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Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture

MID-CENTURY MODERN STYLE

Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. The style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, is characterized by pieces that were conceived and made in an energetic, optimistic spirit by creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living.

ORIGINS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW

ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS

VINTAGE MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS

The mid-century modern era saw leagues of postwar American architects and designers animated by new ideas and new technology. The lean, functionalist International-style architecture of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus eminences Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius had been promoted in the United States during the 1930s by Philip Johnson and others. New building techniques, such as “post-and-beam” construction, allowed the International-style schemes to be realized on a small scale in open-plan houses with long walls of glass.

Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century modern furniture designs. Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen, who had experimented extensively with molded plywood, eagerly embraced fiberglass for pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair, respectively. 

Architect, writer and designer George Nelson created with his team shades for the Bubble lamp using a new translucent polymer skin and, as design director at Herman Miller, recruited the Eameses, Alexander Girard and others for projects at the legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer

Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi devised chairs and tables built of wire mesh and wire struts. Materials were repurposed too: The Danish-born designer Jens Risom created a line of chairs using surplus parachute straps for webbed seats and backrests.

The Risom lounge chair was among the first pieces of furniture commissioned and produced by celebrated manufacturer Knoll, a chief influencer in the rise of modern design in the United States, thanks to the work of Florence Knoll, the pioneering architect and designer who made the firm a leader in its field. The seating that Knoll created for office spaces — as well as pieces designed by Florence initially for commercial clients — soon became desirable for the home.

As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century furniture designers caught the spirit.

Classically oriented creators such as Edward Wormley, house designer for Dunbar Inc., offered such pieces as the sinuous Listen to Me chaise; the British expatriate T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings switched gears, creating items such as the tiered, biomorphic Mesa table. There were Young Turks such as Paul McCobb, who designed holistic groups of sleek, blond wood furniture, and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in minimalist teak dining tables and lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.

Generations turn over, and mid-century modern remains arguably the most popular style going. As the collection of vintage mid-century modern chairs, dressers, coffee tables and other furniture for the living room, dining room, bedroom and elsewhere on 1stDibs demonstrates, this period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.

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Style: Mid-Century Modern
Period: 1960s
1969 Graphic Woodblock Print by Tomio Kinoshita, Japan
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Faces (4 Faces), 1969 Tomio Kinoshita (1923-2014), Japan Woodblock print Paper, pigment, sumi ink Image: 27 high by 18.25 inches wide (68.5 by 46.4 cm) Paper size: 28 high by 19...
Category

1960s Japanese Vintage Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Paper

1960s James Mont Style Black Lacquer Asian Modern Chinoiserie Ming Chairs - a Pa
Located in Esperance, NY
1960s James Mont style black lacquer Asian Modern Chinoiserie Ming chairs - a pair.
Category

1960s Unknown Vintage Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Wood

Japanese Iron Owl Incense Burner Lantern
Located in San Diego, CA
Iron owl sculpture with a nice patina. Removable head with vented ears and eyes. For burning incense, small lantern, or candle holder. Japan. 1960s.
Category

1960s Japanese Vintage Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Iron

Rationalist Mid-Century Modern French Wood Bench, circa 1960
Located in Barcelona, ES
Rationalist Mid-Century Modern French Wood Bench. Manufactured in France, circa 1960. In original condition with minor wear consistent of age and use, preserving a beautiful pa...
Category

1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Wood

Mid Century Japanese Iron Bird Incense Burner
Located in San Diego, CA
Antique iron bird sculpture with a nice patina. Removable vented piece, for burning incense, 1960s.
Category

1960s Japanese Vintage Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Iron

1960 Big Boys, Woodblock Print by Tomio Kinoshita, Japan
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Tomio Kinoshita (1923 – 2014) Big Boys, 1960 Woodblock print Image size: 32.75 high by 22 inches wide (83 by 56 cm) Paper size: 35.5 high by 23.75 inches wide (90 by 60.3 cm) Signed: in pencil lower right, Tomio Kinoshita Titled: in pencil at lower left Edition: 30/50 Condition: Very good The woodblock for this large print was carved in 1958, just three years after Kinoshita’s began creating woodblocks. This print was signed and dated in 1960, but not numbered; prints were also pulled from this block in the 1970s, so it must have been one of more popular images. One of his students has written, “As time progressed further, the postwar era saw improvements in nutrition, and children became taller and heavier than in the past, but their lack of physical exercise and severely inferior physical abilities became a social problem; this is ironically depicted in Big Boys.” In 1963, Kinoshita told him that he had just finished pulling a print of this image in response to a request from Unichi Hiratsuka...
Category

