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Modern Porcelain

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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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 chaircrafted 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
Bjørn Wiinblad for Rosenthal, Christmas plate with a biblical motif. 1973
Bjørn Wiinblad for Rosenthal, Christmas plate with a biblical motif. 1973

Bjørn Wiinblad for Rosenthal, Christmas plate with a biblical motif. 1973

Located in København, Copenhagen

Bjørn Wiinblad for Rosenthal, Christmas plate with a biblical motif. 1973 - "Heilige 3 Könige Melchior". (Holy Three Kings) Marked. In perfect condition. Dimensions: Diameter 28.5 cm.

Category

1970s German Vintage Modern Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Bjørn Wiinblad for Rosenthal. Two Lotus Porcelain Lidded Tureens
Bjørn Wiinblad for Rosenthal. Two Lotus Porcelain Lidded Tureens

Bjørn Wiinblad for Rosenthal. Two Lotus Porcelain Lidded Tureens

Located in København, Copenhagen

Bjørn Wiinblad for Rosenthal. Two Lotus porcelain lidded tureens decorated with light blue lotus leaves. 1980s. Measures: 22 x 19 cm. In excellent co...

Category

1980s German Vintage Modern Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

La Menagerie Ottomane Dinner Plates - Set of 4
La Menagerie Ottomane Dinner Plates - Set of 4

La Menagerie Ottomane Dinner Plates - Set of 4

By Bertrando Di Renzo

Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT

Discover the fascinating world of exotic animals once hidden within the Sultan’s palaces, often gifted by foreign dignitaries and treasured as symbols of wonder and prestige. La Menagerie Ottomane...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Contemporary Set of 2 Coralla's Mugs Gold Hand Painted Porcelain Tableware
Contemporary Set of 2 Coralla's Mugs Gold Hand Painted Porcelain Tableware

Contemporary Set of 2 Coralla's Mugs Gold Hand Painted Porcelain Tableware

By Coralla Maiuri

Located in Roma, RM

Handcrafted in Italy from the finest porcelain, Coralla's mugs are of her own design and a symbol of her work. Outside, this Apollo Bianco Coralla's Mug has a deep blue décor enriche...

Category

2010s Italian Modern Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Bjørn Wiinblad for Rosenthal, Two Lotus Sauce Boats in Porcelain
Bjørn Wiinblad for Rosenthal, Two Lotus Sauce Boats in Porcelain

Bjørn Wiinblad for Rosenthal, Two Lotus Sauce Boats in Porcelain

Located in København, Copenhagen

Bjørn Wiinblad for Rosenthal. Two Lotus sauce boats in porcelain decorated with light blue lotus leaves. 1980s. Measures: 16.5 x 13 cm. In excellent condition. Stamped.

Category

1980s German Vintage Modern Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Lladró "The Debutante" Fine Porcelain Figurine, 1981
Lladró "The Debutante" Fine Porcelain Figurine, 1981

Lladró "The Debutante" Fine Porcelain Figurine, 1981

By Lladro

Located in McKinney, TX

This beautiful and whimsical retired design by Lladro artist Jose Puche is called "The Debutante" and is a pastel dream! With purple hair and snow white sk...

Category

20th Century Spanish Modern Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Contemporary Set of 2 Tea Cups & Saucer Gold Hand Painted Porcelain Tableware
Contemporary Set of 2 Tea Cups & Saucer Gold Hand Painted Porcelain Tableware

Contemporary Set of 2 Tea Cups & Saucer Gold Hand Painted Porcelain Tableware

By Coralla Maiuri

Located in Roma, RM

Hand painted in Italy from the finest porcelain, this tea cup and saucer, from the Scipione collection, is decorated on the outside with African red enamel intertwined with small gol...

Category

2010s Italian Modern Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Porcelain Tea Set, Model Sahara from 1920s, in Cabana Style
Porcelain Tea Set, Model Sahara from 1920s, in Cabana Style

Porcelain Tea Set, Model Sahara from 1920s, in Cabana Style

By Royal Epiag

Located in Vienna, Austria

Porcelain tea set, model Sahara from the porcelain manufactory Epiag Royal, Czechoslovakia. Company Epiag, later included in the Carlsbad manufactory, is ...

