Early Production Knoll Associates Marble Tulip Coffee Table, c 1959, Signed
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This sought-after collectors piece is an all-original early year (1st Generation) production example of the 'Tulip' coffee table designed in 1956 by Eero Saarinen for Knoll Associates features a 36" round marble top supported by a wood plank over cast iron pedestal base. Signed underneath with the early Knoll Associates label on the base and the Knoll 'Made in Italy' stamp on the marker, signifying that both the base and the top are original, and dated to around the late 1950s.
Saarinen's Tulip designs are one of the most knocked-off designs of the era - we believe it is important to make sure you are purchasing an authentic original so our advice is to be wary of buying an unmarked piece despite what the dealer or gallery may be telling you. These labels also serve as a method to determine when the item was made - so a Knoll Associates (1st Gen) or Knoll International (2nd Gen) label is of great importance as these are considered the "originals" - newer production Knoll items from Knoll Inc. and Knoll Studios lack the collectability and rarity of the earlier examples. In addition, the marble tabletop is original and not a newly fabricated replacement - as many other examples you will find are merely someone adding a new marble top to a vintage tulip base. These factors greatly affect the value, collectability and desirability of the piece. Examples from the 1970s and earlier, especially the late 1950s to mid 1960s, are the most desirable, such as this one.
Be the envy of your friends and acquaintances by introducing this early production original of a Mid-Century Modern design classic into your living room, den, lounge room, meeting room, kitchen, sunroom or lobby. This beauty would also be great in a hospitality or corporate location, such as a boutique hotel lobby, cocktail bar, members club, workspace studio, executive office or in a luxe clothing emporium.
MEASUREMENTS: H 15" x Diameter 36"
CONDITION: Good original (vintage) condition. Marble top is in good vintage condition with light wear throughout, mostly just surface level. Base shows moderate signs of age including discoloration (which is to be expected of original unaltered Tulips) with moderate surface scratches and scuffs. Base can be restored to look like new upon request, however we left it in original condition as this is preferred by collectors. Top can be buffed and polished to look like new, but in the same manner as the base we left the top in its original unaltered condition as this is greatly preferred by collectors. Overall presents well, excellent collectors piece, sturdy and sound - ready for immediate use.