Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
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
- Emerged during the mid-20th century
- Informed by European modernism, Bauhaus, International style, Scandinavian modernism and Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture
- A heyday of innovation in postwar America
- Experimentation with new ideas, new materials and new forms flourished in Scandinavia, Italy, the former Czechoslovakia and elsewhere in Europe
CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
- Simplicity, organic forms, clean lines
- A blend of neutral and bold Pop art colors
- Use of natural and man-made materials — alluring woods such as teak, rosewood and oak; steel, fiberglass and molded plywood
- Light-filled spaces with colorful upholstery
- Glass walls and an emphasis on the outdoors
- Promotion of functionality
MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
- Charles and Ray Eames
- Eero Saarinen
- Milo Baughman
- Florence Knoll
- Harry Bertoia
- Isamu Noguchi
- George Nelson
- Danish modernists Hans Wegner and Arne Jacobsen, whose emphasis on natural materials and craftsmanship influenced American designers and vice versa
ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS
- Eames lounge chair
- Nelson daybed
- Florence Knoll sofa
- Egg chair
- Womb chair
- Noguchi coffee table
- Barcelona chair
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
Narendra Patel Signed Rosewood Bird Sculpture
Located in Kalamazoo, MI
Stunning abstract bird sculpture in solid Brazilian Rosewood by artist Narendra Patel. Originally hailing from India, the sculptor completed degrees in painting, sculpting, and product design at the prestigious Maharaja Sayajirao University before moving to the U.S. for his M.A. in Sculpture at Wayne State University and M.A. in Fine Art at Cranbrook in 1965. His final year at Cranbrook in Michigan was the year he completed this piece. The piece is in excellent condition with a fine patina. Mounted in a block of redwood, the bird is free to swivel with its tail smoothly passing each corner without hitting it. A rare early find from an established mid-west artist whose work can be found at outdoor sculpture parks...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Rosewood
Large Hand-Carved Ceramic Sculpture by Antonio Lucietti, Italy, 1968
Located in L’ISLE-SUR-LA-SORGUE, FR
Very large and originale ceramic sculpture of impressive finesse in its execution.
This artist only created one piece per year.
Interior and exterior enamel.
Unique piece made in 1...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Large Midcentury Sculpture of a Standing Egret, in the Style of Maison Jansen
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Large midcentury sculpture of a standing egret, in the style of Maison Jansen, raised on a circular enameled base.
Category
1960s European Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Metal, Chrome
$1,200 Sale Price
20% Off
1970s Large Jaru Metallic Silver Glaze Ceramic Abstract Nude Sculptures, Pair
By Jaru
Located in Monrovia, CA
JARU - Jaru Metallic silver glaze ceramic nude sculptures, 1970s signed.
Both pieces are solid, no cracks, no chips, no kidding. Excellent vintage con...
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Unusual Bronze Alphabet Sculpture By Anne Van Kleeck ca
1950
s
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
An unusual sculpture by Anne Van Kleeck ca' 1950's.
Made of patinated bronze, comprising letters of the Alphabet (A B C D E F).
Finished on all sides.
Heavy.
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Leonardo Zanardello ceramic sculpture Nove Italy 1978
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Beautiful large sculpture made by Leonaro Zanardello, Nove Italy 1978. Zanardello worked with ceramics for a very short time, making his pieces super rare and hard to come by. His ar...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Head of a Women Welded Steel Sculpture Carl Nesjar for Picasso
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Original artwork.
Unique piece.
There is another example in the book "The Sculpture of Picasso" shown in the pics here and in his studio with the famous maquette done for Chicago.
P...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Steel
Dave Grossman Wire Spray Sculpture in the Manner of Bertoia
Located in Highland, IN
Clearly inspired by the form made famous by Harry Bertoia, this spray-shaped Kinetic sculpture is made of fine wires which can swing and sway in a soothing manner. The piece is marke...
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Stainless Steel, Steel
Handmade Abstract Art Lull No25 – Wooden Sculpture by NONO
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Handmade Abstract Art Lull No25 – Wooden Sculpture by NONO
———
Balance and tension are at the core of these sculptures. The interplay between the sm...
Category
2010s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Hardwood
20th Century Giacomo Balla for Gavina Sculpture model Nuvolo in Steel
Located in Turin, Turin
Gavina is among Italy's leading historical brands of designer furniture. Founded in the 1960s by Dino Gavina, one of the most important entrepreneurial figures in the Italian furnitu...
