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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Unique Ceramic Monkey Teapot Hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Introducing a truly unique masterpiece: the Monkey Teapot by Love Art Ceramic. Handcrafted with precision and passion, this teapot stands as a testament to the artistry of its creato...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Blenko Purple Hand Blown Glass Paper Bag Vase
Located in East Quogue, NY
Vintage Blenko pale purple amethyst hand-blown paper bag art glass vase circa 1980s. Size: 8" tall x 4.5" wide x 2.5" deep Great overall vintage condition, wear commensurate w...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass

In Stock in Los Angeles, Light Blue Rabbit Mini Portable Charger
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Rabbit mini power bank battery charger In stock in Los Angeles Power bank. You can carry Rabbit MINI in your bag as an external battery for your smartphone or any other device. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Plastic

In Stock in Los Angeles, Green Rabbit Mini Portable Charger
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Rabbit Mini power bank battery charger In stock in Los Angeles Power bank. You can carry Rabbit MINI in your bag as an external battery for yo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Plastic

New Modern Fruit Bowl in White Marble, Creator Karen Chekerdjian Stock
Located in Milan, IT
The value of change in a simple act, in stock. Karen Chekerdjian’s new creation puts design front and centre: from one foundation, multiple possibilities. An essential shape and cla...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

Murano Glass Centerpiece Organic Shape
Located in Murano, VE
Discover Oculus, a mesmerizing blown glass plate boasting an organic, casual shape. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, each piece is a testament to the artistry of glassmak...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Ceramic Giraffe Jug Hand Made In South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
In the vast savannas of Africa, giraffes roam gracefully, their long necks reaching for the tender leaves of acacia trees. With each step, they embody elegance and resilience, symbo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Blue Opium Vase by Robbie Hiedinger
Located in New York, NY
Glazed stoneware. Blue glazes. Artist signed on underside.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Set of 3 Outdoor Terracotta Vases from the series "Gardenias" by Jaime Hayon
Located in Barcelona, ES
Jaime Hayon designed the Gardenia Vases in terracotta as a complement to his outdoor furniture collection. The three vases are unique in form, illustrating Hyaon's unmistakable hal...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

New Modern Cigarettes and Cigar Ashtray in Black Marble, creator Chiossi Stock
Located in Milan, IT
Tuscan sculptor Michele Chiossi, has found in marble a medium to describe modernity with its myths and symbols, creating the Contemporary collection. An emoji can be a tray; an emoji heart, not necessarily pierced by an arrow, can be a place of creativity in the kitchen, a chopping board or a working surface; a dash; a zigzag; granting the marble a moment of levity, becoming vertical in a vase; reflecting an ideal image of ourselves. Unique objects to be experienced as a couple, to gift to friends, jewels of our daily lives. Time and smoke pass, ashtrays remain. As everlasting as marble, as elegant as a concentric circle of smoke spreading through the air. Chiossi revisits the most Classic of living room...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

Fragile Structure#18 Norihiko Terayama Kaj Franck
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Green and blue are available. Red is sold. This series is made up of some glass and some ceramic works. These works are highly unique form and looking. Norihiko Terayama created the...
Category

2010s Japanese Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Costantini Diego Modern Real Gold Made Murano Glass Vase with Dragonflies
Located in Murano, Venezia
Handmade Murano glass blown vase with real 24kt gold leaf and multicolored dragonflies attached with magnet. The vase contains 14 dragonflies. Modern...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass

Persimmon Orange Tapered Plum Vase
Located in Chicago, IL
This large tapered vase reinterprets the classic curves of traditional Chinese ceramics with simplified lines and a bright, persimmon-orange glaze. Sculpted by artisans in China's Zh...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Contemporary Reclaimed Hand Blown Black Glass Sculptured Goblets Set
Located in Camisano Vicentino, IT
"Contemporary Reclaimed Hand Blown Black Glass Sculptured Goblets Set" by Simone Crestani The Reclaimed Goblets Collection Discover the Reclaimed Goblets Collection, a trio of goble...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Blown Glass

