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.
Four Pottery Vice Jars / Drug Canisters Imported by Raymor, Italy, 1950s, Rare
By Raymor
Located in Kansas City, MO
Rare set of four "Vice Jars" all signed, Raymor. Opium, Morphine, Cocaine and Marijuana. Rarely seen and virtually never seen in this condition. No chips, cra...
Pottery
Large Alvino Bagni "Sea Garden" Italian Bowl for Raymor
By Alvino Bagni, Raymor
Located in Hannover, DE
Large, colorful terracotta "Sea Garden" bowl by Alvino Bagni for Raymor MCM Art Ceramic Studio This is a unique, handcrafted piece by Alvino Bagni from his mid-20th-century "Sea Ga...
Ceramic
Marcello Fantoni Ceramic Shelf Hanger
By Marcello Fantoni, Raymor
Located in Chicago, IL
Marcello Fantoni for Raymor ceramic shelf hanging person. Glazed Ceramic. Cat pictured sold separately.
Ceramic
Four Ceramic pieces by Ben Seibel, Raymor Modern Artware by Roseville
By Raymor, Roseville Pottery, Ben Seibel
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Four ceramic pieces by Ben Seibel, Raymor Modern Artware by Roseville. The one slot vase measures 11.5" wide, 5.5" deep and 7.5" high. The 2 slot round vase measures 8" wide, 7.5" ...
Ceramic
Marcello Fantoni for Raymor Italian Mid Century Ceramic Ashtray Catchall
By Raymor, Marcello Fantoni
Located in St. Louis, MO
A vibrant 1950s Italian studio ceramic round catchall dish by renowned Florentine ceramicist Marcello Fantoni (1915–2011), created for Raymor, the premier American importer of mid-ce...
Clay
Monumental Brutalist Ashtray by Marcello Fantoni for Raymor, 1950s
By Raymor, Marcello Fantoni
Located in View Park, CA
A green glow: monumental vintage Italian brutalist hand-worked metal ashtray by Marcello Fantoni for Raymor, made in Italy circa 1950. Patinated copper in tones of chartreuse, teal, and pewter. Born in Florence in 1915, Marcello Fantoni wed ancient Italian pottery technique with decidedly Modernist elements, garnering tremendous acclaim both at home and abroad - his work has been collected by important museums worldwide. When Fantoni died in Florence in 2011 at the age of 95, his obituary in the Italian newspaper La Nazione hailed him “the master of beauty.” This stunning piece certainly justifies the moniker. With the signature etched on verso, it is without doubt an heirloom rarity for the savvy collector...
Copper
1950s Aldo Londi Ceramic Bitossi Pendant Lamp for Italian Raymor
By Aldo Londi, Raymor
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1950s Aldo Londi Ceramic Bitossi Pendant Lamp for Raymor. This rare and sculptural Italian ceramic lamp is executed with multicolored glazed horizontal stripes and geometric circula...
Ceramic
Bitossi for Raymor Chunky and Oversized Ashtray/ Cachepot
By Bitossi, Raymor
Located in North Miami, FL
Wonderful rich blue base and grayish white top glazed ceramic ashtray. So many beautiful details to this large round bowl.
Ceramic
Vintage Raymor Pop Art Gazed Ceramic Vase Italy 1970's Off White
By Raymor
Located in North Miami, FL
Tie one on in this whimsical Italian Raymor vintage ceramic vase that is a circular shirt with a tie and collar. It is conversational and Italian pop art. These are hard to come by ...
Ceramic
Majolica Ceramic Box with Lid, Butterfly Decor, Italy Mid Century Modern
By Raymor
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Rare majolica box with lid is decorated with multicolored raised abstract butterfly motif on mottled light grey background. The rim of the lid and the bottom of the box are defined ...
Ceramic, Majolica, Pottery
Raymor Ceramic Vase Made In Italy ca' 1970's
By Raymor
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A beautiful and substantial Raymor vase in mixed glazes. Vibrant yellow, brown, blue. Made in Italy ca' 1970's.
