Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
MID-CENTURY MODERN STYLE
Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. The style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, is characterized by pieces that were conceived and made in an energetic, optimistic spirit by creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living.
ORIGINS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
- Emerged during the mid-20th century
- Informed by European modernism, Bauhaus, International style, Scandinavian modernism and Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture
- A heyday of innovation in postwar America
- Experimentation with new ideas, new materials and new forms flourished in Scandinavia, Italy, the former Czechoslovakia and elsewhere in Europe
CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
- Simplicity, organic forms, clean lines
- A blend of neutral and bold Pop art colors
- Use of natural and man-made materials — alluring woods such as teak, rosewood and oak; steel, fiberglass and molded plywood
- Light-filled spaces with colorful upholstery
- Glass walls and an emphasis on the outdoors
- Promotion of functionality
MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
- Charles and Ray Eames
- Eero Saarinen
- Milo Baughman
- Florence Knoll
- Harry Bertoia
- Isamu Noguchi
- George Nelson
- Danish modernists Hans Wegner and Arne Jacobsen, whose emphasis on natural materials and craftsmanship influenced American designers and vice versa
ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS
- Eames lounge chair
- Nelson daybed
- Florence Knoll sofa
- Egg chair
- Womb chair
- Noguchi coffee table
- Barcelona chair
VINTAGE MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS
The mid-century modern era saw leagues of postwar American architects and designers animated by new ideas and new technology. The lean, functionalist International-style architecture of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus eminences Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius had been promoted in the United States during the 1930s by Philip Johnson and others. New building techniques, such as “post-and-beam” construction, allowed the International-style schemes to be realized on a small scale in open-plan houses with long walls of glass.
Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century modern furniture designs. Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen, who had experimented extensively with molded plywood, eagerly embraced fiberglass for pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair, respectively.
Architect, writer and designer George Nelson created with his team shades for the Bubble lamp using a new translucent polymer skin and, as design director at Herman Miller, recruited the Eameses, Alexander Girard and others for projects at the legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer.
Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi devised chairs and tables built of wire mesh and wire struts. Materials were repurposed too: The Danish-born designer Jens Risom created a line of chairs using surplus parachute straps for webbed seats and backrests.
The Risom lounge chair was among the first pieces of furniture commissioned and produced by legendary manufacturer Knoll, a chief influencer in the rise of modern design in the United States, thanks to the work of Florence Knoll, the pioneering architect and designer who made the firm a leader in its field. The seating that Knoll created for office spaces — as well as pieces designed by Florence initially for commercial clients — soon became desirable for the home.
As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century furniture designers caught the spirit.
Classically oriented creators such as Edward Wormley, house designer for Dunbar Inc., offered such pieces as the sinuous Listen to Me chaise; the British expatriate T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings switched gears, creating items such as the tiered, biomorphic Mesa table. There were Young Turks such as Paul McCobb, who designed holistic groups of sleek, blond wood furniture, and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in minimalist teak dining tables and lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.
As the collection of vintage mid-century modern chairs, dressers, coffee tables and other furniture for the living room, dining room, bedroom and elsewhere on 1stDibs demonstrates, this period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.
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Style: Mid-Century Modern
Mid Century 60s Signed Hand Painted Oil On board
Located in Pasadena, CA
Mid Century 60s Signed Hand Painted Oil On board Framed, Signed marvel '63
22.5 x 18.25 ; image 17.5 x 13.5
Category
1960s Unknown Vintage Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Canvas
Karl Springer Two-toned Saturn Round Mirror
Located in New York, NY
A elegant Karl Springer "Saturn Mirror" with curved mirrored panels. A Taupe (dark gray-brown) bevelled frame surrounds a bevelled mirror center.
Category
1980s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Mirror
Paolo Collini, The Distrustful Light, 1990s, Lithograph
By René Magritte
Located in LA FERTÉ-SOUS-JOUARRE, FR
Original lithograph by the artist titled: La Luce diffidenta / The Distrustful Light. Lithograph is signed at the bottom right and numbered 98/125.
Created in 1993.
A certificate of...
Category
1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Paper
A Surreal Dream oil painting by Noel Dumolard
Located in LA FERTÉ-SOUS-JOUARRE, FR
This captivating artwork, titled "Surreal Dream," is an exquisite oil painting on canvas created by the French artist Noel Dumolard. It portrays a dreamlike scene, born from the arti...
