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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Metropole Clock, by George Sowden for Memphis Milano Collection
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Metropole Clock in plastic laminate, designed in 1982, George Sowden. George Sowden was born in Leeds, UK in 1942. He studied architecture at Gloucestershire College of Art in the 1...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Plastic

Venini Murano glass vase - signed "Venini Italia," ca. 1960s-70s.
Located in Vicenza, IT
Elegant Murano blown glass vase, Venini production, with engraved signature on the base "Venini Italia".The body, with a flattened globular shape, has a delicate amethyst hue with a ...
Category

Late 20th Century European Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Ettore Sottsass Twenty-Seven Woods for a Chinese Artificial Flower Vase A
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Twenty-seven woods for a Chinese artificial flower vase A by Ettore Sottsass, edited by Design Gallery Milano, 1995. Limited edition of 12 signed and numered pieces, number 8 / 12. ...
Category

1990s European Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Bronze Lion Sculpture, Proud Lion, in the style of Rembrandt Bugatti
By Rembrandt Bugatti
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
The Proud Lion bronze sculpture in the style of Rembrandt Bugatti is an lion statue combining strength, serenity, and elegance. This sculpture in bronze captures the quiet majesty of...
Category

20th Century French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Lidya Buzio Signed New York Artist Hand Painted Pottery Ceramic Vessel Vase 1980
By Lidya Buzio
Located in Studio City, CA
A truly wonderful and whimsical work by Uruguayan-born American ceramist Lidya Buzio. This work was done when she was at her most prolific during her time in New York in the 1970s/ 1...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Terracotta

20th Century Ettore Sottsass RSVP Vase Mod. Azzurro Extrachiaro in Colored Glass
Located in Turin, Turin
Beautiful vase or centerpiece designed in the beginning of 2000 by the great Italian designer Ettore Sottsass for RSVP. The centerpiece is entirely in colored glass, 10 mm thick. The...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Italian Murano Art Glass Bowl
Located in New York, NY
This is a substantial and gorgeous Italian Murano iridescent art glass bowl with fluted design, circa mid-20th century, Italy. Art glass hue ...
Category

Mid-20th Century European Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass, Blown Glass

A Brass Hanukkah Menorah by Maxwell Chayat
Located in New York, NY
Modern brass Hanukkah Menorah designed by Maxwell Chayat mounted on a wooden block. Classic modern style of artistry which was known to be Chayat's signature method of designing Han...
Category

20th Century American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Signed Vintage Murano Livio Seguso Sommerso Optical Abstract Glass Sculpture
Located in North Miami, FL
This vintage signed amazing Murano Livio Seguso hand blown glass optical sommerso sculpture is a limited edition and numbered 63/100. It is heavy, abstract and has layers of differen...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Blown Glass

Umberto Mascagni Chrome and Straw Marquetry Picture Frame, circa 1970
Located in Atlanta, GA
Umberto Mascagni, Italy, designed and crafted this stunning picture frame circa 1970. The rare piece boasts chromed metal and straw marquetry combinations. The metal easel at the bac...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Contemporary Vanità Hand Blown Glass Sculpture Twisted Rigadin Fly Crestani
Located in Camisano Vicentino, IT
Vanità Tazza Contemporary Glass Sculpture by Simone Crestani Unique Piece In the Vanità Tazza, Simone Crestani reflects on the delicate interplay between beauty and impermanence. Cr...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Blown Glass

Contemporary Modern, Bebek Chestnut Wood Single-Compartment Box
Located in İstanbul, İstanbul
Istanbul is a wooden box collection inspired by some of towns most iconic buildings: Galata Tower, Hagia Sophia and Bebek Mosque. Each item takes its name from these structures. The ...
Category

2010s Turkish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Chestnut

Casa Planter No1
Located in Macieira de Sarnes, PT
Casa Planter No 1 in Sorbet Pink Designed by Project 213A in 2023 Artisanal planter created by skilled artisans in Project 213A's own workshop. Hand-sculpted ceramic with textured f...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Clay

