Cosanti Bell
Bronze Cosanti Bell by Paolo Soleri
By Paolo Soleri
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful bronze Cosanti bell by Paolo Soleri. Uncommon shape and design. Fantastic patina and a
Category
1990s American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Mid Century Paolo Soleri Bronze Wind Bell 1960s
By Paolo Soleri, Arcosanti
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Vintage bronze Cosanti bell by Paolo Soleri. The bell chamber has the Cosanti mark. Fantastic
Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Garden Ornaments
Materials
Bronze
Beautiful Bronze Bell by Paolo Soleri
By Paolo Soleri
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful bronze Cosanti bell by Paolo Soleri. Uncommon shape and design. Fantastic patina and a
Category
1990s American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Paolo Soleri Bronze Wind Chime Bell for Cosanti, 1970's
By Paolo Soleri
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Early Paolo Soleri Bronze Bell Wind Chime for Cosanti, 1970's. Stunning patina and Cosanti cypher
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Garden Ornaments
Materials
Bronze
Vintage 1970s Paolo Soleri Bronze Bells Wind Chime Cosanti Originals Iconic MCM
By Paolo Soleri
Located in Hyattsville, MD
breaks, no loose welds, each bell is signed with embossed Paolo Soleri logo
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Musical Instruments
Materials
Bronze
H 32.75 in W 17 in D 3.25 in
Monumental Paolo Soleri Brutalist Bronze Bell, Cast Aluminum Sculptural Spine
By Paolo Soleri
Located in Chicago, IL
your space.
- Sustainability: Created as part of the Cosanti concept, this bell promotes sustainability
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures
Materials
Metal, Aluminum, Bronze
Recent Sales
Early Ceramic Cosanti Bell by Paolo Soleri, 1950s
By Paolo Soleri
Located in San Diego, CA
Early and special ceramic bell by Paolo Soleri. Many craftspeople helped with producing work at
Category
Vintage 1950s North American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Scul...
Materials
Bronze
Early Ceramic Cosanti Bell by Paolo Soleri, 1950s
By Paolo Soleri
Located in San Diego, CA
Early and special ceramic bell by Paolo Soleri. Many craftspeople helped with producing work at
Category
Vintage 1950s North American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Scul...
Materials
Bronze
Vintage Bronze Bell by Paolo Soleri
By Paolo Soleri
Located in San Diego, CA
Vintage bronze Cosanti bell by Paolo Soleri. Uncommon shape and design. Fantastic patina and a
Category
Vintage 1960s North American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Scul...
Materials
Bronze
Early Vintage Bronze Bell by Paolo Soleri
By Paolo Soleri
Located in San Diego, CA
Vintage bronze Cosanti bell by Paolo Soleri. Minimalist shape and design. Fantastic patina and a
Category
Vintage 1960s North American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Scul...
Materials
Bronze
Beautiful Vintage Bronze Bell by Paolo Soleri
By Paolo Soleri
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful vintage bronze Cosanti bell by Paolo Soleri. Uncommon shape and design. Fantastic patina
Category
Vintage 1960s North American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Scul...
Materials
Bronze
Paolo Soleri (1919-2013) Unique and Early Cosanti Ceramic Bell
By Paolo Soleri
Located in Chicago, IL
A large cast and incised ceramic bell. Total height 18". Bell itself: 8 1/2"high x 10"wide x 7
Category
Vintage 1960s American Brutalist Decorative Art
Materials
Ceramic
Collection of 8 Cast Bronze Wind Bells by Paolo Soleri, Cosanti
By Arcosanti, Paolo Soleri
Located in Buffalo, NY
Collection of 8 cast bronze wind bells by Paolo Soleri, Cosanti all vintage 1960s-1970s. Nice
Category
20th Century American Brutalist Garden Ornaments
Materials
Bronze
42" Rare One of a Kind Paolo Soleri Cosanti Original Bronze Wind Bell Sculpture
By Paolo Soleri
Located in Troy, MI
Rare large one of a kind bronze bell assembly by Paolo Soleri for Cosanti Originals circa 1990s
Category
1990s American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Early Medium Scale Bronze Sculptural Wind Chime or Bell by Paolo Soleri - MCM
By Arcosanti, Paolo Soleri
Located in St. Louis, MO
architect and artist, Paolo Soleri. This piece was made by the artist at his Cosanti studio in Arizona. Bell
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Garden Ornaments
Materials
Bronze
Bronze Cosanti Bell by Paolo Soleri
By Paolo Soleri
Located in San Diego, CA
Vintage bronze Cosanti bell by Paolo Soleri. Fantastic patina and a great sound. Signed.