Ceramic
$796Sale Price|20% Off
1950s Black White Leaf Ashtray Dish Raymor Pottery Cigar Abstract Jouves French
By Raymor
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Wonderful leaf motif dish cigar ashtray, signed Raymor Made in Italy, 415/7.
Stoneware
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
Italian Ceramic Box with Birds by Raymor
By Raymor
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Artsy ceramic box made in Italy, circa 1970s. White box with black birds painted on. Great vintage condition. Fun stash box and tabletop object. Marked Raymor and Made in Italy on un...
Ceramic
Raymor Ceramic Drip Glaze Box
By Raymor
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pretty Italian ceramic box by Raymor. Drip glaze ceramic with greenish/brown earth tones. Very good vintage condition.
Ceramic
Mid-Century Modern Drip Glaze Vase by Marcello Fantoni for Raymor
By Marcello Fantoni
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fantastic coloring in the drip glaze, lively vibrant yellows and greens. Vase is terracotta and approx. 11 inches x 6.25 x 6. In excellent original condition. Beautiful addition to a...
Terracotta
$220Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 5.75 in W 5 in D 3 in
Pair of Mid Century 1950s Howard Pierce Ceramic Quail Bird Sculpture Figurine
Located in San Diego, CA
Iconic pair of Howard Pierce ceramic quail bird figurines/sculptures dating from the 1950s. These are an iconic design. Great color and form. The larger ...
Ceramic
$1,032Sale Price|20% Off
H 2.17 in W 13.78 in D 10.63 in
"Tremiti" Bowl by Angelo Mangiarotti for Danese, Italy, 1960s
By Danese Milano, Angelo Mangiarotti
Located in Berlin, DE
High glazed orange ceramic bowl by Angelo Mangiarotti for Danese, Italy from the late 1960s.
Ceramic
Large Guido Gambone Bowl, Italian Ceramic Centerpiece
By Guido Gambone
Located in Greensboro, NC
Large glazed ceramic bowl by noted and highly collected Italian artist Guido Gambone. A lovely example of his work in muted yellow and neutral toned surface with signature on botto...
Ceramic
Marcello Fantoni Ceramic Vase, Glazed Stoneware, circa 1970s
By Marcello Fantoni
Located in New York, NY
Italian artist Marcello Fantoni ceramic vase is glazed stoneware made circa 1970s. This piece was acquired directly from the artist by the seller, who was a personal friend of Marcel...
Ceramic
Ceramic Poodle with Jeweled Collar
Located in Hanover, MA
1960s Italian ceramic poodle with jeweled collar.
Ceramic
Vintage Porcelain Bear Statue, Germany, ca 1950s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Vintage Porcelain Bear Statue, Germany, ca 1950s Item e7269 An old porcelain bear statue, decorated with polychrome colors. Made in Germany ca. 1950s. Illegible maker's signature on ...
Porcelain
Glazed Ceramic Jar Studio Pottery Karen Karnes
By Karen Karnes
Located in Atlanta, GA
A ceramic (earth ware) lidded jar with glazed surface by American studio potter Karen Karnes (1925-2016). The mark on the jar indicates that the piece was m...
Ceramic
Swedish Ceramic Collection, 29 pieces
By Berndt Friberg
Located in Stockholm, SE
A collection of Swedish Studio Ceramics (1940s–1990s) Offered as a single, carefully curated collection, this outstanding group represents the very heart of Swedish ceramic artistry...
Ceramic
$3,368 / set
H 6.3 in Dm 3.15 in
Midcentury Modern Set of 4 Ceramic Pieces Rubus Gunnar Nylund Rörstrand, Sweden
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
These vessels and vases made in ceramic and named Rubus was designed by one of the ceramic designer icons of Sweden Gunnar Nylund. This set containin...
Ceramic
$4,053 / set
H 7.88 in W 5.12 in D 5.12 in
Set of 8 Antique Spanish Ceramic Kitchen Canisters / Storage Jars
Located in Barcelona, ES
Set of 8 glazed ceramic kitchen canisters / storage pots and jars. Spain, 1930s Rare find. Handcrafted in off-white ceramic with dark brown inscriptions and floral decorative painted details in shades of green and garnet. A highly decorative set of 6 antique kitchen canisters...
