What is the difference between iron and cast iron?

The difference between iron and cast iron comes down to content. Iron is generally pure iron, a chemical element that is a solid metal at room temperature. Cast iron is a mix of iron, carbon, silicon, manganese, sulfur, phosphorus and other elements. Both iron and cast iron can be used to produce furniture, cookware, decorative objects and other items. Generally, cast iron is heavier than iron. Shop an assortment of iron and cast iron pieces on 1stDibs.

What are cast iron columns?

Cast iron columns are vertical supports produced out of cast iron, a material made from iron and alloys with a carbon content of more than two percent. During the 19th century, cast iron columns were used in architecture. Today, they primarily function as decorative objects. Shop a range of cast iron columns on 1stDibs.

Who invented cast iron?

The name of the person who invented cast iron is unknown. However, anthropologists and archaeologists have determined that the ancient Chinese were the first to develop it. The earliest known examples of cast iron date back to the 6th century B.C. Cast iron production didn't begin in Europe until the 14th century A.D. Shop a collection of cast iron furniture and decorative objects on 1stDibs.

Does cast-iron furniture rust?

Yes, cast-iron furniture rusts.

Why is cast iron used for fireplaces?

Cast iron is frequently used for fireplaces due to its properties. The metal is highly durable, allowing it to hold up to the effects of frequent use. It also readily conducts heat to help warm up interiors. You'll find a variety of cast iron fireplaces on 1stDibs.

Why is cast iron used for benches?

Cast iron is often used for benches because of its characteristics. Its strength makes it well-suited to support the weight of two or more adults, and its hardness allows it to resist damage due to weather exposure. Shop a range of cast iron benches on 1stDibs.

When were cast iron beds made?

Cast iron beds were made starting in the 1850s. These types of beds were handmade until World War I through the use of molds.

Are cast iron columns hollow?

Whether cast iron columns are hollow depends on the piece. Most cast iron columns are hollow due to the manner of crafting, but some are solid. On 1stDibs, find a selection of columns.

Can I use cast iron as a planter?

Yes, you can generally use cast iron as a planter because the material is durable and sturdy. However, you may need to drill drainage holes in a cast iron piece that wasn't intended to function as a planter to allow excess water to exit the vessel. On 1stDibs, find a selection of cast iron planters.

Do cast iron tables rust?

Yes, cast iron tables can rust. Pieces are more likely to develop rust when exposed to humidity, such as in bathrooms or outdoor living spaces in coastal areas. Wiping surfaces clean regularly and touching up scratches and chips can reduce the risk of rust. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of cast iron tables.

Do cast iron Firebacks work?

Yes, cast iron firebacks are quite sturdy and work really well. As they are made of solid iron, it's a challenge to move and place them. Given that, cast iron firebacks are the best protection for the back wall of the fireplace. Find a variety of firebacks on 1stDibs.

How do I hang a cast iron bell?

How to hang a cast iron bell depends on the style. Some cast iron bells have loops at the top that you can hang from a hook anchored onto your desired mounting surface. Others have brackets or frames that you can secure with mounting screws. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of cast iron bells.

How do I keep cast iron from rusting?

To keep a piece made of cast iron from rusting, place it in a cool, dry space with good air circulation.

When were cast iron doorstops made?

Cast iron doorstops originated in the late 18th century. Osbourn Dursey invented the first doorstop in 1878. Decorative cast iron stops became popular in the 1920s and remained so throughout World War II. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of antique cast iron doorstops.

Is cast iron stronger than steel?

Cast iron is stronger than steel.

What is a cast iron fireplace insert?

A cast iron fireplace insert is a firebox that fits into an existing fireplace surround. The insert is made of cast iron, a type of iron that is more than 2 percent carbon. Cast iron is highly durable and very resistant to the effects of heat. You'll find a selection of cast iron fireplace inserts on 1stDibs.

What are cast iron trivets used for?