Category
Vintage 1960s North American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Scul...
Materials
Bronze
Vintage Bronze Cosanti Bell by Paolo Soleri
By Paolo Soleri
Located in San Diego, CA
Vintage bronze Cosanti bell by Paolo Soleri. Fantastic patina and a great sound. (21" long
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Early Ceramic Cosanti Bell by Paolo Soleri, 1950s
By Paolo Soleri
Located in San Diego, CA
Early and special ceramic bell by Paolo Soleri. Many craftspeople helped with producing work at
Category
Vintage 1950s North American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Scul...
Materials
Ceramic
Early Ceramic Cosanti Bell by Paolo Soleri, 1950s
By Paolo Soleri
Located in San Diego, CA
Early and special ceramic bell by Paolo Soleri. Many craftspeople helped with producing work at
Category
Vintage 1950s North American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Scul...
Materials
Bronze
Early Ceramic Cosanti Bell by Paolo Soleri, 1950s
By Paolo Soleri
Located in San Diego, CA
Early and special ceramic bell by Paolo Soleri. Many craftspeople helped with producing work at
Category
Vintage 1950s North American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Scul...
Materials
Bronze
Large Bronze Soleri Bell and Hanging Bracket
By Paolo Soleri
Located in San Diego, CA
Large vintage bronze Cosanti bell by Paolo Soleri. A hanging bracket is included. Fantastic patina
Category
Vintage 1960s North American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Scul...
Materials
Bronze
Large Bronze Soleri Bell and Hanging Bracket
By Paolo Soleri
Located in San Diego, CA
Large vintage bronze Cosanti bell by Paolo Soleri. A hanging bracket is included. Fantastic patina
Category
Vintage 1960s North American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Scul...
Materials
Bronze
Vintage Bronze Bell by Paolo Soleri
By Paolo Soleri
Located in San Diego, CA
Vintage bronze Cosanti bell by Paolo Soleri. Uncommon shape and design. Fantastic patina and a
Category
Vintage 1960s North American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Scul...
Materials
Bronze
Vintage Bronze Bell by Paolo Soleri
By Paolo Soleri
Located in San Diego, CA
Vintage bronze Cosanti bell by Paolo Soleri. Uncommon shape and design. Fantastic patina and a
Category
Vintage 1960s North American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Scul...
Materials
Bronze
Vintage Bronze Bell by Paolo Soleri
By Paolo Soleri
Located in San Diego, CA
Vintage bronze Cosanti bell by Paolo Soleri. Uncommon shape and design. Fantastic patina and a
Category
Vintage 1960s North American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Scul...
Materials
Bronze
Paolo Soleri Large Hanging Bronze Bell 1960s
By Paolo Soleri
Located in San Diego, CA
Vintage bronze Cosanti bell by Paolo Soleri. The bell chamber has the Cosanti mark. Fantastic
Category
Vintage 1970s North American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Scul...
Materials
Bronze
Large Bronze Soleri Bell and Hanging Bracket
By Paolo Soleri
Located in San Diego, CA
Large vintage bronze Cosanti bell by Paolo Soleri. A hanging bracket is included. Fantastic patina
Category
Vintage 1960s North American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Scul...
Materials
Bronze
Large Bronze Soleri Bell and Hanging Bracket
By Paolo Soleri
Located in San Diego, CA
Large vintage bronze Cosanti bell by Paolo Soleri. A hanging bracket is included. Fantastic patina
Category
Vintage 1960s North American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Scul...
Materials
Bronze
Beautiful Vintage Bronze Bell by Paolo Soleri
By Paolo Soleri
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful vintage bronze Cosanti bell by Paolo Soleri. Uncommon shape and design. Fantastic patina
Category
Vintage 1960s North American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Scul...
Materials
Bronze
Vintage Bronze Bell by Paolo Soleri
By Paolo Soleri
Located in San Diego, CA
Vintage bronze Cosanti bell by Paolo Soleri. Includes original extension chain. Fantastic patina
Category
Vintage 1960s North American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Scul...
Materials
Bronze
Bronze Soleri Bell Sculpture and Hanging Bracket
By Paolo Soleri
Located in San Diego, CA
Vintage bronze Cosanti bell sculpture by Paolo Soleri. Signed by Soleri. A hanging bracket is
Category
Vintage 1970s North American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Scul...