Casa Planter No1
Casa Planter No1
$955 / item
Large Polished Labradorite Freeform
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A spectacular large polished labradorite freeform sourced from Madagascar. Characterised by its iridescent colours, principally blue, this huge high grade labradorite is a stunning specimen, the lustrous colours fluctuating as it is observed from different angles. It is freestanding, making a striking sculptural piece for an interior, with a polished face to one side and a naturalistic reverse. Labradorite is named after the region of its discovery at Paul Island in the Canadian province of Labrador, first discovered here in 1770. Madagascar is currently the main source of labradorite. To expose its stunning colours, the stone is highly polished, revealing its natural beauty. This in itself is a talented skill, with only a small percentage of labradorites yielding positive results, making this specimen a rare discovery. We also have two other large labradorite...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Malagasy Antique Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Rock Crystal

Vase "Soliflore" by Nils Landberg for Orrefors, Sweden 1960s
Located in Debrecen, HU
The piece features a deep purple or amethyst color submerged within clear glass, creating a striking visual effect through layering different colored glass. Such decorative art glass...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Sculptural Ceramic White Kawa Vase, Set of 5, Organic Leather Cast Porcelain
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A set of 5 tactile and organic porcelain vases with leather textured exterior surface and clear glazed interior. As a result of the production process each item is one-of-a-kind. Set...
Category

2010s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Clay, Ceramic, Porcelain

Signed Scavo Glass Vase by Archimede Seguso, Murano, Italy, 20th Century
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This large Murano glass vase was made by Archimede Seguso, one of the most respected glassmakers in Italy. It features a beautiful scavo finish, a special technique that gives the gl...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Vannes Crystal Splash Bowl
Located in New York, NY
Spectacular heavy crystal bowl, vessel resembling a water splash or a flower in bloom. Signed Vannes, France.
Category

20th Century 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

Costantini Diego Modern Real Gold Made Murano Glass Vase with Butterflies
Located in Murano, Venezia
Handmade Murano glass blown vase with real 24kt gold leaf and Monarch butterflies attached with magnet. The vase contains 16 Monarch butterflies Modern vase ideal for a modern and r...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass

Per Lütken Sculptural Heart Clam Glass Bowl for Royal Copenhagen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Sculptural bowl / dish designed by Per Lütken in the 1970s and manufactured by Holmegaard for Royal Copenhagen in the mid 1990s. The bowl is heavy and weighs in around 1,5 kg. Its ex...
Category

1990s Danish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Blown Glass

Abraham Chikumbirike Ironwood Carving of Female Bust
Located in Highland, IN
This exquisite bust by African artist Abraham Chikumbirike is carved from dense ironwood. The finely detailed likeness of a dignified woman is especially impressive due to the diffic...
Category

1980s African Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Set of Three Spheres circa 1990 Chromed Metal by Diego Matthai
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
We offer this fantastic set of three spheres circa 1990 chromed metal by Diego Matthai in perfect vintage conditions. The three spheres inscribed 'Mattai'.
Category

1990s Mexican Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Nino Caruso, Abstract sculpture in glazed ceramic, Italy, 1974
Located in Argelato, BO
Nino Caruso ( Tripoli 1928 - Rome 2017 ) Abstract Sculpture in Black Glazed Ceramic. 1974, Signed and dated under the base. Italian ceramist, sculptor and...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Tiffany Co., Sterling Silver Ball/Sphere/Jewelry Box, Modern, Marked
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Very pretty sterling silver Tiffany & Co. jewelry ball, box, number 35378 Weighted, 7.
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Sterling Silver

Contemporary Double Ring Link Sculpture in Smoke Crystal by Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Double Ring Link Sculpture Smoke Crystal Hand Carved Limited Edition Crystal Inclusions vary Carved using jade carving techniques. Each piece is individually crafted and is unique.
Category

2010s Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

New Modern Side Table in White and Black Marble, Designer Jacopo Simonetti
Located in Milan, IT
Side Table L in White Michelangelo and Black Marquinia marble Available also in the S version The hypnotic black and white stripes of the new Nova collection, designed by Jacopo S...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

Feliciano Bejar Caja De Jano Bubble Box Magiscope Refraction Sculpture Op Art
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Feliciano Béjar Rui­z Magiscopic red perforated glass aluminum box. Bejar was a Mexican artist, best known for a style of sculpture called Magiscopios which involved various material...
Category

Late 20th Century Mexican Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Aluminum

Porcelain Hand Glove Mold
Located in New York, NY
Sculptural bone white porcelain hand latex glove mold.
Category

