Karl Springer Deep Green Snakeskin and Brass Floorlamp, 1970s
About the Item
- Creator:Karl Springer (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 61 in (154.94 cm)Width: 9 in (22.86 cm)Depth: 9 in (22.86 cm)
- Power Source:Plug-in
- Voltage:110-150v
- Lampshade:Included
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1970s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Minor fading. Wear consistent with age and use. Shows pitting to base and a few imperfections to the snakeskin. The lamp is in perfect working condition.
- Seller Location:Brooklyn, NY
- Reference Number:
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.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Brooklyn, NY
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- 1970s Five Light Standing LightLocated in Brooklyn, NYChrome floor lamp with five white glass bulbs. Made in the 1970s (American)Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps
MaterialsChrome
- Harvey Probber Mahogany and Cane Credenza, 1970s (Signed)By Harvey ProbberLocated in Brooklyn, NYThis is one absolutely beautiful Harvey Probber mahogany and cane sliding door credenza 1970s. This piece is outfitted with four long drawers on the middle, four smaller drawers on t...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
MaterialsCane, Mahogany
- Percival Lafer Copper Patchwork and Rosewood End Tables 1970s, 'Signed'By Percival LaferLocated in Brooklyn, NYOne incredible pair of Percival Lafer copper patchwork with solid rosewood frames end tables 1970s (Signed with Lafer MP Made in Brazil label). These Braz...Category
Vintage 1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern End Tables
MaterialsMetal, Copper
- Brdr Furbo Danish Modern Magazine Rack Table 1970s (Signed)By BRDR FurboLocated in Brooklyn, NYBeautiful teak Danish Modern Brdr Furbo teak end table with fabric sling magazine rack 1970s (Signed). This vintage table is the perfect way to store your magazine collection while ...Category
Antique 1870s Danish Mid-Century Modern End Tables
MaterialsMetal
- Roger Capron Botanical Printed Tile Top Wood Coffee Table 1970sBy Roger CapronLocated in Brooklyn, NYLow coffee table with mounted Sou-Chong tiles embossed with botanical figures on cylinder legs. Roger Capron was the founder of Atelier Capron located in the town of Vallauris, Fran...Category
Vintage 1970s French Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
MaterialsCeramic, Wood
- Paul Frankl Walnut and Brass Mirror 1950s 'Numbered'By Paul FranklLocated in Brooklyn, NYOne beautiful and large walnut with brass accents mirror by Paul Frankl. Mirror surrounded by a walnut frame and brass corners. Mirror originally sold with “Buckle Pull...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Wall Mirrors
MaterialsBrass
- Karl Springer Floor Lamp in Deep Brown Crocodile with Brass Accents 1970sBy Karl SpringerLocated in New York, NYBeautifully crafted floor lamp in deep brown and black embossed crocodile leather with polished brass base, trim and hardware by Karl Springer, American 1970's. This floor lamp is ...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps
MaterialsBrass
- Karl Springer "Bullet Up Light" in Polished Chrome 1970sBy Karl SpringerLocated in New York, NY"Bullet Up Light" in polished chrome with honeycomb diffuser by Karl Springer, American 1970's. This is a meticulously crafted accent light.Category
Vintage 1970s American Modern Floor Lamps
MaterialsMetal, Chrome
- Karl Springer Lucite and Brass Floor LampBy Karl SpringerLocated in Brooklyn, NYTall incised Lucite column on heavy brass base with brass cap and double socket cluster.Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps
MaterialsBrass
- Karl Springer "J.M.F. Floor Lamp" in Gunmetal Glazierite, 1970sBy Karl SpringerLocated in New York, NY"J.M.F. Floor Lamp" in gunmetal glazierite with polished brass base and hardware and parchment shade by Karl Springer, American, 1970s. Glazierite was a type of resin that the crafts...Category
Vintage 1970s American Modern Floor Lamps
MaterialsBrass
- Karl Springer Lucite Floor Lamp, 1970By Karl SpringerLocated in Chicago, ILKarl Springer Lucite floor lamp, circa 1970. Chrome base.Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps
MaterialsLucite
- Vintage Karl Springer for Koch & Lowey Brass Floor Lamp, 1970sBy Koch & LowyLocated in Hawthorne, CAMinimal brass column floor lamp by Karl Springer for Koch and Lowy circa 1970. Two lights with individual on/off pull chains. Overall great condition, some very light wear consistent...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps
MaterialsMetal, Brass