Postmodern design was a short-lived movement that manifested itself chiefly in Italy and the United States in the early 1980s. The characteristics of vintage postmodern furniture and other postmodern objects and decor for the home included loud-patterned, usually plastic surfaces; strange proportions, vibrant colors and weird angles; and a vague-at-best relationship between form and function.
ORIGINS OF POSTMODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
CHARACTERISTICS OF POSTMODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
POSTMODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
VINTAGE POSTMODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS
Critics derided postmodern design as a grandstanding bid for attention and nothing of consequence. Decades later, the fact that postmodernism still has the power to provoke thoughts, along with other reactions, proves they were not entirely correct.
Postmodern design began as an architectural critique. Starting in the 1960s, a small cadre of mainly American architects began to argue that modernism, once high-minded and even noble in its goals, had become stale, stagnant and blandly corporate. Later, in Milan, a cohort of creators led by Ettore Sottsass and Alessandro Mendini — a onetime mentor to Sottsass and a key figure in the Italian Radical movement — brought the discussion to bear on design.
Sottsass, an industrial designer, philosopher and provocateur, gathered a core group of young designers into a collective in 1980 they called Memphis. Members of the Memphis Group, which would come to include Martine Bedin, Michael Graves, Marco Zanini, Shiro Kuramata, Michele de Lucchi and Matteo Thun, saw design as a means of communication, and they wanted it to shout. That it did: The first Memphis collection appeared in 1981 in Milan and broke all the modernist taboos, embracing irony, kitsch, wild ornamentation and bad taste.
Memphis works remain icons of postmodernism: the Sottsass Casablanca bookcase, with its leopard-print plastic veneer; de Lucchi’s First chair, which has been described as having the look of an electronics component; Martine Bedin’s Super lamp: a pull-toy puppy on a power-cord leash. Even though it preceded the Memphis Group’s formal launch, Sottsass’s iconic Ultrafragola mirror — in its conspicuously curved plastic shell with radical pops of pink neon — proves striking in any space and embodies many of the collective’s postmodern ideals.
After the initial Memphis show caused an uproar, the postmodern movement within furniture and interior design quickly took off in America. (Memphis fell out of fashion when the Reagan era gave way to cool 1990’s minimalism.) The architect Robert Venturi had by then already begun a series of plywood chairs for Knoll Inc., with beefy, exaggerated silhouettes of traditional styles such as Queen Anne and Chippendale. In 1982, the new firm Swid Powell enlisted a group of top American architects, including Frank Gehry, Richard Meier, Stanley Tigerman and Venturi to create postmodern tableware in silver, ceramic and glass.
On 1stDibs, the vintage postmodern furniture collection includes chairs, coffee tables, sofas, decorative objects, table lamps and more.
Vintage Ceramic Rabbit Salt and Pepper Shakers by Takahashi, Japan, Circa 1980s
Located in Fairfield, CA
A pair of vintage ceramic salt and pepper shakers, made in Japan by Takahashi. Finished in glossy white glazes, each is decorated with a rabbit design in front of red honeycomb backg...
Ceramic
Memphis Milano Potato Ceramic by George J. Sowden
By George Sowden, Memphis Milano
Located in Toronto, ON
Potato, designed by George J. Sowden for Memphis in 1985, is a ceramic tray with two metal handles. Round, with a pale green hue, it has raised borders that make it extremely functio...
Metal
$113,092 / item
Deep Green Lava Stone Mural by Olivia Cognet
Located in Geneve, CH
Deep Green Lava Stone Mural by Olivia Cognet Dimensions: W 260 x H 160 cm Materials: Lava stone, Deep Green glaze. Each of Olivia’s handmade creations is a unique work of art, the...
Stone
$337Sale Price / item|25% Off
Rosenthal Line Phases Porcelain White Ball Ornament by Dror Benshetrit, Germany.
By Rosenthal
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Rosenthal Line Phases Porcelain White Ball Ornament by Dror Benshetrit, Germany. To understand the work of Dror Benshetrit, one must grasp the logic and thought processes underlying...
Porcelain
Vintage 1960's Porcelain Coffee Set by Enesco Japan Retro Floral Design
By Enesco
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage ENESCO JAPAN Mid Century Modern porcelain Coffee Set. Beautiful set of 1 coffee or tea pot, 4 cups, sugar and creamer, in porcelain by Enesco Japan, in great condition no ch...
