Gordon Martz and Jane Martz were prominent designers and creators of simple, elegant, handcrafted ceramic goods. Their vintage mid-century modern designs for table lamps, floor lamps, chandeliers and pendants are daring but relaxed and make for versatile additions to any space.
Jane Martz’s grandmother established the family-owned American lampshades company Marshall Studios in Indianapolis, Indiana, in 1922. Jessie “Muz” Marshall produced hand-painted lampshades out of her home, then expanded to include lamp bases made of wood. The business later moved to Veedersburg. After studying at New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University, Jane and Gordon joined the company in the early 1950s and stepped in to run Marshall Studios after it had been managed by Jane’s parents. Gordon and Jane instilled the brand with fresh energy and new ideas. They introduced innovative modernist stoneware lamps, decorative accessories and more that became immediately popular with new homeowners of the era. Later, there was a return to lamp bases made solely of wood, and floor lamps, bookends and tables with tile tops appeared in the company catalogs.
The Marshall Studios M101 lamp was featured in the Museum of Modern Art’s “Good Design” exhibit in 1953, which also featured the work of other mid-century luminaries such as Jens Risom, Paul McCobb, George Nelson and more.
Gordon and Jane explored color and texture at the company during the 1950s and ‘60s and continued the rich legacy of craftsmanship for which Marshall Studios had become known. The manufacturer secured government contracts and their works were featured in Interiors magazine. Etchings and other decoration continued to be done by hand, and Jane eventually also took an interest in the fabric and textiles used to hand-cover the paper shades, producing a complementary line of hand-woven pillows and other goods.
Find vintage Gordon Martz lighting, tables and ceramics on 1stDibs.
Studio Made Ceramic Bowl by Gordon and Jane Martz for Marshall Studios
By Gordon Martz
Located in Buffalo, NY
Earth-tone ceramic bowl with matte glaze by Gordon and Jane Martz for Marshall Studios. Signed in the ceramic along with ori...
Ceramic
$375 / set
H 7.5 in W 5 in D 4.5 in
Oak and Ceramic Bookends by Jane and Gordon Martz for Marshall Studios
By Marshall Studios
Located in Round Rock, TX
Beautiful pair of bookends by Jane and Gordon Martz for Marshall Studios, circa 1960s. These bookends are made from oak and feature a beautiful matte black ceramic in a spiral pa...
Ceramic, Oak
Large Blue Enamel Krenit Bowl by Herbert Krenchel
By Herbert Krenchel, Krenit
Located in Stockton, NJ
A large blue enamel Krenit bowl by Herbert Krenchel.
Metal
$711 / item
H 3.55 in W 5.52 in D 5.52 in
Caviar Bowl and Spoon in Venetian Glass, Corno Italiano & Lacquered wood Mod 295
By Arcahorn Srl.
Located in Recanati, Macerata
Synonymous with luxury, caviar is a great gastronomic indulgence that requires to be served and tasted in a proper way. Handcrafted from Venetian glass, our caviar bowl is distinguis...
Glass, Wood, Lacquer
$300
H 7.5 in W 5 in D 4.25 in
Jane and Gordon Martz Ceramic Tile and Walnut Bookends for Marshall Studios
By Marshall Studios, Gordon & Jane Martz
Located in Chicago, IL
These ceramic tile and walnut bookends were designed and made by Jane and Gordon Martz for Marshall Studios. The rectangular forms are softened by the loose brush strokes in the glaz...
Walnut, Ceramic
Jens Quistgaard Danish Oval Teak Bowl for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A darker toned teak wood oval shaped bowl designed by Jens H. Quistgaard who is known for his earthy sculptural pepper mills, bowls, serving pieces and furniture. This earlier piece ...
Teak
1950s Danish Teak Salad Bowl by Finn Juhl for Kay Bojesen
By Magne Monsen, Finn Juhl, Kay Bojesen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A modern design Classic - lathe turned teak salad bowl in the largest size, design by Finn Juhl crafted by Magne Monsen for Kay Bojesen.
Teak
$142Sale Price / item|20% Off
H 2.56 in Dm 5.52 in
Ceramic Bowl, Handmade in Italy 2021, Choose Your Pattern
By Mosche Bianche
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
For more than 30 years this artist has revolutionized the way of thinking about stone. Their artisan techniques are the result of careful research and deep knowledge of the subject: ...
Lava
$961 / item
H 2.76 in Dm 8.47 in
Ghidini 1961 Omini Small Bowl in Stainless Steel by Stefano Giovannoni
By Ghidini 1961, Stefano Giovannoni
Located in Villa Carcina, IT
Small bowl in stainless steel Omini is a family of products that plays on the inclusion and the relationship between the human figure with a series of monolithic objects from geomet...
Stainless Steel
$1,238 / item
H 5.32 in Dm 10.44 in
Ghidini 1961 Omini Large Bowl in Stainless Steel by Stefano Giovannoni
By Stefano Giovannoni, Ghidini 1961
Located in Villa Carcina, IT
Large bowl in stainless steel Omini is a family of products that plays on the inclusion and the relationship between the human figure with a series of monolithic objects from geomet...
Stainless Steel
$128Sale Price / item|20% Off
H 1.97 in Dm 3.94 in
Ceramic Bowl, Ø 10 cm x H 5 cm Handmade in Italy 2021, Choose Your Pattern
By Mosche Bianche
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
For more than 30 years this artist has revolutionized the way of thinking about stone. Their artisan techniques are the result of careful research and deep knowledge of the subject: ...
Lava
$109Sale Price / item|20% Off
H 1.97 in Dm 3.15 in
Ceramic Bowl, Handmade in Italy 2021, Choose Your Pattern
By Mosche Bianche
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
For more than 30 years this artist has revolutionized the way of thinking about stone. Their artisan techniques are the result of careful research and deep knowledge of the subject: ...
Lava
Cut Crystal Tableware Serving Bowl Service / 9 People
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Exquisite set of Val Saint Lambert tableware cobalt blue crystal serving bowl service for 9 people. Val crystal is regarded as some of the most magnificent ever made and renowned for their exquisite color. This exquisite cut to clear crystal glass...
Crystal