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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Boch Keramis, Belgium. Large ceramic vase. White glaze. Modernist design
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Boch Keramis, Belgium. Large ceramic vase. White glaze. Modernist design. Geometric pattern. 1970s/80s. Marked. In perfect condition with a minor firing flaw on the top. Dimensions: ...
Category

1970s Belgian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

French sculptor, modernist bronze sculpture, solid bronze. 1960s/70s.
Located in Copenhagen, DK
French sculptor, modernist bronze sculpture, solid bronze. From the 1960s/70s. Signed MF and EA for Edition Artiste. In perfect condition. Dimensions: W 9.5 cm x D 4.0 cm x H 16.5 cm.
Category

1960s French Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Untitled XXXXII. Glazed Ceramic Sculpture
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Untitled XXXXII, by Charo Oquet Glazed Ceramic 12 H in x 9.5 W in. x 5 D in. 2018 These gravity-defying ceramics stacked constructions struggle to soar beyond the boundaries of the ...
Category

2010s Dominican Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Glass

Untitled XXXIII. Glazed Ceramic Sculpture
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Untitled XXXIII, by Charo Oquet Glazed Ceramic 9 H in x 5 D in. 2019 These gravity-defying ceramics stacked constructions struggle to soar beyond the boundaries of the spaces that c...
Category

2010s Dominican Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Glass

Jjirasi Vase #04. From the series Jjirasi
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Jjirasi Vase #04, 2021 by Yongwon Noh From the series Jjirasi Ceramic, PVC Sticker and Resin Size: 6.6 in. H x 5.5 in. W x 5.5 in. D Weight: 3kg Unpacked Unique Piece Signature writ...
Category

2010s North Korean Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Resin, PVC

Small Inky Pac-Man Ghost - Glass Sculpture by Dylan Martinez
Located in East Quogue, NY
These whimsical Pac-Man Ghost sculptures pay homage to the iconic 1980s video game characters while transcending their pixelated origins, inviting viewers to embark on a visual journ...
Category

2010s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass

Small Pinky Pac-Man Ghost - Glass Sculpture by Dylan Martinez
Located in East Quogue, NY
These whimsical Pac-Man Ghost sculptures pay homage to the iconic 1980s video game characters while transcending their pixelated origins, inviting viewers to embark on a visual journ...
Category

2010s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass

Set Porteño Black & Cream Hand Painted Wood Boxes
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
8 " x 6" x 4" 12" x 8" x 4" 14" x 10" x 4" The urban and cosmopolitan Porteño family carries the spirit of the ones born in Buenos Aires city or “Porteño”, as they are commonly know...
Category

2010s Argentine Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

White abstract sculpture, one of a kind
Located in London, GB
A one-of-a-kind abstract sculpture in white from the series 'White Symphony,' handcrafted from sturdy full bodied gypsum reinforced with inner layers of hessian and fibreglass. The ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Plaster, Jute, Fiberglass

Mid 20th Century Marcello Fantoni Raymor Italian Orange and Brown Ceramic Vase
Located in Indianapolis, IN
A mid-20th century beige, orange, and brown ceramic vase by sculptor, ceramist, metalworker, multi-media artist and designer Marcello Fantoni (1915-2011) for Raymor Italy. The brown ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

1980s Dino Martens Style Modernist Blue Murano Glass with Murrine Inserts Vase
Located in Aci Castello, IT
A particular blue Murano glass vase with murrine inserts in the style of Dino Martens, made in Italy in the 1980s, it's a unique piece. The vase is a captivating and exquisite piece ...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass, Murrine

21st Century Bronze Abstract Sculpture RYTHMES by Bernard Varvat from France
Located in Paris, FR
Mr. Bernard VARVAT has been exhibited in the the most famous collector's Gallery of Paris and is now available on 1stDibs in exclusivity. Seek the Monograph: « Au fil du temps Berna...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Modernist Frosted Smoked Amethyst Floral Glass Perfume Bottle by William Glasner
Located in New York, NY
This lovely and sophisticated Modernist Frosted Glass Perfume Bottle with Floral Relief Detailing in Smoked Amethyst by William Glasner originates from the United States, Circa 1990....
Category

1990s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Ceramic Leopard Urn, hand made in South Africa
By Senzo Duma Ceramic Arts
Located in North Miami, FL
Introducing the magnificent Ceramic Leopard Urn, a masterpiece born from the skilled hands of Senzo Duma Ceramics in the heart of South Africa. Crafted with meticulous attention to ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

