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.
Mid-Century Tommi Parzinger 4 Piece Cocktail Shaker Set
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Iconic design by one of the top designers of his time. Mid-Century Modern tall brass cylinders with walnut accents. All three pieces have been signed on the bottom, Made in Italy. Gr...
Brass
Midcentury, Tommi Parzinger Nickel Ice Bucket
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in New York, NY
Modernist midcentury ice bucket with signature finial lid and mercury glass liner. Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn.
Nickel
Hard-to-Find Tommi Parzinger Brass Bar Serving Tray for Dorlyn Silversmiths
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Minneapolis, MN
Here is a very attractive brass tray that barely comes to market by the 20th century great, Tommi Parzinger. This tray was designed around 1960 for Dorlyn Silversmiths, which was loc...
Braid
Mid-Century Modern Lidded Ice Bucket by Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths
By Dorlyn Silversmiths, Tommi Parzinger
Located in New York, NY
This elegant Mid Century Modern ice bucket/ wine cooler was designed by the legendary Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths circa 1960. It offers a striated circular slightly conve...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Brass Pitcher by Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths
By Dorlyn Silversmiths, Tommi Parzinger
Located in New York, NY
This elegant Mid-Century Modern polished brass pitcher was designed by Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths in the United States circa 1960. It features an undulating body with a ...
Brass
A Tommi Parzinger Polished Brass Ice Bucket Ca' 1950's
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A classic, polished brass, ice bucket by Tommi Parzinger, ca' 1950's. Newly polished and laquered.
Brass
Tommi Parzinger Brass Ice Bucket
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in New York, NY
Tommi Parzinger modernist brass ice bucket featuring a mercury glass liner and a finial top on lid. Professionally polished and lacquered.
Brass
$895
H 10.5 in Dm 9.5 in
Tommi Parzinger Style Silver Plate Serving Tier 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...
Silver Plate
Hollywood regency golden Ice Bucket, France ca. 1970s
Located in Firenze, IT
Hollywood regency golden brass Ice Bucket France 1970s Brass, lucite, burl H 23 × 22 cm diam. Conditions: excellent consistent with age and use.
Brass
Italian Modernist Polished Aluminum "Pear" Ice Bucket
By Ettore Sottsass
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Italian Modern aluminum 'pear-form' ice bucket with white plastic insulated bucket (ca. late 1960s/early 1970s, Italy). Features a textured, sculptural stem decoration th...
Aluminum
Mid-Century Italian Modern Aluminum "Pear" Ice Bucket
By Ettore Sottsass
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Italian Modern aluminum 'pear-form' ice bucket with white plastic insulated bucket (ca. late 1960s/early 1970s, Italy). Features a textured, sculptural stem decoration ...
Aluminum
Vintage Midcentury Frosted Glass Ice Bucket Italy, 1960s
By Culver Ltd., George Briard
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Exquisite vintage Mid-Century Modern glass ice bucket, Italy circa, 1960s. A Mid-Century Modern glass ice bucket by DeValbor Italy featuring a wheat design pattern. over frosted glass. The bottom is marked Italy on one side and DeValbor on the other. Holds enough ice for a few cocktails. Looks great for any bar or counter. A swirl glass bottom gives this ice bucket beautiful visual interest. A gold band around the the top of the frosted area. Must be hand washed with a mild detergent like Ivory soap...
Glass
Space age red Ice Bucket, Guzzini Italy, ca. 1970s
By Guzzini
Located in Firenze, IT
Space age red plastic Ice Bucket Guzzini Italy, 1970s Manufacture's logo H 18.5 × 17.5 cm diam. Conditions: excellent consistent with age and use.
Plastic
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
Lucite Ice Bucket
Located in South Salem, NY
Black mid century lucite ice bucket with clear handle and knob.
Lucite
Mid-Century Cut Crystal Cocktail Shaker with Silver-Plated Top
Located in North Charleston, SC
A beautifully crafted mid-20th century cocktail shaker featuring a richly detailed cut crystal body with a combination of deep diamond cuts and elongated vertical fluting. The substa...
