International Style Decorative Objects
INTERNATIONAL STYLE
The International Style, a modernist movement within architecture and furniture design that was given its name by American architect Philip Johnson and historian Henry-Russell Hitchcock, was born during the 1920s and ’30s. It gained steam initially in Europe and then in the United States as a response to the first World War. Building projects associated with the movement, as well as vintage International Style chairs, tables and other furnishings, are minimal and pared back.
Pioneers of the International Style — architect Walter Gropius and his Bauhaus colleagues Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Marcel Breuer, De Stijl advocate and Dutch architect J.J.P. Oud and visionary designer Le Corbusier — stripped away decorative elements and placed considerable value on functionality and clean lines, integrating the use of industrial materials like steel, concrete and large sheets of glass in their work. Quite aptly, this mode of design and architectural style coincided with an era now known as the Machine Age and became a global symbol of modernism. The primary motive of its practitioners was to address the changing needs of a rapidly industrializing society, especially the demand for office complexes and apartments in large cities, through economical, technologically advanced, yet aesthetically pleasing designs for furniture and buildings.
“Space and light and order. Those are the things that men need just as much as they need bread or a place to sleep,” said Le Corbusier of the philosophy behind his practical modernist architecture.
The International Style’s designers and architects were inspired by the advantages afforded them by the era’s new technology and industrial machinery as well as state-of-the-art materials. Le Corbusier was fond of framing his buildings in steel but reinforced concrete made far more economic sense. He is probably most admired for the iconic private homes and commercial buildings that he designed or codesigned with his cousin Pierre Jeanneret, which are spread across the world, from New York City to Paris to Chandigarh, India. Today, Breuer’s Wassily Lounge chair; the elegant LC series created by Le Corbusier, Jeanneret and Charlotte Perriand; and Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona chair, crafted with his romantic partner, designer Lilly Reich, are emblems of progressive modernist design and all make prominent use of tubular steel. Vintage originals are the prized cornerstone of collections.
“The International Style is probably the first fundamentally original and widely distributed style since the Gothic,” posited Johnson in the book that accompanied “Modern Architecture: International Exhibition,” an architectural show he cocurated with Hitchcock that featured the work of Frank Lloyd Wright, Le Corbusier, Richard Neutra and others. While the term “International Style” had previously been circulating in Europe, when the show opened at the Museum of Modern Art in 1932, it yielded a much broader application of this important style of design.
Find International Style furniture on 1stDibs.
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Style: International Style
Contemporary Minimalist Brass and Glass Solitary Vase V3
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
V3 vase - Monstera by Paulo Goldstein, Brazilian contemporary design is part of a series of vases inspired in the observation of the natural lines of the flowers and leaves held in t...
Category
2010s Brazilian International Style Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass, Steel
French Cast Iron Figural Flatback Rust Patina Garden Panel
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A cast iron flatback panel originally from a balcony rail in France.
Dating to the mid-late 19th century, these decorative objects were used as building or garden elements.
Heavy, weighing about 25 pounds, and aged with a beautiful patina, the panel shows a robed figure within an ornate scrolled frame.
Imagine it as a piece of outdoor sculpture, used as a fireback, turned into a table base, or framed in a garden gate.
Measures: 26.5 inches H x 15.5 inches W x 1.25 inches deep.
In very good antique condition with the desired rusted patina.
Category
1850s French Antique International Style Decorative Objects
Materials
Iron
Gucci Gold Metal Letter Opener in Black Leather Case
By Gucci
Located in New York, NY
Gucci gold cast metal letter opener with signature double G logo at handle.
Engraved signature on reverse GUCCI Made In Italy
Original black leather case with Gucci stamp on back.
Category
Late 20th Century Italian International Style Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
Tessellated Bone Egg Box with Semi-Precious Cabochons Jewels
Located in Richmond, VA
Offered is an exquisite, Early 20th Century, Tessellated Bone Box. This piece is adorned with 13 semi-precious cabochons jewels. It's a very unusual and unique shape and style. Hinge...
Category
Early 20th Century International Style Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Beautiful Wall Assembled Figure of King David playing the Harp by Emaus workshop
Located in Mexico, DF
Very well-designed stylized decorative piece depicting King David playing the harp with the walls and buildings of Jerusalem suggested in the elements in the background. The work com...
Category
1960s Mexican Vintage International Style Decorative Objects
Materials
Sheet Metal
Large Fossil Stone Ammonite
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
O/6416 - Large fossil stone shell - Ammonites were predatory Prehistorie cephalopod mollusks which existed between 400 and 66 million years ago before dying out during the exinction ...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Malagasy Antique International Style Decorative Objects
Materials
Stone
Contemporary Swimming Pool Table by RAIN, Small Side Table
By RAIN
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The contemporary swimming pool table which also functions as a small contemporary styled side table.
