$1,090
H 3 in W 5 in D 3 in
Walter Bosse Hedgehog Stackable Brass Ashtrays, Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
A complete set of six vintage stackable midcentury hedgehog ashtrays. A humorous and charming
Brass
Hedgehog by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller around 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, AT
Hedgehog by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller around 1950s Original condition
Brass
Hedgehog by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller around 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, AT
Hedgehog by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller around 1950s Original condition
Brass
$810
H 2.76 in W 4.73 in D 3.15 in
Walter Bosse Hedgehog Stackable Ashtray Set for Bertha Baller, 1955
By Walter Bosse
Located in Barcelona, ES
Set of six stackable ashtrays in the shape of a hedgehog designed in 1955 by Walter Bosse for
Brass
$460 / set
H 4.34 in W 2.76 in D 2.76 in
Walter Bosse Set of 6 Hedgehog Sculptures for Hertha Baller, circa 1950s
By Walter Bosse
Located in Camblanes et Meynac, FR
Walter Bosse Set of 6 hedgehog sculptures for Hertha Baller, circa 1950s Mid-century Walter
Brass
$423 / set
H 2.37 in W 5.12 in D 2.76 in
Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller, Stackable Hedgehog Ashtray Set Austria, 1950s
Located in Delft, NL
A midcentury brass stackable hedgehog set of six ashtrays. A design by Walter Bosse, executed by
Metal
$1,330
H 23.63 in W 3.35 in D 5.71 in
Wall Mounted Goats-Head Brass Bell in the Style of Walter Bosse, Austria, 1950's
By Walter Bosse
Located in Cork, IE
his black patinated brass figurines, such as the hedgehog ashtray. The bell is operated by a metal
Metal, Brass
Unavailable
H 2.56 in W 4.53 in D 2.96 in
Hedgehog ashtray set Walter Bosse figurines brass patinated new Vienna Austria
By Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
various pictures it shows his highly creative potential and his influence and impact on the Viennese brass
Brass
Unavailable
H 3.15 in W 3.15 in D 4.73 in
Hedgehog Set Ashtray in Brass by Walter Bosse for Herta Baller, 1955, Set of 6
By Walter Bosse
Located in CADALSO, ES
With all the pieces rare to find
Brass
Hedgehog Ashtrays by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller of Austria
By Walter Bosse
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Wonderful, brass nesting hedgehog set, designed by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller of Austria, full
Brass
Hedgehog #2 by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller of Austria
By Walter Bosse
Located in New York, NY
sculpture features a full set of the original six brass "Hedgehog" bowls in ascending sizes. Made of black
Metal
Hedgehog by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller of Austria
By Walter Bosse
Located in New York, NY
features a full set of the original six brass "Hedgehog" bowls in ascending sizes. Made of black patinated
Sold
H 3 in W 5 in D 3 in
Walter Bosse Hedgehog Stackable Brass Ashtrays, Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
A complete set of six vintage stackable midcentury hedgehog ashtrays. A humorous and charming
Brass
Hedgehog by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Hedgehog by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller. Complete set of six pieces.
Brass
Sold
H 23.63 in W 6.3 in D 3.94 in
Rare, Very Heavy 1960s Doorstop Made of Solid Brass in the Shape of a Hedgehog
Located in München, DE
shape of a hedgehog with a rod and handle, also made of brass. Beautiful elegant design in very good
Brass
Hedgehog Sculpture by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Hedgehog by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller.
Brass, Iron
Walter Bosse Brass Hedgehog Figurine Pretzel Holder, Ring Holder
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, AT
Walter Bosse brass hedgehog figurine pretzel holder, ring holder Original condition.
Brass
Walter Bosse Brass Hedgehog Figurine Pretzel Holder, Ring Holder
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, AT
Walter Bosse brass hedgehog figurine pretzel holder, ring holder Original condition.
