International Style Collectibles and Curiosities
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
Medium Natural White Clam Shell Specimin
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A medium-sized clam shell in white. This piece will be great on a coffee table, nightstand or hung on a wall with a large collection.
Dimensions:
9" Wide
6.5" Deep
4" Tall
Category
20th Century American International Style Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Shell
People, Passions, Pastimes, and Pleasures: Staffordshire Figures, 1810-1835
Located in Philadelphia, PA
People, Passions, Pastimes, and Pleasures: Staffordshire Figures 1810-1835 – by Myrna Schkolne.
First Edition 2006, limited to a run of 1000.
The first comprehensive collectors’ r...
Category
Early 2000s American International Style Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
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 Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Chrome, Bronze, Steel
Vintage Gucci Accornero Silk African Jungle Animal Print Silk Scarf, 1970s Italy
By Gucci
Located in Philadelphia, PA
From the Italian fashion house Gucci, and designed by Vittorio Accornero, a vintage silk scarf with an African jungle animal and big cat theme, circa 1970s.
Boldly colored and beaut...
Category
20th Century Italian International Style Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silk
Jasper Johns by Mark Rosenthal, Museum Edition Trade Paperback, 1988
By Jasper Johns
Located in Philadelphia, PA
“Jasper Johns, Work Since 1974 ” by Mark Rosenthal, a Museum Edition Trade paperback, from the 1988 exhibition mounted at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Jasper Johns (born May 15, ...
Category
1980s American Vintage International Style Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Hermès Philippe LeDoux Menège Vintage Silk Equestrian Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Philadelphia, PA
From the French fashion house, Hermès, a vintage silk scarf from the Manège line, circa 1974.
Designed by Philippe Ledoux for Hermès in 1974, this an early vintage of a classic is...
Category
20th Century French International Style Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silk
Norma Dori Vintage Equestrian Scarf, London
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An equestrian theme vintage scarf from the London designer Norma Dori, circa late 20th Century.
Showing the head of a black horse sporting a red bridle. ...
Category
Late 20th Century English International Style Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Polyester
Anselm Kiefer by Mark Rosenthal, Museum Edition Trade Paperback, 1987
By Anselm Kiefer
Located in Philadelphia, PA
“Anselm Kiefer” by Mark Rosenthal– a Museum Edition Trade paperback from the 1987 exhibition mounted in Philadelphia, Chicago, Los Angeles, and the MOMA in New York.
Anselm Kiefer ...
Category
1980s American Vintage International Style Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Hermès Les Clés Vintage Silk Scarf, France
By Hermès
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Hermès Silk Scarf, Les Clés designed by Caty Latham, first issued in 1965.
This ‘Keys’ scarf is an early issue with a Jade green border, and showing interlocking gold keys...
Category
20th Century French International Style Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silk
Pistils - Robert Mapplethorpe, Photography Hardcover Cased Book 1st Edition 1996
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Pistils, Photographs by Robert Mapplethorpe with an Essay by John Ashbery.
Hardcover in case and dust jacket – 1st Edition, 1996
Robert Mapplethorpe began taking photographs i...
Category
1990s American International Style Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Hidcote the Garden and Lawrence Johnston, National Trust Book
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Title: HIDCOTE THE GARDEN AND LAWRENCE JOHNSTON. Published by The National Trust, 2007.
Hardcover with jacket.
Often described as “the most beautiful garden in England,” Hidcote is...
Category
Early 2000s English International Style Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Design-For-Today, Rare Modernist Magazine, Complete Bound Set, 1933 to 1935, UK
Located in London, GB
Design-For-Today, a short lived modernist avant-garde magazine, 1933 to 1935, UK.
A rare and hard to come by complete bound set.
Articles, images, designs by British architects and designers, as well as emigres ones .
Gerald Summers, Wells Coates, Marcel Breuer, Alvar and Aino Aalto, Walter Gropius, László Moholy-Nagy, Barbara Hepworth, Henry Moore, Ben Nicholson, Betty Joel, Serge Chermayeff, Keith Murray, Charles Boyton, Ronald Grierson...
Category
20th Century British International Style Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Viva Picasso: a Centennial Celebration 1881-1981 Hardcover Book with Jacket
By David Duncan
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Viva Picasso: a Centennial Celebration 1881-1981
Hardcover – May 1, 1981 – by David Douglas Duncan
A photography book showing Duncan’s photographs of...
Category
1980s American Vintage International Style Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Andre Lurcat: Projets Et Réalisations
By André Lurcat
Located in New York, NY
Monograph on the work of Andre Lurcat, important French modernist architect, designer, urban planner, and younger brother of the textile artist Jean. ...
