Modern Decorative Art
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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Large Framed Drawing of a Baby Rhino Head
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Captivating large drawing of a baby rhino's bust or head framed in a thick giltwood frame. Appears to be charcoal with pastel signed by artist on right bottom and labeled "For David ...
Category
20th Century American Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Paper, Plexiglass, Giltwood
Modern Framed Snakeskin Shadowbox
Located in New York, NY
Modern monumental custom framed snakeskin in a long shadowbox. The animal is likely a boa constrictor and is in great condition with some age-related wear to the frame.
Category
20th Century Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Animal Skin, Wood
Modernist Wall Rug, Hand-Hooked, after Mallet-Stevens
Located in New York, NY
A hand-hooked modernist style wall rug, original design after Robert Mallet-Stevens. The initial rug kit was purchased and put together by the original owner with colors of his own c...
Category
Mid-20th Century European Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Wool
Bert Stern Marilyn Monroe Silkscreen and Serigraph Custom Framed Vintage
By Bert Stern
Located in North Miami, FL
This signed Bert Stern vintage silkscreen and serigraph of an abstract Marilyn Monroe is from 1962. It is marked Avant Garde Collectors Proof X111 Red.
...
Category
1960s American Vintage Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Wood, Paint, Paper
Oil on Canvas by José Herrera
By José Herrera
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Oil on Canvas by José Herrera (Spanish, 1943-).
Signed and dated 1973.
Original stainless steel frame.
A beautiful piece.
Category
1970s Spanish Vintage Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Stainless Steel
Gerard Diaz French Iris Pencil Drawing
By Gérard Diaz
Located in Roma, IT
This drawing is a view of a garden.
In the background, we see a high base topped by a statue of a 19th century figure along with other architectural ruins.
Central to the composition...
Category
1990s French Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Paper
Unique, Large Decorative Meissen Mural, Wall Decoration by Prof. Heinz Werner
Located in Berlin, DE
Unique. Large decorative Meissen mural, wall decoration by Prof. Heinz Werner.
Painted porcelain plates. Modern design. Signed and dated. Meissen swords stamp. The mural is very hea...
Category
Late 20th Century German Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Porcelain
Danish Contemporary Artist Oil On Canvas Painting, By Lars Dan
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Lars Dan Painting, "Detritus Blaa Rec1", Thick Oil Piant On Canvas
Signed Lars Dan 2011
Category
2010s Danish Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Canvas, Paint
Painting by Peter Keil, Mid-Century Modern Art, New Frame, C 1977, On Canvas
By Peter Keil
Located in New York, NY
Peter Robert Keil was born to an artist blacksmith father whom he lost very early in his childhood during the Second World War. During the end phase of the war, Keil's mother, also a...
Category
1970s German Vintage Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Acrylic
'Helsinki' Sign Designed by Jan Svenungsson, Copper, Unique, Sweden, 1991
Located in Stockholm, SE
Sign designed by Jan Svenungsson,
Sweden. 1991.
Copper.
Unique.
Dimensions:
H: 16 cm/ 6 1/4"
W: 40 cm/ 15 3/4"
Category
1990s European Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Copper
Painting, Portrait of a Lady, Charcoal, C 1960, Large Scale with Wide Gold Frame
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful, midcentury, large portrait of a lady, circa 1960. Charcoal on paper with a very decorative gold frame.
Category
1960s Unknown Vintage Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Paper
Pierre Cardin Portrait by Yoshi Takata Black and White Photography
By Yoshi Takata
Located in Roma, IT
Portrait of Pierre Cardin.
Signed and stamped on back (see photo)
The artist’s dedication is on the bottom right.
Yoshi Takata was an artist, born in 19...
Category
1950s French Vintage Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Paper
Modernist Multicolored Abstract Painting, 1990, Austria
Located in Vienna, AT
Abstract painting signed RZM and dated 28.2.1990.
Mixed-media on carton framed with a baroque style frame.
Measures:
Width 25.59 in (65 cm)
Height 31.5 in (80 cm).
all measures are a...
Category
Late 20th Century Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Paper
Car Mirror by Gijs Bakker for Droog, 2006, Signed and Numbered 10/10, Excellent
By Droog, Gijs Bakker
Located in Kansas City, MO
Car Mirror designed by Gijs Bakker for Droog. Photograph mounted on mirrored plexiglass and aluminum. Signed and numbered to reverse 'G. Bakker 10/10'. This work is number ten from t...
