Modern & Post-Modern Design Online
Description:
Eero Saarinen (Finnish American, 1910-1961) for Knoll International Tulip Dining Table, Italy, c. 1960, russo levanto marble and enameled aluminum, manufacturer's "bowtie" label, ht. 29, wd. 96 1/2, dp. 54 1/4 in.
Note: Saarinen was the son of architect and Cranbrook Academy of Art director Eliel Saarinen and textile artist Loja Saarinen. In 1930, he enrolled in the Yale architecture program. In 1934, he returned to Michigan to teach at Cranbrook, work on furniture designs, and practice architecture with his father. At Cranbrook, he met Charles Eames, collaborating on several projects, the most notable being a collection of molded plywood chairs for the MoMA-sponsored 1940 Organic Design in Home Furnishings competition. Their collection was awarded first prize in all categories, catapulting the young designers to the forefront of the American modern furniture movement.
Saarinen also met Florence Knoll at Cranbrook. When Florence joined Knoll in the 1940s, she invited Eero to design for the company. Over the next 15 years Saarinen designed many of the most recognizable Knoll pieces, including the Tulip chairs and tables, the Womb chair, and the 70 series seating collection.
Estimate $3,000-5,000
Good to very good original condition. No chips to edge of top. Some minor enamel loss at the edge of the base.
Items may have wear and tear, imperfections, or the effects of aging. Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.
Keywords
Knoll International, Charles Eames, Eliel Saarinen, ItalyStephen L. Fletcher
Partner/Executive Vice President and Chief Auctioneer
Director of American Furniture & Decorative Arts
508-970-3000
Elizabeth Haff
Specialist, American & European Works of Art
Old Masters & 19th Century
508-970-3206
Stuart Slavid
Senior Vice President
Director of Fine Ceramics
Director of Fine Silver
Director of European Furniture & Decorative Arts
508-970-3203
Christopher D. Fox
Vice President
Director, Historic Arms & Militaria
Associate Deputy Director, American Furniture & Decorative Arts
508-970-3200
Kathleen M. Leland
Specialist, American & European Works of Art
Modern & Contemporary Art
508-970-3206
James Leighton
Specialist, American & European Works of Art
Fine Photographs
508-970-3206
Stephanie Opolski
Appraiser
508-970-3000
20th Century Design
With an eye for excellent design and superior quality, the 20th Century Design department curates auctions of furnishings, ceramics, glass, lighting, and art by the top tier of modern and contemporary designers.