Vladimir Kagan Furniture
American, German, 1927-2016
The pioneers of modern furniture design in America in the mid-20th century all had their moments of flamboyance: Charles and Ray Eames produced the startling, biomorphic La Chaise; George Nelson’s firm created the Marshmallow sofa; Edward Wormley had his decadent Listen to Me chaise. But no designer of the day steadily offered works with more verve and dynamism than Vladimir Kagan. While others, it seems, designed with suburban households in mind, Kagan aimed to suit the tastes of young, sophisticated city-dwellers. With signature designs that feature sleekly curved frames and others that have dramatic out-thrust legs, Kagan made furniture sexy.
Kagan’s father was a Russian master cabinetmaker who took his family first to Germany (where Vladimir was born) and then to New York in 1938. After studying architecture at Columbia University, Kagan opened a design firm at age 22 and immediately made a splash with his long, low and sinuous Serpentine sofa. Furniture lines such as the Tri-symmetric group of glass-topped, three-legged tables and the vivacious Contours chairs soon followed.
Kagan’s choices of form and materials evolved through subsequent decades, embracing lucite, aluminum and burl-wood veneers. By the late 1960s, Kagan was designing austere, asymmetrical cabinets and his Omnibus group of modular sofas and chairs. For all his aesthetic élan, Kagan said that throughout his career, his touchstone was comfort. “A lot of modern furniture was not comfortable. And so comfort is: form follows function. The function was to make it comfortable,” he once commented. “I created what I called vessels for the human body.”
A diverse group of bodies have made themselves at home with Kagan designs. Among the famous names who commissioned and collected his designs are Marilyn Monroe, Gary Cooper, Andy Warhol, David Lynch, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, and firms such as Gucci and Giorgio Armani. His work is in numerous museum collections, including those of the Victoria & Albert and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Because of its idiosyncrasy, Kagan’s work did not lend itself to mass-production. Kagan never signed on with any of the major furniture-making corporations, and examples of his designs are relatively rare. As you will see from the offerings on 1stDibs, even decades after their conception, Kagan pieces still command the eye, with their freshness, energy, sensuality and wit.
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Period: 1950s
Creator: Vladimir Kagan
Caned Sculptural Cabinet by Vladimir Kagan for Grosfeld House, 1950s, Signed
By Vladimir Kagan, Grosfeld House
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This very rare sculptural caned cabinet was designed by Vladimir Kagan and crafted by Grosfeld House during the 1950s in New York, documented in early Grosfeld House advertisements (...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Vladimir Kagan Furniture
Materials
Walnut, Cane
Valdimir Kagan for Grosfeld House Set of Nesting Tables, Very Rare 1950s, Signed
By Vladimir Kagan, Grosfeld House
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An extremely rare collectors set of nesting tables by Vladimir Kagan for Grosfeld House (1950's USA), fully restored. This set is signed underneath the center table with original Grosfeld House sticker label, and documented in early Grosfeld House advertisements.
This Mid-Century Modern set of four tables feature a Walnut coffee table with sculptural legs, and three nesting tables that have similar sculpted legs with a formica top and a brass accent leg.
Ideally used as either a coffee table or side / end table that can convert when needed to provide additional surface space for guests, entertaining, arts and crafts projects, and more.
Vladimir Kagan's works have been highly valued by collectors and art / design investors, and his earlier works in the 1950s for Grosfeld House and Kagan-Dreyfuss are among the most sought after by 'purist collectors' like myself. Why do I prize his 1950s works above all else? I can write a short book on this, but one easy to explain reason is that this was a period unlike the rest of his career, where items produced in this time are hallmarked within that period - a distinction that his later works lacked. Essentially, everything post the early 60s blended together with the decades thereafter. A novice Kagan collector is content with anything by Kagan, even items produced by Directional and American Leather Company, but for true connoisseurs of Kagan, simply put: the 1950s was the bees knees.
This table set was acquired along with several other Grosfeld House pieces also designed by Kagan, including a caned desk (now sold to a very famous celebrity client), leather swivel desk chair with sculptural base, rare and coveted four-seat sofa with swiveling lounge chair, small caned...
