As a company that produced many of the most famous and iconic furniture designs of the 20th century, Knoll was a chief influence in the rise of modern design in the United States. Led by Florence Knoll, the firm would draw stellar talents such as Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Eero Saarinen into its compass. Their work would help change the face of the American home and office.
The company was formed in 1938 by the German immigrant Hans Knoll. He first worked with his fellow ex-pat, the Danish designer Jens Risom, who created furniture with flowing lines made of wood. While Risom served in World War II, in 1943 Knoll met his future wife, Florence Schust. She had studied and worked with eminent emigré leaders of the Bauhaus, including Mies, Walter Gropius and Marcel Breuer. She won Knoll over with Bauhaus notions of industrial arts, and an aesthetic that featured flat and tubular metal frames and angular forms. When Hans died in a car crash in 1955, Florence Knoll was appointed head of the company. It was as much through her holistic approach to design — a core division of the firm was dedicated to planning office systems — as Knoll's mid-century modern furnishings themselves that she brought about the sleek and efficient transformation of the American workplace.
Today, classic Knoll furnishings remain staples of modern design collections and decor. A history of modern design is written in pieces such as the elegant Barcelona chair — created by Mies and Lilly Reich — Saarinen’s pedestal Tulip chair, Breuer’s tubular steel Wassily lounge chair and the grid-patterned Diamond chair by Harry Bertoia.
As you can see from the collection of these designs and other vintage Knoll dining chairs, sofas and tables on 1stDibs, this manufacturer's offerings have become timeless emblems of the progressive spirit and sleek sophistication of the best of modernism.
Red Travertine "Piedouche" Vide Poche - France 1970's
Located in New York, NY
Empty red travertine bowl on a pedestal base. Solid turned and polished stone. Felt lining under the base. In good vintage condition.
Travertine
Brick Red Travertine "Piedouche" Minimalist Fruit Bowl, Italy 1970's
Located in New York, NY
Red travertine decoratibe bowl. Can be used as a fruit bowl or as a purely decorative artefact or vide-poches. In good vintage condition. This piece will ship from France and can b...
Travertine
Decorative Solide Bronze Rock Shaped Vide Poche by Monique Gerber - France 1970s
By Monique Gerber
Located in New York, NY
Iconic solid bronze trinket tray by Monique Gerber. France, 1970s. Shaped like a rock. Large model no. 517 in the catalogue of the publisher L'Art du Bronze. Patina on all surfaces....
Bronze
Elegant Brutalist Container in Solide Bronze, France, 1970s
By Michel Jaubert
Located in New York, NY
In the style of Michel Jaubert. Unique piece.
Bronze
Solid Bronze & Black Enamel "Perspective" Vide Poches - France 1970s
Located in New York, NY
Unique sculptural square bronze container with tilted black enamel sides. In good vintage condition. Very heavy. This vide-poches will ship from France and can be returned to either ...
Bronze
Gilt Textured Cast Aluminum Vide Poche Vessel - Germany 1970's
Located in New York, NY
Brutalist-style valet tray in molded and textured aluminum. Gold finish with iridescent accents. Patina on all surfaces. Minor surface scratches. This vessel will ship from France an...
Aluminum
Italian 1960s small red travertine stone and brass trim bowl
Located in Milan, IT
Italian 1960s small red travertine stone and brass trim bowl.
Travertine, Brass
Angelo Mangiarotti, red marble centerpiece / bowl, Knoll Internat. Italy, 1970s
By Angelo Mangiarotti
Located in Firenze, IT
Luxury red Verona marble centerpiece / bowl designed by Angelo Mangiarotti, manufactured by Knoll International Italy, 1970s 25.5 diam. x 5.5 cm h Conditions: Excellent, no defects
Marble
Sergio Asti Italian Red Marble Bowl, Mid-Century Modern, 1970s Design
By Sergio Asti
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
This refined Sergio Asti bowl in Italian red marble (marmo rosso) embodies the warmth, material richness and organic softness typical of 1970s Itali...
Marble
Midcentury Round Vide-Poche in Travertine by Fratelli Mannelli, Italy 1970s
By Fratelli Mannelli
Located in Rome, IT
Midcentury amazing round vide-poche or centerpiece in travertine by Fratelli Mannelli. Made in Italy in the 1970s. The original label is still attached as shown in the pictures.
Travertine
Travertine and Brass Ashtray, France, 1960s
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Travertine and brass ashtray, France, 1960s. An elegant modernist ashtray crafted from solid travertine and featuring a brass dome, typical of 1960s French design. The combination of the cream-toned natural stone and the gilded brass creates a refined contrast characteristic of Mid-Century aesthetics. Its simple geometric shape highlights the travertine's natural veins and cavities, making each piece unique. Beyond its original purpose, this ashtray can also be used as a catchall for jewelry, keys, or small everyday items. A timeless decorative object, it complements both vintage and contemporary interiors. Style : Mid-Century Modern Modernist Minimalist Vintage Hollywood Regency Key Features : Solid travertine Brass dish Clean geometric shape Natural stone with unique variations Made in France Use as an ashtray or trinket tray France, 1960s Keywords : travertine ashtray, brass ashtray, stone ashtray, mid-century ashtray, vintage ashtray, travertine decor, brass decor object, modernist ashtray, French vintage decor, Hollywood Regency decor, travertine ashtray, brass ashtray, stone trinket tray, vintage decorative object, 1960s decor...
Travertine, Brass
Travertine & brass vide poche / ashtray, Cerri Nestore, Italy, 1970s
By Cerri Nestore
Located in Firenze, IT
Travertine & brass vide poche / ashtray Manufactured by CN Cerri Nestore, Italy, 1970s. H 5 cm Diam. 20cm Conditions: excellent consistent with age and use.
Travertine, Brass
