toys and Dolls

Materials

Plastic, Paper

Mattel The Great Eras Collection Barbie Victorian Lady 1996
Located in Milano, IT
In 1995, a Barbie doll emerged from the annals of history as a testament to the grace and elegance of a bygone era. It is Victorian Lady, a prized piece from Mattel's Great Era Colle...
Category

1990s Italian Modern Toys and Dolls

Materials

Plastic, Paper

Hermes Turquoise, Red Playing Cards
Located in New York, NY
Hermes full size playing cards featuring puzzle piece design, 1 deck in red, 1 deck in turquoise. Cards have gold metallic edges.
Category

20th Century French Modern Toys and Dolls

Materials

Paper

1990s Stokke Children's Wood Rocking Horse Hippo by Wolfgang Rebentisch
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1990s Wood Rocking horse named Hippo Designed by Wolfgang Rebentisch for Stokke Norway Award winning design 45 long x 11.5 d x 21.5 Original preowned vintage condition Refer to all i...
Category

1990s Norwegian Modern Toys and Dolls

Materials

Wood

1970s Vintage Red Pez Fireman Candy Dispenser U.S, Pat. 3.410.455 No Feet
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Stunning Pop Art PEZ dispenser from Austria. Made of plastic, in the 1970s. Marked made in Austria and US Pat. 3.410.455. It is a no feet dispenser. Foun...
Category

1970s Austrian Vintage Modern Toys and Dolls

Materials

Plastic

1980s Vintage Red PEZ Space Gun Candy Dispenser U. S. Pat. 3.370.746
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Stunning Pop Art PEZ dispenser from Austria. Made of plastic, circa 1980s. Marked made in Austria and US Pat. 3.370.746. Found at an estate sale in Vienn...
Category

1980s Austrian Vintage Modern Toys and Dolls

Materials

Plastic

Beautiful Pez Dispenser Popart Clown Advertising Chalkboard Vintage Austria 1970
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Stunning Pop Art PEZ dispenser Advertising chalkboard from Austria. Made of plastic, circa 1970s. Found at an estate sale in Vienna Austria. A nice addit...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Toys and Dolls

Materials

Plastic

Rare Vintage 1980s Lenci Doll, Serial Number 46
Located in Plainview, NY
The Lenci doll is one of the most beautiful dolls ever made. This rare beautiful vintage original Lenci Doll from 1980s. The doll was purchased from the Nu...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Toys and Dolls

Materials

Fabric, Wool

Pop Art Niki de Saint Phalle Inflatable Plastic Snake Collectibles, France 1999
Located in Miami, FL
Pop art Niki de Saint Phalle double sided inflatable plastic Snake collectibles, France, 1999. Swimming pool toys for happiness. Never used, New out of the ...
Category

1990s French Modern Toys and Dolls

Materials

Plastic

Set of Five Articulating Hands
Located in San Diego, CA
Unique set of five articulating hands, circa 1990s. The hands are extremely well made out of solid maple and have a number of articulating joints tha...
Category

20th Century North American Modern Toys and Dolls

Materials

Oak, Maple

Pop Art Niki de Saint Phalle Inflatable Plastics Rhino Collectibles, France 1999
Located in Miami, FL
Pop Art Niki de Saint Phalle inflatable plastics Rhino collectibles, France, 1999. Toys for happiness.
Category

1990s French Modern Toys and Dolls

Materials

Plastic

Blu Marble and Art Glass Chess Game Set, Italy, circa 1960s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An Italian marble and art glass chess game set, circa 1960s, Italy. Marble game board has a beautiful rare blue marble colors that include: white, and a marble combo of white/blue/gr...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Toys and Dolls

Materials

Marble

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 Toys and Dolls

Materials

Metal

Satua di Pinocchio di grandi dimensioni anni '70
Located in Roma, IT
Statua di pinocchio realizzata in legno degli anni '60 di grandi dimensioni braccia snodate dipinto a mano in buono stato di conservazione
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Toys and Dolls