Category
Early 2000s Italian Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Metal, Chrome
1970
s Van Teal Twisted Lucite Table Sculpture
By Van Teal
Located in New York, NY
1970's twisted lucite table sculpture by Van Teal, in vintage original condition with some wear and patina due to age and use, made of a single piece of Lucite on a black and clear b...
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Lucite
Jan Johansson for Orrefors Modernist Glass Sculpture
Located in New York, NY
Stunning 1970s Jan Johansson designed for Orrefors modernist glass sculpture. Beautiful design and very heavy it weights 23 pounds.
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Glass
Tea-Pot Sculpture by French Jean Fontaine Abstract Colors Mechanical Forms
Located in Neuilly-en- sancerre, FR
Jean Fontaine
Beautiful sculptural tea-pot. Signed by the French artist.
Decorative French art with abstract colors and mechanical forms.
Excellent original condition.
Di...
Category
Late 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
1960s Atomic wooden science sculpture
Located in London, Lambeth
Scientific model used for educartional purposes in science classes to represent molecules or Atomic Structures.These sculpture are considered
decorative and collectible items .Cc 1960s
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Beech
Sahl Swarz Abstract Bronze Sculpture Mid Century Modern Art
By Sahl Swartz
Located in Atlanta, GA
Bronze abstract figural sculpture by Sahl Swarz, American, circa 1950s. Signed and numbered Swarz 3/3 on the edge of the base.
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Metal, Bronze
Zoomorphic Animal Freeform Vase by Claude Poli 1976 Ceramic Brown Color
Located in Neuilly-en- sancerre, FR
Claude Poli
Elegant brown zoomorphic ceramic vase by Claude Poli
Beautiful brown pottery glaze, signed under the base.
Dimensions: 25 x 18 x 18cm.
Category
1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Greg Copeland Style of Frank Stella First Edition Acrylic Sculpture Mid Century
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This Greg Copeland wall-mounted acrylic sculpture is very rare. According to the etched signature by the frame, it is the first of only 250 units. This piece is also signed again on ...
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Aluminum
Abstract Stone Sculpture by Unknown Artist from Japan
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
A stone object of unknown author from Japan. The stone is carved and polished. Very attractive shape and high quality nice work.
Category
Late 20th Century Japanese Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Stoneware
Rare Sculpture from Luciano Vistosi, Signed and Dated 1968
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Rare sculpture from Luciano Vistosi (1931-2010) signed and dated 1968.
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Glass
1950s Chiesa Pietro Design Fontana Arte Italy Paperweight Chiseled Glass
Located in Biella, IT
Chiesa Pietro design by Fontana Arte Italy, sculpture chiselled glass years 60.
Measure; 17 cm x 11 x 6 cm - 6.5 inches x 2.2" x2.3".
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Art Glass
Marble Sculpture
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
One of a kind black belgiam marble sculpture with travertine base
Sculpture rotates 360 degrees
handmade work signed by the french artist Jean Frederique Bourdier...
Category
1990s French Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Travertine, Marble
$7,698
Claude Victor Boeltz French Golden Bronze Quartz Table Sculpture, 1970
Located in New York, NY
A unique 1970s French Dore/Golden bronze sculpture with a large amethyst and quartz clusters and oyster shell.
Biography: Claude Victor Boeltz, the European surrealist master artis...
Category
1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Crystal, Gold, Bronze
$2,900 Sale Price
50% Off
Mid-Century Modern Abstract Wire Spray Table Sculpture by Dave Grossman
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A super cool stainless steel kinetic wire sculpture by Dave Grossman in the 1970s. It's a nice size table sculpture. Features a stainless cylindrical base with 100's of wires.
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Stainless Steel
Vintage Carl Aubock Set of Three Magnifying Glass Paperweights ca
1950
s
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A set of three hexagonal magnifiers made of solid brass by Carl Aubock, Austria, ca' 1950's. Wear and patina appropriate to age.
Category
1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Brass
Mid-Century Modernist Hand-Carved Organic Sculpture signed Carol Setterlund
Located in New York, NY
Signed by Carol Setterlund, this sculpture reflects the artist's dedication to form and texture, embodying the essence of mid-century artistry. The natural curves and flowing lines o...
Category
1980s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Pal Kepenyes Gates Brass Brutalist Sculpture
By Pal Kepenyes
Located in Mexico City, MX
A Brutalist welded brass sculpture by Hungarian - born Mexican sculptor Pal Kepenyes. The sculpture features 5 gates over a rectangular base. Signed on base.
An Hungarian-born Mexic...