Brass
Sold
H 7.49 in W 1.38 in D 4.34 in
Walter Bosse brass hedgehog figurine pretzel holder, ring holder around 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, AT
Walter Bosse brass hedgehog figurine pretzel holder, ring holder around 1950s Original condition
Brass
Sold
H 2.56 in W 2.96 in D 4.53 in
Original Mid Century brass hedgehog ashtray by Walter Bosse for Herta Baller
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in München, DE
Original Mid Century brass hedgehog ashtray by Walter Bosse for Herta Baller. Beautiful, great
Brass
Sold
H 2.76 in W 2.96 in D 4.53 in
Original Mid Century brass hedgehog ashtray by Walter Bosse for Herta Baller
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in München, DE
Original Mid Century brass hedgehog ashtray by Walter Bosse for Herta Baller. Beautiful, great
Brass
Hedgehog by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller, 1950s
By Walter Bosse
Located in San Diego, CA
Cool solid patinated brass hedgehog sculpture can be used as an ashtray or ring catcher for jewelry
Brass
Sold
H 2 in W 2.9 in D 4.7 in
Brass Walter Bosse Hedgehog Sculpture Stacking Ashtrays 1950s Austrian MCM
By Walter Bosse
Located in Toronto, CA
This charming 1950s Brass Walter Bosse Hedgehog Stacking Ashtray set is an iconic piece of Austrian
Brass
Hedgehog by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller Brass
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, AT
Hedgehog by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller brass We still have one in black.
Brass
Brass Walter Bosse Hedgehog Sculpture Stacking Ashtrays 1950s Austrian
By Walter Bosse
Located in Oakland, CA
Brass stacking ashtrays in the form of a hedgehog designed by Walter Bosse of Austria circa 1950s
Brass
Sold
H 3 in W 4.5 in D 3 in
Walter Bosse Hedgehog Stackable Brass Ashtrays, Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
By Walter Bosse
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
A complete set of six vintage stackable midcentury hedgehog ashtrays. A humorous and charming
Brass
Sold
H 3 in W 5 in D 3 in
Walter Bosse Hedgehog Stackable Brass Ashtrays, Hertha Baller, Austria, 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Vienna, AT
A complete set of six vintage stackable midcentury hedgehog ashtrays. A very humorous design by
Brass
Sold
H 3 in W 5 in D 3 in
Walter Bosse Hedgehog Stackable Brass Ashtrays, Hertha Baller, Austria, 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
A complete set of six vintage stackable midcentury hedgehog ashtrays. A very humorous and charming
Brass
Sold
H 3 in W 5 in D 3 in
Walter Bosse Hedgehog Stackable Brass Ashtrays, Hertha Baller, Austria, 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
A complete set of six vintage stackable midcentury hedgehog ashtrays. A very humorous design by
Brass
Sold
H 3 in W 5 in D 3 in
Walter Bosse Hedgehog Stackable Brass Ashtrays, Hertha Baller, Austria, 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
A complete set of six vintage stackable midcentury hedgehog ashtrays. A very humorous design by
Brass
Sold
H 3 in W 5 in D 3 in
Walter Bosse Hedgehog Stackable Brass Ashtrays, Hertha Baller, Austria, 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
A complete set of six vintage stackable midcentury hedgehog ashtrays. A very humorous design by
Brass
Sold
H 3 in W 5 in D 3 in
Walter Bosse Hedgehog Stackable Brass Ashtrays, Hertha Baller, Austria, 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
A complete set of six vintage stackable midcentury hedgehog ashtrays. A very humorous design by
Brass
Sold
H 3 in W 5 in D 3 in
Walter Bosse Hedgehog Stackable Brass Ashtrays, Hertha Baller, Austria, 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
A complete set of six vintage stackable midcentury hedgehog ashtrays. A very humorous design by
Brass
Sold
H 3 in W 5 in D 3 in
Walter Bosse Hedgehog Stackable Brass Ashtrays, Hertha Baller, Austria, 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
A complete set of six vintage stackable midcentury hedgehog ashtrays. A very humorous design by
Brass
Sold
H 3 in W 5 in D 3 in
Walter Bosse Hedgehog Stackable Brass Ashtrays, Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
A complete set of six vintage stackable midcentury hedgehog ashtrays. A humorous and charming
Brass
Sold
H 3 in W 5 in D 3 in
Walter Bosse Hedgehog Stackable Brass Ashtrays, Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
A complete set of six vintage stackable midcentury hedgehog ashtrays. A very humorous and charming
Brass
Sold
H 3 in W 5 in D 3 in
Walter Bosse Hedgehog Stackable Brass Ashtrays, Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
A complete set of six vintage stackable midcentury hedgehog ashtrays. A very humorous and charming
Brass
Sold
H 3 in W 5 in D 3 in
Walter Bosse Hedgehog Stackable Brass Ashtrays, Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Vienna, AT
A complete set of six vintage stackable midcentury hedgehog ashtrays. A humorous and charming
Brass
Sold
H 2.37 in W 4.73 in D 2.37 in
Brass Walter Bosse Hedgehog Sculpture Stacking Ashtrays 1950s Austrian
By Walter Bosse
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
is the luxury one. Brass Walter Bosse Hedgehog Sculpture Stacking Ashtrays 1950s Austrian
Bronze
Hedgehog Sculpture Stackable Ashtrays, 1950s
By Walter Bosse
Located in Barntrup, DE
A beautiful and complete set of six stackable hedgehog ashtrays, design by Walter Bosse. Austria
Brass
Sold
H 2.76 in W 4.53 in D 2.76 in
Two Hedgehogs, Brass Stackable Ashtrays by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller, 1950
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Delft, NL
Two Hedgehogs, Austria Brass stackable Ashtrays by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller 1950s
Brass
Sold
H 2.37 in W 2.76 in D 4.73 in
1950s by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller Austria Design Hedgehog Stackable Brass
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Brescia, IT
A complete set of six vintage stackable hedgehog ashtrays Excellent condition.
