Willy Guhl Vases and Vessels
Swiss, 1915-2004
Decades prior to the mass popularity of neo-industrial cement floors and furniture taking shape, there was Willy Guhl. The Swiss creative is considered one of the first “industrial” designers in his home country. He pioneered a rugged, organic style of modern furniture and decor — stylish planters, shapely seating and lots more — that remains widely coveted by many today.
Guhl was born in 1915 in Stein am Rhein and worked as a carpenter before beginning studies at the Zurich School of Applied Arts (known today as the Zurich University of the Arts), where he would go on to teach for nearly 40 years.
While Guhl is well-known for his range of provocative garden elements as well as his patio and outdoor furniture, today’s legion of mid-century modern enthusiasts are likely familiar with the designer’s iconic Loop chair (introduced in 1954). For this sculptural seat and other furnishings, Guhl tended toward industrial materials, which he bent and shaped into organic forms for a striking juxtaposition. Much of his work is crafted from either concrete or Eternit, a mixture of cement and asbestos developed by the Belgian company Etex, which, in the 1950s, commissioned Guhl and his students at the School of Applied Arts to conceive planters in the material. The resulting vessels — some hourglass-shaped, some in the form of handkerchiefs, all suitable for indoors or exteriors — remain some of Guhl’s most collectible pieces.
Guhl’s affiliation with the Swiss “neo-functional” movement centered on the idea of simplifying design without sacrificing form. According to Guhl, his mission was “achieving the most with the minimum of effort.”
In addition to his work as a designer, Guhl left his mark on subsequent creatives through his 39-year tenure at his alma mater, where he was instructor to the likes of Robert Haussmann, Kurt Thut and Bruno Rey. Modern-day shoppers at IKEA owe Guhl a debt of gratitude too. He was an early advocate of flat-pack furniture, championing its ability to make good design more widely accessible.
At its core, though, Guhl’s work was inherently human-centric: “At the center of my efforts, I put people and their living requirements,” he once said. “My products must be useful to people.” Guhl died in 2004 at the age of 89.
Find a range of vintage Willy Guhl furniture and decorative objects on 1stDibs.
to
10
42
42
38
4
4
26
3
27
1
42
41
25
16
3
35
5
39
39
2
2
Height
to
Width
to
42
42
42
373
1,149
558
412
388
Creator: Willy Guhl
1950s Willy Guhl "Vasque" Cement Planter for Eternit
By Eternit, Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1950s "Vasque" cement planter designed by Willy Guhl for Eternit. Planter has a large wide bowl with pedestal base. In original condition with visible wear consistent with its age an...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Willy Guhl Vases and Vessels
Materials
Cement
Willy Guhl for Eternit Large Rectangle Concrete Outdoor Handle Planter
By Eternit, Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This designer on-trend architectural rectangular concrete planter is by Swiss architect Willy Guhl for Eternit, crafted circa 1968, Switze...
Category
1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Guhl Vases and Vessels
Materials
Concrete
1950s Willy Guhl "Vasque" Cement Planter for Eternit
By Eternit, Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1950s "Vasque" cement planter designed by Willy Guhl for Eternit. Planter has a large wide bowl with pedestal base. In original condition with visible wear consistent with its age an...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Willy Guhl Vases and Vessels
Materials
Cement
Willy Guhl Concrete Vase, 1960s Switzerland
By Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful concrete vases by Willy Guhl. Thick walls with years of patina both hand painted in a matte white paint. Delicate and classic lines that start with a thin tapered base and ...
Category
1960s Swiss Vintage Willy Guhl Vases and Vessels
Materials
Cement
Set of 4 Modular Willy Guhl Corner Planter Set
By Willy Guhl
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Concrete set of 4 triangular planters that together form a round shape -
2 taller planters with cross shaped pattern on front the front 2
Great patina sculptural garden object
Pr...
Category
1960s Swiss Vintage Willy Guhl Vases and Vessels
Materials
Concrete
Willy Guhl for Eternit Large Rectangle Concrete Outdoor Planter, 1970s, Signed
By Eternit, Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This designer on-trend architectural 25.75" long rectangular concrete planter is by Swiss architect Willy Guhl for Eternit, crafted in the 1970s Switzerland and signed and dated underneath. This special low-profile and rare long sized rectangle-shaped concrete planter has a patinated natural exterior finish and organic aging over decades of UK climate. Excellent planter size for a variety of various uses such as succulents, plants, weeping grass with the planter on a Stand, balcony privacy hedge, or any other outdoor decorative use.
Consider using this Willy Guhl Concrete Planter Pot...
