Collectors know Koch & Lowy for its eye-catching sold brass five-arm chandeliers, sleek chrome swing-arm floor lamps and clever table lamps with marble bases. With a wide range of sculptural mid-century modern and 1970s-era fixtures created by the likes of George Nelson, Karl Springer, Piotr Sierakowski and others, the American lighting manufacturer elevated the design of furniture and home decor from the postwar era onward.
Ernest Lowy founded Koch & Lowy in New York in 1946, initially running the firm with his son, Thomas. Over the years, collaborations with notable designers such as American artist Neal Small — known as the “Prince of Plastic” for his innovative use of Plexiglas and Lucite — yielded iconic pieces such as Koch & Lowy’s biomorphic, clear-glass pendant lights and wall sconces for German manufacturer Peill and Putzler as well as the rare Half Nelson table lamp.
Created by George Nelson — an architect, journalist and designer who brought a slew of legendary designers to Herman Miller while he was director of design at the company — the Half Nelson table lamp, with its striking form and shade of spun aluminum, was originally designed in 1950 as part of an architectural project of Nelson’s on Long Island. Koch & Lowy put it into production in the late 1970s.
Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Koch & Lowy floor lamps gained wide acclaim. Neal Small’s architectural aluminum periscope Skyscraper floor lamp and their Pharmacy tent floor lamp, which Thomas Lowy admitted he copied unwittingly from Omaha architect Cedric Hartman, were particularly popular.
“I’d bought a tent [lamp] in Italy, but it had been made so badly that I decided to make a better one,” Lowy explained to the New York Times in 1976. “I didn’t know that the Italian one wasn’t original. I didn’t know it was a copy of Hartman’s design.”
Nevertheless, Koch & Lowy enjoyed success designing and producing innovative lighting fixtures and other furniture such as the brutalist Mirage coffee table, created by Polish designer and head of Koch & Lowy’s design department, Piotr Sierakowski.
While Thomas Lowy sold the company in the 1990s, the brand’s impact on modernist lighting design endures.
On 1stDibs, find a range of vintage Koch & Lowy lighting and tables.
Amber Glass Flush Mount by Koch & Lowy for Peill and Putzler, 1960s
By Koch & Lowy, Peill & Putzler
Located in Hagenbach, DE
This round flush mount by Koch & Lowy for Peill and Putzler, made in Germany in the 1960s, captivates with its beautiful glass. The lamp embodies the distinctive Space Age design of ...
Glass
Pair of Koch & Lowy Clear Glass Wall Lights by Peill Putzler, 1970
By Koch & Lowy, Peill & Putzler
Located in Rijssen, NL
Pair of mid-20th century flush mount or wall sconces designed by Koch &; Lowy for Peill &; Putzler in the 1970s. Featuring a clear glass globe shade with a waved or ribbed mo...
Metal
Amber Glass Pendant Lamp by Koch & Lowy for Peill and Putzler, 1960s
By Koch & Lowy, Peill & Putzler
Located in Hagenbach, DE
This pendant lamp by Koch & Lowy for Peill and Putzler, made in Germany in the 1960s, captivates with its beautiful glass. The lamp embodies the distinctive Space Age design of the e...
Glass
$1,725Sale Price / set|50% Off
Pair of Peill and Putzler Large Space Age Lights
By Koch & Lowy, Peill & Putzler
Located in New York, NY
A great pair of lightly smoked glass and golden fixtures in a Space Age style by Peill and Putzler. Newly rewired. Standard socket.
Brass
XL Wave Wall Lamp or Flush Light by Koch and Lowy for Peill and Putzler
By Wilhelm Wagenfeld, Koch & Lowy, J.T. Kalmar, Aloys F. Gangkofner, Peill & Putzler
Located in München, DE
Exceptionally beautiful and large wall lamp or ceiling lamp from the 1960s. The design and materials create a fantastic play of light in the room. Very high-quality workmanship and a...