Brass
Hedgehog by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, AT
Hedgehog by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller Original condition.
Brass
Hedgehog by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, AT
Hedgehog by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller Original condition.
Brass
Hedgehog by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, AT
Hedgehog by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller Original condition.
Brass
Hedgehog by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, AT
Hedgehog by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller.
Brass
Hedgehog by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, AT
Hedgehog by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller Original condition.
Brass
Hedgehog by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, AT
Hedgehog by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller Original condition.
Brass
Hedgehog by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, AT
Hedgehog by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller Original condition.
Brass
Hedgehog Ashtray by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, AT
Hedgehog ashtray by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller Original condition.
Brass
Sold
H 2.76 in W 2.76 in D 4.73 in
Walter Bosse Hedgehog Stackable Ashtrays Hertha Baller Austria 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in München, BY
Hertha Baller, Austria in the 1950s. Made from brass. Version with three light and three dark hedgehogs
Brass
Walter Bosse Hedgehog Stackable Ashtrays, Hertha Baller, Austria, 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
A complete set of six stackable hedgehog ashtrays. A very humorous design by Walter Bosse, executed
Brass
Walter Bosse Hedgehog Stackable Ashtrays, Hertha Baller, Austria, 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
A complete set of six stackable hedgehog ashtrays. A very humorous design by Walter Bosse, executed
Brass
Walter Bosse Hedgehog Stackable Ashtrays, Hertha Baller, Austria, 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
A complete set of six stackable hedgehog ashtrays. A very humorous design by Walter Bosse, executed
Brass
Pair of Stackable Hedgehog Ashtrays Attributed to Walter Bosse
By Walter Bosse
Located in Berlin, DE
Two complete sets of each six vintage stackable midcentury hedgehog ashtrays.
Brass
Hedgehog by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller, circa 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, AT
Hedgehog by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller, circa 1950s Original condition.
Brass
Hedgehog by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller, circa 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, AT
Hedgehog by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller, circa 1950s Original condition.
Brass
Hedgehog by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller, circa 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, AT
Hedgehog by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller, circa 1950s Original condition.
Brass
Hedgehog by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller, circa 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Hedgehog by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller, circa 1950s Original condition.
Brass
Hedgehog by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller around 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, AT
Hedgehog by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller Original condition.
Brass
Walter Bosse Set of 6 Hedgehog Sculptures, Ashtray, circa 1950
By Walter Bosse
Located in Camblanes et Meynac, FR
Walter Bosse - Set of 6 hedgehog sculptures, circa 1950s Midcentury Walter Bosse hedgehog
Brass
Sold
H 2.76 in W 2.76 in D 4.73 in
Pair of Stackable Hedgehog Ashtrays Attributed to Walter Bosse, Signed
By Walter Bosse
Located in Berlin, DE
Two complete sets of each six vintage stackable midcentury hedgehog ashtrays.
Brass
Sold
H 3 in W 4.5 in D 2.88 in
Vintage 1950s Walter Bosse Hedgehog Stackable Ashtray for Hertha Baller
By Walter Bosse
Located in San Antonio, TX
Mid-century Walter Bosse hedgehog stackable ashtray in original condition made in Austria. This
Brass
Sold
H 3 in W 4.5 in D 2.88 in
Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller, Stackable Hedgehog Ashtray Set Austria, 1950s
By Walter Bosse
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A midcentury brass stackable hedgehog set of six ashtrays. A design by Walter Bosse, executed by
Brass
Black Marble Narrow Bowl
By Kiwano Concept
Located in Eindhoven, NB
Introducing our exquisite Black Marble NARROW Bowl, a fusion of elegance and functionality. Crafted from luxurious Black Marble stone, this stunning bowl is a testament to timeless b...
