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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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Creator: Vladimir Kagan
Dealer: Sputnik Modern
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 Chair, 1947
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Dallas, TX
An early barrel chair designed by Vladimir Kagan for Kagan-Dreyfuss, Inc. in 1947. Reupholstered in Holly Hunt / Hembra / Palm fabric. Original finish to legs.
Category

1940s Vintage Vladimir Kagan Furniture

Materials

Fabric

Vladimir Kagan Curved Lucite and Oak Desk
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Dallas, TX
An elegantly curved desk with thick lucite legs and white oak top. Designed by Vladimir Kagan.
Category

1970s Vintage Vladimir Kagan Furniture

Materials

Oak

Vladimir Kagan Rocking Swivel Chair and Ottoman
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Dallas, TX
A rocking swivel wingback chair and ottoman designed be Vladimir Kagan for Directional. Fully restored and reupholstered in a thick boucle. chair: 32w x 36d x 35h ottoman: 27w x 22d...
Category

1970s Vintage Vladimir Kagan Furniture

Materials

Bouclé

Dining Table by Vladimir Kagan
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Dallas, TX
A beautifully grained dining table designed by Vladimir Kagan. Table measures 58" and has two 24" leaves.
Category

1970s Vintage Vladimir Kagan Furniture

Materials

Wood

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Vladimir Kagan "Omnibus" Sectional Sofa, 1970
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Vladimir Kagan "Omnibus" Two Piece Sectional Sofa. Circa .1970. Original fabric is in great condition. Measurements and a drawing is in pictures.
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Vladimir Kagan Snail Coffee Table, Walnut & Glass, 1960's
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Mosaic Tile Side Table by Vladimir Kagan for Kagan-Dreyfuss, circa 1955
By Vladimir Kagan, Kagan-Dreyfuss, Inc.
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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...
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VK201 Rosewood Dining Table by Vladimir Kagan for Kagan-Dreyfuss, 1958, Signed
By Kagan-Dreyfuss, Inc., Vladimir Kagan
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This rare and important model #VK-201 sculptured Rosewood and Walnut 'Round Extension Dining Table' by Vladimir Kagan for Kagan-Dreyfuss was designed in 1958, this example produced between 1958 and 1960, during Kagan's partnership with Hugo Dreyfuss which ended in 1960. This rare example is stamped with the Kagan-Dreyfuss branded marks on the underside of the table and under one of the two leaves, and serves as an important early example of this sought-after design, perfect for collectors, art and design investors, and interior designers working on high profile projects. This Model VK-201, described in Kagan's early catalogues as a 'Round Extension Dining Table in walnut with rosewood top' has Kagan's signature gorgeous sculpted legs in solid walnut along with a magnificent vivid-grained Rosewood top. Just look at the closeup photos of the sculpted edges and tailored legs... this table looks more like a sculpture than merely just furniture. Quality of materials and craftsmanship you don't find in todays products - this table is the epitome of the saying 'they don't make them like they used to'. Ultra refinement in this gorgeous collectors piece which extends from a dining or card / game / cafe table seating for four, to a larger dining or meeting table suitable for eight. With no leaves - the table is 48" round and with both leaves extends to 96" while retaining a very nice 48" width. Vladimir Kagan's works have been highly valued by collectors and art / design investors, and his earlier works in the 1950s partnership with Hugo Dreyfuss (Kagan-Dreyfuss from 1950 to 1960) 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...
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1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Vladimir Kagan Furniture

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Pair of Vladimir Kagan Nautilus Swivel Lounge Chairs and Ottoman in Ivory Bouclé
By Vladimir Kagan
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Amongst the most popular Vladimir Kagan designs, these Nautilus swivel lounge chairs are sculptural, comfortable and fun, and were recently professionally reupholstered in cozy Ivory...
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Vladimir Kagan for Preview 3 Piece Sectional Sofa, 1987
By Preview, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Chicago, IL
Vladimir Kagan by Preview 3 Piece Sectional sofa, 1987. Original upholstery.
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1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Vladimir Kagan Furniture

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3 Piece Modular Sofa by Vladimir Kagan for Preview, 1988
By Preview, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Chicago, IL
3 Piece Modular sectional sofa by Vladimir Kagan for Preview, 1988. Original white fabric is in good condition. There is a spot on one cushi...
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Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Cloud Sofa for Directional
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Chino Hills, CA
For sale is an exquisite vintage modern serpentine sofa, a stunning piece designed by the renowned Vladimir Kagan for Directional in the 1990s. This sofa features a captivating swirl...
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1990s American Modern Vladimir Kagan Furniture

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Sligh Walnut Curved Front Desk with Leather Top
By Sligh-Lowry Furniture Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
Elegant and timeless walnut and tooled brown leather top curved front five drawer desk or writing table from Sligh. Cabriole legs and scalloped bottom and centre drawers as well as c...
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1950s American Vintage Vladimir Kagan Furniture

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Vladimir Kagan Wood and Stainless Steel Coffee Table
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Miami, FL
A square coffee table with stainless steel cylindrical legs by Vladimir Kagan.
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Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Cloud Sofa for Directional in Heavy Boucle
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Culver City, CA
Step into the realm of luxury and design with this iconic Vladimir Kagan Cloud Sofa! Crafted with the finesse of a sculptor, this masterpiece is not just a piece of furniture; it's a...
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1990s American Modern Vladimir Kagan Furniture

