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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Vintage Rosenthal Crystal Paper Bag Glass Vase
Located in North Miami, FL
This textural lead crystal glass vintage vase is Rosenthal from the Studio Line Germany. It is the paper bag form in crystal. The play of light from the surface forms are beautiful. ...
Category

1960s German Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

Dia Contemporary LED Chandelier, Config. 2, Solid Brass, Handmade/finished, Art
Located in Torslanda, SE
Dia is a sculptural chandelier inspired by the heterophony of natural sound. Each frame (or melody) is hand-rolled with all joints cleverly concealed within the circular light source...
Category

2010s Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Venini Fazzoletto Large Vase in Milk White by Fulvio Bianconi Paolo Venini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Fazzoletto glass vase, designed by Fulvio Bianconi and Paolo Venini and manufactured by Venini, is available in three different sizes. Original designed in 1948. Indoor use only. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Robert Indiana Red Brushed Aluminum Love Paperweight Sculpture, 1970 s
Located in North Miami, FL
This very rare rendition and small edition of the vintage Robert Indiana love paperweight sculpture is rarely seen version in red brushed aluminum. This may have only been a very sma...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Aluminum

21st Century Ovo Magazine or Shoes Leather Basket Handwoven in Italy
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
Ovo basket: Compact yet capacious. Fashioned of resistant recycled leather, with tan or black this basket boasts an unstructured silhouette with fl...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Leather

21st Century Almeria Medium Decorative Basket Handwoven in Italy
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
The Almeria medium basket, a Pinetti timeless icon. A basket that becomes a magazine, blanket, shoes holder or a simple piece of décor, if necessary. P...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Leather

Bosphore Table Lamp in Pink by Laura Gonzalez
Located in Paris, FR
Ceramic foot with geometric relief produced by the Jean Roger workshop in Paris. Available in different colors for the foot, and different fabrics for the oval lampshade...
Category

2010s French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Enamel

Pietra Silver Dish by Greg Natale
Located in Sydney,, NSW
Evoking the organic architecture of Australian coastlines, the Pietra Silver Dish is a delicate design modelled from hand-cast forms. Cast as a high-polished dish, this charming catc...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Silver Plate

Contemporary Longhorn Hand-Blown Glass Liquor Bottle Horn Animal Trophy Wild
Located in Camisano Vicentino, IT
"Contemporary Longhorn Hand-Blown Glass Liquor Bottle " by Simone Crestani Introducing the Longhorn Bottle, a breathtaking masterpiece crafted by the visionary glass artist Simone Crestani. As a part of the esteemed Trophy Bottles...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Modernist Solid Brass Bear Sculptures
Located in Tarrytown, NY
Modernist bear sculpture composed of solid, polished brass.
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Abstract Stone Sculpture Totem 06 by Alberto Cabiddu
Located in Weesp, NL
Totem 06 made of Pietra Di Vicenza. Pietra di Vicenza Limestone is a distinguished natural stone revered for its medium-grain texture and soft, creamy color palette. Quarried in the ...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone, Brass, Steel

Pair of Valley Form Two Light Candelabras in Stainless Steel by Georg Jensen
Located in New York, NY
This beautifully sculpted Pair of Valley Form Two Light Candelabras in Stainless Steel are designed by esteemed silversmith and manufacturer George Jensen in Denmark during the 20th ...
Category

20th Century Danish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stainless Steel

Venini Murano Italian Blue Glass Bottle Incisi Serie, 1981
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Italian light blue glass bottle with stopper, “Incisi” series, submerged glass with surface entirely worked by grinding produced by Venini Murano, Ve...
Category

1880s Italian Antique Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Rick Owens Cast Bronze Duck Neck Vase Black Patina Signed Rick Owens
Located in Chicago, IL
The now iconic bronze duck neck vase from the Rick Owens bronze relic collection. This is shown in the black patina but other patinas are available by order. Each bronze is signed. ...
Category

2010s French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

W. Beaupre Chain Mail Bust
Located in New York, NY
Futuristic android bust with hand applied chain mail and vintage jewelry findings and tiara from New York artist W. Beaupre. Signed.
Category

