Modern Bookends
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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Amber Glass Bookends
By Blenko Glass
Located in Richmond, VA
Vintage glass half-moon bookends in dark amber color, set of two. By Blenko Glass Company.
Category
20th Century Modern Bookends
Materials
Glass
Early Italian Art Glass pair of Apples Bookends
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Italian Art Glass apples. Wonderful deep red transparent color with intentional bubbles on the surface of the apples. The green stem is a seperatly added piece completing eac...
Category
1930s Italian Vintage Modern Bookends
Materials
Blown Glass
Pair of Polished Brass and Chrome Tennis Racket Bookends
Located in New York, NY
Nice set of brass and chrome tennis racket bookends. Features a brass tennis racket and ball on each. Has thin foam on bottom of each to prevent scratching furniture. 5.5" high. Grea...
Category
Late 20th Century Modern Bookends
Materials
Brass, Chrome
Pair of Leather and Brass Bookends, Gucci, Italy, c. 1970
By Gucci
Located in New York City, NY
Classic, refined bookends from Gucci, decorated with patinated brass horsebits and a contrast stitched leather.
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Bookends
Materials
Brass
Handmade Glass Bookends by Blenko - a Pair
By Blenko Glass
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of handmade glass bookends with smooth top and textured sides by Blenko Glass, USA circa 1980s.
Measurement for each block: w3.5" d4" h3.75"
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Bookends
Materials
Glass
Set of Polished Brass and Chrome Tennis Racket Bookends QUICK SHIP
Located in New York, NY
Set of brass and chrome tennis racket bookends. Has thin foam on bottom to prevent scratching furniture. 5.5" high. Great on a book shelf or desk. Nice condition, ready to use. QUICK...
Category
Late 20th Century Modern Bookends
Materials
Brass, Chrome
Pair of Painted Wood Zig-Zag Bookends, Mid 20th C
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Painted Wood Zig-Zag Bookends mounted on marble bases, mid-20th century.
Dealer: S138XX
Category
20th Century Unknown Modern Bookends
Materials
Marble
Modernist Bookends Set Black Granite and Etched Glass Slab, France 1980s
By Paris Studio
Located in Atlanta, GA
This architecturally designed pair of bookends from the 1980s is a modernist marvel. The large round disk glass slab is etched with clouds and dots, and the base is constructed of bl...
Category
1980s French Vintage Modern Bookends
Materials
Granite, Metal, Chrome
Classic Gucci Bookends
By Gucci
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A pair of Classic bookends by Gucci. Classic brown leather stripe with brass bases. Beautiful stitching and attention to details.
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Bookends
Materials
Brass
Vintage Kangaroo Bookends in Silver Plated Brass
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Decorative pair of rare mother kangaroo bookends with Joey's/babies. Made from silver plated brass. They have developed a unique rainbow-like patina over the years but obviously can ...
Category
1970s Vintage Modern Bookends
Materials
Silver Plate, Brass
Portariviste italiano Lira di Pierangelo Gallotti per Gallotti e Radice, 1980 ca
Located in MIlano, IT
Portariviste modello Lira con struttura curva in tondino d'acciaio e piano d'appoggio in vetro fumè curvato infilato fra quattro bulloni che lo tengono fermo, anche grazie al suo stesso peso e forma...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Bookends
Materials
Steel
Pair of Striped Carrera Marble Bookends
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A wonderful pair of Carrera Marble Bookends - the "pyramid' shape in addition to the divisional use of stripes is very creative and decorative.
Turn a subtle shelf and book area i...
Category
20th Century Modern Bookends
Materials
Carrara Marble
Pair of Book ends, in Onyx, White Color, Horse Shape Pattern, France, Circa 1970
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Pair of book ends, in onyx, the motif pattern are horse heads. They are white in color, and were made in France in the 1970s.
Category
1970s French Vintage Modern Bookends
Materials
Onyx
Pair of Vintage Chrome Bookends, 20th. Century
Located in New York City, NY
Pair of Vintage Chrome Bookends, 20th. Century
Sleek and tubular in composition, these bookends are highly sculptural and present an elegant symmetry when in use.
