A sculptor, painter, ceramicist and furniture and lighting designer, Isamu Noguchi was one of the most prolific and protean creative forces of the 20th century and a key figure in the development of organic modernism. Noguchi’s sculptures and designs — his chairs and tables as well as his timeless Akari lamp and other lighting fixtures — share a common spirit: one of lyrical abstraction, tempo and flow and harmonious balance.
Noguchi was born in Los Angeles to an American mother and Japanese father, and spent most of his childhood in Japan. He returned to the United States at age 13, went to high school in Indiana and enrolled at Columbia University to study medicine. At the same time, he took night courses in sculpture.
Within three months, Noguchi left college to pursue art full time. Noguchi was awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship in 1927 and traveled to Paris to work under Constantin Brancusi. It marked a turning point. Inspired by Brancusi, Noguchi embraced abstraction and began to sculpt in the expressive, rhythmic style that would be the hallmark of his work.
Once back in New York, Noguchi was introduced to design by what would become a lifelong collaboration creating sets for choreographer Martha Graham. His first industrial designs were in Bakelite: the sleek Measured Time kitchen timer created circa 1932, and his famed Zenith Radio Nurse intercom, from 1937.
Ten years later, Herman Miller introduced Noguchi’s now-iconic glass-topped coffee table with an articulated wooden base. His washi paper and bamboo Akari light sculptures, handmade in Japan, debuted in 1951. In the late 1950s, Noguchi designed for Knoll, creating such pieces as his dynamic Cyclone table and rocking stool.
For collectors, Noguchi’s furniture and lighting designs remain his most accessible work — they have the same power and presence that Noguchi brought to his art.
Find vintage Isamu Noguchi floor lamps, table lamps, coffee tables and other furniture on 1stDibs.
Extremely Rare 1932 Isamu Noguchi “Measured Time” Clock
By Isamu Noguchi
Located in Philadelphia, PA
We are very pleased to present this *genuinely rare* Isamu Noguchi Measured Time Clock and Kitchen Timer. This clock marks Noguchi's first industr...
Bakelite
$3,250
H 6 in W 5.5 in D 3.5 in
Isamu Noguchi Mid-Century Modern Hawkeye Measured Time Clock & Timer, circa 1932
By Isamu Noguchi
Located in Studio City, CA
A fabulous Midcentury original Hawkeye Measured Time clock/timer created by famed Japanese American designer Isamu Noguchi. This clock was the first Noguchi's designs to go into mas...
Metal
Isamu Noguchi Hawkeye "Measured Time" Clock and Kitchen Timer
By Isamu Noguchi
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
The “Measured Time” clocks have appeared previously on the market without attribution, identified only by the clockface “Hawkeye” label or the Stev...
Metal
Mora Clock 100% Original Paint RARE
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a very RARE 100% Original painted Swedish Mora clock. New battery works and reproduction face installed. I do have the Original works and face but it was such in Bad conditi...
Pine
$15,200Sale Price|20% Off
H 5 in W 6 in D 2.5 in
1940s Isamu Noguchi Black+White Train Clock Modernist Japanese Industrial Design
By Isamu Noguchi
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Sale includes both, and both clocks are untested, thus graded DISTRESSED, despite being cosmetically good.
Bakelite
Mid-Century Isamu Noguchi Hawkeye Measured Time Clock and Timer
By Isamu Noguchi
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Noguchi's first mass-produced design, completed circa 1932, predating his design for the "Radio Nurse" baby monitor by about five years. Produced...
Metal
Antique found time wall clock/regulator from around 1880
Located in Berlin, DE
Antique found time wall clock/regulator from around 1880 Solid wood, richly carved with brass pendulum. Movement needs to be checked.
Nutwood, Oak
NSNG One More Time Clock heated corten
By Kiki & Joost, Joost van Bleiswijk
Located in Eindhoven, NL
No Screw No Glue is an iconic range of furniture and objects designed by Joost Van Bleiswijk in which the components are laser cut and assembled by slotting the pieces together. As t...
Steel
NSNG One More Time Clock Rusted Corten
By Kiki & Joost, Joost van Bleiswijk
Located in Eindhoven, NL
No Screw No Glue is an iconic range of furniture and objects designed by Joost Van Bleiswijk in which the components are laser cut and assembled by slotting the pieces together. As t...
Steel
An Extremely Rare Ships Wheel Pendulum Four Glass Clock
By Samuel Marti
Located in Amersham, GB
This Fine french four glass mantel clock has a beautifully gilded case with thick bevelled glass panels and doors. the eight day movement with visible jewelled Brocot escapement is m...
Brass, Enamel, Steel, Ormolu
$2,824Sale Price|25% Off
H 8.67 in W 8.67 in D 4.73 in
Fannières Frères Desk Clock "Time Allegory" circa 1860
By Fannière Frères
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Fannières Frères Desk Clock Time Allegory Chased gilt and silvered bronze Desk Clock With an allegorical theme of Time in the form of a cherub suppor...
Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
International Time Recording Dial Clock
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Recording Dial Clock by the International Time Recording Company. The clock is in nice presenting condition with only areas of normal wear to the outer wooden case. The glass is all...
Metal
IBM Time Clock
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Antique oak case IBM Time Clock with original metal manufacturer's tag on front measurers 35"T, glass front door on each side panel, 8" clock on front with 27" iron wheel. Plaque reads "Manufactured by International Business Machine Corporation International Time Recording Division" with 7 patents. The first 1911, the last 1916, Model 6000-5 with the serial number. 19"D x 18"W x 35"H A recording dial clock...
Metal
Isamu Noguchi Hawkeye Clock & Kitchen Timer
By Isamu Noguchi
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hawkeye kitchen timer and clock by Isamu Noguchi, c.1930s. This 1932 design was Isamu Noguchi's first commercial design. The pieces features an arched bl...
Metal
Isamu Noguchi Hawkeye Clock & Kitchen Timer
By Isamu Noguchi
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hawkeye kitchen timer and clock by Isamu Noguchi, c.1930s. This 1932 design was Isamu Noguchi's first commercial design. The pieces features an arched bl...
Metal
Sold
H 6.125 in W 5 in D 2.5 in
Vintage Isamu Noguchi Measured Time Black Bakelite Clock and Kitchen Timer Model
By Isamu Noguchi
Located in Cincinnati, OH
This circa 1930s Hawkeye electric clock timer was designed by noted sculptor, landscape artist and industrial designer Isamu Noguchi (1904-1988). The piece features a shiny black bak...
Metal
Sold
H 6 in W 5.5 in D 3.5 in
Isamu Noguchi Midcentury Pristine Measured Hawkeye Time Clock/ Timer, circa 1932
By Isamu Noguchi
Located in Studio City, CA
A fabulous midcentury piece by famed Japanese American designer Isamu Noguchi. This piece as pristine and as clean as you will ever see. Truly museum quality. This clock was the first Noguchi's designs to go into mass production and is circa 1932. A handful of years later he would design his famous "Radio Nurse...
Metal
Isamu Noguchi Time Measured Hawkeye Clock
By Isamu Noguchi
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Isamu Noguchi’s first mass-produced design. The clock showcases the inception of industrial materials, and was an early artifact of Noguchi’s design métier. Original bakelite exterio...
Bakelite
Isamu Noguchi Hawkeye Measured Timer
By Isamu Noguchi
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A rare windup Hawkeye "Measured Timer" the first mass produced industrial design by Noguchi before the "Radio Nurse". This simple and sculptural piece of a...
Bakelite