Known for his intricate metal furniture, jewelry and housewares, Michael Aram is something of a throwback in the world of design: a hands-on maker, both artist and artisan. Aram’s idiosyncratic style and the inherent authenticity of each of his handmade designs have made him a favorite of contemporary collectors.
Aram — full name: Michael Aram Wolohojian — was born in Providence, Rhode Island, to a tight-knit Armenian family and grew up in Scarsdale, New York. He studied art in Florence, Italy, and at the Art Students League in New York.
While on a 1989 trip to India, Aram was exposed to metalworking traditions such as sand-casting and hand-forging, and he became entranced with these techniques. He stayed in the country to study metalsmithing and collaborated with local craftsmen on his own designs, and still maintains a workshop in New Delhi.
A few of Aram’s lines are based on simple geometric shapes, but the majority are inspired by nature, in particular trees, flowers and other plant life. Rendered in materials that range from silvered bronze to patinated brass to nickel-plated steel, Aram’s forms for such lines as Sleepy Hollow and Black Orchid are drawn directly from botanical sources. He is likely unusual among contemporary designers for sometimes using the same decorative motif for both furniture and tableware pieces but his works are warm, witty, well-made and unlike any you’ve seen before.
Find Michael Aram serveware, vases and other decorative objects and furniture on 1stDibs.
Michael Aram Black Orchid Pitcher
By Michael Aram
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Elegant steel pitcher features striking nickel-plated handle formed by two crossing stems of flowering orchids. The dark color and organic, natural, Art Deco style of the handle jux...
Stainless Steel
Shiny Black 1960s Rörstrand Vintage Pitcher Vase, Sweden
By Rörstrand
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Black porcelain midcentury modern pitcher vase with large handle and lined relief decor manufactured by Rörstrand in the 1960s. Stamped unde...
Porcelain
Sterling Water Pitcher
By Reed & Barton
Located in Brooklyn, NY
There isn’t much in the way of decoration but the shape and style of this water pitcher is fabulous. Notice the curved body juxtaposed against the straight handle. There’s a ribbing pattern along the neck that’s complimented in the lines and curl in the handle. The spout is narrow, which is helpful when pouring. There is an Old English letter L monogram...
Sterling Silver
Hotel Silver Pitcher
Located in Houston, TX
Fluted hotel silver pitcher - 19th century. This stylish classic form harmonizes with both traditional and modern settings. Add a vintage and classic styl...
Silver Plate
$4,656 / set
H 12 in W 18 in D 18 in
Iron Age by Michael Aram Black Oxidized Stainless Steel Flatware Set 31 Pcs
By Michael Aram
Located in Big Bend, WI
Iron Age by Michael Aram “Flatware that's not flat: Design and Production of innovative Table cutlery, 1890-2015” By William P. Hood Jr. & Phil Dreis. (Not pictured in the book)...
Stainless Steel
$125
H 6.75 in W 6.25 in D 3.5 in
Vintage Black Barware Water Pitcher for Johnny Walker Black Label 1970's
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage collectible black ceramic pitcher for Johnny Walker Black Label Whisky Pub Jug Bar Pitcher. Vintage Johnny Walker Black Label's advertising pub pitcher, water Jug, ceramic jar, water Jar, scotch whisky. These collectible ceramic pitchers were used on bar counters for water in pubs for advertising scotch whiskey. This is a vintage Johnnie Walker Black...
Ceramic
Michael Aram Leaf Laurel Silver Wine Bottle Coaster
By Michael Aram
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Michael Aram botanical leaf laurel polished nickel plate and cork wine bottle coaster The Laurel Collection is inspired by the beauty and movement of curved leaves and bowing branche...
Metal, Aluminum
Spode "King's Pattern" Black Chintz Pitcher and Bowl
By Spode
Located in Great Barrington, MA
This is a rare set of matching water large water pitcher and bowl with all-over black chintz decoration with polychrome decoration. The dramatic co...
Porcelain
$150
H 1 in W 13 in D 8 in
Michael Aram Botanical Leaf Black Granite & Silver Plated 13" x 8" Cheeseboard
By Michael Aram
Located in San Diego, CA
Michael Aram Botanical Leaf Black Granite and Silver-Plated Cheeseboard. The piece is in good condition and measures 13" W x 8" D x 1" H. The Michael Aram Cheese Boards are stunning ...
Granite, Silver Plate
Multicolored Glass Pitcher
Located in New York, NY
Multicolored glass pitcher. American hand blown pink, yellow, amber and silver fused glass design pitcher with ruffled spout and rim and clear glass handle. United States, circa 1900...
Art Glass
Chubut Large Round Pitcher, Alpaca Silver & Black Horn
By AIREDELSUR
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
The calm, peace and stillness of the Villa La Angostura lakes, together with its woods, are transmitted to the handles and the relaxed shapes of the trays, pitchers, cutlery and cham...
Metal
Ceramic Lidded Pitcher
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Geometric ceramic pitcher with a faux metal painted exterior. The pitcher features curved handle, spout and lid. Dimensions 8" width x 4.25" depth x 11.5" height. Condition Good v...
Ceramic
Chubut Medium Round Pitcher, Alpaca Silver & Black Horn
By AIREDELSUR
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
The calm, peace and stillness of the Villa La Angostura lakes, together with its woods, are transmitted to the handles and the relaxed shapes of the trays, pitchers, cutlery and cham...
Metal