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.
Tommi Parzinger "Fall" Oil on Canvas, 1963
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Norwalk, CT
Tommi Parzinger, German/NY (1903-1981) "#160 FALL" Oil on canvas, 1963. Numbered, titled, signed, and dated verso. Tommi Parzinger was a world-renowned furniture designer and artis...
Paint
$2,880Sale Price|20% Off
"Crested Bird with Pomegranate, " Rare Pencil and Gouache Painting by Parzinger
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Best known for his handsome, beautifully-crafted furniture designs, much in demand today, Tommi Parzinger also painted over the span of his career. His rare, early works -- such as t...
Paint
$2,880Sale Price|40% Off
Signed 1969 Large Oil on Canvas "Abov and Below with Gnoms 2" by Tommi Parzinger
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Minneapolis, MN
This is a wonderful and large painting by Tommi Parzinger (1903-1981). The painting measures 48" by 36" and is unframed. Titled "Abov and Below with Gnoms 2" and numbered #65, the oi...
Canvas, Wood, Paint
$2,880Sale Price|40% Off
Signed 1969 Large Oil on Canvas "Rose and Lilly" by Tommi Parzinger
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Minneapolis, MN
This is a wonderful and large painting by Tommi Parzinger (1903-1981). The painting measures 48" by 36" and is unframed. Titled "Rose and Lilly" and numbered #67, the oil on canvas i...
Canvas, Wood, Paint
Tommi Parzinger "Butterflys" Oil On Burlap, 1963
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Norwalk, CT
Tommi Parzinger, German/NY (1903-1981). "#4 Butterflys" Oil on burlap, 1963. Numbered, titled, dated and signed verso. Burlap stretched over wood frame....
Burlap, Paint
Tommi Parzinger, "Sunn and Moon" Oil on Burlap, 1965
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Norwalk, CT
Tommi Parzinger, German/NY (1903-1981). "#156 Sunn and Moon". Oil on burlap, 1965. Numbered, titled, signed, and dated on verso. Burlap supported by a w...
Burlap, Paint
Mario Prassinos Oil on Canva, Flowers, Signed, France, 1963
By Mario Prassinos
Located in Encino, CA
Mario Prassinos (1916-1985). Oil on canvas, signed and titled 9 Jan 63 (January 9th 1963). This subject is well-known in the artist work, Prassinos called it "portrait - Bouque...
Paint
Vintage Boho 1965 Original Floral Oil Painting on Board
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This original 1965 boho floral oil painting captures a vibrant, free-spirited charm with bold brushstrokes and lush colors. Painted on board, this one-of-a-kind piece showcases beaut...
Wood, Masonite, Paint
$4,800
H 36 in W 60 in D 2 in
Large Mid Century abstract Oil on Burlap Alexander Calder School, Circa 1950s
By Alexander Calder
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Large Mid-Century Abstract Oil on Burlap Al. Ballatto (active mid-20th century) Circa 1950s–early 1960s Oil on artist-prepared burlap, original wood frame Signed lower right: “Al. Ba...
Burlap, Wood
Pair of Abstract Gouache and Pencil by Sidney Guberman
By Sidney Guberman
Located in Montreal, QC
Pair of abstract gouache and pencil by Sidney Guberman. Signed: "Prado VII and Prado II Sidney Guberman 1998"
Paint
$895
H 25.25 in W 37.5 in D 1.5 in
Modernist Oil on Canvas Abstract View of Chicago by James Sherman, C 1965
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Colorful view of Chicago from across Lake Michigan by James Sherman. Mid-sixties interpretation. Frame included in the size.
Canvas
$800
H 16.93 in W 28.35 in D 1.19 in
Unknown Swedish Artist, Oil on Canvas, Modernist Landscape, Dated 1963
Located in København, Copenhagen
Unknown Swedish artist. Oil on canvas. Modernist landscape. Dated 1963. The canvas measures: 67 x 38 cm. The frame measures: 5.5 cm. Signed. ...
Canvas
"Treescape" Oil on Canvas
By Carlos Narino
Located in Sheffield, MA
Treescape. Oil on canvas with brush strokes to create and suggest dense foliage. Columbian Expressionist artist, Carlos Nariño, who lives and works in Paris since 1985. This painting...
Canvas
Blue-Red Abstract Painting, Oil on Wood, Signed, Circa 1963
By Daniel Clesse
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A blue-red French abstract painting, oil on wood by Daniel Clesse, painted in France, signed and dated circa in 1963. Daniel Clesse was a French painter born in 1932, in Paris, Fran...
Canvas, Wood, Paint
Cano, "composition" Oil on Canvas Signed and Dated 1969
By Cano
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Cano, "composition" oil on canvas signed and dated 1969.
Paint
Fresco Style Oil Painting on Burlap by Jacques Lamy
By Jacques Lamy
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Oil painting on burlap of a doorway and two columns, executed in an ancient fresco style. Combining a modern simplicity with an age old technique, g...
Burlap, Paint
$1,100
H 21.26 in W 31.89 in D 1.19 in
Gösta Fougstedt, Sweden, Oil on Canvas, Modernist Composition, 1965
Located in København, Copenhagen
Gösta Fougstedt (1906-1975), Sweden. Oil on canvas. Modernist composition. Dated 1965. The canvas measures: 81 x 54 cm. The frame measures: 0.5 cm. In excellent condition. Signed.
Canvas
$3,200
H 43 in W 50 in D 2 in
Large Oil Painting on Canvas, Modernist Abstract, by Jim Bray, circa 1963
By Jim Bray
Located in Buffalo, NY
Large oil painting on canvas. Modernist Abstract, by Jim Bray, circa 1963. Charming image. Child-like. Great use of color, texture, space.
Canvas, Paint
Sold
H 14.75 in W 7 in D 9.25 in
Set of Six Wall-Mounted Pedestals, Tommi Parzinger, United States, 1956
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in New York, NY
This set of wall-mounted pedestals in two sizes by famed midcentury designer Tommi Parzinger are marvelous architectural elements that serve aesthetic and functional ends alike. ...
Wood
Original Ink Drawing of Still Life by Tommi Parzinger
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Original ink drawing of still life, fruit in Chinese bowl, by Tommi Parzinger, American, 1940s (signed "Parzinger").
Wood, Paint, Paper