Category
1920s French Vintage International Style Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
“Bravehearts – Men In Skirts” MOMA Costume Institute, 1st Edition Shrink Wrapped
Located in Philadelphia, PA
“Bravehearts: Men in Skirts” Hardcover – 1st Edition, 2003 – by Andrew Bolton. Shrink-wrapped.
From the publisher:
What do Mick Jagger, David Bowie, Prince Charles, and Boy George have in common? These and other sharply dressed, sexually secure, 21st-century men are incorporating skirts into their wardrobes. In this provocative, one-of-a-kind book, Andrew Bolton traces the warrior origins of kilts and sarongs and reveals how, far from feminizing men, skirts actually reinforce their virility. Some 150 photographs illustrate this colorful salute to the growing numbers of the few, if proud, men in skirts.
The author, Andrew Bolton is the associate curator of the Costume Institute...
Category
Early 2000s English International Style Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Antique Tsarist Russian Ladies Silver & Yellow Gold Clutch Purse or Evening Case
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique ladies clutch purse or evening case is unsigned, but presumed to have originated from Tsarist Russia and date to approximately 1900 and done...
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown International Style Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Gold, Silver
Spacemaker Press Landmarks Series, Public Architecture & Sculpture, Volumes 1-6
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Spacemaker Press Landmarks Series, Paperback, volumes 1-6
Public Architectural Landscapes and Sculpture Gardens
• 01 Barnsdall Park: A New Master Plan for Frank Lloyd Wright’s C...
Category
1990s American International Style Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Large Dryad Wooden Paper Guillotine
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Large dryad wooden paper Guillotine
Well used and still working well, the makers name is in the centre of the front, all in good used condition,
...
Category
Early 20th Century International Style Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Beech
Majolica: A Complete History and Illustrated Survey, Book by Karmason & Stacke
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Majolica: A Complete History and Illustrated Survey, by Marilyn Karmason & Joan Stacke – Updated and Expanded edition, 2002.
Out of Print.
The first major work on the field, a com...
Category
Early 2000s American International Style Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Le Tanneur Mid-Century French Leather Boxed Bridge Card Playing & Betting Set
By Le Tanneur
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A Mid-Century boxed card Bridge set manufactured by the well known French luxury leather goods company Le Tanneur, circa 1960’s.
The prestigious French leather goods company, LE TANNEUR began in 1898 with their line of luxury items called Le Sans Couture. Le Tanneur is known for their timeless elegance and quality.
The wood box is covered in a fine-grained tanned black leather with a magnetic gold-tone clasp. The box is beautifully made, lined in green felt, and still in the original brand printed cardboard box. The set includes a full deck of playing cards, colorful plastic betting chips and tokens that store in fitted covered containers, and a gold-plated pencil for keeping score. Also included is a pad of scoring paper...
Category
Mid-20th Century French International Style Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Leather, Plastic, Paper
Interior Decor Design & Source Books, Windows, Curtains, Furnishings, Paint, S/4
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A group of four Interior Design source books, all hardcover with jackets.
77 Habits of Highly Creative Interior Designers – Sarah Lynch, 2003 Rockport Publishing
159 pages. In this unique approach to home decorating, more than a dozen top interior designers share their professional secrets on every aspect of style, decor, and furnishings. Size: 8 x 0.5 x 11.2 inches
The Complete Book of Paint – David Carter, Text Charles Hemming. Clarkson Potter, 1st American Edition
208 pages. The first book to cover virtually every paint technique and every surface: walls, floors, wood furniture, upholstered fabrics and metalwork. The book outlines 35 projects. Size: 8.8 x 1 x 11.25 inches
Window Style – Mary Fox Linton...
Category
Late 20th Century American International Style Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Phaidon Atlas of Contemporary Architecture, Collectible Book in Ghost Carry Case
By Phaidon
Located in Philadelphia, PA
The Phaidon Atlas of Contemporary World Architecture is a global survey of the most outstanding works of contemporary architecture from around the world. Organized geographically and...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary English International Style Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Salvador Dalí Art Book by Robert Descharnes and Gilles Néret, Taschen Press
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Salvador Dalí 1904-1989 by Robert Descharnes and Gilles Néret
With dust cover.
Publisher: Taschen; First English-language Edition (November 1, 1998)
Language: English
Hardcov...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary German International Style Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Vivienne Tam Vintage Black & White Floral Bird Print Dress with under Slip 1990s
By Vivienne Tam
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An iconic, early 1990s Vivienne Tam black and white print two-piece dress with the under slip.
