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.
$6,240Sale Price|20% Off
Freeform Sofa by Isamu Noguchi for Vitra Design Museum
By Isamu Noguchi
Located in Centreville, VA
Freeform Sofa Designer: Isamu Noguchi Design Year: 1946 Isamu Noguchi’s Freeform Sofa blends sculpture and function in a fluid, organic form. Inspired by natural shapes, its asymme...
Beech, Maple
$10,450 / set
Freeform Sofa and Ottoman by Isamu Noguchi
By Isamu Noguchi
Located in Dronten, NL
The sculptural quality of Noguchi's design vocabulary finds expression in the Freeform Sofa: it is entirely different from other designs of the same period, appearing in combination ...
Wool, Walnut
2010s Isamu Noguchi for Vitra Cloud Freeform Sofa and Ottoman in Fabric
By Vitra, Isamu Noguchi
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Freeform Sofa and Ottoman, originally designed by Isamu Noguchi for Vitra in 1946. This particular example was produced in the 2010s. The sofa and ottoman are comprised of ...
Beech, Maple, Fabric, Foam
Vintage Boho Isamu Noguchi Biomorphic Sofa And Ottoman
By Isamu Noguchi
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Channeling the freeform elegance of mid-century modernism, this rare biomorphic sofa and ottoman set is a sculptural masterpiece in the spirit of Isamu Noguchi's organic design philo...
Fabric, Wood
Freeform Sofa by Isamu Noguch, 2002
By Isamu Noguchi, Vitra
Located in Roma, IT
Freeform Sofa is a design item realized by Isamu Noguchi Produced by Vitra. Wood and fabric sofa. Vitra original label and plate with reference number 0977. Good condition but wi...
Fabric, Wood
Freeform Sofa by Isamu Noguchi for Vitra
By Isamu Noguchi, Vitra
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 2000s. Organic shape freeform sofa with wood legs. Upholstered in Maharam fabric.
Fabric, Wood
Freeform Sofa by Isamu Noguch, 2002
By Isamu Noguchi, Vitra
Located in Roma, IT
Freeform Sofa is a design item realized by Isamu Noguchi Produced by Vitra. Wood and fabric sofa. Vitra original label and plate with reference number 0841 Good condition. Origin...
Fabric, Wood
$4,200
H 28 in W 90 in D 46 in
Mid-Century Modern Kidney Shaped Curved Serpentine Biomorphic Cloud Sofa
By Drexel, Baker Furniture Company
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Fabulous Mid-Century Modern biomorphic kidney shaped sofa. This long tailored cloud sofa features an elongated removable single seat cushion with a curved tight back. Original neutra...
Upholstery, Wood
$7,800
H 30 in W 96 in D 42 in
Vintage Curved Serpentine Sofa by Vladimir Kagan for Directional c. 1980s
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A classic sofa designed by Vladimir Kagan and manufactured by Directional in the 1980s. Great flowing lines with signature disc bases and thick lucite center support. Fabric is origi...
Fabric, Wood
Isamu Noguchi Rocking Stool for Vitra
By Vitra, Isamu Noguchi
Located in New York, NY
Iconic low rocking stool with a maple top and base and chrome-plated steel rods, a 1954 Isamu Noguchi design for Knoll re-issued by Vitra in 2001. Intended ...
Chrome
$27,781
H 31.5 in W 125.6 in D 62.21 in
Contemporary Galapinhos Sofa, Velvet Leather, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
By Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Galapinhos Sofa, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Galapinhos leather sofa brings the essence of nature indoors, inspired by the unspoiled...
Leather, Oak, Bouclé, Walnut, Wool, Linen, Wood
A vintage biomorphic sofa in shearling, late 20th century
Located in View Park, CA
A vintage biomorphic curvy sofa, late 20th century. Upholstered in an off-white shearling bouclé, this piece represents the avant-garde of the postmodern design era, of which Russian...
Fabric, Wood
1980s 3-Piece Biomorphic Curved Sofa By Preview
By Preview
Located in Bensalem, PA
This is one unique sofa, very comfortable. The shape is amazing would be the center focus point of any room Made by Preview Furniture
Upholstery
$5,960Sale Price|20% Off
H 34 in W 80 in D 34 in
1980s Preview Purple Sculptural Biomorphic Cloud Sofa
By Preview
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning, purple microfiber cloud sofa you could hope to find. Outstanding design is exhibited throughout. The beautiful sofa is statemen...
