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.
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
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
Karl Springer Italian Seguso Silver Infused Candlesticks, 1980s, a Pair
By Seguso, Karl Springer
Located in Miami, FL
Karl Springer Italian Seguso Silver Infused Candlesticks, 1980s, a Pair Offered for sale is a pair of Karl Springer-designed, silver-infused candlesticks manufactured by Seguso in I...
Silver Leaf
Karl Springer Designs Seguso Italy, Black Scavo Candlesticks, 1980s, Set of 3
By Karl Springer, Seguso
Located in Miami, FL
Karl Springer Designs Seguso Italy, Black Scavo Candlesticks, 1980s, Set of 3 Offered for sale is a set of three (3) Karl Springer Murano glass designed candlesticks manufactured in Italy by Seguso. These three "Scavo" finish black glass candlesticks...
Murano Glass, Blown Glass
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 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 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
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
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
GAB, Small Candlesticks, Pewter, Sweden, 1930s
By GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of pewter candlesticks designed and produced by GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Sweden, 1930s. Holds 0.5” diameter candles
Pewter
Set of Four MCM Chrome Candlesticks
Located in San Diego, CA
Set of four MCM chrome candlesticks that can be positioned in a number of configurations to make some very cool candleabras. Beautiful arched design on these solid polished chrome-pl...
Steel, Chrome
Neiman Marcus Italian Silver Candlesticks, Pair
By Neiman Marcus, Tiffany & Co.
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of vintage silverplate candlesticks In the manner of Tiffany & Co. By Neiman Marcus Italy, Circa 1960s Measures: Candlestick 1: 4.75"W x 4.75"D x 10"H. Candlestic...
Silver Plate
$595 / set
H 11.02 in W 3.94 in D 3.94 in
Pair of Italian Postmodern Metal Candlesticks, Memphis Style, 1980s
Located in Stockholm, SE
A pair of Italian postmodern candlesticks from the 1980s, executed in metal with a graphic, architectural composition characteristic of Memphis-inspired design. Each piece is constr...
Stone, Metal
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
$1,139Sale Price|20% Off
H 2.09 in W 4.34 in D 4.34 in
Seguso White 'a Scavo' Murano Glass Bowl Karl Springer Style 1980s
By Karl Springer, Seguso Vetri d'Arte
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Karl Springer style 'a Scavo' white colored / coloured square glass bowl, dish or ashtray by Seguso Vetri d'Arte Murano, Italy, circa 1980s. Elegant in form and showing extraordinary craftmanship with the use of the 'Scavo' technique to replicate to look and feel of ancient Roman archeological...
Blown Glass, Murano Glass
Vintage Brass Candlesticks, 1960s, Set of 7
Located in KUTNO, PL
The set of vintage brass candlesticks is an elegant proposal that catches the eye with its timeless aesthetics and nobility of the material. The brass from which they are made gives ...
Brass
French Vintage Set of Three Pewter Candlesticks
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
Vintage 20th century pewter candlesticks from France, reflecting Louis XV and rococo tastes. The candlesticks feature an exciting silhouette on the column that gracefully tapers and ...
Pewter
Maitland Smith Brass and Chrome Large Candlesticks
By Maitland Smith
Located in Winnetka, IL
These are a large pair of brass and chrome candlesticks made by Maitland smith in great condition.
Brass, Chrome
$3,360Sale Price|40% Off
H 5.5 in Dm 9 in
Karl Springer Glass Bowl by Seguso, Hand-Blown Art Glass, Italy, 1986
By Karl Springer, Seguso
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 ...
Blown Glass, Art 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
$472
H 9.65 in Dm 4.34 in
Modernist Candle Holder - Stainless Steel Brutalist Candlestick - Italy 1980s
By Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Group
Located in ROUEN, Normandie
Modernist Candle Holder - Stainless Steel Brutalist Candlestick - Italy 1980s Superb design for this piece, quite reminiscent of the Memphis Group style. Made of stainless steel an...
Brass, Stainless Steel
Sold
H 18.25 in W 6.25 in D 6.25 in
Set of 3 Karl Springer for Seguso Italian Venetian Gray Scavo Glass Candlesticks
By Seguso, Karl Springer
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
Pair of Karl Springer American Clear Scavo Prototype Glass Candlesticks
By Karl Springer, Seguso
Located in Queens, NY
PAIR of Karl Springer Mid-Century Clear Scavo Glass Column Candlesticks with a frosted base (SEGUSO)
Glass
Sold
H 18.25 in W 6.25 in D 6.25 in
Set of 3 Karl Springer Midcentury Venetian Amber Scavo Glass Candlestick by Segu
By Seguso, Karl Springer
Located in Queens, NY
SET of 3 Karl Springer Midcentury Venetian Scavo Glass Candlesticks with Amber tops and White bases (SEGUSO)
Glass
Set of Three Gunmetal and Brass Candle Holders by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Set of three glamorous large gunmetal and brass with lucite covers candle holders designed by renowned designer Karl Springer. In beautiful vintage condition with minor wear consist...
Metal, Brass
Pair of Karl Springer Chrome & Brass Postmodern Candle Holders
By Karl Springer
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
A rare pair of chrome and brass candlestick holders / candelabras by influential, important & renowned 20th Century German born American designer Karl Springer, circa 1985. Beautiful...
Brass, Chrome
Pair of Gunmetal & Brass Candleholders by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Palm Springs, CA
1980’s Large Pair of polis gunmetal and brass candleholders by Karl Springer. In beautiful vintage condition. We also have a set of three in a different listing, shown in last phot...
Metal, Brass
Karl Springer Set of 3 Candle Holders in Brass with Chrome Accents 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Set of 3 candle holders in polished brass with chrome accents by Karl Springer, American 1980's. Beautifully made, these iconic Springer candle holders would complement any interior...
Brass, Chrome
Karl Springer Set of 4 Candleholders in Gunmetal and Brass, 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Set of 4 candle holders in polished gunmetal with brass accents by Karl Springer, American 1980s. These iconic Springer candle holders are the epitome of chic. Reference Karl Sp...
Metal, Brass
Karl Springer Pair of Candle Holders in Brass with Chrome Accents, 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Pair of candle holders in brass with chrome accents by Karl Springer, American 1980's. These iconic Karl Springer candle holders are both chic and beautifully made. Reference Ka...
Brass, Chrome
Karl Springer Red Jasper and Tiger Eye Box and Candle Holders 1980's
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Karl Springer Red Jasper and Tiger Eye Box and Candle Holders 1980's. Artisan two-piece box with matching candle holders or candlesticks in red jasper a...
Precious Stone
Sold
H 18.5 in W 8 in D 8 in
Karl Springer Style Lucite and Chrome Chunky Column Candlesticks Pair Of Vintage
By Karl Springer
Located in North Miami, FL
This pair of chic chunky thick Karl Springer style lucite and chrome column candlesticks are monumental. They are 2 different heights. The larger one is 18.5" H and the smaller one i...
Chrome
Rare Pair of Karl Springer Vintage Travertine & Rattan Candle Holder's
By Karl Springer
Located in Bellport, NY
Rare pair of candle holders in tessellated stalactite travertine, pencil reed rattan, and brass. This set is meticulously made in beautiful materials for Karl Springer circa 1980's.
Travertine, Brass