Category

1920s Czech Vintage Modern Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Contemporary Modern, Justine Porcelain Cappuccino Cup Without Handle, White&Blue
Contemporary Modern, Justine Porcelain Cappuccino Cup Without Handle, White&Blue

Contemporary Modern, Justine Porcelain Cappuccino Cup Without Handle, White&Blue

By DAY Studio

Located in İstanbul, İstanbul

Justine porcelain pieces are inspired by the ancient Byzantine jewelry. Delicate porcelain transforms cups into timeless design objects by translating pearl and stone details of jewe...

Category

2010s Turkish Modern Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Christmas Songs Plate by Bjorn Wiinblad for Rosenthal from 1980
Christmas Songs Plate by Bjorn Wiinblad for Rosenthal from 1980

Christmas Songs Plate by Bjorn Wiinblad for Rosenthal from 1980

By Rosenthal, Bjorn Wiinblad

Located in Asti, Piemonte

Porcelain Christmas plate from 1980 by Bjorn Wiinblad made by the German manufacturer Rosenthal. When Rosenthal asked the Danish artist to illustrate a new series of dishes, he decid...

Category

1980s German Vintage Modern Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Collection 6 Espresso Coffee Cup and Saucer Art Porcelain Rosenthal Studio Line
Collection 6 Espresso Coffee Cup and Saucer Art Porcelain Rosenthal Studio Line

Collection 6 Espresso Coffee Cup and Saucer Art Porcelain Rosenthal Studio Line

By Rosenthal

Located in Nuernberg, DE

Collection of Six Rosenthal Studio Line Art Porcelain Espresso Cups and Saucers, Germany, circa 1980s A beautiful and rare collection of six porcelain espresso cups and saucers from ...

Category

1980s German Vintage Modern Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Contemporary Set of 2 Dinner Plates Gold Hand Painted Porcelain Tableware
Contemporary Set of 2 Dinner Plates Gold Hand Painted Porcelain Tableware

Contemporary Set of 2 Dinner Plates Gold Hand Painted Porcelain Tableware

By Coralla Maiuri

Located in Roma, RM

Hand painted in Italy from the finest porcelain, this Michelangelo Charger is material and earthy, like the great Renaissance Master's work. It conveys classical beauty and elegance....

Category

2010s Italian Modern Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Contemporary Set of 2 Soup Coupe Plates Gold Hand Painted Porcelain Tableware
Contemporary Set of 2 Soup Coupe Plates Gold Hand Painted Porcelain Tableware

Contemporary Set of 2 Soup Coupe Plates Gold Hand Painted Porcelain Tableware

By Coralla Maiuri

Located in Roma, RM

Hand painted in Italy from the finest porcelain, this Dafne soup coupe plate has a narrow pink and blue dotted rim surrounding a broad, delicate golden decor of stylised flowers; sub...

Category

2010s Italian Modern Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Contemporary Set of 2 Dessert Plates Gold Hand Painted Porcelain Tableware
Contemporary Set of 2 Dessert Plates Gold Hand Painted Porcelain Tableware

Contemporary Set of 2 Dessert Plates Gold Hand Painted Porcelain Tableware

By Coralla Maiuri

Located in Roma, RM

Hand painted in Italy from the finest porcelain, this Dafne Dessert Rim Plate has a narrow pink and blue dotted rim surrounding a broad, delicate golden decor of stylised flowers; su...

Category

2010s Italian Modern Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Contemporary Set of 2 Teacups and Saucer Gold Hand Painted Porcelain Tableware
Contemporary Set of 2 Teacups and Saucer Gold Hand Painted Porcelain Tableware

Contemporary Set of 2 Teacups and Saucer Gold Hand Painted Porcelain Tableware

By Coralla Maiuri

Located in Roma, RM

Hand painted in Italy from the finest porcelain, this Dafne teacup and saucer has a narrow pink and blue dotted rim surrounding a broad, delicate golden decor on the saucer, white wi...

