Rare Karl Springer "Sunburst" Side Chairs in Mahogany, circa 1980s
View Similar Items
Rare Karl Springer "Sunburst" Side Chairs in Mahogany, circa 1980s
About the Item
- Creator:Karl Springer (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 36.5 in (92.71 cm)Width: 19 in (48.26 cm)Depth: 17.5 in (44.45 cm)Seat Height: 20 in (50.8 cm)
- Sold As:Set of 2
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:1980-1989
- Date of Manufacture:circa 1980s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Lacquer has been touched up; a few minor indentations to the wood, but nothing that detracts.
- Seller Location:Brooklyn, NY
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU1023611042323
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 Rare "Regency Armchair" Desk Chair 1980sBy Karl SpringerLocated in New York, NYRare and beautifully made "Regency Armchair" desk chair in polished stainless steel and brass with upholstered seat by Karl Springer, American 1980's. The quality and materials used ...Category
Vintage 1980s American Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
MaterialsBrass, Steel
- 6 Karl Springer Onassis Chairs in Goatskin with Leather SeatsBy Karl SpringerLocated in Los Angeles, CASet of six original Karl Springer Onassis Chairs in goatskin. The six chairs have been in a one user household and are in great vintage conditi...Category
20th Century Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsGoatskin
- Karl Springer Mid-Century Modern Lacquered Beige Parchment Side / Dining ChairsBy Karl SpringerLocated in New York, NYSET of 8 American Mid-Century Modern dining / side chairs with lacquered beige parchment veneers. (KARL SPRINGER)(PRICED AS SET)Category
20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs
MaterialsParchment Paper
- Karl Springer Dowelwood Lounge Chair, 1980sBy Karl SpringerLocated in New York, NY"Dowelwood arm chair", a lounge chair in solid oak with seat and back cushions by Karl Springer, American 1980's. This chair is impressive and beautifully crafted. Reference: Karl Springer LTD Red Binder Catalog published in the 1980’s, section “seating” on page 17...Category
Vintage 1980s American Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsFabric, Upholstery, Oak
- 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 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