Exceptional Mahogany + Ivory Lacquer Brass Accented Armoire by Tommi Parzinger
An exceptional armoire or wardrobe by German designer and artist Tommi Parzinger, exemplary of his iconic "high-style modernist" aesthetic. Taking a vivid, stylized approach to mid-century furniture, this unrivaled piece boasts fine-grained, solid mahogany panels and sumptuous ivory lacquered doors, with luxurious brass accents throughout. Diamond-shaped brass studs punctuate clean, modern lines. The stars of this piece are the impressive solid brass door handles.
This exquisitely tailored, dare I say, sexy, armoire, opens to reveal a fitted interior with seven pull-out drawers and two spacious shelves in the same ivory lacquer that wraps the outside. Each drawer has a different configuration of compartments. The doors close with a magnetic latch at the top at bottom. One of five variations known to be made of this model. Branded Parzinger Originals on the interior of drawer. Designed by Tommi Parzinger and produced by Parzinger Originals, USA, 1950s.
TOMMI PARZINGER: Parzinger (b. Munich, Germany, 1903- 1981) was born into an artistic family which led to his studies at at the Kunstgewebeschule, a vocational arts school, where he focused on ceramic, glass, metal, and woodwork, as well on painting. He fled Germany before WWII and settled in New York, where he began designing silverware for Rena Rosenthal at her Madison Avenue shop. While there he began creating furniture and accessories to accompany his celebrated work in brass and crystal.
His interest in these ancillary pieces grew steadily throughout the 1930s, and in 1938 he took a position designing furniture at Charak in Boston. After exhibiting his furniture at the 1939 New York World's Fair, he launched his company and showroom under the name “Parzinger Originals,” located at 54 East 57th Street in Manhattan.
Parzinger began to draw acclaim because of his attention to decoration and his touch of elevated luxury to the pared down aesthetic brought to America by, among others, former Bauhaus designers. Unlike his German born contemporaries, Parzinger’s work was adorned in lacquer and lush woods, often brilliantly colored, and embellished in specially designed hardware. By combining sleek design with lavish embellishment, the designer earned a reputation for producing a glamorous new kind of modernist furniture.
During the 1940s, in addition to his work for other companies, Parzinger produced anywhere from a dozen to thirty pieces yearly for Parzinger Originals, mostly on commission, but some to sell off of the floor. His repertoire of famous clients included Billy Baldwin, Marilyn Monroe, Arthur Miller, and the Rockefellers, among others.
Throughout his career Parzinger painted every morning before work. In his later years, this hobby became his passion, and became his primary focus. For the last fifteen years of his life he did little else, creating a great body of abstract expressionist paintings.
DIMENSIONS: 78 H x 51.25 W x 20.5 D inches
CONDITION: In original vintage condition, with wear commensurate of age and use. Some drawer interiors have staining. There are scuffs along the sides and bottom moulding. The magnetic latch on the right door panel is loose and prevents the door from closing evenly at the top. The three ornamental pieces of wood that should adorn the top piece of moulding (one at each corner and one in the middle) are missing. We believe these may have been damaged in a previous move and may have been taken off, rather than restored, by the previous owner. This does not affect the overall aesthetic of the piece. There is slight yellowing to some areas of ivory lacquer, especially on the front door panels, and some areas show subtle lifting or crackling, which is to be expected for its age. Please do not hesitate to reach out for additional photos.
Tear Sheets Are Available For Trade Members.
Shipping + Delivery:
STORIED offers local and nationwide shipping services. International shipping can be coordinated on an as needed basis. Shipping is not included in the price of the item. Please contact us for shipping quotes prior to your purchase.
Questions?
Email us: hello@storiedartandhome.com