The International Style, a modernist movement within architecture and furniture design that was given its name by American architect Philip Johnson and historian Henry-Russell Hitchcock, was born during the 1920s and ’30s. It gained steam initially in Europe and then in the United States as a response to the first World War. Building projects associated with the movement, as well as vintage International Style chairs, tables and other furnishings, are minimal and pared back.
Pioneers of the International Style — architect Walter Gropius and his Bauhaus colleagues Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Marcel Breuer, De Stijl advocate and Dutch architect J.J.P. Oud and visionary designer Le Corbusier — stripped away decorative elements and placed considerable value on functionality and clean lines, integrating the use of industrial materials like steel, concrete and large sheets of glass in their work. Quite aptly, this mode of design and architectural style coincided with an era now known as the Machine Age and became a global symbol of modernism. The primary motive of its practitioners was to address the changing needs of a rapidly industrializing society, especially the demand for office complexes and apartments in large cities, through economical, technologically advanced, yet aesthetically pleasing designs for furniture and buildings.
“Space and light and order. Those are the things that men need just as much as they need bread or a place to sleep,” said Le Corbusier of the philosophy behind his practical modernist architecture.
The International Style’s designers and architects were inspired by the advantages afforded them by the era’s new technology and industrial machinery as well as state-of-the-art materials. Le Corbusier was fond of framing his buildings in steel but reinforced concrete made far more economic sense. He is probably most admired for the iconic private homes and commercial buildings that he designed or codesigned with his cousin Pierre Jeanneret, which are spread across the world, from New York City to Paris to Chandigarh, India. Today, Breuer’s Wassily Lounge chair; the elegant LC series created by Le Corbusier, Jeanneret and Charlotte Perriand; and Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona chair, crafted with his romantic partner, designer Lilly Reich, are emblems of progressive modernist design and all make prominent use of tubular steel. Vintage originals are the prized cornerstone of collections.
“The International Style is probably the first fundamentally original and widely distributed style since the Gothic,” posited Johnson in the book that accompanied “Modern Architecture: International Exhibition,” an architectural show he cocurated with Hitchcock that featured the work of Frank Lloyd Wright, Le Corbusier, Richard Neutra and others. While the term “International Style” had previously been circulating in Europe, when the show opened at the Museum of Modern Art in 1932, it yielded a much broader application of this important style of design.
Find International Style furniture on 1stDibs.
Vintage Gucci Document Case, Tan Leather, Mid-20th Century, Distressed
By Jonathan Adler, Gucci, Ralph Lauren
Located in San Diego, CA
A rare and authentic vintage Gucci document case crafted in rich tan leather, featuring the house’s iconic green and red web stripe across the front. This classic folio-style piece e...
Leather
Tangka Painting of Manifestations of Padmasambhava Tibet, 20th Century
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A TANGKA PAINTING OF MANIFESTATIONS OF PADMASAMBHAVA TIBET, 20TH CENTURY He appears as the Dorje Drolo. He rides a fierce tigress, and brandishes a vajra in his right hand and a ritual dagger...
Cotton
$7,444 / item
Madras Armchair in Cherry by Laura Gonzalez
Located in Paris, FR
The Madras armchair is made with a hand-carved wooden base and hand-painted in a high-gloss, cherry red lacquer. This flagship armchair from our collec...
Wood, Fabric
Reika Iwami, Contemporary Japanese woodblock print
By Reika Iwami
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Contemporary Japanese woodblock print (Sosaku-hanga) by the female artist Reika Iwami (b. 1927, Tokyo) titled “Water Fantasy A”of a setting full moon on th...
Paper
681 - Vintage Tribal African Rug, 20th Century
Located in Paris, FR
Fabulous vintage North African rug from the 20th century. Although not many people are aware of that, North Africa is home to some of the m...
Wool
Japanese Collagraph Print by Tsuguo Yanai, "Broken Heart"
By Tsuguo Yanai
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Japanese Collagraph Print by Tsuguo Yanai (b. 1953, Hagi, Yamaguchi), titled “Broken Heart” in Japanese with the printing number 2/30 under the image on the left and pencil signatur...