Category
1970s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Guhl Vases and Vessels
Materials
Concrete
Willy Guhl Concrete Bowl Planters
By Willy Guhl
Located in grand Lancy, CH
Willy Guhl Concrete Bowl Planters , one is little damage see photo
Category
1950s Swiss Vintage Willy Guhl Vases and Vessels
Materials
Concrete
Willy Guhl for Eternit Large Rectangle Concrete Outdoor Planter, 1968, Signed
By Eternit, Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This designer on-trend architectural rectangular concrete planter is by Swiss architect Willy Guhl for Eternit, crafted in 1968 Switzerlan...
Category
1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Guhl Vases and Vessels
Materials
Concrete
Willy Guhl for Eternit Large Rectangle Window / Balcony Concrete Planter, Signed
By Eternit, Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This designer on-trend architectural 23.5" long rectangular concrete planter is by Swiss architect Willy Guhl for Eternit, crafted in the 1960s and 1970s Switzerland and signed and dated underneath, circa 1968. This special low-profile and rare long sized rectangle-shaped concrete planter has a patinated natural exterior finish and organic aging over decades of UK climate. Excellent planter size for a variety of various uses such as succulents, plants, weeping grass with the planter on a stand, window or balcony privacy hedge, or any other outdoor decorative use.
Consider using this Willy Guhl Concrete Planter Pot in a Architectural, Postmodern, Mid-Century Modern, Scandinavian Modern or Danish modern garden, yard or penthouse apartment balcony but could also look fantastic in a Contemporary or Zen / Minimalism setting. Also consider mixing it up in a Traditional, Transitional, Classical or Art Deco space with a splash of juxtaposition. Would also be an apt choice in a commercial project such as an outdoor hotel lobby lounge or members club, creative design studio or high-rise executive office balcony.
MEASUREMENTS:
H 6.875" x W 23.5" x D 6.875"
CONDITION:
Sturdy and structurally sound. Has beautiful antiquing and patina throughout from decades of organic aging which can include minor chipping, stains or other blemishes however this lightly distressed look is common, expected and desirable for these early production originals. Some examples may display light...
Category
1970s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Guhl Vases and Vessels
Materials
Concrete
Willy Guhl Planter on Stand
By Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Willy Guhl for Eternit 47" planter on stand.
Floating saucer planter on base.
Sculptural garden vessel.
The base can be flipped upside down for u...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Willy Guhl Vases and Vessels
Materials
Concrete
Willy Guhl Tray
By Willy Guhl
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Wonderful Willy Guhl rectangle tabletop planters - perfect for succulents
Great original patina
Priced Individually.
Large Rectangle: 14"D x 19.5"W x 2.75"H
Small Rectangle: 9.7...
Category
1960s Swiss Vintage Willy Guhl Vases and Vessels
Materials
Concrete
Willy Guhl Concrete Vase, 1969, Switzerland
By Willy Guhl, Eternit
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fantastic concrete vases by Swiss architect Willy Guhl for Eternit. Great tabletop vase or planter in a stunning natural patina. Very unusual shape. Great indoors or outside. Each pl...
Category
1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Guhl Vases and Vessels
Materials
Concrete
Willy Guhl for Eternit Rectangle Concrete Outdoor Handle Planter, circa 1968
By Eternit, Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This designer on-trend architectural 23.5" long rectangular concrete planter is by Swiss architect Willy Guhl for Eternit, crafted circa 1...
Category
1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Guhl Vases and Vessels
Materials
Concrete
Willy Guhl Concrete Vase, 1960s Switzerland
By Eternit, Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fantastic set of vases by Swiss architect Willy Guhl for Eternit. Great tabletop vase or planter in a unique weathered hand painted patina. Very unusual shape. Great indoors or outsi...
Category
1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Guhl Vases and Vessels
Materials
Concrete
Willy Guhl for Eternit Rectangle Concrete Outdoor Handle Planter, circa 1968
By Willy Guhl, Eternit
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This designer on-trend architectural rectangular concrete planter is by Swiss architect Willy Guhl for Eternit, crafted circa 1968 Switzer...
Category
1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Guhl Vases and Vessels
Materials
Concrete
Swiss Planter by Willy Guhl, Produced by Eternit Brazil, 1960s
By Willy Guhl, Eternit
Located in New York, NY
This vase is part of the series of Eternit fiber-cement vases designed by Willy Guhl (1915–2004), the industrial design pioneer in Switzerland who also created the remarkable Loop ch...
Category
1950s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Guhl Vases and Vessels
Materials
Cement
60's willy gulh pot planter with patina
By Willy Guhl
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
"Marmite” planter by Swiss designer Willy Guhl, produced by Eternite in the 50s and 60s. Fiber cement cauldron-shaped structure resting on three feet. Very nice patina from the passa...
