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.
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.
Silver Plate
Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Tazza
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in North Miami, FL
A brass tazza by Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn
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...
Brass
Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths Candelabrum & Pair Serving Trays
By Dorlyn Silversmiths, Tommi Parzinger
Located in Hanover, MA
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...
Brass
$3,850 / set
H 19.25 in Dm 5 in
Pair of Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths Brass Hurricane Candle Sconces
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Southampton, NJ
A pair of c1950 brass candle sconces by Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths. These candle sconces exhibit Parzinger's unique talent of mixing classical with the modern. Parzing...
Brass
Modern Drip Glazed Large Ceramic Urn Form Vase
By Rookwood Pottery Co.
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Modern drip glazed large urn form ceramic art pottery vase In the manner of Rookwood Pottery Circa Late 20th Century Glazed ceramic combining red, yellow, and gold ton...
Ceramic
Classical Form 1980's Mercury Glass Urn Vase with Handles
Located in New York, NY
Hand blown mercury glass classical form urn vase with handles, Mexico, c. 1980s.
Mercury Glass
$1,000 / set
H 8 in W 4 in D 4 in
Tommi Parzinger Brass Candlesticks, Mid-Century Modern, Polished, USA
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.
Brass
Coffee Service With Tray Tommi Parzinger Dorlyn Silversmith
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Atlanta, GA
A coffee or tea serving set designed by Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmith. The set is made of heavy brass and newly rechromed in a nickle finish. It consists of a pitcher with w...
Steel, Chrome
Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths Nickel-Plated Coffee or Tea Set
By Dorlyn Silversmiths, Tommi Parzinger
Located in St. Louis, MO
A coffee or tea serving set designed by Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths. This set is made of heavy brass, and has been newly plated in a nickel finish. It consists of a pitch...
Brass
$1,750
H 20 in W 14 in D 8.5 in
Tommi Parzinger Heirloom 700 Silver Triple Candlestick Candelabra, 1950's
By Tommi Parzinger, Oneida
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Tommi Parzinger silver plate three-stem taper Candelabra, circa 1955. Featuring a reflective, intricate stem and candleholders, subtle drip protectors, with cupped base. Stamped Hei...
Silver Plate
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...
Brass
Tommi Parzinger Brass Candle Sconces, Hollywood Regency, 1950s
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Hollywood Regenbcy sold brass sconces with a Tommi Parzinger influence. Brass backplate measures 3 3/8 inches in diameter.
Brass
$495 / item
H 16.25 in W 9 in D 9 in
Vintage Sculptural Silver-Plated Flower Form Candlestick or Bud Vase, Bacillar
Located in North Fort Myers, FL
ailing. Crafted in a polished silver-plated finish, the organic bloom rises from a slender tapered stem and rests on a weighted circular base. The fluid, modernist silhouette gives t...
Metal, Silver Plate
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...
Brass
Sold
H 16.75 in Dm 9 in
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...
Porcelain