German furniture designer Tommi Parzinger brought high-style modernism to the forefront. Taking a vivid, stylized approach to mid-century furniture, many of his works feature boldly colored lacquers and offbeat finishes that make his pieces stand out among the works of his peers. Despite his uniquely progressive vision, Parzinger showed equal expertise in producing fine, traditional furnishings.
Born in Munich, Parzinger moved to New York City in 1932. He began his practice in the United States by designing for the Manhattan style trailblazer Rena Rosenthal. In 1939, he established his first company, which split its focus between handcrafted silver household items — such as tea sets and barware — and home furnishings, like dining tables and cabinets. In his first year in business, Parzinger exhibited several pieces of furniture at the 1939 New York World’s Fair.
A master craftsman, Parzinger sought out the most exceptional materials for his furniture, employing the finest woods — like mahogany and walnut — as well as including custom brass hardware and pewter inlays.
His silver works presented an elevated level of style and grace. A November 1939 article in LIFE magazine described Parzinger as “the most creative original designer of silverware in the United States.”
While he was still running his own business — creating 12 to 30 new designs each year — Charak Furniture Company appointed Parzinger as its head of modern furniture design. He modernized Charak’s design approach from a more traditional form to a mid-century modern style.
In the mid-1960s, Parzinger stopped designing furniture, turning his company over to his friend Donald Cameron. He shifted his attention to paintings, which he created until his death in 1981.
On 1stDibs, find a broad selection of vintage Tommi Panzinger tables, lighting, storage pieces and more.
Pair of Bitossi Table Lamps, Ceramic, 24K Metallic Gold, Pebbled, Italy, 1960s
By Bitossi
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Bitossi Table Lamps, Ceramic, 24K Metallic Gold, Pebbled, Italy, 1960s. Pair of cylindrical table lamps with stepped necks and stippled textured bodies. The Bitossi factory m...
Ceramic
Ben Seibel Stirrup Bookends, Brass, Jenfred-Ware, Raymor, Signed
By Raymor, Ben Seibel, Jenfred Ware
Located in New York, NY
Ben Seibel Stirrup bookends, brass, Jenfred-Ware, Raymor, signed. A very clean pair with original bright warm brass finish with some minor age spotting. Impressed signatures: Jenfred...
Brass
Donald Deskey Andirons by Bennett Co., Brass & Steel, Mid-Century
By Bennett Co., Donald Deskey
Located in New York, NY
Donald Deskey andirons, brass, signed Bennett. Newly refinished by Empire Metal of Astoria, NY. Completely disassembled and built back better. Brass elements were refinished in "Butl...
Brass, Steel
Donald Deskey Style Andirons, Brass Buckles, Wrought Iron, 1968
By Donald Deskey
Located in New York, NY
Donald Deskey style andirons, brass buckles and wrought iron. Handsome pair of modernist andirons with square brass buckle fronts, semicircle bases and wr...
Brass, Steel
1960's Gerold Porzellan Vase, Metallic Gold, Signed
By Gerold Porzellan
Located in New York, NY
Gerold Porzellan gold vase, porcelain metallic, signed. Nicely proportioned small scale vase glazed in metallic gold with a flared lip, bulbous body, and footed base. The interior an...
Porcelain
Mid-Century Modern Stewart Ross James Table Lamps by Hansen Lamps New York 1960s
By Hansen Lighting Co.
Located in New York, NY
Mid-Century Modern Stewart Ross James Table Lamps by Hansen Lamps New York 1960s. Pair of tall hourglass-form table lamps in gilt metal with a gold oil-rubbed finish, original porcel...
Bronze
Pair of Tommi Parzinger Brass Candleholders Made by Dorlyn-Silversmiths
By Tommi Parzinger, Dorlyn Silversmiths
Located in St. Louis, MO
Pair of Tommi Parzinger brass candleholders, made by Dorlyn-Silversmiths, circa 1950s. Candleholders appear to have little or no use. Branded made by Dorlyn-Silversmiths. Minor patina.
Brass
2 Tommi Parzinger Dorlyn Silversmiths Solid Brass Candlesticks Candle Holders 7"
By Dorlyn Silversmiths
Located in Dayton, OH
Pair of circa 1950's-1960's solid brass candlesticks / single taper candlestick holders, designed by Tommi Parzinger, made by Dorlyn Silversmiths. Square base with vase shaped body l...
Brass
Tommi Parzinger Brass Candlesticks, Mid-Century Modern, Polished, USA
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in New York, NY
Pair of midcentury classically styled candlesticks with a square base stylized column and engraved drip plate. Designed by Tommi Parzinger, signature stamp on bottom. Polished.
Brass
Pair of Tommi Parzinger Brass Candleholders Made by Dorlyn Silversmiths
By Dorlyn Silversmiths, Tommi Parzinger
Located in San Diego, CA
Elegant pair of Tommi Parzinger solid polished brass candleholders made by Dorlyn Silversmiths New York, a nice clean condition some patina.
Brass
Pair Tommi Parzinger Solid Brass Handled Candlesticks For Dorlyn Silversmiths
By Dorlyn Silversmiths, Tommi Parzinger
Located in Doraville, GA
DESCRIPTION A pair of solid brass handled chamber sticks designed by Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths. The candlesticks stand approximately 10 5/8 inches tall and the base is...
Brass
Pair Tommi Parzinger Solid Brass Candlesticks For Dorlyn Silversmiths
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Doraville, GA
DESCRIPTION A pair of solid brass candlesticks designed by Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths. The candlesticks stand approximately 10 5/8 inches tall and the base is 5 1/2 inches at the top of the lip of the base. One candlesticks is embossed with the P*R Tommi Parzinger insignia. BIOGRAPHY OF DESIGNER Tommi Anton Parzinger (1903–1981) was a German interior designer; a lighting, accessories and furniture designer and an artist. Born in Munich in 1903, Parzinger was raised in an artistic family, he studied at the Kunstgewebeschule, focusing his art studies on ceramic, glass, metal and wood crafts , as well as painting. Parzinger immigrated to New York City in 1932, his first job in America was as a designer for Rena Rosenthal, designing metalware and crystel to be sold at her trend setting Madison Avenue shop. During his tenure at Rena Rosenthal Parzinger began creating furniture and accessories to accompany his celebrated work in brass and crystal. His interest in these ancillary pieces grew steadily throughout the 1930’s and in 1938 he took a position designing furniture for Charak in Boston. In 1939 he opened Parzinger Originals, designing custom furnishings for clients and commissioned custom interiors. Parzinger's designs were labeled "high-style modernism", which represented a more idiosyncratic, rarefied midcentury design style. His cosmopolitan designs involved costly, craft-intensive materials and processes using brass accents and lacquer. As his business grew, Parzinger continued his work in graphic design, fashioning packaging, fabrics and wallpapers . He also continued to design furniture, lighting, and accessories for other companies, including Reed and Barton, Lightolier, Salterini Hofstatter, and Dorlyn. In the 1940’s Donald Cameron became his partner and expanded the company with locations at 32 East 57th Street, 601 Fifth Avenue, and 441 Madison Avenue. His designs were used by famous clients such as Billy Baldwin, Marilyn Monroe, members of the DuPont family...
Brass