Porcelain
$102,537 / item
Sage Green Lava Stone Mural by Olivia Cognet
Located in Geneve, CH
Sage Green Lava Stone Mural by Olivia Cognet Dimensions: D 8 x W 353 x H 158 cm Materials: Lava stone, Sage Green glaze. Each of Olivia’s handmade creations is a unique work of ar...
Stone
$520Sale Price|20% Off
Kazuko Matthews Post Modern Ceramic Teapot, California, 1980's
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Kazuko Matthews Post Modern Ceramic Teapot, California, 1980's. Kazuko Kayasuga Matthews was born Southern California and was raised in Japan. After she returned to the United Stat...
Ceramic, Stoneware
$3,015 / item
Sconces Palm Wall Lamp by Olivia Cognet
Located in Geneve, CH
Sconces Palm Wall Lamp by Olivia Cognet Dimensions: W 20 x D 20 x H 50 cm Materials: Ceramic. Each of Olivia’s handmade creations is a unique work of a...
Ceramic
$1,382 / item
Object 2 Atlantis Collection by Angeliki Stamatakou
Located in Geneve, CH
Object 2 Atlantis Collection by Angeliki Stamatakou One of a kind, 2022 Dimensions: H16 x W11 cm. Materials: Stoneware, handmade glaze. Colors: blue, pink, ivory. Waterproof insert ...
Stoneware
$2,387 / item
Cohiki Vessel by Studio Cúze
Located in Geneve, CH
Cohiki Vessel by Studio Cúze Dimensions: D 30 x H 37 cm Materials: Clay, white engobe, craquelé glaze. Each piece is unique. Size, color, and shape may vary. Studio Cúze I am a Ber...
Ceramic
Set of 2 White Ceramic 'Kissing" Mugs Designed and Made by Studio Zwartjes
Located in Doornspijk, NL
Niek Zwartjes and Zorka Bezpalcovà are the driving forces behind Amsterdam based Studio Zwartjes. These good looking mugs have such a shape that, when very near to each other, they...
Ceramic
$1,096Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Handmade Cubist Studio Pottery Stoneware Tea Pot W. Inox Handle Artist?
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This stoneware teapot is a true masterpiece of modern studio ceramics. It features a dissolved surface glazed in a combination of semi-gloss sto...
Stainless Steel
Peter Shire Exp Signed Post Modern Ceramic California Pottery Splatter Cup, 1979
By Peter Shire
Located in Studio City, CA
A wonderful work by famed Los Angeles (Echo Park), California-based artist Peter Shire who was a founding member (along with Italian designer Ettore Sottsass and others) of The Memph...
Ceramic, Pottery
Kazuko Matthews Stoneware Post Modern California Studio Zig Zag Teapot with Lid
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Flattened stoneware Post Modernist vase by California studio artist Kazuko Matthews. Teapot measures 16.5" by 9.5" by 3" and is signed Kazuko Matthews on the bottom. In very good vin...
Stoneware
Bitossi Ceramics Blue Sun Figure by Aldo Londi, Handcrafted in Italy
By Bitossi, Aldo Londi
Located in Toronto, ON
From Aldo Londi’s Rimini Blu series, this radiant sun-faced figure glows with hand-stamped motifs and crystalline glaze, equal parts folk charm and modernist icon. All Bitossi ceram...
Ceramic
ST Tropez Mural by Olivia Cognet, Ceramic Wall Sculpture, Post-Modern
Located in Geneve, CH
ST Tropez Mural by Olivia Cognet Dimensions: D 5 x W 320 x H 210 cm Materials: Ceramic. Each of Olivia’s handmade creations is a unique work of art, the snapshot of a precious mome...
Ceramic
Kazuko Matthews Post Modern California Studio Stoneware Teapot with Lid
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Flattened stoneware Post Modernist teapot with lid by California architectural artist Kazuko Matthews. Teapot measures 16" by 12" by 4" and is signed ...
Stoneware
Postmodern Glazed Ceramic Decorative Item attr. to Giovanni Bertoncello, Italy
By Giovanni Bertoncello, Schiavon
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy , 1970s. It is made in brown glazed ceramic and it's attributable to Giovanni Bertoncello for its design. This is a vintage piece, therefore it might show slight traces...