Category

2010s Italian Modern Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Contemporary Set of 2 Coffee Cups and Saucer Gold Hand Painted Porcelain
Contemporary Set of 2 Coffee Cups and Saucer Gold Hand Painted Porcelain

Contemporary Set of 2 Coffee Cups and Saucer Gold Hand Painted Porcelain

By Coralla Maiuri

Located in Roma, RM

Hand painted in Italy from the finest porcelain, this tea cup and saucer, from the Scipione Collection, is decorated on the outside with African red enamel intertwined with small gol...

Category

2010s Italian Modern Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Rosenthal Studio-Line. Porcelain coffee pot with white glaze and gold décor.
Rosenthal Studio-Line. Porcelain coffee pot with white glaze and gold décor.

Rosenthal Studio-Line. Porcelain coffee pot with white glaze and gold décor.

Located in København, Copenhagen

Rosenthal Studio-Line Coffee pot, 1970s. Elegant porcelain coffee pot with white glaze and geometric gold décor around the body. A classic design from Rosenthal’s Studio-Line series,...

Category

1970s German Vintage Modern Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Large Chinese Vase 20th Century
Large Chinese Vase 20th Century

Large Chinese Vase 20th Century

Located in Madrid, ES

Large Chinese vase 20th century - Very decorative in very good condition. Measure 70 cm high and 40 cm in diameter Good condition.

Category

20th Century Chinese Modern Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Contemporary Set of 2 Coffee Cups and Saucer Gold Hand Painted Porcelain
Contemporary Set of 2 Coffee Cups and Saucer Gold Hand Painted Porcelain

Contemporary Set of 2 Coffee Cups and Saucer Gold Hand Painted Porcelain

By Coralla Maiuri

Located in Roma, RM

Hand painted in Italy from the finest porcelain, this Michelangelo coffee cup and saucer is material and earthy, like the great Renaissance Master's work. It conveys classical beauty...

Category

2010s Italian Modern Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Christmas Songs Plate by Bjorn Wiinblad for Rosenthal from 1994
Christmas Songs Plate by Bjorn Wiinblad for Rosenthal from 1994

Christmas Songs Plate by Bjorn Wiinblad for Rosenthal from 1994

By Bjorn Wiinblad, Rosenthal

Located in Asti, Piemonte

Porcelain Christmas plate from 1994 by Bjorn Wiinblad made by the German manufacturer Rosenthal. The dish is titled “Lo How A Rose E'er Blooming”. When Rosenthal asked the Danish art...

Category

1990s German Modern Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Bumps 2.0 Cobalt Blue Vessel by Arkadiusz Szwed
Bumps 2.0 Cobalt Blue Vessel by Arkadiusz Szwed

Bumps 2.0 Cobalt Blue Vessel by Arkadiusz Szwed

Located in Geneve, CH

Bumps 2.0 cobalt blue vessel by Arkadiusz Szwed Dimensions: L 29 x W 29 x H 7.5 cm Materials: Porcelain Arkadiusz Szwed designs and produce cer...

Category

2010s Polish Modern Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Christmas Songs Plate by Bjorn Wiinblad for Rosenthal from 1991
Christmas Songs Plate by Bjorn Wiinblad for Rosenthal from 1991

Christmas Songs Plate by Bjorn Wiinblad for Rosenthal from 1991

By Bjorn Wiinblad, Rosenthal

Located in Asti, Piemonte

Porcelain Christmas plate from 1991 by Bjorn Wiinblad made by the German manufacturer Rosenthal. The dish is titled “Oh Sheperds, men and women come...” and is reason no. 9 of the se...

Category

1990s German Modern Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Bjørn Wiinblad for Rosenthal, Christmas Plate in Porcelain from 1989
Bjørn Wiinblad for Rosenthal, Christmas Plate in Porcelain from 1989

Bjørn Wiinblad for Rosenthal, Christmas Plate in Porcelain from 1989

Located in København, Copenhagen

Bjørn Wiinblad for Rosenthal. Christmas plate in porcelain from 1989. In good condition. Signed. Diameter: 27 cm. Limited edition.

