Jonathan Adler
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Jonathan Adler: secondhand pieces with a wink
A potter's brand of bold color, humor and modern American glamour
Jonathan Adler is an American design brand founded in 1993 by potter Jonathan Adler, born in 1966, who studied at Brown University and spent time at the Rhode Island School of Design. He opened his first store in SoHo, Manhattan, in 1998, and the brand grew from handmade ceramics into furniture, lighting, pillows, rugs and interior design. Adler calls his style modern American glamour and eccentricity, and you can see it: mid-century shapes, strong color and a lot of humor. On Whoppah you'll find a small selection of pre-owned Jonathan Adler pieces, and our curation team reviews every listing before it goes live. My opinion? This is a brand you buy for personality. One Adler vase or lamp can wake up a calm room, and secondhand is a friendly way to try that without committing to a full makeover.
Iconic Jonathan Adler pieces
- Handmade ceramic vases and bowls (Jonathan Adler): Where the brand started: textured, glazed pottery.
- Needlepoint and graphic pillows (Jonathan Adler): Bold patterns and a sense of humor, often literally stitched on.
- Brass and lacquer lighting (Jonathan Adler): Mid-century and Regency references with a modern twist.
Jonathan Adler is proof that a room can be serious about design and still make you laugh.
Evelien Bunnik-Remmelts, Co-Founder and CEO of Whoppah
Frequently asked questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Jonathan Adler?
Jonathan Adler is an American potter and designer, born in 1966. He studied semiotics and art history at Brown and spent a lot of time at the Rhode Island School of Design nearby.
He started the company in 1993 with pottery and opened his first shop in SoHo in 1998. From there it became a full home brand with its own stores.
What are Jonathan Adler's signature designs?
Ceramics are the heart of it: textured and glazed vases, bowls and objects, often in white or saturated color. Needlepoint and graphic pillows are another classic, frequently with a joke stitched in.
Furniture and lighting take cues from mid-century modern and Hollywood Regency, with brass, lacquer and curvy upholstery. It's glamorous, but it never takes itself too seriously.
How do I recognize a genuine secondhand Jonathan Adler piece?
Ceramics usually carry a stamp or mark on the base, and furniture and lighting often have a label. Ask the seller for a clear photo of the underside.
Check glazes for chips and hairline cracks, and brass for heavy wear. Our curation team reviews every listing before it goes live, but close-up photos are your best friend with ceramics.
How do I style Jonathan Adler at home?
Treat it like jewelry. One sculptural vase on a plain sideboard, or one bold lamp in a neutral room, gives you the glamour without the overload.
It also pairs well with vintage. An Adler pillow on a worn leather sofa or a white ceramic next to old books feels collected rather than bought in one go.
When was the Jonathan Adler brand founded?
Jonathan Adler founded his company in 1993 and opened his first store in SoHo, Manhattan, in 1998.
What is Jonathan Adler known for?
He's known for ceramics, graphic pillows and glamorous, colorful furniture and lighting. He describes his style as modern American glamour and eccentricity.
How can I check a secondhand Jonathan Adler piece?
Look for a stamp on ceramics and a label on furniture or lighting. Ask for close-up photos of the base and any wear. Our curation team reviews every listing before it goes live.
Does Jonathan Adler work in a minimal interior?
Yes, as long as you use it sparingly. One strong piece in a calm room works better than a whole shelf of them.
Can I sell Jonathan Adler on Whoppah?
Yes. List it with sharp photos, including the marks on the base. Our curation team reviews it before it goes live.
Every home needs one thing that makes guests smile. Find yours among the Jonathan Adler pieces on Whoppah, or pass one on to someone who'll love it.