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Modern Antiquities

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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
1970s Piaget Lady Watch in Gold and Jade
Located in Milan, IT
1970s Piaget lady gold watch, with the face watch in Jade, with original watch strap in alligator signed by Piaget. In excellent condition, it works p...
Category

1970s Swiss Vintage Modern Antiquities

Materials

Jade, Gold

Falster Maurice Villency Brazilian Rosewood Danish Modern Credenza Large Dresser
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a delightful credenza / large dresser by Falster of Denmark, made from Brazilian Rosewood. The pieces were purchased from Maurice Vil...
Category

1970s Danish Vintage Modern Antiquities

Materials

Rosewood

1950s Pair Knoll Leather Butterfly Chairs Jorge Ferrari Hardoy Bonet and Kurchan
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a gorgeous pair of C. 1950 vintage cognac leather Butterfly chairs, designed by Jorge Ferrari Hardoy, Antonio Bonet, and Juan Kurchan for Knoll. This is a vintage ...
Category

1950s American Vintage Modern Antiquities

Materials

Metal

2021 Jens Risom for Knoll Counter Height Stool in Clear Maple with Black Webbing
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a single 2021 production Risom counter height stool designed by Jens Risom and produced by Knoll. This example was acquired directly from a Knoll employee, who pur...
Category

2010s American Modern Antiquities

Materials

Birch, Maple

Carl Auböck Snakeskin Wrapped Brass Pipe Stand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Brass and snakeskin pipe stand by Austrian industrial designer Carl Auböck, c.1950s. The curved brass frame is partially wrapped in a tan and brown snakeskin. Dimensions: 5" widt...
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Modern Antiquities

Materials

Brass

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Art Deco Sideboard in Rosewood from Paris Around 1925
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Ushabti for Imenmes 
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Large Antique Lighter, Iron, France, Early 20th Century
Located in Greven, DE
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18th Century Italian Speckled Gold and Silver Leaf Tassel Ornaments 'Set of 5'
Located in Dublin, Dalkey
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Islamic Intaglio in Sasanian Gold Ring
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Vintage Leather Covered Rhinoceros Sculpture
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
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Vintage Leather Covered Rhinoceros Sculpture
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Antique Leather Gym Punching Boxing Heavy Bag
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Circa 1940. We offer this Antique Leather Gym Punching Boxing Heavy Bag. Beautiful and original chains,
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Brass and Wood Bike Pump, 1930s USA
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cool 1930s antiqued brass and wood bike pump with rubber hose. Metal base with 'Unbreakable Base' embossed on the surface. Amazing patina to body and woode...
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Antique Danish Wooden Mangle Board Wedding Love Gift with Horse Dated 1814
Located in Aarhus C, DK
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Modern antiquities for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Modern antiquities 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 antiquities created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include folk art, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, animal skin and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Modern antiquities made in a specific country, there are Europe, North America, and United States pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original antiquities, popular names associated with this style include Knoll, Jorge Ferrari Hardoy, Maurice Villency, and Jens Risom. 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 antiquities differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $620 and tops out at $7,008 while the average work can sell for $2,113.

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