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Modern Decorative Objects

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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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 chaircrafted 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
Kelvin LaVerne Rare and Important "Giacometti s Soul" Sculpture 1980s (Signed)
Located in New York, NY
Rare and exceptional cast sculpture "Giacometti's Soul" in bronze with hand-painted enamels on a patinated bronze base by Kelvin LaVerne, American late 1980's (Engraved signature on ...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze, Enamel

Ebony Cigar Humidor, Bar Watch Winder, by Massimo de Munari, Handmade in Italy
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Scroll down and click "view all from Seller" to see more than 400 other unique products. (1.8) Freestanding ebony cigar humidor, bar & watch winder, designed by Massimo de Munari...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ebony

Cat Cave, Bordeaux House for Cats, Made in Italy
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Scroll down and click "view all from Seller" to see more than 400 other unique products. (2.2) In Stock in Los Angeles Cat Cave is project by Stefano Giovann...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Plastic

12 Amaltea Vase, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Amaltea Vase was designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1986. The vase is part of the “Amaltea Glass” collection. Made in Murano. Signed “E.Sottsass per Memphis”. Signed on the base. Et...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Italian Murano Glass Attributed Hollow Blown Amber Glass Turtle
Located in Bishop s Stortford, Hertfordshire
Modern Italian Murano attributed hollow blown glass turtle dating from the latter 20th century. The turtle has an amber glass body with a molded scale pat...
Category

20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Blown Glass

Italian Murano Glass Vase Ninfea Model by Toni Zuccheri for Venini.
Located in Milan, Italy
Ninfea vase designed by Toni Zuccheri and produced by Venini in 1960. Exhibited at Tingo Design Gallery in 2008 for the exhibition "Murano a Go-Go". Signed...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Branded Series Set in Blue Contemporary Handmade Glass Vessels
Located in New York, NY
The Branded series is a set of modern design objects which each feature a hand impressed brand that highlights these wholly handmade vessels. For color, each piece features a transpa...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Blown Glass

Tiffany Box and Bow Crystal Paperweight by Tiffany Co.
Located in San Diego, CA
Gorgeous iconic Tiffany box with bow crystal paperweight by Tiffany & Co. circa 1990's. The box is in very good vintage condition with no chips or cracks and measures 3"W x 3"D x 2....
Category

Late 20th Century German Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

English Modern Chrome Resin "Le Garcon" Mannequin by Lindsey B
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
English Modern Chrome & Resin "Le Garcon" Mannequin by Lindsey B. England , Circa 1980s A rare iconic design of English Modern, The silver and black lacq...
Category

Late 20th Century English Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Chrome

Roma Cigar Case with Ashtray
Located in Milan, IT
A singular piece from the Roma Collection, this cigar case boasts a practical and stylish design equipped with a handprinted ceramic ashtray. Masterfully handcrafted of cedar, it combines an ebony and a walnut veneer enriched with a splendid inlay work of a tobacco leaf marking the curved and polished top. Adorned with a small metal key, the piece is also equipped with a hygrometer and Boveda holder. Available with a wooden case upholstered with eco-leather, please ask the Concierge for details. This box is supplied with an handmade wooden suitcase...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Amuneal’s Modern Easels (Large)
Located in New York, NY
Amuneal’s modern easels offer a sculptural display system for your favorite artwork and photos. Our blackened steel and aluminum supports clamp your images between two sheets of ?” t...
Category

2010s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Aluminum, Steel

GUFRAM Cactus Gammablue Sculptural Coatrack by Drocco Mello
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Cactus: The Invisible Spectrum is a collection by Gufram that features three unique and surprising Cactus inspiried by the optical wavelenght range. Gufram makes exceptionally visibl...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Other

Vintage Striped Horn Inlay Decorative Box
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This elegant rectangular decorative box features a striking striped pattern crafted from natural horn inlays, showcasing rich variations in tone from amber and honey to deep espresso...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Tiffany Co. Modern Cast Bronze Rockwork Table Clock, Swiss Jeweled Movement
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Tiffany & Co. Modern cast bronze 'rockwork' table clock, Swiss jeweled movement. Switzerland, Circa 1960s A stunning example of 1960s Tiffany &...
Category

20th Century Swiss Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Eye Handcrafted White Glass and Palladium-plated Brass Sculpture Dia 17.6
Located in Pieve Emanuele, Milano
'Eye' is not only a refined, luxurious furnishing accessory, but also a hand-carved sculpture, designed to enhance any living area or bedroom with unique beauty and charm. This is ou...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