Metal
Pair Of Large Koch and Lowy Smoked Glass Wall Sconces/Flush by Peill Putzler
By Koch & Lowy, Peill & Putzler
Located in Rijssen, NL
Pair of Large Exceptional flush mount or wall lights or sconces designed by Koch &; Lowy for Peill &; Putzler in the 1970s. Featuring a smoked glass globe shade with a waved or ribbe...
Brass, Steel
Glass Flush Mount by Koch & Lowy for Peill and Putzler, 1960s
By Koch & Lowy, Peill & Putzler
Located in Hagenbach, DE
This round flush mount by Koch & Lowy for Peill and Putzler, made in Germany in the 1960s, captivates with its beautiful glass. The lamp embodies the distinctive Space Age design of ...
Glass
Several Koch & Lowy Clear Glass Wall Sconces or Lights by Peill Putzler
By Koch & Lowy, Peill & Putzler
Located in Rijssen, NL
Midcentury flushmount or wall sconces designed by Koch &; Lowy for Peill &; Putzler in the 1970s. Featuring a clear glass globe shade with a waved or ribbed molded bubble form, casti...
Steel, Chrome
Large Designer Cascading Chandelier Smoked Glass Peill & Putzler, Germany, 1970s
By Koch & Lowy, Peill & Putzler
Located in Aachen, NRW
A special large cascading chandelier designed by Koch & Lowy for Peill & Putzler, manufactured in Germany, circa 1970s with 5 round Biomorphic smoked glasses. Wonderful wave form an...
Brass
Rare Copernicus Sconces by Piotr Sierakowski for Koch & Lowy
By Piotr Sierakowski, Koch & Lowy
Located in Asbury Park, NJ
Futuristic 'Copernicus' sconces by Piotr Sierakowski for Koch and Lowy, with metal dish reflector and long insectile black shade. New old stock; unused. (Eight available).
Extra Large 1970s Biomorphic Koch & Lowy Wall Sconce / Light for Peill & Putzler
By Peill & Putzler, Koch & Lowy
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Mid-Century flush mount wall light or sconce designed by Koch & Lowy for Peill & Putzler in the 1970s. This is an absolutely classic piece of German design, featuring a clear glass g...
Metal
$852
H 5.12 in W 3.94 in D 3.94 in
Several Peill & Putzler Wall or Ceiling Lights Brass and Glass Cubes, 1970s
By Peill & Putzler
Located in Rijssen, NL
Several high quality Peill & Putzler wall lights brass and glass cubes, circa 1970s, Germany. This sculptural ceiling lights from Peill & Putzler consists 1 clear illuminated glass c...
Brass
$1,065 / item
H 5.12 in Dm 13 in
1 of 4 Large Wall Sconce Flush Mount, Koch & Lowy by Peill & Putzler, Germany
By Peill & Putzler
Located in Aachen, NRW
A special round biomorphic smoked glass wall sconce or flush mount designed by Koch & Lowy for Peill & Putzler, manufactured in Germany, circa 1970s. High quality and in very good c...
Smoked Glass
$645
H 5.91 in Dm 13.78 in
Peill & Putzler White Frosted Glass Flush Mount Ceiling or Wall Light, 1970s
By Peill & Putzler
Located in Barntrup, DE
Peill & Putzler white frosted glass flush mount ceiling or wall light, the 1970s A beautiful white frosted glass flush mount ceiling light or wall light in a shape of a mushroom with a decorative dotted pattern. Made in Germany by Peill & Putzler in 1970s. Dimensions: Diameter 35 cm, 13.77 in; height 15 cm, 5.9 in. The light fixture is in complete working order, but as with all vintage or antique...
Metal
$970 / item
H 5.12 in Dm 10.24 in
1 of 2 Petite Wall Sconces Koch & Lowy by Peill & Putzler, Germany, 1970s
By Koch & Lowy, Peill & Putzler
Located in Aachen, NRW
A special round biomorphic smoked glass wall sconce designed by Koch & Lowy for Peill & Putzler, manufactured in Germany, circa 1970s. Sockets: One x E27 standard bulb. (100 W max)....
