Karl Springer Tapering Pedestal in Embossed Ostrich Foot Leather, 1970s
About the Item
- Creator:Karl Springer (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 46.5 in (118.11 cm)Width: 17.5 in (44.45 cm)Depth: 17.5 in (44.45 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1970s
- Condition:Very good 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 Exceptional Tapering Pedestal in Lacquered Goatskin 1970sBy Karl SpringerLocated in New York, NYElegant tapering pedestal in multicolor lacquered goatskin by Karl Springer, American 1970's. The coloration and artisanship of this pedestal are superb.Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Pedestals
MaterialsGoatskin, Wood, Lacquer
- Karl Springer "Athena Pedestal" in Chrome with Brass, 1980sBy Karl SpringerLocated in New York, NY"Athena Pedestal" in polished chrome with inset brass channel by Karl Springer, American, 1980s. Springer loved to mix metals in luxurious ways. This pedestal exemplifies that.Category
Vintage 1980s American Modern Pedestals
MaterialsBrass, Chrome
- Karl Springer Rare Pair of Monumental Illuminated "Athena Pedestals" 1980sBy Karl SpringerLocated in New York, NYPair of monumental illuminated "Athena Pedestals" in mirror polished stainless steel with inset sand-blasted glass tops with lights underneath by Karl Springer, American 1980's. Thes...Category
Vintage 1980s American Modern Pedestals
MaterialsStainless Steel
- Karl Springer "Chinese Curved Coffee Table" In Embossed Lizard Leather 1970sBy Karl SpringerLocated in New York, NY"Chinese Curved Coffee Table" in bisque lacquered embossed lizard leather by Karl Springer, American 1970's. The curvature of the table’s form and edges showcase Springer’s superb cr...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
MaterialsWood, Lacquer, Lizard
- Karl Springer Ming Writing Desk/Console in Embossed Crocodile 1970sBy Karl SpringerLocated in New York, NYBeautifully crafted Ming Writing Desk/Console in lacquered embossed crocodile leather with 3 drawers by Karl Springer, American 1970's. This was originally designed as a console whi...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
MaterialsMetal
- Sculptural Pedestal in Verdigris Bronze with Glass Top 1970sLocated in New York, NYPedestal in verdigris bronze with studio-made glass top, American, 1970s. This artisan pedestal is very chic.Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Pedestals
MaterialsBronze
- Pair of Lighted Linen Wrapped Pedestals in the Manner of Karl SpringerBy Karl SpringerLocated in Peabody, MAPair of columnar lighted display pedestals in lacquered linen with frosted glass tops, circa 1970s.Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Pedestals
MaterialsGlass, Linen
- Modern Pair Travertine Marble Solid Brass Karl Springer Attributed PedestalsBy Karl SpringerLocated in Swedesboro, NJFor customers that require professional insured delivery we are proud to have teamed up with a nationwide professional delivery company that will assist with coordinating your delive...Category
Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Pedestals
MaterialsTravertine, Brass
- Signed Karl Springer Ostrich Embossed Leather Side TableBy Karl SpringerLocated in East Hampton, NYThis iconic and rare waterfall design vintage side table by Karl Springer features a recessed drawer and 3/4 inch thick glass shelf (chip to glass on backside - not visible). Can be ...Category
Vintage 1980s American Side Tables
MaterialsLeather, Glass
- Karl Springer Style Hollywood Regency Black and Brass PedestalsLocated in Dallas, TXReminiscent of works by Karl Springer with the signature curved edges and Art Deco inspiration. Two unique black laminate lighted display pedestals...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Pedestals
MaterialsBrass
- Karl Springer Red And Black Custom Striped TableBy Karl SpringerLocated in Westport, CTKarl Springer Rare and unusual Custom red and black striped Table one of a kind,with original Label and customers name Circa 1960's (Karl Springer 1931...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Side Tables
- Karl PedestalBy Josh GreeneLocated in Brooklyn, NYDesigned by Josh Greene. Sculptural square oak pedestal with rounded dowel applications.Category
2010s Philippine Pedestals
MaterialsOak