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.
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 Benin Head on Custom Lucite Base, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Authentic bronze Benin head on a custom lucite base by Karl Springer, American 1970's. Springer often incorporated fine works of ethnic art into his showroo...
Bronze
Thai Rattanakosin Seated Buddha Figure in Gilt Bronze, 19th Century
Located in Chicago, IL
This gilt bronze figure depicts the historic Buddha Shakyamuni in perpetual meditation. Also known as Shaka, Gautama Buddha, or Prince Siddhartha, Shakyamuni embodies the virtues of ...
Bronze
Thai Rattanakosin Gilt Bronze Buddha, Mid 19th Century, Thailand
Located in Austin, TX
A delightful Thai Rattanakosin Period lacquered and gilt cast bronze figure of the Buddha in royal attire, mid 19th century, Thailand. The charming figure depicts the Buddha in dhyanasana, the gesture of meditation. The Buddha sits serenely in half lotus position, his hands resting comfortably upon his lap, one on top of the other. The Buddha is dressed in elaborate robes, cast with floral and foliate designs in high relief. Over his robe, he wears the regalia of Thai kings, with a heavy cape...
Bronze
19th Century Thai Bronze Buddha with Patinated Gold Surface
Located in New York, NY
This quietly stunning Buddha was realized in Thailand during the 19th century. It represents an exceptionally fine example of the period. The Buddha wears a long flowing robe. His Us...
Gold, Bronze
Thai Rattanakosin Gilt Bronze Buddha, Mid 19th Century, Thailand
Located in Austin, TX
A wonderful Thai Rattanakosin Period lacquered and gilt cast bronze figure of the Buddha in royal attire, mid 19th century, Thailand. The lovely figure depicts the Buddha in bhumisparsha mudra, the gesture of calling the earth to witness. Seated in full lotus position, with one hand resting in meditation in his lap, the other extended over the knee to touch the ground, this gesture commemorates the moment the Buddha attains enlightenment. The Buddha is dressed in elaborate robes, cast with floral and foliate designs in high relief. Over his robe, he wears the regalia of Thai kings, with a heavy cape, diamond shaped pectoral, and a winged crown upon his head - all with studded designs in high relief, imitating heavy embroidery...
Bronze
African Malachite egg on Malachite base, 1970s
Located in Delft, NL
African Malachite egg on Malachite base, 1970s A Malachite egg standing on a Malachite bowl, with exactly the size that the egg fits in the bowl and can be used as stand. Has some f...
Malachite
19th Century, Bronze Sphinx Sculptures
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of exceptional, hand-cast, French, parcel-gilt bronze sphinxes on newer, beveled marble bases.
Marble, Bronze
Branch Coral Sculpture on a Lucite Base
By FS Henemader Antiques, Inc.
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Striking one of a kind piece of branch coral, presented on a lucite base to enhance the oceanic sculptural elements and texture. Exclusively mounted by F.S. Henemader. Coral cannot ...
Coral
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
Abstract Bronze on Marble Base, c 1970s
Located in Norwalk, CT
Dramatic abstract form in bronze, contrasting a more heavily patinated shape with a dark bronze section. The work has a sense of movement although it is fixed. Mounted on a heavy bla...
Marble, Bronze
$3,700
H 12.5 in W 9 in D 4.25 in
Thai Gilt Bronze Buddha Marvijaya, Rattanakosin Period, 19th Century, Thailand
Located in Austin, TX
A lovely Thai lacquered and gilt cast bronze figure of the historical Buddha, Shakyamuni, portrayed in Maravijaya, Rattanakosin Period, early to mid 19th century, Thailand. The B...
Bronze
$1,000Sale Price|20% Off
H 13 in Dm 6 in
Tibetan Bronze Standing Gilt Bronze Buddha Offering Protection
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Tibetan bronze standing gilt bronze buddha offering protection China, 20th century A fine example, the Buddha standing on lotus base with the "no fear" abhaya mudra, the figure is ...
Bronze
Custom Twisted Lucite Table Sculpture on Base
By Iconic Design Gallery
Located in Miami, FL
Custom Twisted Lucite Table Sculpture on Base Offered for sale is a custom-made twisted Lucite table sculpture that is presented on a rectangular Lu...
Lucite
Karl Springer Lacquered Parchment Coffee Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Astoria, NY
Karl Springer Lacquered Parchment coffee table, Circa 1980. With a protective glass top. Dealer: S138XX
Glass, Lacquer
Sold
H 29.5 in W 13.5 in D 8 in
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...
Glass