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Karl Springer Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass

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
Mid-Century Modernist Glass Ice Bucket Signed Karl Springer
Mid-Century Modernist Glass Ice Bucket Signed Karl Springer

Mid-Century Modernist Glass Ice Bucket Signed Karl Springer

By Karl Springer

Located in New York, NY

This rare and materially exquisite Mid-Century Modernist Glass Ice Bucket Signed Karl Springer originates from the United States, Circa 1980. This piece features a minimal body that ...

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1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass

Materials

Glass

Karl Springer Heavy Crystal Bowl and Plate Centerpiece, Signed
Karl Springer Heavy Crystal Bowl and Plate Centerpiece, Signed

Karl Springer Heavy Crystal Bowl and Plate Centerpiece, Signed

By Karl Springer

Located in Chicago, IL

A Steuben American crystal designer two-piece serving bowl and underplate, produced for Karl Springer. Comprised of central bowl with flared opening, and shallow bowl underplate for ...

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1970s Italian Art Deco Vintage Karl Springer Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass

Materials

Crystal

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Designed by Karl Springer, this candlestick was handmade by the artisans at Seguso, circa 1985. Springer, who reinvigorated classical design with bold proportions and exotic materials, partnered with Seguso, the storied Murano glass manufacturer, to produce a series of updated, hand blown glass pieces based on traditional Venetian precedents. This candlestick has a hemispherical amber glass base, a clear glass column, and a stepped amber glass capital. The surface of the glass has been etched using the scavo technique, which mimics the eroded and iridescent appearance of ancient glass. Elegant and refined, this candlestick will make a compelling addition to any tabletop. These appear documented in the Karl Springer catalogue...

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Karl Springer Exceptional Hand Blown Scavo Glass Vase, 1980s, 'Signed'

Karl Springer Exceptional Hand Blown Scavo Glass Vase, 1980s, 'Signed'

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Large hand blown amber glass vase with scavo finish by Seguso, Murano Italy, for Karl Springer, American 1980s. Signed on bottom “Karl Spri...

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Pair of Karl Springer Murano Glass Dishes for Seguso
Pair of Karl Springer Murano Glass Dishes for Seguso

Pair of Karl Springer Murano Glass Dishes for Seguso

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Pair of Karl Springer Purcell Glass and Gun Metal Bronze Sconces
Pair of Karl Springer Purcell Glass and Gun Metal Bronze Sconces

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These modernist yet Art Deco revival and influenced pair of Karl Springer Purcell sconces have green colored knife edge glass graduated drops. The gun metal finish is over bronze as ...

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Trio of Peach Seguso "Bellini" Candlesticks by Karl Springer
Trio of Peach Seguso "Bellini" Candlesticks by Karl Springer

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Located in Palm Desert, CA

A beautiful trio of impressively scaled peach with gold leaf inlay "Bellini" candlesticks designed by by Karl Springer for Seguso Vetri d'Arte. The candlesticks are signed "Seguso V....

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Trio of Alexandrite Seguso "Bellini" Candlesticks by Karl Springer
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Trio of Alexandrite Seguso "Bellini" Candlesticks by Karl Springer

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A beautiful trio of impressively scaled alexandrite with platinum leaf inlay "Bellini" candlesticks designed by by Karl Springer for Seguso Vetri d'Arte. The color changes with the l...

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Karl Springer serveware, ceramics, silver and glass for sale on 1stDibs.

Karl Springer serveware, ceramics, silver and glass are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of glass and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Karl Springer serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, although black editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original serveware, ceramics, silver and glass by Karl Springer were created in the modern style in united states during the 1980s. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider serveware, ceramics, silver and glass by Beatrice Wood, James Lovera, and Raul Coronel. Prices for Karl Springer serveware, ceramics, silver and glass can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $4,500 and can go as high as $9,500, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $7,000.