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Harry Bertoia Seating

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
2021 Harry Bertoia for Knoll Counter Stool in White with Full Cover
By Knoll, Harry Bertoia
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a classic 2021 production Harry Bertoia for Knoll Counter Stool, Model 426C, originally designed in 1952. The piece is fabricated of a wel...
Category

2010s American Modern Harry Bertoia Seating

Materials

Steel

Diamond Chairs by Harry Bertoia for Knoll International
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Brussels, BE
Diamond chairs by Harry Bertoia for Knoll International, 6 available Sold par piece 1250€.  
Category

1970s European Vintage Harry Bertoia Seating

Materials

Chrome

Model 400 Bench, Harry Bertoia, Knoll International
By Knoll, Harry Bertoia
Located in Neuss, NW
Minimalist bench MODEL 400 from the 1960s by Harry Bertoia for Knoll International from 1952. Frame made of Y-shaped black round steel and a seat made of teak stained solid beech. Q...
Category

1960s German Vintage Harry Bertoia Seating

Materials

Steel

Set of Three Harry Bertoia Barstools for Knoll, Signed & New in Original Boxes
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Enhance your home or office space with this exquisite set of three Harry Bertoia barstools for Knoll. Crafted with impeccable attention to deta...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Harry Bertoia Seating

Materials

Steel

Thick Black Metal Original Harry Bertoia Desk Dining Patio Chair for Knoll
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in San Diego, CA
Single seat pad chair designed by Harry Bertoia for Knoll, circa 1990s with a grey seat pad , nice thick coating excellent condition .
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Harry Bertoia Seating

Materials

Metal

Harry Bertoia for Knoll Associates Slatted Bench, 1980s
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in New York, NY
This is an iconic slatted wood bench designed by Harry Bertoia and produced by Knoll, 1980s. The bench was constructed using lacquered wood for the slats, and has a base of chrome-pl...
Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Harry Bertoia Seating

Materials

Chrome

Pair of Early Bertoia Large/ Wide Diamond Chairs - ALL Original
By Knoll, Harry Bertoia
Located in North Miami, FL
The wide/ Large diamond chair is the largest of the Bertoia seating group. These vintage chairs have the ORIGINAL brown covers in very good o...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Harry Bertoia Seating

Materials

Stainless Steel, Chrome

Harry Bertoia for Knoll Wide White Diamond Chair & Ottoman with Pink Upholstery
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in St. Louis, MO
Mid-Century Modern Harry Bertoia for Knoll wide version diamond chair with ottoman, frames are original white paint an original but faded pink Knoll textile covers. Minor scuffs to f...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Harry Bertoia Seating

Materials

Steel

Harry Bertoia, Knoll International Large Chrome Bird Chair, Purple Cushion, 1952
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Amsterdam IJMuiden, NL
This item is part of the private collection of Casey Godrie and is situated in his private house. Ask him for competitive shipping quotes. His incredible Dune Villa, Amsterdam Beach, check last pictures on this listing and/or find more details on his family name plus eu, is for sale soon too. :-) Bird chair in chrome with a purple cushion...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Harry Bertoia Seating

Materials

Chrome

Harry Bertoia Study for Wire Form, Rare / Experimental 1949
By Harry Bertoia
Located in Buffalo, NY
Provenance: Wright Modernist 20th Century, auction 12/7/2003, Bertoia worked with the Eames' in California in the late 1940s to develop their wire form chairs. His involvement led...
Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Harry Bertoia Seating

Materials

Steel

Set of 4 Dining Chairs designed by Harry BERTOIA for Knoll International, 1970s
By Harry Bertoia
Located in Berlin, Berlin
A set of black and white Side Chairs, designed by Harry Bertoia. U.S.A., Knoll International, 1970s. Vintage set of side chairs with burnt orange-coloured velvet pads. The Bertoia S...
Category

1950s American Vintage Harry Bertoia Seating

Materials

Metal

Pair of White Mid Century Diamond Chairs by Harry Bertoia for Knoll USA, 1950s
By Knoll, Harry Bertoia
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare pair of white mid century diamond chairs in lacquered metal by Harry Bertoia produced by Knoll USA, 1950s. In good vintage condition with the original lacquer. Dimensions: H: ...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Harry Bertoia Seating

Materials

Metal

Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bertoia for Knoll Wire Chairs - Set of 8
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Capture the essence of iconic mid-century modern design with this stunning set of 8 vintage Bertoia side chairs for Knoll. Designed by renowned sculptor Harry Bertoia, these chairs f...
Category