Category
1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Guhl Vases and Vessels
Materials
Cement
Willy Guhl Square Planter
By Willy Guhl
Located in West Hollywood, CA
A truly exceptional piece for collectors and vintage enthusiasts - the rare vintage square willy guhl planter. With its unique and uncommon design, this planter is a true gem that is...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Willy Guhl Vases and Vessels
Materials
Cement
Willy Guhl for Eternit Rectangle Concrete Outdoor Handle Planter, circa 1968
By Eternit, Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This designer on-trend architectural rectangular concrete planter is by Swiss architect Willy Guhl for Eternit, crafted circa 1968 Switzer...
Category
1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Guhl Vases and Vessels
Materials
Concrete
Willy Guhl Saucer Planter on Stand
By Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
31" Willy Guhl saucer planter on stand for Eternit
Floating saucer planter on base
Sculptural garden vessel
The base can be flipped upside down for use ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Willy Guhl Vases and Vessels
Materials
Concrete
Monumental Willy Guhl Concrete Vase, 1960s Switzerland
By Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Immense concrete vase by Willy Guhl in a cream patina. Extremely rare model. Made of fiber cement. Decades of patina, moss and paint. Colors vary from cream and white to grey and bro...
Category
1960s Swiss Vintage Willy Guhl Vases and Vessels
Materials
Cement
Willy Guhl for Eternit Large Rectangle Concrete Outdoor Planter, 1970s, Signed
By Eternit, Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This designer on-trend architectural rectangular concrete planter is by Swiss architect Willy Guhl for Eternit, crafted in the 1970s Switz...
Category
1970s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Guhl Vases and Vessels
Materials
Concrete
Willy Guhl Concrete Vase, 1960s Switzerland
By Eternit, Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fantastic concrete vase by Swiss architect Willy Guhl for Eternit. Great tabletop vase or planter in a unique weathered hand painted patina. Very unusual shape. Great indoors or outs...
Category
1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Guhl Vases and Vessels
Materials
Concrete
Willy Guhl for Eternit Large Rectangle Concrete Outdoor Handle Planter
By Eternit, Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This designer on-trend architectural 23.5" long rectangular concrete planter is by Swiss architect Willy Guhl for Eternit, crafted circa 1...
Category
1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Guhl Vases and Vessels
Materials
Concrete
Willy Guhl Cauldron
By Willy Guhl
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Wonderful cauldron "Marmite" planter designed by Willy Guhl for Eternit
Fantastic patina with bulbous shape and 2 handles
Switzerland, 1960s
Category
1960s Swiss Vintage Willy Guhl Vases and Vessels
Materials
Concrete
Monumental Willy Guhl Concrete Vase, 1960s Switzerland
By Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Immense concrete vase by Willy Guhl in an adobe patina. Extremely rare model. Made of fiber cement. Decades of patina, moss and paint. Colors vary from adobe and white to green and d...
Category
1960s Swiss Vintage Willy Guhl Vases and Vessels
Materials
Cement
Willy Guhl Concrete Vase, 1960s Switzerland
By Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Spectacular concrete vase by Willy Guhl. Extremely rare model. Slightly tapered neck with pronounced lip spout. Made of fiber cement. Painted in a beige color with years of patina. Beautiful texture and color with great presence. Excellent condition. Drainage holes in the base. Two available. Priced individually.
Images 1-10 planter...
Category
1960s Swiss Vintage Willy Guhl Vases and Vessels
Materials
Cement
1960s Large Red Willy Guhl Rectangular Concrete Planter
By Willy Guhl
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Crafted by willy guhl in switzerland during the 1960s, these rectangular concrete box planters exhibit a weathered rich red paint, adorned with a beautifully aged patina.
Measuremen...
Category
1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Guhl Vases and Vessels
Materials
Cement
Monumental Willy Guhl Concrete Vase, 1960s Switzerland
By Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Spectacular concrete vase by Willy Guhl. Extremely rare model. Slightly tapered neck with pronounced lip spout. Made of fiber cement. Decades of patina, moss and paint. Colors vary f...
Category
1960s Swiss Vintage Willy Guhl Vases and Vessels
Materials
Cement
Willy Guhl Sculptural Concrete Vase, 1960s Switzerland
By Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning concrete vase by Willy Guhl. Just under three feet tall. Extremely rare model. Made of fiber cement. Decades of patina and moss/ lichen. Colors vary from grey to white and c...
Category
1960s Swiss Vintage Willy Guhl Vases and Vessels
Materials
Cement
Willy Guhl Concrete Vases
By Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Unique set of concrete sculptures by Swiss architect Willy Guhl. Concrete vases/planters rarely seen. Cool sculptural piece for indoors or outside. Great standalone piece of art. Gre...
Category
1960s Swiss Vintage Willy Guhl Vases and Vessels
Materials
Concrete
Concrete trough planters
By Willy Guhl
Located in grand Lancy, CH
Concrete trough planters by Swiss architect Willy Guhl.Factory drilled drainage holes. Perfect depth for narrow spaces. 1 available. Priced individually.