Category
1950s American Modern Vintage Vladimir Kagan Furniture
Materials
Brass
Vladimir Kagan for Dreyfuss ‘Multi-Position Reclining’ Chair in Teak
By Kagan-Dreyfuss, Inc., Vladimir Kagan
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Vladimir Kagan for Dreyfuss, ‘Multi-position Reclining’ chair model VK 100, teak, fabric Arbus/004 Prugna by Dedar Milano, plastic, chrome-plated metal, United States, circa 1956
Th...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Vladimir Kagan Furniture
Materials
Metal, Chrome
Vladimir Kagan 'Barrel Back' Lounge Chair
By Kagan-Dreyfuss, Inc., Vladimir Kagan
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Barrel Back lounge chair by Vladimir Kagan for Kagan-Dreyfuss, c.1950s, USA. We're happy to present this piece in collaboration with Armando Aguirre of Studio Armando Aguirre. Armand...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Vladimir Kagan Furniture
Materials
Cotton, Velvet
Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Sofa
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Dallas, TX
A large and iconic serpentine sofa designed by Vladimir Kagan. This sofa was purchased from Kagan about a decade ago and upholstered in a heathered lig...
Category
1950s Vintage Vladimir Kagan Furniture
Materials
Fabric
Vladimir Kagan 'Barrel Back' Sofa
By Vladimir Kagan, Kagan-Dreyfuss, Inc.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Long Barrel Back sofa by Vladimir Kagan for Kagan-Dreyfuss, c.1950s, USA. We're happy to present this piece in collaboration with Armando Aguirre of Studio Armando Aguirre. Armando, ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Vladimir Kagan Furniture
Materials
Cotton, Velvet
Vladimir Kagan, Large Curved Sofa, Fabric, Metal, USA, 1950s
By Vladimir Kagan, Kagan-Dreyfuss, Inc.
Located in High Point, NC
A large curved beige yellow bouclé fabric and metal sofa designed by Vladimir Kagan and produced by Kagan-Dreyfuss Inc.
Seat height: 15.5”
Reupholstered in brand new bouclé fabric.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Vladimir Kagan Furniture
Materials
Metal
Vladimir Kagan Dining Chairs
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in New York, NY
Set of 8 Nexus Dining Chairs by Vladimir Kagan. Walnut, upholstery. 8 armless chairs including 2 taller chairs & 6 lower side chairs. Beautifully sculpted walnut bases. Upholstered ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Vladimir Kagan Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Vladimir Kagan Early Rare High Back Barrel Lounge Chair and Ottoman, USA, 1950s
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in New York, NY
Vladimir Kagan early rare high back barrel lounge chair and matching ottoman with angled splayed maple legs, USA, 1950s. Thi...
Category
1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Vladimir Kagan Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Maple, Wood
Early Vladimir Kagan Custom Floor Lamp Table for Kagan-Dreyfus, 1950s
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Coronado, CA
A wonderful, one-of-a-kind, custom floor lamp table by Vladimir Kagan for Kagan-Dreyfuss circa 1950s. For this lamp, Kagan used a lovely mix of materials: the table is constructed of...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Vladimir Kagan Furniture
Materials
Reed, Glass, Birch
Early Vladimir Kagan Custom Order Desk with Drawers. Walnut and Cane.
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Kansas City, MO
Early, one of a kind, Vladimir Kagan Desk. Walnut case with cane modesty panel. Super cool and sleek design. Classic Kagan sculptural tripod legs support each side. We believe th...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Vladimir Kagan Furniture
Materials
Cane, Walnut
Vladimir Kagan 'Capricorn' Lounge Chairs
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Vladimir Kagan, pair of 'Capricorn' lounge chairs, lacquered metal, United States, circa. 1958
The ‘Capricorn’ chair epitomizes a splendid constructio...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Vladimir Kagan Furniture
Materials
Metal
Important Double Dresser by Vladimir Kagan for Kagan-Dreyfuss, 1950s, Signed
By Vladimir Kagan, Kagan-Dreyfuss, Inc.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This very rare and important sculptural double dresser was designed by Vladimir Kagan and handcrafted by Kagan-Dreyfuss Inc during the 1950s in New York. Each of the two chests are s...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Vladimir Kagan Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Vladimir Kagan, Early Custom Sculptural Walnut Desk
By Vladimir Kagan, Kagan-Dreyfuss, Inc.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A rare, likely one-of-a-kind, Vladimir Kagan design, employing all of the design touches that make him such an important figure in American Modernism.