Ceramic Zebra Teapot , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Love Art Ceramic's zebra teapot, sculpted by Sbusiso Ndaba and painted by Sli Mazibuko, this is a unique piece of art these artist only make one never repeat the same piece, embodie...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Boys and Toys (U R A Fat Queen) - Painting & Vanity Mirror, Objet D'art
Located in Chicago, IL
Self-taught artist John Seubert, AKA John Dolly, repurposes objects he uncovers as he rehabs older homes in Chicago. Here, a framed mirror is attached to the back of a multi object c...
Category

2010s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Mirror, Reclaimed Wood, Paint

Poole Midcentury Modern Classical Sterling Silver Box
Located in New York, NY
Midcentury Modern sterling silver box. Made by Poole in Taunton, Mass. Rectangular with straight sides. Cover hinged with curved top. Cast corner bracket supports in form of Classica...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Sterling Silver

Ceramic Tiger Peanut Bowl , hand made And Painted in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Senzo Duma Ceramics presents a handcrafted ceramic tiger peanut bowl, sculpted by Lefu and painted by Samkelo. This exquisite piece captures the tender bond between mother and cub, ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Glass Water Balloon Sculptures Trio by Dylan Martinez
Located in East Quogue, NY
Dylan Martinez’s hyperrealistic water balloons are made of solid sculpted glass sandblasted and acid-etched to resemble real water balloons. The sculptures are made in small batches,...
Category

2010s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass

Leaded Glass Oddity
Located in Chicago, IL
This curious fourteen-sided leaded glass object is a true enigma. Constructed from opaque white glass panels connected by squiggly lead lines, its purpose remains a mystery. While i...
Category

20th Century American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Pair of Small Pink & Blue Glass Pac-Man Ghost Glass Sculptures by Dylan Martinez
Located in East Quogue, NY
This pair of whimsical Pac-Man Ghost sculptures pays homage to the iconic 1980s video game characters while transcending their pixelated origins, inviting viewers to embark on a visu...
Category

2010s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass

Don't You Dare - Multi-Panel Folding Door Painting, Objet D'art
Located in Chicago, IL
Self-taught artist John Seubert, AKA John Dolly, repurposes objects he uncovers as he rehabs older homes in Chicago. Here, multiple paintings depicting doors are hinged together with...
Category

2010s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Reclaimed Wood, Paint

Yellow Glass Water Balloon Sculptures Trio by Dylan Martinez
Located in East Quogue, NY
Dylan Martinez’s hyperrealistic water balloons are made of solid sculpted glass sandblasted and acid-etched to resemble real water balloons. The sculptures are made in small batches,...
Category

2010s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass

"China Cabinet" Memory Jug by Michael Thompson
Located in Chicago, IL
Based in Chicago, IL, contemporary artist Michael Thompson creates unique kites, collages and mixed media works assembled from material fragments of past and present collected in his...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Stoneware

Ceramic Tiger Teapot , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
It seems there might be a misunderstanding here. South Africa doesn't have native tiger populations. Tigers are typically found in parts of Asia, like India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and B...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Bulgari Modern Classical Sterling Silver Vase
Located in New York, NY
Modern Classical sterling silver vase. Made by Sotirio Bulgari in London in 1989. Tapering bowl with faceted and flared rim and gilt interior; short cylindrical stem and round foot w...
Category

1980s British Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Sterling Silver

Ceramic Tiger Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
As a symbol deeply rooted in African culture, the tiger holds a special significance. While tigers are not native to Africa, they often symbolize strength, courage, and resilience qu...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

American Modern Sterling Silver Jewelry Box
Located in New York, NY
Modern sterling silver jewelry box. Made by Watrous Mfg. Co. (part of International) in Wallingford, Conn., ca 1950. Rectangular with straight sides. Cover hinged and tabbed with gen...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Sterling Silver