Pottery, Ceramic
$1,850
H 18.5 in W 7 in D 4 in
Brutalist Sculpture "Family" Signed Italy, circa 1961 Manner of Marcello Fantoni
By Marcello Fantoni
Located in Buffalo, NY
Brutalist sculpture "Family" signed Italy, circa 1961, manner of Fanoni. Amazing form surface Classic modernist well executed.
Metal
Sold
H 2 in W 7.25 in D 7.25 in
Raymor Bitossi Vintage Textured Ceramic Bowl Red, Brown, Black, Purple Italian
By Raymor, Bitossi
Located in North Miami, FL
This lovely vintage Italian ceramic textural colorful patchwork bowl is signed Raymor and was designed by Bitossi. This is from the 1960s. The hallmarks on the bottom read R450-SA Ra...
Ceramic
Marcello Fantoni ceramic/pottery matt glaze vase, for Raymor
By Raymor, Marcello Fantoni
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Nice vase by the well known artist Marcello Fantoni . This is a square /round interesting shape, signed in bottom .
Ceramic
Zaccagnini Raymor Italy Modernist Diamond Design Table Lamp 1950's
By Urbano Zaccagnini, Raymor
Located in Rochester, NY
Large ceramic table lamp with cream white glazed textured body and multi-colored geometric diamond design ( red, green, black, orange, pale pink ) Signed on underside ( beneath metal...
Metal
Italian Ceramics by Aldo Londi for Raymor, 1960s
By Raymor, Aldo Londi
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Colorful set of 1960s Italian striped ceramic vessels by Aldo Londi for Raymor in blues, lavenders, white, turquoise and red with a dark charcoa...
Ceramic
Four Original Raymor Vice Jars / Canisters with Lids
By Raymor
Located in Kansas City, MO
Set of four original, whimsical "vice jars" imported by Raymor, Italy, 1950s. Hand painted. Nicotine in aqua blue, Heroin in purple, Opium in orange, and Mari...
Ceramic
Bullseye Box by Raymor
By Raymor
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Artsy ceramic box made in Italy, circa 1970s. White box with black Bullseye painted on lid as well as a black stripe that goes around box. Great vintage condition. Fun stash box and ...
Ceramic
Brutalist Mid-Century Modern Italian Ashtray Freeform by Raymor
By Raymor
Located in San Diego, CA
Rare Italian brutalist style ceramic ashtray with gold leaf painting and white glaze accents.
Pottery
Aldo Londi Bitossi Bird Table Lamp
By Raymor, Aldo Londi, Bitossi
Located in New Windsor, NY
Aldo Londi Bitossi pottery bird lamp. Matte brown body with a gloss glazed head and tail feathers. Nice crisp carved and incised detail. Circa 1950-...
Ceramic, Pottery
Tall Raymor Studio Pottery Vase with Sgraffito Design
By Raymor
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Great scale Amazing periwinkle mat glaze Fun hand carved aquatic design A strong piece that can stand by itself as a decorative element or with flowers and branches (one small ti...
Ceramic
Bitossi Raymor Postmodern Catch-it-all Ceramic Bowl in Glossy Finish
By Raymor, Bitossi
Located in San Diego, CA
Versatile catch-it-all ceramic bowl made in Italy, circa 1980's black glossy finish with green decorative lines, great condition no chips or cracks signed Italy at the bottom.
Ceramic
Sold
H 12 in W 8 in D 6 in
Aldo Londi for Bitossi Green, Tan, Rust Orange, Gray White Ceramic Vase Vessel
By Raymor, Aldo Londi, Bitossi
Located in North Miami, FL
This special and hard to come by Italian Aldo Londi for Raymor Bitossi ceramic vase or vessel is vintage. It has 4 bands of incised etched textural Mayan style abstract inspired trib...
Ceramic
Italian Ceramic Box by Raymor
By Raymor
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fantastic ceramic box by Raymor. Stamped Raymor and Italy on underside. Orange base with blue and black lid. Cool colors and great design. Perfect box.
Ceramic