A wonderful melding of rationalist and biomorphic elements, the triangular black laminate writing surface cantilevers over a cubist stack of drawers raised on sculptural foot; on the opposite end the top is supported by a classic Kagan split leg.
The piece is finished on the back to allow floating in a room. This comes out of a Kagan-Dreyfuss designed Manhattan apartment...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Vladimir Kagan Furniture
Materials
Laminate, Walnut
Important Vladimir Kagan Rosewood Brass Dresser, Desk Unit, 1950s
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Culver City, CA
If you're a fan of Vladimir Kagan and are looking for a piece with a story, look no farther. This piece resided in the master bedroom of Vladimir Kagan and Erica Wilson's Park Avenue apartment. This is the Kagan Family Custom Dresser and Desk, Vladimir Kagan Designs, Inc., USA, circa 1950. Designed by Vladimir Kagan for he and his wife's bedroom-- this set is truly stunning.
Modular in nature, there is a dresser unit, that is flanked by a file cabinet, diagonally slatted drawers, and a drafting drawer for Kagan's pens. The unit has an attached drafting table with a drawer that features a multi-level adjusting lever where Vladimir Kagan himself used to sit and prepare his sketches.
Below the drafting table, you can see the groove to pullout the drawer was completely hand tooled.
This seat is comprised of hardwood, with rosewood veneer, brass legs and drawer pulls which have been polished back to their original glow, and a laminate top on the drafting table.
This set can be seen as documented in:
Martin Eidelberg, Design 1935-1965: What Modern Was, Abrams, p. 162
New York Social Diary, Vladimir Kagan, April 15, 2016
Vladimir Kagan (1927-2016) was a German-born American furniture designer known for his sleek, modernist designs that combined organic shapes with high-tech materials.
Kagan began his career in the 1940s, working for his father's furniture business in Germany. He later immigrated to the United States and started his own design studio in New York City in 1949. Over the next several decades, Kagan created hundreds of iconic designs, including his signature "Sculptured Chair" and "Floating Sofa," which became icons of 1950s and 60s modernism.
Kagan's designs were celebrated for their sculptural quality and unique use of materials, such as fiberglass, lucite, and stainless steel. He also pioneered the use of ergonomics in furniture design, creating pieces that were not only beautiful but also comfortable to use.
Throughout his career, Kagan received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to design, including the American Society of Interior Designers' Designer of Distinction award in 1985 and induction into the Interior Design Hall of Fame in 2009.
Kagan's impact on the world of furniture design is incredibly significant. His work helped define the Mid-Century Modern aesthetic, and his innovative use of materials and focus on ergonomics continue to influence designers today. His designs are highly sought after by collectors and are displayed in museums around the world.
This set is currently in our gallery with a set of Vladimir Kagan unicorn...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Vladimir Kagan Furniture
Materials
Brass
Vladimir Kagan for Kagan-Dreyfuss Nesting Tables w Kasuba Tiles, c 1950, Signed
By Vladimir Kagan, Kagan-Dreyfuss, Inc.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This rare and complete set of signed nesting side tables by Vladimir Kagan, during his early years with Hugo Dreyfuss, features eight hand made ceramic art tiles by Alexandra Kasuba....
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Vladimir Kagan Furniture
Materials
Ceramic, Oak
Very Rare Model 175-C Sculptured Lounge Armchair by Vladimir Kagan, c 1950s
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An incredibly rare and highly sought-after Vladimir Kagan Model 175C 'Sculptured Walnut Arm Chair' designed in 1950 (see catalogue photo), this early product...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Vladimir Kagan Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Walnut
Vladimir Kagan for Kagan/ Dreyfuss Credenza or Bedroom Cabinet
By Vladimir Kagan, Kagan-Dreyfuss, Inc.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vladimir Kagan for Kagan/ Dreyfuss walnut credenza or bedroom cabinet. Tambour doors with brass handles at each end slide open to reveal pull-out drawers. 3 center drawers allow for ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Vladimir Kagan Furniture
Materials
Brass
Vladimir Kagan, Lounge Chair, Leather, Walnut, Kagan-Dreyfuss, Inc, Usa, C. 1950
By Vladimir Kagan, Kagan-Dreyfuss, Inc.