Silver Plate
Los Castillo style 1950s Brass Ice Bucket with Abalone Shell
By R & Y Augousti, Los Castillo, Salvador Teran, Pepe Mendoza, Emilia Castillo
Located in Miami, FL
Offering a beautiful restored 1950s Los Castillo style ice bucket and tongs in brass with iridescent mother of pearl abalone shell in a shimmering mosaic patterns that covers its ent...
Brass
Hollywood Regency Brass Pineapple Ice Bucket
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice Hollywood Regency brass pineapple ice bucket, circa 1970s. The piece is in very good vintage condition with a wonderful patina a...
Brass
$468
H 8.08 in Dm 3.35 in
WMF Cocktail Shaker Cut Crystal & Silverplated Metal Mid Century Modern Barware
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This stunning cocktail shaker from WMF dates back to the 1960s, showcasing a beautiful combination of cut crystal and silver-plated metal. The body of the shaker features a classic r...
Crystal, Silver Plate
Tommi Parzinger Modernist Brass Ice Bucket
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in New York, NY
Modernist brass ice bucket with a mercury glass liner designed ny Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn. Professionally polished and lacquered.
Brass
Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths Solid Brass Champagne Cooler
By Dorlyn Silversmiths, Tommi Parzinger
Located in North Miami, FL
Tommi Parzinger Champagne Cooler/ Ice Bucket for Dorlyn Silversmiths. Solid brass in original condition. The original patina has a gold plating with light signs of use, some light su...
Brass
Parzinger High Quality Brass Cocktail Shaker
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Astoria, NY
Parazinger high quality brass cocktail shaker. Very good vintage condition. Marked "Made in Italy.".
Brass
Tommi Parzinger Brass Ice Bucket, Martini Pitcher
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in New York, NY
Modernist Tommi Parzinger brass ice bucket and martini pitcher with stirrer, both featuring engine turned pinstripe details. Stamped. ...
Brass
Mid-Century Glass & Brass Ice Bucket by Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths
By Tommi Parzinger, Dorlyn Silversmiths
Located in New York, NY
This gorgeous Mid-Century Modern ice bucket was designed by Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths circa 1950. It features a translucent glass body and a circular brass top with ban...
Brass
Tommi Parzinger Ice Bucket
By Tommi Parzinger, Dorlyn Silversmiths
Located in New York, NY
Tommi Parzinger Ice Bucket for Dorlyn Silversmiths. Solid brass in original condition. The original patina has a gold plating with light signs of ...
Brass
Tommi Parzinger Brass Ice and Champagne Bucket Mid-Century Modern Barware
By Dorlyn Silversmiths, Tommi Parzinger
Located in North Miami, FL
This iconic Classic Mid-Century Modern lidded Tommi Parzinger brass ice bucket or champagne bucket is from the 50's. It has been newly...
Brass
Tommi Parzinger Brass Ice Bucket
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in New York, NY
Classically tailored brass ice bucket with tongs and ice pick designed by Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths.
Brass
Tommi Parzinger Copper Ice Bucket
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A wonderful Mid-Century Modern ice bucket by Iconic desinger, Tommi Parzinger. The piece has been freshly polished - a statement piece for any bar with a lovely brass finial atop. A ...
Brass, Copper
Tommi Parzinger Dorlyn Silversmiths Brass Ice Bucket and Bell
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Sharon, CT
Ice bucket is 7.5"diameter (9.5"including handles), 7.5"height (8.63"to top of lid). Bell is 4.38"height x 2"diameter.
Brass
Tommi Parzinger Polished Brass Ice Bucket
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in New York, NY
Modern simplistic sophisticated polished brass ice bucket with mercury glass liner, designed by Tommi Parzinger.
Brass
Midcentury Polished Brass Pitcher by Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths
By Dorlyn Silversmiths, Tommi Parzinger
Located in New York, NY
This elegant Mid-Century Modern pitcher was realized by the celebrated 20th century designer Tommi Parzinger, circa 1950. It features a undulating cylindrical body, a streamlined and...
Brass