By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Often considered by designers and collectors as the pièce de résistance of marble dining tables, this 1st Generation, early production year (possibly 1st year of production), triple signed Knoll Associates white marble 'Tulip' dining table is the best example you can get of this particular design. Designers who are looking for the best of the best with a discriminating client where only the best will do, look no further - this is the table for you.
One of the most highly coveted vintage-designer items at present, this elegant oval marble top dining table designed by Eero Saarinen for Knoll Associates features a broad 78" x 48" oval top Carrara marble supported by a cast iron tulip base. Embossed underneath the hefty cast iron base are the early production model numbers indicating the base is a 1st generation base. And even better, this corresponds to the wood separator that connects to the base which is labelled with the early Knoll Associates "bow-tie" label which has the 575 Madison Avenue, New York address which was the Knoll Associates showroom address that was launched in 1951. While all of Knoll Associates years, prior to changing to Knoll International, are considered 1st Generation, the early years bowtie labels are of the first few years of this design before they changed to the later styled labels. Sitting on top is the large and beautifully veined white Carrara marble which has the red ink "Made in Italy" stamp which indicates that all 3 pieces of this table are fully matched, authentic, and original - and most important, are considered 1st Generation to the design and production years and specifically within the first few years from 1956, possibly a first year production itself. Designers and collectors: it doesn't get any better than this.
Saarinen's Tulip designs are one of the most knocked-off designs of the era - we believe it is important to make sure you are purchasing an authentic original so our advice is to be wary of buying an unmarked piece despite what the dealer or gallery may be telling you. These labels also serve as a method to determine when the item was made - so a Knoll Associates (1st Gen) or Knoll International (2nd Gen) label is of great importance - newer production Knoll items from Knoll Inc. and Knoll Studios lack the collectability and rarity of the earlier examples. In addition, the marble tabletop is original and not a newly fabricated replacement - as many other examples you will find are merely someone adding a new marble top to a vintage tulip base. These factors greatly affect the value, collectability and desirability of the piece.
Be the envy of your friends and acquaintances by introducing this early production original of a Mid-Century Modern design Classic into your living room, dining room, kitchen, sunroom or as an office desk. This big beauty would also be great in a hospitality or corporate location, such as a boutique hotel lobby, cocktail bar, members club, workspace studio, executive office or in a luxe clothing emporium. Can be used as a dining table, breakfast or cafe table, centre table or conference / meeting room table.
Consider pairing with something unexpected like our library chairs from Pierre Jeanneret (contact us for details on this set) or go with the Classic choice and contact us for our selection of tulip dining side chairs and armchairs. We always carry a full selection of original and early production tulip side chairs, arm chairs, fully upholstered and seat pad options. Also great options to pair are Knoll Brno chairs, Milo Baughman dining chairs, and MR side chairs...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Carrara Marble Conference Tables
MaterialsCarrara Marble, Iron