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Functional Art

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Art Nouveau White Porcelain Washbasin with Pilaster France
By Maison de l Art Nouveau
Located in Valladolid, ES
artists such as Gallé, Tiffany, and Gaudí shaped functional objects that were also works of art, using
Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Nouveau Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Contemporary Ceramic Sculpture Hand-Built Ceramic Candle Holder by Darren Dai
By Darren Dai
Located in London, GB
, this collectible piece embodies the essence of contemporary Chinese functional art.
Category

2010s Chinese Arts and Crafts Candlesticks

Materials

Ceramic

Vintage Boho Slab Built Stdio Pottery Platter
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
. Add this versatile work of functional art to your collection today.
Category

Late 20th Century American Minimalist Platters and Serveware

Materials

Pottery

Midcentury Hanging Leaf Chair by Rupert Oliver
By Rupert Oliver
Located in North Hollywood, CA
its minimalist curves and is considered a timeless piece of functional art. The Leaf Chair, in
Category

Vintage 1960s English Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Metal

Celtic Card Tray Gold Silver Desk Tray E005 Handmade in Spain
By David Marshall
Located in Benahavis, AN
with his signature. The Artist is inspired by nature and land scape making functional art and
Category

2010s Spanish Brutalist Decorative Dishes and Vide-Poche

Materials

Aluminum, Brass

Emilia Castillo Silver-Plated Fish-Handle Serving Set, Taxco Mexico
By Emilia Castillo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
(10.1 cm) 1 in high (2.5 cm) Ideal for use as salad servers or displayed as functional art.
Category

Vintage 1980s Mexican Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Silver Plate, Brass

Whimsical Hand-Carved Studio Craft Desk and
Located in Miami, FL
, celebrating the raw beauty of wood and the fantasy-driven creativity of its maker. This functional art set
Category

Vintage 1970s American Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Soho Chandelier, Contemporary, Sculptural in Brass with Silk Coral Lampshades
By Margit Wittig
Located in London, GB
work with color. Her functional art spreads the gamut from modern simplicity to rich and complex
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Composition, Brass, Metal

Ethnic Drink Mat Gold Coaster Bottle Mat Barware C019 Handmade in Spain
By David Marshall
Located in Benahavis, AN
inspired by nature and land scape making functional art and sculptures out of recycled materials. We work
Category

2010s Spanish Brutalist Platters and Serveware

Materials

Brass

Dreams of a Cove on IOS - Blue Textured Ocean Sky Abstract Framed Painting
By Paul Kirley
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hollywood, CA Beverly Hills Hotel- Beverly Hills, CA 1998 Gallery of Functional Art- Santa
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Expressionist Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Mixed Media, Acrylic

Walk at Dusk in Beverly Glen - Framed Textural Abstract 3D Mixed Media Artwork
By Paul Kirley
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hollywood, CA Beverly Hills Hotel- Beverly Hills, CA 1998 Gallery of Functional Art- Santa
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Expressionist Abstract Paintings

Materials

Wood, Mixed Media, Acrylic

Santa Monica Canyon - Framed Textural Three Dimensional Abstract Artwork
By Paul Kirley
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hollywood, CA Beverly Hills Hotel- Beverly Hills, CA 1998 Gallery of Functional Art- Santa
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Minimalist Abstract Paintings

Materials

Wood, Mixed Media, Acrylic

1970s Dior Home Style Mid-Century Modern Brass and Vienna Straw Serving Tray
By Dior Home
Located in Aci Castello, IT
statement piece of functional art and a collectible accent for any luxury interior. It's in excellent
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Brass

German Neoclassical Amphora Jar in Pewter and Glass, 1900s
Located in Lisbon, PT
artistic influence and craftsmanship merged into collectible functional art. Perfect as a decorative
Category

20th Century German Neoclassical Vases

Materials

Pewter

Set of 2 Okay armchairs by Adriano Piazzesi, 70s
By Adriano Piazzesi
Located in Buzzò, Emilia-Romagna
a warm brown hue that invites you in. This is more than vintage furniture; it is functional art. A
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Space Age Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Cigar Box and Ashtray by Fontana Arte, Italy, 1950
By Fontana Arte
Located in Palermo, PA
Introducing an exquisite piece of functional art: the Fontana Arte Cigar Box and Ashtray. Crafted
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Cigar Boxes and Humidors