20th Century Ettore Sottsass RSVP Centerpiece Mod. Celeste in Colored Glass
Located in Turin, Turin
Ettore Sottsass grew up in Turin, and graduated in architecture from the Turin Polytechnic in 1939. In 1947, he founded his own studio in Milan. In 1956, Sottsass moved to New York w...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Stone fish, contemporary sculpure in cast bronze, blue patina
Located in Roma, IT
Stone fish. A master of camouflage, the stonefish is the most venomous known fish in the world. Just let him be. *80% recycled bronze *Wanderart metal-cast artworks are all hand mad...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Introverso Marble Vase, Paolo Ulian Moreno Ratti
Located in Geneve, CH
Introverso marble vase - Paolo Ulian & Moreno Ratti Dimensions: D 15 x W 15 x H 40 cm Materials: white carrara marble. Also available in Nero Africa marble. Moreno Ratti "When I was...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

Set of 3 White Ceramic Kawa Vases, Luft Tanaka, organic, porcelain
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A set of three white ceramic Kawa Vases by Luft Tanaka Studio. Each item is made by casting porcelain into sewn leather molds and are truly one-of-a-kind. As a result of the product...
Category

2010s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Clay, Porcelain

Modernist Octagonal Handblown Murano Glass Box in Smoked Rose W/ Polished Nickel
Located in New York, NY
This Modernist Octagonal Hand-Blown Murano Glass Box in Smoked Rose, accented with polished nickel fittings, is a refined example of Italian craftsmanship and modern design. Handmade...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Nickel

Contemporary Hand-Blown Esca Glass Jar Fish Bone Animal Sea Creatures Ocean Deco
Located in Camisano Vicentino, IT
Contemporary Hand-Blown Esca Glass Jar by Simone Crestani Dive into the essence of simplicity with our Esca Jar, a stunning vessel that encapsulates the purity of nature's elements....
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Crystal Pink Ashtray for Val Saint Lambert, Paper Weight Signed
By Val Saint Lambert, Guido Bon
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Free-blown pink and clear crystal ashtray by Val Saint Lambert. Could be used as a vide poche or decorative desk accessories. Hand blown beautif...
Category

Mid-20th Century Belgian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

Sheryl C. Benjamin Carved Green Marble Abstract Modern Stone Sculpture
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Sheryl Cannold Benjamin (American, 1924 - 2023) Carved Green Marble Abstract Modern Stone Sculpture on Laminated Pedestal. Circa Late 20th Century. Measurements: 14" H x 14" W x 11" ...
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

Rico, Contemporary Sculptural Hand-Built Ceramic Table Lamp in Matte White
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mico’s Cousin Rico is a contemporary hand-built sculptural ceramic table lamp that inspires the joy of working with hands through unpacking, assembling and balancing weights. The han...
Category

2010s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Yves Saint Laurent Decorative Box with Silk Liner
Located in New York, NY
This sleek and beautifully rendered Yves Saint Laurent Decorative Box W/ Silk Inlay originates from France during the 20th Century. A cylindrical composition with a hinged lid and ci...
Category

20th Century French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stainless Steel

"The Resignation", Salvador Dali, Bronze Statue
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Bronze sculpture The Resignation inspired by Salvador Dalí, depicting a human head with a hand covering the face, symbolizing withdrawal, silence, and inward reflection. Cast in pati...
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Karl Springer Rare Large Painted Goatskin Jewelry Box, USA, 1970s
Located in New York, NY
Karl Springer rare and exquisite large lacquered painted goatskin jewelry box, divided into compartments inside, and completely lined inside and on the bottom with brown felt ending ...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Goatskin, Felt, Wood

TRONADOR Rectangular Brown Onyx Stone Box
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
The shape of the inactive Tronador volcano reminded us of the pyramid shaped idea of our boxes that make up this collection. With a rectangular or square base, the box is a reflectio...
Category

2010s Argentine Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone, Onyx

Casa Planter No1
Located in Macieira de Sarnes, PT
CASA PLANTER, designed in 2023. Artisanal planter created by skilled artisans in Project 213A's own workshop. Hand-sculpted ceramic with textured petal shaped finish. Each piece is...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Clay

Casa Planter No1
Casa Planter No1
$958 / item
Block Pearl Contemporary Candlestick In White by Margit Wittig
Located in London, GB
UK customers please note: displayed prices do not include VAT. Margit Wittig has used her sculptural skills to create beautifully-crafted, well-proportioned candlesticks, which are ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Large Unique Bronze Sculpture by Antonio Kieff
Located in Stamford, CT
A large unique bronze sculpture by Antonio Kieff (b. 1936) entitled "Motivo Espanol," dated 1985. The sculpture is also numbered 1 of 1.  
Category

1980s Canadian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Nomon Swing Wall Clock By Andres Martinez
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Among the fashionable and avant-garde watches offered by the Nomon brand, is the Swing G Wall Clock. It has an innovative design using dark tones of walnut and Gold needles. It is part of the Gold N collection that stands out for showing the elegance of home, while maintaining simplicity at all times. The combination of simplicity and elegance will go hand in hand with the decorative style of your home, establishment or office. The use of wooden floors, furniture or dark sofas, or the decorative piece of your choice, will be enhanced in beauty and character. You should take into account the neutral color palette for the walls and thus know where to place it. The Swing G Watch by Nomon stands out for being one of those watches with wooden pendulum variations in its lower part. American walnut wood is the star and main material of this work of are, in addition to its polished brass needles...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Modern Huge Red Glass Signed by Paloma Picasso
Located in Schöfflisdorf, CH
Modern huge red glass signed by Paloma Picasso without base may be used for dry flowers, candles.
Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass

Sculpture – Unique Textured Brass Artistic Design by Unsim
Located in Warszawa, PL
The Fluid Series Sculpture, crafted using the sand-casting technique, features a looped silhouette that captures the gentle flow of liquidity frozen in time. Its continuous, circular...
Category

2010s Polish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Fin Trivet / Tray from Souda, Anodized Silver, in Stock
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Made using a manufacturing process utilized for railways, medical devices and electronics, the fin trivets bring an industrial touch to your tabletop. Both durable and multi-function...
Category

2010s Chinese Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal, Aluminum

Vladislav Urban for Sklo Union, Czech Republic. "Abstract" art glass vase.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Vladislav Urban for Sklo Union, Czech Republic "Abstract" art glass vase in violet tones. Approximately from 1970. Marked. In perfect condition. Dimensions: H 19.7 cm x D 8.0 cm.
Category

1970s Czech Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass

Vase 0025 Grès Roux Chamotté by Marta Dervin
Located in Geneve, CH
Vase 0025 Grès Roux Chamotté by Marta Dervin Dimensions: ø7.5 x H 31-35 cm Materials: Stoneware Marta Dervin works with stoneware and porcelain that she sha...
Category

2010s French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stoneware

Contemporary American Modern Oval Seashell Jewelry Box
Located in Queens, NY
Contemporary American Modern oval jewelry box with an applied seashell exterior and red velvet interior.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Coral

Pair of Modernist Cut Steel Candle Holders
Located in San Diego, CA
A nice pair of Modernist cut steel candle holders, circa 1970s. The set is in very good vintage condition and measures 5"D x 4"H and holds a 1"D candle. Very attractive set! #3359
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Cut Steel

DeCastelli Rocco 147 Vase in Brass by Stefano Dussin
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Clear examples of the preciousness of metal in all its variations, Rocco and Lolita are decorative elements characterized by pure and essential lines. Two structures that play with l...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Contemporary Red Lacquer and Copper Cherries Sculpture by Robert Kuo, Limited
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cherries Red Lacquer Antique Copper Copper Base Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Hand Made Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet metal. This te...
Category

2010s Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Copper

Opinion Ciatti Ombres de Chats #3 Bookend
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Ombres de Chats by Angelo Barcella are poetic objects, delicate table sculptures. Shadows of curious, busy, sore, angry or bored cats, instants which are made eternal when transforme...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Steel

Medium Bowl in Pink Marbled Resin by Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Our colorful bowl is handmade in traslucid white resin with marbled texture in pink and light pink. Its fun and colorful design makes it a statement piec...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Resin

"Paper Bag" by California Bronze
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Whimsical "paper bag" made from cast metal from California Bronze. Would make for a fun decorative piece in any interior. Photographed atop a Cappellini sid...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Art Deco Crystal Faceted Block Paperweight Vase Desk Accessory
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A thick Block of Crystal with a large hole in the center. The faceted piece had a previous life as an ink well, or small container for stamps or a piece like a salt Cellar. The pi...
Category