1960s Japanese Vintage Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Paper

Pair 1960 s Vintage Chinese Hand Carved Stone Sculptures of Foo Dogs
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Pair Stunning 1960's Asian Carved Stone Foo Dogs. The detail on these stone sculptures is amazing!
Category

1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Stone

Japanese Iron Abstract Bird Sculpture or Incense Burner
Located in San Diego, CA
Iron bird sculpture. Removable vented piece, perhaps for burning incense or flower arrangements, 1960s.
Category

1960s Japanese Vintage Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Iron

1960s Danish Solid Teak Bookcase by Peter Hvidt for Soborg Møbelfabrik
Located in Victoria, BC
An outstanding example of Danish modern craftsmanship, this solid teak bookcase by Peter Hvidt for Søborg Møbelfabrik (1960s) showcases both refinement and utility. Constructed entir...
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1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Teak

Marcel Breuer Bauhaus Style Tubular Steel Dining Table, Germany, 1960s
Located in San Diego, CA
The architect and designer Marcel Breuer was one the 20th century’s most influential and innovative adherents of modernism. A member of the Bauhaus faculty, Breuer — like such collea...
Category

1960s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Chrome

Vintage Owl Shaped Pewtertone Olde Tankardware Ice Bucket
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Vintage Owl Shaped Pewtertone Olde Tankardware Ice Bucket. The charming large ice bucket assembled from magnetic metallic parts in a pewter-like finish with body, wings and eyes all ...
Category

1960s Japanese Vintage Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Metal

Large Scale Signed Lee Reynolds Abstract Oil Painting Mid-Century Modern 1960s
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A very large and super cool, 1960s, oil on canvas abstract painting signed by Lee Reynolds. Colors are white, gray, brown, black and yellow. 49" tall x 61" wide, with the original po...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Canvas, Paint

Vintage McGuire Bamboo and Leather Nesting Tables Set of 3
Located in San Diego, CA
An exquisite ensemble of furniture inspired by coastal living, crafted with organic luxury in mind. Immerse yourself in a world of comfort. McGuire Furniture was founded in 1948 by J...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Leather, Bamboo, Glass

1960s Mid Century Teak Mirror with Drawers
Located in Victoria, BC
A clean and versatile piece of Danish modern design from the 1960s, this wall-mounted teak mirror features a pair of solid teak drawers with finely dovetailed joinery. The warm wood ...
Category

1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Teak

Rare Pair of Mid-Century Modern Samsonite Outdoor Patio Steel Tube Armchairs
Located in San Diego, CA
Incredible, unique and rare pair of vintage midcentury outdoor armchairs with flat tubular steel frames and multicolored plastic slats. The white milky frame against the gold and ora...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Stainless Steel

Original Poster – Quarta Exposició del Círcol de Sant Lluch, 1969
Located in Barcelona, ES
Original Exhibition Poster – Quarta Exposició del Círcol de Sant Lluch, Alexandre de Riquer, 1969 Details: Exhibition: Quarta Exposició del Círcol de Sant Lluch Artist: Alexandre d...
Category

1960s European Vintage Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Paper

Vintage McGuire Bamboo and Leather Nesting Tables Set of 3
Located in San Diego, CA
An exquisite ensemble of furniture inspired by coastal living, crafted with organic luxury in mind. Immerse yourself in a world of comfort. McGuire Furniture was founded in 1948 by J...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Leather, Bamboo, Glass

Vintage Original Mid-Century David Auld Hand Carved Wooden Bowl
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful and unique wood bowl by David Auld. World renowned American-born Haitian wood working artist David Auld creates one of a kind pieces that catapu...
Category

1960s Polynesian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Wood

Antler Chair designed by Junzo Sakakura Architectural Office for Tendo Mokko
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
The Antler Chair was designed by Junzo Sakakura Architectural Research Institute in 1966. It is a long-selling masterpiece chair that is still being made today. This is a rare monopo...
Category

1960s Japanese Vintage Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Teak, Plywood

1960s Rattan Screen Panels Room Divider, Set of 2
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning and rare, rattan panels divider set you could hope to find. Outstanding design is exhibited throughout. The beautiful set is sta...
Category