Materials

Crystal

Mesh Fruit Tray A009 Solid Cast Brass Aluminum Handmade Spain
By David Marshall
Located in Benahavis, AN
nature and land scape making functional art and sculptures out of recycled materials. We work with
Category

2010s Spanish Brutalist Decorative Bowls

Materials

Aluminum, Brass

Decorative Diagonal Picture Frame N019 Solid Cast Brass Aluminum Handmade Spain
By David Marshall
Located in Benahavis, AN
inspired by nature and land scape making functional art and sculptures out of recycled materials. We work
Category

2010s Spanish Brutalist Picture Frames

Materials

Aluminum, Brass

Set of 2 Italian Silver-Plated Candlesticks, Handcrafted Design, in stock
By CASPAL, FEDERICA PAOLI
Located in Milano, Lombardia
handcrafted metalwork. Each holder embodies Caspal’s approach to functional art, merging collectible design
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian International Style Candelabras

Materials

Silver Plate, Brass

Classic Menorah G018 9arms Solid Cast Brass and Aluminum Handmade in Spain
By David Marshall
Located in Benahavis, AN
nature and land scape making functional art and sculptures out of recycled materials. We work with
Category

2010s Spanish Brutalist Candelabras

Materials

Aluminum, Brass

Vintage Regency Cane Fireside Fauteuil Chair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
collectors, designers, and vintage lovers seeking a functional art piece with character. Don’t miss your
Category

Mid-20th Century American Regency Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Cane

One-of-a-kind Missisquoi Side Table (№ 10) by Simon Johns
By Simon Johns
Located in East-Bolton, Quebec
of functional art. The collection of side tables or end tables, debuted during NY Design Week 2017 at
Category

2010s Canadian Post-Modern End Tables

Materials

Stone, Steel

Luiza Miller Brutalist Metal Coffee Table
By Susse Fondeur, Luiza Miller 1
Located in Lake Worth Beach, FL
, sculptural forms. A rare and refined example of functional art, this table makes a commanding centerpiece for
Category

Late 20th Century French Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

Mid-Century Mexican Brass and Abalone Shell Shot Glass Set with Serving Tray
By Los Castillo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
create refined, modernist works of functional art. A striking addition to any bar or collector of
Category

Vintage 1950s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Brass

Mayfair Contemporary Chandelier, Brass with Sculpted Spheres by Margit Wittig
By Margit Wittig
Located in London, GB
functional art spreads the gamut from modern simplicity to rich and complex designs and color. Her pieces are
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass

Synergy Table Lamp in Dark Patina, European, Contemporary Design
By Margit Wittig
Located in London, GB
, intertwined with her work with color. Her functional art spreads the gamit from modern simplicity to rich and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Slate, Brass

Synergy Table Lamp in Plaster White, Contemporary European Design
By Margit Wittig
Located in London, GB
, intertwined with her work with color. Her functional art spreads the gamit from modern simplicity to rich and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Slate, Brass

Very Rare Carbon Fibre “Elephant” Lounge Chair Herbert Schultes, Lensvelt
By Herbert H. Schultes
Located in DE KWAKEL, NL
furniture to become functional art. It reflects the design ethos of the late 20th century, when
Category

1990s Dutch Post-Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Aluminum

Vintage Boho Studio Pottery Bowl
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
sized, this functional art piece is ideal for use as a centerpiece fruit bowl, a large mixing bowl, or a
Category

Late 20th Century American Rustic Decorative Bowls

Materials

Clay, Pottery, Stoneware

Vintage Boho Studio Pottery Bowl
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
your curated collection of handcrafted functional art.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Rustic Decorative Bowls

Materials

Clay, Pottery, Stoneware

Vintage Boho Original Studio Pottery Base
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
history to the piece. Enhance your collection with this striking example of functional art.
Category

Late 20th Century American Folk Art Vases

Materials

Pottery

Classic Large Bowl in Selenite by Kathryn McCoy
By Kathryn McCoy
Located in West Hollywood, CA
functional art.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Decorative Bowls