Category

1980s German Vintage Modern Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

La Menagerie d'Hiver Dessert Plates - Set of 4
La Menagerie d'Hiver Dessert Plates - Set of 4

La Menagerie d'Hiver Dessert Plates - Set of 4

By Bertrando Di Renzo

Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT

Celebrate the beauty of winter with La Menagerie d’Hiver, a set of 6 porcelain plates designed for mountain lovers. Each plate features intricate, hand-ap...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Trio Pure White Vase by Biancodichina
Trio Pure White Vase by Biancodichina

Trio Pure White Vase by Biancodichina

Located in Geneve, CH

Trio Pure White Vase by Biancodichina Unique piece. Dimensions: D 16 x W 25 x H 37 cm. Materials: Limoges porcelain. Glazed and glossy finish inside, bi...

Category

2010s Italian Modern Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Bumps 2.0 Cobalt Blue Cup by Arkadiusz Szwed
Bumps 2.0 Cobalt Blue Cup by Arkadiusz Szwed

Bumps 2.0 Cobalt Blue Cup by Arkadiusz Szwed

Located in Geneve, CH

Bumps 2.0 cobalt blue cup by Arkadiusz Szwed Dimensions: L 11 x W 11 x H 12 cm Materials: Porcelain Arkadiusz Szwed designs and produce ceramic pr...

Category

2010s Polish Modern Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Christmas Songs Plate by Bjorn Wiinblad for Rosenthal from 1993
Christmas Songs Plate by Bjorn Wiinblad for Rosenthal from 1993

Christmas Songs Plate by Bjorn Wiinblad for Rosenthal from 1993

By Rosenthal, Bjorn Wiinblad

Located in Asti, Piemonte

Porcelain Christmas plate from 1993 by Bjorn Wiinblad made by the German manufacturer Rosenthal. The dish is titled “Away in a manger”. When Rosenthal asked the Danish artist to illu...

Category

1990s German Modern Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Set of 4 Bowls by Cica Gomez
Set of 4 Bowls by Cica Gomez

Set of 4 Bowls by Cica Gomez

Located in Geneve, CH

Set of 4 bowls by Cica Gomez Price for set of 4. Dimensions: Ø 8 x H 6 cm Materials: Porcelain Available in different colors. Usual objects. My work is ...

Category

2010s French Modern Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Christmas Songs Plate by Bjorn Wiinblad for Rosenthal from 1977
Christmas Songs Plate by Bjorn Wiinblad for Rosenthal from 1977

Christmas Songs Plate by Bjorn Wiinblad for Rosenthal from 1977

By Bjorn Wiinblad, Rosenthal

Located in Asti, Piemonte

Porcelain Christmas plate from 1977 by Bjorn Wiinblad made by the German manufacturer Rosenthal. When Rosenthal asked the Danish artist to illustrate a new series of dishes, he decid...

Category

1970s German Vintage Modern Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Christmas Songs Plate by Bjorn Wiinblad for Rosenthal from 1985
Christmas Songs Plate by Bjorn Wiinblad for Rosenthal from 1985

Christmas Songs Plate by Bjorn Wiinblad for Rosenthal from 1985

By Rosenthal, Bjorn Wiinblad

Located in Asti, Piemonte

Porcelain Christmas plate from 1985 by Bjorn Wiinblad made by the German manufacturer Rosenthal. The dish is titled “We Three Kings of Orient Are” and is reason no. 3 of the series. ...

Category

1980s German Vintage Modern Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Christmas Songs Plate by Bjorn Wiinblad for Rosenthal from 1990
Christmas Songs Plate by Bjorn Wiinblad for Rosenthal from 1990

Christmas Songs Plate by Bjorn Wiinblad for Rosenthal from 1990

By Bjorn Wiinblad, Rosenthal

Located in Asti, Piemonte

Porcelain Christmas plate from 1990 by Bjorn Wiinblad made by the German manufacturer Rosenthal. When Rosenthal asked the Danish artist to illustrate a new series of dishes, he decid...