Category
20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Canvas
mid century modern hand sculpted solid oak Impressionist bear
Located in Allentown, PA
This is a mid century hand carved solid oak figure of a bear. This modern impressionist sculpture of a bear is in Golden Oak with a rustic patina. This impression sculpture was made ...
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Organic MCM Marble Interprative Sculpture
Located in Dallas, TX
The Brendan Bass Estate Collection is an homage to the beauty of vintage and antique
pieces, each artfully concealing endless stories collected through the generations in which they...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Marble
Mid-Century Rope Pendant Chandelier Adrien Audoux & Frida Minet
Located in Austin, TX
Rope sphere pendant or chandelier Audoux Minet, circa 1960 with white opaline glass.
Height / 13" the lamp ,total 25.5" with the rope, diameter / 12 inches.
Nautical style.
Category
1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Rope, Glass
Mid-Century Rattan & Ceramic Tiles Coffee Table Adrien Audoux & Frida Minet
Located in Austin, TX
Rare Mid-Century Rattan & Ceramic Tiles Coffee Table Audoux Minet, Circa 1960.
Painting of wild flowers signed.
Height / 19 inches.
Size / 37 inches by 20.5 inches.
Category
1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Ceramic, Rattan
Vintage Signed Studio Pottery Vase from Mid-Century, Artist Stamped
Located in Norton, MA
The black and orange squared bottle-shaped vase stands 11.25". Incised details. The artist's stamp is on the bottom.
Category
1960s Unknown Vintage Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Stoneware, Pottery
Wall Rationalist Wooden Decoration, circa 1960
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Wall Rationalist Wooden Decoration.
Manufactured in France, circa 1960.
In original condition with minor wear consistent of age and use, preserving a beautiful patina.
Mater...
Category
1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Large Maple Articulated Drawing Form
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
This is a very unique piece. A very large articulated drawing form made from Solid Mable wood. The fingers hands and arms all move. Legs all move as shown in the photos. The Piece in...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Maple
Aldo Londi Koala Bear Savings Box, Italy 1960s
By Bitossi, Aldo Londi
Located in Morazzone, Varese
A beautiful Aldo Londi designed Koala bear in the shape of a savings box.
The Koala is made of heavy ceramics - pottery, designed by Aldo Londi in the 1960s, and produced from Bitos...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Ceramic, Pottery
Abstract Tortured Clay Studio Art Pottery Vase
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Incredible mid 20th century tortured clay art pottery vase in the style of Peter Voulkos / Otis School era. Creamy white and black glaze over twisted square tubing.
Stands 22in tall...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Terracotta
Mid Century Folk Art Viking Ship in Wood 1960s
Located in Tilburg, NL
Mid Century Folk Art Viking Ship in Wood 1960s.
Beautiful folk art viking ship, made by a craftsman at home or maybe as a school project somewhere around the 1960s or 1970s. Wonderf...
Category
Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Wood, Pine
Marble Chess Set
Located in Denton, TX
Black and white marble chess board. A classic for chess lovers that also looks great as a home decoration.
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Marble
Doyle Lane California Studio Pottery Mid-Century Modern Ceramic Three Bead Set
By Doyle Lane
Located in Studio City, CA
A beautifully designed, gorgeously glazed, original ceramic three three-bead set (one burnt red, one ocean blue, one white crackle glaze) by famed mid-century American artist and potter Doyle Lane...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Pottery
Aldo Londi Hedgehog Scavo Design, Italy 1960s
By Bitossi, Aldo Londi
Located in Morazzone, Varese
A beautiful Aldo Londi designed hedgehog from the "Scavo" series.
With sgraffito lines decoration on an un-glazed body, 1960s.
No visible defects.
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Ceramic, Pottery
Mid-Century Rope Hand Mirror Adrien Audoux & Frida Minet
Located in Austin, TX
Mid-Century Rope Hand Mirror Adrien Audoux & Frida Minet.
Category
1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Rope, Mirror
wooden Gingerbread Cookie Speculaas Springerle Rolling Pin Antique German 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
An amazing wooden rolling pin. Some hand carved cookie springerle molds on it. It is in very good condition, some scratches but this is old-age. A n...
Category
Early 20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Mid-Century Rope Hook Coat Adrien Audoux & Frida Minet
Located in Austin, TX
French rope hook coat Audoux Minet, circa 1960.
Measures: Height 8 inches , length 8 inches.
Category
1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Rope
Wood Camera Found Art
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hand carved wood camera. This playful sculpture features a painted body in black and red with the carving "C-1XR2" at the front.