Materials

Rock Crystal

Copper and Wood Art Deco Table Lamp, Europe ca 1930s
Located in Utrecht, NL
timeless creations was this copper and wood table lamp. This exquisite piece of functional art epitomizes
Category

Vintage 1930s European Art Deco Table Lamps

Materials

Copper

European, Sculptural Silhouette Table Lamp, Emerald Green by Margit Wittig
By Margit Wittig
Located in London, GB
functional object of art a visual focus for luxury interiors. Margit Wittig is inspired by modern artists
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Brass

European, Contemporary, Sculptural Silhouette Table Lamp, White by Margit Wittig
By Margit Wittig
Located in London, GB
functional object of art a visual focus for luxury interiors. Margit Wittig is inspired by modern artists
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Brass

Bruce Gray American Brutalist Industrial Coffee Table Sculpture
By Bruce Gray
Located in Forney, TX
a most impressive, distinctive, one-of-a-kind work of functional art. Topped with a thick, high
Category

Late 20th Century American Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal, Steel

Rare Cocobolo Don Shoemaker Fountain, Organic Mexican Mid-Century Modern, 1960s
By Don S. Shoemaker
Located in San Diego, CA
statement piece of functional art that will look great with any style of decor and furniture including Mid
Category

Mid-20th Century Mexican Mid-Century Modern Fountains

Materials

Cocobolo

Superb Large Italian Murano Florette and Gold infused Glass Mirror
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Murano glass mirror is not only decorative but also a rare piece of functional art that adds elegance
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Art Nouveau Wall Mirrors

Materials

Murano Glass

Galerie Shabab Collection Mid-20th Century Persian Afshar Tribal Bag
Located in New York, NY
emphasizing balance. Afshar tribal bags such as this one stand out as functional art, showcasing the weavers
Category

Mid-20th Century Persian Tribal Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Silver Coffee Table in set of 2
By LMNOH
Located in Timisoara, RO
Description: Our Theia Table set is a limited edition exquisite piece of functional art that brings
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Sculptural, European, Silhouette Table Lamp, Emerald Green by Margit Wittig
By Margit Wittig
Located in London, GB
functional object of art a visual focus for luxury interiors. Margit Wittig is inspired by modern artists
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Brass

Synergy Table Lamp in Green, Contemporary European Design
By Margit Wittig
Located in London, GB
, intertwined with her work with color. Her functional art spreads the gamit from modern simplicity to rich and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Slate, Brass

Hammered Copper Sculptural Lamp in the Shape of a Tree, Mid-Century Modern
Located in Benalmadena, ES
This mid-20th century lamp is a true work of functional art, designed in copper with a design that
Category

Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Copper

Brutalist Clay Resin Round Coffee Table - ÉTER Furniture, FACIES 05
Located in Miami, FL
identical each carries the nuance of the artisan’s hand, making it a collectible work of functional art
Category

2010s Czech Brutalist Side Tables

Materials

Clay, Resin

Brutalist Clay Resin Sculptural Bench — ÉTER Furniture, FACIES
Located in Miami, FL
identical each bears the artisan’s touch, making it a collectible work of functional art. FACIES 03
Category

2010s Peruvian Brutalist Benches

Materials

Clay, Resin

Vintage Boho Hat Rack
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
miss out on this enchanting and versatile vintage coat hook – bring this piece of functional art home
Category

Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Hat Racks and Stands

Materials

Mirror, Wood

Mayfair Contemporary Chandelier, Brass with Sculpted Spheres by Margit Wittig
By Margit Wittig
Located in London, GB
functional art spreads the gamut from modern simplicity to rich and complex designs and color. Her pieces are
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass

Hanger Unique Artistic Puppets Up-cycled by Curro Claret, Hanger #8
By Curro Claret
Located in Barcelona, ES
exhibited internationally and featured in renowned design publications. This functional art object embodies
Category

2010s Spanish Coat Racks and Stands

Materials

Steel

Large Bronze Sculpture Woman Head, After Modigliani, Ruth Bloch Israeli Artist
By Ruth Bloch
Located in Surfside, FL
functional art with a series of bronze bowls and coffee tables. Today, she has expanded her visual vocabulary
Category

