
Description
Saarinen Elliptical Tulip Side Table, 1960c – Oiled Walnut Tops & Cast-Iron Base.
An exceptionally rare early production of Eero Saarinen's iconic Tulip side table, this circa-1960 example retains its original cast-iron pedestal base and oiled walnut elliptical top. Conceived to eliminate the "slum of legs," Saarinen's single-stem design presents a clean, sculptural profile that remains as modern today as when first introduced. The factory black-enamel base and warm matte walnut surface are stamped with the original Knoll Associates Park Avenue showroom label on the underside, confirming provenance to Knoll's flagship New York gallery.
Key Features
"• Designer: Eero Saarinen for Knoll Associates
"• Date: circa 1960, early cast-iron pedestal version
"• Base: Solid cast iron with original black enamel finish
"• Top: Oiled walnut with factory-applied matte seal
"• Label: "Knoll Associates "• Park Avenue" paper label affixed under tabletop
"• Form: Elliptical top on a single-stem support"”signature Tulip profile
Dimensions
"• Height: 21"³ (53.3 cm)
"• Width: 22"³ (55.9 cm)
"• Depth: 14½"³ (36.8 cm)
Condition
Very good original vintage condition consistent with gentle use over six decades. The walnut surface shows light, even patina and minor handling marks; the cast-iron base retains strong white enamel with only minimal edge wear. The structure is fully sound, and the table sits level without wobble.
Collector's Note
Early cast-iron–based Tulip tables are increasingly scarce, as most were later produced with aluminum stems or replaced altogether. The intact Park Avenue label ties this piece directly to Knoll's New York showroom, making it a standout acquisition for serious collectors of mid-century modern and Saarinen's groundbreaking furniture designs.
Condition:
Alterations: Original Condition Unaltered
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: The walnut surface shows light, even patina and minor handling marks; the cast-iron base retains strong white enamel with only minimal edge wear. The structure is fully sound, and the table sits level without wobble.
Dimensions:
Height: 21 in.
Width: 22 in.
Depth: 14.5 in.
Category: Side Tables
Origin: United States
Materials: Cast Iron, Walnut
Shipping:Domestic: Flat-rate of $237.00 to anywhere within the contiguous U.S. International: No International Shipping for this auction. Combined shipping: Please ask about combined shipping for multiple lots before bidding. Location: This item ships from Chicago, IL
Your purchase is protected:
In the rare event that the item did not conform to the lot description in the sale, Chairish Auctions specialists are here to help. Buyers may return the item for a full refund provided you notify Chairish Auctions within 5 days of receiving the item.
An exceptionally rare early production of Eero Saarinen's iconic Tulip side table, this circa-1960 example retains its original cast-iron pedestal base and oiled walnut elliptical top. Conceived to eliminate the "slum of legs," Saarinen's single-stem design presents a clean, sculptural profile that remains as modern today as when first introduced. The factory black-enamel base and warm matte walnut surface are stamped with the original Knoll Associates Park Avenue showroom label on the underside, confirming provenance to Knoll's flagship New York gallery.
Key Features
"• Designer: Eero Saarinen for Knoll Associates
"• Date: circa 1960, early cast-iron pedestal version
"• Base: Solid cast iron with original black enamel finish
"• Top: Oiled walnut with factory-applied matte seal
"• Label: "Knoll Associates "• Park Avenue" paper label affixed under tabletop
"• Form: Elliptical top on a single-stem support"”signature Tulip profile
Dimensions
"• Height: 21"³ (53.3 cm)
"• Width: 22"³ (55.9 cm)
"• Depth: 14½"³ (36.8 cm)
Condition
Very good original vintage condition consistent with gentle use over six decades. The walnut surface shows light, even patina and minor handling marks; the cast-iron base retains strong white enamel with only minimal edge wear. The structure is fully sound, and the table sits level without wobble.
Collector's Note
Early cast-iron–based Tulip tables are increasingly scarce, as most were later produced with aluminum stems or replaced altogether. The intact Park Avenue label ties this piece directly to Knoll's New York showroom, making it a standout acquisition for serious collectors of mid-century modern and Saarinen's groundbreaking furniture designs.
Condition:
Alterations: Original Condition Unaltered
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: The walnut surface shows light, even patina and minor handling marks; the cast-iron base retains strong white enamel with only minimal edge wear. The structure is fully sound, and the table sits level without wobble.
Dimensions:
Height: 21 in.
Width: 22 in.
Depth: 14.5 in.
Category: Side Tables
Origin: United States
Materials: Cast Iron, Walnut
Shipping:
Your purchase is protected:
In the rare event that the item did not conform to the lot description in the sale, Chairish Auctions specialists are here to help. Buyers may return the item for a full refund provided you notify Chairish Auctions within 5 days of receiving the item.
Condition
Original Condition Unaltered; Some Imperfections; The walnut surface shows light, even patina and minor handling marks; the cast-iron base retains strong white enamel with only minimal edge wear. The structure is fully sound, and the table sits level without wobble.
Buyer's Premium
20%
Saarinen Elliptical Tulip Side Table, 1960c – Oiled Walnut Tops & Cast-Iron Base
Estimate $2,000-$4,200
Starting Price
$2,000
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Hidden Gems
Mar 06, 2026 7:00 PM ESTNew York, NY, United States
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