Category
Early 2000s Danish Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Aluminum
Charcoal Drawing Black-Beige Michel Batlle 1987 Handworked Frame, Museums Glass
Located in Salzburg, AT
Disguise: Charcoal abstract, figurative drawing in black color on beige paper from Michel Batlle, signed 1987
Handworked frame, with wihite-gilded decoration, non-reflecting museums glass...
Category
1980s French Vintage Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Glass, Wood, Paper
Modern Color Full Glass Sculpture by Theresa
Located in Weiningen, CH
Modern color full glass sculpture by Theresa.
Category
Late 20th Century Swiss Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Art Glass
Russian Oil on Canvas, Weaect X.M 1990 Signed Valdimir Shelest
Located in Stamford, CT
Valdimir Shelest digital artist oil painting of letters in an abstract form. From a home in Greenwich CT.
Category
1990s Russian Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Canvas
Art wall panel handmade in Italy by Cupioli tribute to Kandinsky available
Located in Rimini, IT
In this wall panel handmade by Cupioli Lodovico the artist wanted to pay tribute to Wassily Kandinsky, re-interpreting his painting with our scagliola inlay technique, creating a pl...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Scagliola, Wood
One of One Detroit Artist Billy Couch Dodge Challenger Fine Art Print
By Billy Couch
Located in Ferndale, MI
Giclee fine art print one of one ever printed as artist proof. Series was never produced. Image of 1970s Dodge Challenger.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Paper
Jama Cement Painting, 1966
Located in Jersey City, NJ
An ebony wood framed cement painting by artist Jama.
Signed by artist and dated 1966.
Measures: Width 29.75cm
length 19.75 cm
depth 2.22 cm.
Category
1960s Vintage Modern Decorative Art
"Spindle, " 1991 Framed 30" Pastel on Paper by Jim Waid, Companion Available
Located in New York, NY
In "Spindle, 1991" artist Jim Waid through his mastery of pastel on paper, reflects a microcosmic view of nature that would otherwise be purely abstracted without the sporadic inclus...
Category
1990s American Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Other
Laddie John Dill Large Lithograph and Woodcut on Wove Paper, 1985
Located in Downingtown, PA
Laddie John Dill large lithograph and woodcut on wove paper,
Untitled, signed, dated and numbered 25/35, 1985.
Dimensions: 37 inches x 64 1/2 inches wide (sight 28 inches x 55 1.2 inches)
Reference:
From the artist's own bio.
Laddie John Dill, a Los Angeles artist, had his first solo exhibition in New York City with Illeanna Sonnabend Gallery in 1971. He was one of the first Los Angeles artists to exhibit. Light and...
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Paper
Abstract Painting Signed D. Filov
By Dmitry Filov
Located in Denton, TX
Abstract painting signed D. Filov. Very retro abstract piece. Beautiful and unique color scheme. This piece has a wooden frame. Great addition...
Category
Late 20th Century Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Canvas, Paint
Abstract Painting Signed D. Filov
By Dmitry Filov
Located in Denton, TX
Abstract painting signed D. Filov. Very retro abstract piece. Beautiful and unique color scheme. This piece has a wooden frame. Great addition...
Category
Late 20th Century West Asian Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Canvas, Wood, Paint
Asian Picture "Ever Lasting Happiness"
By Chin-Chai Chang
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
For customers that require professional insured delivery we are proud to have teamed up with a nationwide professional delivery company that will assist with coordinating your delive...
Category
1970s Chinese Vintage Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Paint
Curtis Jere Mixed Metals Pom Pom Starburst Hanging Wall Sculpture Vintage
By Curtis Jeré
Located in North Miami, FL
This Curtis Jere wall sculpture has dangling rods ending with balls as the tips meet a starburst of brass as the pom pom. It is mixed metals with chrome at the bottom and brass at the top. This Curtis Jere vintage...
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Brass, Chrome
Emerson Woelffer Bonze Sculpture, Abstract Face, Signed, Dated, Numbered
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Nice modern abstract Face, by the well known artist, Emerson Woelffer. Signed, numbered 1/4 and dated 1947.
Category
1940s American Vintage Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Bronze
Large Modern French Tapestry by J.L Viard
By J.L. Viard
Located in NYC, NY
A tapestry by French artist J.L Viard for Murmure des Sylves. Tightly woven wool and wool blends.
