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Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Plaster Virgin Traditional Figure, Circa 1950
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Traditional religious plaster figure of a virgin. Made in traditional Catalan atelier in Olot, Spain, circa 1950. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and...
Category

1950s Spanish Vintage Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Plaster

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 Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Plastic

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 Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Plastic

"The Second World War, " by Winston Churchill
Located in Austin, TX
The Second World War by Winston Churchill from Houghton-Mifflin Company, Boston. A vintage edition of Winston Churchill's six-volume memoir, The Second World War, for which he was a...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

In Stock in Los Angeles, Marc Jacobs Illustrated by Grace Coddington
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Marc Jacobs Illustrated (Hardcover) by Grace Coddington In stock in Los Angeles A unique monograph of over 50 collections created by the fashion desi...
Category

2010s American Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Pair of Signed limited Edition Photography Books by Mel Roberts
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Pair of signed Mel Roberts first edition photography books. From 2000 and 2001. Both books are hand signed. In great condition.
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

The Stanley Kubrick Archives
Located in Tivoli, NY
In 1968, when Stanley Kubrick was asked to comment on the metaphysical significance of 2001: A Space Odyssey, he replied: “It’s not a message I ever intended to convey in words. 2001...
Category

20th Century American Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Billiard Game Set with Cue Balls and Triangle by Impatia
Located in Milan, IT
With each collection, Impatia aims to explore design through different perspectives. Among a strong focus on developing one of kind game tables, it is just as equally important to focus on the accessories. As a result, Impatia offers a range of luxury game accessories that complement each table perfectly. Extending the use of high-quality materials and Italian craftsmanship each accessory set is carefully thought out and designed to perfection. This modern game set is perfect for any billiard lover. Handcrafted in Italy by artisans, the Filotto billiard set...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Chrome

Ando: Complete Works
Located in Tivoli, NY
Ando: Complete Works. Written by Philip Jodidio and published by Taschen in 2007. Philiipe Starck describes him as a "mystic in a country that is no longer mystic." Philip Drew call...
Category

20th Century German Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Italian Living Design: Three Decades of Interiors
Located in Tivoli, NY
Italian Living Design: Three Decades of Interiors by Giuseppe Raimondi. Interiors photographed by Carla De Benedetti. Originally published in Italian under the title Abitare Italia by Gruppo Editoriale Fabbri. First published in the UK in 1990 by Tauris Parke Books. Late twentieth-century design and Italy are almost synonymous - Milan has become the design capital of Europe and Italian styles have been hugely influential. This book examines Italian designs for the home during the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, concentrating on the stunning interiors which they have created. Each decade is introduced with an outline of the trends in industrial design, fashion, cinema, and television, placing them in the context of Italian politics and society, and of manufacturing and marketing developments. Thus clear connections are made between Italian culture as a whole and designs for living, which are extensively illustrated by the book's beautiful photographs. The fine design projects of Franco Albini, Vittorio Gregotti, Gae Aulenti and Ettore Sottsass are among the many which are highlighted and assessed. Furniture, lighting, domestic appliances and kitchen and bathroom units...
Category

20th Century Italian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Italian modern fiftieth anniversary Coca-Cola glass bottles, 1977
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern fiftieth anniversary Coca-Cola glass bottles, 1977 Pair of glass Coca-Cola bottles with drink, the bottles are intact. The two bottles are joined by a paper package th...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Italian Radiophonograph RR126 and Record Player by Castiglioni, Brionvega 1960s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian Radiophonograph RR126 and Record Player by Castiglioni Brothers for Brionvega, 1960s. RR126 radio phonograph and turntable with a rectangular wooden base with dark brown prof...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Cartier Lighter Circa 80s Vintage Model "Santos Palladium" in silver and gold
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Cartier Lighter Circa 80s Vintage Model "Santos Palladium" in silver and gold Elegant Cartier lighter with a unique design, in sterling silver and with 24k gold plated details. Minim...
Category

20th Century French Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Gold Plate, Silver Plate

Herb Lubalin: Art Director, Graphic Designer and Typographer
Located in Tivoli, NY
Herb Lubalin: Art Director, Graphic Designer and Typographer by Alan Peckolick. Published by American Showcase. 1985. Hardcover. This is the definitive book about the typographic im...
Category

20th Century American Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Llardo Madame Butterfly Japanese Geisha Figurine, Signed and Dated
Located in Plainview, NY
A 1970's Lladro figurine of a Madame Butterfly Japanese Geisha holding a fan. The figurine is signed by the maker and dated 1978. The figurine is numbe...
Category