20th Century American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Tall Bubble Vase in Beige Textured Resin by Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Striking and elegant, the Tall Bubble Vase has a unique silhouette that brings a modern and playful feel to any space. Styled in built-ins or filled with florals, this vase is as ver...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Resin

21st Century Empty Pocket Woven Regenerated Leather Handmade in Italy
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
Lovely Pinetti round wash clothes holder, part of Almeria collection. Four different water resistant sizes fixed at the end with chrome pins. The woven...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Leather

Gaetano Pesce Pompitu II Vase M Resin Blue Acid Green
Located in barasso, IT
Pompitu II vase, blue, acid green. Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Measures: M ø 16cm x H 26cm Colours: Blue, acid green. Material: ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Resin

Vintage Royal Blue And White Resin Dice Desk Accessory Or Sculpture Pair Of
Located in North Miami, FL
These bold and great pair of vintage 1980's royal blue and white resin dice sculptures, objects or desk accessories are comprised of resin that looks and feels like bakelite. They ha...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Resin

Shlomi Haziza Colorful Lucite Prismatic Modern Table Sculpture
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Shlomi Haziza Colorful Lucite Prismatic Modern Sculpture. Beautiful colors! Square Cube with a drilled out hole sits upon a Clear Lucite Base. Looks good from every angle! Signat...
Category

1990s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Lucite

Gaetano Pesce Spaghetti Special Vase L Resin Red Blue
Located in barasso, IT
Spaghetti Special Vase - Clear aqua and coral red Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Measures: L - ø 22cm x H 36cm Colours: Clear aqua,...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Resin

Owl Lucite and Wood Sculpture
Located in New York, NY
A Lucite encased hand carved wood owl, circa late-20th century, Canada. Owl is wood card and encased in Lucite with a prism-like design. Piece is marked 'hand-carved', 'Made in Canad...
Category

Late 20th Century Canadian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Lucite, Wood

Contemporary Signed Italian Metal Sculpture
Located in Roma, IT
Beautiful and interesting Italian metal sculpture of contemporary art. The work is presented under an elegant shrine with a wooden base. Excell...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Lladró Hercules Beetle Figurine by José Luis Santes
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

Murano, Italy. Art glass bowl in clear glass. Organic shape. Handmade.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Murano, Italy. Art glass bowl in clear glass. Organic shape. Handmade. Ca. 1960 Unmarked. In excellent condition. Dimensions: L 16.0 cm. x W 11.0 cm. x H 6.0 cm.
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass

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 Vintage Polished Brass Sculpture of Abstract Venus Female Torso
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A modernist abstract figurative sculpture, made of brass. We believe it can be the Torso of Venus the goddess of love, beauty, desire, fertility and pro...
Category

1970s German Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Aluminum, Brass

A Large White Shaped Onyx Bowl Or Centerpiece
Located in New York, NY
Offered for sale is a large and exquisite hand-carved onyx bowl, polished to a refined luster and natural elegance. This sculptural piece features bands of translucent and semi-opag...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Onyx

Leather Tray, Large A Rectangular Tray, Handmade - Color: Vanilla
Located in Curitiba, Parana
Monochrome Collection Trays For various purposes, the Monochrome Collection Trays can be used individually or as a set. Their sizes are customizable, so feel free to get creative an...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Leather

Vintage Lathe Turned Alabster Decanter/Bottle - Italy - 20th Century
Located in Chatham, ON
Vintage lathe turned alabaster decanter/bottle - unsigned - Italy (likely) - 20th century. Fair vintage condition - old professional repairs to the neck & base rim - minor flea bite...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Alabaster

ClassiCon Folding Screen in Red by Eileen Gray
Located in New York, NY
The high-tech look that arose in the 1980s and which is still potentially current had an ingenious predecessor. Over half a century ago, Eileen Gray anticipated the cool Industrial a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

1980s Silver Plated Metal Partridge Paperweight By Gucci
Located in Aci Castello, IT
Vintage Gucci Italian Metal Bird Desk Ornament or Paperweight This charming desk accessory is a vintage piece of home décor or paperweight by the renowned Italian luxury house, Gucci...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Silver Plate

