Karl Springer Python Coffee Table
About the Item
- Creator:Karl Springer (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 23 in (58.42 cm)Width: 48 in (121.92 cm)Depth: 30 in (76.2 cm)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1972
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Excellent.
- 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 Embossed Leather Waste Paper BasketBy Karl SpringerLocated in New York, NYKarl Springer (1930-1991) Square waste paper basket with curved sides wrapped entirely in tan lizard embossed leather. American, circa 1980.Category
Vintage 1980s American Decorative Baskets
MaterialsLeather
- Jansen Coffee Table with PlanterBy Maison JansenLocated in New York, NYMaison Jansen Low table in ivory painted wood with divided top and recessed metal jardinière with one drawer at each end. Serpentine carved apron raised on tapering cabriole legs, ...Category
Vintage 1930s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables
MaterialsBrass
- Pair of Lucite "Puzzle" Low TablesLocated in New York, NYPair of rectangular low tables consisting of ten interlocking Lucite “puzzle” pieces. American, circa 1970.Category
Vintage 1970s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables
MaterialsLucite
- Double Rafraichissoir TableLocated in New York, NYDouble rafraichissoir in pale duck egg blue painted wood. Inset marble top raised on cabriole legs and decorative metal handles on the side. American, circa 1940.Category
Vintage 1940s American Serving Tables
MaterialsWood
- Albert Cube TableLocated in New York, NYThe Albert table Small, chic occasional table. Fabric-wrapped with high gloss finish. Available in malachite, travertine, onyx and lapis color ways. “Inspired by the fabric wrapped furniture...Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Side Tables
MaterialsFabric, Wood, Lacquer
- Alpha Workshop Side Table in GoldBy Alpha WorkshopsLocated in New York, NYAlpha workshops Side Table in tony gold finish. Taboret with cut-out handles on both sides and a textured gesso finish. Can be used for seating or as a side table.Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Side Tables
MaterialsGold Leaf
- Karl Springer Python Snakeskin Coffee TableBy Karl SpringerLocated in Pawtucket, RICoffee table by Karl Springer wrapped in python snake skin. Hand-signed to underside [Karl Springer 1987].Category
Vintage 1980s American Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
MaterialsLeather
- Karl Springer Exceptional "Ming Coffee Table" in Python 1980sBy Karl SpringerLocated in New York, NYExceptionally crafted "Ming Coffee Table" in black and white python by Karl Springer, American 1980's. The skins are in like-new condition. The craftsmanship of this table is superb. Reference: Karl Springer LTD red binder catalog published in the 1980’s, section “Coffee Tables...Category
Vintage 1980s American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
MaterialsWood, Python
- Karl Springer "Ming Coffee Table" in Canary Python, 1970sBy Karl SpringerLocated in New York, NY"Ming Coffee Table" covered in canary python skin by Karl Springer, American 1970's. The design flourishes and the stunning material make for a wonderful Springer table. Referenc...Category
Vintage 1970s American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
MaterialsWood, Paint, Python
- Karl Springer Style Coffee TableBy Karl SpringerLocated in Brooklyn, NYSquare Mid-Century Modern table with lacquered canvas and metal rim base. (Please confirm item location - NY or NJ - with dealer).Category
Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
MaterialsCanvas
- Karl Springer Burl Olivewood Coffee TableBy Karl SpringerLocated in New York, NYKarl Springer burl olivewood coffee table. The table has cylindrical shaped legs with polished chrome mounts.Category
Vintage 1980s Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
MaterialsChrome
- Karl Springer Gunmetal, Brass Coffee TableBy Karl SpringerLocated in New York, NYExceptional, iconic Parsons style coffee table in heavy gunmetal with a smoked glass inset top and brass pinstripe inlay. Pictured in the Karl Springer catalog. In overall great cond...Category
20th Century American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
MaterialsMetal, Brass