Few had their finger on the pulse of American furniture like importer and distributor Raymor. Founder Irving Richards first had his eyes opened to the world of furniture while attending the 1928 Salon d’Automne art and design fair in Paris. He joined Lightolier two years later and developed its business relationships, including with designer Russel Wright.
Wright and Richards met in 1935 and Russel Wright, Inc. was formed in 1936. Its American Modern ceramic tableware, produced under the name Wright Accessories in 1938, was a notably lucrative collaboration. Following the early success of American Modern, Richards obtained the majority share of Wright Accessories and changed its name to Raymor Mfg Division Inc. in 1941.
By 1952, the exclusivity over American Modern had ended (the line was initially produced by Wright Associates and later manufactured by Steubenville for two decades). To keep up with American markets, Raymor worked with prominent designers such as George Nelson, Arthur Umanoff, Ray and Charles Eames, and Hans J. Wegner.
The company’s imports expanded to Denmark, which contributed to the rise of Scandinavian modern designs in the American market. Throughout the 1950s, Richards established relationships with factories in Scandinavia, Italy and Germany, as well as with the influential tastemaker and importer Charles Stendig.
The furniture company Simmons bought Raymor in 1963 and changed its name to Raymor Richards, Morgenthau Inc. in 1969. During that time, Raymor’s Omnibus range of Scandinavian-style wall units became widely popular, along with Italian glass and pottery like Bitossi ceramics designed by Aldo Londi and Bagni ceramics by Alvino Bagni.
Shifting styles coupled with rising competition, and the departure of Richards from the company, ended Raymor. By the late 1970s, Raymor faced a wave of international factories able to produce similar products of lesser quality for a lower cost. Buyers were eager to frequently change their interior styles, limiting the need for high-end, durable furniture, which Raymor had been importing.
On 1stDibs, find a collection of vintage Raymor ceramics, lamps, decorative objects and more.
1980's, Postmodern Ceramic Box with Lid Signed SB
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful ceramic box with lid circa 1980's great graphics and colors with awesome glaze, no chips or cracks signed at the bottom SB.
Ceramic
Roger Capron - Glazed Ceramic Humidor
By Roger Capron
Located in Stratford, CT
Molded Ceramic Humidor with "Tabac" and Patterned Stamped Designs; Moss-colored Glazed Ceramic Finish with Original Natural Cork Stopper.
Ceramic
William A. Hoffman (1920-2011) Bi-Color Crate Ceramic Sculpture
By William Hoffman
Located in Chicago, IL
A colorful take on his other "crates" sculptures by William August Hoffman (1920-2011), a ceramic sculptor and professor of ceramics at the prestigious Art Institute of Chicago. Originally part of a one man show at Lewis Towers, Chicago 1973. Single crate with orange glaze added to the white overall glaze to give added geometric detail. Two sided orange glaze with two rows on one side and a single row to the other side. William Hoffman (1920-2011) was a respected artist, and professor of ceramics and sculpture at the Art Institute of Chicago and Loyola University. Born 1920, Roswell, NM. Attended School of the Art Institute of Chicago on the GI Bill, BA 1948. MFA Alfred University, 1952. From the Hoffman estate.
John Glick ceramic /stoneware box / jewelry / table box , signed
By John Glick
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful box / jewelry / table desk box. made for the well known artist / potter , John Glick , for Plum Tree Potters .
Stoneware
$460Sale Price|20% Off
H 3 in W 4.5 in D 4.5 in
Mid-Century Modern Hand Painted Ceramic Trinket Box by Giovanni Desimone
By DeSimone
Located in San Diego, CA
A wonderful and colorful Giovanni Desimone hand painted lidded trinket box, circa 1970s. The handcrafted ceramic box was made in Italy and measures 4.4"W x 4.5"D x 3"H; it is in exce...
Pottery
Ceramic Covered Pot, Jean Mégard, Biot 1952
By Jean Mégard
Located in St Ouen, FR
Extremely rare covered pot. Rich glazes with a juxtaposition of white and vivid colours forming an abstract overprinted decor. The inside of the cover features a generous dedication...
Ceramic
Postmodern Ceramic Box by Rita Duvall (1987)
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A beautiful handmade Postmodern ceramic trinket or jewelry box by Rita Duvall, similar in style to the work of Peter Shire and Michael Duvall. Glazed i...
Ceramic
$650
H 2.5 in W 3.5 in D 5.5 in
Ceramic Restaurant Matchbox by Catie Curry, NYC Iconic Design, Functional Art
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Matchbox Series is composed of roughly 4”x 6” boxes that make direct references to iconic NYC institutions. These boxes come with slide out inserts that are filled with oversized...
Ceramic, Clay
Alvino Bagni Box for Raymor
By Raymor, Alvino Bagni
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Beautiful example of mid century Italian pottery. Alvino Bagli for Raymor lidded box in a great period orange with yellow, brown and black accent. It is a beautiful box and hard to...
Pottery
Post-Modern American Studio Raku Ceramic Covered Vessel or Box, circa 1980s
Located in San Diego, CA
Expressive American studio raku ceramic covered vessel dating to the late 20th century. This sculptural postmodern form features a hand-built matte charcoal-black body raised on four...
Pottery
Italian Ceramic Box by Raymor with Horse Lid
By Raymor
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fantastic ceramic box by Raymor. Original Raymor sticker on underside. Grey, black and pinkish hues. Blue horse decorative pull on top of lid. Cool co...
Ceramic
Ceramic Stash Jar by Raymor
By Raymor
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fantastic hand painted ceramic stash jar by Raymor. Underside reads "Raymor Italy". Incredible detail and coloring technique with an eye catching multicolore...
Ceramic
Ceramic Box, 1960s Italy
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Glaze ceramic box made in Italy, circa 1970s. Slime green glaze along the top with an orange ring around the edge of the lid. Base is painted a matte brown. Green glaze covers the in...
Ceramic
Giant Bayer Pill Pop Art
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Monumental vintage Bayer pill in cream plaster/ceramic. 7" diameter. Likely used as a store display. Whimsical desktop object or paperweight. Black felted bottom. Great piece of art ...
Plaster, Paint
Italian Ceramic Box
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful Italian ceramic box with blue and green coloring. Marked Italy on underside. Great stash box and tabletop object.
Ceramic
Italian Ceramic Box
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Drip glaze ceramic box made in Italy, circa 1970s. Grainy finish along with high gloss accents in a beautiful chocolate brown and tan giving it great depth...
Ceramic