Materials
Bronze
Monumental Bronze Bell by Paolo Soleri
By Paolo Soleri
Located in San Diego, CA
Very large vintage bronze cosanti bell by Paolo Soleri. Unique design, fantastic patina and a great
Category
Vintage 1960s North American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Scul...
Materials
Bronze
Vintage Bronze Bell by Paolo Soleri
By Paolo Soleri
Located in San Diego, CA
Vintage bronze Cosanti bell by Paolo Soleri. Fantastic patina and a great sound. (7" long, inluding
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Vintage Bronze Bell by Paolo Soleri
By Paolo Soleri
Located in San Diego, CA
Vintage bronze Cosanti bell by Paolo Soleri. Fantastic patina and a great sound. (" long, excluding
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Beautiful Vintage Bronze Bell by Paolo Soleri
By Paolo Soleri
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful vintage bronze Cosanti bell by Paolo Soleri. Uncommon shape and design. Fantastic patina
Category
Vintage 1960s North American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Scul...
Materials
Bronze
Vintage Ceramic Bronze Bell by Paolo Soleri
By Paolo Soleri
Located in San Diego, CA
Vintage glazed ceramic Cosanti bell by Paolo Soleri. It appears to have never been used. Includes
Category
1990s American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Paolo Soleri Hanging Bronze Bell 1960s
By Paolo Soleri
Located in San Diego, CA
Vintage bronze Cosanti bell by Paolo Soleri. A rare minimalist dots design. The chamber has the
Category
Vintage 1960s North American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Scul...
Materials
Bronze
Bronze Soleri Bell Sculpture
By Paolo Soleri
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful bronze Cosanti bell by Paolo Soleri. Uncommon shape and design. Fantastic patina and a
Category
1990s American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Beautiful Vintage Bronze Bell by Paolo Soleri
By Paolo Soleri
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful vintage bronze Cosanti bell by Paolo Soleri. Uncommon shape and design. Fantastic patina
Category
Vintage 1960s North American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Scul...
Materials
Bronze
Beautiful Vintage Bronze Bell by Paolo Soleri
By Paolo Soleri
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful vintage bronze Cosanti bell by Paolo Soleri. Uncommon shape and design. Fantastic patina
Category
Vintage 1960s North American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Scul...
Materials
Bronze
Beautiful Vintage Bronze Bell by Paolo Soleri
By Paolo Soleri
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful vintage bronze Cosanti bell by Paolo Soleri. Uncommon shape and design. Fantastic patina
Category
Vintage 1960s North American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Scul...
Materials
Bronze
Beautiful Vintage Bronze Bell by Paolo Soleri
By Paolo Soleri
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful vintage bronze Cosanti bell by Paolo Soleri. Uncommon shape and design. Fantastic patina
Category
Vintage 1960s North American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Scul...
Materials
Bronze
Beautiful Vintage Bronze Bell by Paolo Soleri
By Paolo Soleri
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful vintage bronze Cosanti bell by Paolo Soleri. Uncommon shape and design. Fantastic patina
Category
Vintage 1960s North American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Scul...
Materials
Bronze
Bronze Paolo Soleri Signed Hanging Bronze Bell Sculpture
By Paolo Soleri
Located in San Diego, CA
Vintage bronze Cosanti bell sculpture by Paolo Soleri. Signed by Soleri on the cast sculptural
Category
Vintage 1970s North American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Scul...
Materials
Bronze
Paolo Soleri Sculpture Hanging Bronze Bell Wind Chime, Circa 1960's
By Paolo Soleri
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Beautiful bronze Cosanti bell by Paolo Soleri. In wonderful condition with a lovely patina. Signed
Category
Mid-20th Century Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Beautiful Large Bronze Bell by Paolo Soleri
By Paolo Soleri
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful large bronze Cosanti bell by Paolo Soleri. Uncommon shape and design. Fantastic patina
Category
Early 2000s North American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculpt...