Marble
Birds & Other Animals with Pablo Picasso
Located in New York, NY
A groundbreaking study of animals through the rarely seen sketches by legendary artist Pablo Picasso The masterful drawings of Pablo Picasso teach animal recognition to the youngest...
Paper
$750
H 6.5 in W 6.5 in D 5.5 in
Natural Blue Coral Specimen, Real. Beautiful Deep Blue w/Whitish around Bottom
Located in Warrenton, OR
Natural Blue Coral Specimen, Real. Beautiful Deep Blue w/Whitish at Bottom This is an absolutely gorgeous piece of coral that looks beautiful from multiple angles. As with all coral...
Coral
$4,027 / set
H 13.78 in W 27.96 in D 3.75 in
Pair of Entomology Specimen Display Cases By J T Stockall London Taxidermy Curio
Located in Lowestoft, GB
A large and impressive pair of late 19th early 20th century Entomology specimen cases, containing a varied collection of over one hundred insects from around the world pinned to an e...
Natural Fiber, Glass, Pine
Lotus Old Gold Set of 2 Side Table
Located in Paris, FR
Side Table Lotus Old Gold Set of 2 with aluminium table tops in old gold finish and with iron feet in antique brass finish. Side Table A/ Diameter 18.50"xH21.30". Side Table B/ Diam...
Aluminum, Iron
Angelite cloud jewel box
Located in Pacasmayo, PE
Store your treasures in the Jewel Box Container, made from authentic semi-precious gemstones. A luxurious home for jewelry, trinkets, or keepsakes. The cloud catchall box is a carve...
Stone
IVY Cabinet, Cherry, Brass, Josef Frank
Located in Miami, FL
IVY Cabinet by Dosbananos. Two-door cabinet covered in original Josef Frank 'Paradiset' wallpaper. Cherry wood with brass hinges and brass stretchers. Cabinet has four adjustable she...
Brass
$580
H 3.14 in Dm 7.08 in
1960s Gorgeous Large Green Ashtray or Catchall by Flavio Poli for Seguso. Made i
By Flavio Poli
Located in Milano, IT
1960s Gorgeous large green ashtray or catchall by Flavio Poli for Seguso in Murano sommerso glass. Made in Italy The item is in excellent condition. Dimensions: 7,08 diameter x 3,14...
Murano Glass
$21,779
H 29.14 in Dm 25.99 in
20th Century Luigi Massoni for Poltrona Frau Dilly Dally Vanitiy Dressing Table
By Luigi Massoni, Poltrona Frau
Located in Turin, Turin
Dressing table model Dilly Dally designed by Luigi Massoni for Poltrona Frau in 1960s. The dressing table is composed of two pieces, one round armchair (which alone measures 74 x 66 ...
Metal
$2,976
H 73.23 in W 49.22 in D 0.2 in
Bobyrug’s Vintage France Aubusson Style Jaquar Tapestry, Flemish « Mille Fleur »
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Introducing a stunning midcentury French Flanders tapestry from the renowned Halluin manufacturing This exquisite piece features a captivating design inspired by 16th-century museum...
Wool, Cotton
$16,473Sale Price / item|20% Off
H 42.52 in W 86.62 in D 64.97 in
21st Willington Desk Walnut Wood Leather Handmade in Portugal by Wood Tailors
Located in RIO TINTO, PT
A prestigious member of one of the most exclusive Gentlemen's clubs in London, the 1st Marquess of Willingdon was a British Liberal politician and was the tribute behind this timeles...
Steel
Vintage Gucci Ceramic Ashtray 1980s
By Gucci
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage 1980s Italian ceramic ashtray by Gucci, featuring elegant design and iconic craftsmanship.
Ceramic
Contemporary "Flowers" Armchairs
Located in Saint-Ouen (PARIS), FR
Unusual pair of "Flowers" armchairs upholstered with an off-white fabric. Contemporary. Origin: France.
Fabric, Wood
Marianne Westman, Vase, Stoneware, Sweden, 1950s
By Rörstrand, Marianne Westman
Located in High Point, NC
A blue, grey and brown-glazed stoneware vase designed by Marianne Westman and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, c. 1950s.
Stoneware
Italian Designer, Ashtray, Alabaster, Italy, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A freeform alabaster ashtray designed and produced in Italy, c. 1960s.
Alabaster
An Ammonite Fossil
Located in Schellebelle, BE
A beautiful Ammonite Fossil, this extinct invertebrates marine animal lived 160 million years ago, beautiful patina and shine of the stone, beautiful array of colors, very decorative...