20th Century Clear Scent Bottle entitled "La Nu Flacon" by Marie-Claude Lalique
Located in London, GB
An excellent clear and frosted glass scent bottle by Lalique. The dome shape scent bottle etched with petals and full with original Lalique perfume with decorative stopper in the for...
Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Ceramic Parrot Tureen, hand made in South Africa
By Senzo Duma Ceramic Arts
Located in North Miami, FL
Introducing the exquisite Ceramic Parrot Tureen, a masterpiece crafted by the skilled hands of Senzo Duma Ceramics in the heart of South Africa. This unique creation not only serves...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Contemporary Leggerezza Hand-Blown Glass Sculptural Octopus Goblet #02
Located in Camisano Vicentino, IT
"Contemporary Leggerezza Hand-Blown Glass Sculptural Goblet #02" by Simone Crestani Introducing the exquisite Decorative Goblet with Fazzoletto Rim, a testament to artistry and refi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Blown Glass

An unique Murano Art glass vase, multi color orange yellow black by Alberto Dona
Located in London, GB
Here we have an unique Italian Murano Art Studio glass vase , hand blown glass with multiple techniques involved and glass in tones of orange black and yellow colors melting in an ...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Blown Glass

Untitled XXVIII. Glazed ceramic abstract sculpture
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Untitled XXVIII, by Charo Oquet Glazed Ceramic 5 H in x 3.5 D in. 2019 These gravity-defying ceramics stacked constructions struggle to soar beyond the boundaries of the spaces that...
Category

2010s Dominican Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Glass

Large Silver Metal Vase Signed Lino Sabattini - Italy - 1980s
Located in Milano, IT
Rare silvered metal vase with a distinctive shape, model "Inquietante," designed by Lino Sabattini for the Collezione Sattini Italia line in the 1980s. In fact, the shape resembles a...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal, Silver Plate

A unique free form blown Art Murano glass sculpture by Davide Dona made in ITALY
Located in London, GB
Unique free form blown glass sculpture This is an unique art vase that showcases the exceptional craftsmanship of Murano glass and in particular the brilliant skills of Master David...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Blown Glass

Modern Candle Holder Silver Art Deco Style Candlesticks, 1997s
Located in Hampshire, GB
Modern silver pair of Art Deco-style silver candlesticks, pressed, cast, and chased. Circular, curved feet with hinged. Tested with the scratch test, height approx. 24cm, diameter 21...
Category

1990s Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal, Silver, Silver Plate, Sterling Silver, Sheet Metal, Silver Leaf

Universal clock by Heinrich Möller for Kienzle International, 1970s
Located in SAN PIETRO MOSEZZO, NO
Universal clock designed by Heinrich Möller for Kienzle International in the 1970s. The watch has a quartz movement and is fully functional with a stylus battery. You can hear the c...
Category

1970s German Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Aluminum

Stunning Large Vintage Midcentury Wicker Laundry Basket Hamper, 1970s, Italy
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Offered is an absolutely stunning large 1970s vintage wicker and plastic laundry basket hamper with lid and wicker handles. Overall very good vintage condition with light ware consis...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Wicker, Plastic

Edward Marshall Boehm Porcelain Blue Jay
Located in Countryside, IL
Edward Marshall Boehm Porcelain Blue Jay This sculpture measures: 14 wide x 8.5 deep x 17.75 high We take our photos in a controlled lighting studio to show as much detail as possi...
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Leerdam Black Iridescent Art Glass Vase
Located in Countryside, IL
Leerdam Black Iridescent Art Glass Vase This vase measures: 8 wide x 8 deep x 9.25 inches high We take our photos in a controlled lighting studio to show as much detail as possibl...
Category

Early 2000s Dutch Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Tall Santa Vase made in Spain with Hand Marbled White and Terracotta Clay.
Located in VALÈNCIA, ES
Introducing our exquisite tall elegant Santa vase, a testament to refined craftsmanship and timeless design. Standing proudly, this vase embodies sophistication and grace, making it ...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Clay

Frederick E. Hart (American 1943-1999), Exaltation, Intaglio Acrylic Sculpture
Located in Germantown, MD
Frederick Elliott Hart (American 1943-1999), Exaltation, Intaglio Molded Acrylic Sculpture. Frederick Elliott Hart (American 1943-1999) Exaltation Intaglio molded acrylic sculpture w...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Acrylic

Carole Harrison Gold Leaf Over Cast Bronze Sculpture
Located in Toledo, OH
Signed nice patina. Gold leaf over cast bronze. Carole Harrison (10/30/33 - 4/4/22) - Born in Illinois, Carole studied at Cranbrook Academy of Arts in 1955/56, Bloomfield Hills, MI, ...
Category