Category
1970s Mexican Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Brass
Vintage Boho Glazed Ceramic Eggplants - a Pair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Vintage Boho Glazed Ceramic Eggplants, featuring playful, artistic glazes. A whimsical and unique addition to your decor that adds a touch of boho flair. Acquired from a Palm...
Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Bronze Female Sculpture Signed C. Noel, Belgium 1970
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Very nice female shaped sculpture made by C. Noel, Belgium 1970. This sculpture is made of solid bronze and is very nicely made and crafted. Its signed at the bottom: 5. 500 C. Noel....
Category
1970s Belgian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Silas Seandel Abstract Sculpture, NY, USA 1978
Located in Hamburg, PA
A modernist abstract sculpture by the artist Silas Seandel, NY. USA. Craftsman and Metalsmith who has been producing works for 50 years for interior designers, architects, and privat...
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Bronze, Steel
Philippe Jean Bronze Bird Sculpture Signed and Numbered 85/300 France circa 1960
Located in Chicago, IL
A cast bronze bird sculpture by Philippe Jean, French artist, designer and sculptor.
Mounted on a black wood cube base.
Signed and numbered. PhJean 8...
Category
1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Large Abstract Carrara marble sculpture by André Eijberg, Belgium 1970s
Located in Rotterdam, ZH
Abstract Carrara marble sculpture by André Eijberg (1929 -2012), Belgium 1970s. Refined sculpture carved out of a beautiful heavy piece of white Carrara marble with a very nice smoot...
Category
1970s Belgian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Carrara Marble
Mid Century Iparmuveszeti Vallalat Hungarian Wall Art Signed by Jajesnica Robert
Located in Chicago, IL
Mid century Iparmuveszeti Vallalat Hungarian wall art signed by Jajesnica Robert
Iparmuveszeti Vallalat was an arts and crafts company that sold ha...
Category
Mid-20th Century Hungarian Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Copper
Mid-Century Modernist Malachite Specimen on Faceted Lucite Base by Holly Hunt
By HOLLY HUNT
Located in New York, NY
This striking Mid-Century Modernist malachite specimen, mounted on a faceted lucite base, is a sophisticated interplay of natural beauty and modern design. Crafted by Holly Hunt, ren...
Category
20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Malachite
Metal Floor Sculptural, Villa Collection, Denmark, 1980s
Located in Stockholm, SE
This sculptural floor object was produced in Denmark during the 1980s and distributed by the renowned Villa Collection. The piece features a striking vertical composition of repeated...
Category
1980s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Metal
Rudolf Wolf Tubular Tangled Sculpture, Holland, 1975
By Rudolf Wolf
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Very nice abstract tangled tubes sculpture designed by Rudolf Wolf and manufactured in his own atelier ca 1975. This sculpture is made of two seperate s...
Category
1970s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Stainless Steel
Metal Cube Mini Art Sculpture
By Bill Curry
Located in Chula Vista, CA
AMBIANIC presents
Art Sculpture Cubes Metal
unsigned
8.75 h x 5.25 w x 5 d
Original vintage condition
Refer to images for details
Category
Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Metal
Pair of Lacquered Wooden Wall Ornaments from the Beginning of 20th Century
Located in Prato, IT
Pair of lacquered wooden wall ornaments from the beginning of 20th century.
Category
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Wood
R van
t Zelfde Abstract TOTEM Sculpture Holland 1970s
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Very visually pleasing and appealing totum sculpture from the hand of Dutch artist Rob van 't Zelfde, made in the 1970's. The sculpture is made out of Elm wood and is slightly tapere...
Category
1970s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Elm
End of God Sculptural Black Ceramic Table Lamps, Tribute to Lucio Fontana
Located in Rome, IT
"THE END OF GOD", Black egg light cuts
sculptural black ceramic table lamp by Lorenzo Ciompi limited edition 2023
a tribute to Lucio Fontana, inspired by t...
Category
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Iron
$1,924 Sale Price
35% Off
American Abstract Expressionist Bronze Dancers Sculpture, Robert Cook, 1963
By Robert Cook
Located in New York, NY
Entitled “Whirl”, a large bronze sculpture by Robert Cook, American (1921-2017) depicting a dancing couple captured in the moment of a whirl. Wonderful early work by the artist, dated 1963 with exhibition labels on the underside of the original hand hewn wooden base.
Robert Cook’s works are in the permanent collection of the Whitney Museum NYC, Victoria and Albert Museum, The British Museum and the Hirshhorn Collection.
Dynamic, with a great sense of fluid movement, excellent early example of Cook’s work.
Robert Cook
1921-2017
Cook was widely admired for having achieved the ability to capture fluid motion in bronze.
