Karl Springer "Souffle Ottoman" with Polished Steel Base, 1980s
About the Item
- Creator:Karl Springer (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 18 in (45.72 cm)Width: 25.5 in (64.77 cm)Depth: 25.5 in (64.77 cm)
- Style:Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:1980-1989
- Date of Manufacture:1980s
- Condition:
- Seller Location:New York, NY
- Reference Number:
Karl Springer
The Berlin-born, New York–based designer Karl Springer brought a chic, high-fashion sensibility to furnishings. During his heyday in the 1970s, Springer’s work was a favorite of the glamour set, who enjoyed the novelty of pieces finished in rich and striking materials that ranged from exotic hides and skins to lacquer and chromed metal. In a sense, Springer was a pre-postmodernist. Much as the dull, safe, corporate sameness of late 20th-century modernism prompted Ettore Sottsass, Michael Graves and others to explore new and provocative structures and materials in design and architecture, so, too, was Springer driven to enliven his creations with fresh and alluring energy and sleekness.
Springer came to New York in the late 1950s and found work arranging window displays at the department store Lord & Taylor. He had studied bookbinding in Germany, and, using his meticulous skills, he began crafting desk accessories wrapped in leather as a sideline. These pieces were sold in luxury stores like Bergdorf Goodman, and drew a sophisticated clientele that included the Duchess of Windsor. By 1965, he had established his own Manhattan atelier, and at his death he had showrooms as far afield as Los Angeles, Tokyo and Munich.
The chairs, tables, credenzas and other furniture forms Springer created are generally simple, but substantial, and often have robust, rounded lines. The appeal of his work lies in Springer's insistence on exacting construction and, above all, his eye for unusual materials and finishes. He employed Lucite, brass, and gunmetal along with chromed and polished steel, and revived exquisite finishes rarely seen since the days of Art Deco masters such as Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann and Jean-Michel Frank: shagreen (a type of sharkskin), python, goatskin, bone, horn, and lacquered parchment, as well as fabrics that include batik prints. Made of such materials, Springer’s work is by its very nature flamboyant and eye-catching: a suite of pieces will astonish, and an artfully placed side table in exotic hide will add a surprising spark.
Find a collection of vintage Karl Springer furniture today on 1stDibs.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: New York, NY
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- Karl Springer "Souffle Ottoman" with Brass Base and Silk Upholstery 1980sBy Karl SpringerLocated in New York, NY"Souffle Ottoman", base in solid seamlessly welded brass with hidden castors and silk upholstery, by Karl Springer, American 1980's. This ottoman is not only chic, it is comfortable...Category
Vintage 1980s American Modern Ottomans and Poufs
MaterialsBrass, Steel
- Karl Springer Pair of "Souffle Ottomans" with Polished Gunmetal Bases, 1970sBy Karl SpringerLocated in New York, NYPair of "Souffle Ottomans" with custom graphic fabric and bases in seamlessly welded solid polished gunmetal with recessed castors by Karl Springer, American 1980's. These ottomans are classic Karl Springer. The recessed castors make them very easy to move around. They are beautiful accents for any room. Reference: Karl Springer Red Binder Catalog published in the 1980’s, section titled “seating”, on page 14...Category
Vintage 1970s American Modern Ottomans and Poufs
MaterialsMetal
- Pair of Karl Springer "Dowelwood Ottomans", 1980sBy Karl SpringerLocated in New York, NYPair of “Dowelwood Ottomans” with cushions upholstered in brown zebra printed pony skin by Karl Springer, American 1980's. These ottomans, like all of Springer’s pieces, are beautifully crafted. Reference: Karl Springer LTD Red Binder Catalog published in the 1980’s, section “seating” on page 17...Category
Vintage 1980s American Modern Ottomans and Poufs
MaterialsAnimal Skin, Wood
- Karl Springer "Metal Ball Lamp" in Polished Chrome 1980sBy Karl SpringerLocated in New York, NY"Metal Ball Lamp" in polished chrome with pleated silver shade by Karl Springer, American 1980's This artisan lamp is impeccably crafted. Reference: K...Category
Vintage 1980s American Modern Table Lamps
MaterialsChrome
- Karl Springer Rare Adjustable Magnifying Lens in Polished Chrome 1980sBy Karl SpringerLocated in New York, NYRare adjustable magnifying lens with beautifully crafted mount in polished chrome by Karl Springer, American 1980's.Category
Vintage 1980s American Modern More Desk Accessories
MaterialsChrome
- Karl Springer "Sculpture Desk Lamp" in Polished Chrome 1980s 'Signed'By Karl SpringerLocated in New York, NY"Sculpture Desk Lamp" in polished chrome with brass accents and 2 bulbs by Karl Springer, American 1980's (signed "Karl Springer" on side). This lamp is a tribute to Springer’s metic...Category
Vintage 1980s North American Modern Table Lamps
MaterialsBrass, Chrome
- Karl Springer Soufflé OttomanBy Karl SpringerLocated in Doraville, GAVintage Karl Springer Soufflé ottoman or pouf recently reupholstered in a gray 100% wool felt. The Kvadrat fabric is Divine Melange 3, 1...Category
Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
MaterialsStainless Steel
- Karl Springer Pair of Souffle OttomansBy Karl SpringerLocated in New York, NYPair of Karl Springer Souffle Ottomans / Poufs. The bases of the ottomans are brushed steel and upholstered in satin with a hand-painted abstract pat...Category
Vintage 1980s Modern Ottomans and Poufs
MaterialsSteel
- Karl Springer Pair of Souffle OttomansBy Karl SpringerLocated in New York, NYPair of Karl Springer Souffle Ottomans / Poufs. The bases of the ottomans are brushed steel and upholstered in satin with a hand-painted abstract patt...Category
Vintage 1980s Modern Ottomans and Poufs
MaterialsSteel
- 1980s Art Deco Revival Souffle Ottoman With Casters in the Karl Springer StyleBy Karl SpringerLocated in Miami, FLVintage Hollywood Regency / 1980s Art Deco Revival Souffle Ottoman Pouf With Casters in the Karl Springer Style. Features the original cream upholstery with gold dots and brass plat...Category
Vintage 1980s American Hollywood Regency Ottomans and Poufs
MaterialsBrass
- Karl Springer Pair of Souffle Ottomans in Ivory Bouclé and Brass, 1980sBy Karl SpringerLocated in New York, NYKarl Springer pair of soufflé ottomans with thick rounded ivory bouclé cushions on rounded square lacquered brass bases with caster wheels. The brass bases are in very good original ...Category
Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
MaterialsBrass
- Pair Karl Springer Style 'Souffle' Ottoman PoufsBy Karl SpringerLocated in Brooklyn, NYc. 1980, American, pleated upholstered seat on solid brass base.Category
Vintage 1980s American Ottomans and Poufs
MaterialsBrass