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Harry Bertoia Furniture

American, Italian, 1915-1978

Sculptor, furniture and jewelry designer, graphic artist and metalsmith, Harry Bertoia was one of the great cross-disciplinarians of 20th-century art and design and a central figure in American mid-century modernism. Among furniture aficionados, Bertoia is known for his chairs such as the wire-lattice Diamond chair (and its variants such as the tall-backed Bird chair) designed for Knoll Inc. and first released in 1952.

As an artist, he is revered for a style that was his alone. Bertoia’s metal sculptures are by turns expressive and austere, powerful and subtle, intimate in scale and monumental. All embody a tension between the intricacy and precision of Bertoia’s forms and the raw strength of his materials: steel, brass, bronze and copper.

Fortune seemed to guide Bertoia’s artistic development. Born in northeastern Italy, Bertoia immigrated to the United States at age 15, joining an older brother in Detroit. He studied drawing and metalworking in the gifted student program at Cass Technical High School. Recognition led to awards that culminated, in 1937, in a teaching scholarship to attend the Cranbrook Academy of Art in suburban Bloomfield Hills, one of the great crucibles of modernism in America

At Cranbrook, Bertoia made friendships — with architect Eero Saarinen, designers Charles and Ray Eames and Florence Schust Knoll and others — that shaped the course of his life. He taught metalworking at the school, and when materials rationing during World War II limited the availability of metals, Bertoia focused on jewelry design. He also experimented with monotype printmaking, and 19 of his earliest efforts were bought by the Guggenheim Museum.

In 1943, he left Cranbrook to work in California with the Eameses, helping them develop their now-famed plywood furniture. (Bertoia received scant credit.) Late in that decade, Florence and Hans Knoll persuaded him to move east and join Knoll Inc. His chairs became and remain perennial bestsellers. Royalties allowed Bertoia to devote himself full-time to metal sculpture, a medium he began to explore in earnest in 1947.

By the early 1950s Bertoia was receiving commissions for large-scale works from architects — the first came via Saarinen — as he refined his aesthetic vocabulary into two distinct skeins. One comprises his “sounding sculptures” — gongs and “Sonambient” groupings of rods that strike together and chime when touched by hand or by the wind. The other genre encompasses Bertoia’s naturalistic works: abstract sculptures that suggest bushes, flower petals, leaves, dandelions or sprays of grass. 

As you will see on these pages, Harry Bertoia was truly unique; his art and designs manifest a wholly singular combination of delicacy and strength.

Find vintage Harry Bertoia sculptures, armchairs, benches and other furniture and art on 1stDibs.

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Creator: Harry Bertoia
1950s Harry Bertoia for Knoll Bertoia Side / Dining Chair
1950s Harry Bertoia for Knoll Bertoia Side / Dining Chair

1950s Harry Bertoia for Knoll Bertoia Side / Dining Chair

By Harry Bertoia, Knoll

Located in Philadelphia, PA

This is a Bertoia Two Tone side chair, originally designed by Harry Bertoia in 1952. This particular example was produced by Knoll in the USA in the 1950s. The design is comprised of...

Category

1950s American Modern Vintage Harry Bertoia Furniture

Materials

Steel

Harry Bertoia for Knoll Bar Stools in Custom Italian Parker Hotel Style Cushions
Harry Bertoia for Knoll Bar Stools in Custom Italian Parker Hotel Style Cushions

Harry Bertoia for Knoll Bar Stools in Custom Italian Parker Hotel Style Cushions

By Harry Bertoia, Knoll

Located in Saint Louis, MO

How would you like to show these? Hollywood Regency Palm Springs Parker Hotel? Mid Century Modern Minimalist? Perhaps interchange both. This pair of bar stools came about in 1952 when Italian Sculptor and Furniture Designer Harry Bertoia experimented with bending metal rods to create practical art. Bertoia's bar stool has a filigree appearance that contradicts its strength and durability. In his own words, “If you look at these chairs, they are mainly made of air, like sculpture. Space passes through them.” Made of bent metal frames finished in chrome with bends and curves to support all of yours, these sexy mid century modern bar stools are comfortable. Photographed along with custom made cushions inspired by Norma's Restaurant at the Parker Hotel in Palm Springs, California. Custom Cushions add comfort and a cozy experience while traditional Knoll yellow...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Harry Bertoia Furniture

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Harry Bertoïa for Knoll. Set of 4 “Diamond” armchairs. 1970s.
Harry Bertoïa for Knoll. Set of 4 “Diamond” armchairs. 1970s.