The inspiration for this collection comes fro...
Category
2010s Brazilian International Style Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
Early 20th century bronze sculpture of a bowl
Located in Allentown, PA
This is an early 20th century bronze sculpture of a bull. This antique sculpture has a dark bronze Amber patina to the surface. The dynam...
Category
1920s Spanish Vintage International Style Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Gigantic Antique Indian Brass and Bronze Water Vessel Lota Pot
Located in Asheville, NC
India water vessel also called a Lota Pot was used to store water in India and local regions. It was hand-forged of a bronze and brass alloy. It has marked by...
Category
Early 20th Century Indian International Style Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
African Ndaka Hardwood Carved Busts, Pair
Located in New York, NY
Pair of African, Ndaaka people of Democratic Republic of Congo, hardwood carved bust sculpture of two figures wearing necklaces and earrings, each with incised "NDAKA / 6723" marks t...
Category
20th Century Unknown International Style Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Early 21st Century Vietri Hand-Crafted Italian Porcelain Leaf Set- 3 Pieces
By Vietri
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Each leaf encapsulates the essence of Italian artistry, offering a timeless blend of elegance and nature. The exquisite hand-crafted pieces will grace your gatherings adding a touch ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian International Style Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Large Tina Aufiero for Venini circa 1983 "Alboino" Murano glass green vase
By Tina Aufiero
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible and large Tina Aufiero for VENINI circa 1983 "Alboino" green vase.
Labeled.
Category
1980s Italian Vintage International Style Decorative Objects
Materials
Murano Glass
Large Flavio Poli Murano glass amber circa 1950 center piece.
By Flavio Poli
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible center piece amber in Murano glass by Flavio Poli for Seguso Vetri dArte circa 1950.
Category
1950s Italian Vintage International Style Decorative Objects
Materials
Murano Glass
Emanoel Araujo brazilian sculpture in fiberglass and wood polychrome circa 1980
By Emanoel Araújo 1
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible EMANOEL ARAUJO abstract sculpture in fiberglass and wood signed and polychrome circa 1980.
Category
1980s Brazilian Vintage International Style Decorative Objects
Materials
Fiberglass, Wood
Large Dino Martens Murano glass green "pulegoso" vase circa 1950 model 2298.
By Dino Martens
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible Dino Martens for Aureliano Toso Murano glass green "pulegoso" vase circa 1950 model 2298 (Dino Martens Marc Heiremans.)
Category
1950s Italian Vintage International Style Decorative Objects
Materials
Murano Glass
Archimede Seguso Murano glass "Cartoccio oro" circa 1950 vase.
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible Archimede Seguso Murano glass "Cartoccio oro" vase circa 1950.
Category
1950s Italian Vintage International Style Decorative Objects
Materials
Murano Glass
Archimede Seguso Murano glass bicolor with applications and gold 1950 vase.
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible Archimede Seguso Murano glass bicolor with applications circa 1950 vase.
Category
1950s Italian Vintage International Style Decorative Objects
Materials
Murano Glass
Remo Bernucci 1970 set of 9 totens in plaster and wood polychrome sculpture.
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible RENO BERNUCCI group of sculptures in plaster, wood polychrome with 9 pieces.
Category
1970s Brazilian Vintage International Style Decorative Objects
Materials
Plaster, Wood
Italian inkwell in bronze and marble circa 1850.
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible and big inkwell in italian old bronze with marble base circa 1850.
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique International Style Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Large Vintage Natural Real Sea Coral Reef Specimen Beach Decor
By Oceanic Arts
Located in Warrenton, OR
Large Vintage Natural Real Sea Coral Reef Specimen Beach Decor
A stunning piece of nature for the home or office of an ocean lover or beach dweller.
Note: This is a vintage coral reef...
Category
Early 20th Century American International Style Decorative Objects
Materials
Coral
Narciso italian pompeian reproduction bronze circa 1900.
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible old bronze reproduction by Narciso found in Pompei 1862.
Category
1860s Italian Antique International Style Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Alessandro Mandruzzato Murano glass red and yellow circa 1950 vase
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible large Alessandro Mandruzzato Murano glass red and yellow circa 1950 vase.
Category
1950s Italian Vintage International Style Decorative Objects
Materials
Murano Glass
Alessandro Mandruzzato Murano glass blue and yellow circa 1950 vase
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible Alessandro Mandruzzato Murano glass blue and yellow circa 1950 vase.
Category
1950s Italian Vintage International Style Decorative Objects
Materials
Murano Glass
Murano glass with many techniques circa 1950 bowl.