Category
20th Century Modern Bookends
Materials
Chrome
Frosted Glass Horse Head Bookends with Black Glass Base in the Style of Lalique
By Lalique
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Solid glass Horse head bookends with solid black glass base. The pair are wonderful and are very reminiscent of Lalique. Very sophist...
Category
20th Century Modern Bookends
Materials
Art Glass, Wood
Suite of Three Italian Paperweights in Veined Black Marble, 20th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
SUITE OF THREE ITALIAN PAPERWEIGHTS In veined Black Marble 20th century
In veined black marble, one square, another conical and the last pyramidal.
Cone dimensions: h. 15cm
Good c...
Category
20th Century Italian Modern Bookends
Materials
Marble
Pair of Carved Fossilized Limestone Bookends with Many Fossils Visible
Located in Morristown, NJ
20th c., a high quality pair of demilune columnar form stone bookends, unmarked. Skillfully carved beige limestone with a large number of spiral shell gastropods, nautiloids, and other fossils polished to show off the beauty of the fossils. There are natural streaks of dark and light limestone, orange iron oxide, and crystalline calcite in the shells. The stone contains a large amount of calcite (or aragonite) with the remainder made of impurities such as dolomite, quartz or silicates, clay, iron oxides, and rock particles of many kinds.
These are of lovely quality and are fascinating to look at. As they are cut from the same piece, the fossils match up when both bookends are placed together and the corresponding portion of fossils can be seen on the opposite interior vertical plane.
Dimensions:
7"h x 5.75"w x 2.75"d (each half)
Condition:
Good, a few scratches and nicks on base, attractive appearance.
Provenance:
A Private Collection: The Sherry Netherland...
Category
1980s Unknown Vintage Modern Bookends
Materials
Stone
Pair of Vintage Horse Bust Bookends, English, Cast Brass, Decorative, Novel Rest
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a pair of vintage horse bust bookends. An English, cast brass decorative novel rest, dating to the late 20th century, circa 1970.
Wonderful equin...
Category
Late 20th Century British Modern Bookends
Materials
Brass
Ben Seibel for Jenfred-Ware Bookends in Brass Finish
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Great modern design in this pair of bookends by Ben Seibel.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Modern Bookends
Materials
Metal
Ben Seibel for Jenfred-Ware Bookends in Copper Finish
By Ben Seibel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Great modern design in this pair of bookends by the well known Modern designer Ben Seibel.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Modern Bookends
Materials
Metal
Pair of Polished Brass and Chrome Tennis Racket Bookends
Located in New York, NY
Nice set of brass and chrome tennis racket bookends. Features a brass tennis racket and ball on each. Has thin foam on bottom of each to prevent scratching furniture. 5.5" high. Grea...
Category
Late 20th Century Modern Bookends
Materials
Brass, Chrome
Abstract Bronzed Copper Sculpture, circa 1960s
Located in New York, NY
A signed copper abstract sculpture on wood base, circa 1960s. Sculpture is copper, with a beautiful rich dark brown patina, adhered to rectangular wood base. Signature (illegible) on...
Category
Mid-20th Century Modern Bookends
Materials
Copper
Pair of Uniquely Designed Stained Glass and Brass Bookends, Un-matching
Located in Miami, FL
A pair of stained glass and brass bookends, good quality.
Stunning in design, optics and color.
Perfect for displaying your favorite books on any shelf, dresser, table or countert...
Category
20th Century American Modern Bookends
Materials
Brass
Lee Rosen Ceramic/Pottery, Pair Bookends for Design Technics, Fused Glass Glaze
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Nice pair of bookends designed by Lee Rosen, with an amazing fused glass glaze like broken glass surface very popular and used for many designers of the period, in America and Europe...
Category
1950s American Vintage Modern Bookends
Materials
Ceramic
Pair of 1920s Brass Figurative Bookends with White Onyx Base
Located in Austin, TX
This pair of vintage brass and white onyx bookends dates to the 1920s and are clearly inspired by Rodin's 'The Thinker.' From time to time, similar bookends will surface, but differi...
Category
Early 20th Century American Modern Bookends
Materials
Onyx, Brass
Pair of Scandinavian Modernist Polished Brass Rectilinear Bookends by Skultana
Located in New York, NY
This stunning pair of Scandinavian modernist bookends were realized by the esteemed Swedish maker Skultana during the latter half of the 20th century. They offer dynamic rectilinear ...
