Pair of Vladimir Kagan "Nautilus" Swivel Chairs.
View Similar Items
Pair of Vladimir Kagan "Nautilus" Swivel Chairs.
About the Item
- Creator:Weiman (Maker),Vladimir Kagan (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 31 in (78.74 cm)Width: 36 in (91.44 cm)Depth: 34 in (86.36 cm)Seat Height: 16.5 in (41.91 cm)
- Sold As:Set of 2
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1988
- Condition:Reupholstered.
- Seller Location:New York, NY
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU7867799683
Vladimir Kagan
The pioneers of modern furniture design in America in the mid-20th century all had their moments of flamboyance: Charles and Ray Eames produced the startling, biomorphic La Chaise; George Nelson’s firm created the Marshmallow sofa; Edward Wormley had his decadent Listen to Me chaise. But no designer of the day steadily offered works with more verve and dynamism than Vladimir Kagan. While others, it seems, designed with suburban households in mind, Kagan aimed to suit the tastes of young, sophisticated city-dwellers. With signature designs that feature sleekly curved frames and others that have dramatic out-thrust legs, Kagan made furniture sexy.
Kagan’s father was a Russian master cabinetmaker who took his family first to Germany (where Vladimir was born) and then to New York in 1938. After studying architecture at Columbia University, Kagan opened a design firm at age 22 and immediately made a splash with his long, low and sinuous Serpentine sofa. Furniture lines such as the Tri-symmetric group of glass-topped, three-legged tables and the vivacious Contours chairs soon followed.
Kagan’s choices of form and materials evolved through subsequent decades, embracing lucite, aluminum and burl-wood veneers. By the late 1960s, Kagan was designing austere, asymmetrical cabinets and his Omnibus group of modular sofas and chairs. For all his aesthetic élan, Kagan said that throughout his career, his touchstone was comfort. “A lot of modern furniture was not comfortable. And so comfort is: form follows function. The function was to make it comfortable,” he once commented. “I created what I called vessels for the human body.”
A diverse group of bodies have made themselves at home with Kagan designs. Among the famous names who commissioned and collected his designs are Marilyn Monroe, Gary Cooper, Andy Warhol, David Lynch, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, and firms such as Gucci and Giorgio Armani. His work is in numerous museum collections, including those of the Victoria & Albert and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Because of its idiosyncrasy, Kagan’s work did not lend itself to mass-production. Kagan never signed on with any of the major furniture-making corporations, and examples of his designs are relatively rare. As you will see from the offerings on 1stDibs, even decades after their conception, Kagan pieces still command the eye, with their freshness, energy, sensuality and wit.
Weiman
Weiman left an indelible mark on the history of American furniture manufacturing as a leader in mid-century modern design. Its high-quality work included fabric upholstered and on-trend sofas, chaise longues and lounge chairs. Weiman also created many beautiful solid wood pieces, like side tables and end tables full of charm and character.
Weiman came onto the American furniture scene in 1935 in Rockford, Illinois, a city known for its furniture manufacturing industry. Weiman expanded in 1941 with the construction of a large factory. According to Rockford Streamlined, it was “one of the very finest factories in all the world of furniture.” While it industrialized its manufacturing processes, Weiman continued to focus on heirloom quality pieces with excellent craftsmanship.
Over the years, Weiman developed a more modern style. The company’s upholstered furniture was often inspired by innovative developments in design. It acquired a reputation for bold and colorful pieces that customers could personalize to their tastes.
In 1979, Weiman became a subsidiary of leading furniture manufacturer Bassett Furniture Industries, Inc. to continued success over the subsequent decades. In 2003, Bassett Furniture Industries, Inc. announced that the Weiman division would acquire assets of upholstery manufacturer Preview Furniture, Inc., creating Weiman Preview. The new company offered a stronger lineup of contemporary furniture and worked with designers like Vladimir Kagan, M.F. Harty and Stanley Jay Friedman.
Contemporary decor company Interlude Home Inc. purchased Weiman Preview in 2006 to expand its accent furniture collection. The purchase transformed Interlude Home Inc. into a custom furniture brand now known for upscale designs.
On 1stDibs, find classic Weiman seating, tables, case pieces and more.