Ceramic
Ceramic vase Memphis, “AVVENIRISTA” by Luciano Florio Paccagnella, Milan, 1990’s
Located in Milan, IT
Memphis Milano painted ceramic vase by Luciano Florio Paccagnella, “AVVENIRISTA” in yellow. Florio was a key member of the Memphis group when he created his series of unique handmade...
Ceramic
'Scorpion Teapot' Ceramic Teapot by Peter Shire, 1982
By Peter Shire
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Large Vintage Glazed Earthenware Teapot by Peter Shire, 1982. Earthenware and Enameled Metal construction, Hand-Built. Approx: 15 1/2" high x 12" wide x 25" long Peter Shire: ...
Metal
Squash Limited Color Edition Gold Ashtray Maria Sanchez for Memphis-Milano
By Maria Sanchez, Memphis Milano
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Limited color edition Squash gold by Maria Sanchez for Memphis-Milano. Brand new item.
Ceramic
Italian Postmodern Black High-Gloss Ceramic Bowl, 1980s, Italy
Located in New York, NY
A striking Italian black ceramic bowl with a high‑gloss finish, Post‑Modern design period, circa late 20th century (1980s–early 1990s), Italy. The piece features a circular silhouett...
Ceramic
$14,233 / set
Ceramic Glazed, Volcanoes Set by Newblue
Located in Geneve, CH
Ceramic Glazed, Volcanoes Set by Newblue Dimensions: D 27 x W 27 x H 33 cm D 26 x W 26 x H 12.15 cm Materials: Recycled Sanitary Ware, Recycled Glass, Quartz and Plant based binders...
Ceramic
Olivia Cognet's Deep Green Stone Mural: Post-Modern Design from France
Located in Geneve, CH
Stone Mural by Olivia Cognet Dimensions: D 5 x W 330 x H 260 cm Materials: Stone Base, Glazed Deep Green. Each of Olivia’s handmade creations is a unique work of art, the snapshot...
Stone
Sven Wejsfelt Ceramic Fish Plates Set 3, Pcs 'Stim' by Gustavsberg, Sweden
By Gustavberg
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Nice small collection of three pieces designed by Wejsfelt, all sizes are different if you need help. the one up is the platter.
Ceramic
Postmodern Rimini Blue Ceramic Fish Money Box by Bitossi, Italy
By Bitossi
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1970s. This is a Rimini blue lacquered ceramic money box by Bitossi, one of the most known Italian ceramic company that was founded i...
Ceramic
$1,250 / set
Marek Cecula Ceramic Set
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A highly unusual, post modern, creamer/sugar ceramic set by Marek Cecula. The two pieces nest into each other, while on a pedestal. A great example of Mar...
Ceramic
Postmodern Ceramic Cookie Jar Designed by Michael Graves Atomic Bomb
Located in San Diego, CA
Great and unique design by Michael Graves classic 1980's postmodern look with atomic Age design , in a white porcelain finish cookie jar with a lid and rubber sealer to keep them fresh.
Ceramic
Postmodern Studio Ceramic Vase Signed
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Postmodern ceramic vase in a pastel palette with black interior, circa 1980s. Intriguing form / shape with geometric and linear decoration. Signed "R" to the underside.
Ceramic
Walnut Wood Mural by Olivia Cognet, Post-Modern Design, France, 120 cm
Located in Geneve, CH
Walnut Wood Mural by Olivia Cognet Dimensions: D 5 x W 250 x H 120 cm Materials: Walnut. Each of Olivia’s handmade creations is a unique work of art, the snapshot of a precious mom...
Walnut
1980s Postmodern Cups, Saucers and Pitcher Set by Baldelli
By Baldelli
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A 1980s set of four cups, four saucers, and a pitcher by Italian ceramics manufacturer Baldelli. Gray, black and white speckled exterior, solid gray interior, and solid colored base (cups base are black and pitcher’s base is blue). In excellent vintage condition. Signed on underside "Designed by Baldelli Italy...
Ceramic
'Belmont' Ceramic Mug Sculpture by Peter Shire, 2016
By Peter Shire
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Glazed Whiteware ceramic mug sculpture by Peter Shire, 2016. Approx: 8 3/4" high x 13" wide x 23" long (to handle). Peter Shire: Peter Shire is an LA-based artist whose work elu...
