"Onassis Chair" in Dowel Wood by Karl Springer
View Similar Items
"Onassis Chair" in Dowel Wood by Karl Springer
About the Item
- Creator:Karl Springer (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 30.5 in (77.47 cm)Width: 25.5 in (64.77 cm)Depth: 20 in (50.8 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1980s
- Condition:
- Seller Location:New York, NY
- Reference Number:Seller: chair101stDibs: LU78381230306
Karl Springer
The Berlin-born, New York–based designer Karl Springer brought a chic, high-fashion sensibility to furnishings. During his heyday in the 1970s, Springer’s work was a favorite of the glamour set, who enjoyed the novelty of pieces finished in rich and striking materials that ranged from exotic hides and skins to lacquer and chromed metal. In a sense, Springer was a pre-postmodernist. Much as the dull, safe, corporate sameness of late 20th-century modernism prompted Ettore Sottsass, Michael Graves and others to explore new and provocative structures and materials in design and architecture, so, too, was Springer driven to enliven his creations with fresh and alluring energy and sleekness.
Springer came to New York in the late 1950s and found work arranging window displays at the department store Lord & Taylor. He had studied bookbinding in Germany, and, using his meticulous skills, he began crafting desk accessories wrapped in leather as a sideline. These pieces were sold in luxury stores like Bergdorf Goodman, and drew a sophisticated clientele that included the Duchess of Windsor. By 1965, he had established his own Manhattan atelier, and at his death he had showrooms as far afield as Los Angeles, Tokyo and Munich.
The chairs, tables, credenzas and other furniture forms Springer created are generally simple, but substantial, and often have robust, rounded lines. The appeal of his work lies in Springer's insistence on exacting construction and, above all, his eye for unusual materials and finishes. He employed Lucite, brass, and gunmetal along with chromed and polished steel, and revived exquisite finishes rarely seen since the days of Art Deco masters such as Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann and Jean-Michel Frank: shagreen (a type of sharkskin), python, goatskin, bone, horn, and lacquered parchment, as well as fabrics that include batik prints. Made of such materials, Springer’s work is by its very nature flamboyant and eye-catching: a suite of pieces will astonish, and an artfully placed side table in exotic hide will add a surprising spark.
Find a collection of vintage Karl Springer furniture today on 1stDibs.
- Karl Springer "Regency Arm Chair" in Lacewood Veneer, 1970sBy Karl SpringerLocated in New York, NY"Regency armchair" in lacewood veneer with leather seat and back by Karl Springer, American, 1970s.Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
MaterialsLeather, Wood
- Karl Springer "J.M.F. Chair" in Embossed Lizard Leather 1982 'Signed'By Karl SpringerLocated in New York, NYElegant "JMF Chair" covered in pale celadon embossed lizard leather by Karl Springer, American 1982 (signed, “Karl Springer 1982” on leather label on bottom). Reference: Karl Spri...Category
Vintage 1980s American Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
MaterialsLeather, Wood
- Karl Springer Pair of Jmf Chairs in Ostrich Skin, 1982, 'Signed'By Karl SpringerLocated in New York, NYPair of JMF chairs in ostrich skin by Karl Springer, American 1982 (signed “Karl Springer 1982” on leather label beneath seat). These chairs are exquisitely crafted. Reference: Ka...Category
Vintage 1980s American Modern Side Chairs
MaterialsWood, Animal Skin
- Karl Springer Rare "Regency Armchair" Desk Chair 1980sBy Karl SpringerLocated in New York, NYRare and beautifully made "Regency Armchair" desk chair in polished stainless steel and brass with upholstered seat by Karl Springer, American 1980's. The quality and materials used ...Category
Vintage 1980s American Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
MaterialsBrass, Steel
- Karl Springer Dowelwood Lounge Chair, 1980sBy Karl SpringerLocated in New York, NY"Dowelwood arm chair", a lounge chair in solid oak with seat and back cushions by Karl Springer, American 1980's. This chair is impressive and beautifully crafted. Reference: Karl Springer LTD Red Binder Catalog published in the 1980’s, section “seating” on page 17...Category
Vintage 1980s American Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsFabric, Upholstery, Oak
- Karl Springer Pair of "Onassis Bar Stools" in Lacquered Mahogany, 1970sBy Karl SpringerLocated in New York, NYPair of "Onassis Bar Stools" in mirror lacquered mahogany with upholstered seats and oxidized bronze footrests by Karl Springer, American 1970s. The beautiful wood and meticulous fin...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Stools
MaterialsBronze
- Onassis Chair and Ottoman, attr. Karl Springer , Purple LacquerBy Karl SpringerLocated in Clermont, FLIconic mid-century Onassis chair with ottoman, attributed to Karl Springer. Seat cushions are upholstered in a purple and olive roman stripe fabric with...Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsLacquer
- Set of Eight "Regency" Armchairs in Lacewood by Karl SpringerBy Karl SpringerLocated in Dallas, TXA set of eight regency armchairs in lacewood with original leather designed by Karl Springer for a Steven Chase interior.Category
Vintage 1970s Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsLeather
- Karl Springer LTD, Onassis Chair, USABy Karl SpringerLocated in New York, NYAn iconic form by Karl Springer, the Onassis chairs, originally commission by Jacquelyn Kennedy Onassis, feature a barrel back and semi–circular arm res...Category
2010s American Stools
MaterialsMaple, Goatskin
Price Upon Request - 6 Karl Springer Onassis Chairs in Goatskin with Leather SeatsBy Karl SpringerLocated in Los Angeles, CASet of six original Karl Springer Onassis Chairs in goatskin. The six chairs have been in a one user household and are in great vintage conditi...Category
20th Century Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsGoatskin
- Postmodern Waterfall Lounge Chair in the Style of Karl SpringerBy Karl SpringerLocated in La Mesa, CAThis is a newly reupholstered waterfall lounge chair in the style of legendary iconic furniture designer Karl Springer. The fabric is a very soft and...Category
Vintage 1980s North American Post-Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsVelvet
- Set of Four Onassis White Lacquer Chairs by Karl SpringerBy Karl SpringerLocated in Atlanta, GAA set of four "Jackie Onassis" chairs by Karl Springer, circa 1980s. Finished in glossy white lacquer and upholstered in a black leather with a slight s...Category
Vintage 1980s American American Craftsman Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsWood, Leather