Dimensions
6.25" width x ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Putaway, Vintage Toy Chest in Lacquered Metal, circa 1960
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Putaway, vintage toy chest in lacquered metal, circa 1960.
Category
Mid-20th Century Canadian Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Metal
Very Tall Bronze Ndebele Sculpture, Original Mid-Century Modern, 1950s
By Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
This beautiful sculpture by an unknown artist, depicting a Ndebele. Despite of occasionally mistakenly attributed to Carl Hagenauer is it undoubtedly a masterpiece. In earlier times,...
Category
1950s African Vintage Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Bronze
Iconic Vintage PH5 Chandelier for L. Poulsen of DK with Art Work
Located in Søborg, DK
An Iconic Vintage PH5 chandelier by Poul Henningsen for Louis Poulsen of Denmark from the 1970s with abstract art work by Gallery Sixty One.
The art work ...
Category
1970s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Aluminum
Mid-20th Century Hand Painted Double Sided English Fairground Sign
Located in London, GB
Mid-20th Century Hand Painted Double Sided English Fairground Sign
A genuine English mid-20th Century double sided hand painted fairground sign. Better Game, Better Sport, Better Tr...
Category
1950s British Vintage Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Plywood
Walking Stick W/ Faux Burled Wood Handle and Black Enameled Body
Located in New York, NY
This Walking Stick in Faux Walnut and black enamel originates from the United States during the 20th Century. Features a lovely sculptural handle in faux walnut, leading to a brass f...
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Aluminum, Enamel
Mid-Century Wood & Rope Oval Gueridon Adrien Audoux & Frida Minet
Located in Austin, TX
Oval Mid-Century wood & rope gueridon Audoux Minet, Circa 1960.
Height / 19 inches.
Diameter / 23 inches by 15.5 inches.
Category
1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Metal
Children Steiff Large Plush Turtle Toy with Glass Button Eyes 1960s and Wheels
By Steiff
Located in Antwerp, BE
A original Steiff Turtle "sit on" and "pull toy," circa 1950s. Has original pull chord and original rubber wheels with red painted sides; original bar over the top. All original pain...
Category
1950s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Metal
Rude Osolnik Signed Mid-Century Modern Locust Wood Turned Vessel Bud Weed Vase
By Rude Osolnik
Located in Studio City, CA
A beautifully executed, handmade, wood-turned weed vase by master woodturner Rude Osolnik who is widely regarded, along with Bob Stocksdale, as one of the finest woodturners in American woodturning history. In 1992, he was presented by then Kentucky Governor Brereton Jones, the Milner Award, the Governor's Award for Lifetime Achievement.
The vase is made from locust wood, quite rare for Osolnik, features highlighted striped areas of dark and light. It is signed "Osolnik Originals...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Mid-Century Rope Bottle Carrier Adrien Audoux & Frida Minet
Located in Austin, TX
Rope bottle carrier for two bottles Audoux Minet, circa 1950.
Category
1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Rope
Rare Mechanical Store Display "MOJUD" Stockings by Louis G. Audette & Company
By Displaymasters
Located in Buffalo, NY
Rare Mechanical Store Display advertising "MOJUD" Stockings by Louis G. Audette & Company ,New York City.. Amazing graphics.. Remarkable that this survived and remained intact,, Mote...
Category
1940s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Metal
Stan Bitters Signed Large Mid-Century Modern California Pottery Sculpture Bowl
By Stan Bitters
Located in Studio City, CA
A wonderful, unique, beautifully and sumptuously glazed sculptural bowl by American California studio pottery master potter/ceramists Stan Bitters whose work was instrumental in shap...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Earthenware, Pottery
Ceramic Sculptural Wall Plaque by F. Sanchez for Peregnem
By Perignem
Located in Voorburg, NL
Unique 1950s sculptural Perignem ceramic wall plaque made by F. Sanchez (signed). This beauty comes in charcoal black with sophisticated red and green colors. Signed on the backside ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Ceramic
Joseph Abraham Bolinsky (American, b. 1917) Untitled Bronze
By Lynn Chadwick
Located in Buffalo, NY
Joseph Abraham Bolinsky (American, b. 1917) Untitled Bronze,, manner of Lynn Chadwick,, Classic modernist form,, Wonderful patina,,
Profession: Sculptor, educator
Studied: Columbia...