Ceramic
$605 / item
Mediterranean Bowl by Güler Elçi
Located in Geneve, CH
Mediterranean Bowl by Güler Elçi Dimensions: D 15.5 x H 7 cm Materials: Stoneware Ceramic, Food Safe Glaze. Güler Elçi is a ceramic artist based in Istanbu...
Stoneware
Postmodern White Lacquered Earthenware Horse Head Decorative Object, Italy 1980s
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
This large-scale figure of a horse head was produced in Italy and dates to the 80s. The white glaze gives this piece a modern look and captures the elegance and beauty of the horse....
Earthenware
Rimini Blue Ceramic Pitcher Vase by A. Londi and F. Montelupo for Bitossi
By Flavia Montelupo, Aldo Londi, Bitossi
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
This is a Rimini blue vase from the 1970s. Made in Italy. It was designed by Aldo Londi and produced by Flavia Montelupo, also known as Bitossi. Bitos...
Ceramic
Set of 3 Totem by Olivia Cognet, Ceramic, Post-Modern Design, France
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 3 Totem by Olivia Cognet Dimensions: Small: 170 cm, Medium: 190 cm, Large: 220 cm Materials: Ceramic. Dimensions may vary. Please contact us. Each of Olivia’s handmade crea...
Ceramic
Postmodern Glazed Ceramic Decorative Item by Giovanni Bertoncello for Schiavon
By Schiavon, Giovanni Bertoncello
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy by Giovanni Bertoncello for Schiavon, 1970s. It is made in brown glazed ceramic. It is a vintage piece, therefore it might show slight traces of use, but it can be cons...
Ceramic
Round White Ceramic Catchall by Ambrogio Pozzi with Hand Painted Details, Italy
By Ambrogio Pozzi, Michielotto Top Design
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1980s. This catchall is made in ceramic and features hand painted parts. It might show slight traces of use since it's vintage, but it can be considered as in excelle...
Ceramic
$6,031 / set
Set of 2 Femme Sconces by Olivia Cognet
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 2 Femme Sconces by Olivia Cognet Dimensions: W 20 x D 20 x H 30 cm Materials: Ceramic. Each of Olivia’s handmade creations is a unique work of art, the snapshot of a precious...
Ceramic
Postmodern Blue and Teal Ceramic Vase in the style of Bitossi
By Bitossi
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1960s - 1970s. This is a blue and cyan glazed and engraved ceramic vase. It is a vintage item, therefore it might show slight traces of use, but it can be considered...
Ceramic
$153,805 / item
Brass Mural by Olivia Cognet
Located in Geneve, CH
Brass Mural by Olivia Cognet Dimensions: D 15 x W 200 x H 128 cm Materials: Brass. Each of Olivia’s handmade creations is a unique work of art, the snapshot of a precious moment ca...
Brass
Blue Tea Cups Stack Vase, Italy, 1980s
Located in Firenze, IT
Blue tea cups stack vase Italy 1980s Measures : 31 cm H - 20 cm diam. Conditions: defects & repairs. Check the pictures.
Ceramic
$3,015 / item
Scones Lamp by Olivia Cognet
Located in Geneve, CH
Scones lamp by Olivia Cognet Materials: Ceramic. Dimensions: D 20 x H 30 cm Non electrified. Each of Olivia’s handmade creations is a unique work of ar...
Ceramic
Ceramic sculpture by Lilianne Caumont dating from the 1970s 1980s
By Jules Agard
Located in LE CANNET, FR
Ceramic sculpture resting on a travertine plinth by Lilanne Caumont. She worked on ceramics for 30 years when she lived in Madrid. On her return to France in the 2000s she went to b...
Travertine
'Nob Hill' Ceramic Mug Sculpture by Peter Shire, 2015
By Peter Shire
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Glazed whiteware ceramic mug sculpture by Peter Shire, 2015. Approximate measures: 11 3/4" high x 16 1/2" wide x 29" long (to handle) Peter Shire: Peter Shire is an LA-based art...
Ceramic
Big Ear Mug by Siup Studio, Ceramic, Post-Modern Design, Poland, 2023
Located in Geneve, CH
Big ear mug by Siup Studio. Dimensions: D9 x W16 x H8cm. Materials: Ceramics. Siup is a small design studio based in Warsaw. The concept is created by three friends – Martyna Dy...