Signed on the front and again the reverse tag with an edition 21 of 100.
Category
1970s French Vintage Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Wool
Colorful Modern Collage Wall Art
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This framed abstract collage features a unique array of textiles, fabrics, and more colored with a wide ranging palette. This mixed-media artwork is framed for hanging in home or off...
Category
Late 20th Century Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Paper
Charcoal Drawing Black, Beige, Red and White Michel Batlle 1987 Handworked Frame
Located in Salzburg, AT
Polyphem: Charcoal abstract, figurative drawing in black-red-white color on beige paper from Michel Batlle, signed 1987
Handworked frame, with white-gilded decoration, non-reflecting...
Category
1980s French Vintage Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Glass, Wood, Paper
Surface Service Obs Wall Piece
By Soft Baroque
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Project surface service sees the sensory manipulation of interior design objects like benches and shelves, and the automated value inscription embedded in everyday objects. The surfa...
Category
2010s English Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Silk, Bubinga
Andrea Branzi, Tokonoma Karma, Superego Editions, Italy
Located in Milan, Italy
Frescoed cabinet (printed fabric) two pieces limited edition, original label numbered and signed
Exhibit in Triennale of Milano for show Kama. Sex e Design, December 2012.
Category
2010s Italian Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Wood
Signed Philip Perkins Vintage Cubist Painting
By Philip Perkins
Located in North Miami, FL
This wonderful painting dated 1970 that has great planes of color and field is by the abstract painter, Philip Perkins. His resume is impressive with early studies in Europe with maj...
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Wood, Paint
Andrea Branzi, Tokonoma Karma, Superego Editions, Italy
Located in Milan, Italy
Frescoed cabinet (printed fabric) two pieces limited edition, original label, numbered and signed.
Exhibit in Triennale of Milano for show Kama. Sex and Design, December 2012.
Category
2010s Italian Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Wood
Erwin Walter Burger "Fish" Wall Panel
Located in Milan, IT
A beautiful Erwin Walter Burger "Fish" wall panel
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Glass, Wood
Original Lithograph by James Carter with Southwest Pottery Theme
By James Carter
Located in New York, NY
Original Signed lithograph titled "Shield" by James Carter. It also has a custom burled elm frame. This piece has been floated and features hues of teal, terra cotta, sea foam green,...
Category
1990s American Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Paper
Aspects of Flowers Oil on Canvas by Rebecca Cooperman
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful oil painting of a still life arrangement of flowers simply rendered in oil on canvas by Rebecca Cooperman. Exhibited at Lever House by The Leag...
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Canvas
Mirrored Modernist Metal Wall Sculpture by Deidre Selig
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This modernist wall sculpture by D. Selig features mirrored glass mounted on steel.
Please confirm item location (NY or NJ) with dealer.
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Steel
Harvey Parks Signed Acrylic Painting Custom Framed Vintage
By Parks (Artist)
Located in North Miami, FL
This theatrical fantastic acrylic horizontal painting by the noted Harvey Parks is in a beautiful new custom frame. It could be a scene at an opera, could...
Category
20th Century American Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Wood, Paint
Diego Giacometti (1905)1985), La Promenade ses Amis carpet, numbered 87/ A-100.
Located in Nice, Cote d' Azur
Diego Giacometti (1905)1985),
La Promenade ses Amis carpet,
circa 1985,
wool,
With a label woven inscribed GIACOMETTI
and numbered 87/ A-100 on the underside.
This lot is number 1...
Category
1980s French Vintage Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Wool
Italian Modern Aluminium and Glass Decorative Panel with Geometric Pattern 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern square satin aluminium and glass decorative panel with geometric pattern, 1970s.
Painting with square-shaped aluminum frame, with satin finish. Panel designed in glas...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Aluminum
Italian Modern Black and White Artwork on Glass by Tarantino, 1983
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern black and white artwork on glass with wooden frame by Tarantino, 1983.
Work on glass with black background and satin design depicting an expanse of water and a waning...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Glass, Wood
Abacus Screen, Usa
Located in New York, NY
In a career spanning over 30 years, New York City artist Christopher Russell has devoted himself to creating unique works of art, functional design...
Category
2010s American Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Steel
Metropolis Screen
Located in New York, NY
New York City is full of colors. Among the façades of its architecture, within the people walking its streets, here I meander. I came up with this color pallet while spending a day i...