Category

1990s German Modern Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

David Leach Lowerdown Studio Pottery Celadon Glazed Bowl
David Leach Lowerdown Studio Pottery Celadon Glazed Bowl

David Leach Lowerdown Studio Pottery Celadon Glazed Bowl

By David Leach

Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire

A very fine Lowerdown Pottery celadon glazed porcelain bowl by renowned potter David Leach OBE (British, 1911-2005) and dating from around 1987. David Leach, the son of the highl...

Category

1980s English Vintage Modern Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Fornasetti Porcelain Themes & Variation Plate, Number 186
Fornasetti Porcelain Themes & Variation Plate, Number 186

Fornasetti Porcelain Themes & Variation Plate, Number 186

By Fornasetti

Located in Downingtown, PA

"Sicilian Surrealism": Fornasetti "Tema e Variazioni" Trinacria Plate, (Face with Three Legs), 1990's A striking and surreal porcelain wall plate from the iconic "Themes & Variatio...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Titicaca Vase by Matteo Thun for Memphis Collection
Titicaca Vase by Matteo Thun for Memphis Collection

Titicaca Vase by Matteo Thun for Memphis Collection

By Matteo Thun

Located in La Morra, Cuneo

Matteo Thun wagers on white for a series of objects in porcelain created for Memphis, turned and shaped by hand. The attention of the observer is caught not by the color but by the u...

Category

2010s Italian Modern Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Ikat Porcelain Dessert Plates - Set of 6, Made in Italy
Ikat Porcelain Dessert Plates - Set of 6, Made in Italy

Ikat Porcelain Dessert Plates - Set of 6, Made in Italy

By Bertrando Di Renzo

Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT

Ikat patterns are an integral part of our colorful world, celebrating the beauty of this timeless design. Inspired by its rich heritage, we’ve transformed some of our most iconic Ika...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Tray with Mercury Gold Milan, Fornasetti Manufactory, circa 1950
Tray with Mercury Gold Milan, Fornasetti Manufactory, circa 1950

Tray with Mercury Gold Milan, Fornasetti Manufactory, circa 1950

By Fornasetti

Located in Madrid, ES

Tray with Mercury. Milan, Fornasetti Manufactory, circa 1950. Porcelain. Brand: graphic symbol with "Fornasetti Milano Made in Italy" and "T" in gold. Dimensions: height 1.7 cm; 13...

Category

20th Century Italian Modern Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal Studio-line. Set of five demitasse cups and saucers
Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal Studio-line. Set of five demitasse cups and saucers

Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal Studio-line. Set of five demitasse cups and saucers

Located in København, Copenhagen

Tapio Wirkkala (1915-1985) for Rosenthal Studio-linie. A set of five demitasse cups with saucers. Modernist retro design. 1980’s. Marked. Perfect condition. Cup: Height 7.0 cm x Dia...

Category

1980s German Vintage Modern Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Arzberg, Germany, Chromatics Coffee Set with Mug and Two Plates
Arzberg, Germany, Chromatics Coffee Set with Mug and Two Plates

Arzberg, Germany, Chromatics Coffee Set with Mug and Two Plates

Located in København, Copenhagen

Arzberg, Germany, Chromatics coffee set with a mug and two plates in shades of purple and pink. Late 20th century. Mug measures H 7.5 cm. x D 10.5 cm. including handle Largest pl...

Category

Late 20th Century German Modern Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Gerold Porzellan Vase
Gerold Porzellan Vase

Gerold Porzellan Vase

By Gerold Porzellan

Located in St.Petersburg, FL

An elegant vase by German maker Gerold Porzellan, circa 1950. White glaze with gold accent.

Category

1950s German Vintage Modern Porcelain

Modern porcelain for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Modern porcelain 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 porcelain created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with ceramic, porcelain and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Modern porcelain made in a specific country, there are Europe, Asia, and East Asia pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original porcelain, popular names associated with this style include 1616 / Arita Japan, Maharam, Scholten & Baijings, and Fornasetti. 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 porcelain 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 $4,750 while the average work can sell for $383.