20th Century Contemporary Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Trapeze Clock D013 handmade in cast brass aluminium
By David Marshall
Located in Benahavis, AN
with his signature. The Artist is inspired by nature and land scape making functional art and
Category

2010s Spanish Brutalist Mantel Clocks

Materials

Aluminum, Brass

Celadon Daydream - Framed Sculptural Abstract 3D Minimalist Landscape Painting
By Paul Kirley
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hollywood, CA Beverly Hills Hotel- Beverly Hills, CA 1998 Gallery of Functional Art- Santa
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Expressionist Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Wood, Mixed Media, Acrylic

New York, Sculpted Contemporary Table Lamp, White-Resin with 24-Karat Gold Leaf
By Margit Wittig
Located in London, GB
different textures as the driving force, intertwined with her work with color. Her functional art spreads
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Slate, Gold Leaf

Stool Metal Upcycled Boiler Grey and Red Handcrafted by Marta Torrent
By Marta Torrent Boix
Located in Barcelona, ES
-quality, functional art objects. Each piece reflects a sustainable design philosophy that seeks to close
Category

2010s Spanish Stools

Materials

Metal

Ebonized Oak Wood and Cork Chair Dining or Writing Desk Chair Porto Chair
By Alabama Sawyer
Located in Birmingham, AL
, adding a touch of sophistication to any room like a piece of functional art. The solid wood frame
Category

2010s American American Craftsman Chairs

Materials

Wood

White Oak Wood and Cork Chair Dining or Writing Desk Chair Porto Chair
By Alabama Sawyer
Located in Birmingham, AL
geometric simplicity, adding a touch of sophistication to any room like a piece of functional art. The solid
Category

2010s American American Craftsman Chairs

Materials

Wood, Oak

Vintage Contemporary Monumental Frame Lantern
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
functional art. Bring this spectacular lantern home today!
Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Industrial Lanterns

Materials

Metal

Hand-Crafted Sculptural Room Divider, Colourful, by Margit Wittig
By Margit Wittig
Located in London, GB
the driving force, intertwined with her work with color. Her functional art spreads the gamit from
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Screens and Room Dividers

Materials

Metal

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Functional Art For Sale on 1stDibs

Find many varieties of an authentic piece of functional art available at 1stDibs. Was constructed with extraordinary care, often using metal, steel and brass. Find 9 options for an antique or vintage item from our selection of functional art now, or shop our selection of 21 modern versions for a more contemporary example of this long-cherished piece. There are many kinds of the choice in our collection of functional art you’re looking for, from those produced as long ago as the 20th Century to those made as recently as the 21st Century. An object in our assortment of functional art made by Art Deco designers — as well as those associated with Mid-Century Modern — is very popular. Many designers have produced at least one well-made option in this array of functional art over the years, but those crafted by Jim Rose, Lionel Jadot and JZUZ Livingelements are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much is a Functional Art?

The average selling price for a piece of functional art at 1stDibs is $4,285, while they’re typically $75 on the low end and $34,145 for the highest priced.
Questions About Functional Art
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 30, 2024
    There are a few potential functions of art, and the specific function of a particular piece depends on its subject matter and medium. In some cases, art tells a story from history, everyday life, mythology or religion. Other times, its purpose is to inspire people to think about or feel something about the message that it conveys. For some artists, the function of art is to express religious devotion or to memorialize the image of someone who is notable. Art also enhances the visual appeal of the spaces where it is displayed. On 1stDibs, shop a wide variety of fine art.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 30, 2024
    One example of functional art is pottery. The term functional art refers to items produced by artisans that have a function beyond serving as decoration. Pottery fits this definition because it can be used to store items, display flowers, serve foods and more. On 1stDibs, shop a wide range of pottery.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 7, 2024
    The difference between fine and functional art is its purpose. Functional art usually has a practical use. Ceramics, textiles and industrial design are examples of functional art. On the other hand, fine art typically exists to tell a story, convey a message or express an idea. Examples of fine art include paintings, prints and sculptures. Shop a wide variety of fine and functional art on 1stDibs.