Materials

Wood

Therapeutic Small Elephant Toy in Jute and Leather by Renate Müller, circa 1969
Located in New York, NY
Therapeutic toy small elephant in jute and leather. Originally designed and made by Renate Müller for H. Josef Leven, Sonneberg, Germany, circa 1969.  
Category

1960s German Vintage Modern Toys and Dolls

Materials

Leather, Jute

Therapeutic Toy Cube in Jute with Leather by Renate Müller, 1968-1974
Located in New York, NY
Therapeutic Toy cube in jute with leather detailing. Designed and made by Renate Müller for H. Josef Leven, Sonneberg, Germany, produced between 1968 and 1974.  
Category

1960s German Vintage Modern Toys and Dolls

Materials

Leather, Jute

Therapeutic Giraffe Toy in Jute and Leather by Renate Müller, circa 1968
Located in New York, NY
Therapeutic Toy Giraffe in natural jute with red and blue leather detailing. Designed by Renate Müller for H. Josef Leven KG, Sonneberg, Germany, circa 1968.    
Category

1960s German Vintage Modern Toys and Dolls

Materials

Leather, Jute

Related Items
Cartier Lighter Circa 80s Vintage "Trinity" Brown Lacquer
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Cartier Lighter Circa 80s Vintage "Trinity" Brown Lacquer 18k Gold Plated Beautiful vintage Cartier flame lacquered lighter with pentagonal design. A rare piece in very good conditio...
Category

20th Century French Modern Toys and Dolls

Materials

Lacquer

Barbie(TM): The World Tour
Located in New York, NY
Author Margot Robbie and Andrew Mukamal, Photographs by Craig McDean, Foreword by Edward Enninful, Introduction by Margaret Zhang, Afterword by Greta Gerwig For the press tour following the record-breaking release of Greta Gerwig’s award-winning, acclaimed Barbie movie, producer and star Margot Robbie and her stylist Andrew Mukamal immersed themselves in some of Barbie’s most iconic outfits and curated vintage pieces, then approached designers, from Giorgio Armani to Donatella Versace, to create looks inspired by the doll-size originals. Many of these looks were not seen as the official Barbie press tour was cut short—so Margot and Andrew worked with renowned fashion photographer Craig McDean to shoot her in the looks exactly as they were curated: Schiaparelli in Los Angeles, Vivienne Westwood in London, vintage Chanel with matching Steamline luggage at the airport, and beyond. Accompanying McDean’s sumptuous photography are original Barbie dolls...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Toys and Dolls

Materials

Paper

Barbie(TM): The World Tour
Barbie(TM): The World Tour
H 13.2 in W 9.8 in D 0.7 in
Antique French Doll Mold in Copper, 1910s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Complete and intact French doll mold in solid copper. Very early industrially used mold for production of rubber dolls. You very rarely see the body and head...
Category

1910s European Vintage Modern Toys and Dolls

Materials

Copper

Christie's The Personal Property of Marilyn Monroe (Book)
Located in North Yorkshire, GB
Christie's hardback auction catalogue Wednesday 27th and Thursday 28th October 1999 New York. In October of 1999, Anna Strasberg sourced Christie’s, the renowned auction company, to ...
Category

20th Century Modern Toys and Dolls

Materials

Paper

Christie's The Personal Property of Marilyn Monroe  (Book)
Christie's The Personal Property of Marilyn Monroe  (Book)
Free Shipping
H 10.88 in W 8.88 in D 1.88 in
Black Dolls: Unique African American Dolls, 1850–1930
Located in London, GB
Black Dolls by Margo Jefferson. Published by Radius Books/ Mingei International Museum, 2015. Hardback in dust jacket. First Edition. This important book presents the history of African American...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Toys and Dolls

