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.
Freeform Sofa by Isamu Noguchi, Wood and Fabric, Vitra, Germany, 2002
By Vitra, Isamu Noguchi
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
$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
Freeform Sofa by Isamu Noguchi, Wood and Fabric, Vitra, Germany, 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
Isamu Noguchi Freeform Sofa & Ottoman – Vitra, Raf Simons for Kvadrat Vidar 4
By Isamu Noguchi
Located in Dronten, NL
Few designs balance art and function as seamlessly as Isamu Noguchi’s Freeform Sofa. Originally conceived in 1946 and produced in very limited numbers today by Vitra, this is not jus...
Wool, Ash
Corner Sofa Blond Wood and Fabric, Italy, 1950's
By Ico Parisi
Located in Uithoorn, NL
Corner sofa in blond wood and fabric,, Italy, 1950's What stands out most in this low corner bench are the recesses in the framework and the 9 straight, tapered, squared stiletto legs that are so typical for that period in Italy. As you can see the backrest is optional and was probably designed later to give it some extra comfort. Back in the days these sofas were mostly used for very practical purposes like a quick coffee or pasta. This sofa would work very well in a corner of course but strangely enough this rectangular sofa also works very well in the middle of a room for example with a round table and two chairs...
Fabric, Wood
$4,138
H 27.56 in W 63 in D 31.5 in
Maralunga sofa designed by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, Italy1973
By Cassina, Vico Magistretti
Located in Firenze, FI
Maralunga two-seat sofa for Cassina, designed by Vico Magistretti in 1973. It features enveloping shapes, curved armrests folded toward the seat, and an elegant brown corduroy uphols...
Velvet
Freeform Ottoman by Isamu Noguchi for Vitra Design Museum
By Isamu Noguchi
Located in Centreville, VA
Freeform Ottoman Designer: Isamu Noguchi Design Year: 1946 Isamu Noguchi’s Freeform Ottoman blends sculpture and function in a fluid, organic form. Inspired by natural shapes, its ...
Beech, Maple
$4,138
H 27.56 in W 63 in D 31.5 in
Maralunga sofa designed by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, Italy 1973
By Cassina, Vico Magistretti
Located in Firenze, FI
Maralunga two-seat sofa for Cassina, designed by Vico Magistretti in 1973. It features enveloping shapes, curved armrests folded toward the seat, and an elegant brown corduroy uphols...
Velvet
Italian Freeform Curved Sofa in Light Blue Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, fabric, iron, brass, Italy, 1950s This eccentric sofa features an interesting composition. The seating area and the backrest are organically sha...
Brass, Iron
$16,363
H 32.29 in W 124.02 in D 40.16 in
Moncloud Sofa by Patricia Urquiola for Cassina, Modern Italian Design
By Cassina, Patricia Urquiola
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Moncloud Sofa designed by Patricia Urquiola. Manufactured by Cassina (Italy) THE FUTURE IN A SOFA A generous, welcoming refuge that celebrates comfort and hospitality. Designed by ...
Upholstery
$22,109
H 29.14 in W 96.46 in D 36.23 in
Le Bambole 3 seater sofa designed by Mario Bellini for C&b Italia 1972
By Mario Bellini
Located in Arezzo, Italy
Le Bambole 3 seater sofa designed by Mario Bellini for C&b Italia , Polyurethane structure, bouclè cotton fabric, restored. Excellent conditions, the Bambole series won the Compasso ...
Fabric, Rubber
$4,374
H 32.68 in W 87.01 in D 39.77 in
Baisity sofa designed by Antonio Citterio for B&B Italia, 1980s.
By Antonio Citterio, B&B Italia
Located in Athens, Attiki
Baisity sofa designed by Antonio Citterio for B&B Italia, 1980s. Original fabric with extraordinary paisley pattern and leather. Excellent condition
Leather, Fabric, Silk
86T Rocking Stool by Isamu Noguchi for Vitra, USA, 1950s
By Vitra, Isamu Noguchi
Located in GORINCHEM, NL
Originally designed by Isamu Noguchi in 1954, the Rocking Stool is one of the designer’s most sculptural and unconventional seating designs. Rather than relying on a traditional four...
Chrome
$16,363
H 32.29 in W 124.02 in D 40.16 in
Moncloud Sofa by Patricia Urquiola for Cassina, Modern Italian Design
By Patricia Urquiola, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Moncloud Sofa designed by Patricia Urquiola. Manufactured by Cassina (Italy) THE FUTURE IN A SOFA A generous, welcoming refuge that celebrates comfort and hospitality. Designed by ...
Upholstery
Italian Freeform Curved Sofa in Light Blue Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, fabric, lacquered steel, brass, Italy, 1950s This eccentric sofa features an interesting composition. The seating area and the backrest are organically shaped and together wit...
Brass, Steel
$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 Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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
Sold
H 28.25 in W 118 in D 51.25 in
Freeform Sofa and Ottoman by Isamu Noguchi for Vitra Design Museum
By Isamu Noguchi
Located in Centreville, VA
Freeform Sofa and Ottoman Designer: Isamu Noguchi Design Year: 1946 Isamu Noguchi’s Freeform Sofa and Ottoman blends sculpture and function in a fluid, organic form. Inspired by na...
Beech, Maple
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
Sold
H 28.5 in W 112.5 in D 49.75 in
2010s Isamu Noguchi for Vitra Cloud Freeform Sofa and Ottoman in Fabric
By Isamu Noguchi, Vitra
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
Sold
H 28.25 in W 118 in D 51.25 in
Signed Vitra Isamu Noguchi Freeform Cloud Large Biomorphic Sofa & Ottoman
By Vitra, Isamu Noguchi
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 Palazzetti, Isamu Noguchi
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