Paul T. Frankl, October 14, 1886 – March 21,1958 / Johnson Furniture Co. 1908 - 1983, Grand Rapids, Michigan
An émigré from Austria, Frankl settled in New York in 1914 and quickly saw a country awash in reproductions of uncomfortable European styles. From the start, Frankl took a different approach, designing sleek, unadorned pieces that reflected advances in American technology and changes in culture. In the early 1950s Johnson Furniture Company produced several lines by Paul Frankl, among them the “Contemporary” line, incorporating an early use of biomorphic designs.
Modern, inside-out Paul T. Frankl's sleek simplicity gave rise to a California look.
L.A. Times Article August 16, 2007 by Bettijane Levine
"Paul T. Frankl and Modern American Design.", Christopher Long, Yale University Press, 2007
pencil with wash; minor discoloration; within a later ebonized walnut frame; stamped 'Atelier Garnier, Lyon'
the tall braided handle joining a tapering body of a simulated weaved basket; weathered painted surface with lichen deposits.
the rolled bark edge and arching handle above an everted oblong body of simulated grained wood resting on a splayed base; weathered and chipped surface.
the gadroon lip above a cup-shaped bowl adorned with 4 masks joined by plump garland festoons all raised on a splayed base; minor wear; hairline crack to base.
the well-detailed studies depicting a tented ceiling and a restaurant wall in rich layered colors; with new art nouveau style giltwood frames. (1 available)
each well-figured urn of campagna form with everted lip above a tapering neck and compressed mid-section all resting on a square plinth; excellent condition.
each robust pinecone finial with dramatically textured surface; mounted on later russet-colored painted turned wooden bases; wear and patination to surface (intended for indoor use)
with slender flaring neck above an ovoid body; composed of various laminated wooden sections turned on a lathe
the winter green fiberglass top depicting a draped table cloth adorned with gilt fleur-de-lis decoration; raised on an iron tripod stand
surmounted by a plumed crest; refreshed gilding and later aged mirror plate
with arching faux bamboo handle joining a glass framed receptable over faux bamboo legs; excellent condition with minor overall wear
each large-scaled urn with sweeping flared neck tapering to a flared foot; now drilled with later wooden mounts
the globular pot with rolled lip tapering to the base; chipping and weathered surface
excellent condition with overall even wear
each striking lithograph with classical figures at various pursuits on a black ground; later ebonized frames and slips with hand-wrapped linen mattes.
the oval plate within a punched iron border surrounded by a sloping openwork frame of graceful s-curves; excellent condition
with serene gaze turned to the right and looking downward above a voluptuous rough-hewed seated body; excellent condition.
the gilt-metal frame emanating 6 scrolling arms; adorned overall with 3 crystal obelisks and multiple pendants; excellent condition
each boldly-scaled urn with rolled lip above a gadrooned body all over a splayed base and square plinth; 3 urns available, 1 of lighter color; chipped and weathered surface
with scrolling handle and openwork body over a tri-pod base; even wear and oxidation to surface; good overall condition
the gracefully shaped lamp of milky translucent glass with solid brass base and cap; excellent condition; rewired; lampshade as is.
the antique mirrored inset top raised on 4 tapering fluted square supports all joined by an x-form stretcher centering a winged sphinx
the well-figured top raised on 4 elegantly splayed supports all joined by a lower shelf
each with square top above a square pedestal with inset reserves; chipping and overall weathered patina
