Best known for his sleek, Bauhaus style, designer Robert Slezák was a pioneer in the manufacturing of chrome and bent-metal furniture during the early 20th century.
Born in the town of Bystřice pod Hostýnem in today’s Czech Republic, Slezák originally trained as a locksmith and in 1908 established a locksmith’s workshop in his hometown. What began as a small business providing common locksmith products grew into the Slezák Factory, which made brass fittings for furniture and buildings. In 1911, Slezák became one of the first manufacturers in Europe to use a galvanic coating of copper, chromium and nickel on the surface of his products.
Starting in 1913, Slezák focused on designing and producing brass and metal furniture with wood accents, like chairs, beds and tables. By the 1930s, Slezák’s furniture style began to evolve towards mid-century modern and Bauhaus design, leading to streamlined and tubular three-seat sofas, stools, bent-metal chairs, wood and chrome coffee tables, desks, lighting and cabinets. During this time, Slezák also collaborated with the Czech furniture company Ton N.P. Bystřice pod Hostýnem on pieces including his Bauhaus chrome and walnut side table.
After 1948, Slezák’s firm became part of the Kovona furniture-making company, which continued to produce and recreate Slezák’s designs from the 1950s to the 1980s. Since 1992, the Czech furniture manufacturer has been known as Kovonax.
Today, Slezák’s designs remain highly sought after by interior designers and collectors of mid-century and Bauhaus furniture.
On 1stDibs, find a range of vintage Robert Slezák seating, tables, lighting and more.
Czech Bauhaus Chrome Flower Stand by Robert Slezák, Lacquered Wood, 1930s
By Robert Slezák
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
This étagère, with a frame of bent steel tube and lacquered wood shelves, was made in the 1930s in the Czech Republic. Original chromium plating in a very nice original condition. M...
Chrome
Restored Bauhaus Flower Pedestal, by Robert Slezák, Chrome, Steel, Czech, 1930s
By Robert Slezák
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Made by Slezak Factories, a unique Czech furniture brand specialising on chrome and bent metal furniture. It has been re-polished with polyutherane piano lacquer by our professional...
Chrome, Steel
Pair of Bauhaus Étagères by Robert Slezák and Arnošt Beck, Birch Wood, 1930s
By Robert Slezák
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Source: Czechia Period: 1930-1939 Maker: Robert Slezák Architect: Arnošt Beck This item features classic Bauhaus design elements. Elements of this style are neutral colors and occas...
Chrome, Steel
$2,473
H 43.2 in W 11.8 in D 11.8 in
Stylish and Great Antique, Ebonized Flower, Plant or Sculpture Stand / Pedestal
Located in Lisse, NL
Wonderful column for displaying a work of art or otherwise. This antique and attractive design pedestal is perfect for showcasing an antique sculpture, vase or bust. Most colors wil...
Wood, Beech, Paint
Marbled Pedestal of Black and White Painted Wood, 1930s
Located in Lejre, DK
This marbled pedestal, dating back to the circa 1930s, exudes a timeless charm with its striking black and white painted wood construction. Its...
Wood
Mid-Century Bentwood Planter, Austria, 1930s
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-century bentwood planter - Austria 1930s.
Bentwood
$13,950 / item
H 36.25 in Dm 36.75 in
The Tree Trunk Pot Large, Cream Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Tree Trunk pot large Cream lacquer Hand repoussé Steel base Limited edition Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dynasty, circa 1600-110...
Steel
$9,000 / set
H 33.47 in W 17.33 in D 17.33 in
Pair of Wood and Bronze Planters, France, Late 19th Century
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Pair of wood and bronze planters. France, late 19th century.
Bronze
French 1940s Wrought Iron Spiral Display Staircase
Located in Long Island City, NY
A French 1940s black lacquered wrought iron decorative display staircase or plant stand
Metal
Vintage Wrought Iron Plant Stand, Distressed White, Rustic 1930s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage wrought iron plant stand designed to hold multiple flower pots. The stand is made of wrought iron, which gives it a sturday ...
Wrought Iron
Distressed Italian Ceramic Urns, Glazed Finish, 1930s Roman Style
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of large ceramic urns, each with a robust, rounded body and a narrow, flared neck. The urns are finished in a distressed green glaze that gives them a weathered, antique appear...
Ceramic
Black Column Pedestal Birds Flowers Butterflies
Located in New York, NY
A black ebonized column pedestal stand with birds, flowers and butterflies, in the Chinoiserie design style, circa late-20th century. Column is cylindrical with a wood base and compo...
Composition
Pair of French Wood and Galvanized Iron Planters
Located in Marbella, ES
An elegant pair of antique French-style planters, crafted from solid wood with an iron framework and galvanized sheet metal liners. Their design—featuring clean lines and balanced pr...
Iron, Metallic Thread
$2,944 / item
H 27.56 in Dm 17.72 in
Set of Three Cast-Iron Planters from a St Petersburg Winter Garden, circa 1930s
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Very charming set of three cast-iron vases, each with different, original paint finishes -- one blue, one burnished gold and one green and white. The paint has worn away in places, s...
Iron
$2,539
H 51.19 in W 8.67 in D 8.67 in
Spectacular Art Deco Walnut And Macassar Ebony Pedestal, Torchiere, c1930
Located in Devon, England
A genuinely rare opportunity to acquire an original high end Art Deco pedestal /torchiere in showroom condition. Go have a little research and you'll see how rare this piece is. Thos...
Ebony, Macassar, Walnut
Sold
H 36.23 in W 31.5 in D 6.5 in
Czech Bauhaus Chrome Flower Stand by Robert Slezák, Lacquered Wood, 1930s
By Robert Slezák
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
This étagère, with a frame of bent steel tube and lacquered wood shelves, was made in the 1930s in the Czech Republic. Original chromium plating in a very nice original condition. ...
Chrome
Sold
H 27.17 in W 35.44 in D 11.42 in
Czech Green Bauhaus Style Chrome Étagère by Robert Slezák, Lacquered Wood, 1930s
By Robert Slezák
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
This étagère, with a frame of bent steel tube and lacquered wood shelves, was made in the 1930s in the Czech Republic. Original chromium plating in a very nice original condition. S...
Chrome
Sold
H 32.29 in Dm 15.75 in
Black Chrome Bauhaus Pedestal by Slezák, Perfect Condition, Design Thonet, 1930s
By Robert Slezák
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Black pedestal from Czechia, 20th century. Bauhaus Material: Chrome Period: 1930-1939 Maker: Robert Slezák.
Chrome