Modern Sculptures
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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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 chair — crafted 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 Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Costantini Diego Modern Real Gold Made Murano Glass Vase with Dragonflies
By Costantini
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 Sculptures
Materials
Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass
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 Sculptures
Materials
Glass
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 Sculptures
Materials
Blown Glass
Boys and Toys (U R A Fat Queen) - Painting & Vanity Mirror, Objet D'art
By John Seubert
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 Sculptures
Materials
Mirror, Reclaimed Wood, Paint
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 Sculptures
Materials
Glass
Don't You Dare - Multi-Panel Folding Door Painting, Objet D'art
By John Seubert
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 Sculptures
Materials
Reclaimed Wood, Paint
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 Sculptures
Materials
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass
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 Sculptures
Materials
Glass, Art Glass, Blown 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 Sculptures
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 Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic, Stoneware
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 Sculptures
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 Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic, Stoneware
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 Sculptures
Materials
Plywood, Paint
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 Sculptures
Materials
Aluminum
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 Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
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 Sculptures
Materials
Oak
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 Sculptures
Materials
Wood
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 Sculptures
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 Sculptures
Materials
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass
Maelstrom limited edition contemporary bronze resin sculpture by David Tragen
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 Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Maelstrom limited edition contemporary bronze sculpture by artist, David Tragen
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 Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Halitrephes limited edition contemporary bronze resin sculpture by David Tragen
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 Sculptures
Materials
Copper, Bronze
Philip and Kelvin LaVerne "Nude #1" Wall-Hanging Sculpture 1960s (Signed)
Located in New York, NY
"Nude #1", a rare figural wall sculpture incorporating a femaile nude motif in solid pewter by Philip & Kelvin LaVerne, American 1960's (signed with original gallery label on back st...
Category
1960s American Vintage Modern Sculptures
Materials
Pewter
Roberto Estevez Incredible Large Unicorn Sculpture 1979 'Signed and Numbered'
Located in New York, NY
Exquisite large unicorn bust sculpture in cast resin with inlaid bronze mane, solid engraved brass alicorn, and gold leaf ears on a sculptural solid brass base by Roberto Estevez, Am...
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Sculptures
Materials
Brass, Bronze, Gold Leaf
Monumental Marble "Matrix" Sculpture by Robert Winslow
Located in Chicago, IL
Elevate your art collection with this exceptional, monumental, freestanding marble sculpture by acclaimed artist Robert Winslow (b. 1950). Created in 1988 and titled “Matrix”, this a...
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Sculptures
Materials
Marble, Stone
Monumental Travertine "Matrix" Sculpture by Robert Winslow
Located in Chicago, IL
Discover the epitome of artistic mastery with this incredible, monumental, freestanding travertine sculpture by acclaimed artist Robert Winslow (b. 1950). Titled "Matrix D" and craft...
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Sculptures
Materials
Travertine, Stone
"Curvature", Hand Built Ceramic Sculptural Organic Form in Subtle Matte White
Located in Chicago, IL
Using the vernacular of the vessel, I use earthenware clay to create intimate spaces. Each form employs a language that reveals its intentions. My interest lies in the slight shifts ...
Category
2010s American Modern Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic, Earthenware
Cherry Egg, Multi-Drawer Small Decorative Chest, Hand Carved Wood Sculpture
By Steve Turner
Located in Chicago, IL
This hand-carved wood egg sculpture is also a functioning object, with small working drawers capable of storing small collectables.
Steve Turner
Cherry Egg, 2021
cherry wood
12.50H ...
Category
1990s American Modern Sculptures
Materials
Wood
25 Astimelusa Glass Vase, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Astimelusa Glass Vase was originally designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1986. The vase is part of the “Vetri Glass” collection, and made out of blown Murano glass. Signed “E.Sottsass...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sculptures
Materials
Blown Glass
32 Ananke Glass Vase, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Ananke Glass Vase was originally designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1986. The vase is glass blown, and signed on the base, for further information please see authenticity info below....