Harry Bertoïa for Knoll. Set of 4 “Diamond” armchairs. 1970s.

By Harry Bertoia

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

Harry Bertoïa for Knoll. Set of 4 “Diamond” armchairs, in chrome-plated steel. American design from the 1970s. Dimensions: H 75.5 x W 85 x D 53 x Seat H 40 cm Reference: ...

Category

1970s American Vintage Harry Bertoia Furniture

Materials

Steel

Harry Bertoia for, Knoll International, Large Bird Chair in Black
Harry Bertoia for, Knoll International, Large Bird Chair in Black

Harry Bertoia for, Knoll International, Large Bird Chair in Black

By Harry Bertoia, Knoll

Located in Amsterdam IJMuiden, NL

Black bird chair with black cushion. This chair is in a fair condition. It chair shows some traces of wear but still looks beautiful. The frame has lo...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Harry Bertoia Furniture

Materials

Metal

Harry Bertoia, Bench Model 400
Harry Bertoia, Bench Model 400

Harry Bertoia, Bench Model 400

By Harry Bertoia, Knoll

Located in Firenze, IT

Harry Bertoia Bench Model 400 Bench model 400 designed by Harry Bertoia, metal legs and wooden slatted seat. Manufactured by Knoll International, USA, late 1950s Bibliography: S. Ro...

Category

1950s Vintage Harry Bertoia Furniture

Materials

Metal

Very Rare No. 401 Coffee Table by Harry Bertoia for Knoll International
Very Rare No. 401 Coffee Table by Harry Bertoia for Knoll International

Very Rare No. 401 Coffee Table by Harry Bertoia for Knoll International

By Harry Bertoia

Located in Munich, DE

Very rare No. 401 coffee table. Only made for a short time and only a few are known. Documented in the 1963 Knoll International sales catalog.

Category

1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Harry Bertoia Furniture

Materials

Metal

1960s Harry Bertoia for Knoll Diamond Lounge Chair with Black Seat Cushion
1960s Harry Bertoia for Knoll Diamond Lounge Chair with Black Seat Cushion

1960s Harry Bertoia for Knoll Diamond Lounge Chair with Black Seat Cushion

By Harry Bertoia, Knoll

Located in Philadelphia, PA

This is a Bertoia Diamond Lounge Chair, originally designed in 1952 by Harry Bertoia for Knoll International. This particular example dates to the 1960s. The design consists of a whi...

Category

1960s American Modern Vintage Harry Bertoia Furniture

Materials

Steel

1960s Harry Bertoia for Knoll 427 P Side Chair in Yellow Fiberglass from IBM
1960s Harry Bertoia for Knoll 427 P Side Chair in Yellow Fiberglass from IBM

1960s Harry Bertoia for Knoll 427 P Side Chair in Yellow Fiberglass from IBM

By Harry Bertoia

Located in Philadelphia, PA

This is a Bertoia Side Chair, model 427 P, initially designed in 1960 by Harry Bertoia for Knoll International. This particular example dates to the 1960s. The seat of the piece is m...

Category

1960s American Modern Vintage Harry Bertoia Furniture

Materials

Steel

Very Rare Harry Bertoia Monoprint on Rice Paper
Very Rare Harry Bertoia Monoprint on Rice Paper

Very Rare Harry Bertoia Monoprint on Rice Paper

By Harry Bertoia

Located in Munich, DE

Purchased at la modern around 20 years ago. It´s the size of the work - not the frame.

Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Harry Bertoia Furniture

Materials

Paper

Brutalist Welded Nails Sculpture by Harry Bertoia
Brutalist Welded Nails Sculpture by Harry Bertoia

Brutalist Welded Nails Sculpture by Harry Bertoia

By Harry Bertoia

Located in New York, NY

Abstract Brutalist Nails Sculpture by Harry Bertoia, circa 1950s.

Category

1950s American Brutalist Vintage Harry Bertoia Furniture

Materials

Metal

1980s Set of Six Harry Bertoia for Knoll Dining Side Chairs with Full Cushions
1980s Set of Six Harry Bertoia for Knoll Dining Side Chairs with Full Cushions

1980s Set of Six Harry Bertoia for Knoll Dining Side Chairs with Full Cushions

By Harry Bertoia, Knoll

Located in Philadelphia, PA

This is a set of six Bertoia Side Chairs, originally designed in 1952 by Harry Bertoia for Knoll International. These particular examples date to the 1980s. Their design consists of ...

Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Harry Bertoia Furniture

Materials

Steel

BERTOIA Chair, Model 420, Harry Bertoia for Knoll
BERTOIA Chair, Model 420, Harry Bertoia for Knoll

BERTOIA Chair, Model 420, Harry Bertoia for Knoll

By Harry Bertoia, Knoll

Located in Neuss, NW

BERTOIA chair, model 420, designed in 1952 by Harry Bertoia for Knoll. Frame made of wire mesh with a new felt seat cover in yellow. Quality Features: very good workmanship ...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Harry Bertoia Furniture

Materials

Metal

Stool by Harry Bertoia for Knoll Inc, 1970s
Stool by Harry Bertoia for Knoll Inc, 1970s

Stool by Harry Bertoia for Knoll Inc, 1970s

By Knoll, Harry Bertoia

Located in bruxelles, BE

Black metal stool designed by Harry Bertoia. Seat height 77cm. Wear due to time and age of the stool. For shipping, request us for receive the best price.

Category

1970s Central American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Harry Bertoia Furniture

Materials

Metal

Pair of Bertoia Bar Height Stools in Black with Volo Leather Seat Pad
Pair of Bertoia Bar Height Stools in Black with Volo Leather Seat Pad

Pair of Bertoia Bar Height Stools in Black with Volo Leather Seat Pad

By Harry Bertoia

Located in Dallas, TX

Featuring delicate filigreed construction that's supremely strong, the airy seats of the Bertoia Seating Collection (1952) are sculpted out of steel rods and have a relaxed sit. The ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Mid-Century Modern Harry Bertoia Furniture

Materials

Metal

1971 Harry Bertoia Large Diamond Lounge Chair, Black Cushions & Frames (4x)
1971 Harry Bertoia Large Diamond Lounge Chair, Black Cushions & Frames (4x)

1971 Harry Bertoia Large Diamond Lounge Chair, Black Cushions & Frames (4x)

By Harry Bertoia

Located in Philadelphia, PA

This is a Large Diamond Lounge Chair, originally designed by Harry Bertoia for Knoll in 1952. These particular examples were produced in 1971. The design features Bertoia’s iconic ...

Category

1970s American Modern Vintage Harry Bertoia Furniture

Materials

Steel

Vintage Harry Bertoia for Knoll International Large Chrome Bird Chair
Vintage Harry Bertoia for Knoll International Large Chrome Bird Chair

Vintage Harry Bertoia for Knoll International Large Chrome Bird Chair

By Knoll, Harry Bertoia

Located in Amsterdam IJMuiden, NL

Vintage Harry Bertoia for Knoll International Large Chrome Bird Chair Bird chair in chrome with a purple cushion. The chair has a beautiful and elega...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Harry Bertoia Furniture

Materials

Chrome

Mid Century Modern Harry Bertoia For Knoll Bird Lounge Chair In White
Mid Century Modern Harry Bertoia For Knoll Bird Lounge Chair In White

Mid Century Modern Harry Bertoia For Knoll Bird Lounge Chair In White

By Harry Bertoia

Located in Chicago, IL

Mid Century Modern Harry Bertoia for Knoll Bird Lounge Chair in White The Mid Century Modern Harry Bertoia for Knoll Bird Lounge Chair in White exemplifies timeless design and exc...

Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Harry Bertoia Furniture

Materials

Wire

Set of 4 chairs Harry Bertoia Knoll International 1980s upholstered
Set of 4 chairs Harry Bertoia Knoll International 1980s upholstered

Set of 4 chairs Harry Bertoia Knoll International 1980s upholstered

By Knoll, Harry Bertoia

Located in Berlin, DE

We are offering for sale a beautiful set of 4 upholstered chairs by Knoll International from the 1980s. The design is by Harry Bertoia and is characterized by its functional elegance...

Category

1980s American Vintage Harry Bertoia Furniture

Materials

Fabric

2010s Harry Bertoia for Knoll Chrome Bar Stool with Pads 4x Available
2010s Harry Bertoia for Knoll Chrome Bar Stool with Pads 4x Available

2010s Harry Bertoia for Knoll Chrome Bar Stool with Pads 4x Available

By Harry Bertoia

Located in Philadelphia, PA

This is a Bertoia Bar Stool, originally designed in 1952 by Harry Bertoia for Knoll International. These particular examples date to the 2010s. Their design consists of a welded, chr...

Category

2010s American Modern Harry Bertoia Furniture

Materials

Steel

Chrome Bird Chair by Harry Bertoia for Knoll International
Chrome Bird Chair by Harry Bertoia for Knoll International

Chrome Bird Chair by Harry Bertoia for Knoll International

By Knoll, Harry Bertoia

Located in Amsterdam IJMuiden, NL

Bird chair in chrome. The chair has a beautiful and elegant design with beautiful angles and details. The chair shows some traces of use, like some rusty spots, which can be polished...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Harry Bertoia Furniture

Materials

Metal

1960s Pair of Harry Bertoia for Knoll Childs Chairs in White
1960s Pair of Harry Bertoia for Knoll Childs Chairs in White

1960s Pair of Harry Bertoia for Knoll Childs Chairs in White

By Knoll, Harry Bertoia

Located in Philadelphia, PA

This is a pair of Child's Bertoia Side Chairs, originally designed by Harry Bertoia in 1955. These particular examples were produced by Knoll in the USA in the 1960s. The design is c...

Category

1960s American Modern Vintage Harry Bertoia Furniture

Materials

Steel

1950s Set of Four Harry Bertoia for Knoll Child Size Side Chair No. 425-N
1950s Set of Four Harry Bertoia for Knoll Child Size Side Chair No. 425-N

1950s Set of Four Harry Bertoia for Knoll Child Size Side Chair No. 425-N

By Knoll, Harry Bertoia

Located in Philadelphia, PA

This is a set of four Child's Bertoia Side Chair with seat cushion, originally designed by Harry Bertoia in 1955. These particular examples were produced by Knoll in the USA in the 1...

Category

1950s American Modern Vintage Harry Bertoia Furniture

Materials

Steel

Barstool by Harry Bertoia for Knoll & Associates
Barstool by Harry Bertoia for Knoll & Associates

Barstool by Harry Bertoia for Knoll & Associates

By Harry Bertoia, Knoll

Located in Sagaponack, NY

A spare and sculptural stool crafted from shaped steel rods retaining the original woven green wool upholstery. Measures: 40.5" tall, seat height 31". Designed by Harry Bertoia in 1...

Category

Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Harry Bertoia Furniture

Materials

Steel

2000s Pair of Harry Bertoia Diamond Child Size Lounge Chairs w/ Seat Pads
2000s Pair of Harry Bertoia Diamond Child Size Lounge Chairs w/ Seat Pads

2000s Pair of Harry Bertoia Diamond Child Size Lounge Chairs w/ Seat Pads

By Knoll, Harry Bertoia

Located in Philadelphia, PA

This is a pair of original Diamond Lounge Chairs in the children’s size, Model 421LS, initially designed by Harry Bertoia for Knoll in 1952. The listed price includes the pair. The...