Vintage Orange Black and Aqua Green Ceramic Vase by Cortendorf, West Germany
Located in East Quogue, NY
Bright, bold colored orange, black, and aqua green mid-century vase by Cortendorf. A beautiful, bold example of West German Art Pottery from the 1950s. It has its original maker's la...
Category

Mid-20th Century German Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Pottery

Ceramic Tiger Sculpture, hand made in South Africa
By Imvelo Natural Arts
Located in North Miami, FL
Handcrafted in South Africa by local artisans under the brand Imvelo Natural Art, this tiger sculpture ceramic exudes raw beauty and artistic finesse. Sculpted by Bennet and painted...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Ceramic Tiger Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Royal Violet: Handcrafted Tiger Box" by Love Art Ceramic. Sculpted by Motsamay, painted by Sabelo in regal purple. The unique lid, a masterpiece by two artisans, offers a one-of-a-ki...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Ceramic Bird Box Hand Made In South Africa One Of The Kind
Located in North Miami, FL
Crafted by skilled South African artisans, this captivating box takes the form of a majestic bird, capturing the essence of African wildlife. Its lid, adorned with intricate details,...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Alberto Giacometti Inspired Stoneware Centrepiece
Located in Watford, GB
An Alberto Giacommetti inspired stoneware centrepiece hand made by a London based ceramic artist in collaboration with The Two Paths. This would work well as a centrepiece of a dinin...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Stoneware

Italian Modern Sterling Silver Frame for Portrait or Landscape Picture
Located in New York, NY
Modern sterling silver picture frame. Rectangular window in wide, flat, and plain surround. With glass, silk lining, and velvet back and hinged easel support for portrait (vertical) ...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Sterling Silver

8 ft Monumental Abstract Modern Painted Modular Cube Painting Totem Sculpture
Located in Troy, MI
Incredible stacked cube contemporary geometric sculpture circa 1990s Six individual plywood cubes with each facet painted a unique design and color way Secured with steel pins allow...
Category

1990s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Plywood, Paint

Bulgari Modern Classical Sterling Silver Vase
Located in New York, NY
Modern Classical sterling silver vase. Made by Sotirio Bulgari in London in 1989 Tapering bowl with faceted and flared rim and gilt interior; short cylindrical stem and round foot wi...
Category

1980s British Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Sterling Silver

Ceramic Tiger Box, hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
This ceramic tiger box from Love Art Ceramic is not just a piece of art; it's a symbol of strength, beauty, and craftsmanship. Handmade by talented artisans Sbusiso and Minenhle Nene...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Ceramic Tiger Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Title: "Savannah Majesty: Handcrafted Tiger Decorative Box" Crafted with meticulous care by artisans at Love Art Ceramic, this exquisite tiger decorative box captures the essence of ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Abstract Modern Modular Aluminum Op Art Cube Sculpture by Kosso Eloul 1970s
Located in Troy, MI
Modular Cube sculpture by Israeli artist Kosso Eloul 1920-1995 Two pieces in brushed aluminum with black painted wood interior Purchased in Toronto by the original owner circa 1970s...
Category

1970s Canadian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Aluminum

Tiffany American Modern Classical Sterling Silver Vase
Located in New York, NY
Modern Classical sterling silver vase. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1913. Ovoid body with short inset neck and raised foot. Engraved and acid-etched stylized ornament: Imbri...
Category

Early 20th Century American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Sterling Silver

Large Ceramic Pangolin Sculpture, hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
Introducing the "Pangolin Sanctuary" ceramic sculpture, a masterpiece by renowned South African sculptor Thabo Mbhele for Wiseman Ceramics. This larger-than-life piece, standing at 2...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Monumental 1980's Ceramic Vessel
Located in Chicago, IL
Monumental 1980's Ceramic Vessel from the Collection of Ruth Horwich 22" highX 25" wide X 8" depth Beautiful colors, Glazed ceramic with slot in top, double sided designs.
Category