1960s Philippine Vintage Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Rattan

Set of 4 Marcel Breuer Cesca Metal and Wood Mid-Century Modern Chairs, C. 1960
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
This set of four Cesca chairs, designed by Marcel Breuer, is a true testament to the iconic Bauhaus movement of the 20th century. Manufactured in Italy by an unknown manufacturer cir...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Metal

Carlo de Carli Entrance Hall Set in Plywood and Fabric by FIARM 1960s
Located in Cascina, Pisa
An entrance hall set composed of two coat racks with a drawer and a bench with a storage unit, designed by Carlo de Carli for FIARM in 1960s. This set is made with curved plywood and...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Plywood

Fine Pair of Mirrored Gilt Cloisonne Enamel Butterfly Vases China
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
The fine pair of mirrored gilt cloisonné enamel butterfly vases from the mid 20th-century are exquisite examples of Chinese artistry and craftsmanship. These vases combine several in...
Category

1960s Chinese Vintage Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Enamel

Rare Suitcase By Louis Vuitton 1960 s
Located in Brussels, BE
Very rare Louis Vuitton suitcase model (Porte-Habits). Made in 1960, in exceptional condition, including these two original keys, The Vuittonite and the lozine are in perfect conditi...
Category

1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Brass

Brutalist Sculptured Chairs
Located in London, England
This chair is a true 1960s masterpiece of craftsmanship. Hand-sculpted from beautiful elm wood, it features a striking sculptural form that is both eye-catching and comfortable. The...
Category

1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Elm

Alvar Aalto Style Mid-Century Modern Wood Stool, circa 1960
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Alvar Aalto Style Mid-Century Modern wood stool. In original condition with minor wear consistent of age and use, preserving a beautiful patina. ...
Category

1960s Finnish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Wood

Vintage Mid Century Original Art The Marshland by Lee Reynolds
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful original landscape scene by acclaimed artist Lee Reynolds. This piece titled “Marshland” from the 1960s showcases a sunset marshland landscape done in a vivid, expressiv...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Paint

Kai Kristiansen Oak and Glass Display Cabinet for FM Møbler, Denmark, c.1960
Located in TORQUAY, AU
A superb and authentic example of Danish Modern design, this glass-fronted display cabinet is a testament to the genius of Kai Kristiansen, one of the last living masters of the era....
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Oak

Finn Juhl Model 192 Set of Midcentury Teak Chairs 1960s
Located in San Diego, CA
Designed by Finn Juhl for France & Son and imported by John Stuart, this handsome set of chairs features generous and comfortable seats that float within teak frames. They are uphols...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Teak

Vintage Japanese 2-panel screen of a Khmer rubbing of Suryavarman II, Angkor Wat
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Vintage Japanese 2-panel screen of a Khmer rubbing. The large rubbing taken from the bas-relief carvings on the first tier southern gallery of the Angkor Wat temple complex in Siem ...
Category

1960s Cambodian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Paper

Japanese Iron Bird Incense Burner
Located in San Diego, CA
Antique iron bird sculpture with a nice patina. Removable vented piece, for burning incense, 1960s.
Category

1960s Japanese Vintage Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Iron

Pair Asian Bronze Elephant Sculptures Figures Vintage, 1960s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A decorative hand made pair elephant sculptures or statues. Some wear but this is old-age. Made of brass or bronze. We think it is from Asia and was mad...
Category

1960s Asian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Marble, Metal

Mid Century Neal Illuminated Light Pedestal Stand for Kovacs
Located in San Diego, CA
Incredibly stylish illuminated pedestal table stand for Kovacs. This piece, in the style of Paul Evans Cityscape line is streamlined and unique. With an approach that is timeless, t...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Stainless Steel

Vintage Elephant Planter Base, Oriental, Ceramic Jardiniere Stand, Mid Century
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a charming vintage elephant planter base. An Oriental, ceramic conservatory or garden jardiniere stand, dating to the mid 20th century...
Category

1960s Chinese Vintage Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Rare Mid Century 1960s Teak Side Table by Moreddi Danmark
Located in San Diego, CA
Stunning midcentury modern design by Moreddi Danmark. This side table with a drawer is sturdy and sleek with minimalist notes that are timeless. The table access a generous drawer ...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Wood