Born in Boston, he studied with the classical sculptor George Demetrios...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Murano Swirl Art Glass Abstract Sculpture
Located in Toronto, ON
Stunning spiral murano art glass decorative sculpture. This amazing decorative sculpture features a technique with dark chocolate brown art glass t...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Art Glass
$325 Sale Price
35% Off
Waldemar Sjölander Still Life Bronze Plaque
Located in Mexico City, MX
An abstract "Still Life" welded bronze plaque by Swedish-born Mexican artist Waldemar Sjölander. The plaque is signed in the lower right. It has a sticker on the back with the title ...
Category
1970s Mexican Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Elvio Becheroni “Totem” Abstract Sculpture, 1988
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Elvio Becheroni “Totem” Abstract Sculpture, Wood, Brazil, 1988
Elvio Becheroni designed the Totem sculpture in 1988 as a statement on environmental issues. Crafted from Pau Brasil w...
Category
1980s Brazilian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Elegant Curtis Jere Table Art Sculpture
By Curtis Jeré
Located in Chicago, IL
Elegant Jere table art sculpture
Comprised of three metal finishes. Black, brass and mat silver.
Marble base.
Signed and dated (1993) on the base.
Dimension...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Metal
Modernist Abstract Stone Sculpture
Located in Houston, TX
Modernist Abstract Stone Sculpture.
Offered is a stunning Modernist stone abstract sculpture that sits on an 8 inch by 8 inch plinth.
Perfect sculpture for display on your marble or ...
Category
1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Stone
Exceptional Pair of Feliciano Bejar Celestial Magiscope Series Sculptures
Located in Kansas City, MO
Wonderful pair of Bejar "Magiscope" sculptures. The optic bubbles on both sides of the glass create lenses that are both concave and convex so that as one looks through the glass he ...
Category
1970s Mexican Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Steel, Iron
Bronze Sculpture by Antonio Virduzzo
By Antonio Virduzzo
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Bronze sculpture mounted on black marble base.
This sculpture represents the project of a fountain that designed the artist
Antonio Virduzz...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Marble, Bronze
$5,211 Sale Price
20% Off
Vintage Africanist Brass Sculpture, Signed Mukendi, Circa 1970
Located in Bilzen, BE
"Vintage Africanist Brass Sculpture, Signed Mukendi, Circa 1970"
Elegant vintage Africanist sculpture in solid brass, signed Mukendi. The composition depicts two highly stylised elo...
Category
1970s Congolese Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Brass
Extremely RareHarry Bertoia Necklace Sterling Silver Lapis Coral ca. 1940
Located in Bloomfield Hills, MI
Extremely rare combination pendant attached to custom-made chain by Harry Bertoia in sterling silver, containing one Lapis Lazuli and one Coral. This piece comes from a private collection. Provenance will accompany the piece. The work has been added to the Harry Bertoia Catalogue Raisonné and assigned the following catalogue raisonné number: D.JE.78.
Although associated with Mid-Century Modern furniture, Harry Bertoia was originally a jewelry designer who used both sterling silver, precious stones and gem stones. The pendant measures: 1.25" long x 1" wide. The necklace measures: 11" length with a measurement of 22" overall length. The chain and closure are all handcrafted and in his unique design. Lapis Lazuli measures 20mm round supported by one 6 mm red coral. Total weight is
33 grams.
The following is from Beverly H. Twitchell, PhD, author of Bertoia: The Metalworker, London: Phaidon, 2019. She provides a very informative critique of Bertoia and his jewelry.
Wearable Art an Important Design for a Necklace
“Before Harry Bertoia enrolled at the Cranbrook Academy of Art in 1937 he had already mastered traditional jewelers’ techniques, but his engagement with Modernism led him to invent and use more direct methods. Instead of precious metals and gems, Bertoia made jewelry that appealed through its design, craftsmanship and the nature of its materials. That approach would make Bertoia a direct predecessor of the American Studio Crafts movement.
So complex and cumulative are human perception and memory that we often do not know from where our own ideas come and without firm evidence, it is impossible to think we can establish the origins of an artist’s ideas. While his jewelry is entirely modern, chokers with multiple small pendants had come from ancient Mediterranean cultures: Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece and Italy, even from Europe and America at the turn of the last century. Did Bertoia see works in books, journals or at the Detroit Institute of Arts that resonated with him or did he invent this on his own, as he would so many other forms?