Category
20th Century Swedish Modern Bookends
Materials
Brass
Esther Fuhrman Abstract Bronze Stairway Scupture '20th C.'
Located in San Diego, CA
Incredible piece by Esther Fuhrman (American, b. 1939). This beautiful abstract modern bronze sculpture of a stairway leading to a gold-tone element pie...
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Bookends
Materials
Bronze
Vintage Pair of Dolphins Bronze Bookends
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage pair of bronze dolphins bookends.
The dolphin figurines are displayed hovering a wave
Size: each 10" height x 3" x 5".
Weight: heavy: 5lbs. 8.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Modern Bookends
Materials
Bronze
Pair of Faux Marble Pop Art "Ear" Bookends
Located in San Diego, CA
Pair of large faux marble surrealist pop art "ear" bookends, circa 1970s. They are in good vintage condition and each bookend measures: 3.125" W x 8.875" H x 6.5" D. Super fun editio...
Category
Early 20th Century American Modern Bookends
Materials
Resin
Norman Bleckner Brass Bull Bookends Pair Of Vintage
Located in North Miami, FL
These pair of vintage polished Norman Bleckner brass bull bookends have the original label on the bottom. New black felt feet were replaced with the ol...
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Bookends
Materials
Brass
Pair of Concrete Lions with Ball
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A wonderful and very heavy pair of Lions (37 Pounds ea>)in Black with a ball under foot. The pair are wonderful flanking a fireplace, outdoor garden area or perhaps in the den. They ...
Category
20th Century Modern Bookends
Materials
Concrete
Bronze Acrylic Magazine Holder by Charles Hollis Jones
Located in Palm Springs, CA
1960’s bronze acrylic “Box Line” magazine holder designed by renowned American designer Charles Hollis Jones.
Book not included.
Measurements: 17” w...
Category
1960s American Vintage Modern Bookends
Materials
Bronze
Italian Murano Blue Art Glass Pear Fruit Decorative Objects or Bookends
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful and substantial set Italian Murano pear fruit and egg decorative art glass bookends or decorative objects with a controlled bubble design in th...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Modern Bookends
Materials
Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass
Modern Acrylic Bookends, Pair
Located in New York, NY
A pair of clear acrylic bookends with Modern edge and jewel-like design, circa mid-20th century, 1960s. Each measure: 6" Height.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Modern Bookends
Materials
Acrylic, Lucite
Pair of Faux Marble Pop Art "Nose" Bookends
Located in San Diego, CA
Pair of large faux marble surrealist pop art "nose" bookends, circa 1970s. They are in good vintage condition and each bookend measures: 4" W x 8.75" H x 6.5" D. Super fun edition to...
Category
Early 20th Century American Modern Bookends
Materials
Resin
Wrought Iron Walking Man and Shadow Bookends
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Wrought iron walking man and shadow bookends, each one with fine hand forged detail. The books in the listing are for display only and are not included.
Category
20th Century European Modern Bookends
Materials
Wrought Iron
Pair of Rosewood and Inlaid Nickel "High Roller" Bookends
Located in Englewood, NJ
Super cool and large 21st century design sculptural carved rosewood and inlaid nickel wood "High Roller" dice bookends atop a nickel bases.
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Bookends
Materials
Nickel
Bill Curry " William " stainless steel I beam bookends by Design Line , Label .
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Great industrial design by the well known designer Bill Curry.
Category
1960s American Vintage Modern Bookends
Materials
Stainless Steel
Italian Modern Sculpture Bookends in Black Stone Slate, 1980s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern sculpture bookends in black stone slate, 1980s
Set of three rectangular base sculptures in slate. The stone has an irregular s...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Bookends
Materials
Slate
Modern bookends for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Modern bookends 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 bookends 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, stone and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Modern bookends made in a specific country, there are Europe, North America, and South America pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original bookends, popular names associated with this style include AIREDELSUR, ANAKTAE, Opinion Ciatti, and Stefano Giovannoni. 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 bookends differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $130 and tops out at $11,095 while the average work can sell for $691.
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