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.
to
5
5
4
1
3
2
5
3
1
1
1
5
5
5
Height
to
Width
to
5
5
5
150
1,150
554
411
385
Creator: Tommi Parzinger
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
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
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
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
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
Related Items
Trays Mondrian Style Set of 5
Located in Paris, FR
Mondrian style set of 5 trays with
structure and frame in solid wenge, each
tray is covered with natural genuine leather,
2 trays in red, 1 tray in b...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Tommi Parzinger Vases and Vessels
Materials
Leather, Wenge
Tommi Parzinger Style Silver Plate Serving Piece Mid-Century Modern Barware
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in North Miami, FL
This chic newly polished vintage Mid-Century Modern silver plate two-tiered serving piece has the wonderful look and style of Tommi Parzinger with...
Category
1950s American Modern Vintage Tommi Parzinger Vases and Vessels
Materials
Silver Plate
Tommi Parzinger Round Base Candlesticks
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in New York, NY
Pair of classically styled brass candlesticks with round bases and a tapering candle holder. Designed by Tommi Parzinger, 1960s. Professionally polished and lacquered.
Category
Mid-20th Century American American Classical Tommi Parzinger Vases and Vessels
Materials
Brass
Postmodern Black Marble Urn Form Vase, circa 1980
By Angelo Mangiarotti
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Postmodern black marble urn form vase, circa 1980.
Category
20th Century Italian Post-Modern Tommi Parzinger Vases and Vessels
Materials
Marble
Tommi Parzinger Pair of Candelabra in Polished Brass, 1950s, 'Signed'
By Tommi Parzinger, Dorlyn Silversmiths
Located in New York, NY
Pair of candelabra, each holding 1 candle, in polished brass with engraved concentric circles, by Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths, American, 1950’s (signed on bottom “Dorlyn ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tommi Parzinger Vases and Vessels
Materials
Brass
Wedgwood Jasperware Neo-Classical Vase with Flower Frog, 1968
By Wedgwood
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A Wedgwood Jasperware Neo-Classical blue and white stoneware vase with a flower frog insert, date marked 1968.
The vase is sprig decorated with classical figures and banded with a r...
Category
1960s English Neoclassical Vintage Tommi Parzinger Vases and Vessels
Materials
Stoneware
Marble Tray Reddish Color, with Leather Straps, Large
By Jover + Valls
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
Marble trays with leather straps and brass bottom reinforcement. Leather tips on the legs to avoid scratching surfaces.
Marble is a non-foliated ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Tommi Parzinger Vases and Vessels
Materials
Marble
Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths Brass Coffee / Tea Set
By Tommi Parzinger, Dorlyn Silversmiths
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Beautiful vintage Tommi Parzinger coffee / tea set in its original brass finish circa 1950s. The set includes a large coffee pot with curved wood handle, stand with etched "X" details, burner with original wick to keep the pot warm...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tommi Parzinger Vases and Vessels
Materials
Brass
Tommi Parzinger Brass Candlesticks
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in New York, NY
Pair of midcentury classically styled candlesticks with a square base stylized column and engraved drip plate. Designed by Tommi Parzinger, signature stamp on bottom. Polished.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Tommi Parzinger Vases and Vessels
Materials
Brass
Pair of Candlesticks with Hurricanes Designed by Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Doraville, GA
An obscure design by Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths. A pair of vintage brass candlesticks listed in the Dorlyn Silversmiths catalog as "Hurricane Console No. 66". The candle...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Tommi Parzinger Vases and Vessels
Materials
Brass
H 18.25 in W 5.75 in D 5.75 in
Art Deco Polished Steel & Silver Serveware Platter Barware Serving Tray 1950
Located in Miami, FL
Italian Art Deco Polished Steel Platter, Serveware, Barware or Tray with Silver Handles.
Great also for Your Vanity to display the perfume bottles.
In very good condition with some ...
Category
1950s Italian Art Deco Vintage Tommi Parzinger Vases and Vessels
Materials
Silver, Steel
H 1.75 in W 17 in D 13.25 in
Tommi Parzinger Round Base Brass Candlesticks
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in New York, NY
Mid Century Modern brass candlesticks designed by Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths, c.1960s. Professionally polished and lacquered.
Category
Mid-20th Century American American Classical Tommi Parzinger Vases and Vessels
Materials
Brass
Previously Available Items
Tommi Parzinger Pair of Brass Lidded Blown Glass Jars, circa 1959
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An exceptional and rare Tommi Parzinger design for Dorlyn Silversmiths. A pair of thick, mold-blown glass bowls or jars with lacquered brass lids exe...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tommi Parzinger Vases and Vessels
Materials
Brass
Chinese Porcelain Vases by Tommi Parzinger Blue and White Porcelain USA 1950's
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in New York, NY
Chinese Porcelain Vases by Tommi Parzinger Blue and White Porcelain USA 1950's. As was often was the case, Parzinger repurposed or modified items made by others and incorporated them into his interiors. Parzinger selected these handsome blue and white antique Chinese porcelain...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tommi Parzinger Vases and Vessels
Materials
Porcelain
3 Piece Brass Garniture Set by Tommi Parzinger
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional 3 piece table garniture set in brass consisting of 2 candlesticks and a revere style bowl, designed by Tommi Parzinger.
Candlesticks measu...
Category
20th Century American Tommi Parzinger Vases and Vessels
Materials
Brass
3 Piece Table Garniture Set by Tommi Parzinger
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional 3 piece candlesticks/compote garniture set in polished brass designed by Tommi Parzinger.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Tommi Parzinger Vases and Vessels
Materials
Brass
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.