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Bronze
Vintage Caricature Portrait, watercolor on paper, Italy, 1983
Located in Miklavž Pri Taboru, SI
A caricature portrait of an unknown man, created in Trieste (Italy) in 1983 using black watercolor. Since the author is unknown, it adds an air of ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Glass, Wood, Paint, Paper
Mixed Media Work by Scott Kerr
Located in Dallas, TX
Scott Kerr is a self-taught Contemporary Abstract Artist. As a young boy, he was exposed to the art world by his father through the works of a local Texas artist, David Brownlow. Ama...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Paint
Large Bertoia Studios 10-Rod 'B-2700' Brass, Copper & Silver Sound Sculpture
Located in Glendale, CA
Large Bertoia Studios 10-Rod 'B-2700' Brass, Copper & Silver Sound Sculpture. A lyrical and musical sound sculpture with certificate of authenticity signed b...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Silver, Brass, Copper
Mid-Century Spanish Souvenir Model of a late 18 Century Frigate
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
This souvenir model of a late 18 Century Sailing Frigate was crafted in Spain, circa 1950 and sits on an integral wooden base decorated with a small plaque which reads “Fragata Espanola...
Category
Mid-20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Bronze
Contemporary African Art Sculpture from the Makonde Tribe of Tanzania
By Makonde People
Located in Miami, FL
Stunning African Art Sculpture of a Tribal Woman by the Makonde Tribe of Tanzania.
A fine figurative sculpture is made of ebony. This decorative piece of African art is truly eye-ca...
Category
20th Century Tanzanian Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Ebony
Vintage Oil on Board Painting Framed Still Life Modernist MCM Signed 1963 19x20"
Located in Wilton, CT
Vintage still life oil painting on board depicting a pitcher and a bowl of lemons on a checkered towel. Nicely done in confident technique with balanced composition, good color, and ...
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Paint
Mounted Half Block Ship Model of a 1936s America's Cup Sloop the Endeavour II
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Early Mounted Half Block Ship Model of a 1936s America's Cup Sloop
This half block miniature boat model is dedicated to Joe and has quiet the provenanc...
Category
Early 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Cherry, Maple
Italian Giant Clamshell Swan by Gabriella Binazzi
Located in Voorburg, NL
This beautiful large clamshell swan is designed and handmade by Gabriella Binazzi. She creates original and unique objects using strange materials such...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Silver Plate
Barbara Willis Signed Large Mid-Century Modern California Studio Pottery Bowl
Located in Studio City, CA
A beautifully designed and gorgeously glazed large stoneware Mid-century Modern low bowl by California studio pottery artist Barbara Willis (1917-2011). The elongated curved contour...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Pottery, Stoneware
Beatrice Wood Signed Midcentury California Studio Pottery Cat Charger Plate
Located in Studio City, CA
A relatively rare and wonderfully hand-painted charger featuring a mischievous cat by famed American/ California ceramist Beatrice Wood. The portrait of the feline features Wood's un...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Earthenware
LaBarge Attr Mid-Century Modern Gilt Wood Frame Shield\Crest Shaped Mirror 1960s
By LaBarge
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Attributed to LaBarge, this large mirror features a well-proportioned shield or crest shape with a carved and gilt wooden frame. A handsome accent piece for any modern home or hallwa...
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Mirror, Wood
Parrot Sculpture by Sergio Bustamante
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Copper, brass and aluminium Parrot on a hoop hanging stand by Sergio Bustamante, circa 1960. presents some damage to the head and tail.
Sergio Bustamante is a Mexican Artist and scu...
Category
1960s Mexican Vintage Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Metal
1968 'Inflated Dollar' Handmade & Hand Signed Framed Silkscreen by David Weidman
Located in Glendale, CA
1968 'Inflated Dollar' Handmade & Hand Signed Framed Silkscreen by David Weidman. A vintage handmade silkscreen produced by the legendary Los Angeles artist on thick poster paper wit...
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Glass, Wood, Paper
Vintage Gin Sign with bartender and cocktailshaker , Netherlands
Located in Antwerp, BE
Vintage gin sign with bartender and cocktailshaker.
An advertising sign - advertising display for Gin De Kuyper , Netherlands.
This blue sign with a...
Category
Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Other, Tin
1950s French impressionist Painting
Located in DARLINGTON, WA
1950s signed french impressionist painting with thick textured brushstrokes.
measures 38cm x 30cm
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Paint
Pair of 2 Italian Decorative Murano " Fruit" Object 1960
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Behold the captivating duo of exquisite decorative objects crafted from the finest blue Murano glass. This enchanting set features two charming apple figurines and one elegant pear s...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Murano Glass
Bernard Rooke Small Studio Pottery Nature Vase
Located in Norwich, GB
British studio pottery small vase by Bernard Rooke. Featuring leaves and bird decoration. Inscribed BR. Circa 1970.