Ceramic
$3,438 / item
Large Pleomorph 50B Sculpture by Abid Javed
Located in Geneve, CH
Large Pleomorph 50B sculpture by Abid Javed Dimensions: W 25 x D 10 x 50 cm (Dimensions are variable) Materials: stoneware. Multiple clay color and size options. Handmade stone...
Stoneware
Italian Post-Modern Ceramic Wall Calendar Plate 2013 by Fornasetti, 2013
By Fornasetti
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian post-modern Ceramic wall calendar plate 2013 by Fornasetti, 2013 Wall calendar plate of 2013, limited edition, in ceramic. It present a drawing ...
Ceramic
$3,518 / item
Hole Vase by Solem Ceramics
Located in Geneve, CH
Hole Vase by Solem Ceramics Dimensions: D 7.5 x W 20.5 x H 33 cm. Materials: White stoneware, glaze. This vase is water safe. Please contact us. Waterp...
Stoneware
$201 / item
Cu Vessel by Studio Cúze
Located in Geneve, CH
Cu vessel by Studio Cúze Dimensions: D 8 x W 23 x H 19.5 cm Materials: ceramic, copper The Cu Vessel is a handmade piece for holding and collecting incense sticks. The piece owes it...
Copper
Whimsical Pair of Fish Italian Ceramic salt & Pepper shakers Gold &Silver Finish
Located in San Diego, CA
Whimsical set of salt & Pepper fishes in porcelain gold and silver finish circa 1990's , made in Italy great table piece of conversation.
Ceramic
Pink Resonate Decorative Object in Pink Glazed Ceramic by Ain Choi
Located in Geneve, CH
Pink Resonate Decorative Object in Pink Glazed Ceramic by Ain Choi Dimensions: D 22 x W 15 x H 17 cm. Materials: Ceramic. Waves are particularly fascinating to me among those topics...
Ceramic
$4,226 / item
Sconces Minimalist Wall Lamp by Olivia Cognet
Located in Geneve, CH
Sconces Minimalist Wall Lamp by Olivia Cognet Dimensions: W 80 x D 30 x H 25 cm Materials: Ceramic. Each of Olivia’s handmade creations is a unique work of art, the snapshot of a p...
Ceramic
$10,052 / item
Unique Ceramic Artwork Signed by Jojo Corväiá
By Jojo Corväiá
Located in Geneve, CH
Unique ceramic artwork signed by Jojo Corväiá Measures: 49cm diameter x 53cm high Ceramic object / natural pigments, glaze Jojo Corväiá: In essen...
Ceramic
$326 / item
Cohiki Vetus Vase iii by Studio Cúze
Located in Geneve, CH
Cohiki Vetus vase III by Studio Cúze Dimensions: W 20 x H 25.5 cm Materials: ceramic Waterproof insert is required when using with water or fresh flowers. This rustic vase with its...
Ceramic
Painted Ceramic by French - Moroccan artist Rita Alaoui
Located in PARIS, FR
Painted ceramic by Rita Alaoui. The ceramic is fired in a kiln and the artist then paints it. It is a very poetic work of art that reflects the artist's approach. Rita Alaoui seeks t...
Ceramic, Acrylic
$2,100 / set
Hedwig Bollhagen Biscuit Box Group of Three
Located in Litchfield, CT
By Hedwig Bollhagen, Germany, circa 1960-1970s. These canisters are brilliantly Deco and fabulously Post Modern. Their colorful geometry is perfect fo...
Ceramic
Fabienne Jouvin, two ceramic lidded jars/vessels of Pu Yi .
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Two lidded ceramic jars by the well known artist/designer Fabienne Jouvin . They picture the image of the last China emperor Pu Yi in a post modern pop art style...
Ceramic
Ceramic Nomad Jar Disco Tower by Gilles & Cecilie
Located in Geneve, CH
Ceramic nomad jar disco tower by Gilles & Cecilie Unique Dimensions: H 8 x W 7.5 cm Material: Ceramic painted two tone yellow Gilles and Cecilie Studio created the Nomad Jar Fa...
Ceramic
Vase 1 Atlantis Collection by Angeliki Stamatakou
Located in Geneve, CH
Vase 1 Atlantis Collection by Angeliki Stamatakou One of a kind, 2022 Dimensions: H 9.5 x W 11 cm. Materials: Stoneware, handmade glaze. Colors: blue, pink, ivory. Waterproof insert...
Stoneware