Eero Saarinen (1910-1961) was a renowned Finnish-American architect and designer, celebrated
for his significant 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
Art and Yale University, Saarinen worked alongside his father, Eliel Saarinen, before launching his
own career. He collaborated with notable figures such as Charles Eames and Florence Knoll,
quickly gaining recognition for his innovative creations. Saarinen is famous for iconic architectural
designs like the TWA terminal at JFK Airport and the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, as well as for his
sleek, futuristic furniture designs.
The Tulip table, one of his most famous creations, perfectly embodies his design philosophy.
Published by Knoll, this table is distinguished by its single pedestal base, designed to eliminate the
"mess" of traditional table legs. The model presented here is an oval edition with a white
arabescato marble top veined with gray, measuring approximately 78 inches by 47 inches. The
base is made of aluminum coated with white Rilsan, a durable plastic material, and the table is
signed under the base, ensuring its authenticity.
Knoll, the publisher of this piece, is an American company founded in 1938 by Hans and Florence
Knoll. The company is renowned for its collaborations with prominent modern designers and its
commitment to producing furniture that combines functionality with aesthetics. Knoll has played a
pivotal role in popularizing 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 encapsulates
Saarinen;s vision of simplified, organic aesthetics, uniting form and function in a timeless design.