Paper
Hand embroidered linen napkins from the SoShiro Ainu collection
By SoShiro
Located in London, GB
This set of two hand-embroidered linen napkins from SoShiro’s Ainu collection, a collaboration between award-winning artist Toru Kaizawa and Shiro Muchiri, is made with the softest linen and features playful pockets for a creative place setting of cutlery. These highly ornate and decorative napkins enrich any table setting. The Blakiston’s fish owl...
Linen, Natural Fiber
Japanese Satsuma Earthenware Circular Box and Cover
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A Japanese Satsuma earthenware circular box and cover decorated in enamels and gilt with cover showing birds and trees reserved on foliate scrolls on a m...
Ceramic
Hand embroidered linen table runner from the SoShiro Ainu collection
By SoShiro
Located in London, GB
This hand-embroidered linen table runner from SoShiro’s Ainu collection, a collaboration between award-winning artist Toru Kaizawa and Shiro Muchiri, consists of three separate pieces, so it can be buttoned up to form an extra-long runner for larger table settings. It is made from a medium-weight linen, with a 400-gram-per-square-meter thread count, to ensure the runner remains weighted to the desired position on the table. The Blakiston’s fish owl...
Linen, Natural Fiber
Large Pair of Thai Naga Sculptures on Lucite Bases, circa 1880
Located in San Diego, CA
Used in Thailand as temple roof finials or in pairs at entrances to guard against evil spirits and natural disasters, the powerful, mystical naga ar...
Wood
Chinese Elephant Roof Tile, 19th Century Regular price
Located in Savannah, GA
A Chinese elephant roof tile on lucite base, 19th Century. 19 ½ inches wide by 7 ½ inches deep by 15 inches tall
Bronze
Monumental center table in noble wood circa 1950.
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Monumental center table in noble wood circa 1950.
Wood
Hand embroidered linen apron from the SoShiro Ainu collection
By SoShiro
Located in London, GB
This hand-embroidered linen apron from SoShiro’s Ainu collection, a collaboration between award-winning artist Toru Kaizawa and Shiro Muchiri, took design cues from leading chefs, resulting in the addition of clever loops and pockets. The apron, partly inspired by the structure of a kimono, is made of absorbent linen, with a 400-gram-per-square-meter thread count. The Blakiston’s fish owl eyes motif was designed by celebrated Ainu artist Mamoru Kaizawa. It is hand embroidered using 100% silk, and its placement is reminiscent of a kimono obi...
Linen, Natural Fiber
Indian Buffalo in Wood of the 19th Century
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Superb 19th century Indian buffalo in wood Very beautiful Indian work representing an elongated buffalo which has a superb patina and some rest of his original polychromy The buffa...
Wood
Ceramic tray from the Soshiro Ainu collection
By SoShiro
Located in London, GB
The white ceramic tray or English salver from SoShiro’s Ainu collection, a collaboration between award-winning artist Toru Kaizawa and Shiro Muchiri...
Ceramic, Clay, Kaolin
Matcha bowl in ceramic from the SoShiro Ainu collection
By SoShiro
Located in London, GB
The matcha bowl from SoShiro’s Ainu collection, a collaboration between award-winning artist Toru Kaizawa and Shiro Muchiri, is the perfect ceramic tea war...
Ceramic, Clay, Kaolin
6-drawer cabinet of lacquer carved wood and steel from SoShiro Ainu collection
By SoShiro
Located in London, GB
The All Aid Wellness Cabinet from SoShiro’s Ainu collection, a collaboration between award-winning artist Toru Kaizawa and Shiro Muchiri, was initially imagined as a large-scale medi...