Cast iron trivets are used for many things but are especially ideal for slow cooking meat. They can prop up food in Dutch ovens to prevent burning and increase heat distribution.

How can you tell the difference between cast iron and wrought iron?

Unlike cast iron, wrought iron is not brittle and will bend rather than break. Wrought ironwork is produced with a hammer and anvil and tends to be more intricate than cast ironwork, which is characterized by repetitive designs that can be carved into a wooden pattern and cast.

Do cast iron umbrella stands rust?

Yes, cast iron umbrella stands and anything made of cast iron can rust. Keeping your cast iron umbrella stand away from moisture and humidity is the best way to keep it from rusting. However, because it is designed to hold wet umbrellas that may be impractical. Some people like to paint cast iron to protect it from rusting. You’ll find a variety of cast iron and other umbrella stands from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Does cast iron garden furniture last?

Whether cast iron garden furniture lasts depends on the quality of the pieces and how well you care for and maintain them over time. Many people choose cast iron, aluminum, wicker or rattan garden furniture for their outdoor patio sets. Shop an assortment of garden furniture on 1stDibs.

Noguchi Cast Iron

Isamu Noguchi Ikebana

Noguchi Cyclone Dining Table

Noguchi Paper Floor Lamp

Noguchi Bb3

Japanese Iron Planter

1950s Noguchi

Bb3 33s

Noguchi Planter

Isamu Noguchi Early Akari BB3 Bamboo & Iron Floor Lamp

$7,500

H 65.75 in Dm 6 in

Isamu Noguchi Early Akari BB3 Bamboo & Iron Floor Lamp

By Isamu Noguchi

Located in Sharon, CT

Early BB3 floor lamp. Cast iron base marked with white paint by hand: Made in Japan.

Category

Vintage 1950s Japanese Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps

Materials

Iron

Mid Century Modernist Japanese Cast Iron Ikebana Planter

$275

H 2.5 in W 4.75 in D 4.75 in

Mid Century Modernist Japanese Cast Iron Ikebana Planter

By Isamu Noguchi

Located in San Diego, CA

Mid-Century Modernist iron Ikebana planter from Japan. It could also be used as a planter or

Category

Vintage 1960s Japanese Mid-Century Modern Decorative Bowls

Materials

Iron

Mid Century Modernist Japanese Cast Iron Ikebana Planter

$330

H 5 in W 13 in D 5.25 in

Mid Century Modernist Japanese Cast Iron Ikebana Planter

By Isamu Noguchi

Located in San Diego, CA

Mid-Century Modernist iron Ikebana planter from Japan. It could also be used as a planter or

Category

Vintage 1960s Japanese Mid-Century Modern Decorative Bowls

Materials

Iron

Vintage 1950s Isamu Noguchi BB3 / 55DD Floor Lamp

$5,800

H 75.75 in Dm 21.5 in

Vintage 1950s Isamu Noguchi BB3 / 55DD Floor Lamp

By Isamu Noguchi

Located in Virginia Beach, VA

with a new harp, and new 55DD shade from the Noguchi museum. The bamboo stem, cast iron base and

Category

Vintage 1950s Japanese Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps

Materials

Iron

Vintage 1950s Isamu Noguchi BB3 / 55DD Floor Lamp

$5,750

H 75.75 in Dm 21.5 in

Vintage 1950s Isamu Noguchi BB3 / 55DD Floor Lamp

By Isamu Noguchi

Located in Virginia Beach, VA

with a new harp, and new 55DD shade from the Noguchi museum. The bamboo stem, cast iron base and

Category

Vintage 1950s Japanese Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps

Materials

Iron

Tobia Scarpa style. Space Age Cocoon Resin table lamp, Italy, 1960s

$8,196

H 22.45 in Dm 13.78 in

Tobia Scarpa style. Space Age Cocoon Resin table lamp, Italy, 1960s

By Isamu Noguchi, George Nelson, Tobia Scarpa, Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Friedel Wauer

Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES

Noguchi’s creations, who used this material as the main element in many of their designs. Very much in the

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Space Age Table Lamps

Materials

Metal, Iron

Recent Sales

1960s Mid Century Japanese Iron Bird / Crane sculpture set

Sold

H 10.5 in W 2.75 in D 7 in

1960s Mid Century Japanese Iron Bird / Crane sculpture set

Located in Virginia Beach, VA

Vintage table top bird sculptures in the style of Isamu Noguchi. Cast iron, hollowed body, with an

Category

Vintage 1960s Japanese Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Iron

Japanese Mid Century Cast Iron Ikebana Planter in Style of Isamu Noguchi, 1950s

Sold

H 3.94 in W 10.24 in D 4.14 in

Japanese Mid Century Cast Iron Ikebana Planter in Style of Isamu Noguchi, 1950s

By Isamu Noguchi

Located in Stockholm, SE

Very rare mid century Japanese ikebana cast iron planter dish in style of Isamu Noguchi produced in

Category

Vintage 1950s Japanese Mid-Century Modern Planters, Cachepots and Jardin...

Materials

Iron

Cast Iron Midcentury Japanese Geisha Figurine

Sold

H 9.5 in W 5.5 in D 2.5 in

Cast Iron Midcentury Japanese Geisha Figurine

By Isamu Noguchi

Located in San Diego, CA

Cast iron Japanese geisha figurine, circa the 1960s. This piece in cast iron with a gold leaf

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Iron

Modernist Japanese Cast Iron Vase, 1960s

Sold

H 9.5 in W 2.75 in D 2 in

Modernist Japanese Cast Iron Vase, 1960s

By Isamu Noguchi

Located in San Diego, CA

Mid-Century modernist iron vase from Japan. A compelling minimalist twisted form crafted from thick

Category

Vintage 1960s Japanese Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Iron

Isamu Noguchi Bb3 / 55dd Akari Floor Lamp

Sold

H 73 in W 21 in D 21 in

Isamu Noguchi Bb3 / 55dd Akari Floor Lamp

By Isamu Noguchi

Located in Long Island City, NY

Isamu Noguchi BB3-55DD Akari floor lamp part of the Akari light sculpture line by Isamu Noguchi

Category

20th Century Japanese Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps

Materials

Iron

Nanbu Japan Cast Iron Ikebana Footed Vase / Planter ca 1950s/60s

Sold

H 4 in W 10.13 in D 4.38 in

Nanbu Japan Cast Iron Ikebana Footed Vase / Planter ca 1950s/60s

By Isamu Noguchi

Located in Cathedral City, CA

Nanbu, Japan Cast Iron Ikebana Footed Vase / Planter ca 1950s/60s Nanbu is an area of Japan that

Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Organic Modern Vases

Materials

Iron

Rare Sculptural Bowl by Bonniers Japan after Isamu Noguchi, circa 1950

Sold

H 2.5 in W 5.5 in D 5.75 in

Rare Sculptural Bowl by Bonniers Japan after Isamu Noguchi, circa 1950

By Isamu Noguchi, Bonniers

Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA

Rare sculptural bowl by Bonniers Japan after Isamu Noguchi, circa 1950.

Category

20th Century Japanese Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Iron

Isamu Noguchi "AKARI" Lamp with Bamboo Stand 'BB', 1960s

Sold

H 30.71 in W 7.49 in D 7.49 in

Isamu Noguchi "AKARI" Lamp with Bamboo Stand 'BB', 1960s

By Ozeki & Co. Ltd. 1, Isamu Noguchi

Located in Tokyo, Tokyo

bamboo rim, and the cast iron base and bamboo stem.Hand-made by Ozeki in Gifu, Japan. There are some

Category

Vintage 1960s Japanese Table Lamps

Materials

Iron

Massive 2Ft Mid Century Modern Iron Brutalist Noguchi Insp Sculptural Candelabra

Sold

H 12 in W 22 in D 6 in

Massive 2Ft Mid Century Modern Iron Brutalist Noguchi Insp Sculptural Candelabra

By Lee Reynolds, Vanguard Studios

Located in St.Petersburg, FL

Massive 2Ft Mid Century Modern Brutalist Isamu Noguchi Insp Sculptural Abstract Cast Iron

Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Mid-Century Modern Candelabras

Materials

Iron

Isamu Noguchi Bamboo and Paper Lantern Floor Lamp, 1950s

Sold

H 73 in Dm 21 in

Isamu Noguchi Bamboo and Paper Lantern Floor Lamp, 1950s

By Isamu Noguchi

Located in Washington, DC

Early floor lamp by Isamu Noguchi. Cast iron base marked "Made in Japan". Retains the original

Category

Vintage 1950s Japanese Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps

Materials

Iron

Tokaido Japanese Cast Iron Nambu Salt Pepper Shakers Japan like Noguchi Tackett

Sold

H 2.5 in W 2.5 in D 1 in

Tokaido Japanese Cast Iron Nambu Salt Pepper Shakers Japan like Noguchi Tackett

By Isamu Noguchi, La Gardo Tackett

Located in Hyattsville, MD

Cast metal salt and pepper shakers, will provide cork stoppers. Designer unknown. Ink stamped

Category

Vintage 1960s Japanese Mid-Century Modern Tableware

Materials

Steel

Isamu Noguchi Akari Floor Lamp

Sold

H 66.93 in W 29.14 in D 9.85 in

Isamu Noguchi Akari Floor Lamp

By Isamu Noguchi

Located in Dronten, NL

Poetic Isamu Noguchi Akari floor lamp, model BB3-33S. Cast iron base with bamboo stem and a

Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps

Materials

Iron

Isamu Noguchi Akari Floor Lamp

Sold

H 66.93 in W 29.14 in D 9.85 in

Isamu Noguchi Akari Floor Lamp

By Isamu Noguchi

Located in Dronten, NL

Poetic Isamu Noguchi Akari floor lamp, model BB3-33S. Cast iron base with bamboo stem and a

Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps

Materials

Iron

Early Isamu Noguchi Floor Lamp

Sold

H 72 in W 5.5 in D 5.5 in

Early Isamu Noguchi Floor Lamp

By Isamu Noguchi

Located in New York, NY

Early 1950s, Isamu Noguchi floor lamp, cast iron base and bamboo body, signed Isamu Noguchi Akari

Category

20th Century Japanese Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps

Materials

Iron

Isamu Noguchi Akari Floor Lamp BB3-33S

Sold

H 66.93 in W 29.14 in D 9.85 in

Isamu Noguchi Akari Floor Lamp BB3-33S

By Isamu Noguchi

Located in Dronten, NL

Poetic Isamu Noguchi Akari floor lamp, model BB3-33S, designed by Isamu Noguchi, 1951. Cast iron

Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps

Materials

Iron

Nanbu Japan Cast Iron Ikebana Footed Vase / Planter ca 1950s/60s

Sold

H 4 in W 10.13 in D 4.38 in

Nanbu Japan Cast Iron Ikebana Footed Vase / Planter ca 1950s/60s

By Isamu Noguchi

Located in Cathedral City, CA

Nanbu, Japan Cast Iron Ikebana Footed Vase / Planter ca 1950s/60s Nanbu is an area of Japan that

Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Organic Modern Vases

Materials

Iron

Rare Isamu Noguchi Akari Floor Lamp BB3-55DD

Sold

H 66.93 in W 29.14 in D 9.85 in

Rare Isamu Noguchi Akari Floor Lamp BB3-55DD

By Isamu Noguchi

Located in Dronten, NL

Poetic Isamu Noguchi Akari floor lamp, model BB3-55DD. Cast iron base with bamboo stem and a

Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps

Materials

Iron

Isamu Noguchi Floor Lamp Akari Japan

Sold

H 62 in Dm 6 in

Isamu Noguchi Floor Lamp Akari Japan

By Akari, Isamu Noguchi

Located in Rochester, NY

Early vintage black cast iron base floor lamp with bamboo shaft by Isamu Noguchi (1904-1988) cast

Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps

Materials

Iron

Isamu Noguchi Table Lamps - Akari, Japan

Sold

H 25 in Dm 3.25 in

Isamu Noguchi Table Lamps - Akari, Japan

By Akari, Isamu Noguchi

Located in Rochester, NY

A pair of early vintage Isamu Noguchi (1904-1988) black cast iron base table lamps with bamboo

Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Wire, Metal, Iron

Isamu Noguchi for Knoll Black Top Cyclone Side Table

Sold

H 20 in Dm 24 in

Isamu Noguchi for Knoll Black Top Cyclone Side Table

By Knoll, Isamu Noguchi

Located in Ferndale, MI

Cyclone occasional table designed by Isamu Noguchi for Knoll. Round cast iron base holds wire

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Iron

Akari Model BB3/33S 'Horn' Floor Lamp by Isamu Noguchi

Sold

H 67 in W 29 in D 8 in

Akari Model BB3/33S 'Horn' Floor Lamp by Isamu Noguchi

By Isamu Noguchi, Akari

Located in Glendale, CA

ribs with the manufacturer's stamp. The lamp sits upon a bamboo stem that is in a cast iron pebble

Category

2010s Japanese Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps

Materials

Iron

1950s Japanese Black Cast Iron Three Footed Tripod Bowl Vessel Planter Ikebana

Sold

H 3.5 in W 10.5 in D 4.5 in

1950s Japanese Black Cast Iron Three Footed Tripod Bowl Vessel Planter Ikebana

By Bonniers, Isamu Noguchi

Located in St.Petersburg, FL

A cast iron three footed tripod bowl from Japan circa 1950s. similar to Isamu Noguchis designs for

Category

Vintage 1950s Japanese Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Iron

Set of Modernist Japanese Ikebana Vases

Sold

H 1.75 in W 1.75 in D 1.75 in

Set of Modernist Japanese Ikebana Vases

By Isamu Noguchi

Located in San Diego, CA

Mid-Century Modernist vintage set of iron ikebana vases from Japan. Small, cast iron, built in frog

Category

Vintage 1960s Japanese Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Iron

Modernist Japanese Cast Iron Vase

Sold

H 6.5 in Dm 4 in

Modernist Japanese Cast Iron Vase

By Isamu Noguchi

Located in San Diego, CA

Cast iron vase from Japan. Great patina. Signed.

Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Iron

Midcentury Cast Iron Ikebana Vessel from Japan

Sold

H 3.5 in W 10.25 in D 4.25 in

Midcentury Cast Iron Ikebana Vessel from Japan

By Isamu Noguchi

Located in San Diego, CA

Midcentury solid cast iron Ikebana vessel from Japan. There are three legs. Unsigned.

Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Mid-Century Modern Garden Ornaments

Materials

Iron

Vintage Noguchi Style Cyclone Table

Sold

H 28.5 in Dm 24 in

Vintage Noguchi Style Cyclone Table

By Isamu Noguchi

Located in Atlanta, GA

Vintage Noguchi Style Cyclone Table, With iron red laminate top, on typical stainless steel and

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Gueridon

Materials

Iron, Stainless Steel

Isamu Noguchi "Cyclone" Dining Table 36" Knoll

Sold

H 28.5 in Dm 36 in

Isamu Noguchi "Cyclone" Dining Table 36" Knoll

Located in Brooklyn, NY

"Cyclone"Table designed by Isamu Noguchi for Knoll c.1954. Cast iron base with black finish

Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables

Modernist Japanese Nambu Cast Iron Bowl

Sold

H 1 in W 6.25 in D 6.25 in

Modernist Japanese Nambu Cast Iron Bowl

By Isamu Noguchi

Located in San Diego, CA

Japanese Nambu cast iron decorative bowl, 1950s. Stamped Japan.

Category

Vintage 1950s Japanese Mid-Century Modern Decorative Bowls

Materials

Iron

Mid-Century Cast Iron Ikebana Vessel from Japan

Sold

H 3.5 in W 10.25 in D 4.25 in

Mid-Century Cast Iron Ikebana Vessel from Japan

By Isamu Noguchi

Located in San Diego, CA

Mid-Century solid cast iron Ikebana vessel from Japan. There are three legs. Unsigned.

Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Mid-Century Modern Garden Ornaments

Materials

Iron

Early 1960s "Cyclone" Dining Table by Isamu Noguchi

Sold

H 28.3 in Dm 47.5 in

Early 1960s "Cyclone" Dining Table by Isamu Noguchi

By Isamu Noguchi, Knoll

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A rather well-preserved example of Noguchi's Classic modernist table, which retains a Knoll label

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables

Materials

Steel, Iron

Isamu Noguchi "Cyclone" Dining Table Knoll, circa 1960

Sold

H 28.5 in W 36 in D 36 in

Isamu Noguchi "Cyclone" Dining Table Knoll, circa 1960

By Isamu Noguchi

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Cyclone table designed by Isamu Noguchi for Knoll, 36" cast iron base, black finish, steel wire

Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Tables

Iron Ikebana Vessel from Japan, 1950s

Sold

H 4 in W 10.5 in D 4 in

Iron Ikebana Vessel from Japan, 1950s

By Isamu Noguchi

Located in San Diego, CA

Midcentury solid cast iron Ikebana vessel from Japan. There are three legs. Unsigned.

Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Mid-Century Modern Garden Ornaments

Materials

Iron

Mid-Century Iron Ikebana Vessel from Japan

Sold

H 3.5 in W 10.25 in D 4.25 in

Mid-Century Iron Ikebana Vessel from Japan

By Isamu Noguchi

Located in San Diego, CA

Mid-Century solid cast iron Ikebana vessel from Japan. There are three legs. Unsigned.

Category

Vintage 1950s Japanese Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres

Materials

Iron

Mid-Century Iron Ikebana Vessel from Japan

Sold

H 3.5 in W 10.25 in D 4.25 in

Mid-Century Iron Ikebana Vessel from Japan

By Isamu Noguchi

Located in San Diego, CA

Mid-Century solid cast iron Ikebana vessel from Japan. There are three legs. Unsigned.

Category

Vintage 1950s Japanese Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres

Materials

Iron

People Also Browsed

Monumental Akari Model 70F Light Sculpture by Isamu Noguchi

$4,200 / item

H 28 in Dm 27 in

Monumental Akari Model 70F Light Sculpture by Isamu Noguchi

By Ozeki & Co. Ltd. 1, Akari, Isamu Noguchi

Located in Glendale, CA

Monumental Akari model 70F light sculpture by Isamu Noguchi. The shade is made from handmade washi paper and bamboo ribs with original Noguchi Akari manufacturer's stamp. Akari light...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers an...

Materials

Metal

Akari floor lamp bb3 55d designed by Isamu Noguchi

$8,076

H 68.9 in Dm 21.66 in

Akari floor lamp bb3 55d designed by Isamu Noguchi

By Ozeki & Co. Ltd. 1, Isamu Noguchi

Located in Offenburg, Baden Wurthemberg

BB3 floor lamp with Washi Paper lampshade designed by Isamu Noguchi. Manufactured by Ozeki, Japan. This floor lamp features a white Washi paper lampshade, a bamboo shaft and a sphe...

Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps

Materials

Steel

Isamu Noguchi Akari Light Sculpture, Model BB3/95EN

$28,600

H 15.75 in Dm 37.5 in

Isamu Noguchi Akari Light Sculpture, Model BB3/95EN

By Isamu Noguchi

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Isamu Noguchi Akari Light Sculpture, Model BB3/95EN. Original, early BB3 stand with original brass socket and single arm harp. Hand-made shade by Ozeki & Co. Ltd., Gifu, Japan (wash...

Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Mid-Century Modern Lanterns

Materials

Metal

Noguchi Akari Model 32N Floor Lamp

$13,500

H 76 in Dm 20 in

Noguchi Akari Model 32N Floor Lamp

By Isamu Noguchi, Akari

Located in Cambridge, US

Japan, ca. 1960s. An early and quite rare Model 32N Akari light sculpture by Isamu Noguchi (1904-1988). Features an enameled cast iron and steel base by Ozeki & Co., Ltd. of Gifu, Ja...

Category

Vintage 1960s Japanese Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps

Materials

Steel, Iron

Isamu Noguchi Table Lamp BB1 base with 30F shade

$3,709Sale Price / item|44% Off

H 24 in W 12 in D 12 in

Isamu Noguchi Table Lamp BB1 base with 30F shade

By Isamu Noguchi

Located in Seattle, WA

A 1980s production of the Isamu Noguchi Table Lamp, BB1 base with 30F shade. Overall in great condition, some light discoloration on the shade, some patina on the metal base. wired 1...

Category

Vintage 1980s Japanese Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Bamboo, Paper

Isamu Noguchi Akari Lamp BB-3 55-D

$6,000 / item

H 73 in W 21 in D 21 in

Isamu Noguchi Akari Lamp BB-3 55-D

By Isamu Noguchi

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Two available. Purchased in 2000s. Iconic floor lamp by Noguchi. Ships from Philadelphia.

Category

20th Century Japanese Modern Floor Lamps

Materials

Bamboo

Single 1951 Isamu Noguchi Akari Table Lamps BB1-30XN

$12,995 / item

H 24 in W 8 in D 8 in

Single 1951 Isamu Noguchi Akari Table Lamps BB1-30XN

By Isamu Noguchi

Located in Seattle, WA

A Isamu Noguchi's Light sculpture Table Lamp BB1-30XN. Original box for the 30XN shade with 30XN stamp on the end of the box with a newer base (2010s). The bright red Sun and Moon s...

Category

Vintage 1950s Japanese Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Steel

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Noguchi Cast Iron For Sale on 1stDibs

Choose from an assortment of styles, material and more with respect to the noguchi cast iron you’re looking for at 1stDibs. A noguchi cast iron — often made from metal, iron and bamboo — can elevate any home. You’ve searched high and low for the perfect noguchi cast iron — we have versions that date back to the 20th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 20th Century are available. A noguchi cast iron, designed in the Mid-Century Modern style, is generally a popular piece of furniture. Isamu Noguchi, Akari and Knoll each produced at least one beautiful noguchi cast iron that is worth considering.

How Much is a Noguchi Cast Iron?

A noguchi cast iron can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price 1stDibs is $2,400, while the lowest priced sells for $100 and the highest can go for as much as $10,000.

A Close Look at Mid-century-modern Furniture

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

Emerged during the mid-20th century
Informed by European modernism, Bauhaus, International style, Scandinavian modernism and Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture
A heyday of innovation in postwar America
Experimentation with new ideas, new materials and new forms flourished in Scandinavia, Italy, the former Czechoslovakia and elsewhere in Europe

CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

Simplicity, organic forms, clean lines
A blend of neutral and bold Pop art colors
Use of natural and man-made materials — alluring woods such as teak, rosewood and oak; steel, fiberglass and molded plywood
Light-filled spaces with colorful upholstery
Glass walls and an emphasis on the outdoors
Promotion of functionality

MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW

Charles and Ray Eames
Eero Saarinen
Milo Baughman
Florence Knoll
Harry Bertoia
Isamu Noguchi
George Nelson
Danish modernists Hans Wegner and Arne Jacobsen, whose emphasis on natural materials and craftsmanship influenced American designers and vice versa

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.