Category
1960s Swiss Vintage Willy Guhl Vases and Vessels
Materials
Concrete
Willy Guhl for Eternit Concrete Planters
By Willy Guhl
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of concrete Willy Guhl planters by Swiss architect Willy Guhl for Eternit, circa 1968.
Category
Late 20th Century Swiss Modern Willy Guhl Vases and Vessels
Materials
Concrete
Willy Guhl Pair of Troughs
By Willy Guhl
Located in Bloomfield Hills, MI
As of the mid-20th century, the work of Willy Guhl was a revolutionary feat of industry and design with a distinct style that transcends decades. True to form and function, Guhl work...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Willy Guhl Vases and Vessels
Materials
Composition
Tropical Planter by Willy Guhl, Produced by Eternit Brazil, 1960s
By Willy Guhl, Eternit
Located in New York, NY
This vase is part of the series of Eternit fiber-cement vases designed by Willy Guhl (1915–2004), the industrial design pioneer in Switzerland who also created the remarkable Loop ch...
Category
1950s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Guhl Vases and Vessels
Materials
Cement
Willy Guhl for Eternit Large Rectangle Concrete Outdoor Handle Planter
By Willy Guhl, Eternit
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This designer on-trend architectural 27.5" long rectangular concrete planter is by Swiss architect Willy Guhl for Eternit, crafted circa 1...
Category
1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Guhl Vases and Vessels
Materials
Concrete
Willy Guhl Rectangular or Window Box Planters
By Willy Guhl
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Set of four rectangular planters, designed Willy Guhl for Eternit. These sleek modern architectural garden pots are made from strong fiber cement with mineral elements. Lovely patina...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Willy Guhl Vases and Vessels
Materials
Concrete
60's willy gulh pot planter with patina
By Willy Guhl
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
"Marmite” planter by Swiss designer Willy Guhl, produced by Eternite in the 50s and 60s. Fiber cement cauldron-shaped structure resting on three feet. Very nice patina from the passa...
Category
1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Guhl Vases and Vessels
Materials
Cement
Large Willy Guhl Hourglass Planter
By Willy Guhl
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Wonderful concrete hourglass planters by the Swiss Architect, Willy Guhl.
Great age, patina and coloring.
Iconic sculptural planter or garden object.
Listing is for a 35.5"-37"...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Willy Guhl Vases and Vessels
Materials
Concrete
Willy Guhl Concrete Vase, 1960s Switzerland
By Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful concrete vase by Willy Guhl. Thick walls with years of patina in a soft blue color. Delicate and classic lines that start with a thin tapered base and rise to a billowed ou...
Category
1960s Swiss Vintage Willy Guhl Vases and Vessels
Materials
Cement
1960s Willy Guhl Vintage Red Planter
By Willy Guhl
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The willy guhl vintage red planter from the 1960s, crafted in switzerland. Its vibrant red hue and exquisite patina make it a sought-after collector's piec...
Category
1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Guhl Vases and Vessels
Materials
Cement
Pair of Willy Guhl Pots
By Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This pair of mid-century concrete pots, designed by the renowned Swiss designer Willy Guhl, embodies a striking synthesis of brutalist aesthetics and natural patina. These robust, ro...
Category
1950s Swiss Vintage Willy Guhl Vases and Vessels
Materials
Concrete
Willy Guhl vases and vessels for sale on 1stDibs.
Willy Guhl vases and vessels are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of stone and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Willy Guhl vases and vessels, although gray editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original vases and vessels by Willy Guhl were created in the mid-century modern style in europe during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider vases and vessels by and Eternit. Prices for Willy Guhl vases and vessels can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $425 and can go as high as $8,800, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $1,471.
Questions About Willy Guhl Vases and Vessels
- 1stDibs ExpertJanuary 10, 2025Willy Guhl planters are made out of a variety of materials. For these furnishings, Guhl tended toward industrial materials, which he bent and shaped into organic forms for a striking juxtaposition. Much of his work was crafted from either concrete or Eternit, a mixture of cement and asbestos developed by the Belgian company Etex, which, in the 1950s, commissioned Guhl and his students at the School of Applied Arts to conceive Guhl's now-acclaimed planters in the material. Find a selection of Willy Guhl planters on 1stDibs.
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Willy Guhl Furniture
Willy Guhl Bowls and Baskets
Willy Guhl Sculptures
Willy Guhl Boxes
Willy Guhl Building and Garden Elements
Willy Guhl Seating
Willy Guhl Lighting
Willy Guhl Tables
Willy Guhl Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Willy Guhl Mirrors
Willy Guhl Decorative Bowls
Willy Guhl Abstract Sculptures
Willy Guhl Decorative Boxes