20th Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

Lladró Dragonfly Sculpture
Located in New York City, NY
An innovative porcelain and metal creation inspired by one of the fascinating creatures in nature. Part of the Awesome Insects Collection. This origi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Daum Art Glass Panter on Tree Sculpture, France
By Daum
Located in Rijssen, NL
Luxury at its finest, high-end glass panter sculpture by Daum, France. The panter - made out of art glass - is lying on a green tree. A beautiful sculpture. Founded in 1878 in Nanc...
Category

1970s French Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass

Lladro #4854 Porcelain Don Quixote Figurine
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite porcelain figurine, model #4854 by Lladro, was meticulously crafted in Spain circa 1980. Representing the iconic character Don Quixote, it captures the essence of Migu...
Category

1980s Spanish Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Black Baccarat Harcourt Our Fire Candle Holder by Philippe Starck, France
Located in Rijssen, NL
A crystal masterpiece of beautiful proportions, this candleholder crystallize the extraordinary know-how of the Baccarat craftsmen. The candelabra is made up of three sections: the ...
Category

2010s French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

Baccarat Lead Crystal Rectangle Vase, Signed
Located in Ross, CA
Heavy let crystal rectangle Baccarat vase / jardiniere, made in France in the 1980's. Includes the Baccarat stamp on the bottom as well as Baccarat in cursive on the side.
Category

1980s French Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

Yellow Fractal Resin Obelisk by Pierre Giraudon, circa 1970
Located in Atlanta, GA
This spectacular, oversized fractal resin obelisk was crafted in Europe, and its design is frequently attributed to Pierre Giraudon circa 1970. Using a specialized process that appli...
Category

1970s French Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Resin, Acrylic

E. Gargan and S. Giovannoni Gnam Bread Box for Alessi
Located in Miami, FL
Gnam bread box designed by Elisa Gargan and Stefano Giovannoni for Alessi.
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Plastic

Pin Candle Sticks with Three Sizes, Handcrafted in Brass with Patinated Finishes
Located in Chicago, IL
With an 12”, 16”, or 20” height, the candlesticks appear to almost float. Machined from solid brass both top and bottom, each one is hand polished and tarnished to just the right poi...
Category

2010s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Modern Serving Tray Calacatta Marble Eucalyptus Handmade Portugal Lusitanus Home
Located in Lisboa, PT
Guadiana serving tray, Lusitanus Home Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Lusitanus Home. Guadiana is a sublime serving tray, designed to uplift layback moments. Handcra...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

Contemporary Gaetano Pesce Spaghetti Vase L Resin Clear Gold
Located in barasso, IT
Spaghetti vase, clear and gold. Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Measures: L - ø 22cm x H 36cm Colours: Clear and Gold. Material: RE...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Resin

Cubism Sculpture Head in bronze
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
This bronze sculpture, showcases a dynamic and emotionally charged cubist design with swirling, fluid forms and an intense psychological presence. Contact us before ordering to conf...
Category

20th Century French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Borrowed Form #8, Cast Silicon Bronze Vessel
Located in Vancouver, BC
Borrowed Forms takes on loan shapes of the natural world and translates them into domestic objects. Rocks, charred wood, and forest debris from the Pacific Northwest are selected for form and texture, and their impressions are captured in poured jewelers wax. The wax leaves no trace behind as it peels away—an impactless intervention, as if nothing ever occured. Each resulting cast bronze vessel...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

DeCastelli Conique 102 Cachepot in Steel by Filippo Pisan
Located in Brooklyn, NY
With Conique, metal imitates volcanic rock to erupt with plant formations and replace the destructive power of magma with the creative force of flora. Designed for indoor and outdoor...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stainless Steel

Gari, La Maison Des Artisans, Sculpture in Stainless Steel, "Fleur De Gogane"
Located in København, Copenhagen
Gari, La Maison des Artisans. Large sculpture in stainless steel. "Fleur de Gogane". France, late 20th century. Height: 60 cm. In excellent condition. Signed.
Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stainless Steel

Bonsai "Cherry Blossom in Japan", Handmade in Italy, Signed by the artist.
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
Unique piece sign by the artist. The Cherry Blossom bonsai is inspired by the beautiful Japanese trees and their flowering. The materials are wood and metals, representing both the...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Aluminum

Modern decorative objects for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Modern decorative objects 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 objects created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, asian art and furniture and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, ceramic and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Modern decorative objects 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 objects, popular names associated with this style include Venini, RAAQUU, VG-VGnewtrend, and Mosche Bianche. 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 objects differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $15 and tops out at $6,718,000 while the average work can sell for $1,174.

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