Late 20th Century Spanish Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Porcelain

Vintage Pair Chanel Paris Gripoix Earrings
Located in San Diego, CA
Classic Chic! Incredible pair of vintage Chanel earrings. The pair features a purple Gripoix glass center with surrounding crystals on a 24k gold plated disk with clip. Very few pie...
Category

1980s French Vintage Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Crystal

The Hot House: Italian New Wave Design
Located in Tivoli, NY
The Hot House: Italian New Wave Design by Andrea Branzi. First MIT Press edition, 1984. English text, translated from Italian by C.H. Evans. The Hot House is in part a manifesto and...
Category

20th Century Italian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Archigraphia: Architectural and Environmental Graphics
Located in Tivoli, NY
Archigraphia: Architectural and Environmental Graphics. Edited and designed by Walter Herdeg. Published by The Graphis Press, Switzerland in 1978. English, French and German text. 23...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Atelier International Limited (Cassina) Trade Catalog, 1988
Located in New York, NY
Atelier International catalog in original printed plastic ring binder, with tabbed sections for Seating, Armchairs, Tables, Storage, and Office Furniture. The roster of designers fea...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Plastic, Paper

Michael Graves Chess Set, circa 2000
Located in New York, NY
Carved wood chess and checkers set with board and box by famed architect Michael Graves. Chess board is marked with Graves tag; each chess and pawn piece is signed Graves; USA, c...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Resin, Wood

1990s Jack Magazine Irreverent Art Satire Santa Fe - Set of 4
Located in Seguin, TX
Group of 4 vintage Jack Magazines, Sante Fe, New Mexico edited by Richard Maslow and Art Directer Leah Sherman. Issue 2 1995, issue 4 1996 and issues 5 and 6 1997. Highly graphic and irreverent satire art...
Category

1990s American Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Problems of Design by George Nelson
Located in Tivoli, NY
George Nelson was an American designer, architect, and writer who is known for his contributions to modern furniture design. He was born in 1908 in Hartford, Connecticut and studied ...
Category

20th Century American Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Stranger Music by Leonard Cohen, First Edition, 1993, Signed "Paris Again" Print
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Cohen, Leonard. Stranger Music: Selected Poems and Songs. Toronto: McClellan & Stewart, Inc., 1993. First edition. Rebound with full leather boards, gilt tooling, gilt titles, and ra...
Category

1990s Canadian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather, Paper

Raoul Dufy Original Lithograph Book - 9 Lithograph
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dufy Treasures of the French Painting book. Original Raoul Dufy lithograph book containing 9 plates. Each plate could easily be framed. Very rare Raoul Dufy d...
Category

1940s French Vintage Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

CIAM ’59 in Otterlo: Dokumente der Modernen Architektur
Located in Tivoli, NY
CIAM ’59 in Otterlo documents the projects, talks and discussions held at the 1959 International Congress of Modern Architecture. The book is edited by Oscar Newman and Jürgen Joedic...
Category

1960s German Vintage Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Pierre Charpin: Amidst the Vases
Located in Tivoli, NY
Published in tandem with Pierre Charpin's solo show at Mudac in 2009, this monograph is a reflection of Charpin’s work: simple, unfussy, fluid. It foregrounds drawing as a creative p...
Category

Early 2000s Swiss Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

A Purim Grogger by Jacobs late 20th Century
Located in New York, NY
A Purim Grogger by Jacobs, made in the late 20th Century. Grogger (noisemaker) is shaped in the figure of a red and blue clown with his arms and legs outstretched and connected to t...
Category

Late 20th Century Israeli Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Italian modern Plastic table globe by Tecnodidattica, 2000s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern Plastic table globe by Tecnodidattica, 2000s Fantastic and vintage plastic table globe. The globe is suspended thanks to a transpa...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Plastic

A Purim Grogger by Jacobs late 20th Century
Located in New York, NY
A Purim Grogger by Jacobs in the late 20th Century Grogger (noisemaker) is shaped in the figure of a metallic fish with tan and red fins and attached to the m...
Category

Late 20th Century Israeli Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Michel Comte and Milk A Collaboration 1996-2016 Hardcover in Box
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Michel Comte and Milk: A Collaboration 1996-2016 Hardcover in Box.For more than 35 years, photographer Michel Comte (born 1954) has been one of the most in-demand editorial and fashi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Bicycle Figurine by Designer Marcel Wanders
Located in Waddinxveen, ZH
This small bicycle was designed by Marcel Wanders for Randstad Group. Randstad Group is big employment agency. Since 2018 Marcel Wanders designs a bicycl...
Category

2010s Dutch Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Plastic

book, G.Frattini, Italian design 1988
Located in Felino, IT
Gianfranco Frattini, Italian Design. book. edizioni Biblioteca dell'immagine 1988. edited by Pier Carlo Santini-reserved edition for Acerbis International ( 160 copies) , with accomp...
Category

1980s European Vintage Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

A Fine Crystal Tango Riviera ring by Baccarat, France
Located in London, GB
With a history in making world leading crystal glass pieces long enjoyed by the high society of France, it was natural for the company first known as “Sainte-Anne Glassworks” to embark on its own range of stunning crystal pieces drawing upon its past and present. Baccarat Jewellery...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Crystal

Rare English Nautical Globe with Armillary Sphere (1930) 20th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Rare English Nautical Globe with Armillary Sphere (1930) 20th Century Good condition magnificent globe, with a leather-covered wooden interior terrest...
Category

Early 20th Century English Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Return to Earth, Signed & Inscribed by Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin, First Edition, 1973
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Aldrin, Edwin, Warga, Wayne, Return to Earth. New York: Random House, 1973. First Edition. Signed and inscribed by Buzz Aldrin on front endpage. In original cloth boards and unclippe...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Large French Iron Wall Religious Crucifix Cross
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
A stunning French wall crucifix newly powder coated in a fantastic shade of green. This substantial sculpture in solid would make a statement on a gallery wall featuring other crosse...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Iron

Toshiko Takaezu Signed Japanese Pottery First Edition Book The Earth In Bloom
Located in Studio City, CA
An extremely rare and scarce double-hand signed first edition softcover book "Toshiko Takaezu The Earth in Bloom". The book is signed by both Japanese Hawaiian ceramic/pottery art...
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Chess Checker Board with Hand Crafted Ceramic Chess Pieces
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Solid Wood Chess Checker Board with small raised feet and underside felt lined. Accompanied with hand made Ceramic Chess Pieces by Sally Anderson - in ...
Category

20th Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood, Felt, Ceramic

BIG Original poster by Tomas Salamon - Playbo's world / Baťa , 1992
Located in Praha, CZ
- artist: Tomas Salamon - newly framed, limited edition - (silk-)screen printing, serigraphy jr
Category

1990s Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Glass, Paper

Modernist 14k Yellow Gold Chunky Half-Hoop Earrings
Located in Shippensburg, PA
Modernist 14k Yellow Gold Chunky Half-Hoop Earrings Item # C104603 A fun pair of 14k yellow gold earrings. Specifications: Composition: All items are rigorously tested for metal c...
Category

20th Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Gold

1975 Amphigorey Fifteen Books by Edward Gorey
Located in Seguin, TX
Amphigorey: Fifteen Books by Edward Gorey Published by Berkley Windhover, New York, 1975. Edward St. John Gorey was an American writer, Tony Award-winning costume designer, and art...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

1991 the Doors the Complete Illustrated Lyrics Book
Located in Seguin, TX
The Doors: The Complete Illustrated Lyrics by Danny Sugerman. Published by Hyperion, New York, 1991. Hardcover binding, illustrated dust jacket, good condition.
Category

1990s American Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Carte da gioco in Confezione - Les Must de Cartier Paris - 1976 circa
Located in Milano, IT
Rara perchè intonsa e ancora sigillata scatola di carte da gioco della Maison Cartier per la linea Les Must de Cartier, prodotta solo tra il 1972 e il 1976. Ideale. per un regalo. ...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Textile, Paper

BIG Original Charlie chaplin poster by Claudio Oliveira - Baťa , 1992
Located in Praha, CZ
- artist: Claudio Oliveira - newly framed, limited edition - (silk-)screen printing, serigraphy jr
Category

1990s Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Glass, Paper

Farber Brothers Krome Kraft, A Guide for Collectors Book by Julie Sferrazza 1988
Located in Atlanta, GA
Farber Brothers, Krome Kraft, a guide for collectors. English book, by Julie Sferrazza, 1988. The book contains information on each piece, including the glass manufacturer, color, and additional black-and-white illustrations. It is a must-have for the serious collector. It is an excellent resource for the history of Farberware, Farber Bros N.Y.C., Krome-Kraft, and Cambridge Glass. The quality of the pictures is outstanding, and they are thoughtfully organized. Further, each item pictured provides a cross-reference that directs you to text within the book that fully describes the item, catalog number where available, measurements, original glass color availability, original price, and market value (of the 1988 period). This is a beautiful coffee table art book. Features: Title: Farber Brothers - Krome Kraft - A guide for collectors. Author: Julie Sferrazza. Softcover book. Language: English. 44 full-color and numerous black-and-white illustrations. 183 pages. Dimensions: 6 in x 9 in (15.5 x 23 cm). Publish in 1988 by Antique Publications...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