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sculptures
Materials
Glass
Sirio Glass Flower Vase, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Sirio glass vase was originally designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1982. Signed on the edge of the Stand: "E. Sottsass per Memphis Milano”. For further information please see authen...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sculptures
Materials
Glass
Deneb Glass Vase, by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano Collection
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Deneb vase in multicolored glass was originally designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1982 for Memphis. Signed “E.Sottsass per Memphis Milano”.
Ettore Sottsass was born in Innsbruck in...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sculptures
Materials
Glass
13 Malide Vase, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The 13 Malide glass vase was originally designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1986. The vase is part of the “Malide Glass” collection. Made in Murano glass, and signed on the base “E.Sottsa...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sculptures
Materials
Glass
21 Clesitera Glass Vase by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Clesitera glass vase with pendant, was originally designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1986. The vase is blown glass, and signed on the base, for further information please see authent...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sculptures
Materials
Glass
33 Neobule Glass Vase, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Neobule Glass Vase was originally designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1986. The Vase is glass blown and signed on the base, for further information please see authenticity info below....
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sculptures
Materials
Glass
12 Amaltea Vase, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Amaltea Vase was designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1986. The vase is part of the “Amaltea Glass” collection. Made in Murano. Signed “E.Sottsass per Memphis”. Signed on the base.
Et...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sculptures
Materials
Glass
26 Niobe Glass Vase, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Niobe Glass Vase was originally designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1986. The vase is made out of blown glass and signed on the base. For further information please see authenticity i...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sculptures
Materials
Glass
Apocalypse, Abstract Sculpture, Brightly Colored Geometric Intertwined Form
By Robert Segal
Located in Chicago, IL
Robert Segal’s abstract sculpture offers a particularly fertile ground for experiments in shape, color, proportion, and technique. He steps away from non-traditional sculpting method...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Sculptures
Materials
Acrylic, Fiberglass
31 Imera Glass Vase, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Imera Glass Vase was originally designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1986. The vase is made out of blown glass, and signed on the base, for further information please see authenticity ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sculptures
Materials
Blown Glass
14 Astidamia Vase, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Astidamia glass vase was originally designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1986. The vase is part of the “Astidamia Glass” collection. Made in blown Murano glass, and signed “E.Sottsass ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sculptures
Materials
Glass
Mizar Glass Vase, by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano Collection
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Mizar vase was originally designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1982. The piece features clear and blue glass with multicolored handles.
Ettore Sottsass was born in Innsbruck in 1917. In 1939 he graduated in architecture at the Politecnico di Torino One of the most influential and important figures of the last century, Architect and Designer, he has participated in all radical movements whether created from the 1970s and 1980s. In 1981 he founded the Memphis group, a group that has radically changed the scenario of Italian and world design. Honored with numerous international awards, was winner of the Golden...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sculptures
Materials
Glass
Alioth Glass Vase, by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano Collection
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Alioth Glass Vase was designed by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis in 1983. The Venetian glass vase features blue fusions and black threads. Signed on the base.
Ettore Sottsass was b...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sculptures
Materials
Glass
30 Pasifila Glass Vase, by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Pasifil Glass Vase was originally designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1986 for Memphis. It's part of the “Vetri Glass” collection, made in blown Murano glass. Signed on the base, for ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sculptures
Materials
Glass
5 Atamante Glass Vase, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
5 Atamante vase is in blown glass, and originally designed in 1986 by Ettore Sottsass. Signed on the base, for further information please see authenticity info below.
Ettore Sott...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sculptures
Materials
Blown Glass
Altair Glass Flower Vase, by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano Collection
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Altair Glass Flower Vase was designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1982. Signed on the base, please see below for further information.
