Table Oval Tulip by Eero Saarinen for Edition Knoll, 1950s

Eero Saarinen (1910-1961) was a renowned Finnish-American architect and designer, known for his major influence on 20th century modern design. Born in Kirkkonummi, Finland, he moved to the United States with his family in 1923. After studying at the Cranbrook Academy of Fine Arts and Yale University, Saarinen worked with his father, Eliel Saarinen, before launching his own career. He collaborated with notable figures like Charles Eames and Florence Knoll, and quickly gained recognition for his innovative designs. Saarinen is famous for his iconic architectural designs like the TWA terminal at JFK Airport and the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, as well as his sleek, futuristic furniture designs.

The “Tulip” table, one of his most famous creations, perfectly embodies his approach to design. Produced by Knoll, this table is distinguished by its unique tulip-shaped leg, designed to eliminate the “clutter” of traditional table legs. The model presented here is an oval edition with a white arabescato marble top veined with gray, measuring 198 cm by 120 cm.

The leg is made of aluminum covered in white Rilsan, a durable plastic material, and the table is signed under the base, guaranteeing its authenticity.

Knoll, the publishing house of this piece, is an American company founded in 1938 by Hanset Florence Knoll. It is renowned for its collaboration with renowned modern designers and its commitment to producing furniture that combines functionality and aesthetics. Knoll played a key role in the spread of modern design in the United States and around the world, and Eero Saarinen’s “Tulip” table remains one of their most iconic pieces. This table embodies Saarinen’s vision of a simplified, organic aesthetic, uniting form and function in a timeless design.