Important Otto Eckmann Waterlily Vase Jugendstil Patinated Bronze KPM Stoneware

Exuding the boundless energy of the Munich art scene in the 1890s, Eckmann was the face of the Jugendstil movement. He created the Eckmann Type for the Karl Klingspor printers in Offenbach, a popular typeface of the day, and his illustrated work graced the cover of the art periodical, Jugend, 5 times. The swan, a favorite and recurring image which Eckmann employed in tapestries, textiles and prints, came to be the symbol of Jugendstil, itself. His career may have begun as a painter; however, by 1894 Eckmann swore off this artistic tie to fully embrace the Applied Arts by auctioning off every one of his paintings. In an accompanying letter to the auctioneer - no doubt typed using Eckmann typeface - his sentiments which he expressed for his paintings were “may we never meet again.” Eckmann’s output ran the gamut of the Applied Arts: from tapestries; color woodcuts for which he cut his blocks and made his inks; stained glass; jewelry; metal and silver objects; to furniture; designs for women’s fashion; book design and ceramics.

Throughout his career as an interior and furniture designer, publisher and founder of the Swedish furniture company Boet, Otto Schultz was a key figure in promoting mid-century modern Scandinavian design.

Born in Germany in 1882, Schultz moved to Sweden in 1907, where he became interested in designing furniture and interiors. In 1920, Schultz founded his furniture company Boet in Gothenburg, where he created functional and traditional designs featuring quintessential elements of Scandinavian furnishings. Around the same time, Schultz started the design and living magazine Boet, which published articles and profiles highlighting Sweden’s most influential architects and designers. He served as Boet’s publisher and editor until 1938.

During the 1930s, Schultz created a range of opulent Scandinavian modern and neoclassical furniture, including cabinets, secretaires and side tables, using fine woods like elm, birch, mahogany and walnut. Many of his pieces showcased his patented use of decorative nails called Bopoint. 

He was best known for the Schultz lounge chair, which he designed in 1936. Its voluptuous design featured a generous seat and a large, curved backrest and it was upholstered with a luxurious blend of alpaca and wool. The Schultz chair was highly popular in Sweden in the 1940s. While Boet originally produced it, Swedish furniture manufacturer Jio Möbler took over its production in 1941.

Schultz operated Boet until his retirement in 1950. He died in 1970. Today, Schultz’s pieces are favorites among interior designers and collectors seeking a mix of modern Scandinavian simplicity and lavish decorative style.

On 1stDibs, discover vintage Otto Schultz seating, storage cabinets and case pieces, tables and more.