The Berlin-born, New York–based designer Karl Springer brought a chic, high-fashion sensibility to his coffee tables, mirrors, Lucite lamps and other furnishings. During his heyday in the 1970s, Springer’s work was a favorite of the glamour set, who enjoyed the novelty of pieces finished in rich and striking materials that ranged from exotic hides and skins to lacquer and chromed metal.
In a sense, Springer was a pre-postmodernist. Much as the dull, safe, corporate sameness of late 20th-century modernism prompted Ettore Sottsass, Michael Graves and others to explore new and provocative structures and materials in design and architecture, so, too, was Springer driven to enliven his creations with fresh and alluring energy and sleekness.
Springer came to New York in the late 1950s and found work arranging window displays at the department store Lord & Taylor. He had studied bookbinding in Germany, and, using his meticulous skills, he began crafting desk accessories wrapped in leather as a sideline. These pieces were sold in luxury stores like Bergdorf Goodman and drew a sophisticated clientele that included the Duchess of Windsor.
By 1965, Springer had established his own Manhattan atelier. It was Pierre Scapula, decorator to Jackie and Aristotle Onassis, who spotted Springer's disco-era Onassis chairs — which didn't yet have a name — first commissioned for a private residence in Acapulco, on the floor of the designer’s East 61st Street showroom. Jackie ordered barstools for the couple’s yacht, the Christina O, and dining chairs for their house on the Greek mainland.
At the time of his death, Springer had showrooms as far afield as Los Angeles, Tokyo and Munich.
The chairs, tables, credenzas and other furniture forms Springer created are generally simple, but substantial, and often have robust, rounded lines. The appeal of his work lies in Springer's insistence on exacting construction and, above all, his eye for unusual materials and finishes.
Springer employed Lucite, brass, and gunmetal along with chromed and polished steel, and revived exquisite finishes rarely seen since the days of Art Deco masters such as Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann and Jean-Michel Frank: shagreen (a type of sharkskin), python, goatskin, bone, horn, and lacquered parchment, as well as fabrics that include batik prints. Made of such materials, Springer’s work is by its very nature flamboyant and eye-catching: a suite of pieces will astonish, and an artfully placed side table in exotic hide will add a surprising spark.
Find a collection of vintage Karl Springer furniture today on 1stDibs.
Signed Karl Springer Square White Venetian Scavo Glass Catchall Bowl, 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Karl Springer square white Venetian glass bowl, catchall, candy dish, 1980s. Produced by Seguso and signed on the underside by Karl Springer. Features an acid-etched Scavo surface wi...
Murano Glass
Karl Springer Scavo Murano Glass Vessel by Seguso, 1980s
By Karl Springer, Seguso
Located in Chicago, IL
Karl Springer Scavo Murano Glass Vessel by Seguso, 1980s This large-scale hand-blown glass vase was created in Murano, Italy, by Seguso for American designer Karl Springer in the 19...
Glass
Karl Springer for Seguso large bronze Art Deco frosted glass vase 1980
By Seguso Vetri d'Arte, Karl Springer
Located in Paris, IDF
This monumental Art Deco inspired vase in hand-blown frosted glass with scavo finish, is a design by Karl Springer, and was produced by Seguso in the early 1980s. The structure is ma...
Bronze
$1,400Sale Price|20% Off
Karl Springer Tessellated Stone Box with Shagreen Interior
By Karl Springer
Located in Minneapolis, MN
Here is a very handsome and iconic lidded box by Karl Springer. Made of tessellated stone, this example has brass accents and a shagreen interior. There's also a gorgeous wood trim d...
Stone, Brass
Female Torso in Cast Stone Karl Springer Ltd
By Karl Springer
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This cast stone female torso was purchased in 1983 from the Karl Springer showroom in 1983. We have the original receipt for the purchase which where the torso was displayed in Honol...
Cast Stone
Karl Springer Standing Buddha Sculpture in Gilt Bronze 19th Century
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Beautifully made large 19th century Siam standing Buddha sculpture in gilt bronze sold through the Karl Springer showroom on custom ebonized wood ...
Bronze, Gold Leaf
Karl Springer Stunning "Kyoto Box" in Tessellated Penshell 1980s 'Signed'
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Exceptionally crafted "Kyoto Box" in tessellated penshell with brass inlays on top and trim around base by Karl Springer, American 1980's (signed “Karl Sprin...
Brass
Karl Springer Red Lacquered Box
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Karl Springer Red Lacquered Box Red Suede Lined Interior
Wood
$1,400Sale Price|20% Off
Signed Karl Springer Tessellated Stone Box with Shagreen Interior
By Karl Springer
Located in Minneapolis, MN
Here is a very handsome and iconic lidded box by Karl Springer. Made of tessellated stone, this example has brass accents and a shagreen interior. The box is in very good condition w...
