KARL SPRINGER
Karl Springer stands as one of the most influential American furniture designers of the latter half of the 20th century. His unique blend of chic sophistication and raw materials made his work highly desirable and frequently imitated from the 1960s through the 1990s. Even today, his influence is evident in high-end contemporary furniture.
Born in Berlin, Germany, in 1931, Springer immigrated to New York in 1957. Initially, he found work as a top window dresser for Lord & Taylor's flagship store on Fifth Avenue. During his evenings, he developed a line of exotic leather accessories. With the support of a friend, Springer's accessory line was placed in a prestigious specialty shop within Bergdorf Goodman, where it quickly became an overnight sensation.
Capitalizing on his newfound success, Springer opened an atelier on East 53rd Street, then an emerging boutique row. It is said that the Duchess of Windsor discovered him, and her patronage catapulted him into the limelight. Designers and patrons flocked to his small shop, charmed by his personality and captivated by his creations. Soon, he began taking commissions for larger and more significant pieces, always pursuing fine materials and old-world finishing techniques. Whether using ancient oriental lacquer techniques or heavy Lucite, Springer effortlessly incorporated various elements into his creations. He searched for forms within many design movements, distilling them to their purest shapes. He quickly developed a network of artisans and craftsmen, demanding the highest quality of materials and workmanship.
During this time, Springer met Mark Eckman, a young industrial designer with a line of Lucite furniture and lighting. Their collaboration began with Lucite and expanded into other materials. Springer's brother Joachim also joined the business as it rapidly expanded into a full-sized furniture line sold in cities such as Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, Dallas, Munich, and Tokyo.
At its peak, the New York showroom relocated to a 20,000-square-foot penthouse on East 61st Street. However, the company ceased production in 1992. Karl Springer passed away in 1991, leaving behind a rich design legacy. He was honored with a one-man show at the New York School of Interior Design in 1994. Numerous articles about him have appeared in prestigious design journals, and his original pieces are in great demand among dealers of 20th-century furniture.
Today, Karl Springer Ltd. continues to honor his legacy by providing authentication, appraisal, and repair services. The company remains committed to producing his designs consistent with his philosophy, ensuring that Karl Springer's timeless and sophisticated style endures.
COLLECTION
This gleaming and bold Pair of Mid-Century Modernist "Spun Shaped Wall Sconces" in Brass and Frosted Lucite are by the esteemed artist and designer Karl Springer and originate from the United States, Circa 1980. Featuring spun form diffusing shades in polished brass with a lining and base detailing in frosted lucite. The silhouette of the lucite follows the edge of the brass, delineating the form with seriffed edges and a skyscraper style motif in the center, arching upwards to support the brass element. Bold and glamorous, these sconces are sure to make an alluring statement and will unify a space beautifully when used as a pair. Karl Springer is highly regarded and well known for his use of proportion, geometric forms, and unique material combinations. Newly rewired to American Standards, these sconces each take two Edison base light bulbs achieving up to 200 watts of light per sconce. In Excellent Vintage Condition.
American, circa 1980
Dimensions:
Height: 10.5 in (26.67 cm) x Width: 23.5 in (59.69 cm) x Depth: 14 in (35.56 cm)
Creator: Karl Springer (Maker)
Sold As: Set of 2
Power Source: Hardwired
Style: Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques: Brass, Lucite
Period: 1980-1989
Date of Manufacture: circa 1980
Condition: Excellent. Rewired.
Reference Number: LU793438140022
This stunning Pair of Mid-Century Modernist Curved Side Tables in Python are fabricated and signed by Karl Springer and originate from the United States, created in 1986. Featuring a minimal rectangular form with supports that curve downwards from the top surface, entirely covered in Python with remarkable natural texturing and hue. These side tables are a fantastic example of the concepts and techniques of Karl Springer and Mid-Century Modernism, sleek form with balanced proportions, minimal geometry, and exceedingly high quality finish and use of materials. The Python covers all visible elements of the tables and , Subtle metal risers allow for safe and easy movement and protect the edges of the supports. Bears a woven signature "Karl Springer, 1986" noting the maker and year of creation. These tables are alluring and exceedingly rare as a pair, sure to style beautifully in a wide array of spaces and settings, from Mid-Century Modernist to Contemporary and Minimal Interiors. In Excellent Vintage Condition.
American, circa 1986
Dimensions:
Height: 16.5 in (41.91 cm) x Width: 36 in (91.44 cm) x Depth: 20 in (50.8 cm)
Creator: Karl Springer (Maker)
Sold As: Set of 2
Style: Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques: Python
Place of Origin: United States
Period: 1980-1989
Date of Manufacture: circa 1986
Condition: Excellent. Wear consistent with age and use.
