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Karl Springer Sculptures

American, German, 1931-1991

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.

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Creator: Karl Springer
Brass Kudu Antelope Sculptures, Karl Springer, set of two
By Karl Springer
Located in Voorburg, NL
Exclusive and Graceful Brass set of Kudu/ Antelope Busts designed by Karl Springer. The set consists of two solid brass bust with tall twisted horns. There is a certain asymmetry to ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Karl Springer Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Karl Springer Lacquered Parchment Coffee Table
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Karl Springer Lacquered Parchment coffee table, Circa 1980. With a protective glass top. Dealer: S138XX
Category

Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Karl Springer Sculptures

Materials

Glass, Lacquer

Roberto Estevez Incredible Large Unicorn Sculpture 1979 'Signed and Numbered'
By Roberto Estevez 1, Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Exquisite large unicorn bust sculpture in cast resin with inlaid bronze mane, solid engraved brass alicorn, and gold leaf ears on a sculptural solid brass base by Roberto Estevez, Am...
Category

1970s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Sculptures

Materials

Brass, Bronze, Gold Leaf

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...
Category

1980s American Classical Roman Vintage Karl Springer Sculptures

Materials

Cast Stone

Roberto Estevez Monumental Stylized Torso in Glazierite 1980s
By Karl Springer, Roberto Estevez 1
Located in New York, NY
Large stylized torso in glazierite by Roberto Estevez for Karl Springer, American 1980's. Glazierite was a resin composite created by Karl Springer’s artisans. This model was also ca...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Sculptures

Materials

Resin

Karl Springer Benin Head on Custom Lucite Base, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Authentic bronze Benin head on a custom Lucite base by Karl Springer, American 1970s (comes with a Letter of Authentication from Karl Springer's former Dire...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Karl Springer Ltd, Sonnenteller 'Sun Plate', USA, 2017
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Another iconic design by Karl Springer, this unique sculpture, titled Sonnenteller (Sun Plate), debuted in 1979 and is said to have been inspired by a BWA sun mask...
Category

2010s American Karl Springer Sculptures

Materials

Granite, Stainless Steel

Related Items
Karl Springer Style Faux Lizard Skin Waste Basket
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Karl Springer style faux lizard skin waste basket. Embossed faux lizard skin in a neutral beige tone. Would work well in a variety of interiors such as modern, mid century modern...
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1980s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Sculptures

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Faux Leather

Wood Female Torso Sculpture MDF
Located in DE MEERN, UT
Female torso made of mdf. All the layers are hand glued together and precisely cut out. This piece consists out of seventy-two layers of three millimetre thigh mdf.
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2010s Karl Springer Sculptures

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Plywood

Wood Female Torso Sculpture MDF
Wood Female Torso Sculpture MDF
H 13.78 in W 7.88 in D 6.3 in
1970s White Marble Abstract Sculpture On Granite Base
Located in Tarrytown, NY
1970s White marble abstract sculpture on granite base.
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1970s Vintage Karl Springer Sculptures

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Marble

Large Brass Unicorn Head
Located in Vallejo, CA
A large vintage brass unicorn head.
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Late 20th Century Hollywood Regency Karl Springer Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Large Brass Unicorn Head
Large Brass Unicorn Head
H 8.5 in W 6.5 in D 2.75 in
Marble Capital on Lucite Base
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19th century carved marble Capital displayed on a lucite base. I purchased the Capital in Italy but it was made in France.
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Late 19th Century Italian Classical Roman Antique Karl Springer Sculptures

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Marble

Marble Capital on Lucite Base
Marble Capital on Lucite Base
H 6.5 in W 8 in D 2.5 in
Vintage French Art Deco Style Sculpture of Brass Ibex Antelope
By Alain Chervet
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage French Art Deco Style Sculpture of Brass Ibex Antelope. Solid cast brass Ram decorative object or bookend, circa mid 20th century. B...
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Mid-20th Century American Hollywood Regency Karl Springer Sculptures

