Though the name Curtis Jeré is familiar to many as the maker of ebullient and eccentric modern design from the 1960s and ‘70s, relatively few are aware that it is a pseudonym for the design team of Curtis Freiler and Jerry Fels. Together, the two created some of the most striking and vivid furnishings and decorative objects of their era, from sculptures and dynamically framed mirrors, to lighting and wall decorations.
New Yorkers Freiler and Fels had collaborated for two decades on small jewelry lines before launching a design company called Artisan House in 1964. They combined variants of their names to create an artful persona — sometimes shortened to C. Jeré; the "surname" is pronounced with a rising inflection: jhayr-EH — that stood behind large-scale decorative metalwork, marked by semi-abstract petal forms with burnt and brazed edges. Fels served as head of design, and Freiler, known for his keen handiwork, was the production chief. The pair’s eclectic metalwork has captivated decorative art collectors and interior designers ever since.
The work of Curtis Jeré displays a sense of playfulness and curiosity, while drawing on inspirations and themes that include flowers, discs, geometric forms and animal figures. Freiler and Fels had a masterful ability to work with different materials, such as patinated brass and brilliant chrome.
The price of a Curtis Jeré mirror, lamp, wall-mounted sculpture or tabletop sculpture can range from $400 to $12,000, depending on the size, the rarity of the piece, the intricacy of the metalwork and the materials used in its construction. Other factors like condition can affect the perceived value and, thus, the cost of works by Curtis Jeré.
As you will see on 1stDibs, the imaginative powers of the designers of Curtis Jeré pieces were boundless, and their creations will add a dash of verve in any room.
$3,900 / item
H 34 in W 56 in D 2 in
Butterfly Wall Sculpture, Small Horizontal Flight Left, Gold Finish
Located in Dallas, TX
The versatility of our butterfly composition explains why this fanciful grouping is a favorite among designers. We made envisioning how these whimsical butterflies enhance a space ea...
Iron
Butterfly Wall Sculpture, Vertical Flight Left, Aged Silver
Located in Dallas, TX
The versatility of our butterfly composition explains why this fanciful grouping is a favorite among designers. We made envisioning how these whimsical butterflies enhance a space ea...
Iron
$3,900 / item
H 34 in W 56 in D 2 in
Butterfly Wall Sculpture, Small Horizontal Flight Left, Aged Silver Finish
Located in Dallas, TX
The versatility of our butterfly composition explains why this fanciful grouping is a favorite among designers. We made envisioning how these whimsical butterflies enhance a space ea...
Iron
$3,900 / item
H 34 in W 56 in D 2 in
Butterfly Wall Sculpture, Small Horizontal Flight Right, Gold Finish
Located in Dallas, TX
The versatility of our butterfly composition explains why this fanciful grouping is a favorite among designers. We made envisioning how these whimsical butterflies enhance a space ea...
Iron
$3,900 / item
H 34 in W 56 in D 2 in
Butterfly Wall Sculpture, Small Horizontal Flight Right, Gold Finish
Located in Dallas, TX
A favorite among designers, this Butterfly Wall Sculpture brings a sense of movement and whimsy to any space. Each butterfly is carefully arra...
Iron
Butterfly Wall Art, Vertical Flight Right, Gold Finish
Located in Dallas, TX
The versatility of our Butterfly Wall Sculpture is what makes it a perennial favorite among designers. This fanciful grouping transforms blank walls into moments of movement and arti...
Iron
Curtis Jeré Mid-Century Modern Butterflies Set of 3, USA, 1960
By Curtis Jeré
Located in Wheat Ridge, CO
Curtis Jeré Trio of Enamel and Metal Butterflies, Mid-Century Modern A vibrant trio of Mid-Century Modern Curtis Jeré butterflies, crafted in enameled metal and mounted on sculptural wire stems. Each butterfly features a striking palette of vibrant oranges, yellows, and purples with beautifully marbled, hand-applied enamel that creates depth, luminosity, and movement. The trio varies in size and height, giving the composition a naturally dynamic, airborne feel. Originally designed as part of Jeré’s iconic wall and tabletop sculptures from the 1960s–70s, this set captures the playful sophistication and organic artistry the studio is celebrated for. Displayed in a glass vessel or arranged freely, these butterflies function as a captivating sculptural accent—perfect for collectors of Curtis Jeré, lovers of kinetic art, or anyone seeking a bold pop of color in a modern interior. Vintage Tangerine vase...
Metal, Enamel
$3,900 / item
H 34 in W 56 in D 2 in
Butterfly Wall Sculpture, Small Horizontal Flight Right, Aged Silver Finish
Located in Dallas, TX
The versatility of our butterfly composition explains why this fanciful grouping is a favorite among designers. We made envisioning how these whimsical butterflies enhance a space ea...
Iron
$1,169
H 9.06 in W 13.39 in D 1.19 in
Mid-Century Butterfly Sculpture in Brass and Enamel on Copper, c. 1960s
Located in Marbella, ES
A sculptural decorative piece in the shape of a butterfly, crafted from molded brass with enameled copper panels that have an organic, handcrafted feel. The wings feature cavities li...
Bronze
Butterfly Wall Art, Vertical Flight Left, Gold Finish
Located in Dallas, TX
The versatility of our Butterfly Wall Sculpture is what makes it a perennial favorite among designers. This fanciful grouping transforms blank walls into moments of movement and arti...
Iron
Signed William Friedle Brutalist Wall Sculpture
By William Friedle
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Signed William Friedle Brutalist wall sculpture.
Metal
Large Italian 1970s Brass 'Praying Mantis' Floor Sculpture
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Large Italian 1970s Brass 'Praying Mantis' Floor Sculpture.
Brass
Large Signed Silas Seandel Wall Sculpture
By Silas Seandel
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Large Signed Silas Seandel wall sculpture.
Metal
Large Paolo Soleri Brutalist Bronze Wind Bell Arcosanti 1970s
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Large Paolo Soleri Brutalist Bronze Wind Bell Arcosanti 1970s
Bronze
Ginkgo Brass Floor Lamp by Tommaso Barbi Ginko, 1970s
By Tommaso Barbi
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Ginkgo Brass Floor Lamp by Tommaso Barbi Ginko, 1970s
Brass
Jacques Charles Fireplace Tools
By Jacques Charles
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Jacques Charles Fireplace Tools.
Brass, Steel, Chrome
