Vintage Karl Springer Pouf in Schumacher Vandebuilt Velvet
View Similar Items
Vintage Karl Springer Pouf in Schumacher Vandebuilt Velvet
About the Item
- Creator:Karl Springer (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 18 in (45.72 cm)Width: 27 in (68.58 cm)Depth: 27 in (68.58 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:1980-1989
- Date of Manufacture:1980s
- Condition:Reupholstered.
- Seller Location:Norwalk, CT
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU920435878802
Karl Springer
The Berlin-born, New York–based designer Karl Springer brought a chic, high-fashion sensibility to his coffee tables, mirrors, Lucite lamps and other 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, Springer had established his own Manhattan atelier. It was Pierre Scapula, decorator to Jackie and Aristotle Onassis, who spotted Springer's disco-era Onassis chairs — which didn't yet have a name — first commissioned for a private residence in Acapulco, on the floor of the designer’s East 61st Street showroom. Jackie ordered barstools for the couple’s yacht, the Christina O, and dining chairs for their house on the Greek mainland.
At the time of his death, Springer 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.
Springer 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 JMF Arm Chair in Lacquered Goat SkinBy Karl SpringerLocated in Norwalk, CTKarl Springer's lacquered goat skin pieces are amongst his most impressive. Springer, well known for outstanding quality and attention detail, produced the JMF chairs starting in 198...Category
Vintage 1980s American Modern Armchairs
MaterialsGoatskin, Lacquer
- Karl Springer Gold FInish Octagonal Mirror, USA c 1980sBy Karl SpringerLocated in Norwalk, CTThis large scale octagonal mirror by designer Karl Springer features a dramatic custom distressed gold leaf finish over wood, detailed with silver gilt dividers. Crafted with Springe...Category
Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Wall Mirrors
MaterialsGold Leaf
- Karl Springer Saturn Mirror, 48", USA c1980sBy Karl SpringerLocated in Norwalk, CTThis impressive example of Karl Springer's "Saturn" mirror measures 48". The simple design is created by layering round and curved mirrors panels each with deep beveling. Very fine ...Category
Vintage 1980s American Modern Wall Mirrors
MaterialsMirror
- Karl Springer Gunmetal and Gold Mirror, USA c 1980sBy Karl SpringerLocated in Norwalk, CTThis large mirror features what is perhaps Karl Springer's most iconic style: gunmetal with gold washed brass detail. Certainly his most luxurious combination. This vintage mirror ha...Category
Vintage 1980s American Modern Wall Mirrors
MaterialsMetal
- Karl Springer Zebra Wood Writing Table w/ Steel and Brass, USA c 1970sBy Karl SpringerLocated in Norwalk, CTKarl Springer, rose to world acclaim in the 1970s. He created custom furniture sought by the glitterati, famously utilizing exotic and unusual materials, and superior craftsmanship. ...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
MaterialsZebra Wood
- Lucite Modern-form Stool on Castor, USA c 1970sLocated in Norwalk, CTSpace age style on this fun lucite stool with upholstered top and four casters. Very nice vintage condition. Lucite shows very little wear, and the ultra-suede cover is serviceable b...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Stools
MaterialsUpholstery, Lucite
- Karl Springer Souffle Ottoman or Pouf Double SizeBy Karl SpringerLocated in New York, NYCustom created for a home filled with Karl Springer is this rare double length "souffle" ottoman pouf. A unique piece for it's size. Original fabric is in great condition but would a...Category
Vintage 1980s American Stools
MaterialsBrass
- Karl Springer Style Ivory Bouclé Soufflé PoufBy Carson's FurnitureLocated in Saint Louis, MOPost modern Karl Springer style Soufflé pouf ottoman aptly named for its similarity in form to a French Soufflé. Brass square base with rounded corner...Category
1990s American Post-Modern Ottomans and Poufs
MaterialsBrass
- Pair of Poufs / Ottomans by Karl Springer, Original Tan / Taupe Fabric, BrassBy Karl SpringerLocated in Kansas City, MOPair of Karl Springer Poufs / "Souffle Ottomans" / stools in the original silk fabric, solid seamlessly welded brass bases, and hidden casters. These work well in any environment inc...Category
Vintage 1980s American Hollywood Regency Ottomans and Poufs
MaterialsBrass
- Karl Springer Pouf OttomansBy Karl SpringerLocated in Chicago, ILc. 1980s. Both have been reupholstered in mohair from fishman's fabrics. Featuring a comfortable upholstered seat with a steel base and hidden rubber ball castors for super smooth mo...Category
Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
MaterialsMohair
$8,000 / set - Karl Springer Tufted Bench in Lucite & Brass, 1970'sBy Karl SpringerLocated in Bainbridge, NYKarl Springer lucite and brass upholstered bench, stool, circa 1980. Featuring a braced rectangular polished brass cross bar frame, four solid cylindrical lucite legs with tufted, luxe woven upholstery...Category
Late 20th Century American Hollywood Regency Benches
MaterialsBrass
- RARE Karl Springer Lacquered Goatskin StoolBy Karl Springer, Aldo TuraLocated in Las Vegas, NVThis rare original Karl Springer stool is amazing. The stool is lacquered goatskin, in a beautiful rusty orange color, this a design piece truly worth coveting. The stool is in in...Category
20th Century Mid-Century Modern Stools
MaterialsGoatskin, Lacquer