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Bruce Hasson Verdigris Bronze Puma Sculpture, Signed and Numbered, Early 2000s
Located in San Francisco, CA
A very handsome and engaging circa early 2000s signed and numbered Brutalist cast bronze sculpture of a puma by world renowned San Francisco Bay Area sculptor and painter Bruce Hasson (b. 1954). The big cat—deemed a puma based on its similarity to the one in a titled sculpture from his "Plight of the Animals" series, but conceivably a mountain lion, panther, or particularly healthy domestic feline–lounges languidly upon a rectangular platform. A big paw hangs over the front, while a long tail extends well past the back, giving the sculpture wonderful dimensionality. As relaxed as its body looks, though, its eyes remain alert and sharply focused. Brutalist/Expressionist work displays fantastic and loose natural texture and character from top to bottom, having been initially crafted in clay of small built-up applied pieces. Calls to mind the works of Alberto and Diego Giacometti—both inspirations to Hasson—and especially the latter, whose work features many similarly executed animals. Verdigris finish is a fantastic shade of bluish-green, with hints of natural bronze intentionally peeking through in spots and adding to the depth of color. Numbered and signed “© 1/50 Hasson” in the artist’s hand in the casting on the side of the platform. The piece came to us untitled, and our research uncovered no other matching examples. We’ve dated it based on examples of his work that bear a similar theme and aesthetic; however, it could be from as early as the mid-to-late-1980s, another period during which he produced cast bronze animals. Dimensions listed are overall; platform is H 1.75 x W 9.5 x D 4.5. Single piece casting weighs a substantial 16 pounds. Bruce Hasson lives and works in the San Francisco Bay Area, and studied at the University of California-Santa Cruz before continuing at the Accademia di Belle Arti in Florence, Italy, and the Accademia Carrara in Bergamo, Italy. He draws his influences from a broad spectrum that includes artists and designers such as Naum Gabo, David Smith, and Isamu Noguchi, as well as early Latin American and Etruscan cultures. Per Berenson Fine Art: “After 1989, he has spent much time in Latin America, including Peru, where Machu Picchu made an indelible impression. He places great value in the sculpture of the Aztecs as well as the Incas. The Archaic Etruscan style, in all its primitive crudeness, beautiful simplicity and realism has also been a significant influence in the artwork of Bruce Hasson over the last 35 years.” Through the years, Hasson’s sculptures have often conveyed strong themes of peace, disarmament, and the conservation of nature. His 1,700 pound “Millenia Bell” was first installed at the Campidoglio in Rome during the 2000 Nobel Peace Prize Conference as a monument to human survival, and was struck by Soviet Union President Mikhail Gorbachev during its dedication. Notable public works in San Francisco by the artist include “The Ark” in Father Alfred E. Boeddeker Park, a powerful 1985 bronze drawing attention to the preservation of endangered animals and their natural habitats; and 1989’s “Trolleys” at the Polk-Bush Garage, 56 cast aluminum balustrades and a balcony based on the human form and transportation, and part of the San Francisco Arts Commission Collection. Across the bay at Berkeley City Hall you’ll find Hasson’s 2002 “Peace Bell...
Category

Early 2000s American Brutalist Karl Springer Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Roberto Anatra, Monumental Murano Glass, Lavender, Sculpture /Figure, Signed
By Roberto Anatra
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is an amazing murano glass sculpture by the well known murano Master, Roberto Anatra. title "Lovers" in a beautiful clear and lavender colors.
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Karl Springer Sculptures

Materials

Glass

Gorgeous Hand Carved Giltwood Reclining Buddha on Custom Lucite Base
Located in Hopewell, NJ
An unusual and striking giltwood sculpture of a reclining Buddha with head on one bent arm, lovely from every angle. Small glass beads are a decorative embellishment. A custom froste...
Category

1970s Indonesian Vintage Karl Springer Sculptures

Materials

Lucite, Giltwood

Monumental Lobster Sculpture Murano Glass, Vintage, Italy, 1980s
By Murano Glass Sommerso
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This Murano glass lobster statue was most likely made in the 1980s in Italy. Murano glass is a type of glass that is made on the Venetian island o...
Category

1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Sculptures

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Art Glass

Wood white Female Torso Sculpture MDF
Located in DE MEERN, UT
The design of the female torso must be meticulously planned, paying close attention to anatomical details. The layers of MDF should be cut and stacked to accurately resemble the curv...
Category