Materials

Paper

Boy dressed in Sailor Outfit Antique German Dollhouse Doll Toy 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare and exquisite miniature antique German Bisque Head, Arms and Leg Doll is a must-have for Dollhouse and Doll collectors and enthusiasts alike. With its beautiful Sailers Outfit, it is suitable for any room and adds a touch of elegance to your Dollhouse. The set includes The Doll with the Outfit, all in very good condition. Made of Fabric, Bisque Porcelain parts and handmade by skilled craftsmen, this original piece is a testament to the rich history of German toys. Whether you're a fan of entertainment or vintage items, this dollhouse toy...
Category

Early 1900s German Antique Modern Toys and Dolls

Materials

Porcelain, Fabric

Girl in beautiful Dress, Antique German Dollhouse Doll Toy 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare and exquisite miniature antique German Bisque Head, Arms and Leg Doll is a must-have for Dollhouse and Doll collectors and enthusiasts alike. With its beautiful Outfit, it is suitable for any room and adds a touch of elegance to your Dollhouse. The set includes The Doll with the Outfit, all in very good condition. Made of Fabric, Bisque Porcelain parts and handmade by skilled craftsmen, this original piece is a testament to the rich history of German toys. Whether you're a fan of entertainment or vintage items, this dollhouse toy...
Category

Early 1900s German Antique Modern Toys and Dolls

Materials

Porcelain, Fabric

1970s Vintage Gerry Lopez Lightning Bolt Surfboard
Located in Haleiwa, HI
Mid-1970s Vintage Gerry Lopez Lightning Bolt surfboard. Features a vibrant yellow tinted deck with jet-black lightning bolt, ruby red single fin, and dia...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Toys and Dolls

Materials

Fiberglass, Foam, Softwood

Vintage Mr. Peanuts Dispenser, USA, Mid-20th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Vintage Mr. Peanuts Dispenser is an original decorative object realized in the mid-20th century. This vintage object was realized by Tarco Company and it was used as a real peanut...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Toys and Dolls

Materials

Plastic

1950s Vintage Italian Cigarette Holder Dispenser
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1950s Vintage Italian Cigarette Dispenser 7.25 h x 3.25 d x 3 Unrestored original vintage condition Refer to images
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Modern Toys and Dolls

Materials

Brass

Vintage Toot-a-loop Radio by Panasonic, Japan, 1970s
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Vintage Toot-a-Loop radio (model nr: Panasonic R-72): an emblematic radio, designed and fabricated by Panasonic Japan in the early 1970s. The radio was designed to be wrapped and car...
Category

1970s Japanese Vintage Modern Toys and Dolls

Materials

Plastic

Marx Toys Key-Wind Tin Lithograph "Jalopy" Toy Car with Box
Located in Fulton, CA
A mechanical wind-up tin lithograph toy car by Marx Toys. "Jalopy" Circa. 1940's. Excellent original working condition. Includes original box.
Category

1940s Vintage Modern Toys and Dolls

Materials

Tin

Previously Available Items
Satua di Pinocchio di grandi dimensioni anni '70
Located in Roma, IT
Statua di pinocchio realizzata in legno degli anni '60 di grandi dimensioni braccia snodate dipinto a mano in buono stato di conservazione
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Toys and Dolls

Materials

Wood

Glazer Higashi 54 piece Toy
By Byron Glaser and Sandra Higashi
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Byron Glaser and Sandra Higashi "ZOLO" 54 piece wood Toy. Back to the basics! Wonderful simple wood pieces that can be built into anything that can be im...
Category

1980s Indonesian Vintage Modern Toys and Dolls

Materials

Wood

Glazer Higashi 54 piece Toy
Glazer Higashi 54 piece Toy
H 8 in W 12 in D 7 in
Bnib Hector Saxe Paris Conran Shop 240 Piece Casino Poker Chips Set Leather Case
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this LTD Edition suite of brand new in the box, Hector Saxe Paris, 240 piece casino chips retailed through (And stamped inside the lid) The Conran Shop...
Category

