Karl Springer Rare JMF Chair in Shagreen with Bone Inlays 1980s 'Signed'
View Similar Items
Karl Springer Rare JMF Chair in Shagreen with Bone Inlays 1980s 'Signed'
About the Item
- Creator:Karl Springer (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 35.5 in (90.17 cm)Width: 18 in (45.72 cm)Depth: 24 in (60.96 cm)Seat Height: 18 in (45.72 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1980s
- Condition:Very good condition.
- Seller Location:New York, NY
- Reference Number:Seller: chairs21 1stDibs: LU783819860082
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.
- Karl Springer Pair of Jmf Chairs in Ostrich Skin, 1982, 'Signed'By Karl SpringerLocated in New York, NYPair of JMF chairs in ostrich skin by Karl Springer, American 1982 (signed “Karl Springer 1982” on leather label beneath seat). These chairs are exquisitely crafted. Reference: Ka...Category
Vintage 1980s American Modern Side Chairs
MaterialsWood, Animal Skin
- Karl Springer Pair of "JMF Chairs" in Lacquered Raffia 1993 'Signed'By Karl SpringerLocated in New York, NYPair of J.M.F. Chairs in lacquered raffia by Karl Springer, American 1993 (signature on bottom reads "Karl Springer 1993"). These are very elegant and the raffia is quite beautiful. ...Category
1990s American Modern Side Chairs
MaterialsRaffia, Wood, Lacquer
- Karl Springer "J.M.F. Chair" in Embossed Lizard Leather 1982 'Signed'By Karl SpringerLocated in New York, NYElegant "JMF Chair" covered in pale celadon embossed lizard leather by Karl Springer, American 1982 (signed, “Karl Springer 1982” on leather label on bottom). Reference: Karl Spri...Category
Vintage 1980s American Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
MaterialsLeather, Wood
- Karl Springer Stunning "Dome Top Mirror" in Black Shagreen 1980s 'Signed'By Karl SpringerLocated in New York, NYLarge and exceptional “Dome Top Mirror” with frame in black shagreen and beveled mirror by Karl Springer, American 1980's (metal label on back reads "K...Category
Vintage 1980s American Modern Wall Mirrors
MaterialsAnimal Skin, Wood, Mirror
- Karl Springer Rare Pair of "Lighthouse Lamps" in Shagreen and Brass 1980sBy Karl SpringerLocated in New York, NYPair of rare "Lighthouse Table Lamps" clad in gray shagreen with polished brass bases and shades by Karl Springer, American 1980's. The color and texture of the shagreen is exquisite...Category
Vintage 1980s American Modern Table Lamps
MaterialsBrass
- Karl Springer "Triangular Leg Metal End Table" with Shagreen Top 1980s (Signed)By Karl SpringerLocated in New York, NY"Triangular Leg Metal End Table" in brass with shagreen top by Karl Springer, American 1980's (signed "Karl Springer" under top). This table is meticulously crafted and is a fine ex...Category
Vintage 1980s American Modern End Tables
MaterialsBrass
- Signed Karl Springer Lizard Leather JMF Chair, 1984By Karl SpringerLocated in Rio Vista, CAStylish JMF Chair by Karl Springer featuring an amazing embossed lizard leather skin veneer. Signed and dated on bottom 1984 with excellent joinery and craftsmanship. The leather has...Category
20th Century American Modern Chairs
MaterialsLeather, Wood
- Karl Springer, JMF “C” BenchesBy Karl SpringerLocated in New York, NYThis exquisite pair of Jean-Michel Frank inspired “C” benches designed and made by Karl Springer feature elegant curved polished stainless steel legs and newly...Category
Late 20th Century American Benches
MaterialsSteel, Stainless Steel
Price Upon Request - Karl Springer, Chinese Curved Back Chair, USA, c. 1980sBy Karl SpringerLocated in East Hampton, NYThis documented rare chair by Karl Springer, found in his catalogue of original creations, is made of chrome-plated steel, brass and lucite. The seat cushion is upholstered in a fine...Category
Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
MaterialsBrass, Stainless Steel
- Karl Springer Attributed JMF Chair Lacquered Burlwood PatchworkBy Karl SpringerLocated in Rio Vista, CADramatic Jean Michel Frank JMF chair attributed to Karl Springer featuring an ebonized wood frame covered with a rich burl patchwork. The burl veneer is show...Category
20th Century American Modern Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsFabric, Wood, Burl
- 1980s Vintage Postmodern Chairs in Upholstery with Brass, a PairBy Milo BaughmanLocated in Chicago, ILOh my!! The brass detailing is gorgeous! The fabric needs a bit of help but the lines/structure is what’s important. Redo in your favorite fabric. I’ve never seen chairs like this be...Category
20th Century American Post-Modern Chairs
MaterialsBrass
$2,320 Sale Price / set33% Off - Vintage Karl Springer JMF Armchair (Gilt) by Enrique Garcel for JimecoBy Karl SpringerLocated in Chicago, ILBeautiful Vintage Karl Springer style Chair by Jimeco. Designed by Enrique Garcel. Applied Gold Leaf shows some loss as it stands right now.Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs
MaterialsWood