Smoked Glass
XL Wave Pendant Lamp by Koch and Lowy for Peill and Putzler
By Wilhelm Wagenfeld, Peill & Putzler, Koch & Lowy, J.T. Kalmar, Aloys F. Gangkofner
Located in München, DE
Exceptionally beautiful and large smoked glass pendant lamp from the 1960s. The design and materials create a fantastic play of light in the room. Very high-quality workmanship and a...
Metal
Smoked Glass Lamp "Wave" by Koch & Lowy for Peill & Putzler, 1960s
By Peill & Putzler, Koch & Lowy
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Smoked Glass Lamp "Wave" by Koch & Lowy for Peill & Putzler, 1960s The lamp can be adjusted from 40cm to a height of 75cm. The lamp need 1x E27 / E26 Edison screw fit bulb,...
Metal
$716 / item
H 5.12 in Dm 10.63 in
1 of 6 Large Wall Sconce/Flushmount, Koch & Lowy by Peill & Putzler, Germany
By Koch & Lowy, Peill & Putzler
Located in Aachen, NRW
A special round biomorphic clear glass wall sconce or flushmount designed by Koch & Lowy for Peill & Putzler, manufactured in Germany, circa 1970s. High quality and in very good c...
Glass
$2,700 / set
H 5.91 in Dm 10.24 in
Peill & Putzler Pair of 1970s Smoked Glass Brass Biomorphic Wall Lights Sconces
By Peill & Putzler
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Pair of mid-century flush mount ceiling or wall lights / sconces by Peill & Putzler in the 1970s. This is an absolutely Classic piece of design, featuring a smoked coloured (colored)...
Metal, Brass
Midcentury Pendant "Wave" by Koch and Lowy for Peill & Putzler, 1960s
By Koch & Lowy, Peill & Putzler
Located in Praha, CZ
- very nice style of lighting - iconic model
Chrome
Ice Cube Wall or Ceiling Lamp by Peill and Putzler
By Peill & Putzler, Gaetano Sciolari, Kinkeldey, J.T. Kalmar, Palwa
Located in München, DE
Fantastic Ice Cube wall or ceiling lamp by Peill & Putzler from the 1960s. Very beautiful design and high-quality workmanship. Creates a wonderful play of light. Condition: Very go...
Metal
$1,065 / item
H 5.12 in Dm 13 in
1 of 6 Large Wall Sconce Flush Mount, Koch & Lowy by Peill & Putzler, Germany
By Peill & Putzler
Located in Aachen, NRW
A special round biomorphic smoked glass wall sconce or flush mount designed by Koch & Lowy for Peill & Putzler, manufactured in Germany, circa 1970s. High quality and in very good...
Smoked Glass
$947 / item
H 5.91 in Dm 11.82 in
1 of 2 Large Wall Sconce/Flush Mount, Koch & Lowy by Peill Putzler, Germany
By Peill & Putzler, Koch & Lowy
Located in Aachen, NRW
A special round biomorphic clear glass wall sconce or flush mount designed by Koch & Lowy for Peill & Putzler, manufactured in Germany, circa 1970s. High quality and in very good ...
Smoked Glass
Pair of Koch & Lowy Smoked Glass Wall Sconces/Lights by Peill Putzler, 1970
By Koch & Lowy, Peill & Putzler
Located in Rijssen, NL
Midcentury flushmount wall lights or sconces designed by Koch & Lowy for Peill & Putzler in the 1970s. Featuring a smoked glass globe shade with a waved/ribbed molded bubble form, ca...
Brass
Sold
H 4.93 in Dm 12.6 in
Pair Of Large Koch and Lowy Smoked Glass Wall Sconces/Flush by Peill Putzler
By Koch & Lowy, Peill & Putzler
Located in Rijssen, NL
Pair of Large Exceptional flush mount or wall lights or sconces designed by Koch & Lowy for Peill & Putzler in the 1970s. Featuring a smoked glass globe shade with a waved or ribbed ...
