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.
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
$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
$572Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 30.12 in Dm 15.36 in
Pair Antique Mahogany Birch Wood Plant Stands Jardinières Torchiere English 1900
Located in Sherborne, Dorset
Pair Antique Mahogany Birch Wood Plant Stands Jardinières Torchiere English 1890-1910 A very elegant, matching pair of antique plant stands / torchieres, each featuring a two-tier di...
Birch
$3,295 / set
H 72 in W 32 in D 13 in
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Brutalist Etageres Shelving Units Flat Chrome & Glass
By Milo Baughman
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Pair of Mid-Century Modern flat bar chrome Etageres with 1/2 inch thick glass shelving. In excellent vintage condition with small chips to the glass corners. 5 glass shelves. Chrome ...
Steel, Chrome
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
$2,929 / 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
Antique Plant Etagere
Located in Longmont, CO
Antique plant etagere Dimensions: circa - 31.25"W x 20.25"D x 28"H Beautiful texture and patina.
Iron
$440Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 11.5 in W 10 in D 10 in
Set of Four Antique French Wooden Jardinières, Scalloped Edges, 1930s
Located in Stamford, CT
Four painted square wooden French planters with scalloped edge detail.
Wood
$600
H 43 in W 11.5 in D 11.5 in
Art Deco Planter in Bronze and Wrought and Cast Iron, circa 1920/ 1930s
By Oscar Bruno Bach
Located in New York, NY
Classic Art Deco planter, having its original copper planter (11.5 Dia. x 6 H. inches) which rests within the stand. The vertical stand is constructed of cast, and wrought iron, an...
Bronze, Copper, Iron
Rare 1930s Finnish Hand-Forged Flower Stand by Taidetakomo Hakkarainen
By Taidetakomo Hakkarainen
Located in Turku, Varsinais-Suomi
An exceptional hand-forged flower stand produced by Taidetakomo Hakkarainen during the 1930s, beautifully illustrating the artistic craftsmanship that made the renowned Finnish forge...
Wrought Iron
$10,229
H 33.08 in W 27.17 in D 18.9 in
French Japonisme Style Gilt Bronze and Faience Standing Jardinière
Located in London, GB
French Japonisme style gilt bronze and faience standing jardinière French, late 19th century Measures: Height 84cm, width 69cm, depth 48cm Th...
Ormolu, Bronze
Bauhaus Era Brass Door Handles, 1930s, Set of 2
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A set of two door handle sets with oval lock/key covers in patinated brass (photo 1 and 2 of each set). The solid brass spindles are thick and rounded of softly due to excessive use ...
Brass
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