2010s Karl Springer Sculptures

Materials

Plywood

Wood white Female Torso Sculpture MDF
Wood white Female Torso Sculpture MDF
H 13.78 in W 7.88 in D 6.3 in
Vintage Brass Unicorn Sculpture
Located in San Diego, CA
Vintage solid brass unicorn sculpture circa, 1970s. The piece is in good vintage condition with a great patina and measures 3"W x 5.5"D x 7.5"H. Super co...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Hollywood Regency Karl Springer Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Vintage Brass Unicorn Sculpture
Vintage Brass Unicorn Sculpture
H 7.5 in W 3 in D 5.5 in
Previously Available Items
Karl Springer Unique Large Polished Petrified Wood Orb on Custom Base 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Remarkable unique large polished petrified wood orb on custom brass base by Karl Springer, American 1980s. Exotic materials and superb craftsmanship were the ...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Kudu Staghorn Sculpture by Roberto Esteves for Karl Springer
By Karl Springer, Roberto Estevez 1
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This large and impressive Kudu Staghorn sculpture was made by Roberto Esteves for Karl Springer. The fiberglass casting is sealed with an gunmetal lacquer. The base and the ears are ...
Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Sculptures

Materials

Brass, Enamel

Karl Springer Exceptional Artisan Bronze Orb Sculpture, 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Large and impressive artisan bronze orb sculpture with incised abstract textural design on ebonized wooden Stand by Karl Springer, American 1980's. Karl Springer always utilized the ...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Karl Springer, Antelopes Head, Vintage Murano Glass & Brass Sculpture, ca. 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Karl Springer (German/American, 1931-1991) was born in Berlin, and immigrated to the US in 1957, settling in New York with the hope of becoming a bookbinder. Given a job at Lord & Ta...
Category

1970s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Sculptures

Materials

Glass

Karl Springer Painted Goatskin Obelisk
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Classic form covered in delicately painted goatskin. See photo with soda can to get a sense of scale See my other listing with the matching box with Karl Springer label.
Category

1970s American Vintage Karl Springer Sculptures

Materials

Goatskin

Karl Springer Painted Goatskin Obelisk
Karl Springer Painted Goatskin Obelisk
H 24.5 in W 7.5 in D 7.5 in
Karl Springer Hand-Carved African Sculpture on Custom Suede Base, 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Hand-carved African sculpture, woman's head with four horns, by the Ekoi tribe in Nigeria with a suede base by Karl Springer, American, 1980s...
Category

1980s Nigerian Tribal Vintage Karl Springer Sculptures

Materials

Leather, Suede, Wood, Paint

Karl Springer Nail Sculpture on Lucite Base, circa 1975
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Sculpture composed of rusted and steel nails, spherical on a Lucite base, sold by Karl Springer, American, circa 1975. Comes with Authentication by Karl Springer's Director of Design...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Sculptures

Materials

Steel

Karl Springer Impressive Scavo Glass Sculpture, 1980s (Signed)
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional and large scavo glass sculpture on custom bronze base by Seguso (Murano Italy) for Karl Springer, American, 1980s (etched signature "Karl Springer" on right side of glass).
Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Karl Springer Hand-Carved Malachite Head, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Hand-carved and polished malachite head on custom bronze base with felt underside by Karl Springer, American, 1970s.
Category

1970s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Sculptures

Materials

Malachite, Bronze

Karl Springer Mounted Tortoise Shell, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Authentic tortoise shell mounted on a thick Lucite base by Karl Springer, American, 1970s.
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Sculptures

Materials

Tortoise Shell, Lucite

Karl Springer Scavo Glass Sculpture with Bronze Base, 1970s
By Karl Springer, Seguso Vetri d'Arte
Located in New York, NY
Large Scavo glass sculpture on custom bronze base by Seguso (Murano Italy) for Karl Springer, American 1970s (etched "KARL SPRINGER" signature in glass).
Category

1970s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Large Kudu Sculpture by Roberto Estevez for Karl Springer
By Roberto Estevez 1, Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Large and impressive kudu sculpture, head in iridescent gunmetal faux granite nitrocellulose lacquer over a fiberglass casting with solid brass base and...
Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Sculptures

Materials

Granite, Brass

Karl Springer sculptures for sale on 1stDibs.

Karl Springer sculptures are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of metal and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Karl Springer sculptures, although black editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 6 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 1 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original sculptures by Karl Springer were created in the modern style in united states during the late 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider sculptures by Bijan Bahar, Roberto Estevez, and Bob Bennett. Prices for Karl Springer sculptures can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $5,500 and can go as high as $35,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $8,800.

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