1968-1970 Hardbound Vogue Magazines, Set of 9
Located in Stamford, CT
Set of nine hardcover cloth bound ex-libris Vogue magazines from 1968-1970. Dark green cloth binding with gold embossed lettering. Featuring many iconic covers and editorials from D...
Category

1960s American Vintage Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Canvas, Paper

Silver and Brass Lighter, Hermes, Italy, c. 1970
Located in New York City, NY
This vintage Hermes lighter is meticulously crafted in brass and silver and adorned with the iconic Hermes logo.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Sterling Silver, Brass

Band ring in white gold with brilliant-cut diamond
Located in Münster, DE
Ring with brilliant-cut solitaire diamond, 0.6 ct., Top Wesselton, VSI, set in 750/- white gold, ring size 54 A simple and timeless goldsmith's work that is suitable for everyday...
Category

2010s German Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Gold

ANCIENT FORM OF FRENCH HATS early 20th Century Maillard Allie
Located in Madrid, ES
ANCIENT FORM OF FRENCH HATS early 20th Century from the Maillard Allie brand in wood and metal. Small defects, not tested. Dim.: 19 x 29 cm
Category

20th Century French Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Brooch with South Sea Pearls and Diamonds in White Gold
Located in Münster, DE
Brooch set with 6 South Sea pearls, set in 750/- white gold, brilliant-cut diamonds, approx. 1 ct. A brooch with a minimalist design that can also be worn as a pendant and which em...
Category

1980s German Vintage Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Gold

Cabinet of Curiosities Display Sculptural Artwork, circa 1950
Located in Barcelona, ES
Exquisite cabinet of Curiosities showcasing a stunning collection of plaster figures and pieces, elegantly presented within a wood and glass display case reminiscent of a Classic scu...
Category

1950s Spanish Vintage Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Plaster, Wood

Band ring in yellow gold with brilliant-cut diamond
Located in Münster, DE
Band ring in 750/- yellow gold, set in the shank in white gold, 1 brilliant-cut diamond, W / SI, approx. 0.4 ct, ring size 60 A simple and timeless goldsmith's work that is s...
Category

1990s German Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Gold

Ring with 2 carat tanzanite stone and diamonds in 18 ct. white gold
Located in Münster, DE
Ring with tanzanite, approx. 2 ct., surrounded by brilliant-cut diamonds, total approx. 0.12 ct., set in 750/- white gold, ring size 57 A magnificently designed ring that plac...
Category

1960s German Vintage Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Gold

Band ring in white gold with 1 carat brilliant-cut diamond
Located in Münster, DE
Ring with brilliant-cut solitaire diamond, 1 carat, top Wesselton, VSI, set in 750/- gold, claw setting, ring size 53 The classic engagement ring with a high-quality stone and ...
Category

2010s German Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Gold

Ring with amethyst stone and diamonds in 18 ct. gold
Located in Münster, DE
Yellow gold ring with oval amethyst, 585/- gold, set with a total of 10 brilliant-cut diamonds in the shank and the head, total 0.2ct, ring size 57 A magnificently designed ring...
Category

2010s German Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Gold

Alexis Bittar Gem Mounted Lucite Flower Pins, 4
Located in New York, NY
Group lot of four Alexis Bittar brooches, one daisy with gold-tone metal stem, one frosted pink lucite flower pin, one fuschia flower mounted with orange gemstones, and one black luc...
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal, Gold

1970s Vintage Pez Witch Candy Dispenser U.S, Pat. 2.620.061 No Feet
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Stunning Pop Art PEZ dispenser from Austria. Made of plastic, in the 1970s. Marked made in Austria and US Pat. 2.620.061. It is a No Feet dispenser. Found at an estate sale in Vienna...
Category

1970s Austrian Vintage Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Plastic

Vintage Westinghouse Shortwave Radio in French Polished Mahogany Case
Located in San Francisco, CA
A handsome Westinghouse combination shortwave radio, the French polished mahogany case housing a tube movement with multiple radio settings, made and s...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Mahogany

Modern collectibles and curiosities for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Modern 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, tables and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, paper and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Modern collectibles and curiosities 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 collectibles and curiosities, popular names associated with this style include Gufram Furniture, A$AP Rocky, dlsc, and Lladro. 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 $7 and tops out at $96,443 while the average work can sell for $986.

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