Few had their finger on the pulse of American furniture like importer and distributor Raymor. Founder Irving Richards first had his eyes opened to the world of furniture while attending the 1928 Salon d’Automne art and design fair in Paris. He joined Lightolier two years later and developed its business relationships, including with designer Russel Wright.
Wright and Richards met in 1935 and Russel Wright, Inc. was formed in 1936. Its American Modern ceramic tableware, produced under the name Wright Accessories in 1938, was a notably lucrative collaboration. Following the early success of American Modern, Richards obtained the majority share of Wright Accessories and changed its name to Raymor Mfg Division Inc. in 1941.
By 1952, the exclusivity over American Modern had ended (the line was initially produced by Wright Associates and later manufactured by Steubenville for two decades). To keep up with American markets, Raymor worked with prominent designers such as George Nelson, Arthur Umanoff, Ray and Charles Eames, and Hans J. Wegner.
The company’s imports expanded to Denmark, which contributed to the rise of Scandinavian modern designs in the American market. Throughout the 1950s, Richards established relationships with factories in Scandinavia, Italy and Germany, as well as with the influential tastemaker and importer Charles Stendig.
The furniture company Simmons bought Raymor in 1963 and changed its name to Raymor Richards, Morgenthau Inc. in 1969. During that time, Raymor’s Omnibus range of Scandinavian-style wall units became widely popular, along with Italian glass and pottery like Bitossi ceramics designed by Aldo Londi and Bagni ceramics by Alvino Bagni.
Shifting styles coupled with rising competition, and the departure of Richards from the company, ended Raymor. By the late 1970s, Raymor faced a wave of international factories able to produce similar products of lesser quality for a lower cost. Buyers were eager to frequently change their interior styles, limiting the need for high-end, durable furniture, which Raymor had been importing.
On 1stDibs, find a collection of vintage Raymor ceramics, lamps, decorative objects and more.
Raymor Green & Brown Footed Planter / Orchid Pot
By Raymor
Located in New York, NY
A handmade ceramic footed planter or orchid pot by Raymor. Italy, circa 1950. Signed/numbered. Features a geometric pattern in shades of green, brown and yellow. Measures 6.5 in...
Ceramic
Crucible Planter Pot Vessel
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A Crucible transformed into a planter offers a unique and unconventional way to showcase plants and bring an Industrial touch to your space. Traditionally used in metalworking and chemistry, a Crucible is a container made of a heat-resistant Material like ceramic or metal. Repurposing a Crucible as a planter adds a distinct and intriguing aesthetic to your garden or indoor plant display. Its original purpose as a vessel for extreme heat makes it durable and resistant, perfect for holding soil and plants. The Crucible...
Ceramic
Japanese Bronze Patinated Footed Pot
Located in Queens, NY
Oriental Japanese (19th Century) bronze large jardiniere with a green patina and carp in relief and raise on 4 cloud form feet (Koyoto School; Meiji Period)
Bronze
Mid Century Bitosi Flower Pot att. to Aldo Londi for Raymor Made in Italy
By Raymor, Aldo Londi
Located in New York, NY
Classic Italian pottery planter, jardiniere, flower pot, Bitosi vase attributed to Aldo Londi for Raymor, made in Italy c. 1950/60's. This example is in excellent original, undamag...
Ceramic, Pottery
Large Footed Porcelain Vaso Planter in Matte Mint Green
By Cultivated Gardens for Middle Kingdom
Located in Manassas Park, VA
Middle Kingdom garden vaso are modeled after traditional terra cotta wares but are made from pigmented porcelain. The bowl can be moved from the base for planting and watering. The C...
Porcelain
$25,000 / set
H 53.94 in W 15.75 in D 15.75 in
Pair of Enamel Ceramic Planters Signed Lechenet, Nice, France, circa 1900
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Pair of enamel ceramic planters signed Lechenet. Nice, France, circa 1900.
Ceramic
Large Copper Pot or Planter
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
This large hammer copper pot or garden planter boasts circular handles on either side, providing a sturdy grip for effortless lifting. Its su...
Copper
Brutalist Crucible Pot Planter
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Vintage crucible, repurposed as unique planter or pot, carries the marks of their industrial past while offering a striking blend of function and history. Made from heavy-duty refrac...
Ceramic
MCM Footed Ceramic Planter by Haeger
By Haeger
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice MCM footed ceramic planter by Haeger, circa 1960s. The planter is in very good vintage condition with no chips or cracks and measures 8"D x 3.25"H and has a nice medium w...
Ceramic
Architectural Planter Pot Vessel by David Cressey
By David Cressey
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A large David Cressey glazed pot or vessel is a stunning work of art that combines form, texture, and color in a captivating way. Known for his ceramic creations, David Cressey has a distinct style that is both modern and organic. This particular pot or vessel showcases Cressey's mastery of glazing techniques. Its generous size commands attention and makes it a focal point in any setting. The pot's shape is often asymmetrical, with smooth curves and undulating lines that mimic the organic shapes found in nature. Its large size allows for ample space to showcase the intricate glaze patterns. The glaze itself is a masterpiece, with a rich and layered appearance. Cressey's glazes often feature earthy tones like deep browns, rustic oranges, and mossy greens, evoking a connection to the natural world. The glaze may have variations in color, creating depth and visual interest. The surface texture might be subtly textured or exhibit a more pronounced texture, further enhancing the tactile and visual experience. When displayed, this David Cressey glazed pot or vessel becomes a statement piece that adds a touch of sophistication and artistic elegance to any space. Its combination of sculptural form and expertly applied glaze demonstrates the artist's skill and creativity, making it a unique and captivating addition to any art collection or interior design. Photographed with Knoll wire side...
Ceramic
Ceramic Planter, Art & Crafts Period, England, circa 1900
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Ceramic planter, Art & Craft period, England, circa 1900.
Ceramic
Late 19th Century Bronze Footed Planter
Located in Bellport, NY
A large antique bronze two handled decorated planter.
Bronze
$1,900Sale Price|34% Off
H 10.5 in W 19 in D 9 in
Vintage Large Glazed Green Fish Planter Pot Vase Palm Beach
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Vintage large terra-cotta light mint glazed fish pot, planter. No chips or breaks.
Terracotta
Arthur Umanoff for Raymor Redwood Slat and Iron Coffee/cocktail Table
By Arthur Umanoff, Raymor
Located in Southampton, NJ
A rare work from Arthur Umanoff's series of "Redwood for Outdoor Living" for Raymor. Described in the original advertisement as a cocktail table with magazine rack. "Many familie...
Iron
1950s, Sgrafitto Gold and Green Footed Bowl by Raymor
By Raymor
Located in New York, NY
A handmade ceramic rooted bowl or planter by Rymor. Features a sgraffito textured surface with alternating bands of gold and pale green. Signed.
Ceramic
Bitossi Raymor Italian Modernist Large Scale Foamy Ceramic Vessel Urn Planter
By Raymor
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Textured, foamy glaze ceramic Italian open vessel imported by Raymor, circa 1960s. Urn measures 10.5" in height by 8" in diameter. Signed Italy on the bottom and in very good vintage...
Ceramic
Sold
H 32 in W 15 in D 16 in
Set of Four Tony Paul for Woodlin-Hall Black Enameled Iron Bistro Chairs, 1950s
By Raymor, Tony Paul
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Set of four Tony Paul "Ice Cream Parlor Group"Indoor Outdoor Black Metal Chairs manufactured by Woodlin-Hall and distributed by Raymor. Featuring a rust resistant open Metal framewor...
Iron