A symmetrical Asian inspired print of large flowers and exotic birds repeats on both front and back. Short sleeves, straight neckline, falling between the knee and the ankle, in a sheer stretch fabric.
The under slip is in a matte black polyester with adjustable straps, falling shorter than the shell. The neckline, sleeves and bottom hem show sheer when worn with the slip.
Tags: Size 2 - Made in Hong Kong
Measurements: 30-44 inch bust
26-36 inch waist
34-44 inch hips
43 inches long from shoulder to hem
In excellent vintage condition.
The last photo shows Margot Robbie wearing a version of this dress in the film, "The Wolf of Wall Street"
Category
1990s Hong Kong International Style Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Polyester
Koret Black Ostrich, Red Leather Structured Ladies Handbag and Coin Purse
By Koret
Located in Philadelphia, PA
From the mid-late 1950s to early 1960s, a structured, black Ostrich handbag made by Koret, NYC.
Koret was established in 1929 by Richard Koret. By the 1940s the company was a leader...
Category
Mid-20th Century American International Style Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Milly New York Vintage Black and White Check Wool Woman's Coat, 2000 Collection
Located in Philadelphia, PA
From the 2000 collection by Milly New York, a 100% wool coat in a black and white heavy check weave.
This piece shows beautiful attention to line and...
Category
Early 2000s American International Style Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wool
Furniture Reference Books, Shaker, Early American, Contemporary Collection of 5
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A collection of five hard-bound history of furniture styles and makers reference books full of color photos and illustrations. Covering Early American, New Hampshire Seacoast, Shaker, and Contemporary American Woodworkers.
Contemporary American Woodworkers by Michael A. Stone. Gibbs M. Smith Inc. 1986. 165 pages
Fine Points of Furniture, Early American by Albert Sack. Crown Publishers 1993. 320 pages.
American Antiques Encyclopedia...
Category
20th Century American International Style Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Karl Lagerfeld Monster Choupette Navy Blue Zippered Leather Continental Wallet
Located in Philadelphia, PA
From the Monster Choupette fashion line inspired by Karl Lagerfeld's pampered pet cat, a navy blue zippered Continental two-sided Wallet, designed in 2014.
...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Dutch International Style Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Leather
The Glasshouse by John Hix – Phaidon Architecture History and Garden Photo Book
By Phaidon
Located in Philadelphia, PA
The Glasshouse traces the evolution of glass enclosures from the mid-17th century when the desire to nurture exotic plants in a foreign climate led to the development of the glasshou...
Category
20th Century English International Style Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Maximal Art Vintage 1980s Sacred Heart Gold-Tone and Seed Pearl Portrait Pin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
From John Wind's Maximal Art 1980s jewelry collection, a portrait pin molded as a sacred heart.
The cast metal heart shaped picture holder has a molded ...
Category
1980s American Vintage International Style Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Antique Price Guide Book, Judith Miller 2008 First American Edition with Jacket
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A hard bound price guide for antiques and collectibles, written by the UK antiques expert Judith Miller.
The Antiques Price Guide 2008 highlights ov...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American International Style Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Bonhams & Butterfield Furniture and Decorative Arts Auction Catalogue, 2004
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An auction catalogue from the Bonhams & Butterfield New York sale of 20th century furniture and decorative arts.
The sale featured a wonderful collection of Art Deco furniture and...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American International Style Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
1950s Whiting and Davis Gold Mesh Jewel Closure Evening Clutch with Coin Purse
Located in Philadelphia, PA
From the mid-late 1950s, a gold mesh evening clutch made by Whiting and Davis, the company who invented superior quality metallic mesh design and fashion, from the late 1890s into the 20th century.
The envelope shaped evening bag is complete with two enclosures, a matching gold mesh coin purse...
Category
Mid-20th Century American International Style Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Crystal, Metal
Frank O Gehry, The Complete Works by Francesco Dal Co. Modern Architecture Book
By Frank Gehry
Located in Philadelphia, PA
One of the world’s great architects, Frank O. Gehry has produced an astonishing body of work. With the artistry of a sculptor and the brilliant articulation of an engineer, Gehry creates constructions that defy categorization.
Over three hundred projects and a thousand illustrations — includes, among others, the controversial American Center in Paris; Weisman Art Museum in Minneapolis; Nationale-Nedelanden Building (Fred and Ginger Building) in Prague; Vitra Headquarters in Weil am Rhein, Germany; California Aerospace Museum; Loyola Law School in Los Angeles; Chiat Day...
