Noguchi Rocking stool Vitra 1954 Maplewood, wallnut-stained
About the Item
- Creator:Isamu Noguchi (Designer)
- Design:Cyclone TableCyclone Series
- Dimensions:Height: 9.85 in (25 cm)Diameter: 14.18 in (36 cm)Seat Height: 9.85 in (25 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:2001
- Condition:This rocket chair has not gone in production. This is why this piece has never been used and just served as a prototype.
- Seller Location:Berlin, DE
- Reference Number:
Cyclone Table
The playful Cyclone table, designed by Isamu Noguchi (1904–88), initially wasn’t a table at all. But the versatile artist, who both worked across disciplines and used widely varying materials, was likely accustomed to things not going exactly as planned.
The insatiably curious son of a Japanese poet and an Irish-American writer, Noguchi yearned to become a sculptor from a young age. He was so moved by the abstract sculpture of Constantin Brancusi — who he assisted in Paris — that he spent several months in Beijing and Japan, studying calligraphy, brush drawing and gardens. Noguchi traveled extensively and viewed materiality, particularly clay and stone, as elemental and even sacred. He excelled in sculpture, and, as a lifelong set designer for such famous choreographers as Martha Graham — who he met while he was sculpting portrait busts — he was uniquely attuned to movement and the relationship between objects and their environment. Ever the venturesome artist, Noguchi began to explore furniture design in the 1940s.
Before it would become the Cyclone table, the sculptor’s metal wire and wood piece took the shape of a rocking stool for legendary furniture manufacturer Knoll. Hans Knoll, the company’s cofounder, was drawn to the chair's distinctive base and thought, “Why not make it a small table to complement Harry Bertoia’s wire chair for children?” Noguchi’s piece was eventually manufactured in a variety of sizes and later, in 1954, it evolved into a side table. It wasn’t until 1957 that Knoll produced it as a full-fledged dining table.
Isamu Noguchi
A sculptor, painter, ceramicist and furniture and lighting designer, Isamu Noguchi was one of the most prolific and protean creative forces of the 20th century and a key figure in the development of organic modernism. Noguchi’s sculptures and designs — his chairs and tables as well as his timeless Akari lamp and other lighting fixtures — share a common spirit: one of lyrical abstraction, tempo and flow and harmonious balance.
Noguchi was born in Los Angeles to an American mother and Japanese father, and spent most of his childhood in Japan. He returned to the United States at age 13, went to high school in Indiana and enrolled at Columbia University to study medicine. At the same time, he took night courses in sculpture.
Within three months, Noguchi left college to pursue art full time. Noguchi was awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship in 1927 and traveled to Paris to work under Constantin Brancusi. It marked a turning point. Inspired by Brancusi, Noguchi embraced abstraction and began to sculpt in the expressive, rhythmic style that would be the hallmark of his work.
Once back in New York, Noguchi was introduced to design by what would become a lifelong collaboration creating sets for choreographer Martha Graham. His first industrial designs were in Bakelite: the sleek Measured Time kitchen timer created circa 1932, and his famed Zenith Radio Nurse intercom, from 1937.
Ten years later, Herman Miller introduced Noguchi’s now-iconic glass-topped coffee table with an articulated wooden base. His washi paper and bamboo Akari light sculptures, handmade in Japan, debuted in 1951. In the late 1950s, Noguchi designed for Knoll, creating such pieces as his dynamic Cyclone table and rocking stool.
For collectors, Noguchi’s furniture and lighting designs remain his most accessible work — they have the same power and presence that Noguchi brought to his art.
Find vintage Isamu Noguchi floor lamps, table lamps, coffee tables and other furniture on 1stDibs.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Berlin, Germany
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 14 days of delivery.
