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Tommi Parzinger Vases and Vessels

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
Silver Plate Urn Form Vase by Tommi Parzinger
Silver Plate Urn Form Vase by Tommi Parzinger

Silver Plate Urn Form Vase by Tommi Parzinger

By Tommi Parzinger

Located in New York, NY

Unusual and possibly unique vase by Tommi Parzinger, this example is in very good original condition, showing only light cosmetic wear normal and consistent with age.

Category

Mid-20th Century American Hollywood Regency Tommi Parzinger Vases and Vessels

Materials

Silver Plate

Tommi Parzinger Polished Nickel Candlesticks, Tray Set
Tommi Parzinger Polished Nickel Candlesticks, Tray Set

Tommi Parzinger Polished Nickel Candlesticks, Tray Set

By Tommi Parzinger

Located in New York, NY

Mid-Century three-piece table garniture set featuring a serving tray and a pair of candlesticks, all designed by Tommi Parzinger. Tray measures: 10.5 x ...

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Tommi Parzinger Vases and Vessels

Materials

Nickel

Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Tazza
Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Tazza

Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Tazza

By Tommi Parzinger

Located in North Miami, FL

A brass tazza by Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tommi Parzinger Vases and Vessels

Materials

Brass

Tommi Parzinger Brass Lidded Flower Vase with Frog Midcentury Dorlyn USA
Tommi Parzinger Brass Lidded Flower Vase with Frog Midcentury Dorlyn USA

Tommi Parzinger Brass Lidded Flower Vase with Frog Midcentury Dorlyn USA

By Tommi Parzinger

Located in Bridgehampton, NY

Rare Parzinger centerpiece floral vase - lidded frog. Designed for Dorlyn Silversmith.

Category

Mid-20th Century American Hollywood Regency Tommi Parzinger Vases and Vessels

Materials

Brass

Tommi Parzinger Solid Brass Pitcher For Dorlyn Silversmiths
Tommi Parzinger Solid Brass Pitcher For Dorlyn Silversmiths

Tommi Parzinger Solid Brass Pitcher For Dorlyn Silversmiths

By Tommi Parzinger

Located in Doraville, GA

DESCRIPTION A lidded solid brass pitcher design by Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths. The pitcher is embossed on the bottom “Made by Dorlyn - Silversmiths” with the Tommi Parzinger insignia. The pitcher stands approximately 10 7/8 inches tall and the base is 3 1/8 inches in diameter. 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...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Tommi Parzinger Vases and Vessels

Materials

Brass

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Previously Available Items
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Located in New York, NY

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Exceptional 3 piece candlesticks/compote garniture set in polished brass designed by Tommi Parzinger.

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Tommi Parzinger vases and vessels for sale on 1stDibs.

Tommi Parzinger vases and vessels are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of metal and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Tommi Parzinger vases and vessels, although beige editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original vases and vessels by Tommi Parzinger were created in the mid-century modern style in united states during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider vases and vessels by Fenton Art Glass Company, Doug Ayers, and Warren MacKenzie. Prices for Tommi Parzinger vases and vessels can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $775 and can go as high as $3,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $1,598.