Late 20th Century American Minimalist Harry Bertoia Seating

Materials

Metal

Bertoia, Eight White Welded Steel Chairs with Four Red Cushions
By Harry Bertoia
Located in Bloomfield Hills, MI
SALE ONE WEEK ONLY This set of eight side chairs & four red cushions are as elegant, strong and functional as when they were manufactured. The colors are bright and the cushions are in very good condition. The chairs will add a touch of class to any setting. Harry Bertoia's career began in the 1930s as a student at Cranbrook Academy of Art where he re-established the metal-working studio and later became head of the department before the school closed during WWII due to wartime restrictions on materials in 1943. During the war, Bertoia moved to California and is credited with developing new techniques for molding plywood with Charles and Ray Eames also from Cranbrook. Harry Bertoia is one of the many well-known artists and designers who attended The Cranbrook Academy of Art in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, The school & buildings were designed by architect and faculty member, Eliel Saarinen who collaborated with Charles and Ray Eames on chair and furniture design. It is the country’s top ranked, graduate-only program in architecture, design and fine art. Each year, just 75 students are invited to study and live on the landmark Saarinen-designed campus which features: private studios, state-of-the art workshops, the renowned Cranbrook Art Museum and 300 acres of forests, lakes and streams, all a short drive from the city of Detroit. The focus at Cranbrook is on studio practice in one of ten disciplines including Architecture, 2D and 3D Design, Ceramics, Fiber, Metalsmithing, Painting, Photography, Print Media, and Sculpture. The program is anchored by celebrated Artists- and Designers-in-Residence, one for each discipline, all of whom live and practice on campus alongside the graduate students. Numerous creative artists who are alumni of Cranbrook include: Florence Knoll, Jack Lenor Larsen, Donald Lipski, Duane Hanson, Nick Cave, Hani Rashid, George Nelson, Urban Jupena (Nationally recognized fiber artist), Artis Lane (the first African-American artist to have her sculpture, "Sojourner Truth," commissioned for the Emancipation Hall in the Capital Visitor Center in Washington DC), Cory Puhlman (televised Pastry Chef extraordinaire), Thom O’Connor (Lithographs), Paul Evans (Brutalist-inspired sculpted metal furnishings), Eugene Caples (small bronze images/abstract), Morris Brose (Bronze Sculptures), Herb Babcock (blown glass), Larry Butcher (mixed media), Lauren Anais Hussey (Abstract), Andrea Eis (film, photography), Lilian Swann Saarinen (Sculpture), Douglas Semivan...
Category

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

Materials

Metal, Steel

Harry Bertoia for Knoll Accent Side Chair Black Wireframe with Green Cushion
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A Harry Bertoia side chair for Knoll. A beautiful, classic mid century modern side chair. The Bertoia side chair features a modern aluminum wireframe design and a small padded seat c...
Category

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

Materials

Aluminum

Knoll Bertoia Bar Stool with Beautiful Original Cushion, 1970
By Harry Bertoia
Located in Oirlo, LI
Knoll Bertoia bar stool with beautiful original cushion, 1970 The Bertoia side chair is available with a seat cushion. The frame is a welded steel ...
Category

1970s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Harry Bertoia Seating

Materials

Chrome

BERTOIA Chair, Model 420, Harry Bertoia for Knoll
By Knoll, Harry Bertoia
Located in Neuss, NW
BERTOIA chair, model 420, designed in the 1940s by Harry Bertoia for Knoll. Frame made of wire mesh with a new felt seat cover in yellow. Quality Features: very good workmanshi...
Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Harry Bertoia Seating

Materials

Metal

1961 Harry Bertoia for Knoll Bird Chair and Ottoman w/ Original Receipt
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an original Bird lounge chair and coordinating ottoman, models 423LU/424YU, initially designed by Harry Bertoia for Knoll in 1952. This chair and ottoman were originally purc...
Category

1960s American Modern Vintage Harry Bertoia Seating

Materials

Steel

Pair of Model 420, Side Chairs with White Metal Frame by Harry Bartoia for Knoll
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Milan, IT
Set of two Model 420 side chairs by Harry Bertoia for Knoll. Early edition with white metal frame and black seat pad.
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Harry Bertoia Seating

Materials

Metal

Easy Bird Chair in Black Lacquered Metal and Red Fabric by Harry Bertoia, 1950s
By Harry Bertoia
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Easy Bird Chair in Black Lacquered Metal and Red Fabric by Harry Bertoia, 1950s Additional Information: Material: Black lacquered metal and original red fabric Style: midcentury...
Category

20th Century American Harry Bertoia Seating

Materials

Metal

Set of 4 Diamond chairs, Harry Bertoia, Knoll International
By Harry Bertoia
Located in Milano, Lombardia
The Diamond Chair is an astounding study in space, form and function by one of the master sculptors of the last century. Like Saarinen and Mies, Bertoia found sublime grace in an ind...
Category

1960s American Modern Vintage Harry Bertoia Seating

Materials

Metal

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 1950 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