- Ward Bennett Channel Club Leather Chairs, 1970sBy Ward BennettLocated in New York, NYA pair of highly desirable Ward Bennett 1970s channel lounge chairs in a luxurious taupe (gray brown) sumptuous leather. The chairs are on casto...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Club Chairs
MaterialsLeather
$9,975 / set - Pair of Italian, 1950s SconcesLocated in New York, NYA wonderful pair of 1950s Italian Mid-Century wall lights composed of a three-part Perspex ribbon diffuser with polished brass and chrome accents. Rewired. All original.Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
MaterialsBrass, Steel, Chrome
$2,200 / set - Pair of Sciolari 1970s SconcesBy Gaetano SciolariLocated in New York, NYSleek pair of polished chrome Italian sconces by Sciolari. Three light sources. Rewired.Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
MaterialsChrome
$995 / set - Pair of 1980s Stilnovo Golden SconcesLocated in New York, NY1980s Italian gold-plated wall lights with very light green waffle glass shades. Never been used. Original labels. Sold in pairs.Category
Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
MaterialsGold Plate, Brass
$695 / set - Pair of Reggiani Italian 1970s PendantsBy ReggianiLocated in New York, NYA great matte steel architectural three-light cubic pendant fixture. The cord can be adjusted shorter or longer based on preference. The fixture contains...Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount
MaterialsEnamel, Steel
$3,800 / set - Pair of German 1970s Wall LightsLocated in New York, NYA pair of modernist 1970s German sconces with black PVC frames and white frosted dome glass shades. Rewired.Category
Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
MaterialsGlass, PVC
$995 / set
- Pair of Swiveling "Nautilus" Chairs by Vladimir Kagan in Smoked PlatinumBy Vladimir KaganLocated in New York, NYThis pair of Nautilus chairs exemplify the stunning organic Futurist forms and clean lines for which Vladimir Kagan one of the most esteemed furniture designers of the 20th century i...Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs
MaterialsHardwood, Velvet
- Pair of Vladimir Kagan Rare Swivel Lounge Chairs for DirectionalBy Directional, Vladimir KaganLocated in Dallas, TXOffered is a beautiful pair of rare Nautilus style swivel chairs born from the ingenuity of the celebrated Mid-Century Modern Icon Vladimir Kagan. Modern, warm and inviting this is a revolutionary model in comfort and style. Three quarter moon back arm support. The oval shaped bottom centrally swivels atop a circular upholstered disk. The chair's swivel feature lets you follow the action without leaving your seat. The curvilinear form and detailing is the perfect blend of masculine and feminine styles. The chairs have a welcoming presence that exudes high quality craftsmanship and a style that is very characteristic of Kagan. Newly upholstered in a rich rust colored velvet fabric. What better way is there to inject a touch of fun than with these bold and unique accent chairs...Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs
MaterialsVelvet
- Vladimir Kagan Pair of Corkscrew Swivel Chairs for Directional in Bouclé, SignedBy Vladimir Kagan, DirectionalLocated in Los Angeles, CANewly reupholstered in a soft and nubby white bouclé, this pair of 'Corkscrew' swivel chairs by Vladimir Kagan for Directional, circa 1980 are signed with a Directional labels undern...Category
Vintage 1980s American Post-Modern Swivel Chairs
MaterialsBouclé
$8,800 Sale Price / set20% Off - Pair of Vladimir Kagan Nautilus Swivel Chairs with Custom OttomansBy Vladimir KaganLocated in Saint Louis, MOThese classic Vladimir Kagan Nautilus swivel lounge chairs are sculptural, comfortable and fun, and were recently professionally reupholstered in super soft curly camel. Modern with ...Category
Late 20th Century American Post-Modern Swivel Chairs
MaterialsUpholstery
- Vladimir Kagan Style Asymmetrical Swivel “Nautilus” Weiman Lounge Chairs - PairBy Vladimir KaganLocated in Chicago, ILMid Century Modern Vladimir Kagan Style Asymmetrical Swivel “Nautilus” Weiman Lounge Chairs - Pair The MCM pair of Vladimir Kagan style asymmetrical swivel “Nautilus” Weiman lounge ...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs
MaterialsMohair
- Pair of Vladimir Kagan Nautilus Tan Leather Swivel Lounge ChairsBy Vladimir KaganLocated in Rockaway, NJPair of nicely "broken in" tan leather upholstery swivel chairs by Vladimir Kagan.Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsLeather