Arthur Umanoff Decorative Objects
American, 1923-1985
Though much of Arthur Umanoff's furniture is marked by a no-frills simplicity common in American mid-century modern design, his work is anything but one-note. Over the course of a prolific career, Umanoff designed everything from case pieces to candleholders to magazine racks to dining chairs in iron, leather, walnut, wicker and more. With furnishings for a broad range of manufacturers throughout the ’50s, ’60s, ’70s and early ’80s, Umanoff continued a thread of sculptural elegance and textural sensitivity through his designs.
After graduating from Pratt Institute in the early 1950s, Umanoff experimented mostly with wood furniture before landing a job at Post Modern Ltd, a New York manufacturer of wrought-iron furniture. There he produced furnishings that married wrought iron with wood and plastic, creating functional pieces free of utilitarian bulkiness.
Umanoff continued his experimentation with mixed materials through a partnership with Shaver Howard, for whom he designed wine racks in combinations of iron, leather and wicker.
When Shaver Howard bought Boyeur Scott, Umanoff conceived several furniture designs for the brand, including the 1964 Granada collection, whose curlicue iron bases, visible through glass tops, stand out as some of his most ornate and decorative work. Indeed, much of Umanoff’s oeuvre is far more simplistic, like iron-and-pine armchairs for The Elton Co. or low-backed, slatted-seat barstools with slender iron legs for Raymor.
Umanoff was fluent, too, in the more sumptuous modernism of the era: In the mid-1960s, he designed the 2405 and 4449 armchairs for Madison Furniture Industries. Popular in offices, the walnut-framed, leather-upholstered seats, which could have been mistaken for the seductive Scandinavian modern seating of the era, were reportedly the jumping-off point for Captain Kirk’s iconic seat on Star Trek.
Even as he is among the mid-century modern designers you may not know, with work across such a range of styles and manufacturers (most no longer in business), Umanoff, who died in 1985, leaves a legacy that is fascinatingly diverse and at times enticingly elusive, making his work intriguing objects for collectors.
Find vintage Arthur Umanoff bar stools, tables, benches and other furniture today on 1stDibs.
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Creator: Arthur Umanoff
Rare Arthur Umanoff for Howard Miller Walnut Wall Clock
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Minneapolis, MN
Here is a rare and very graphic wall clock designed by Arthur Umanoff for Howard Miller during the reign of George Nelson. Made of oiled walnut with white hour indicators and hands, ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Arthur Umanoff Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
Arthur Umanoff Swing Timer Modernist Black and White Clock Howard Miller 1970s
By Arthur Umanoff, Howard Miller
Located in Troy, MI
Mid Century modern "Swing Timer" wall clock designed by Arthur Umanoff for Howard Miller
USA circa 1970s
Model 622-569 with large roman numeral markers and orange hands
White inject...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Arthur Umanoff Decorative Objects
Materials
Plastic, Acrylic
Arthur Umanoff Bowl
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Miami, FL
1 Arthur Umanoff Bowl, more Umanoff pieces available.
Category
1960s Haitian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arthur Umanoff Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Arthur Umanoff for Howard Miller Model 557 Serviced Meridian Wall Clock
By Howard Miller, Arthur Umanoff
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Rare Meridian pendulum wall clock by Howard Miller. Model 557, designed by Arthur Umanoff for Howard Miller, circa 1970s. The walnut chassis contrasts beautifully against the black M...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arthur Umanoff Decorative Objects
Materials
Walnut
Arthur Umanoff Tray
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Miami, FL
Category
1960s Haitian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arthur Umanoff Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Carved Taverneau Bowl in Style of Arthur Umanoff, Mid Century Modern
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage asymmetrical carved wooden bowl was hand made in Haiti from Taverneau, also known as Caribbean Walnut or False Tamarind, a durable tropical hardwood with a golden hue. It is...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Arthur Umanoff Decorative Objects
Materials
Teak
Arthur Umanoff Bowl
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Miami, FL
1 Arthur Umanoff Bowl, more Umanoff pieces available.
Category
1960s Haitian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arthur Umanoff Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Giant Magazine Rack by Arthur Umanoff in Walnut
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Chattanooga, TN
This handsome magazine rack by Arthur Umanoff is the "Big Boy" at just under 31". The oily, deep-redish-brown cinnamon color patina of the walnut is exactly why we love mid-century m...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arthur Umanoff Decorative Objects
Materials
Walnut
1970s Rattan Wall Clock by Arthur Umanoff for Howard Miller
By Arthur Umanoff, Howard Miller
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A perfectly designed mid-century modern wall clock by Arthur Umanoff for George Nelson Associates for the powerhouse clock maker Howard Miller, likely from the 1970s. A model 517, i...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Arthur Umanoff Decorative Objects
Materials
Rattan, Wood
Mid Century Modern Arthur Umanoff Rosewood Square Desk Clock for Howard Miller
By Arthur Umanoff, Howard Miller
Located in Troy, MI
Arthur Umanoff model 645 alarm clock for Howard Miller circa late 1960s
Rosewood case with aluminum dial on a black background
Plug in electric movement with black hour and minute ha...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arthur Umanoff Decorative Objects
Materials
Aluminum
1970s Arthur Umanoff for Howard Miller wall clock
By Herman Miller, Arthur Umanoff
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Arthur Umanoff for Howard Miller 1970s wall clock, model #588. Made of a walnut case, original red back, brushed aluminum clock face, brass Roman nu...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arthur Umanoff Decorative Objects
Materials
Aluminum
Mid Century Wrought Iron and Rattan Candlestick by Umanoff for Raymor c 1950s
By Raymor, Arthur Umanoff
Located in New York, NY
Rare floor model candelabra designed by Arthur Umanoff for Raymor, circa 1950s. The four arm candle features a wrought iron structure, with wicker weaving. This example is in excelle...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Arthur Umanoff Decorative Objects
Materials
Wrought Iron
Arthur Umanoff Iron and Rattan Floor Candelabrum
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in New York, NY
Wrought iron and woven rattan curved candelabrum designed by Arthur Umanoff, circa 1950.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Arthur Umanoff Decorative Objects
Materials
Wrought Iron
Midcentury Walnut Arthur Umanoff Meridian Pendulum Wall Clock for Howard Miller
By Arthur Umanoff, Howard Miller
Located in San Jose, CA
Vintage Meridian wall clock designed by Arthur Umanoff for Howard Miller in walnut, circa 1970s. This piece features a coffin shaped wood case and an inset orange backdrop accented with a brass...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arthur Umanoff Decorative Objects
Materials
Aluminum, Brass
Arthur Umanoff Large Taverneau Wood Serving Bowl for Pantalcraft
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Vintage large free form Taverneau wood bowl made in Haiti by Arthur Umanoff for Pantalcraft.
Designer: Arthur Umanoff
Maker: Pantalcraft
Origin: Haiti
Year: 1960s
Styl...
Category
Mid-20th Century Haitian Mid-Century Modern Arthur Umanoff Decorative Objects
Materials
Hardwood
Mid Century Modern Sculptural Iron with Cane Candelabra by Arthur Umanoff C1965
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fantastic three arm iron Candelabra with cane wrapped base along with the candle arms at the top. Paint is original and in fabulous condition.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arthur Umanoff Decorative Objects
Materials
Iron
Rare Arthur Umanoff Candelabra
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Kilmarnock, VA
A super rare six-light candelabra by Arthur Umanoff, a celebrated American designer known for his ability to blend modernist form with handcrafted, natural materials. This sculptural...
Category
1950s American Vintage Arthur Umanoff Decorative Objects
Materials
Iron
$2,800 / set
Mid-Century Modern Taverneau Serving Tray by Arthur Umanoff for Raymor
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in San Jose, CA
Vintage serving platter tray designed by Arthur Umanoff for Raymor, circa 1960's. This solid piece is made out of Taverneau wood and features ...
Category
1960s Haitian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arthur Umanoff Decorative Objects
Materials
Reed, Wood
Pair of Hard-to-come-by Wrought Iron + Rattan Wall Sconces by Arthur Umanoff
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Kensington, MD
These large and dramatic wall sconces by Arthur Umanoff each have 5 candle stems.The entire piece is wrought iron and the vertical bar that attach...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Arthur Umanoff Decorative Objects
Materials
Iron
1970s Howard Miller zebrawood and chrome wall clock designed by Arthur Umanoff
By Arthur Umanoff, Howard Miller
Located in Phoenix, AZ
1970s Howard Miller wall clock model 616 designed by Arthur Umanoff Associates. “Zebrawood” veneer (described as “Leriex rosewood veneer” in the 1975/1976 catalog), chrome frame and hour marks, and original George Nelson hands. 13.5” round, 2.75” deep. The clock matches the well known Peter Protzman desk...