Bertoia found inspiration in nature from an early age on a small farm in Italy and later in Cranbrook’s woods, on the beaches of southern California and in the fields near his home in eastern Pennsylvania where he lived after 1950. The fluidity and motion of the his jewelry characterize much of his art. In that spirit, too, he made jewelry that suited human anatomy and was animated by its wearer’s movement. Bertoia had the instincts of an engineer, as the intricacy of the present lot’s clasp and overall construction of the jewelry demonstrates. Large jewelry by Bertoia is very rare. A delight to the eye, and like all of Bertoia’s work it is timeless.”
Harry Bertoia (1915 – 1978) was an Italian-born American artist, jewelry creator and modern furniture designer. He was born in San Lorenzo d-Arzene, Pordenone, Italy. At age 15 he moved to Detroit, Michigan to live with his older brother, Oreste. He quickly learned English and the bus schedule and enrolled in Cass Tech High School in Detroit (1930-1936) where he studied art and design and learned the skill of handmade jewelry making. At that time, there were three jewelry and metals teachers Louise Green...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Coral, Lapis Lazuli, Sterling Silver
1970s Sculptural Art Pottery Abstract Green Sphere
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Modern sculptural art pottery round sphere green
6 h x 7.5 w x 6.5 d
Preowned original vintage condition.
See images provided.
Category
Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Pottery
Charles O. Perry Cassini Bronze MIT Mathematical Geometric Desk Sculpture
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Rare and Early MOMA/MIT Mathematical Statuette, 80/1000. Solid Bronze Swiveling Sphere on Bronze Base. Signed, Numbered.
Dia: 3.5 x H: 5.25 in.
Category
1980s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
American Modern Wall Sculpture, Curtis Jere
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century Modern Wall Sculpture,having long vertical and short horizontal metal wire with intersperced small attached shaped copper squares CURTIS JERE)
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Metal
1950s Emil Milan Walnut Garlic Smasher Utensil Kitchen Tool Vintage Mid-Century
By Emil Milan
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Vintage Emil Milan Garlic crusher sculptural kitchen utensil, rare form, USA, circa 1950s. Vibrant walnut. Signed. Excellent condition. Measures: H 7½ in.
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Walnut
$1,400 Sale Price
24% Off
Unique 31cm blue Ceramic Pottery "UFO" Vase Object by Otto Keramik Germany, 1970
By Otto Keramik
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article:
Ceramic object
Designer and producer:
Otto Keramik, Germany
Decade:
1970s
This original vintage Studio Pottery object was designed and produced by ...
Category
Late 20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic, Pottery
Theo Niermeijer Set of Iron Sculptures, 1970
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Very nice set of 3 iron sculptures designed by Theo Niermeijer (1940-2005) Amsterdam, 1970. This set of 3 geometrical sculptures are made or welded iron parts and the small sculpture...
Category
1970s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Steel
Bronze Saint-Michel Sculpture by Olivier Strebelle
By Olivier Strebelle
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An Interlocking bronze sculpture of St. Michel by Belgian artist Olivier Strebelle. It was created as an award for the Brussels Film Festival and presented to classic Hollywood film actress, Ann Miller...
Category
1950s Belgian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Greg Copeland Three-Dimensional Layered Paper Wall Sculpture, 1973
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Three dimensional assemblage of five layers of paper cut-out signed by Greg Copeland, 1973 in chromed metal frame.
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Paper
$1,120 Sale Price
20% Off
Theo Niermeijer Abstract Modern Plant Sculpture, 1970
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Very nice iron sculpture designed by Theo Niermeijer (1940-2005) Amsterdam, 1970. This large and heavy sculpture is made of oxidized metal, smashed and welded into this abstract mode...
Category
1970s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Steel
Italian Cream Architectural Polished Travertine Marble Four Sided Obelisk
Located in Chicago, IL
Italian cream pale polished travertine four sided marble obelisk composed of pieces of marble laminated together to compose the obelisk. Hollow on the interior and felted bottom.
N...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Marble
Tall Mid-Century Modern Abstract Table Sculpture in Acrylic Lucite
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A funky lucite table sculpture circa 1970's. It features a tall skyscraper form in solid clear acrylic. Free continental USA shipping.
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Lucite
Mid-century Modern abstract sculptures for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Mid-Century Modern abstract sculptures 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 abstract sculptures created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, lighting and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, ceramic and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Mid-Century Modern abstract sculptures 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 abstract sculptures, popular names associated with this style include Joel Escalona, Curtis Jeré, Carstens Tönnieshof, and Gerhard Liebenthron. 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 abstract sculptures differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $76 and tops out at $260,000 while the average work can sell for $1,960.