Tommi Parzinger Vases
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
3
3
3
1
2
1
3
2
1
1
3
3
3
Height
to
Width
to
3
3
3
150
1,077
532
415
355
Creator: 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
Materials
Silver Plate
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
Materials
Brass
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
Materials
Brass
Related Items
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
Materials
Marble
Candlestick Holder Tommi Parzinger Style
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in New York, NY
A substantial double candlestick holder, Modernist/Midcentury Modern design period, in the style of German designer Tommi Parzinger, circa mid-20th century, 1960s. A double brass pla...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Tommi Parzinger Vases
Materials
Metal, Brass
Tommi Parzinger Pair of Candelabra in Polished Brass, 1950s, 'Signed'
By Dorlyn Silversmiths, Tommi Parzinger
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
Materials
Brass
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
Materials
Silver Plate
Tommi Parzinger Brass Five-Arm Candelabra Sconce by Dorlyn
By Dorlyn Silversmiths, Tommi Parzinger
Located in Highland, IN
An elegant modern five-arm candle sconce designed by Tommi Parzinger. Each arm extends from a group mounted on a rectangular backplate with an incised linear design.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tommi Parzinger Vases
Materials
Brass
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
Materials
Brass
Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths Brass Coffee / Tea Set
By Dorlyn Silversmiths, Tommi Parzinger
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
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
Materials
Brass
Old English Sheffeild Silver Plate Small Decorative Urn / Vase
By Sheffield Silver Co.
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Discover the exquisite charm of our Old English Sheffield silver plated small decorative urn / vase with lion head side handle. This timeless piec...
Category
1880s English Antique Tommi Parzinger Vases
Materials
Silver Plate
Tommi Parzinger Brass Candlesticks
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in New York, NY
Mid Century brass candlesticks by Tommi Parzinger/Heirloom. Newly polished and lacquered.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Hollywood Regency Tommi Parzinger Vases
Materials
Brass
Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths Brass Silent Butler
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Lacquered brass lidded silent butler with incised lines designed by Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths, New York. Stamped "Dorlyn Silversmiths" on the back. More recently polish...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tommi Parzinger Vases
Materials
Brass
Antonio da Ros for Cenedese Vintage Grey & Blue Murano Glass Bowl or Ashtray
By Antonio da Ros, Cenedese
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Single midcentury, vintage 'Opalino' Murano glass bowl designed by Antonio da Ros (1936-2012) for Cenedese, circa 1970-1990. Wonderful translucent color of 'smoked mushroom' gray (gr...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Tommi Parzinger Vases
Materials
Murano Glass
$263 Sale Price
50% Off
H 2.05 in Dm 4.49 in
Previously Available Items
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
Materials
Porcelain
Tommi Parzinger vases for sale on 1stDibs.
Tommi Parzinger vases 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, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original vases by Tommi Parzinger were created in the mid-century modern style in united states during the mid-20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider vases by Fenton Art Glass Company, Robert Maxwell, and Rose Cabat. Prices for Tommi Parzinger vases can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $775 and can go as high as $2,400, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $775.
Creators Similar to Tommi Parzinger
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Tommi Parzinger Furniture
Tommi Parzinger Garniture
Tommi Parzinger Jars
Tommi Parzinger Planters, Cachepots and Jardinières
Tommi Parzinger Table Lamps
Tommi Parzinger Candle Holders
Tommi Parzinger Floor Lamps
Tommi Parzinger Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Tommi Parzinger Cabinets
Tommi Parzinger Dining Room Chairs
Tommi Parzinger Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Tommi Parzinger Credenzas
Tommi Parzinger Chandeliers and Pendants