20th Century American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

German Stainless Steel Minimalist Design Candle Holder set of 9
Located in Rümmingen, BW
Elevate your home decor with our exclusive Stainless Steel Candle holder set, crafted in Germany this set of 9 embodies the iconic design styles of the 80s and 90s. Each piece is han...
Category

Mid-20th Century German Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Iron

Alfredo Barbini Green Sommerso Art Glass Vase for V.A.M.S.A., 1940
Located in Milan, Italy
.Alfredo Barbini for VAMSA green 'bullicante’ SOMMERSO art glass vase with frog on rim. Biography Alfredo Barbini was an Italian glass artist and designer known for his sculptures ...
Category

1940s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Bianco Arabescato Amaltea by Ivan Colominas
Located in Geneve, CH
Bianco Arabescato Amaltea by Ivan Colominas Dimensions: 36.5 x 10 cm Materials: Bianco Arabescato Also available: different marbles. The collection is a tribute to one of It...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

Tiffany American Modern Sterling Silver Box
Located in New York, NY
Modern sterling silver box. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1912. Rectangular with straight sides. Cover hinged with gently curved top and molded rim. Box interior cedar lined....
Category

Early 20th Century American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Sterling Silver

Modernist Hand-Blown Amber Murano Glass Box with Brass Fittings
Located in New York, NY
This warm and elegant Modernist Hand-Blown Murano Glass Box in Amber W/ Brass Fittings originates from Italy during the 21st Century. A sleek and minimal piece with incredible hues a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Hand Blown Murano Tall Faceted Vase in Emerald Green
Located in West Hollywood, CA
A masterpiece of Venetian artistry, this tall Murano glass vase captivates with its striking faceted surface and mesmerizing emerald green hue. Hand-blown by master artisans in Muran...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Lull No106 Wooden Totem Sculpture for Contemporary Decor – Designed by Joel Esca
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Lull No106 Wooden Totem Sculpture for Contemporary Decor – Designed by Joel Escalona ——— Balance and tension are at the core of these sculptures. The interplay between the smooth, r...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Hardwood

Signed 2001 J Anthony Atkins Glass Menorah and Shabbat Candlesticks Set
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A signed 2001 J Anthony Atkins glass menorah and shabbat candlestick set. This whole set is in very good condition. Each of the candlesticks pieces are not attached. All three items ...
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Esopo Vase by Imperfettolab
Located in Geneve, CH
Esopo vase by Imperfettolab Dimensions: Ø 20 x H 21 cm Materials: Raw material Imperfetto Lab Who we are ? We are a family. Verter Turroni, Emanuela Ravelli and our children...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Fiberglass

Jean Hastings Ceramic Figurative Sculpture in Blue White Brown, circa 1970
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Jean Hastings Clothed Figurative Art Studio Glazed Ceramic Sculpture. Vase. Featuring hand constructed figurative form elements from potters wheel with separate hand built and applie...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Clay, Ceramic

Venini Monofiori Amethyst Glass Vase by Laura de Santillana
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Venini Monofiori glass vase in amethyst by Laura de Santillana. “Monofiori” blown handmade glass with stoppers in various forms and colors. Item lab...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Blown Glass

2000 s Danish Opaline Glass Vase by Peter Svarrer for Holmegaard
Located in Knebel, DK
2000's Danish Opaline Glass Vase by Peter Svarrer for Holmegaard The large vase made in mouth blown opaline black and white glass was designed in the beginning of the 21'st. century...
Category

Early 2000s Danish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Opaline Glass

Candleholder – Textured Brass Sandcasted Decorative Art by Unism
Located in Warszawa, PL
The Fluid Series Candle Holder, crafted using the sand-casting technique, is elegantly designed to host a single candle. Its integrated surrounding tray enhances the organic aestheti...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Paperweight, ruler with pen by Vanni Mazzetti
Located in Lugo, IT
Paperweight, ruler with pen by Vanni Mazzetti Brass and steel Good condition. Thank you
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass, Stainless Steel