By Venini
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible Murano glass multicolor with many techniques syle Venini circa 1950.
Category
1950s Italian Vintage International Style Decorative Objects
Materials
Murano Glass
Large Barovier&Toso Murano vase circa 1950 coral and black.
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible and large Barovier&Toso (attributed) Murano vase circa 1950 coral and black
Category
1950s Italian Vintage International Style Decorative Objects
Materials
Murano Glass
URSS Ceramic Sculpture of a Seal from the 1940s
Located in Milano, MI
Russian USSR ceramic seal figurine, made in the 1940s
Ø 14 cm Ø 13 cm h 13 cm
Category
1940s Russian Vintage International Style Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
1970s British Bronze AC.GMT.Co. Industrial Wall Clock Chrome Bezel Black Dial
Located in Leicester, Leicestershire
Rescued from Industrial scrap yards and brought back to life in our UK workshop, our expert process allows us to create a high quality clock of luxury standards.
At A.C GMT Co. we apply new paint finishes or lustrous copper and bronze to the clock case. Our high speed polishing machine restores the chrome bezel, which then frames one of our high definition screen printed dials.
These clocks were originally slave or secondary clocks used on cargo ships and super tankers, they would have been controlled by a master clock...
Category
1970s English Vintage International Style Decorative Objects
Materials
Chrome, Bronze, Steel
Primitive brazilian stool in noble wood circa 1950 'Panther'
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible primitive brazilian stool in noble wood representing 'Panther'circa 1950
Category
1950s Brazilian Vintage International Style Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
AVeM Murano glass multicolor vase circa 1950 "Bizantino"
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible AVeM Murano glass multicolor vase circa 1950 vase "Bizantino"
Category
1950s Italian Vintage International Style Decorative Objects
Materials
Murano Glass
Fratelli Toso Murano glass green iridescent circa 1950 vase.
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible Fratelli Toso Murano glass green iridescent circa 1950 vase. Design Dino Martens.
Category
1950s Italian Vintage International Style Decorative Objects
Materials
Murano Glass
AVeM Murano glass multicolor vase circa 1950
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible AVEM Murano glass multicolor vase circa 1950 "Bizantino".
Category
1950s Italian Vintage International Style Decorative Objects
Materials
Murano Glass
Alfredo Barbini Murano glass multicolor circa 1950 vase.
By Barbini
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible Alfredo Barbini Murano glass multicolor circa 1950 vase.
Category
1950s Italian Vintage International Style Decorative Objects
Materials
Murano Glass
Jonathan Adler Acrylic Pop Art Pill Sculpture, 150 MG Red
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Get your daily prescription of surrealism with Jonathan Adlers’ lustrous homages to fab pharmaceuticals. Crafted from solid acrylic in poppy colors with laser-etched dosages. Use as ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American International Style Decorative Objects
Materials
Acrylic
Vintage Silver Plate Hand Held Magnifying Glass
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A substantial, silver plated hand-held magnifying glass, circa 1980s.
Perfect for the desk top or a library, this heavy magnifying has a ribbed metal handle terminating in a solid b...
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown International Style Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
Nicolas Vlavianos Greek steel 1974 sculpture with wood base signed
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible NICOLAS VLAVIANOS brazilian steel 1970 abstract sculpture with wood base.
Category
1970s Brazilian Vintage International Style Decorative Objects
Materials
Steel
18th & 19th Century Gilded Fragments
Located in Austin, TX
18th & 19th Century Gilded Fragments. Orb is water gilt, carved wood sitting atop a gilded plaster flower. All are embellished with natural seed pearls, rock crystal and selenite fra...
Category
18th Century French Antique International Style Decorative Objects
Materials
Rock Crystal
Libera Murano glass gray 1950 vase signed.
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible LIBERO Murano glass gray 1950 vase.
Category
1950s Italian Vintage International Style Decorative Objects
Materials
Murano Glass
Aureliano Toso Murano glass multicolor circa 1950 vase.
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible Aureliano Toso Murano glass multicolor circa 1950 vase.
Category
1950s Italian Vintage International Style Decorative Objects
Materials
Murano Glass
Itamo Pustetto Murano glass bicolor circa 1950 basket.
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible Itamo Pustetto Murano glass bicolor 1950 basket.
Category
1950s Italian Vintage International Style Decorative Objects
Materials
Murano Glass
Large Fratelli Toso Murano glass multicolor circa 1950 vase.
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible Fratelli toso Murano glass multicolor circa 1950 vase.
Category
1950s Italian Vintage International Style Decorative Objects
Materials
Murano Glass
Cenedese Murano glass pink circa 1950 basket.