20th Century French Modern Toys and Dolls

Materials

Leather, Plastic

Vintage Brass Kaleidoscope Stained Art Glass Iridescent Colors Double Wheel
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Vintage brass handcrafted kaleidoscope stained art glass iridescent colors double wheel. No markings apparent. Measures: 8" L x 2.63 W x 2" H Original unrestored vintage preowned ...
Category

1970s Unknown Vintage Modern Toys and Dolls

Materials

Metal

Kounoike Leather MCM, Collection of 10 Coin/Money Banks Animals
By Kounoike
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Here is a collection of adorable leather coin banks made in japan in Mid-Century Modern period. All are in different grades of condition, lose seams, missing lock or key in some, als...
Category

1970s Japanese Vintage Modern Toys and Dolls

Materials

Leather

Therapeutic Elephant Toy in Jute and Leather by Renate Müller, 1981-1982
Located in New York, NY
Therapeutic Toy Elephant in jute and red and black leather. Originally designed and made by Renate Müller for H. Josef Leven, Sonneberg, Germany, 2016.  
Category

1960s German Vintage Modern Toys and Dolls

Materials

Leather, Jute

Modern Vintage Toy Tricycle
Located in New York, NY
Modern period vintage toy tricycle, made in the 1940s. The item has a metal frame and its original rubber wheels. The piece is in great vintage condition ...
Category

1940s Vintage Modern Toys and Dolls

Materials

Iron

Modern Vintage Toy Tricycle
Modern Vintage Toy Tricycle
H 16 in W 22 in D 11 in
1980s Children's Vespa Scooter
Located in Antwerp, BE
Lovely Iittle electric Vespa Di Bimbino - child's ride-on scooter Battery Operated Children's Toy - Piaggio model - hard plastic. Italian model PX 200 E - 1980s. A must have for any (Oldtimer) Scooter Fan. This baby Vespa scooter...
Category

Late 20th Century European Modern Toys and Dolls

Materials

Plastic

1980s Children's Vespa Scooter
1980s Children's Vespa Scooter
H 15.36 in W 23.63 in D 8.67 in
Antique Brass Rickshaw Oriental Tricycle Toy Sculpture
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration a vintage tricycle bike in brass. Unmarked. Vintage patina present. 6" tall x 8" D x 4 1/2" W.
Category

1990s Unknown Modern Toys and Dolls

Materials

Brass

Art Deco Plaster Bust
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of Art Deco plaster bust. They were owned by a Spanish designer that restaured it.
Category

Mid-20th Century European Modern Toys and Dolls

Materials

Plaster

Art Deco Plaster Bust
Art Deco Plaster Bust
H 59 in W 17.71 in D 11.81 in
Black and White Backgammon Game Set in a Lucite Case, France
Located in New York, NY
A vintage black and white backgammon game set in a portable LUCITE case. Acrylic case is the game board. Made in France, with makers mark. Also equipped with backgammon game directio...
Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Toys and Dolls

Materials

Acrylic, Lucite

70's Polistil Die Cast Motorcycles 1:28 Counter Display Box
By Polistil
Located in bergen op zoom, NL
Bring back memories with these cool Italian 70's Die Cast Polistil dirt track bikes. The bikes come in the original display boxes and 18 pieces are in one box. This is a perfect vintage gift...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Toys and Dolls

Materials

Plastic

Modern toys and dolls for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Modern toys and dolls 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 toys and dolls created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include more furniture and collectibles, decorative objects, folk art and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with plastic, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Modern toys and dolls made in a specific country, there are Europe, North America, and United States pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original toys and dolls, popular names associated with this style include Ilse Silva, Miguel Silva, Wooda, and Muchi Decor by LA-RI S.r.l.. 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 toys and dolls differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $120 and tops out at $27,652 while the average work can sell for $865.

Recently Viewed

View All