Materials
Bronze
Paolo Soleri Cosanti Ceramic Abstract Decoration Wind Chime Bell
By Paolo Soleri
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Ceramic wind chime bell with abstract decoration by Paolo Soleri of Arizona. Bell measures 9" high
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Bronze Wind Chime / Bell by Paolo Soleri for Cosanti
By Paolo Soleri
Located in San Diego, CA
Bronze wind chime / bell by Paolo Soleri for Cosanti, circa 1970s. The piece is is 49.5" long
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Paolo Soleri Bronze Wind Chime / Bell for Cosanti, 1970's
By Paolo Soleri
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Paolo Soleri Bronze Wind Chime / Bell for Cosanti, 1970's.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Garden Ornaments
Materials
Bronze
Small Bronze Wind Chime / Bell by Paolo Soleri for Cosanti
By Paolo Soleri
Located in San Diego, CA
Small bronze wind chime / bell by Paolo Soleri for Cosanti, circa 1970s. The piece is is 21.5" long
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Large Bronze Wind Chime / Bell by Paolo Soleri for Cosanti
By Paolo Soleri
Located in San Diego, CA
Large bronze wind chime / bell by Paolo Soleri for Cosanti, circa 1970s. The piece is is 39.75
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Large Bronze Cosanti Wind Bell with Hanging Bracket by Paolo Soleri
By Paolo Soleri
Located in San Diego, CA
Large bronze Cosanti wind bell with hanging bracket by Paolo Soleri, circa 1980s. The bell has a
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Massive Bronze Ribbed Wind Chime / Bell by Paolo Soleri for Cosanti
By Paolo Soleri
Located in San Diego, CA
Massive bronze wind chime / bell by Paolo Soleri for Cosanti, circa 1970s. The piece is the largest
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Paolo Soleri (1919-2013) Unique and Early Cosanti Cast Iron Bell
By Paolo Soleri
Located in Chicago, IL
Two cast iron bells 4" and 2.5" suspended from a single trammel. Beautiful sound!
Category
Vintage 1960s American Brutalist Garden Ornaments
Materials
Copper, Iron
Paolo Soleri Cosanti Arcosanti Cast Bronze Brutalist Wind Chime/ Wind Bell
By Paolo Soleri
Located in Studio City, CA
Vintage bronze wind chime by Paolo Soleri.
Beautiful burnish finish, aged patina, and brutalist design. Wonderful sound.
Signed with artist stamp.
Dimensions: 21.5" high (fr...
Category
Vintage 1970s American Brutalist Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Bronze
Early Small Scale Bronze Sculptural Wind Chime or Bell by Paolo Soleri - MCM
By Arcosanti, Paolo Soleri
Located in St. Louis, MO
Arizona. Bell is 4.5" h x 3.63" dia. Cosanti monogram.
Paolo Soleri (1919-2013), the founder of Cosanti
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Garden Ornaments
Materials
Bronze
Mid Century Paolo Soleri Bronze Wind Chime Bell "Save the Whale" Arcosanti 1980s
By Arcosanti, Paolo Soleri
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
movement against whaling in the 1980's. The bell features the Cosanti hallmark on the side of the bell. The
Category
Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Garden Ornaments
Materials
Bronze
H 20.25 in W 5.75 in D 5 in
Bronze Bell by Paolo Soleri Cosanti
By Paolo Soleri
Located in San Diego, CA
Bronze sculptural bell by Italian-born visionary architect and artist, Paolo Soleri. This piece was
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Paolo Soleri Wind Chime
By Paolo Soleri
Located in Cathedral City, CA
Free standing hand crafted bronze wind bells by Cosanti originals.
Category
Late 20th Century American Garden Ornaments
Materials
Bronze
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On two scrolling foliate feet with casters, above which a rectangular two-side glazed frame, with on top a two-sided shield with initial...
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century English High Victorian Taxidermy
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Outdoor Metal Sconce, Made in Italy
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21st Century and Contemporary Italian Wall Lights and Sconces
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'Plissé White Edition' Pleated Textile Table Lamp by Folkform for Örsjö
By Örsjö Industri AB
Located in Glendale, CA
'Plissé White Edition' pleated textile table lamp by Folkform for Örsjö.
This unique table lamp was awarded “Lighting of the Year 2022” by Residence Magazine Sweden, who called it “...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Textile
Mid-Victorian Moorish wrought & cast iron pergola or decorative garden structure
Located in London, GB
A monumental Moorish mid-Victorian wrought iron Pergola or Decorative Garden Structure, a unique masterpiece in High Victorian Ironwork design. Our research confirms it is French, da...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century European Moorish Architectural Elements
Materials
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Vintage Paolo Soleri Massive Bronze Bell Wind Chime 1970s
By Paolo Soleri, Arcosanti
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
This is a vintage PAOLO SOLERI wind bell from the 1970s. The bell is made from cast bronze and copper. It was produced at Arcosanti, Mayer, AZ.
Bell element with two Arcosanti cipher...
