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.
$1,280Sale Price|20% Off
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 ...
Crystal
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 ...
Glass
$1,543
H 11.82 in Dm 11.03 in
Contemporary Silver Plated Ice Bucket Sculptural Feet Carved by Natalia Criado
By Natalia Criado
Located in Milan, IT
Designed as part of a collection for the Venice Biennale, the Ice Cooler epitomizes Natalia Criado’s fusion of Colombian symbolism and Italian artistry. The "exotic" three feet that ...
Brass, Silver Plate
1960's Italian Decorative Centerpiece Plate
Located in Paris, FR
An Italian mid-century century vintage glass decorative dish, vide-poche or centerpiece in beautiful hues of blue and white. Italy, Circa 1960's. We are an exhibition space and ...
Glass
Orrefors "Crown" Heavy Crystal Bowl
By Orrefors
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
An interesting heavy crystal bowl by "Orrefors", Sweden. Signed with paper label.
Crystal
Tiffany & Company Mid-Century Cut Crystal Centerpiece Atlas Bowl
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of the Tiffany & Company Mid-Century Modern Cut Crystal Centerpiece Atlas Bowl. Crafted with precision and artistry, this centerpiece captu...
Crystal
$484 / set
H 15.75 in W 12.6 in D 12.6 in
Danish Teak Ice Bucket and Tray by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Designs Mid Century
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Bishop's Stortford, GB
Danish Teak Ice Bucket and Tray by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Designs Mid Century. Ice Bucket of flairing form with round lid, tapering lugs joined by a curved handle and contrasting ...
Teak
Los Castillo Brass and Turquoise Ice Bucket
By Los Castillo
Located in Savannah, GA
A Los Castillo brass and inlaid turquoise ice bucket, mid-20th century. 6 inches wide by 5 inches tall; 9 ½ inches tall including handle
Brass
$500Sale Price|66% Off
H 5.13 in W 11.25 in D 8.75 in
Important Estate Heavy Oval Etched Prism Detailed Crystal Glass Bowl
Located in New York, NY
The Following Item we are offering is a Rare Antique Lovely HEAVY HANDCUT Dorflinger Crystal Bowl. Bowl is Finely Detailed Diamond Cut and Stenciled Etching in a Magnificent Pattern ...
Crystal
$900Sale Price|83% Off
H 4.5 in Dm 8 in
RARE Early 1900s Handcut Heavy Etched Dorflinger Detailed Crystal Bowl
By Dorflinger
Located in New York, NY
The Following Item we are offering is a Rare Antique Lovely HEAVY HANDCUT Dorflinger Crystal Bowl. Bowl is Finely Detailed Diamond Cut and Stenciled Etching in a Magnificent Pattern ...
Crystal, Gold Leaf
Antique Enameled Opaline Glass Centerpiece Bowl and Plate, 19th Century
Located in Rostock, MV
This exceptional two-piece serving set, consisting of a tazza bowl and its matching plate or saucer, is crafted from milky white opaline glass and dates to circa 1850. Made by Bohemi...
Opaline Glass, Milk Glass
Silver Plate Miniature Lion Motif "Ice Bucket" Toothpick Holder
Located in San Diego, CA
A silver plate miniature lion motif "ice bucket" toothpick holder, circa 1950s. The piece is in good condition and measures 2.5"D x 3"H. #4069
Silver Plate
$661
H 6.3 in W 6.3 in D 6.3 in
Modernist cube plexy fumè Cini & Nils Ice Bucket Italian 1970's home accessory
By Cini & Nils, OPI Milano
Located in Milano, IT
Space Age Ice Bucket - Cini & Nils Italy - Vintage Serweware Designed by OPI Milano for Cini & Nils, this vintage Ice Bucket is what you could find in the most elegant homes of 1970...
Metal
$480
H 8.67 in W 18.12 in D 7.09 in
Clear Crystal Glass Fruit Bowl or Centerpiece by Art Vannes France, 1960s
By Art Vannes
Located in Barntrup, DE
Adorable translucent hand-blown crystal glass fruit bowl or centerpiece by Art de Vannes France, 1960s. On the bottom marked with an etched factory mark Art...
Crystal
Karl Springer Brass & Sandstone Set of Coasters
By Karl Springer
Located in Astoria, NY
Karl Springer set of twelve sandstone and brass coasters and its matching storage holder, of a ziggurat shape, marked "Karl Spinger" on underside of storage container. Dimensions: 2...
Sandstone, Brass
Karl Springer Hand-Blown Glass Ice Bucket by Seguso 1980s (Signed)
By Karl Springer, Seguso Vetri d'Arte
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Rare artisan hand-blown glass ice bucket with handles by Seguso (Murano Italy) for Karl Springer, American 1980's (etched on bottom "KARL SPRINGER"). Seguso VA in Murano Italy made ...
Blown Glass
Karl Springer Monumental Artisan Ceramic Urn 1981 'Signed'
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Large hand-thrown ceramic urn, undulating form with horizontal channeled top, by ceramicist Plotsky for Karl Springer, American 1981 (signed and dated "Karl Springer 81" on the botto...
Ceramic
Documented Karl Springer Midcentury Venetian Scavo Glass Candlestick by Seguso
By Karl Springer, Seguso Viro
Located in New York, NY
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...
Murano Glass
Midcentury Venetian Scavo Glass Candlestick Documented by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer, Seguso Viro
Located in New York, NY
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...
Murano Glass
Karl Springer Exceptional Hand Blown Scavo Glass Vase, 1980s, 'Signed'
By Karl Springer, Seguso Vetri d'Arte
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Large hand blown amber glass vase with scavo finish by Seguso, Murano Italy, for Karl Springer, American 1980s. Signed on bottom “Karl Spri...
Murano Glass
Pair of Karl Springer Murano Glass Dishes for Seguso
By Karl Springer, Seguso Vetri d'Arte
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Karl Springer Scavo art glass dishes designed by Karl Springer and manufactured by Seguso in Murano, Italy. These dishes are in very good vintage condit...
Murano Glass
Exceptional Pair of Karl Springer Murano Scavo Corroso Vases
By Karl Springer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a large pair of Murano Scavo Corroso vases that date to, circa 1980. These vases are detailed with applied glass handles in the ancient am...
Art Glass
Karl Springer Scavo Glass Ash Tray for Seguso
By Karl Springer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Karl Springer Scavo art glass bowl designed by Karl Springer and manufactured by Seguso in Murano Italy. This bowl is in very good vintage condition ove...
Murano Glass
Pair of Karl Springer Purcell Glass and Gun Metal Bronze Sconces
By Karl Springer
Located in North Miami, FL
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 ...
Bronze
Trio of Peach Seguso "Bellini" Candlesticks by Karl Springer
By Seguso Vetri d'Arte, Karl Springer
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....
Murano Glass
Trio of Alexandrite Seguso "Bellini" Candlesticks by Karl Springer
By Seguso Vetri d'Arte, Karl Springer
Located in Palm Desert, CA
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...
Murano Glass