Located in High Point, NC
A leather and walnut lounge chair designed by Vladimir Kagan and produced by Kagan-Dreyfuss, Inc, USA, C. 1950.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Vladimir Kagan Furniture
Materials
Leather, Walnut
Vladimir Kagan, Lounge Chair, Leather, Walnut, Kagan-Dreyfuss, Inc, USA, 1956
By Vladimir Kagan, Kagan-Dreyfuss, Inc.
Located in High Point, NC
An adjustable, leather and walnut lounge chair designed by Vladimir Kagan and produced by Kagan-Dreyfuss, Inc, USA, 1956.
Dimensions of retractable foot rest at maximum extended p...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Vladimir Kagan Furniture
Materials
Leather, Walnut
Rare Vladimir Kagan Mosaic Nesting Tables for Kagan-Dreyfuss, circa 1955
By Kagan-Dreyfuss, Inc., Vladimir Kagan
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Rare Vladimir Kagan Mosaic nesting tables for Kagan-Dreyfuss circa 1955
Wood burned label on the underside of larger table
Measures: Large - 16 D x ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Vladimir Kagan Furniture
Materials
Glass, Hardwood
Set of 20 Vladimir Kagan for Kagan-Dreyfuss Steel Dining Chairs in Ivory Bouclé
By Vladimir Kagan, Kagan-Dreyfuss, Inc.
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Early 1950s Vladimir Kagan set of twenty stainless steel dining chairs professionally reupholstered in soft ivory bouclé. This rare set was designed in the 1950s by Vladimir Kagan during a ten year joint venture with Hugo Dreyfuss (textile designer/printmaker) in New York City. The partnership later ended in 1960 with Dreyfuss' retirement. Soft Ivory Bouclé upholstered seats and backs contrast the stainless steel frames. Truly timeless, these sleek chairs...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Vladimir Kagan Furniture
Materials
Stainless Steel
Vladimir Kagan Capricorn Dining Set for Kagan-Dreyfuss, 1950's
By Vladimir Kagan, Kagan-Dreyfuss, Inc.
Located in Culver City, CA
Ever seen that iconic Slim Aaron's photo? You know, the one Poolside Glamour-- if you look right in the center of the photograph, underneath the yellow umbrella, you'll see this icon...
Category
1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Vladimir Kagan Furniture
Materials
Steel, Iron
Vladimir Kagan 2-Tier Side Table with Inset Ceramic Tile Top 1950 'Signed'
By Kagan-Dreyfuss, Inc., Vladimir Kagan
Located in New York, NY
Rare and early open-sided table in oak with artisan ceramic tiles inset in top by Vladimir Kagan for Kagan-Dreyfuss, American, c.1950 (signed on bottom “Kagan-Dreyfuss New York. A Vladimir Kagan Design”.) Kagan incorporated hand-made ceramic tiles by Alexandra Kasuba in some of his early designs. They are works of art and their collaboration was a great success.
Reference:
The Complete Kagan...
Category
1950s American Modern Vintage Vladimir Kagan Furniture
Materials
Ceramic, Oak
Vladimir Kagan Tri -Symmetric Stool
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Extremely rare 1st edition stool.
Designed by Vladimir Kagan and manufactured by Kagan-Dreyfuss.
The early stools have a quatrefoil as opposed to a round attachment.
Possibly orig...
Category
1950s American Vintage Vladimir Kagan Furniture
Materials
Aluminum
Vladimir Kagan, Lounge Chair, Walnut, White Bouclé, Kagan-Dreyfuss, Inc, c. 1950
By Vladimir Kagan, Kagan-Dreyfuss, Inc.
Located in High Point, NC
A early production adjustable lounge with retractable footrest. Designed by Vladimir Kagan for his own firm Kagan-Dreyfuss, Inc, c. 1950. Branded.