Category
1970s American Post-Modern Vintage Arthur Umanoff Decorative Objects
Materials
Chrome
Howard Miller Desk Clock by Design Office of George Nelson
By Arthur Umanoff, Howard Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Arthur Umanoff for The Design Office of George Nelson for Howard Miller Rosewood Desk or Table Clock. In great shape and running flawlessly! Been in use for about 6 months on my de...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arthur Umanoff Decorative Objects
Materials
Chrome
$2,120 Sale Price
20% Off
Vintage Stationmaster 611 Oak Wall Clock by Arthur Umanoff for Howard Miller
By Howard Miller, Arthur Umanoff
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A perfectly designed mid-century modern wall clock by Arthur Umanoff for powerhouse clock maker Howard Miller. The model 611 Stationmaster has a round solid oak case, white face wit...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Arthur Umanoff Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
Arthur Umanoff Tray Mahogany
By Raymor, Arthur Umanoff
Located in Miami, FL
Arthur Umanoff Tray Mahogany
Category
1960s Haitian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arthur Umanoff Decorative Objects
Materials
Mahogany
Arthur Umanoff Round Walnut Spindle Wastepaper Basket, Circa 1960
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Bainbridge, NY
American Mid Century Modern Arthur Umanoff Walnut Spindle Paper Can, Trash Basket. Circular Walnut spindle surround with Off-White enameled liner can for ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arthur Umanoff Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
Rare Mid-Century Design Icon an Arthur Umanoff Iron and Cane Log Holder Rack
By George Nelson, Arthur Umanoff
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Simple, sculptural design. Presented in As-Found condition.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arthur Umanoff Decorative Objects
Materials
Wrought Iron
$1,900 Sale Price
45% Off
Arthur Umanoff Banana Boat Center Piece
By Arthur Umanoff, Raymor
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Arthur Umanoff large center bowl, Taverneau canoe bowl produced in Haiti and retailed through Raymor. Has a couple dings but overall still very nice! great scale and size!
Category
1960s Haitian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arthur Umanoff Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
$540 Sale Price
40% Off
Four Candle Candelabra in Wrought Iron and Cane by Arthur Umanoff, 1950s
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Kansas City, MO
Completely original four branch table top candelabra / candle holder designed by Arthur Umanoff. Very good original condition. No breaks in the can portion. Some areas of discolorati...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arthur Umanoff Decorative Objects
Materials
Iron
Arthur Umanoff Candelabrum in Teal
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Kilmarnock, VA
A striking and large-scale sculptural candelabrum by celebrated American designer Arthur Umanoff, featuring a wrought iron frame finished in its original teal enamel—a rare and sough...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arthur Umanoff Decorative Objects
Materials
Iron, Enamel
$1,400 Sale Price
36% Off
Pair of Hard-to-come-by Wrought Iron+ Rattan Floor Candelabras by Arthur Umanoff
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Kensington, MD
Pair of Wrought Iron candelabra with rattan detailing. Iconic design by Arthur Umanoff from the 1950s. 3 tall, elongated stems have a wrapping of rattan at the neck just below the ca...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Arthur Umanoff Decorative Objects
Materials
Iron
Hard-to-come-by Wrought Iron + Rattan Floor Candelabra by Arthur Umanoff
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Kensington, MD
Hard-to-Come-By Wrought Iron + Rattan Floor Candelabra by Arthur Umanoff
Additional information:
Material: Iron
Featured at Kensington:
This single Wrough Iron floor candelabru...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Arthur Umanoff Decorative Objects
Materials
Iron
Price Upon Request
Arthur Umanoff decorative objects for sale on 1stDibs.
Arthur Umanoff decorative objects are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of metal and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Arthur Umanoff decorative objects, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original decorative objects by Arthur Umanoff were created in the mid-century modern style in united states during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider decorative objects by Gordon & Jane Martz, Dorothy Thorpe, and Marshall Studios. Prices for Arthur Umanoff decorative objects can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $285 and can go as high as $2,800, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $1,400.
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