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Pair of Vladimir Kagan Nautilus Swivel Lounge Chairs and Ottoman in Ivory Bouclé
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Amongst the most popular Vladimir Kagan designs, these Nautilus swivel lounge chairs are sculptural, comfortable and fun, and were recently professionally reupholstered in cozy Ivory Boucle. Corkscrew shape with sloped back and scrolled arm. The Nautilus chairs swivel making them a good choice for open floor plans - you may align your sight with any person or object in the room simply with a gentle swivel. Matching contoured Ottoman is on casters and seamlessly rolls into place like a puzzle piece inviting you to relax and put your feet up with a good book or a glass of your favorite vino. Fabric is highly durable; it's texture provides for ventilation to keep warm in winter and cool in summer. Want to see more beautiful things? Scroll down below and click "View All From Seller" or favorite our shop to get your 1stDibs on our new inventory. Nautilus Swivel Chairs: 36” W x 33” D x 29” H (Seat Height 17”) Ottoman: 33” W x 21” D x 17” H Photographed along with and also currently available in our shop: Post Modern Karl Springer Style ottoman...
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Late 20th Century American Modern Vladimir Kagan Furniture

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Bouclé

Previously Available Items
Vladimir Kagan Rocking Swivel Chair and Ottoman
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Dallas, TX
A rocking swivel wingback chair and ottoman designed be Vladimir Kagan for Directional. Fully restored and reupholstered in a merlot boucle. Chair: 32 x 32 x 40h / 18sh Ottoman: 26...
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1970s Vintage Vladimir Kagan Furniture

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Sofa by Vladimir Kagan for Directional
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Dallas, TX
Sofa designed by Vladimir Kagan for Directional. Label to underside. Fully restored and upholstered in Holly Hunt / Fuzzy Wuzzy / Honey Bear plush mohair.
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1970s Vintage Vladimir Kagan Furniture

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Mohair

Pair of Vladimir Kagan Rocking Swivel Chairs and Ottoman
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of extremely comfortable high back rocking swivel chairs and ottoman designed by Vladimir Kagan for Directional.
Category

1980s Vintage Vladimir Kagan Furniture

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Sofa by Vladimir Kagan for Directional
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Dallas, TX
A serpentine / cloud sofa designed by Vladimir Kagan for Directional. Fully restored and upholstered in Holly Hunt / Fuzzy Wuzzy / Honey Bear plush mohair. Matching pair available.
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1970s Vintage Vladimir Kagan Furniture

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Mohair

Sofa by Vladimir Kagan for Directional
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Dallas, TX
Sofa designed by Vladimir Kagan for Directional. Fully restored and upholstered in Holly Hunt / Fuzzy Wuzzy / Honey Bear plush mohair. Matching pair available.
Category

1970s Vintage Vladimir Kagan Furniture

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Mohair

Vladimir Kagan Omnibus Sectional Sofa
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Dallas, TX
A two piece Omnibus sectional sofa designed by Vladimir Kagan. The two pieces can be rearranged as shown in photos. The original built-in lighti...
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1970s Vintage Vladimir Kagan Furniture

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Vladimir Kagan Murano Glass Tile Top Game Table
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Dallas, TX
From the personal collection of Vladimir Kagan. Sculpted walnut dining / game table with Murano glass mosaic top for Kagan-Dreyfuss.
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1950s Vintage Vladimir Kagan Furniture

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Murano Glass, Walnut

Pair of Sofas by Vladimir Kagan for Directional
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of serpentine / cloud sofas designed by Vladimir Kagan for Directional. Fully restored and upholstered in Holly Hunt / Fuzzy Wuzzy / Honey Bear plush mohair.
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1970s Vintage Vladimir Kagan Furniture

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Mohair

Vladimir Kagan Cosmos Swiveling Lounge Chair and Ottoman
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Dallas, TX
A "Cosmos" swiveling lounge chair and ottoman designed by Vladimir Kagan. Fully restored and upholstered in Rogers & Goffigon Wool Bouc...
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1970s Vintage Vladimir Kagan Furniture

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Acrylic

Serpentine Sofa by Vladimir Kagan for Directional
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Dallas, TX
One arm serpentine / cloud sofa designed by Vladimir Kagan for Directional. Fully restored and upholstered in Holly Hunt / Los Cabos /Steam fabric. Matchi...
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1970s Vintage Vladimir Kagan Furniture

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Serpentine Sofa by Vladimir Kagan for Directional
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Dallas, TX
Armless serpentine / cloud sofa designed by Vladimir Kagan for Directional. Fully restored and upholstered in Holly Hunt / Los Cabos /Steam fabric. Matchi...
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1970s Vintage Vladimir Kagan Furniture

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Vladimir Kagan Boomerang Desk and Return
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Dallas, TX
A large, executive desk designed by Vladimir Kagan. The Koa wood boomerang desk top floats on a curved lucite base. The return with bronze hardwar...
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1970s Vintage Vladimir Kagan Furniture

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Lucite

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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