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Harry Bertoia Seating

Materials

Metal, Chrome

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 Seating

Materials

Metal

Large Diamond Chair by Harry Bertoia for Knoll, 1970s
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in bruxelles, BE
Armchair in metal and blue fabric by Harry Bertoia. Large Diamond model. Seat height: 39 cm. Wear due to time and age. For shipping, request us for receive the best price.
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Three vintage stools, Harry Bertoia for Knoll
By Knoll, Harry Bertoia
Located in Torino, IT
Three vintage stools, Harry Bertoia for Knoll
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Harry Bertoia Seating

Materials

Metallic Thread

Set of 3 Harry Bertoia for Knoll International Black "Bucket" Barstools
By Knoll, Harry Bertoia
Located in Queens, NY
Set of 3 Mid-Century American (1960s) curved, concave barstools with black fiberglass "bucket" seats resting on splayed metal legs with square stretcher bases, ending in small circul...
Category

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

Materials

Chrome

Harry Bertoia for Knoll, Model Bird Armchair with Ottoman, 1970s
By Harry Bertoia
Located in Oirlo, LI
Design Harry bertoia for Knoll, Model Bird armchair with ottoman, 1970s Harry Bertoia for Knoll. Vogel armchair and ottoman in black lacquered steel ...
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Harry Bertoia Seating

Materials

Metallic Thread

Harry Bertoia Baby Size Child Chairs - a Pair
By Harry Bertoia
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage pair of wire child chairs designed by Harry Bertoia for Knoll. This iconic chair was originally issued in three sizes. As the smallest size was never reissued, the miniatures...
Category

1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Harry Bertoia Seating

Materials

Metal

Diamond Chairs by Harry Bertoia for Knoll International
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Brussels, BE
Diamond chairs by Harry Bertoia for Knoll International, 6 available Sold par piece 1200€.  
Category

1970s European Vintage Harry Bertoia Seating

Materials

Chrome

2023 Pair of Knoll Bertoia Diamond Lounge Chairs in White Model 421
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
These are classic Bertoia Diamond Chairs, Model 421, initially designed by Harry Bertoia for Knoll in 1952. These particular examples date to circa 2023, and the listed price include...
Category

2010s American Modern Harry Bertoia Seating

Materials

Steel

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 Seating

Materials

Metal

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

Materials

Steel

2014 Pair of Harry Bertoia for Knoll Bar Stools with Black Leather Pads
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a classic pair of Bertoia bar stools, model 428C, designed in 1952 by Harry Bertoia for Knoll International. These particular examples date to 2014, and the listed price incl...
Category

2010s American Modern Harry Bertoia Seating

Materials

Steel

Vintage Mid-Century Knoll Bertoia Bird Lounge Chair
By Harry Bertoia
Located in Pasadena, TX
Bird chair designed by Harry Bertoia for Knoll, 1952. Polished chrome steel upholstered in original red fabric. Foam needs to be replaced.
Category

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

Materials

Stainless Steel

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 Seating

Materials

Fabric

Chrome Bird Chair by Harry Bertoia for Knoll International, 1952
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Amsterdam IJMuiden, NL
Bird chair in chrome. The chair has a beautiful and elegant design with beautiful angles an d details. The chair shows some traces of use, like some rusty spots, which can be polishe...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Harry Bertoia Seating

Materials

Metal

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 Seating

Materials

Steel

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 Seating

Materials

Steel

Barstool by Harry Bertoia for Knoll & Associates, 1952
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 Seating

Materials

Steel

1952, Harrie Bertoia, Footstool for Bird Chair
By Knoll, Harry Bertoia
Located in Amsterdam IJMuiden, NL
This item is part of the private collection of Casey Godrie and is situated in his private house. Ask him for competitive shipping quotes. His incredible Dune Villa, Amsterdam Beach,check last five pictures, find more details on his family name plus eu, is for sale soon too. :-) Original footstool with original upholstery, which can be redone for extra price for the bird chair of Harrie Bertoia...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Harry Bertoia Seating

Materials

Metal

1952, Harry Bertoia for, Knoll International, Large Bird Chair in Black
By Knoll, Harry Bertoia
Located in Amsterdam IJMuiden, NL
This item is part of the private collection of Casey Godrie and is situated in his private house. Ask him for competitive shipping quotes. His incredible Dune Villa, Amsterdam Beach find more details on his family name plus eu, is for sale soon too. :-) Black bird chair...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Harry Bertoia Seating

Materials

Metal

Fiberglass Shell Barstool by Harry Bertoia for Knoll
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A barstool with a black fiberglass shell on splayed, painted legs.
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Harry Bertoia Seating

Materials

Fiberglass

Harry Bertoia seating for sale on 1stDibs.

Harry Bertoia seating 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 seating, although gray editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original seating 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 seating by Charles Eames, Selig, and Harvey Probber. Prices for Harry Bertoia seating can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $650 and can go as high as $12,500, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $2,016.
Questions About Harry Bertoia Seating
  • 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.

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