Stainless Steel
Vertical garden cart of ceramic and beech wood from the SoShiro Ainu collection
By SoShiro
Located in London, GB
The Herbal Wardrobe cart from SoShiro’s Ainu collection, a collaboration between award-winning artist Toru Kaizawa and Shiro Muchiri, was initially imagined with troughs designed to house an arrangement of various sized potted herb plants, to achieve a visual and aromatic effect that evokes the restorative experience of walking through an herb garden. This versatile storage unit is not only a vertical garden planter, but also can serve as a bar, or a decorative shelf unit in any room. This ceramic and beech wood cart with small locking wheels features three-tiered shelves cast and hand finished in the Veneto region of Italy, renowned for its rich heritage in ceramics. On the white porcelain is a Blakiston’s fish owl...
Ceramic, Beech
Vertical garden of ceramic and turtledove grey wood from SoShiro Ainu collection
By SoShiro
Located in London, GB
The Herbal Wardrobe cart from SoShiro’s Ainu collection, a collaboration between award-winning artist Toru Kaizawa and Shiro Muchiri, was initially imagined with troughs designed to house an arrangement of various sized potted herb plants, to achieve a visual and aromatic effect that evokes the restorative experience of walking through an herb garden. This versatile storage unit is not only a vertical garden planter, but also can serve as a bar, or a decorative shelf unit in any room. This ceramic, beech wood with a turtle grey finish, and small locking wheels cart features three-tiered shelves cast and hand-finished in the Veneto region of Italy, renowned for its rich heritage in ceramics. On the white porcelain is a Blakiston’s fish owl...
Ceramic, Beech
A Chinese Wooden Black Painted Pillow Box, Early 20th Century
Located in ARMADALE, VIC
A Chinese Wooden Black Painted Pillow Box, Early 20th Century Description: The box features a black finish adorned with hand-painted golden garden scenes and floral patterns. Prove...
Wood
Framed Japanese Woodblock Print Yoshida Hiroshi Hirakawa Bridge
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Japanese woodblock print by Yoshida Hiroshi (1876-1950), entitled "Hirakawa Bridge". Part of his iconic series "Twelve Scenes of Tokyo" (Tokyo juni dai), the vertical format print ...
Glass, Wood, Paper
Central Asian Embroidered Textile, “Suzani”, Mid 20th Century
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
This textile is a “Suzani” from Central Asian nomadic peoples primarily from Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Suzanis are embroidered textiles composed of mainly Cotton. They a...
Cotton
$786 / set
H 18.5 in W 18.5 in D 1 in
Pair of Early 20th Century Framed Chinese Silk Embroidered Panels
Located in Germantown, MD
Pair of Early 20th Century Framed Chinese Silk Embroidered Panels, Feature a stitched rendering of a immortals enveloped with flowers and a l...
Silk, Wood
$1,450
H 8 in W 7.125 in D 0.15 in
Japanese Woodblock Print by Yanagawa Shigenobu 柳川重信 '1880 version 2"
Located in Norton, MA
Japanese woodblock print (1823) by Yanagawa Shigenobu 1880 version 2, unframed. About the artist Born in Yanagawa in 1787, Shigenobu worked as a puppet maker before a successful ca...
Paper
Japanese Woodblock Print by Totoya Hokkei 魚屋北溪 '1780-1850'
Located in Norton, MA
Original Japanese woodblock print by Totoya Hokkei ????(1780-1850) About the artist Totoya Hokkei (?? ??, 1780–1850) was a Japanese artist best kno...
Paper
Japanese Woodblock Print (1823) by Yanagawa Shigenobu 柳川重信
Located in Norton, MA
Japanese Woodblock Print by Yanagawa Shigenobu 1787-1832, unframed. ABOUT THE ARTIST Born in Yanagawa in 1787, Shigenobu worked as a puppet ma...
Paper
$2,200
H 1.5 in W 24.5 in D 1.5 in
Antique 18th Century Tibetan Buddhist Gilded Iron Lama's Pen Case Derge 1700
Located in Portland, OR
A fine & unusally large antique Tibetan gilded iron pen case, circa 1700. The cylindrical pen case in two parts & made from gilded iron, with finely pierced openwork and engraved dec...
Iron
Pair of 19th Century Chinese Huanghuali Horseshoe Back Armchairs
Located in Water Mill, NY
Pair of 19th century Chinese Huanghuali horseshoe back Armchair, with very good patina. Some restoration. Contact dealer for more information.