Stone, Brass
Mid-Century Modernist Vermillion Red Lacquered Goat Skin Box by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite Mid-Century Modernist vermillion red lacquered goat skin box by Karl Springer, crafted in America circa 1980, is a fine example of the designer's renowned artistry and...
Goatskin
$2,600
Karl Springer Box
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Painted goatskin box Immaculate detail and manufacture.
Goatskin
$3,360Sale Price|40% Off
Karl Springer Glass Bowl, Seguso, Signed
By Seguso, Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Karl Springer Glass Bowl, Seguso, Signed. Tall, chunky, and heavy artisan hand-blown clear glass bowl by Seguso for Karl Springer in the 1980's. Provenance: purchased directly from ...
Art Glass, Blown Glass
Karl Springer (German/American, 1931-1991), Large Scavo Glass Vessel. Signed.
By Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
Large scavo, or acid washed, vase in Amethyst by Seguso, Murano Italy, for Karl Springer. Signed on the bottom.
Glass
$3,360Sale Price|40% Off
Karl Springer Glass Bowl, Seguso, Signed
By Seguso, Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Karl Springer Glass Bowl, Seguso, Signed. Large, low, and heavy, artisan hand-blown clear glass bowl by Seguso for Karl Springer in the 1980's. Provenance: purchased directly from th...
Art Glass, Blown Glass
Karl Springer Pivoting Painted Goatskin Box
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A pivoting box, covered in sliced petrified coral Label below. See photo can to get a sense of scale.
Goatskin
Set of 3 Karl Springer Midcentury Venetian Amber Scavo Glass Candlestick by Segu
By Karl Springer, Seguso
Located in Queens, NY
SET of 3 Karl Springer Midcentury Venetian Scavo Glass Candlesticks with Amber tops and White bases (SEGUSO)
Glass
$3,800Sale Price|20% Off
Karl Springer Hinged Lid Kyoto Box / Side Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
Outstanding hinged and lidded Kyoto box by Karl Springer. Fair amount of storage with suede panel lining on bottom and top. Brown and ivory lacquer is hand applied. Sits in a parsons...
Brass
Karl Springer Rare Large Painted Goatskin Jewelry Box, USA, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Karl Springer rare and exquisite large lacquered painted goatskin jewelry box, divided into compartments inside, and completely lined inside and on the bottom with brown felt ending ...
Goatskin, Felt, Wood
Karl Springer Set of 4 Candle Holders in Travertine and Brass 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Exceptional set of 4 candle holders in tessellated stalactite travertine and polished brass by Karl Springer, American 1980's (retains original showroom labels on bottoms). This set ...
Travertine, Brass
Karl Springer Design Murano Italy Scavo Art Glass Candle Pillar Set, Signed
By Karl Springer
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Rare set of 3 Murano Italy Scavo art glass candlestick pillars designed by Karl Springer. Shortest is signed/etched "Karl Springer" on base, circa 1980...
Art Glass
Karl Springer Pair of Candle Holders in Tessellated Coral 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Exceptional pair of artisan candle holders in tessellated coral with bronze bases by Karl Springer, American 1980s. Sculptural forms in beautiful materials. Measures: W: 3.5 inch...
Coral, Bronze
Karl Springer Lacquered Snakeskin Decorative Box
By Karl Springer
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A scrupulously-crafted, decorative trinket or jewelry box by Karl Springer comprising a rectangular body with a domed, hinged lid and a suede-lined interior. The outside is wrapped e...
Suede, Animal Skin
Pair of Karl Springer American Clear Scavo Prototype Glass Candlesticks
By Seguso, Karl Springer
Located in Queens, NY
PAIR of Karl Springer Mid-Century Clear Scavo Glass Column Candlesticks with a frosted base (SEGUSO)
Glass
Italian Scavo Murano Glass Candlestick by Karl Springer for Seguso
By Karl Springer
Located in Palm Springs, CA
1980’s glamorous Italian Scavo Murano glass candlestick designed by Karl Springer for Seguso. Constructed of rough texture amber and clear M...
Murano Glass
Karl Springer Snakeskin Covered Box
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Karl Springer snakeskin box with suede interior.
Animal Skin
Karl Springer Chic Lidded Box with Green Shagreen Lacquer Top 1980s (Signed)
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Artisan box in black lacquer with hand-lacquered shagreen top and interior in green shagreen printed suede by Karl Springer, American 1980's (signed “Karl Springer” on brass label on...
