Karl Springer J.M.F. Pedestal in Tessellated Pen Shell, 1980s
View Similar Items
Karl Springer J.M.F. Pedestal in Tessellated Pen Shell, 1980s
About the Item
- Creator:Karl Springer (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 36.5 in (92.71 cm)Width: 17 in (43.18 cm)Depth: 17 in (43.18 cm)
- Style:Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:1980-1989
- Date of Manufacture:1980s
- Condition:
- Seller Location:New York, NY
- Reference Number:Seller: pedestal1311stDibs: LU783827629582
Karl Springer
The Berlin-born, New York–based designer Karl Springer brought a chic, high-fashion sensibility to his coffee tables, mirrors, Lucite lamps and other 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, Springer had established his own Manhattan atelier. It was Pierre Scapula, decorator to Jackie and Aristotle Onassis, who spotted Springer's disco-era Onassis chairs — which didn't yet have a name — first commissioned for a private residence in Acapulco, on the floor of the designer’s East 61st Street showroom. Jackie ordered barstools for the couple’s yacht, the Christina O, and dining chairs for their house on the Greek mainland.
At the time of his death, Springer 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.
Springer 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 "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 "J.M.F. Floor Lamp" in Tessellated Fossilized Coral 1980sBy Karl SpringerLocated in New York, NY"J.M.F. Floor Lamp" with gently twisting shaft in tessellated fossilized coral with polished brass base and fittings by Karl Springer, American 1980's. This lamp showcases the meticu...Category
Vintage 1980s American Modern Floor Lamps
MaterialsCoral, Brass
- 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 Waste Basket in Tessellated Travertine, 1980sBy Maitland Smith, Karl SpringerLocated in New York, NYMeticulously crafted waste basket in tessellated travertine with gilded accents and solid brass feet by Maitland Smith for Karl Springer, American 1980's (bottom lined in fabric). Ta...Category
Vintage 1980s American Modern Decorative Baskets
MaterialsTravertine, Brass
- 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 Tapering Pedestal in Embossed Ostrich Foot Leather, 1970sBy Karl SpringerLocated in New York, NYTapering pedestal covered in embossed ostrich foot leather by Karl Springer, American 1970s. Provenance: Purchased from a former employee of Karl Sprin...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Pedestals
MaterialsOstrich Leather, Wood
- 1980s Tessellated Stone Pedestal by Casa BiqueBy Casa BiqueLocated in Miami, FLStylish 1980s tessellated stone pedestal by Casa Bique. Crafted from tessellated stone in variants of coral hues, this cylindrical pedestal makes for a nice accent piece to display y...Category
Vintage 1980s Philippine Post-Modern Pedestals
MaterialsStone
- 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
- Boho Style Tessellated Coconut Shell Table PedestalLocated in west palm beach, FLInfuse your space with eclectic charm using this vintage table pedestal crafted from tessellated coconut shell. Its bohemian aesthetic adds a touch of whimsy to any room, blending se...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Pedestals
MaterialsNatural Fiber, Cocobolo
- Postmodern Tessellated Marble Waisted PedestalBy Enrique Garcel, Maitland Smith, Karl Springer, Casa Bique, Robert MarciusLocated in West Chester, PAA vintage tessellated marble pedestal circa 1980s unmarked. The main color appears almost black in many indoor settings however you see more of the green tones when looking at in in ...Category
Late 20th Century Philippine Post-Modern Pedestals
MaterialsMarble
- Italian Marble Pedestal, 1980sLocated in Oud Beijerland, NLItalian pedestal, handcrafted out of marble, fabricated in the 1980s. It can be used inside or outside the house. It is made of beautiful marble. Please take notice of the very nice...Category
Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Pedestals
MaterialsMarble