Japanese Woodblock Print " Three Geishas" Kikukawa Eizan (菊川英山) #1
Located in Norton, MA
Original woodblock work by " Three Geishas" Kikukawa Eizan (????) 1787-1867, depicting the traditional Japanese ladies with the traditional beautiful cu...
Paper
Japanese Woodblock Print by Sadanobu Hasegawa III
Located in Norton, MA
Japanese Woodblock print by Sadanobu Hasegawa III,(1881~1963), unframed. About the artist Born in Osaka, Sadanobu Hasegawa III combines traditi...
Paper
Tapestry of the 20th Century - N° 766
By Royal Manufacture of Aubusson
Located in Paris, FR
Modern tapestry of the 20th century in perfect condition of conservation. Negotiable price and free delivery. Dimension: 150 cm x 78 cm.
Wool
Modern Japanese Lacquered Box. Mid 20th Century. H 5" D 12-1/4".
Located in Branford, CT
Very fine artist made modern Japanese lacquered box. Circa 1960.
Bentwood
Korwar Carved Wood Ancestor Sculpture
Located in Astoria, NY
Korwar Carved Wood Ancestor Sculpture, Indonesian, Melanesian, or Papua New Guinea, depiction of ancestor propping his chin on a shield, wearing a crown, single carved piece of wood...
Metal
Indian Carved Hardstone Figural Relief Sculpture
Located in Astoria, NY
Indian carved hardstone figural relief sculpture, depicting standing female attendant holding a fly swatter. Dealer: S138XX
Stone
Indonesian Andesite Bodhisattva Sculpture
Located in Astoria, NY
Indonesian andesite figure depicting a seated bodhisattva in lotus position / padmasana wearing armbands, earrings, bracelets, necklaces, pants with carved scrolling design, and a he...
Stone
Korean Stacking Yew Wood Cabinets
Located in Astoria, NY
Korean Stacking yew wood cabinets, 19th / 20th bound in blackened metal each with cabinet doors opening for storage, the sides with handles. Dimensions: 40" H x 30.5" W x 13.5" D ...
Metal
Southeast Asian Patinated Bronze Buddha Head
Located in Astoria, NY
Southeast Asian verdigris patinated bronze Buddha head statue sculpture. 10.75" H x 7" diameter. Dealer: S138XX.
Bronze
19th Century Oriental Ink on Paper Drawing
Located in Roma, IT
Important framed 19th Century oriental ink on paper drawing Ideograms were often accompanied by images of animals and objects, but sometimes a...
Wood, Paper
Japanese Kutani Double Gourd Vases, 19th C., Pair
Located in Astoria, NY
Pair of iron red decorated double gourd jars, late 19th century Japanese Kutani ware finely decorated with figures in a garden setting, gilt rim a...
Porcelain
Burmese Giltwood Nat Statue
Located in Astoria, NY
Antique giltwood statue originating from Burma depicting a Nat spirit figure seated upon a red painted base with faded script, the right knee and elbow bent and her hand closed to form a circle, possibly having held a staff at one time. She is adorned in elaborate dress with allover geometric motif, the breastplate wings at the shoulders and her tiered hat is topped by a Shiva linga...
Giltwood
Asian Chinoiserie Style Gilt Lacquer Screen
Located in Astoria, NY
Asian Chinoiserie style small three panel folding screen with gilt lacquered landscapes inset in neoclassical framework. Measures: 31.25" H x 45" W x 1" D.
Wood
Indian Sandstone Carving of Shiva
Located in Astoria, NY
Antique Indian stone carving depicting Shiva, was likely once part of a large ancient altar idol sculpture with multiple deities, now mounted upon a hard...
Sandstone
Thai Stoneware Green Vase
Located in Roma, IT
This is from Thailand and it is fifteenth century. Everything about it says so. The stoneware is terracotta colored and there is a pontil mark on the bottom. Pontils were cylinders ...
Stoneware