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Garden Ornaments
Materials
Bronze
Paolo Soleri Wind Chime
By Paolo Soleri
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Paolo Soleri Bronze Wind Chime
A complicated Triple form
Pleasant tone
Original surface.
Category
Vintage 1950s American Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Paolo Soleri , brutalist bronze wind chime bell sculpture , for Arcosanti .
By Paolo Soleri, Arcosanti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful verdigris patina in this Paolo Soleri wind chime bell .Marked with the square design .
Category
Late 20th Century American Post-Modern Garden Ornaments
Materials
Bronze
H 22 in W 4.5 in D 4.5 in
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Cosanti Bell For Sale on 1stDibs
At 1stDibs, there are many versions of the ideal cosanti bell for your home. A cosanti bell — often made from metal, bronze and ceramic — can elevate any home. Whether you’re looking for an older or newer cosanti bell, there are earlier versions available from the 20th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 20th Century. A cosanti bell, designed in the Mid-Century Modern style, is generally a popular piece of furniture.
How Much is a Cosanti Bell?
Prices for a cosanti bell start at $350 and top out at $4,600 with the average selling for $550.
Paolo Soleri for sale on 1stDibs
Paolo Soleri, the founder of Cosanti and Arcosanti, was an important artist, architect, philosopher and urban planner.
A Close Look at Mid-century Modern Furniture
Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. The style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, is characterized by pieces that were conceived and made in an energetic, optimistic spirit by creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living.
ORIGINS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
- Emerged during the mid-20th century
- Informed by European modernism, Bauhaus, International style, Scandinavian modernism and Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture
- A heyday of innovation in postwar America
- Experimentation with new ideas, new materials and new forms flourished in Scandinavia, Italy, the former Czechoslovakia and elsewhere in Europe
CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
- Simplicity, organic forms, clean lines
- A blend of neutral and bold Pop art colors
- Use of natural and man-made materials — alluring woods such as teak, rosewood and oak; steel, fiberglass and molded plywood
- Light-filled spaces with colorful upholstery
- Glass walls and an emphasis on the outdoors
- Promotion of functionality
MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
- Charles and Ray Eames
- Eero Saarinen
- Milo Baughman
- Florence Knoll
- Harry Bertoia
- Isamu Noguchi
- George Nelson
- Danish modernists Hans Wegner and Arne Jacobsen, whose emphasis on natural materials and craftsmanship influenced American designers and vice versa
ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS
- Eames lounge chair
- Nelson daybed
- Florence Knoll sofa
- Egg chair
- Womb chair
- Noguchi coffee table
- Barcelona chair
VINTAGE MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS
The mid-century modern era saw leagues of postwar American architects and designers animated by new ideas and new technology. The lean, functionalist International-style architecture of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus eminences Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius had been promoted in the United States during the 1930s by Philip Johnson and others. New building techniques, such as “post-and-beam” construction, allowed the International-style schemes to be realized on a small scale in open-plan houses with long walls of glass.
Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century modern furniture designs. Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen, who had experimented extensively with molded plywood, eagerly embraced fiberglass for pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair, respectively.
Architect, writer and designer George Nelson created with his team shades for the Bubble lamp using a new translucent polymer skin and, as design director at Herman Miller, recruited the Eameses, Alexander Girard and others for projects at the legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer.
Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi devised chairs and tables built of wire mesh and wire struts. Materials were repurposed too: The Danish-born designer Jens Risom created a line of chairs using surplus parachute straps for webbed seats and backrests.
The Risom lounge chair was among the first pieces of furniture commissioned and produced by celebrated manufacturer Knoll, a chief influencer in the rise of modern design in the United States, thanks to the work of Florence Knoll, the pioneering architect and designer who made the firm a leader in its field. The seating that Knoll created for office spaces — as well as pieces designed by Florence initially for commercial clients — soon became desirable for the home.
As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century furniture designers caught the spirit.
Classically oriented creators such as Edward Wormley, house designer for Dunbar Inc., offered such pieces as the sinuous Listen to Me chaise; the British expatriate T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings switched gears, creating items such as the tiered, biomorphic Mesa table. There were Young Turks such as Paul McCobb, who designed holistic groups of sleek, blond wood furniture, and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in minimalist teak dining tables and lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.
Generations turn over, and mid-century modern remains arguably the most popular style going. As the collection of vintage mid-century modern chairs, dressers, coffee tables and other furniture for the living room, dining room, bedroom and elsewhere on 1stDibs demonstrates, this period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.