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.
1970s Isamu Noguchi for Knoll 48" Cyclone Dining Table with White Laminate Top
By Knoll, Isamu Noguchi
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Cyclone Dining Table, originally designed by Isamu Noguchi for Knoll in 1953. This particular example dates back to the 1970s. The table is comprised of a cast iron base an...
Iron, Steel
$2,000Sale Price|20% Off
H 24 in W 60 in D 16 in
Modern white Office Credenza Sideboard by David Rockwell for Knoll
By Knoll, David Rockwell
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Modern white Office Credenza Sideboard Designed by David Rockwell for Knoll. Modern knoll White lacquer credenza. Featuring (5) cabinet doors. The credenza sits White metal Iron X cu...
Steel
$4,000
H 28 in W 72 in D 18 in
Mid century Florence Knoll Black & White Cabinet Credenza leather pulls
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid Century Florence knoll Black & White Credenza. Beautiful practical credenza for living or office space. Has (4) White laminate front Sliding doors with leather pulls that rev...
Chrome
$6,900Sale Price|27% Off
H 30 in W 78 in D 21 in
1970s Bernhard Rohne Brass Credenza for Mastercraft, Acid Etched
By Bernhard Rohne, Mastercraft
Located in Toledo, OH
Brass 6-door credenza by Bernhard Rohne for Mastercraft. This 1970's era credenza features acid etched design work and large brass handles. 78" wide x 21" deep x 30" high. A matchin...
Brass
Teak Credenza by Florence Knoll for Knoll International
By Florence Knoll
Located in Dallas, TX
Credenza designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll International 1961. This example is in very good condition, constructed with teak featuring ten drawers and chromed steel base.
Teak
Florence Knoll Designed Credenza
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-century modern office sideboard by Florence Knoll. Walnut grain throughout with strong metal legs. Pull out tray and file cabinet. Please confirm location NY or NJ
Metal
Knoll Style Mid Century Walnut and Marble Top File Credenza
By Knoll
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Knoll Style Mid Century Walnut and Marble Top File Credenza This credenza measures: 55 wide x 22.75 deep x 28 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call restore...
Marble
Florence Knoll Eight-Drawer Credenza in Teakwood
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Chicago, IL
Florence Knoll Eight-Drawer Credenza in Teakwood, features Notch pulls with chrome details, Four file drawers and Four pencil drawers, chrome plated adjustable feet, with lock. [Kno...
Chrome
Florence Knoll Four Position Rosewood Credenza
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Highland, IN
A classic design by Florence Knoll, the 'four position' credenza is an elegant cabinet appointed with many refined details. Supported by a polished chrome steel base, the case is ven...
Marble, Steel
$11,750
H 25 in W 74.63 in D 17.88 in
Early Florence Knoll Credenza in Rosewood with Calacatta Gold Marble Top
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in St. Louis, MO
Florence Knoll credenza in rosewood, drawer fronts are book matched with original beautiful Gold Calacatta marble top. The 10 drawer Rosewood cabinet has been restored, chrome pulls ...
Metal
$8,500
H 26 in W 74.63 in D 18 in
Mid-Century Modern Knoll Credenza Ebonized Wood Marble Florence Knoll Design
By Knoll
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a mid-century credenza designed by Florence Knoll. No label . New marble top, chrome plated legs, oak wood has been ebonized. Circa the 1960s. Dimensions: ...
Marble, Chrome
$4,400Sale Price / item|20% Off
H 17.72 in W 72.05 in D 15.26 in
Pair of Florence Knoll Floating Credenza for Knoll Inc.
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
Acquired from the family who owned the first Knoll concession in Monterrey, Mexico, this exceptional pair of credenzas carries an important provenance. At one point, the two cabinets...
Leather, Walnut
Knoll Walnut Credenza with Marble Top
By Knoll
Located in Toledo, OH
Knoll Walnut credenza with marble top. Circa 20th century around 1952. Walnut 4 door credenza on a square tube chrome frame with adjustable sh...
Walnut