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.
A Tommi Parzinger Polished Brass Ice Bucket Ca' 1950's
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A classic, polished brass, ice bucket by Tommi Parzinger, ca' 1950's. Newly polished and laquered.
Brass
$2,475
H 12 in Dm 7.75 in
Mid-Century Modern Lidded Ice Bucket by Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths
By Tommi Parzinger, Dorlyn Silversmiths
Located in New York, NY
This elegant Mid Century Modern ice bucket/ wine cooler was designed by the legendary Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths circa 1960. It offers a striated circular slightly conve...
Brass
Georges Briard Gold Aluminum Ice Bucket in Hollywood Regency Style
By Georges Briard
Located in Den Haag, NL
Very nice stylish Ice Bucket ,complete with tang . 1970s France Design and signed by Georges Briard . Good condition .
Aluminum
Tommi Parzinger Solid Brass Pitcher For Dorlyn Silversmiths
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Doraville, GA
DESCRIPTION A lidded solid brass pitcher design by Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths. The pitcher is embossed on the bottom “Made by Dorlyn - Silversmiths” with the Tommi Parzinger insignia. The pitcher stands approximately 10 7/8 inches tall and the base is 3 1/8 inches in diameter. 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
1950s Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths Brass & Glass Jar / Ice Bucket
By Dorlyn Silversmiths, Tommi Parzinger
Located in St. Louis, MO
An elegant Mid-Century Modern lidded jar and ice bucket designed by legendary German-American designer Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths, circa 1950s. Crafted with a substantia...
Brass
Tommi Parzinger Brass Pitcher
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Chicago, IL
Brass Pitcher with lid and walnut handle.
Brass
Double O Ice Bucket in Polished Brass Finish By Richard Hutten
By Ghidini 1961
Located in Milan, IT
This exquisite steel ice bucket with a brass finish by Richard Hutten has a minimalist shape adorned by the presence of the two loops on each side, that give it a playful but sophist...
Brass, Steel
Vintage Italian Brass and Lucite Ice Bucket
Located in North Miami, FL
Exquisite polished brass and Lucite handle ice bucket. Very chic!
Brass
Italian Brass and Glass Ice Bucket
Located in San Mateo, CA
Brass and glass ice bucket with brass tongs. Well made design by P.M. Italy. This is in good condition. Some oxidation to the brass.
Brass
1950s Aldo Tura Mid-Century Modern Goatskin and Brass Ice Bucket
By Macabo, Aldo Tura
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This authentic 1950s Aldo Tura ice bucket is a quintessential example of Italian Mid-Century Modern luxury, featuring the designer's signature use of lacquered goatskin. The piece sh...
Brass
Tommi Parzinger Brass Ice Bucket with Mercury Glass Liner, Mid-Century
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in New York, NY
Tommi Parzinger modernist brass ice bucket featuring a mercury glass liner and a finial top on lid. Professionally polished and lacquered.
Brass
Tommi Parzinger Nickel Ice Bucket, Mercury Glass, Mid-Century Modern
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in New York, NY
Modernist midcentury ice bucket with signature finial lid and mercury glass liner. Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn.
Nickel
Tommi Parzinger Mid-Century Brass Coffee Set, Hollywood Regency, 1960s
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in New York, NY
Exquisite exemplary Mid Century 4pc Tommi Paringer brass serving set including original round tray, covered sugar bowl creamer, beverage pitcher. Complete set as designed.
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Solid Brass Pitchers by Tommi Parzinger, USA
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in New York, NY
Rare pair of solid brass pitchers designed by Tommi Parzinger, c 1960s. Professionally polished and lacquered.
Brass
Tommi Parzinger Brass Serving Set, Mid-Century Modern, 1960s USA
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in New York, NY
Set of 2 brass serving pieces designed by Tommi Parzinger featuring a brass compote and a brass covered dish with a divided glass insert. Each stamped.
Brass
Tommi Parzinger Polished Nickel Ashtray and Lighter Set, Mid-Century
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in New York, NY
Mid Century polished nickel smoking set featuring an ashtray and lighter with an etched diamond pattern, Signed. Lighter measures 5" Tall x 2" diameter Ash Tray measures 7.25" dia...
Nickel