Ettore Sottsass was born in Innsbruck in 1917. I...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sculptures
Materials
Glass
11 Erinna Glass Vase, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Erina vase is blown glass, originally designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1986. The vase is part of the “Vetri Glass” collection. Made in Murano, its hand blown with techniques from m...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sculptures
Materials
Blown Glass
34 Agelada Glass Vase, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Agelada Glass Vase with pendant was originally designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1986 for Memphis. It's part of the “Vetri Glass” collection. Made in blown Murano glass, and signed ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sculptures
Materials
Glass
Alpha Centaury Glass Flower Vase, by Marco Zanini for Memphis Milano Collection
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Alpha Centaury Glass Flower Vase was designed by Marco Zanini in 1982. Signed on the base, please see below for further information.
Marco Zanini was born in Trento in 1954. He ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sculptures
Materials
Glass
Yaacov Agam Art
By Yaacov Agam
Located in Weesp, NL
Art Yaacov Agam
Signed and numbered 25/27 from the Meissner Galerie in Hamburg
Measurements: H 33 x W 23 x D 4 cm.
Agam's first solo exhibition was at the ...
Category
1980s French Vintage Modern Sculptures
Materials
Acrylic, Wood
'Girl and Giraffe' sculptural table lamp, Bronze
By Rinat Design
Located in London, GB
'The Girl and the Giraffe' bronze sculptural table lamp, hand crafted, molded and cast in bronze in the lost wax process.
A whimsical sculpture lamp of a young girl and a giraffe, e...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary British Modern Sculptures
Materials
Gold Leaf, Bronze
Bonnie Contemporary LED Medium Pendant, Solid Brass or Chromed
Located in Torslanda, SE
The Bonnie range is designed around the stylized form of a Saffron flower, known around the world for its valuable beauty, fragrance and essence.
Each organic flower-like form is st...
Category
2010s Scandinavian Modern Sculptures
Materials
Brass
Contemporary V Lamp Hardwood, Solid Glass and Brass
By Louis Jobst
Located in London, GB
Louis Jobst' V lamp is composed from, a cone, a sphere and a triangle. Their proportions are carefully judged to create a harmonious formation, with each shape ...
Category
2010s British Modern Sculptures
Materials
Brass
Fleur Peters Glass Object Modern Netherlands Studio Fleur Peters 21st century
Located in Antwerpen, BE
Each object from the Shape Series Collection by Studio Fleur Peters is unique. This yellow version is immediately catching the eye with its mixture of och...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Sculptures
Materials
Glass, Art Glass
Set of Mushroom Sculptures in Cream Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mushroom Sculpture (Set of 2)
Cream Lacquer
Hand Repoussé
Limited Edition
Each piece is individually crafted and is unique.
Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang ...
Category
2010s Modern Sculptures
Materials
Lacquer
Stain Glass Butterfy
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Stain glass butterfly by a New York City artist named Gilly. I knew Gilly back in the 1970s and opened a store very briefly in the village calle...
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Sculptures
Materials
Art Glass
Dali as an Idol, Sculptural Construction W / Mirror, Painting and Found Objects
By John Seubert
Located in Chicago, IL
Self-taught artist John Seubert, AKA John Dolly, uses objects he uncovers as he rehabs older homes in Chicago. This piece is constructed with a small framed mirror...
Category
2010s American Modern Sculptures
Materials
Reclaimed Wood, Paint
Modigliani style Tete sculpture
Located in New York, NY
Contemporary Modernist style sculpture of a head made of composite materials resting on a black base (style of Modigiani "Tete") (signed and made by Austin Productions 1985)
Category
20th Century Unknown Modern Sculptures
Materials
Plaster
Modern sculptures for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Modern sculptures 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 sculptures created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, lighting and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, ceramic and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Modern sculptures 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 sculptures, popular names associated with this style include Mosche Bianche, Superego Editions, Europa Antiques, and Richard A. Hirsch. 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 sculptures differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $19 and tops out at $6,718,000 while the average work can sell for $2,219.
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