Karl Springer Pair of "JMF Chairs" in Lacquered Raffia 1993 'Signed'
About the Item
- Creator:Karl Springer (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 35.5 in (90.17 cm)Width: 18 in (45.72 cm)Depth: 22 in (55.88 cm)Seat Height: 18 in (45.72 cm)
- Sold As:Set of 2
- Style:Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:1990-1999
- Date of Manufacture:1993
- Condition:
- Seller Location:New York, NY
- Reference Number:
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.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: New York, NY
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- 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 "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 Barstools" in Black Lizard Leather 1986 'Signed'By Karl SpringerLocated in New York, NYPair of “JMF Barstools” in black embossed lizard leather with brass footrests by Karl Springer, American 1986 (signed and dated on bottom “Karl Springer 1986”). The embossed leather is very luxurious and these are fine examples of Springer’s superb craftsmanship. Reference: Karl Springer Red Binder Catalog published in the 1980’s, section titled “seating”, on page 21...Category
Vintage 1980s American Modern Stools
MaterialsBrass
- Karl Springer Rare Set of 14 "Regina Dining Chairs" in Antique Silver Leaf 1980sBy Karl SpringerLocated in New York, NYRare set of 14 "Regina Dining Chairs" with elegant curving frames in lacquered antique silver leaf with blue velvet upholstery by Karl Springer, American 1980s. It is very hard to fi...Category
Vintage 1980s American Modern Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsSilver Leaf
- Karl Springer Pair of Rare JMF Benches in Ox Blood Goatskin with Cushions 1970sBy Karl SpringerLocated in New York, NYPair of rare sculptural “J.M.F. Benches” in oxblood lacquered goatskin with seat cushions by Karl Springer, American 1970's. These exquisite benches are stunning in every way. Newl...Category
Vintage 1970s American Modern Benches
MaterialsUpholstery, Wood, Lacquer, Goatskin
- Karl Springer 2-Tier Coffee Table in Embossed Lizard Leather 1993 'Signed'By Karl SpringerLocated in New York, NYBeautifully made "Triangular leg coffee table" with tray top in 2-tone brown and caramel embossed lizard leather designed by Karl Springer 1993 (Original Label on bottom reads "Karl ...Category
1990s American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
MaterialsLacquer, Leather, Wood
- Pair of Signed Karl Springer Goatskin JMF Chairs, 1986By Karl SpringerLocated in Rio Vista, CAHandsome pair of signed and dated iconic Karl Springer JMF chairs featuring a dark, rich parchment leather goatskin finish. Each chair has a si...Category
20th Century American Modern Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsLeather, Wood
- Karl Springer Attributed JMF Chair Lacquered Burlwood PatchworkBy Karl SpringerLocated in Rio Vista, CADramatic Jean Michel Frank JMF chair attributed to Karl Springer featuring an ebonized wood frame covered with a rich burl patchwork. The burl veneer is show...Category
20th Century American Modern Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsFabric, Wood, Burl
- Pair of Karl Springer Goatskin Onassis Chairs with Leather Upholstered SeatsBy Karl SpringerLocated in Los Angeles, CAA pair of original Karl Springer Onassis chairs in lacquered goatskin. The pair have been in a one user household and are in great vintage condition. We have six of the same chair in...Category
20th Century Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsGoatskin, Wood, Lacquer
- 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
- JMF Dining Chairs by Karl Springer, Set of 6By Karl SpringerLocated in Raleigh, NCA stunning restored set of Jean-Michel Frank Chairs by Karl Springer. These have reptile skin stamped leather, newly refinished with a matte black l...Category
Vintage 1970s Post-Modern Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsLeather, Hardwood
- Set of 4 Karl Springer Goatskin Jmf Chairs W Cheetah SeatsBy Karl SpringerLocated in LOS ANGELES, CASet of 4 Karl Springer Goatskin Jmf Chairs W Cheetah SeatsCategory
Vintage 1980s Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsGoatskin, Velvet, Wood