- Herman Miller couch table designed by Charles Eames for Vitra 60iesBy Emil StejnarLocated in Berlin, DEGut erhaltener großer Couchtisch (120cm) von Herman Miller. Kleine Nutzungspuren auf der Tischplatte. Design: Charles Eames Maße: 120x120 Höhe: 49,5 cmCategory
Vintage 1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
MaterialsCrystal, Brass
- DKR Bikini Wirechair designed by Eames for Vitra Lederbezug NeuwertigBy Charles EamesLocated in Berlin, DERarität: Diese Variante wurde nie benutzt. Gelbes Leder! Höhe: 82-47 cm Breite: 50 cm Tiefe: 49 cm Preis pro Stuhl. Sollten Sie an beiden Stühlen interessiert sein, kontaktieren...Category
Mid-20th Century German Organic Modern Chairs
MaterialsChrome
- Original Matthson Stuhl Pernilla Chair I 1962 I DESIGNIKONEBy Bruno MathssonLocated in Berlin, DEMidCentury 'Pernilla' Sessel entworfen von Bruno Mathsson, original Vintage-Design skandinavisch-dänischer Stil. Die Polsterung wurde professionell restauriert, Sitzflächen und der H...Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
MaterialsBentwood
- Mattson Original Eva lounge chair from 1962By Bruno MathssonLocated in Berlin, DEBruno Mathsson reading chair, originally designed in 1934 in laminated beech bent wood with linen webbing. This later version has original webbing and is in worn original condition. Wood reading tray...Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
MaterialsBentwood
- Original Barcelona Stühle M. v. d. Rohe für Knoll 1960er Schwarz IKONEBy Ludwig Mies van der RoheLocated in Berlin, DEDer Barcelona Chair ist eine Stilikone modernen Möbeldesigns und hat Ludwig Mies van der Rohe berühmt gemacht und wurde gleichzeitig zum Markenzeichen von Knoll. Denn der Stuhl wur...Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsChrome
- Round ceiling lamp Kimberly Tiffany-style 60iesBy Tiffany & Co.Located in Berlin, DEThe lamp is an extreme good condition. Nothing has been changed, it is in it's original state and works (shines) perfectly. Round ceiling lamp Kimberly Tiffany-style.Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
MaterialsGlass
- Vintage Noguchi 86t Rocking Stool, VitraBy Isamu NoguchiLocated in Saint Paul, MNIsamu Noguchi iconic rocking stool in blond wood with polished chrome accents, 14” diameter x 17”high. Vitra production.Category
Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Stools
MaterialsChrome
- Isamu Noguchi Rocking Stool for VitraBy Isamu Noguchi, VitraLocated in New York, NYIconic low rocking stool with a maple top and base and chrome-plated steel rods, a 1954 Isamu Noguchi design for Knoll re-issued by Vitra in 2001. Intended ...Category
Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Stools
MaterialsChrome
- Rocking Stool by Isamu Noguchi for VitraBy Isamu NoguchiLocated in Saint Paul, MNIsamu Noguchi iconic rocking stool in dark stained wood with polished chrome accents, 14” diameter x 10”high. Vitra production. Blonde wood stool is available in a separate listing.Category
Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Stools
MaterialsChrome
- Set of Eames Plastic Rocking Armchairs for VitraBy Charles and Ray EamesLocated in Cape Town, WCThe series of plastic chairs created by Charles and Ray Eames for Vitra are amongst the most recognised American furniture designs. A standout from this large family of chairs is the...Category
Vintage 1950s German Mid-Century Modern Rocking Chairs
MaterialsStainless Steel
- White Stained Beech Rocking Chair by Luigi Grassevig Italy, 1970'sBy Luigi Crassevig, CrassevigLocated in bergen op zoom, NLBeautiful 1970's Italian Rocking Chair by Luigi Crassevig for Crassevig Bentwood Beech that has been white stained This chair has been made by steaming Beechwood in these curved s...Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Rocking Chairs
MaterialsRattan, Beech
- Rare Design Icon Rocking Sun Chair by Metz & Co. Vitra Design Museum, 1930By Metz & Co.Located in Vienna, ATAn amazing piece for your chair collection: This sun chair was made in 1930 by Metz & Co. in Holland. The metal base is in the original condition, but we think the fabric is renewed in the 1950s. It is really amazing how comfortable this piece is. You easily change the position by pressing you back and feet against the metal frame. Only a few months ago Vitra Design Museum...Category
Vintage 1930s Dutch Bauhaus Rocking Chairs
MaterialsMetal
Recently Viewed
View AllRead More
How Noguchi Elevated Ashtrays to Objets d’Art
Smoking might have fallen out of fashion, but these ashtrays have enduring design appeal.
Daniel Rozensztroch Can’t Live with Enough Beautifully Useful Objects
The French designer, stylist and creative director offers an inside look at the cabinets of curiosities he calls home in Paris and Nice.