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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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.
Vintage Tridacna Gigas Clam Shell, Nautical Decor, 1980s
Located in Vilnius, LT
Large vintage natural shell clam "Tridacna gigas" from Indo-Pacific region. Good vintage condition.
Shell
Vintage Riva Aquarama Hardwood Runabout Speed Boat Model Display Case 40"
Located in Dayton, OH
Beautifully crafted wooden speedboat model inspired by the iconic Riva Aquarama, one of the most celebrated classic Italian runabouts. This model captures the elegance and craftsmans...
Plexiglass, Hardwood
21st Century Coat Hanger Full Covered in Real Leather Handcrafted in Italy
By Pinetti
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
The sophisticated addition to transform in an instant the look of your closet. Made with a solid wood structure each hanger is fully dressed in premium calfskin leather with a sof...
Leather
Curtis Jere Brass Wire "Schooner" Table Top Sculpture with Base, 1976
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Signed early version C. Jere 1976 Brass Wire Yacht Sculpture, Brass Sailboat Sculpture by Artisan House. Featuring a one piece three dimensional Sloop ...
Brass
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...
Metal
1980s Wintrade - Beverly Hills Back & Clear Lucite Racing Sailboat Sculpture
Located in St. Louis, MO
1980s Wintrade - Beverly Hills, Intricately made, nautical-themed racing sailboat sculpture with black Lucite hull & clear etched Lucite sails. Label.
Lucite
Art Deco Inspired Boat in Wood and steel Designer: Marcelo Peña, 2024- ANcho
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Logistics and International Shipping We provide a comprehensive export service so that your only concern is enjoying your acquisition. • Door-to-Door Service: Pieces located in our A...
Steel
INTERESTING ITALIAN SUBMARINE "RUDDER" FROM THE EARLY 1900S 20th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
INTERESTING ITALIAN SUBMARINE "RUDDER" FROM THE EARLY 1900S Antique 20th-century Italian submarine rudder. In fact, it wasn't used to steer the vessel, but rather to open or close a...
Iron
21st Century Trousers Hanger with Clips Suede & Leather Handcrafted in Italy
By Pinetti
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
Not only fit for adult clothes, but also fit for children's clothes. Clips can move along bar to adjust for different garment widths. With a leather and soft microfiber coating, ...
Leather, Suede
Ship and submarine with Nazi swastika in a bottle, 1940ca
Located in Praha, CZ
A ship and a submarine in the harbor, Nazi flags. Tiny light bulbs are installed in the diorama (functionality not tested, it missing power cable).
Glass
Engine Order Telegraph. Fenya, Ferrol, Spain, circa Mid-20th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Engine order telegraph. Fenya, Fabricaciones Eléctricas, Navales y Artilleras, S.A., El Ferrol, Spain. Ca. Mid 20th century. Metal, glass, carved wooden base. Electric control bridge...
Metal, Other
Big Art Deco Inspired Boat in Wood and steel Designer: Marcelo Peña, 2024
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Logistics and International Shipping We provide a comprehensive export service so that your only concern is enjoying your acquisition. • Door-to-Door Service: Pieces located in our A...
Steel
Art Deco Inspired Boat in Wood and steel Designer: Marcelo Peña, 2024
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Logistics and International Shipping We provide a comprehensive export service so that your only concern is enjoying your acquisition. • Door-to-Door Service: Pieces located in our A...
Steel
1970s Ritz Italora Italy Car or Boats Sport Set Clock Design by Da
By Italora
Located in Biella, IT
Ritz Italora Italy car or boats sport set clock design by DA in years '70 the clock is original vintage but is new in box with documents, very rare
Metal
$750 / set
H 7 in W 4 in D 4 in
Curtis Jere Mars & Venus Gold Gilt Bookends Sculptures Signed Jeré, 1968
By Curtis Jeré
Located in Saint Louis, MO
A beautiful, and in lovely condition, pair of Mars and Venus Curtis Jere sculptures or bookends depicting the male and female gender symbols on square bases made of gold leafed cast iron. In beautiful condition with original patina and signed "C. Jeré 1968". The gilt really adds a nice warmth and glow. These would look exquisite displayed in a lit bookcase, in a master bedroom, master bath...
Iron, Gold
Brass Case Hitchcock Model "Resolute"
Located in Norwell, MA
America's cup yacht "Resolute" model built by model maker William Hitchcock. Scale hull with fin keel. Gaff rigged with standing and running cords. I...
Wood
$1,344
H 9.45 in W 37.01 in D 11.82 in
Vintage model of a Riva Aquarama Speedboat 3ft with Cream Interior 20th Century
Located in London, GB
This is an exceptional hand-built model of the “Riva Aquarama”, a luxury wooden launch built by the Italian yacht builder Riva, dating from the late 20th century. In production from...
Chrome
$331 / item
H 0.4 in W 5.36 in D 0.75 in
Gucci Vintage Fountain Pen, Metal, 1980s Anniversary Collection
Located in Roma, IT
Vintage Fountain Pen Gucci Anniversary Collection. With its original box and cartridges. Excellent condition.
