Karl Springer Rare and Exceptional Coromandel Mirror 1980s
About the Item
- Creator:Karl Springer (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 3 in (7.62 cm)Diameter: 42 in (106.68 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:
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.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: New York, NY
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- Karl Springer Stunning "Saturn Mirror", 1980sBy Karl SpringerLocated in New York, NY"Saturn Mirror" with curved mirrored panels, all with beautifully beveled edges, by Karl Springer, American 1980's. It is difficult to bevel on a curve. This mirror is nothing but cu...Category
Vintage 1980s American Modern Wall Mirrors
MaterialsMirror, Wood
- Karl Springer Rare Wall-Mounted Mirror in Polished Chrome and Brass 1980sBy Karl SpringerLocated in New York, NYRare wall-mount retractable finely crafted make up/shaving mirror in heavy gauge polished chrome and brass by Karl Springer, American 1980's. The craftsmanship of this mirror is off ...Category
Vintage 1980s American Modern Wall Mirrors
MaterialsBrass, Chrome
- Karl Springer Stunning Mirror in Python and Black Lizard, 1980sBy Karl SpringerLocated in New York, NYBeautifully crafted mirror with frame in black lizard with interior and exterior edges wrapped in python with beveled mirror by Karl Springer, American 1980's. This mirror exemplifie...Category
Vintage 1980s American Modern Wall Mirrors
MaterialsMirror, Lizard, Python, Wood
- Karl Springer Octagonal Mirror with Superb Artisan Marble Lacquer, 1980sBy Karl SpringerLocated in New York, NYOctagonal wall hanging mirror in superb artisan marble lacquer with bronze accents and beveled mirror by Karl Springer, American 1980s. Springer worked with artists who could accompl...Category
Vintage 1980s American Modern Wall Mirrors
MaterialsBronze
- Karl Springer Large "Saturn Mirror" with Peach Glass Ring 1980sBy Karl SpringerLocated in New York, NYLarge hand-crafted "Saturn Mirror" with large beveled panels, outside arced mirrors in peach glass, by Karl Springer, American 1980's. This mirror was typi...Category
Vintage 1980s American Modern Wall Mirrors
MaterialsWood, Glass
- Karl Springer "Marmol Style Mirror" in Black Leather and Bronze 1980s 'Signed'By Karl SpringerLocated in New York, NYLarge "Marmol Style Mirror" with frame covered in black leather with bronze accents by Karl Springer, American 1980's (Karl Springer label on back). This mirror is beautifully made a...Category
Vintage 1980s North American Modern Wall Mirrors
MaterialsBronze
- Karl Springer Gunmetal and Gold Mirror, USA c 1980sBy Karl SpringerLocated in Norwalk, CTThis large mirror features what is perhaps Karl Springer's most iconic style: gunmetal with gold washed brass detail. Certainly his most luxurious combination. This vintage mirror ha...Category
Vintage 1980s American Modern Wall Mirrors
MaterialsMetal
- Monumental "Saturn" Mirror by Karl Springer, 1980sBy Karl SpringerLocated in Pasadena, CAEnormous "Saturn" mirror in bevelled glass by Karl Springer, 1980s. Minor age appropriate wear (see photos) that in no way detracts from the striking and impressive quality of this m...Category
Vintage 1980s American Wall Mirrors
MaterialsMirror
- Karl Springer Gold FInish Octagonal Mirror, USA c 1980sBy Karl SpringerLocated in Norwalk, CTThis large scale octagonal mirror by designer Karl Springer features a dramatic custom distressed gold leaf finish over wood, detailed with silver gilt dividers. Crafted with Springe...Category
Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Wall Mirrors
MaterialsGold Leaf
- "Signed" Karl Springer Large Brass & Tessellated Stone Wall Mounted Mirror 1980sBy Karl SpringerLocated in Landau an der Isar, BayernStunning, large, tall and very rare 'signed' domed or curved top Mid-Century brass and tessellated stone wall-mounted / hung vanity or hallway bevelled edged mirror by legendary Germ...Category
Vintage 1980s German Mid-Century Modern Wall Mirrors
MaterialsStone, Brass
- Karl Springer MirrorBy Karl SpringerLocated in St.Petersburg, FLA vintage Karl Springer mirror in laquered frame.Category
Vintage 1980s American Modern Wall Mirrors
- Karl Springer Saturn Mirror, 48", USA c1980sBy Karl SpringerLocated in Norwalk, CTThis impressive example of Karl Springer's "Saturn" mirror measures 48". The simple design is created by layering round and curved mirrors panels each with deep beveling. Very fine ...Category
Vintage 1980s American Modern Wall Mirrors
MaterialsMirror