By Cenedese
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible CENEDESE Murano glass pink circa 1950 basket.
Category
1950s Italian Vintage International Style Decorative Objects
Materials
Murano Glass
Italian 19th Fauno in bronze circa 1850.
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible FAUNO in bronze made in Italy circa 1850 playing flutes.
Category
1850s Italian Antique International Style Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Fratelli Toso Murano glass multicolor circa 1970 vase
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible Fratelli Toso Murano glass multicolor circa 1970 vase.
Category
1970s Italian Vintage International Style Decorative Objects
Materials
Murano Glass
Seguso Vetri dArte Murano glass amber "corroso" circa 1950 vase.
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible Seguso Vetri dArte amber "corroso" Murano glass circa 1950 vase.
Category
1950s Italian Vintage International Style Decorative Objects
Materials
Murano Glass
Tall Orrefors scandinavian bicolor 1950 glass vase
By Orrefors
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible Tall Orrefors scandinavian bicolor 1950 glass vase.
Category
1950s Scandinavian Vintage International Style Decorative Objects
Materials
Glass
Large Aureliano Toso Murano glass bicolor circa 1950 vase.
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible Aureliano Toso Murano glass bicolor circa 1950 vase.
Category
1950s Italian Vintage International Style Decorative Objects
Materials
Murano Glass
Fratelli Toso Murano glass multicolor vase circa 1950
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible Fratelli Toso Murano glass multicolor vase circa 1950
Category
1950s Italian Vintage International Style Decorative Objects
Materials
Murano Glass
Cenedese Murano glass green opaline circa 1950 basket.
By Cenedese
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible CENEDESE Murano glass green opaline circa 1950 basket.
Category
1950s Italian Vintage International Style Decorative Objects
Materials
Murano Glass
AVeM Murano glass multicolor vase circa 1950 "Bizantino"
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible AVeM murano multicolor vase "Bizantine" serie circa 1950
Category
1950s Italian Vintage International Style Decorative Objects
Materials
Murano Glass
Venini Murano glass gray, black and gold circa 1950 vase
By Venini
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible large VENINI Murano glass gray, black and gold circa 1950 vase.
Category
1950s Italian Vintage International Style Decorative Objects
Materials
Murano Glass
Napoleone Martinuzzi Murano glass circa 1930 Art deco vase.
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible Napoleone Martinuzzi circa 1930 Murano glass vase Art deco.
Category
1930s Italian Vintage International Style Decorative Objects
Materials
Murano Glass
Barovier&Toso Murano glass rubi circa 1950 vase.
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible Barovier&Toso Murano glass rubi iridescent circa 1950 vase.
Category
1950s Italian Vintage International Style Decorative Objects
Materials
Murano Glass
Cenedese Murano glass pink with gold circa 1950 center piece.
By Cenedese
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible Cenedese Murano glass pink with gold center piece circa 1950.
Category
1950s Italian Vintage International Style Decorative Objects
Materials
Murano Glass
Murano glass in blue Cornucopia vase circa 1950
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible Murano glass in intense blue cornucopia vase circa 1950
Category
1950s Italian Vintage International Style Decorative Objects
Materials
Murano Glass
Archimede Seguso sculpture in Murano glass "sfumatto oro" circa 1950 Museo
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible Archimede Seguso "sfumatto oro"sculpture in Murano glass circa 1950. Museo.
Category
1950s Italian Vintage International Style Decorative Objects
Materials
Murano Glass
Anthony Redmile Style Gilt Conch Shell on Stand
Located in New York, NY
Anthony Redmile (British, b. 1940) gilt conch shell upon a gold-tone metal stand.
Dimensions: 11.5" H x 16" W x 9" D.
Dealer: S138XX
Category
20th Century International Style Decorative Objects
Materials
Shell
Guido Cacciapuoti italian porcelain "Putan" circa 1950
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible Guido Cacciapuoti porcelain representing "Putan" circa 1950 signed and sealed.
Category
1950s Italian Vintage International Style Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Large Fratelli Toso Murano glass bicolor vase
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible Fratelli Toso Murano glass bicolor vase circa 1950. Big.
Category
1950s European Vintage International Style Decorative Objects
Materials
Murano Glass
International Style decorative objects for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique International Style 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, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with glass, murano glass and other materials. If you’re shopping for used International Style decorative objects made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and Brazil pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original decorative objects, popular names associated with this style include Archimede Seguso, Paulo Goldstein, Arte Vetraria Muranese (AVEM), and Barovier&Toso. 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 $108 and tops out at $70,000 while the average work can sell for $2,350.
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