Hand Blown Murano Vase Sommerso in Black Onyx
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Sommerso Murano vase is a stunning example of Venetian glass artistry, combining clear and onyx black glass in a sophisticated, elegant design. Handcrafted by the master artisan...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Venini Fazzoletto Opalino Small Vase in Horizon Murano Glass
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Fazzoletto Opalino small vase in Amber Murano glass by Fulvio Bianconi and Paolo Venini. An exclusive new take on the Opalini technique from the 15th century makes its color unique. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Award winning Bonsai "Wisteria falls", Handmade in Italy, Signed by the artist.
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
Unique piece sign by the artist. The seasonal flowering of the wisteria, its scent, the pergolas to which it acts as a roof, gave the artist the inspiration for the creation of this...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Aluminum

Jjirasi Vase #01. From the series Jjirasi
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Jjirasi Vase explores the intertwined narratives of South Korea's urban landscapes and his own experiences, reflecting on how future generations might engage with traditional art and...
Category

2010s Korean Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Resin, PVC

Venini Satin Medium Vase in Horizon Crystal Murano Glass
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Satin medium vase in glazed horizon/crystal Murano glass by Venini. Sheer glass is hand blown and crafted by the master glassblowers using the sophisticated Satinatura technique, whi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Handblown Murano Sculptural Vase in Rose Gold
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The handblown Murano Burri Vase in Rose Gold is a sublime expression of luxury, merging the finest Venetian glassmaking traditions with an avant-garde design aesthetic. Its form, org...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Large Gilt Bronze Sculptures of Herons
Located in Rome, IT
Elegant pair of gilt bronze heron sculptures. The item will be well-suited to either an indoor or outdoor setting.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Lelapa Hand Carved and Cast Solid Brass Decorative HORN TOTEM Sculpture
Located in Bothas Hill, KZN
All our TOTEM sculptures are hand carved in Southern Africa from sustainable alien timber by a group of Zimbabwean artists who set their own prices, thus making them fair trade. We t...
Category

2010s African Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass, Steel

Fantastic After Carl Faberge Egg "Mansion at MGM Grand"
Located in Madrid, ES
Fantastic After Carl FABERGE egg "The Mansion at MGM Grand" Yellow enamelled egg, gilt bronze frame resting on a tripod foot, covered with palmet...
Category

20th Century French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Malachite, Bronze

Batman, Natural Height Sculpture in Black Marble
Located in Tivoli Terme, Roma
The sculpture was made from a single block of black marble, natural height sculpture, one of a kind piece. It is a unique piece for collectors. Dimensions of the sculpture: cm 170 ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

Hand-Blown Murano Glass Vases with Organic Viridian Green Sculptural Striations
Located in New York, NY
This striking pair of hand-blown Murano glass vases features organic sculptural striations in a vibrant viridian green, showcasing the artistry and tradition of Venetian glassmaking....
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Silver-Gilt and Enamel Austro-Hungarian Horse Drawn Carriage Model
Located in London, GB
A silver-gilt and enamel Austro-Hungarian horse drawn carriage model Austro-Hungarian, Early 20th Century Case: 28cm high x 89cm wide x 44...
Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Gold, Silver, Enamel

Rod Bowl by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Rod bowl by Fakasaka Design Dimensions: W 19.5 cm D 19.5 cm H 3.5cm. Materials: dark bronze. Rod bowl / ashtray / centerpiece / candle holder / ca...
Category

2010s Brazilian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Italian Silver Plated Soliflore Handled Vases, Sophisticated Design
Located in Bochum, NRW
A pair of gorgeous Silver plated Ewer Vases expertly crafted in Italy. These elegant vases boast a gracefully curved handle and a sophisticated mode...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Silver Plate

Kaiser - K. Nossek, Vintage Porcelain Urn and Cover, Germany, Mid-20th Century
Located in Chatham, ON
KAISER (manufacturer) - K. Nossek (designer) - Desiree (product line) - vintage fine porcelain urn and cover - featuring shaded enamels and flor...
Category

Mid-20th Century German Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Russel Wright General Electric Harkerware Ceramic Coral Hanging Wall Clock
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Russel Wright Harkerware Ceramic and General Electric Hanging Wall Clock. Featuring a rounded square and concave Coral Ceramic Front with glazed Off White Ceramic surround and back....
Category

1950s American Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze, Iron

Nº 5 Contemporary Glazed Ceramic Napoleon Blue Showtime Vase by Jaime Hyon
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Nº 5 Contemporary Glazed Ceramic Napoleon Blue Showtime Vase by Jaime Hyon Materials: Ceramic Dimensions: Diam. 23 cm x H 59 cm The Showtime Vases are just as current as when we...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

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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