Sandstone
Credited with thousands of works and models for ceramic pieces, Walter Bosse was an intensely prolific designer. The modernist Austrian sculptor and ceramist was best known for his distinctive “Black Golden” series of decorative objects and figurines, particularly his hedgehog ashtrays. Bosse’s mid-century and Art Deco works were popular as gifts for politicians and royalty worldwide, remaining coveted among collectors today.
Bosse was born in Vienna in 1904 to artist parents — his father, Julius, was a portrait painter for the Austrian Imperial Court. Bosse studied at the University of Applied Arts in Vienna from 1918 to 1921 under Austrian sculptor Michael Powolny and Austrian painter Franz Cizek. Later, he continued at the Munich School of Applied Arts in Germany under Austrian architect and designer Josef Hoffmann, a founder of the Vienna Secession movement.
Early in his career, Bosse worked as a designer at several ceramics manufacturers, including Augarten Porcelain Works in 1924, Goldscheider Porcelain Manufactory and Majolica Factory in 1926 and Metzler and Ortloff in 1927. In 1925, Bosse displayed several pieces at the International Exposition of Modern Industrial and Decorative Arts in Paris, which introduced the Art Deco style to a global audience.
In 1931, Bosse opened a shop in Kufstein, Austria, selling ceramic gift items. Owing to the crippling economic effects of the Great Depression, however, Bosse was forced to close his shop in 1937. He returned to Vienna in 1938 and opened another business, Bosse Keramik, where he sold toys, glass, textiles and more. In the late 1940s, Bosse experimented with small-scale brass sculptures and desk accessories coated in black ceramic glaze. With Austrian designer Herta Baller, Bosse formed the Bosse-Baller company to manufacture the “Black Golden” line of figurines, which became wildly popular worldwide.
Despite Bosse’s success, he struggled financially and moved to Iserlohn, Germany, in 1953. Meanwhile, Baller continued to manufacture and sell Bosse’s designs, which were so popular that forgers copied and sold counterfeit editions of Bosse’s works around the world. The 1950s marked the debut of the artist’s whimsically zoomorphic hedgehog ashtrays — these were cast in brass, and a hedgehog ashtray in any other material is not a Bosse original.
Bosse spent the rest of his life embroiled in court battles to protect his designs, leaving him penniless by the time he died. Today authentic Bosse pieces — from wall-mounted sculptures to tableware — continue to be highly sought after by collectors.
Find vintage Walter Bosse serveware, wall decorations and more on 1stDibs.
Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. The style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, is characterized by pieces that were conceived and made in an energetic, optimistic spirit by creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living.
ORIGINS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS
VINTAGE MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS
The mid-century modern era saw leagues of postwar American architects and designers animated by new ideas and new technology. The lean, functionalist International-style architecture of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus eminences Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius had been promoted in the United States during the 1930s by Philip Johnson and others. New building techniques, such as “post-and-beam” construction, allowed the International-style schemes to be realized on a small scale in open-plan houses with long walls of glass.
Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century modern furniture designs. Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen, who had experimented extensively with molded plywood, eagerly embraced fiberglass for pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair, respectively.
Architect, writer and designer George Nelson created with his team shades for the Bubble lamp using a new translucent polymer skin and, as design director at Herman Miller, recruited the Eameses, Alexander Girard and others for projects at the legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer.
Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi devised chairs and tables built of wire mesh and wire struts. Materials were repurposed too: The Danish-born designer Jens Risom created a line of chairs using surplus parachute straps for webbed seats and backrests.
The Risom lounge chair was among the first pieces of furniture commissioned and produced by celebrated manufacturer Knoll, a chief influencer in the rise of modern design in the United States, thanks to the work of Florence Knoll, the pioneering architect and designer who made the firm a leader in its field. The seating that Knoll created for office spaces — as well as pieces designed by Florence initially for commercial clients — soon became desirable for the home.
As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century furniture designers caught the spirit.
Classically oriented creators such as Edward Wormley, house designer for Dunbar Inc., offered such pieces as the sinuous Listen to Me chaise; the British expatriate T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings switched gears, creating items such as the tiered, biomorphic Mesa table. There were Young Turks such as Paul McCobb, who designed holistic groups of sleek, blond wood furniture, and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in minimalist teak dining tables and lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.
Generations turn over, and mid-century modern remains arguably the most popular style going. As the collection of vintage mid-century modern chairs, dressers, coffee tables and other furniture for the living room, dining room, bedroom and elsewhere on 1stDibs demonstrates, this period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.