In very good condition, with no damage.
Bernard Rooke studied p...
Category
Late 20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Pottery
Expressive Clown Painting, signed, c. 1950
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Expressive clown painting - signed "Jen"
circa 1950 - great frame
Frame size = 22.5 x 26.5
Image size = 15.5 x 19.5.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Paint
Tall Brass and Iron Shoehorn Mid-Century Modern
Located in Vienna, AT
For sale is a nice tall shoehorn. It was made from iron which has been painted black, embellished with brass elements and a bright red leather wrapping on the handle. It is represent...
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Brass, Iron
Madonna della neve Elena Scavini, Lenci Torino 1930s Italy
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Antique Lenci Ceramic Madonna of the Snows by Elena Scavini.
Italy Torino, circa 1930
Category
1930s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Ceramic
Carl Auböck Mid-Century Shoehorn Made from Horn
Located in Vienna, AT
For sale is a beautiful Mid-Century Modern shoehorn. It was manufactured in Vienna in the renowned Austrian workshops of Bauhaus-influenced designer Carl Auböck. This horn shoehorn w...
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Horn
California Design Stoneware Weed Pot / Vase by Wayne Chapman
Located in San Diego, CA
An absolutely stunning California design stoneware weed pot / vase by noted San Diego, CA potter Wayne Chapman, circa 1970. The pot is in very good vintage condition and measures 4.5...
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Stoneware, Pottery
King Arthur Mural (16' x 6') by Peter Ostuni for Savoy-Plaza Hotel 1951
By Peter Ostuni
Located in Hanover, MA
Astonishingly beautiful and monumental mural spanning eleven individual panels which when assembled are 16 feet long by 6 feet high. The panels are reverse paint and applique on sheets of Plexiglass and were painted by Peter Ostuni (American, 1908-1992) in 1951 for the lobby bar of the Savoy-Plaza Hotel at Fifth Avenue between 58th and 59th Street, New York City under design firm Tom Lee...
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Plexiglass
Glen Lukens Signed Early Midcentury Glazed California Pottery Weed Pot Vase
By Glen Lukens
Located in Studio City, CA
A very rare early work featuring a dark chocolate brown glaze by master Mid-Century Modern ceramist/potter Glen Lukens whose work has become quite collectible and relatively scarce and difficult to find.
The work is signed and dated (1924) by Lukens on the underside (we have only seen one other piece dated this early and that piece is in the Forrest Merrill Collection).
Lukens was the founder of the University of Southern California (USC) Architectural School’s Ceramics Department where he helped establish and promote clay pottery as a universally acceptable art form. The current popularity of Studio Pottery and ceramics is widely accepted to have started with Lukens who is oft credited with being one of the first artists to raise the stature of Mid-Century Modern Studio Pottery within the art world.
Lukens is famed for his experiments with various glazes and glazing techniques. His influence and glazes can be clearly seen in the works of Otto and Gertrud Natzler, Beatrice Wood, James Lovera, etc. He was also known for combining bright, colorful textile glazes (using natural, organic materials and elements he found in the Mojave Desert, Palm Springs, and Death Valley to make what he referred to as "California Colors") with the rough and raw clay surfaces of his often rudimentary forms and vessels.
Lukens currently has an award in his name (Glen Lukens Award) at the University of Southern California's School of fine Arts.
A very rare, unique, and truly special work This piece would be a tremendous stand-out addition to any collectors of Lukens' work or Mid-Century Modern ceramics collection or eye-catching accent piece in about any setting, modern or otherwise. A must-have.
Lukens work can be found in various museum collections including:
Arizona State University Art Museum, Tempe, Arizona
Huntington Library...
Category
1920s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Folk Art
Materials
Earthenware, Pottery
Mid-century Modern folk art for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Mid-Century Modern folk art 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 folk art created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include folk art, decorative objects, wall decorations and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with ceramic, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Mid-Century Modern folk art 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 folk art, popular names associated with this style include Albert Chubac, Adrien Audoux and Frida Minnet, La Borne Potters, and Beatrice Wood. 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 folk art differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $41 and tops out at $64,764 while the average work can sell for $1,325.