James Myford "Two Forms" Aluminum Sculpture
Located in Bradenton, FL
Stunning aluminum cast sculpture of "Two Forms" on black marble base by noted sculptor James C. Myford (1940-2014). Myford began creating aluminum sculptures in Pittsburgh, PA in the...
Category

20th Century American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble, Aluminum

Pop Art Modernist Neon Yellow Lucite Picture Frame, Italy 1970s
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Italian 1970s Pop Art modernist Lucite picture photo frame features a thick neon yellow Lucite slab with a transparent Lucite "pouch" to display and protect the photogr...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass

21st Century Leather Tilting Lid Waste Bin Handmade in Italy
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
A cylindrical and contemporary silhouette with subtle detail. Our round metal bin with tilting lid is perfectly sized for use in the bathroom. More than 30 harmonious shades can be paired with our modern bathroom...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Leather

Contemporary Blue and Clear Resin Vase from the Fish Collection by Gaetano Pesce
Located in Ibiza, Spain
The “Nugget” vase, designed by Gaetano Pesce as part of his celebrated Fish Collection, is a sculptural object crafted entirely in hand-poured resin, a signature technique of the des...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Resin

Wonderful French Lalique Coppelia Crystal Rose Garland Brass Dresser Jewelry Box
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful French Lalique Coppelia Frosted Crystal With Roses & Garland And A Brass Housing Dresser / Jewelry Box
Category

20th Century French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal, Brass

Monumental Art Glass Hand Blown Drip Bowl by Will Dexter
By William Dexter
Located in Chesterfield, NJ
Striking monumental sized drip bowl hand blown by acclaimed glass artist, Will Dexter. This bowl is composed of thick rivulets of glass that give it a dyna...
Category

1990s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Hand Blown Murano Studded Vase Frosted
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This vase is a sophisticated masterpiece of Murano glass artistry. Handcrafted in Italy, this vase features a unique opal cloudy glass base, with eye-catching clear glass skillfully ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Peter Shire Exp Signed Hand Painted Modern Large Ceramic Pottery Bowl
Located in Studio City, CA
A fantastic work by famed Los Angeles (Echo Park), California based artist Peter Shire who was a founding member (along with Italian designer Ettore Sottsass and others) of The Memphis Group, an international design movement that came out of Italy during the 1980s (1980-1988), and specialized in postmodern furniture, lighting, fabrics, carpets, ceramics, glass, and metal objects. This work is from 2001 and is dated and signed with Shire's customary "EXP" (Echo Park Pottery...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Advertising Bottle, Giant Perfume Bottle, Ferrari Perfume, Circa 1980.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Advertising bottle, giant perfume bottle, Ferrari perfume, circa 1980. Advertising bottle, giant perfume bottle, Ferrari perfume, circa 1980. H: 28cm, W: 16cm, D: 11cm
Category

20th Century French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

Geometric Sculpture in Polished Strawberry Pink Resin by Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Geometric sculpture made in polished resin in variety of colors. It is a modern and colorful piece that will liven up any space. This sculpture is very versatile and fun! You can cr...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Resin

Hand-Blown Glass Vase by Chihuly
Located in Austin, TX
Hand-blown glass vase by renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly. This piece has lovely red and green tones with a neon yellow rim. We love the organic, asymmetrical shape. This piece is ...
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Blown Glass

MORTERO Decorative Volcanic Stone Bowl with Bronze Details by ANDEAN, In Stock
Located in Miami, FL
Decorative volcanic stone hand-carved bowl from Chimborazo volcano, with lathed bronze base & detail. Drawing inspiration from the sacral and baroque motifs of Quito, as well as Ecu...
Category

2010s Ecuadorean Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone, Bronze

Tiffany Modern Sterling Silver Picture Frame
Located in New York, NY
Modern sterling silver picture frame. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1910. Rectangular window in flat and plain surround. With glass, silk lining, and stained-wood back, and h...
Category

Early 20th Century American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Sterling Silver