Features finely carved walnut, r...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Vladimir Kagan Furniture
Materials
Bouclé, Fabric, Walnut
Vladimir Kagan for Kagan-Dreyfuss 'Capricorn' Tiered Side Table, circa 1958
By Kagan-Dreyfuss, Inc., Vladimir Kagan
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This rare collectors piece is an early Vladimir Kagan for Kagan-Dreyfuss 'Capricorn' tiered side table featuring a pierced enameled steel top which is reminiscent of designs by Mathi...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Vladimir Kagan Furniture
Materials
Steel
Vladimir Kagan for Kagan Dreyfuss Table Lamp
By Kagan-Dreyfuss, Inc., Vladimir Kagan
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vladimir Kagan for Kagan Dreyfuss table/ floor lamp. Table has a glass top that allows for Storage of books and Magazines. Splayed tapered legs support ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Vladimir Kagan Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Fabulous Set of 4 White Painted Steal "Capricorn" Chairs by Vladimir Kagan
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Montreal, QC
Set of 4 of white painted metal "Capricorn" high back dining chairs by Vladimir Kagan.
These are the very elegant higher back chairs made Kagan as some were smaller.
Category
1950s American Vintage Vladimir Kagan Furniture
Materials
Steel
Mosaic Tile Side Table by Vladimir Kagan for Kagan-Dreyfuss, circa 1955
By Kagan-Dreyfuss, Inc., Vladimir Kagan
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This rare gem of a side table is by Vladimir Kagan, during his early years with Hugo Dreyfuss featuring his highly-sought-after-by-collectors mosaic tiles on the table top and sculpt...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Vladimir Kagan Furniture
Materials
Ceramic, Walnut
Midcentury Vladimir Kagan Sculpted Sling Dining Chairs Model VK 101 and VK 101A
By Kagan-Dreyfuss, Inc., Vladimir Kagan
Located in Baltimore, MD
A beautiful rare set of four American walnut, Vladimir Kagan sculpted sling dining chairs, in black leather. This spectacular set of American walnut dining chairs consists of two VK 101...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Vladimir Kagan Furniture
Materials
Leather, Walnut
Pair of Vladimir Kagan Mid-Century Modern Capricorn Dining Chairs with Original
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous pair of Kagan Capricorn dining chairs with the original vinyl covers. See pics. Chairs are in outstanding condition with the acrylic feet inta...
Category
1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Vladimir Kagan Furniture
Materials
Iron
Vladimir Kagan Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chair "Capricorn" with Original Pads
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Rare to find with the original pads, this lounge chair is in original excellent vintage condition. Pads are in amazingly great condition also. Comfy lounge chair...
Category
1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Vladimir Kagan Furniture
Materials
Iron
Vladimir Kagan Carved Walnut Trisymmetric Occasional Table
By Vladimir Kagan, Kagan-Dreyfuss, Inc.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Iconic atomic design by Kagan-Dreyfuss. Elegantly articulated and proportioned table with glass top. Works as either a cocktail or an occasional table.
Category
1950s American Vintage Vladimir Kagan Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Early and Rare Armoire by Vladimir Kagan
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Atlanta, GA
Dated from 1950s, designed by Vladimir Kagan and manufactured by Kagan-Dreyfuss Inc, New York, this rarely seen model of armoire features an elegant bleached mahogany exterior with metal legs and an fitted interior with shelves and drawers. The simple form was punctuated by the use of a pair of oversized pulls...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Vladimir Kagan Furniture
Materials
Stainless Steel
Early Walnut and Marble Curvy Coffee Table by Vladimir Kagan
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Atlanta, GA
An early and rare model of curvy coffee table by Vladimir Kagan for
Kagan-Dreyfuss, Inc., circa 1950. Constructed from walnut and inset with a piec...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Vladimir Kagan Furniture
Materials
Marble
Vladimir Kagan furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Vladimir Kagan furniture are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of fabric and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Vladimir Kagan furniture, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 281 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 8 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original furniture by Vladimir Kagan were created in the mid-century modern style in north america during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Florence Knoll, and Directional. Prices for Vladimir Kagan furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,190 and can go as high as $110,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $12,500.
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