Reference Number: LU793438141222
This rare and materially exquisite Mid-Century Modernist Glass Ice Bucket Signed Karl Springer originates from the United States, Circa 1980. This piece features a minimal body that slightly expands near the mouth, with rounded handles on either side. This piece has an incredible quality to the glass and treatment of the surface, with remarkable stability and presence. An excellent example of Karl Springers practice of creating beautiful pieces with unique use of materials, signed on the undersurface denoting the maker. Styling effortlessly in a wide array of spaces and settings, from Mid-Century Modernist to Contemporary and Minimal Interiors. In Excellent Vintage Condition.
American, Circa 1980
Dimensions:
Height: 9.5 in (24.13 cm) x Diameter: 11 in (27.94 cm)
Creator: Karl Springer (Maker)
Style: Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques: Glass
Place of Origin: United States
Period: 1980-1989
Date of Manufacture: circa 1980
Condition: Excellent
Reference Number: LU793442937252
This exquisite Mid-Century Modernist vermillion red lacquered goat skin box by Karl Springer, crafted in America circa 1980, is a fine example of the designer's renowned artistry and attention to detail. The Asian inspired box features a rich and vivid vermillion red finish, achieved through a meticulous lacquer process that highlights the natural beauty and texture of the goat skin. This intense, fiery hue adds a dynamic pop of color, making it a striking decorative piece that effortlessly draws the eye. Karl Springer, famed for his luxurious and refined designs, imbues this piece with a sense of sophistication and elegance. The box’s clean, modernist lines and sleek surface exemplify Springer's mastery in blending simplicity with opulence. Whether used as a jewelry box, a container for keepsakes, T V remote controls or an elegant desk accessory, this piece combines practicality with high design. The versatility and compact size make it suitable for various settings, from a sophisticated living room to a luxurious bedroom or study. In Good Vintage Condition.
American, Circa 1980
Dimensions:
Height: 8.5 in (21.59 cm) x Width: 12 in (30.48 cm) x Depth: 12 in (30.48 cm)
Creator: Karl Springer (Maker)
Style: Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques: Goatskin
Place of Origin: United States
Period: 1980-1989
Date of Manufacture: circa 1980
Condition: Good. Wear consistent with age and use.
Reference Number: LU793443066862
This stunning and dramatic set of candlesticks were realized by Karl Springer- one of the most influential and important designers of the 20th century- in America, circa 1985. It features a concave base and a convex top connected by a cylindrical body all in lustrous brass with a chrome banding at the base and pinnacle of the bodies. Two of the candles are the same length, while the third (meant to be positioned in the center) is taller. The candle affixes to the center of the top of each candle stick via a pointed conical pin in chrome. With its austere form and bold modernist lines- inspired by the verve and élan of first rate Art Deco design- these candlesticks are as versatile as they are gorgeous. They would be a winning addition to any style of interior from Classic Mid-Century Modern to contemporary. Excellent condition. The candlesticks are documented on page 17 of the Springer catalogue as shown in the image below.
American, circa 1985
Dimensions:
Taller: 20" height x 6.5" diameter
Shorter: 16" height x 6.5" diameter.
Creator: Karl Springer (Designer)
Style: Mid-Century Modern
Place of origin: United States
Date of manufacture: circa 1985
Period: 1980-1989
Materials and techniques: Polished Brass, Chrome
Condition: Excellent
Reference Number: LU793414474612
This remarkably scaled and materially stunning Mid-Century Modernist Large Geometric Table Lamp in Tessellated Shagreen is by the esteemed artist and designer Karl Springer and originates from the United States, Circa 1975. Karl Springer is highly regarded and known for his unrivaled sense of scale and proportion, often utilizing fine and exotic materials in his works, which began as small scale hand-made objects and expanded into furniture design where he specialized for a majority of his career. This table lamp features two primary geometric forms, a sphere composing the body of the lamp and a pyramidal shade which rests above and extends over the edge of the sphere. The shade is attached with a cylindrical polished brass finial, with an open top and a cross shaped frame. The surface of the piece is entirely covered with tessellated panels of shagreen applied with incredible precision. The textural detailing and natural variation of the material is stunning, casting a warm grey hue with subtle shifts in value throughout. A rare statement piece, this table lamp will style beautifully in a wide array of spaces and settings, from Mid-Century Modernist to Contemporary and Minimal Interiors. Newly rewired to American Standards, this piece takes two Edison based bulbs achieving up to 200 Watts of light. In Excellent Vintage Condition.
American, circa 1985
Dimensions:
Height: 30.5 in (77.47 cm) x Width: 22 in (55.88 cm) x Depth: 22 in (55.88 cm)
Body Diameter: 17"
Creator: Karl Springer (Maker)
Power Source: Plug-in
Lampshade: Included
Style: Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques: Shagreen
Place of Origin: United States
Period: 1980-1989
Date of Manufacture: circa 1985
Condition: Excellent. Rewired.
Reference Number: LU793438141012