Category

Early 2000s American Modern Harry Bertoia Furniture

Materials

Steel

An inscribed copy of Harry Bertoia's "Sculptor"
An inscribed copy of Harry Bertoia's "Sculptor"

An inscribed copy of Harry Bertoia's "Sculptor"

By Harry Bertoia

Located in Toronto, Ontario

A nice inscribed copy of June Kompass Nelson's book "Harry Bertoia , Sculptor"

Category

1970s American Vintage Harry Bertoia Furniture

Materials

Paper

1980s Pair of Harry Bertoia for Knoll Dining/Side Chairs in White with Red Pads
1980s Pair of Harry Bertoia for Knoll Dining/Side Chairs in White with Red Pads

1980s Pair of Harry Bertoia for Knoll Dining/Side Chairs in White with Red Pads

By Harry Bertoia, Knoll

Located in Philadelphia, PA

This is a pair of Bertoia Side Chairs, designed in 1952 by Harry Bertoia for Knoll International. These particular examples date to the 1980s. Their design consists of welded steel r...

Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Harry Bertoia Furniture

Materials

Steel

2021 Pair of Knoll Bertoia Side Chairs in Steel w/ Full Seat Covers in Fabric
2021 Pair of Knoll Bertoia Side Chairs in Steel w/ Full Seat Covers in Fabric

2021 Pair of Knoll Bertoia Side Chairs in Steel w/ Full Seat Covers in Fabric

By Harry Bertoia, Knoll

Located in Philadelphia, PA

This is a pair of classic Bertoia side chairs, model 420c, originally designed in 1952 by Harry Bertoia for Knoll International. This particular pair dates to 2021. The listed price ...

Category

2010s American Modern Harry Bertoia Furniture

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Fiberglass Shell Barstool by Harry Bertoia for Knoll
Fiberglass Shell Barstool by Harry Bertoia for Knoll

Fiberglass Shell Barstool by Harry Bertoia for Knoll

By Knoll, Harry Bertoia

Located in Sagaponack, NY

A barstool with a black fiberglass shell on splayed, painted legs.

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Harry Bertoia Furniture

Materials

Fiberglass

Barstool by Harry Bertoia for Knoll & Associates, 1952
Barstool by Harry Bertoia for Knoll & Associates, 1952

Barstool by Harry Bertoia for Knoll & Associates, 1952

By Knoll, Harry Bertoia

Located in Sagaponack, NY

A spare and sculptural stool crafted from shaped steel rods, retaining the original red upholstery. Measures: 40.5" tall, seat height 31". Designed by Harry Bertoia in 1952, manufac...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Harry Bertoia Furniture

Materials

Steel

Harrie Bertoia, Diamond Chair 421, Black & White with Black Vinyl Cushion
Harrie Bertoia, Diamond Chair 421, Black & White with Black Vinyl Cushion

Harrie Bertoia, Diamond Chair 421, Black & White with Black Vinyl Cushion

By Harry Bertoia, Knoll

Located in Amsterdam IJMuiden, NL

Early Harry Bertoia two-tone diamond chair. Black and white lacquered frame with original black seating. This icon is in divers sizes designed. This is a beauty according size and m...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Harry Bertoia Furniture

Materials

Metal

Harry Bertoia furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Harry Bertoia furniture 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 Harry Bertoia furniture, although gray editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 188 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 2 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original furniture by Harry Bertoia were created in the mid-century modern style in north america during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by Charles Eames, Michael Taylor, and Warren Platner. Prices for Harry Bertoia furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $325 and can go as high as $450,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $2,930.
Questions About Harry Bertoia Furniture
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    Italian-American designer Harry Bertoia made the Diamond chair in 1952, and his design went into production in 1983. The original chair featured a woven steel wire back with angled wings resting on angled wire legs. Find a collection of Harry Bertoia Diamond chairs on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Whether or not a Harry Bertoia chair is comfortable really comes down to a matter of personal preference, but there are a lot of positive reviews pertaining to how comfortable the Italian-born American designer’s seating is. Among furniture aficionados he is known for the wire-lattice Diamond chair (and its variants such as the tall-backed Bird chair) designed for Knoll Inc. and first released in 1952. Shop a selection of Bertoia chairs from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.