Metal
Spindizzies Polished Racing Model
Located in Paris, FR
Model Spindizzies polished racing with aluminium structure, with plastic and aluminium details. Model in polished aluminium finish.
Aluminum
$1,658
H 41.13 in W 46.5 in D 7.13 in
1976 Curtis Jere Brass Wire Galleon Ship Sailboat Metal Sculpture Art
By Curtis Jeré
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Poised between abstraction and nautical biography, this Brutalist-era sailboat wall sculpture captures both movement and material poetry. The sail motif is rendered through sharp, to...
Metal, Brass
Giant 18 Inch Natural Clam Shell Specimen
Located in Bradenton, FL
Authentic giant clam shell specimen with its iconic sculptural form and sea inspired colors and textures.
Shell
Large Row Boat or Dinghy Model
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Vintage row boat model hand crafted in mahogany with ambitious accuracy. Painted white with green trim and presented in a custom handcrafted stand.
Mahogany
Riva Model
Located in Paris, FR
Model Riva with wooden structure in light wood in honey brown finish. Speed-boat modal with many hand-crafted details. Model on wooden base.
Wood
1920´s Boxer Sculpture / Table, Mantel Clock
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
1920´s boxer clock. Clock has been repaired and it´s in working condition. Clock has been re-silvered. Perfect Gift for any Box Fan. We have specialized ...
Metal
Large South Pacific Tridacna Gigas Clam Shell
Located in Copenhagen, K
Large South Pacific Tridacna Gigas Clam shell The shell is in very good condition and with a beautiful pink tint.
Shell
Large Natural South Pacific Clam Shell #5
Located in Bradenton, FL
This is a large, 19 inch, gorgeous Natural Clam Shell specimen from the South Pacific seas showcasing deeply scalloped edges, exceptional details and a luminous, calcified surface. ...
Shell
Sold
H 10.24 in W 14.57 in D 13 in
Reclaimed Chrome-Plated Bronze Maritime Bell From The Hoveringham IV
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A Reclaimed Chrome-Plated Bronze Maritime Bell From The Hoveringham IV. An interesting object for the nautical enthusiast; a reclaimed chrome-plated bronze maritime bell engraved wi...
Bronze, Chrome
Set of 8 Antique Fishing Rods and Parts, circa 1900
Located in Barcelona, ES
Set of 8 antique fishing big fishing rods and parts. Made in Spain, circa 1900. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patin...
Plaster, Wood
Set of 7 Antique Fishing Rods and Parts, circa 1900
Located in Barcelona, ES
Set of 7 antique fishing big fishing rods and parts. Made in Spain, circa 1900. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patin...
Plaster, Wood
Sold
H 16 in W 24 in D 3.5 in
Pair of Pink Natural Sea Fans mounted to hand-made Candlesticks by Chriscoe
Located in Leesburg, VA
A pair of Pink Toned Natural Sea Fans mounted to accompanying hand-made Candlestick bases by Chriscoe Graham Chriscoe (candlestick bases) North Carolina, USA; 1990 Approximate size...
Ceramic, Clay
STEAM SHIP MODEL "KING OF THE MISSISSIPPI" 20th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
STEAM SHIP MODEL "KING OF THE MISSISSIPPI" In wood, rope and other materials. Little flaws. Dim.: 30 x 60 x 30 cm good conditions
Wood
Important and Exclusive Spanish Terrestrial Globe 20th Century H: 83cm
Located in Madrid, ES
Important and Exclusive Spanish Terrestrial Globe 20th century of the zodiac made of metal on a solid hardwood base. A unique highly decorative collector's item for any room in the h...
Metal
Amazing and Rare 20th Century Italian Astrolabe H: 94cm
Located in Madrid, ES
Rare 20th Century Italian Astrolabe H: 94cm 94x60 cm approx. Chromed steel astrolabe with engraved zodiac signs. Wooden base. good conditions
Stainless Steel
1980s Barlow Solid Brass Vintage Belt Buckle Sailboat
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Barlow Belt Buckle Solid Brass 3.25 width x 2.25 tall x .25 Vintage buckle belt. Stamped on the back with makers info. Vintage wear. Unrestored vintage preowned condition. Refer...
Brass
Beautiful Terrestrial Globe Early 20th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Precious globe from the beginning of the 20th century made of paper with a beautiful and unique lithograph on a hardwood support with turned legs with signs of the zodiac. A true...
Metal
Important and Exclusive Italian Terrestrial Globe Early 20th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Important and Exclusive Italian Terrestrial Globe Early 20th century of the zodiac made of metal on a solid hardwood base. A unique highly decorative collector's item for any room i...
Metal
Curtis Jere Brass Ship Sculpture, Signed
By Curtis Jeré
Located in New York, NY
Curtis Jere brass ship sculpture, signed. This ship sculpture by Curtis Jere is welded and has a rare box frame.
Brass
Large Hand-Built Model of Wooden Pond Yacht
Located in Kastrup, DK
Large and elegant wooden pond yacht ship model. High quality, hand-built. Made in mahogany with painted hull and lead keel. The boat is named "...
Lead