20th Century North American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

1990s Modern Design Silver Plated French Jewelry Box by Christofle
Located in Aci Castello, IT
A stylish three-level round silver-plated box, designed by KT Studio for Christofle in 1998 with input from Thomas Keller and Adam Tihany, is a remarkable piece of modernist craftsma...
Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Silver Plate

Small Contemporary Decorative Vase, English, Straw Silk Art Glass, Flower Sleeve
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a small contemporary decorative vase. An English, straw silk art glass flower sleeve by Margaret Johnson. Unusual and interesting technique matched with great colour Display...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass

Danish Sterling Silver Bread Tray
Located in Hellerup, DK
A Danish sterling silver bread basket designed and meticulously crafted by Erik Sjødahl, renowned as one of Denmark’s finest silversmiths and designers. This oval breadbasket feature...
Category

1990s European Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Sterling Silver

Carole Harrison Cast Bronze Abstract Sculpture
Located in Toledo, OH
Signed nice patina. Carole Harrison (10/30/33 - 4/4/22) - Born in Illinois, Carole studied at Cranbrook Academy of Arts in 1955/56, Bloomfield Hills, MI, obtaining her Masters, she w...
Category

20th Century North American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Italian modern red ceramic Picassa vase sculpture by Florio Pac Paccagnella 2023
Located in MIlano, IT
Sculpture entitled Picassa in bright red painted ceramic with a matte finish. The subject of the sculpture is geometric and rounded, with a round hole in the middle. The sculpture ca...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Italian modern orange red sculpture vase by Florio Paccagnella, 2023
Located in MIlano, IT
Ceramic sculpture painted bright red with a matte finish. The subject of the sculpture is geometric and rounded, with a round hole in the middle and two square openings located in th...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Long Bowl in Dark Bronze by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Long bowl in dark bronze by Fakasaka Design Dimensions: W 41.5 x D 16 x H 9.5 cm Materials: Dark bronze.  
Category

2010s Brazilian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Danish Handcrafted Sterling Silver Candlesticks Large
Located in Hellerup, DK
A pair of new handcrafted sterling silver candlesticks, designed and produced by Greg Pepin Silver and contemporary Copenhagen silversmith Manuel Sjodahl Andersen. Unlike a filled ca...
Category

2010s Danish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Sterling Silver

Jjirasi Vase #01. From the series Jjirasi
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Jjirasi Vase #01, 2023 by Yongwon Noh From the series Jjirasi Ceramic, PVC Sticker and Resin Size: 9 in. H x 7.8 in. W x 7.8 in. D Weight: 3kg Unpacked Unique Piece Signature writte...
Category

2010s North Korean Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, PVC, Resin

Victor Salmones Cosmos Bronze Soccer Goal Keeper
Located in Toledo, OH
Victor Samones 1937-1989 bronze study "Cosmos" sculpture Acapulco Mexico. 22" bronze soccer goal keeper male grasping a ball. Mounted on a 3/4" thick acrylic base. Signed 3 from an e...
Category

20th Century Unknown Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Membrane Vase by Toni Zuccheri for VeArt
Located in Lugo, IT
Membrane Vase by Toni Zuccheri for VeArt Good Condition Thank you
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Vintage Original Wheel Thrown Hand Painted Ceramic Bowl by Little Oakie Studios.
Located in Seattle, WA
This speckled Bowl has an adorable cartoon alligator wrapped around the sides. Makers mark on the bottom. Little Oakie Studios is a Seattle based company specializing in Kawaii inspi...
Category

1970s Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

White Mini Skull – Porcelain Sculpture, by Andréason & Leibel, Contemporary
Located in Arlöv, SE
This crisp white shiny porcelain sculpture inhabits any space it is put in. The human skull was redefined as a simplistic industrial form. Modeled in CAD, 3d printed, and then slip c...
Category

2010s Swedish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Decorative Palm Tree Sculpture
Located in New York, NY
A brass palm tree sculpture by Luciano Benevello. Engraved signature on the base.
Category

20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal, Brass

Pair of Salvador Dali Contemporary Portlligat Wood Sculpture Sunbed with Cushion
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Set of Two Sunbeds. Design by Salvador Dalí­­, 1903 Manufactured by BD Barcelona Solid Iroko wooden structure with polyamide wheels. Optional upholstered cushion with water repelle...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Jaeger LeCoultre, Desk Clock, Atmos Prestige, Limited Edition, 1980s
Located in Greven, DE
Atmos Clock - "Prestige" by Jaeger LeCoultre with original box Switzerland Gold-plated brass 1980s Dimensions: H x W x D: 27 x 17 x 16 cm Description: The Atmos Prestige from Jaeg...
Category