Brass, Steel
Sold
H 5.12 in Dm 8.27 in
Peill & Putzler Brass & Smoked Glass Sconce Flush Mount Lamp, 1970s, Germany
By Koch & Lowy, Peill & Putzler
Located in Biebergemund, Hessen
Beautiful wall or ceiling lamp manufactured by PEILL & PUTZLER for KOCK & LOWY in 1970s. Featuring a brass reflective base with a hand blown smoked glass shade. Fully working and te...
Brass
Sold
H 5.52 in Dm 10.24 in
Peill Putzler Brass & Smoked Glass Large Sconce Flush Mount Lamp, 1970s, Germany
By Koch & Lowy, Peill & Putzler
Located in Biebergemund, Hessen
Beautiful wall or ceiling lamp manufactured by PEILL & PUTZLER for KOCK & LOWY in 1970s. Featuring a brass reflective base with a hand blown smoked glass shade. Fully working and te...
Brass
Amber Glass Flush Mount by Koch & Lowy for Peill and Putzler, 1960s
By Koch & Lowy, Peill & Putzler
Located in Hagenbach, DE
A round flush mount by Koch & Lowy for Peill and Putzler made in Germany in the 1960s. It is fascinating with its beautiful amber glass. The lamp has a Space Age design. Very good...
Glass
Large Wall Sconce/Flush Mount, Koch & Lowy by Peill Putzler, Germany
By Koch & Lowy, Peill & Putzler
Located in Aachen, NRW
A special round biomorphic clear glass wall sconce or flush mount designed by Koch & Lowy for Peill & Putzler, manufactured in Germany, circa 1970s. High quality and in very good ...
Glass
Pair of Koch & Lowy Smoked Glass Wall Sconces/Lights by Peill Putzler, 1970
By Koch & Lowy, Peill & Putzler
Located in Rijssen, NL
Midcentury flushmount wall lights or sconces designed by Koch & Lowy for Peill & Putzler in the 1970s. Featuring a smoked glass globe shade with a waved/ribbed molded bubble form, casting a stunning rippled light...
Brass
Large Wave Clear Flush Mount or Wall light by Peill & Putzler, Germany
By Peill & Putzler, Koch & Lowy
Located in Antwerp, BE
Large round wave clear glass ceiling light, flush mount designed by Peill & Putzler, Germany, 1970s. These lamps won the IF Design award in ...
Aluminum
Sold
H 4.93 in Dm 10.04 in
One of Three Pairs Koch & Lowy Clear Glass Wall Lights by Peill Putzler, 1970
By Koch & Lowy, Peill & Putzler
Located in Rijssen, NL
Pair of mid-20th century flushmount or wall sconces designed by Koch & Lowy for Peill & Putzler in the 1970s. Featuring a clear glass globe shade with a waved or ribbed molded bubble...
Metal
Sold
H 5.52 in Dm 9.85 in
Two Large Wall Sconce/Flushmount, Koch & Lowy by Peill & Putzler, Germany, 1970s
By Koch & Lowy, Peill & Putzler
Located in Wien, AT
Two large wall sconce/flushmount, Koch & Lowy by Peill & Putzler, Germany, 1970s. The second picture show how it looks like a ceiling lamp Original condition.
Glass
Set of Two Large Wave Clear Flush Mount or Wall lights by Peill & Putzler
By Peill & Putzler, Koch & Lowy
Located in Antwerp, BE
Large round wave glass ceiling lights, flush mount designed by Koch and Lowy for Peill & Putzler, Germany, 1970s. These lamps and the other models of pendant lamps: 1066, 1067, 1068 ...
Chrome
Sold
H 5.91 in Dm 10.24 in
1 of 3 Large 1970s Smoked Glass Biomorphic Wall Light Sconces by Peill & Putzler
By Peill & Putzler, Koch & Lowy
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
One of a set of three midcentury flushmount wall lights or sconces designed by Koch & Lowy for Peill & Putzler in the 1970s. This is an absolutely Classic piece of design, featuring ...
Metal