Richard Riemerschmid's Extraordinary Living Things
NO. B046
Freyja Hartzell.
Preserved in our design reference library. Inquire to visit and use as a resource.
The MIT Press, 2022
How Richard Riemerschmid’s designs of everyday—but “extraordinary”—objects recalibrate our understanding of modernism.
At the beginning of the twentieth century, German artist Richard Riemerschmid (1868–1957) was known as a symbolist painter and, by the advent of World War I, had become an important modern architect. This, however, the first English-language book on Riemerschmid, celebrates his understudied legacy as a designer of everyday objects—furniture, tableware, clothing—that were imbued with an extraordinary sense of vitality and even personality. Freyja Hartzell makes a case for the importance of Riemerschmid's designed objects in the development of modern design—and for the power of everyday things to change the way we live our lives, understand history, and design our future. Hartzell offers for the first time an interpretive history of Riemerschmid's design practice embedded in a fresh examination of modernism told by the objects themselves.
Hartzell explores Riemerschmid's early drawings, paintings, and prints; his interiors and housewares, which represent a modernist shift from exclusive image to accessible object; his designs for women's clothing; his immensely popular wooden furniture; his serially produced ceramics and their appeal to German nationalism of the period; and his complex and compelling pattern designs for textiles and wallpapers, the only part of his creative practice that spanned his entire career. Riemerschmid, Hartzell writes, was at his most inventive, playful, and free when designing things for everyday use. His uniquely designed forms allow us to recognize the utilitarian object not just as a tool but as an individual being—a thing with a soul.
"Josh has been able to dredge up some of the rarest and most beautiful carpets for our nerdy and stringent requirements. And we have had a grand time together assembling collections for clients."
— Ralph Harvard, Ralph Harvard Inc.
The Rug & Kilim Standard
The Rug & Kilim Standard
A standard since our inception upheld across every acquisition, transaction, and delivery.
45+ Year Old Institution
More than four decades of expertise and stewardship, under the leadership of our Principal, Jahanshah "Josh" Nazmiyal.
Favorable Return Policy
Our return policy is 48 hours upon receipt allowing you to confirm the purchase in your space with confidence.
Product Warranty
Each rug is hand selected or produced through the most reputable sources under the direct supervision of our Principal.
Trusted Global Delivery
Reliable worldwide delivery handled with care, precision and constant communication.
Exceptional Support
Attentive, knowledgeable guidance before and after purchase from our dedicated team of specialists.
Long Term Care
We stand behind every piece we place and remain a resource to our clients for the lifetime of their collection.
Richard Riemerschmid's Extraordinary Living Things
NO. B046
Freyja Hartzell.
Preserved in our design reference library. Inquire to visit and use as a resource.
The MIT Press, 2022
How Richard Riemerschmid’s designs of everyday—but “extraordinary”—objects recalibrate our understanding of modernism.
At the beginning of the twentieth century, German artist Richard Riemerschmid (1868–1957) was known as a symbolist painter and, by the advent of World War I, had become an important modern architect. This, however, the first English-language book on Riemerschmid, celebrates his understudied legacy as a designer of everyday objects—furniture, tableware, clothing—that were imbued with an extraordinary sense of vitality and even personality. Freyja Hartzell makes a case for the importance of Riemerschmid's designed objects in the development of modern design—and for the power of everyday things to change the way we live our lives, understand history, and design our future. Hartzell offers for the first time an interpretive history of Riemerschmid's design practice embedded in a fresh examination of modernism told by the objects themselves.
Hartzell explores Riemerschmid's early drawings, paintings, and prints; his interiors and housewares, which represent a modernist shift from exclusive image to accessible object; his designs for women's clothing; his immensely popular wooden furniture; his serially produced ceramics and their appeal to German nationalism of the period; and his complex and compelling pattern designs for textiles and wallpapers, the only part of his creative practice that spanned his entire career. Riemerschmid, Hartzell writes, was at his most inventive, playful, and free when designing things for everyday use. His uniquely designed forms allow us to recognize the utilitarian object not just as a tool but as an individual being—a thing with a soul.
"Working with this family-owned team has been an absolute joy. Their communication, craftsmanship, and flawless execution on our custom rugs consistently exceed expectations."
— Phoebe Howard, James Michael Howard
The Rug & Kilim Standard
The Rug & Kilim Standard
A standard since our inception upheld across every acquisition, transaction, and delivery.
45+ Year Old Institution
More than four decades of expertise and stewardship, under the leadership of our Principal, Jahanshah "Josh" Nazmiyal.
Favorable Return Policy
Our return policy is 48 hours upon receipt allowing you to confirm the purchase in your space with confidence.
Product Warranty
Each rug is hand selected or produced through the most reputable sources under the direct supervision of our Principal.
Trusted Global Delivery
Reliable worldwide delivery handled with care, precision and constant communication.
Exceptional Support
Attentive, knowledgeable guidance before and after purchase from our dedicated team of specialists.
Long Term Care
We stand behind every piece we place and remain a resource to our clients for the lifetime of their collection.
