Tommi Parzinger chandelier, eight-arm brass frame with 31 crystals, 1940`s ca, American.
This vintage Neoclassical chandelier is characteristic of Tommi Parzinger`s exuberant `high-style modernism` with polished brass, tiered massing and unrestrained ornamentation. Attributed to Parzinger, this elegant piece would fit either in a traditional, Art Deco or Modernist setting.
The ornate central column is composed of 3 main geometric shapes: a brass diamond with a hexagonal canopy of crystals, a crystal ball and a geometric brass bottom bowl from where radiates 8 brass arms. Playful movement in design is achieved as each arm has 2 horizontal geometric brass bars connected by a brass medallion-like shape. At the end of each arm there is a removable brass candle tube covering the lamp holder. The original vintage bevelled crystal bobeche sits on a brass candle cup which has the same design as the medallions. Each arm is decorated horizontally with 3 large crystal drops with a fabulous Modernist cut. There are 6 smaller matching drop crystals making the canopy at the top of the central column. The bottom of the chandelier is finished with a long icicle shaped crystal. In total there are 31 crystals.
Takes 8 standard small screw light bulbs (E14) up to 40 Watts each. Presently fitted & photographed with candle shaped clear light bulbs of 25 Watts each. Alternatively it is possible to use other light bulbs such as Pygmy shape. The chain can be reduced or lengthened. At the top of the chain there is the original vintage brass ceiling cup which has inside an S hook for fitting the piece to the ceiling. Light bulbs included. The frame is in very good condition with a nice antique patina in line with age on the brass which adds character. All the crystals are original and in excellent condition. This piece fits easily in a box for shipping when the chain is folded and all the crystals individually removed & wrapped.
Newly rewired, in full working order and ready to install.
Height of only the frame without the chain is 63 cm.
Tommi Parzinger Biography
Tommi Parzinger (1903–1981) was a German furniture & lighting designer. Born in Munich in 1903, he later moved to New York in 1932, starting his first company in 1939. His works were collected by famous clients, including Billy Baldwin, Marilyn Monroe, and a number of high-fashion New York families. Parzinger`s last showroom, on East 57th Street, was closed not long after his death in 1981. Parzinger`s works were a `more idiosyncratic, rarefied mid-century design`. Most of the pieces he created were custom-built for large studios, with Parzinger using cosmopolitan-looking designs, involving costly, craft-intensive materials and processes like brass work and lacquer`. A 1939 article featured in LIFE magazine stated that Parzinger`s silverware was unique in its `light, graceful feeling and fine etched decoration`. The article went on to state that Parzinger, at the time, was recognized as the `most creative original designer of silverware in the United States`. Later the same year Parzinger`s designs were included in the New York World`s Fair.
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