Li Yuan-Chia Cosmic Point Multiple Mix Media Painting
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Li Yuan-chia Cosmic 'Point' Multiple 1929–1994 This Original piece from Lisson Gallery London 1968 Exhibition features a painted white lacquered steel panel with 4 magnetic points pl...
Category

1960s Asian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Steel, Magnets

Italian Teak Bar cart 1960
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
Italian Teak Wood Trolley Bar 1960s. Very typical design for that era, two storage compartamnet. One top compartment and one draw at the back of the trolley. A small crack next to t...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Teak

Italian Red, Blue and White Round Ceramic by Rufinelli Assisi, 1960s
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
Rufinelli Assisi ceramics are a type of Italian pottery that comes from the town of Assisi in central Italy. The Rufinelli family has been producing c...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Danish Mid-Century Modern Floating Cabinet in Book-Matched Rosewood, c.1960s
Located in TORQUAY, AU
A rare and exceptionally fine example of Danish Modern cabinetmaking. This floating wall-mounted secretary, produced in Denmark circa 1960, is a masterclass in material, form, and fu...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Rosewood

Vintage Stag Cantata Four Drawer Chest of Drawers by John Silvia Reid For Stag
Located in Seaford, GB
Stag Cantata Mid-Century Four Drawer Chest of Drawers – 1960s Vintage Furniture (Sussex, England) Designed by John and Sylvia Reid. For lovers of mid-cen...
Category

1960s European Vintage Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Teak

Two Post War Kabuki Paddles (Hagoita) Original Shuttlecock Ball Japan Circa 1960
Located in Incline Village, NV
Offered are a pair of post war Japanese Kabuki paddles circa 1960, featuring a male and female Kabuki character actors in full traditional Japanese r...
Category

1960s Japanese Vintage Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Original Poster – Quarta Exposició del Círcol de Sant Lluch, 1969
Located in Barcelona, ES
Original Exhibition Poster – Quarta Exposició del Círcol de Sant Lluch, Alexandre de Riquer, 1969 Details: Exhibition: Quarta Exposició del Círcol de Sant Lluch Artist: Alexandre d...
Category

1960s European Vintage Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Paper

Mid-Century Modern Forest Print Art Attributed to Marjatta Seppälä, Finland
Located in Deland, FL
Absolutely stunning textile print from the late 1960s. Bring a pop of color to intrigue to any room with this lovely vintage cotton fabric tapestry designed by Marjatta Seppälä. The ...
Category

1960s Finnish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Acrylic

Mid-century Art Glass Dolphin Sculpture by Miloslav Janků for Zelezný Brod, 1960
Located in Praha, CZ
Made in Czechoslovakia Made of Art Glass Re-polished Original condition
Category

1960s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Art Glass

Aldo Londi, Bird, 1960s
Located in Rivoli, IT
Particular terracotta sculpture decorated with graffiti made by sculptor Aldo Londi in the 1960s Excellent condition Literature: Luigi Ulivieri, Capraia '91 ceramiche verso il XXI s...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Pottery

Ceramic Bowl In Orange Yellow Colors From 1960s
Located in Lejre, DK
This ceramic bowl, featuring vibrant orange and yellow colors, hails from the 1960s, a period known for its bold use of color and innovative design in home decor. The bowl's striking...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Mid Century Modern Green and Gold Glass Vase
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Wonderful vintage mid century modern glass vase. Features a painted green and gold finish.
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Glass

Mid Century Modern Brown Spherical Danish Pottery Vase
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Incredible mid Century Modern danish pottery vase. Features a brown and gold coated finish.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Pottery

Ceramic plate glazed in orange and black, Lenci Torino, 1960s
Located in Milano, IT
Ceramic plate glazed in orange and black, Lenci Torino, 1960s. Ceramic plate glazed in orange on the upper part and black on the lower part, signature pr...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Mid-century Modern asian art and furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Mid-Century Modern asian art and furniture 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 asian art and furniture created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include asian art and furniture, seating, wall decorations and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, hardwood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Mid-Century Modern asian art and furniture made in a specific country, there are Europe, Denmark, and Scandinavia pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original asian art and furniture, popular names associated with this style include Peter Hvidt, Finn Juhl, Tomio Kinoshita, and Marcel Breuer. 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 asian art and furniture differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $68 and tops out at $20,000 while the average work can sell for $1,650.

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