Upholstery, Wood
$4,500
H 30.25 in W 64 in D 35.5 in
1970s Karl Springer Style Chaise Lounge Sofa by Bernhardt Flair in Golden Silk
By Karl Springer, Steve Chase, Bernhardt
Located in St. Louis, MO
Sleek 1970s Hollywood Regency fully upholstered chaise lounge or sofa for Berhardt Flair in the style of Karl Springer or Steve Chase in original tan silk blend upholstery. Great 70s styling with upholstered flared legs, Ogee around base and angled back and sides to the sofa. In fine original condition, some minor marks on feet and to the backs, one lighter spot on the seat. Foam is in perfect condition on this very comfortable chaise, having to back cushions and two pillows. Usable in present condition, if perfection is sought, plan to recover. Retains Bernhardt Flair Division...
Upholstery
Mid-Century 'Scoop' Sofa and Chair Set with Ottoman
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This vintage matching sofa with lounge chair features uniquely shaped chrome frames, tufted upholstery and a stylish matching ottoman. Wonderful moder...
Chrome
$8,400Sale Price|40% Off
H 28 in W 83.25 in D 28.5 in
Three Seat Sofa Designed by Michael Taylor for Baker
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
Early and scarcely seen three-seat sofa with fixed back cushions and flared tapering arms designed by Michael Taylor for Baker. A very comfortable sofa with incredibly clean lines. R...
Upholstery
Modular Sofa and Ottomans for Cassina
By Cassina
Located in Sagaponack, NY
Fully upholstered modular seating system with slab sides, tight seats, and ‘saddle bag’ style back and end cushions. Labeled Cassina under the seats on its metal frame as well as lab...
Metal
$8,000
H 53.5 in W 64 in D 90 in
2020 Vitra Alcove Seating by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec in Orange Fabric
By Vitra, Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a custom c-shaped high Alcove sofa, designed by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec, produced by Vitra in Germany. It was acquired directly from Vitra, when...
Steel
Sold
H 28.25 in W 118 in D 51.25 in
Signed Vitra Isamu Noguchi Freeform Cloud Large Biomorphic Sofa & Ottoman
By Isamu Noguchi, Vitra
Located in West Hartford, CT
Isamu Noguchi's biomorphic, organic shaped "Cloud" Freeform Sofa is a direct extension of the artist's sculptural aesthetic and it effortlessly blurs distinctions between design and ...
Fabric, Textile, Wool, Wood, Maple
Isamu Noguchi Freeform Sofa and Ottoman for Vitra, 2000s
By Isamu Noguchi
Located in Coronado, CA
A sublime Freeform sofa by Isamu Noguchi, produced by Vitra circa 2002. This is a very early production example: the 33rd piece produced...
Beech, Maple
Vitra Freeform Sofa + Ottoman '2007' by Isamu Noguchi
By Isamu Noguchi, Vitra
Located in CULEMBORG, GE
Designed in 1946 and completely different from other designs of the same period, the Freeform Sofa embodies the poetic quality in Isamu Noguchi’s designs. Brochures and magazines tal...
Upholstery, Walnut
Freeform Sofa and Ottoman by Isamu Noguchi
By Isamu Noguchi
Located in Dronten, NL
The sculptural quality of Noguchi's design vocabulary finds expression in the Freeform Sofa: it is entirely different from other designs of the same per...
Wool, Walnut
Modern Sculptural Freeform Cloud Sofa and Ottoman by Isamu Noguchi
By Isamu Noguchi, Vitra
Located in Houston, TX
Sculptural freeform cloud sofa and ottoman by Isamu Noguchi for Virta. The velvet is a light pink color with walnut legs. Ottoman measurements: H 16 in. x W 45.5 in. x D 26 in.
Velvet, Walnut
Freeform Sofa by Isamu Noguchi
By Isamu Noguchi, Vitra
Located in Westport, CT
Rare freeform sculptural sofa designed by Isamu Noguchi. Newly upholstered in cotton velvet by Holly Hunt. Walnut legs fully restored.
Velvet, Walnut
Palazzetti Noguchi Cloud Sofa
By Isamu Noguchi, Palazzetti
Located in Dallas, TX
The Noguchi sofa is no longer offered by Palazzetti. This one is executued Naugahyde. About Palazetti: Palazzetti created access to the public for the ...
Upholstery, Wood
Modern Isamu Noguchi Free-Form Cloud Sofa
By Isamu Noguchi
Located in Minneapolis, MN
Japanese-American designer Isamu Noguchi's "Cloud" sofa's curves will add a bit of whimsy to any space.
Wool, Wood
Freeform Sofa in Green Wool by Isamu Noguchi for Vitra
By Isamu Noguchi
Located in Dronten, NL
"Thanks to its organic shape and the natural colored wool fabric, Isamu Noguchi's large free-form sofa has a light and elegant feel." Vitra Design Museum Collection. The faded green ...
Wood, Wool
Freeform sofa by Isamu Noguchi for Vitra
By Isamu Noguchi
Located in Dronten, NL
"Thanks to its organic shape and the natural colored wool fabric, Isamu Noguchi's large Freeform sofa has a light and elegant feel". Vitra Design Museum...
Wood, Wool