Brass
Karl Springer Pewter Finish Candlesticks
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Karl Springer Pewter and Brass Candlesticks Impressive size Original surface and Plexiglass Wax Protectors
Metal
Karl Springer American Mid-Century Lemon Yellow Python Skin Jewelry Box
By Karl Springer
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century Lemon Yellow Python Skin Jewelry Box (KARL SPRINGER)
Animal Skin
Documented Karl Springer Set of Three Midcentury Brass and Chrome Candlesticks
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
This stunning and dramatic set of candlesticks were realized by Karl Springer- one of the most influential and important designers of the 20th century- in America, circa 1985. It features a concave base and a convex top connected by a cylindrical body all in lustrous brass with a chrome banding at the base and pinnacle of the bodies. Two of the candles are the same length, while the third (meant to be positioned in the center) is taller. The candle affixes to the center of the top of each candle stick via a pointed conical pin in chrome. With its austere form and bold modernist lines- inspired by the verve and élan of first rate Art Deco design- these candlesticks are as versatile as they are gorgeous. They would be a winning addition to any style of interior from Classic Mid-Century Modern to contemporary. Excellent condition. The candlesticks are documented on page 17 of the Springer catalogue...
Chrome, Brass
Karl Springer Unique Hinged Box in Polished Sodalite Stone 1980s 'Signed'
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Stunning one-of-a-kind hinged box in polished blue sodalite stone by Karl Springer, American 1980's (shown with original showroom tag from the 1980’s). Blue sodalite is a rare minera...
Stone, Brass
Karl Springer Hand Painted Batik Leather Box
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A nice example in beautiful condition. Original invoice pictured.
Leather
Karl Springer Kyoto Box / Table
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A rarely seen Karl Springer Kyoto Box Original surface with minor touchups Original suede interior.
Wood
Karl Springer Superb Waste Basket in Gray Cobra 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Meticulously crafted waste paper basket in gray cobra with inside and bottom in silk moiré by Karl Springer, American 1980's. This piece is beautifully made using the finest materials.
Animal Skin, Silk, Wood
Important Pair of Patinated Silvered Copper and Brass Urns by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Montreal, QC
Important Pair of Art Deco Style Patinated silvered copper and brass urns by Karl Springer. Reference Karl Springer Ltd. Catalog 1977- 1994, Tom Langevin, unpaginated. Lobel modern a...
Copper
Clear Murano Glass Candleholder by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Glamorous 1980s hand blown Murano glass candleholder designed by Karl Springer. Hand signed by Karl Springer (see detail photos). Measuremen...
Murano Glass
Karl Springer Waste Basket in Tessellated Travertine, 1980s
By Karl Springer, Maitland Smith
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Meticulously crafted waste basket in tessellated travertine with gilded accents and solid brass feet by Maitland Smith for Karl Springer, American 1980's (bottom lined in fabric). Ta...
Travertine, Brass
Karl Springer Chic Waste Basket in Ostrich Skin 1976-1978
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Chic waste basket in ostrich skin on the outside and inside by Karl Springer, American 1976-78. The bottom is covered in silk moiré. The craftsmanship of all Springer skin work is ex...
Ostrich Leather, Silk, Wood
Large Murano Green Glass Vase Designed by Karl Springer, Signed
By Karl Springer
Located in Doraville, GA
A beautiful, vintage, large green Murano glass vase designed by Karl Springer in the 1980's. "Karl Springer" is etched on the bottom of the vase. The vase stands approximately 21 1...
Murano Glass
Set of 3 Karl Springer for Seguso Italian Venetian Gray Scavo Glass Candlesticks
By Karl Springer, Seguso
Located in Queens, NY
SET of 3 Italian Venetian-style (circa 1980) candlesticks in graduating heights in gray pebble scavo blown glass. (KARL SPRINGER FOR SEGUSO)(PRICED AS SET) Condition: Good; Wear con...
Blown Glass
Set 3 Karl Springer LTD Polished Brass Nesting Pillar Candlesticks Holders 1985
By Karl Springer
Located in Miami, FL
These 3 graduated Karl Springer LTD polished Brass Candlesticks are designed by Karl Springer circa 1985 in America. Each features a concave base and a convex top connected by a cyli...
Brass
Set of Three Gold Leaf Brass and Chrome Candlesticks by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A glamorous set of three gold leaf brass and chrome candlesticks design by renowned American designer Karl Springer in the 1980s. The gold leaf brass finish is very unusual as they a...
Brass, Chrome
Polished Brass Wastebasket by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A glamorous 1980s polish brass and black lacquered wastebasket by Karl Springer. Constructed of solid brass with the inside black lacquered. Newly professionally polished and lacquer...
Brass
Polish Stainless Steel Wastebasket by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A glamorous 1980’s solid polish stainless steel wastebasket by Karl Springer. Out of a Steve Chase designed estate. We also have one available in pol...
Stainless Steel