Category
Late 20th Century American International Style Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Huge Silchester Cycling Club Track Championships Shield Trophy
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Huge Silchester Cycling Club Track Championships shield trophy
This is a large piece, the oak shield has an embossed silver plated mount, in the centr...
Category
Mid-20th Century International Style Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
Gardening Roses, Herbs, Shrubs, Vegetables, Fruit Trees, Collection of 5 Books
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A collection of five hard-bound gardening books, suitable for the beginner and the advanced gardener alike. Covering a wide range of subjects from Rose...
Category
Late 20th Century American International Style Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Antique Investigator Book, Judith Miller 2007 First American Edition with Jacket
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antiques investigator, tips and tricks to help you find the real deal for antiques and collectibles, written by the UK antiques expert Judith Miller.
...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American International Style Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
1970s Era Copper-Tone Snake Scale Metal and Crystal Jeweled Buckle Handmade Belt
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A 1970s era belt made of copper-tone metal snake scale links with a metal and crystal jeweled medallion buckle. Very well made.
Assembled by hand, the links show a stamped floral ...
Category
1970s American Vintage International Style Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Crystal, Metal
Christie's NY Interiors Auction Catalogues, 2008-2009, Set of Three
By Christie's
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A group of three auction catalogues from the Christie's New York 'Interiors' sales.
The Interior sale catalogues are noted for their in-depth writings and beautiful full-color pho...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American International Style Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Tracy Feith Red Plaid Wool Mini Skirt with Hand Appliqué Sequins & Leaves, 1980s
Located in Philadelphia, PA
From Tracy Feith, a 1980s vintage boho chic mini skirt, in a plaid wool with hand sewn appliqués of sequins and leaves with top stitched embroidery.
The red, orange, and white pla...
Category
1980s American Vintage International Style Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wool, Sequins
White Ironstone Ceramics Reference Book by Dawn Stoltzfus 1st Edition Paperback
Located in Philadelphia, PA
White ironstone, a survey of its many forms: Undecorated, flow blue, mulberry, copper lustre by Dawn Stoltzfus and Jeffrey Snyder
1st Edition Paperback 1997,
A collectors' re...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American International Style Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Indian Buffalo in Wood of the 19th Century
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Superb 19th century Indian buffalo in wood
Very beautiful Indian work representing an elongated buffalo which has a superb patina and some rest of his original polychromy
The buffa...
Category
19th Century Indian Antique International Style Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
Dolce & Gabbana Black Cotton Lace, Silk Lined Sleeveless Dress with Tags, Italy
Located in Philadelphia, PA
From Dolce & Gabbana, a self-lined black lace sleeveless dress. An iconic D&G design with variations seen in every one of their collections.
Beautiful Italian cotton lace in black, ...
Category
2010s Italian International Style Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Cotton, Silk
Repertorio del Design Italiano 1950-2000 by Guiliana Gramigna (Book)
Located in North Yorkshire, GB
A 2 volume set of hardback books in a slip case which covers Italian domestic furniture design in the second half of the 20th century.
Volume 1 covers 1950-1979, with 269 pages and hundreds of black and white photographs of tables, chairs, other furniture and lighting.
Volume 2 covers 1980-2000. 345 pages again having hundreds of black and white photographs of Italian...
Category
20th Century International Style Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Painting Oil on Canvas by Pio Joris Important Italian Artist of the 19th centur
Located in Rome, IT
Pio Joris (Rome, 1843-1922).
The Via Flaminia, a Sunday morning," 1869, (winner of the Gold Medal Exhibition in Monaco, 1869)
with frame 160 x 83 cm.
Pio Joris attended the Istitu...
Category
19th Century Italian Antique International Style Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Canvas
Sotheby's NY Auction Catalogues, Fine English Furniture & Decorations, Set of 2
By Sotheby's
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A pair of auction catalogues from the Sotheby's New York sales of Fine English Furniture and Decorations.
Dated: Saturday, January 27th, 1996 - Sale No. 6802
Friday, June 28th, ...
Category
1990s American International Style Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
International Style collectibles and curiosities for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique International Style collectibles and curiosities 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 collectibles and curiosities created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include more furniture and collectibles, decorative objects, asian art and furniture and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with paper, fabric and other materials. If you’re shopping for used International Style collectibles and curiosities made in a specific country, there are North America, United States, and Europe pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original collectibles and curiosities, popular names associated with this style include Various Makers, Hermès, Phaidon, and Rizzoli International Publications. 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 collectibles and curiosities differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $40 and tops out at $60,990 while the average work can sell for $265.
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