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Tommi Parzinger Furniture

German, 1903-1981

German furniture designer Tommi Parzinger brought high-style modernism to the forefront. Taking a vivid, stylized approach to mid-century furniture, many of his works feature boldly colored lacquers and offbeat finishes that make his pieces stand out among the works of his peers. Despite his uniquely progressive vision, Parzinger showed equal expertise in producing fine, traditional furnishings.

Born in Munich, Parzinger moved to New York City in 1932. He began his practice in the United States by designing for the Manhattan style trailblazer Rena Rosenthal. In 1939, he established his first company, which split its focus between handcrafted silver household items — such as tea sets and barware — and home furnishings, like dining tables and cabinets. In his first year in business, Parzinger exhibited several pieces of furniture at the 1939 New York World’s Fair. 

A master craftsman, Parzinger sought out the most exceptional materials for his furniture, employing the finest woods — like mahogany and walnut — as well as including custom brass hardware and pewter inlays.

His silver works presented an elevated level of style and grace. A November 1939 article in LIFE magazine described Parzinger as “the most creative original designer of silverware in the United States.”

While he was still running his own business — creating 12 to 30 new designs each year — Charak Furniture Company appointed Parzinger as its head of modern furniture design. He modernized Charak’s design approach from a more traditional form to a mid-century modern style.

In the mid-1960s, Parzinger stopped designing furniture, turning his company over to his friend Donald Cameron. He shifted his attention to paintings, which he created until his death in 1981.

On 1stDibs, find a broad selection of vintage Tommi Panzinger tables, lighting, storage pieces and more.

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Creator: Tommi Parzinger
Dealer: Fleurdetroit
Pair of Midcentury Tommi Parzinger Candelabras for Dorlyn Silversmiths
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Bloomfield Hills, MI
Born in Munich, Tommi Parzinger was a prominent European designer and artist. He received an education in design from the school of arts and crafts, Kunstgewerbeschule, and began his...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Tommi Parzinger Furniture

Materials

Brass

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DESCRIPTION A pair of solid brass candlesticks designed by Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths. The candlesticks stand approximately 10 5/8 inches tall and the base is 5 1/2 inches at the top of the lip of the base. One candlesticks is embossed with the P*R Tommi Parzinger insignia. BIOGRAPHY OF DESIGNER Tommi Anton Parzinger (1903–1981) was a German interior designer; a lighting, accessories and furniture designer and an artist. Born in Munich in 1903, Parzinger was raised in an artistic family, he studied at the Kunstgewebeschule, focusing his art studies on ceramic, glass, metal and wood crafts , as well as painting. Parzinger immigrated to New York City in 1932, his first job in America was as a designer for Rena Rosenthal, designing metalware and crystel to be sold at her trend setting Madison Avenue shop. During his tenure at Rena Rosenthal Parzinger began creating furniture and accessories to accompany his celebrated work in brass and crystal. His interest in these ancillary pieces grew steadily throughout the 1930’s and in 1938 he took a position designing furniture for Charak in Boston. In 1939 he opened Parzinger Originals, designing custom furnishings for clients and commissioned custom interiors. Parzinger's designs were labeled "high-style modernism", which represented a more idiosyncratic, rarefied midcentury design style. His cosmopolitan designs involved costly, craft-intensive materials and processes using brass accents and lacquer. As his business grew, Parzinger continued his work in graphic design, fashioning packaging, fabrics and wallpapers . He also continued to design furniture, lighting, and accessories for other companies, including Reed and Barton, Lightolier, Salterini Hofstatter, and Dorlyn. In the 1940’s Donald Cameron became his partner and expanded the company with locations at 32 East 57th Street, 601 Fifth Avenue, and 441 Madison Avenue. His designs were used by famous clients such as Billy Baldwin, Marilyn Monroe, members of the DuPont family...
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Tommi Parzinger furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Tommi Parzinger furniture are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Tommi Parzinger furniture, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original furniture by Tommi Parzinger were created in the mid-century modern style in north america during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by Widdicomb Furniture Co., Paul Frankl, and John Widdicomb. Prices for Tommi Parzinger furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $585 and can go as high as $45,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $6,800.

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