Category
2010s American Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Steel
Modern Copper Ascension of Christ Mounted on Wood Panel Piece
Located in New York, NY
20th century modern style portrayal of the Ascension of The Christ ascending above a copper cloud with His disciples gazing upwards looking on. Mounting hardware wire attached.
Category
20th Century American Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Copper
Italian Modern Colored Abstract Painting from an Milanese House-Studio, 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern red, brown, green, light blue, orange, black and white abstract painting from an milanese house-studio, 1970s
Beautiful and simple, medium size abstract painting from...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Glass, Paper
Mixed Media Painting on Board
Located in Denton, TX
Silver leaf on board covered in natural fibers and textured acrylic paint in a floral design. Beautiful Teal, silver, yellow, light green enhance the flow of this artist interpretati...
Category
20th Century European Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Silver Leaf
1980s Modern Metal Wall Art Hammered Copper Enamel Abstract Artwork Signed
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Metal Art
1980s Modern Art hand Hammered Swirled copper Enamel metal wall abstract Artwork signed piece.
Unfortunately, we are unable to read signature.
Dimensions:12 x 12 x .13 ...
Category
1980s Unknown Vintage Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Copper, Enamel
Double Sided Texas Cigarettes Sign, 1980s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Colorful double sided sign for Texas cigarettes.
A large red and blue advertising sign - billboard with a logo of a Texas cowboy on a horse. This publicity sign was probably used as a sidewalk sign.
This vintage tobacco sign...
Category
Late 20th Century European Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Acrylic
Rufino Tamayo, "Cabeza en Rojo" Aquatint, Etching, Lithograph Signed and # 71/99
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a small edition and very well made by Poligrafa Barcelona, Spain documented in 15 Aguafuertes 1979. Signed and numbered in white crayon 71/99. Good impression and color.
Category
1970s Vintage Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Paper
Eric James Mellon Unique Studio Pottery Tile with Nudes Titled Mermaid
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A very fine and unique, fresh to the market, stoneware studio pottery tile shaped panel hand painted with nudes titled Mermaid by renowned ceramic artist Eric James Mellon (British, ...
Category
Early 2000s English Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Ceramic
Modern Sculptural Wall Art
Located in New York, NY
Modern sculptural wall art with painted resin surface, titled 'Radiance' and signed 'Miller' on the back.
Category
Late 20th Century Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Resin
Gaudí Pair Of Doors From The Casa Batlló, Barcelona, Ca. 1906
By Antoni Gaudí
Located in New York, NY
Pair Of Doors From The Casa Batlló, Barcelona, Ca. 1906
Category
Early 20th Century Spanish Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Ash
19th Century Japanese Firemen's Coat on Custom Mount
Located in Chicago, IL
A rare 19th century Japanese firemen's coat, constructed from smoked deer leather and with bold white stenciled characters creating a wonderfully modern pattern across the back and b...
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Leather
HOLLY HUNT Arolle Screen
By HOLLY HUNT
Located in Chicago, IL
HOLLY HUNT Arolle screen
Additional Information:
Dimensions: 49.25 W x 9.78 D x 29.9 H inch
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Wood
Ottoman Leopard Prints 1
Located in Scandicci, Florence
Multicolor Giclèe print on 100% cotton paper. Ottoman personage against a ground of architecture and tropical flora. Bluette passepartout. Wide wood fashion frame with Leopard patter...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Glass, Paper, Wood
Ottoman Print 1
Located in Scandicci, Florence
Ottoman print 1. Multi-color Giclèe print on 100% cotton paper. Ottoman personage paired with romantic country views. Bluette passepartout. Black lacquered designer wood frame.
From ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Glass, Paper, Wood
Ottoman Print 2
Located in Scandicci, Florence
Ottoman prints 2. Multi-color Giclèe print on 100% cotton paper. Ottoman personage paired with romantic country views. Bluette passepartout. Black lacquered designer wood frame.
From...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Glass, Paper, Wood
Modern decorative art for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Modern decorative art 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 decorative art created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include wall decorations, decorative objects, mirrors and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with glass, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Modern decorative art made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and North America pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original decorative art, popular names associated with this style include sicis, Louise Heighes, Atlasproject, and Peter Keil. 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 decorative art differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $35 and tops out at $191,803 while the average work can sell for $2,184.
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