ELLIPSES Handmade Crystal Decorative Bowl
Located in Glendale, CA
Pieces Included: Made in Italy Spoon, Footed Bow, Lid Bowl The Ellipses footed crystal bowl is a handcrafted, multifunctional centerpiece th...
Category

2010s Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

ELLIPSES Handmade Crystal Decorative Bowl
ELLIPSES Handmade Crystal Decorative Bowl
$488 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Pablo Picasso Ceramic Plate by Bernardaud Limoges, Don Quixote Decor
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning decorative ceramic plate was manufactured by Bernardaud et Cie in Limoges, France, with an original design by Pablo Picasso. The plate represents an iconic work by the ...
Category

Early 2000s French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Earthenware, Porcelain

Enrico Commozzo Murano Art Glass Vase
Located in New York, NY
Massive Murano Art Glass Vase with a dense clear body and applied circular decorative dimensional elements. Signed.
Category

20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Beautiful Light Blue Glass Murano Venetian Vase, Italy, 1980s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful Murano hand blown Italian art glass vase. Created by a Murano glass company. A beautiful piece of art for any room.
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Hand Blown Murano Vase with Emerald Green Details
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Introducing a captivating hand-blown Murano glass vase, an exquisite embodiment of Venetian artistry and elegance. This stunning vase features a unique marbled design with rich, deep...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

New Modern Fruit Bowl in Red Marble, creator Karen Chekerdjian
Located in Milan, IT
Inside Out Fruit Bowl in red Levanto marble, designed by the internationally renowned designer Karen Chekerdjian - it is available also in other colours. I...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

Cartier Must de Cartier Crystal Silverplate Mellon Inkwell
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Cartier 'Must de Cartier' Crystal and Silverplate Melon Inkwell France, Circa 1989 Dimensions: 3.25" diameter x 2.75" high A refined and elegantly crafted melon-form inkwell from th...
Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal, Silver Plate

Tanya Aguiñiga Monumental Wall Sculpture, 2017
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
A monumental wall hanging sculpture by Tanya Aguiñiga. This piece of art was commissioned by a private collector in 2017 in Los Angeles, California. The materials are cotton, felt, a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Terracotta, Cotton, Felt

Gucci Leather Desk Notepad with Equestrian Motif, circa 1970
Located in Atlanta, GA
Enhance your private workspace with this rare Italian designer Gucci modernist desktop accessory, a stunning blend of luxury and virtuosity. Created in Italy circa 1970, this exquisi...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass, Metal

Monumental Vase by Jens Andreasen
By Jens Andreasen
Located in Kastrup, DK
Large monumental stoneware vase made by Jens Andreasen in his own workshop in Copenhagen, Denmark in the 1950s. Signed with artist logo "KK" for "Kirstineborg & Knabstrup" where A...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stoneware

Limited Edition Salvador Dali Armchair, "Invisible Personage"
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Indulge in a rare opportunity to own a piece of art history with this Limited Edition Salvador Dali Armchair, featuring the artist's iconic "Invisible Personage" design. One of only ...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Sheepskin, Upholstery, Lacquer

Italian Fossil Marble (Lumachella) Specimen Stone Box, Circa 1960s
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Italian Fossil Marble (Lumachella) Specimen Stone Box, Circa 1960s Two pieces, Lid and and Base This sculptural Italian specimen marble box dates to the circa 1960s and is crafted ...
Category

20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

Picture Frame Silver Octagonal Blue Enamel modern contemporary style Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
A Radiant Octagonal Frame in Guilloché Enamel by Franco Salimbeni This exceptional octagonal frame is a masterclass in contemporary Italian craftsmanship, where the ancient art of g...
Category

1990s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel

Hermès blue leather pencil case 1990s
Located in Paris, IDF
This blue Hermès pen case from the 1990s is an elegant and functional piece. Made from Epsom calfskin, a leather embossed through heat printing, it features...
Category

1990s French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Leather

Bosphore Wall Sconce in Pink (Small Size) by Laura Gonzalez
Located in Paris, FR
Glazed ceramic wall lamp with geometric relief made by the Jean Roger workshop in Paris. Available in green, yellow, blue, pink, brown, and matte white colors and in two sizes. Made...
Category

2010s French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Enamel

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.