1980s Swiss Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Collection Particulière Travertine 'Key' Fruit Bowl Large by Arno Declercq
Located in Utrecht, NL
Large Romain Travertine 'Key' Fruit Bowl by Arno Declercq for Collection Particulière, France. Collection Particulière is a Parisian company, known for its unique artisan hand-made...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Travertine

Sculptural Modern Murano Blown Rostrato Vase In Aquamarine
Located in Westport, CT
A sublime thickly blown iridescent aquamarine vase. The iridescence blown into the glass  adds an additional dimension to this beautiful color, an effect of movement as light changes...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Blown Glass

Waterford Cut Crystal Serving Dish Bowl
Located in Countryside, IL
Waterford Cut Crystal Serving Dish Bowl This serving dish measures: 13.5 wide x 9.75 deep x 4.25 inches high We take our photos in a controlled lighting studio to show as much deta...
Category

Early 2000s Northern Irish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

Orologio da parete con disegno grafico di Kurt B. Delbanco per Morphos 1980 ca.
Located in MIlano, IT
Orologio da parete, con disegno geometrico e grafico con colori primari, nero e grigio. Prodotto da Morphos nel 1980 ca. e disegnato da Kurt B. Delb...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Plastic

21st Pet Bowl Small in Wood & Calf Leather
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
A rigid structure fully covered with premium calf leather with removable and washable stainless steel bowls. Our Pet bowls are available in two sizes. A brand new collection designe...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Studio Stoneware Planters Bob Kinzie
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Handsome pair of 'Affiliated Craftsman' California design planters. Wheel thrown natural clay on the outside with hand tooled pattern design, and glazed on the inside. No drain holes...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Waterford Cut Crystal Vase Bowl
Located in Countryside, IL
Waterford Cut Crystal Vase Bowl This vase measures: 8.25 wide x 8.25 deep x 9 inches high We take our photos in a controlled lighting studio to show as much detail as possible. We ...
Category

Early 2000s Northern Irish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

Important Storied Tall Ceramic Pot with Rattle and Handprints by Toshiko Takaezu
Located in Atlanta, GA
An important ceramic closed-form pot with rattle by Japanese American artist Toshiko Takaezu (American, 1922 - 2011). The story: In the 1980s, potter Lola Rae invited Toshika to her ceramic studio and kiln in Ojai, CA to teach a class. Lola Rae had previously worked as a studio assistant for artist Beatrice Wood for eight years. This pot was one of the pieces Toshiko made on site during the class and workshop. Together with the other pot on offer, they stayed in Lola Rae's personal collection until now offer by us Tishu Gallery...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Map of Lines
Located in Mumbai, India, Maharashtra
"Map of Lines" is a captivating blue blown glass bowl vase, crafted with exceptional artistry by collaborative artists Tim Soluna and Anjali Singh. Its elongated form creates a strik...
Category

2010s Indian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass

Anker Hoffmann, woman in dark patinated bronze
By Anker Hoffmann
Located in Kastrup, DK
Anker Hoffmann, Danish 1904-1985 "Maja". Sculpture of kneeling woman in dark patinated bronze. H: 26 cm W: 40 cm D: 18 cm The sculpture is made after the preliminary study for the ...
Category

Mid-20th Century European Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Medium & Large, Bookends Cuyo, Onix Stone & Silver Alpaca
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
4" x 4" x 7.8" 4.8 "x 4.8" x 9.5" Cuyo bookends are solid heavy beautiful pieces of geometrical onyx stone, mostly in square base and round top. Very sharm for a personal library. ...
Category

2010s Argentine Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Onyx, Stone, Metal

Waterford Crystal Footed Bowl Vase
Located in Countryside, IL
Waterford Crystal Footed Bowl Vase This vase measures: 8.75 wide x 8.75 deep x 9.5 inches high We take our photos in a controlled lighting studio to show as much detail as possible...
Category

Early 2000s Northern Irish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

POCKET EMPTYER by Sfero Design - Carrara Marble Contemporary Pocket Emptier
Located in Cologna Veneta, IT
POCKET EMPTYER (Pocket Emptier) - Designed by Sfero Design The Carrara marble pocket emptier ("Svuotatasche" in Italian), inspired by Virgil Abloh's aesthetic, features a regular, ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble, Carrara Marble

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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