Mid-Century Ebonized Walnut Night Stands/End Tables w/ Brass by Tommi Parzinger
Mid-Century Ebonized Walnut Night Stands/End Tables w/ Brass by Tommi Parzinger
Tommi Parzinger (1903-1981) was a celebrated German-born designer and artist known for his luxurious and meticulously crafted furniture, lighting, and home accessories that epitomized mid-century modern elegance. After emigrating to the United States in the 1930s, Parzinger quickly gained recognition for his sophisticated designs, which often featured clean lines, rich materials, and exquisite detailing, making him a favorite among high-end clients and tastemakers. His work left a lasting impact on American design, blending functionality with refined aesthetics and contributing significantly to the mid-century modern movement.
This sophisticated pair of mid-century modernist night stands or end tables, designed by the renowned Tommi Parzinger Circa 1950, showcases the elegance and craftsmanship for which Parzinger is celebrated. These American-made pieces are constructed from ebonized walnut, providing a rich, deep finish that highlights the fine grain of the wood.
Each table features round brass pulls with minimal starburst motif that offer a touch of luxurious warmth and contrast beautifully with the ebonized finish. The tables are topped with pristine white glass, adding a crisp, modern element that complements the overall design. With elegant saber style supports and beautiful proportions, these nightstands are versitile yet striking. Styling beautifully in a wide array of spaces and settings, from Mid-Century Modernist to Contemporary and Minimal Interiors. In Mint Restored Condition.
American, Circa 1950.
Dimensions:
Height: 23 in (58.42 cm) x Width: 28 in (71.12 cm) x Depth: 18 in (45.72 cm)
Creator: Tommi Parzinger (Maker)
Sold As: Set of 2
Style: Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques: Brass, Glass, Walnut
Place of Origin: United States
Period: 1950-1959
Date of Manufacture: circa 1950
Condition: Excellent. Refinished.
Reference Number: LU793444064632
TOMMI PARZINGER
Tommi Anton Parzinger (1903–1981) was a German furniture designer and painter, known for his distinctive "high-style modernism." Born in Munich in 1903, Parzinger moved to New York City in 1932, fleeing the rise of the Nazi regime. He began his design career by working for Rena Rosenthal, creating custom household silverware, before expanding into furniture design. Parzinger’s early works were known for their light, graceful design and fine etched decoration. He became renowned as the “most creative original designer of silverware in the United States” in the late 1930s.
In 1939, he established his own company, Parzinger Originals, focusing on both custom furniture and silverware. His works were featured in the 1939 New York World’s Fair and attracted high-profile clients, including Marilyn Monroe, Billy Baldwin, and the Rockefeller family. Parzinger's designs were noted for their luxurious craftsmanship and the use of expensive materials like brass and lacquer. His furniture collections typically consisted of 12 to 30 pieces per year, with many being bespoke commissions. Parzinger's unique style blended sleek modernist forms with intricate, high-end embellishments, setting his work apart from other designers of the era.
Throughout the 1940s, Parzinger continued to expand his influence, designing for other companies such as Reed and Barton, Lightolier, and Salterini Hofstatter. He partnered with Donald Cameron, and the business grew under the name Parzinger Originals, which had several locations, including 32 East 57th Street, 601 Fifth Avenue, and 441 Madison Avenue. His designs were a favorite among affluent clients, including celebrities, fashion icons, and the elite of New York.
During the final years of his life, Parzinger turned his attention to painting. His early interest in art had evolved into a passion for abstract expressionism. By the 1960s, he spent the last 15 years of his life dedicated to painting, no longer designing furniture. Parzinger passed away in 1981, and the company was handed over to his friend and business partner, Donald Cameron. Following his death, Parzinger Originals closed its doors.
Parzinger's legacy as a designer remains significant. He is remembered for his ability to blend modernist principles with luxurious ornamentation, creating a new kind of furniture that was both functional and artistic. His works continue to be admired for their innovation and craftsmanship. His art, alongside his furniture, remains a lasting testament to his creative vision and influence on mid-century design.