1980s North American Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Brenta pair of vases by Jenna Basso Pietrobon
Located in New York, NY
The Brenta vases is part of a project entitled Break the Mold by artist Jenna Basso Pietrobon. Each vase is unique, you will receive one straight and one collapsed. The standard glaz...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Italian Hand-Painted Ceramic Vase Blue Butterflies on 24kt Gold Accented Surface
Located in Recanati, IT
Our 'Petalouda Gold' majolica vase showcases the timeless allure of the blue butterfly capturing the essence of its elegance. Revered across cultures as a symbol of wishes fulfilled,...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Gold Plate

Gaius Julius Caesar - Caricature Head in Hand-Carved Oak, 1970s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Well it does not look much like what we know about the Roman Emperor Gajus Julius Caesar's facial appearance. But given the inscription to its back Julius - 44 (Caesar died in 44 bef...
Category

20th Century Danish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Oak

Contemporary Red Burgundy Pink Glazed Ceramic Explorer Vase No.3 by Jaime Hayon
Located in Barcelona, ES
The shapely forms of the pieces in the Explorer Collection, have been condensed into these vases. They are objects that are part of my cosmos, taken from my drawings. The materialisa...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Contemporary Ceramic Vulcano Corteccia Texture Lilac Low Vase
Located in Porcia, IT
Dynamic and chic, this versatile vase will diffuse a sophisticated aura into a modern living room or entryway decor. The elegant form of the conical Sil...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Majestic Green Onyx Sculpture Vase Subjects Roses Leaves Hand Carved in Italy
Located in Ancona, Marche
"Roma Imperiale" is not just a vase or rather a sculpture, imagine it as a memory, the memory of a nobility now dissolved, a suspended memory, forgotten in a secret garden, of those ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Onyx, Marble

Marcel Duchamp Thonet Readymade "Porte Chapeau"
Located in Sharon, CT
Thonet manufactured this object (11022) around the turn of the century and was illustrated in their 1904 catalog (see photo). In 1917 Duchamp hung one from the ceiling of his New Yor...
Category

Early 20th Century French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

21st Century Concrete Cement Tray Centrepiece Handmade Pink Flamingo Color
Located in Rome, Lazio
Renzo in a family of multipurpose trays with a very smooth surface and soft curved edges, now available in a different color composition. Each piece is a unique, no two are the same....
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Concrete

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

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

Maelstrom limited edition contemporary bronze resin sculpture by David Tragen
Located in Manchester, GB
This limited edition of twelve wall mounted bronze sculptures is inspired by a fascinating natural phenomenon. In a maelstrom, hidden forces are in play in an alluring dance choreogr...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Contemporary Ceramic Cartocci Texture Print White Bowl
Located in Porcia, IT
The contemporary allure of this stunning sculpture will elevate the design of any interior with its handcrafted, unique, and minimal silhouette. A captivating piece inspired by every...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Sculpture Vase Vessel Solid Rare Pure White Onyx Hand Carved in Italy Wavy Shape
Located in Ancona, Marche
Important sculptural vase carved by hand from a solid block of pure white onyx. The vase is hand sculpted, starting from a large block of white onyx which has been carefully selected...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone, Marble, Onyx

Maelstrom limited edition contemporary bronze sculpture by artist, David Tragen
Located in Manchester, GB
This limited edition of twelve wall mounted bronze sculptures is inspired by a fascinating natural phenomenon. In a maelstrom, hidden forces are in play in an alluring dance choreogr...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Halitrephes limited edition contemporary bronze resin sculpture by David Tragen
Located in Manchester, GB
Sheer delight coupled with some magical visuals of the Halitrephes Maasi, a rare jellyfish of the deep sea, spurred me on to create this limited edition handmade sculpture in its hon...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Copper, Bronze

Vanilla Lune Candle by Greg Natale
Located in Sydney,, NSW
Vanilla Lune from Greg Natale’s divine Solar Collection summons the shimmering purity of moonlight on water. The classic, creamy scent of vanilla warms and soothes, creating a mood o...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Silver

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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