Known for his intricate metal furniture, jewelry and housewares, Michael Aram is something of a throwback in the world of design: a hands-on maker, both artist and artisan. Aram’s idiosyncratic style and the inherent authenticity of each of his handmade designs have made him a favorite of contemporary collectors.
Aram — full name: Michael Aram Wolohojian — was born in Providence, Rhode Island, to a tight-knit Armenian family and grew up in Scarsdale, New York. He studied art in Florence, Italy, and at the Art Students League in New York.
While on a 1989 trip to India, Aram was exposed to metalworking traditions such as sand-casting and hand-forging, and he became entranced with these techniques. He stayed in the country to study metalsmithing and collaborated with local craftsmen on his own designs, and still maintains a workshop in New Delhi.
A few of Aram’s lines are based on simple geometric shapes, but the majority are inspired by nature, in particular trees, flowers and other plant life. Rendered in materials that range from silvered bronze to patinated brass to nickel-plated steel, Aram’s forms for such lines as Sleepy Hollow and Black Orchid are drawn directly from botanical sources. He is likely unusual among contemporary designers for sometimes using the same decorative motif for both furniture and tableware pieces but his works are warm, witty, well-made and unlike any you’ve seen before.
Find Michael Aram serveware, vases and other decorative objects and furniture on 1stDibs.
Silvered Metal Botanical Bowl with Branch Handle, 1970s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A sculptural Italian decorative bowl in silvered metal, designed with a textured surface and raised on small feet, featuring an organic branch-form handle adorned with finely detaile...
Metal
Michael Aram Black Orchid Bowl
By Michael Aram
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Elegant steel bowl features striking nickel-plated handle formed by long twisting stem of flowering orchid draped around the bowl. The dark color and organic, natural, Art Deco style...
Stainless Steel
Vintage Boho Michael Aram Lemonwood Nut Bowl
By Michael Aram
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This Vintage Boho Michael Aram Lemonwood Nut Bowl is a stunning blend of nature-inspired design and artisanal craftsmanship. Featuring a beautifully textured, hand-sculpted lemon bra...
Metal
$1,650
H 4.73 in W 13 in D 13 in
Sculptural Mid Century Italian Centerpiece in Hand Hammered Silver Plated Metal
Located in Meer, VAN
Sculptural Mid Century Italian Centerpiece in Hand Hammered and Silver Plated Metal 1960s This is a superb and large hand hammered centerpiece made in Padova (Padua), Italy, mid-20th century. This bowl is special in both shape and execution. The basic shape of the bowl with the distinct raised corners gives this centerpiece a dynamic and surprising appearance. The hand-hammered surface and the hand-applied decoration on the inside give it a very decorative quality. The style of this centerpiece resembles works by the artist Mario Pinton...
Metal, Silver Plate
'Christofle' edition silver-plated Vide poche, France, 1970
By Christofle
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
A silver-plated metal trinket tray produced by Christofle, France, in the 1970s, with a refined design inspired by nature. This model takes the elegant form of a stylized leaf, with...
Silver Plate
Large Silver-Plated Leaf-Shaped Bowl by Valenti, 1970s
By Valenti
Located in Hamburg, DE
Experience the charm of vintage design with this large, silver-plated leaf-shaped bowl from Valenti, crafted in the 1970s. This decorative bowl stands on spherical feet, combining el...
Metal
$4,475
H 3.25 in W 12 in D 9.25 in
Mid-Century Modern Hand-Wrought Sterling Silver Bowl by Allan Adler
By Allan Adler
Located in New York, NY
This sophisticated and sculptural sterling silver bowl was hand-wrought by Allan Adler in the 1950s, one of America's most esteemed silversmiths of the era. It offers an organically ...
Sterling Silver
Hand Hammered Lobed Sterling Bowl by The Kalo Shop
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
This hand hammered sterling silver bowl by was made by Chicago firm 'The Kalo Shop'. Completely hand wrought the piece is in the American Arts and Craf...
Silver, Sterling Silver
CALA Leaf Set, Small and Medium Tray, Horn & Alpaca Silver
By AIREDELSUR
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
Measurements : 6.1" x 2.75" 9.8" x 5.5" With its beauty and elegant movement and curves, the calla lily brings us the concept for this family of handmade trays...
Metal
$570 / item
H 7.09 in W 13.39 in D 11.03 in
Bolson Apple Large Bowl by AIREDELSUR, Horn & Alpaca Silver
By AIREDELSUR
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
While walking through the fruit fields in the Bolson on an ending spring morning, the voluptuous shapes and scents of pears and apples bring your senses to life. This idea creates th...
Metal
Antique Ethnic North African Moroccan Silver Anklet Ashtray Catchall Dish
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Antique Ethnic North African traditional anklet silver and brass bracelet made into a vide poche, dish, catchall or silver ashtray. Unusual silver tone metal dish made from an Africa...
Silver Plate, Brass
Sascha Brastoff "Surf Ballet" Footed Bowl Aqua Blue and Silver
By Sascha Brastoff
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Sascha Brastoff "Surf Ballet" footed bowl aqua blue and silver. Gorgeous Vintage Sasha Brastoff ceramic pottery footed bowl with silver And aqua blue sw...
Ceramic
Moroccan Polished Round Footed Silvered Tray Table
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage Moroccan metal silver plated polished round serving brass tray with traditional geometric designs and brass inlay decoration around on three feet. Moroccan polished round footed...
Metal, Brass
Sculptural Hans Jensen Calla Lily Candle Holders Silver Plated a Pair
By Hans Jensen
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage sculptural silver plated Hans Jensen Calla Lily candle holders a pair. Pair of Mid-Century Cala Lily Candle Holders in Silver Plate by Hans J...
Silver Plate
Daum France Sculptural Curvilinear Crystal Art Glass Fruit Bowl Centerpiece
By Daum
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Daum France Sculptural Curvilinear Crystal Art Glass Fruit Bowl Centerpiece. Sculptural curvilinear crystal art glass fruit bowl, model Aquarius 1960 s...
Art Glass
Vintage Brass Footed Planter, Hammered Art Nouveau Design, USA, 1950
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage brass metal embossed footed planter Large metal brass footed planter, cachepot or jardinière. Vintage brass urn with ornate cast metal flor...
Brass
