1934 Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller Furniture Co. Mod Drum Vanity With Mirror

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An early 20th century Drum Vanity with Mirror designed by Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller, 1934. Original maker’s label, top … Read more An early 20th century Drum Vanity with Mirror designed by Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller, 1934. Original maker’s label, top right drawer. White holly, red English elm, yellow-poplar, mirrored glass, chrome-plated tubular steel, and Bakelite. Introduced at the 1933 Chicago World's Fair in the famed House of Tomorrow, the design reflects the era’s fascination with modern living and forward-thinking design. Its cylindrical form, tubular steel legs, and lacquered finishes are directly influenced by Bauhaus principles, while its mirrored surface and elegant proportions evoke the sophistication of Art Deco. Rohde’s design elevated the vanity from a utilitarian item to a symbol of feminine elegance, echoing the allure of 1930’s film stars and their luxurious dressing rooms. An example of this vanity is in the permanent collection of Yale University and has been featured in several past exhibitions focused on modern American design and industrial aesthetics. A unique opportunity to own a museum quality furniture design.

Provenance: From a private estate in Southeast Michigan. Dimensions: 59.5”h x 51.5”w x 16.75”d. In good condition. Full condition reports are available upon request.

Gilbert Rohde (1894-1944) was a pioneering American industrial designer who played a crucial role in shaping modern furniture design in the United States. Best known for his transformative work with Herman Miller in the 1930s and early 1940s, Rohde moved American design away from traditional revival styles toward streamlined, functional modernism influenced by the Bauhaus and European avant-garde. Rohde’s work has since been exhibited at major institutions including the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York, the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum, and the Wolfsonian–FIU, which holds a significant collection of his furnishings. See less