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.
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Creator: Tommi Parzinger
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
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 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
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A three piece serving centerpiece grouping from among the least commonly seen items from the 1950's brass ware collection designed by Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths, consisting of an exceptionally large candelabrum for five tapers with two tiers of round bon bon trays, and a matching pair of two-tier serving trays...
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Tommi Parzinger Brass Five-Arm Candelabra Sconce by Dorlyn
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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.
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Postmodern Black Marble Urn Form Vase, circa 1980
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Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
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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.
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Antonio da Ros for Cenedese Vintage Grey & Blue Murano Glass Bowl or Ashtray
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Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
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Tommi Parzinger Candlesticks, Brass, Signed, Dorlyn
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English Silver Plated Handled Trophy Cup Decorative Vase / Urn
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Located in Tarry Town, NY
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Tommi Parzinger Five-Arm Sconces
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Located in New York, NY
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Antonio da Ros for Cenedese Murano Glass Set of Vibrantly Colored Glass Bowls
By Cenedese, Antonio da Ros
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
One of four sets or ensemble of five 'Opalino' Murano glass bowls designed by Antonio da Ros (1936-2012) for Cenedese, circa 1970-1990. Wonderful translucent colors of vibrant blues, aubergine and pink. Simplistic yet elegant forms - almost futuristic. Very fun to dine with the vibrant Murano glassware...
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Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths Brass Coffee & Tea Service
By Tommi Parzinger, Dorlyn Silversmiths
Located in Hanover, MA
Four piece coffee/tea service in solid brass designed by Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths circa 1950, distributed by Vincent Lippe Co.
This is the earliest version with the distinctively ornate thistle finials on the fitted lids.
Set includes large and small lidded carafes, lidded sugar container and 12" diameter round tray.
All marked: Made by Dorlyn Silversmiths and a conjoined "RP" in which the "R" is reversed.
The 'R' here in the mark probably refers to Otto Rasmussen...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tommi Parzinger Vases
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Tommi Parzinger Vintage Brass Three Arm Candlestick Mid-Century Modern
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in North Miami, FL
This solid brass 3 arm vintage candlestick by Tommi Parzinger is Mid-Century Modern. It has been professionally polished. It is still modern today. Simplicity of lines with elegance....
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1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tommi Parzinger Vases
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$975 Sale Price
25% Off
H 9 in W 14 in D 8 in
Previously Available Items
Chinese Porcelain Vases by Tommi Parzinger Blue and White Porcelain USA 1950's
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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...
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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.
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