# Karim Rashid artist context and auction value notes

Canonical page: https://appraisily.com/artist/karim-rashid/
Profile generated: 2026-05-30T14:35:16.875Z
Quality: high confidence, strong sources

## Artist identity

- Nationality: Egyptian, Canadian, American
- Movements: Contemporary industrial design
- Common media: Plastic and resin, Furniture, Lighting, Product design, Interior design, Surface and architectural finishes, Tabletop and home accessories

## About Karim Rashid

Karim Rashid is an Egyptian-born, Canadian-raised industrial designer based in New York City. Born in Cairo in 1960, he has become one of the most prolific contemporary designers working today, with a portfolio spanning furniture, lighting, interiors, product design, packaging, and architectural finishes. His practice is known for bold use of color, organic forms, and synthetic materials — earning him the nickname "the Prince of Plastic." Rashid's official studio records more than 400 furniture projects, 124 interior commissions, and 49 building designs. His work is held in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York, and his client list includes major global brands across hospitality, consumer products, and luxury goods. Collectors encounter his designs at auction primarily as limited-production furniture, lighting, and decorative objects.

## Common works and media

Collectors and appraisers most frequently encounter Rashid's work in the form of molded-plastic or resin chairs, lounge seating, tables, and shelving units produced under manufacturer collaborations. Lighting — including pendant lamps, floor lamps, and desk lamps — is also well represented. Additional categories include tabletop accessories, vases, mirrors, surface and wallcoverings, branded consumer products, and hospitality interior furnishings. Works may range from one-off or limited-edition studio pieces to licensed production runs by international manufacturers.

## Market and appraisal context

Karim Rashid's work appears regularly in the contemporary design and decorative art categories at auction. Valuation depends on whether a piece is from a limited production run or mass-market license, the specific manufacturer collaboration, material composition, and condition. Original furniture and lighting from notable brand partnerships tends to attract stronger interest than widely distributed consumer products. Provenance documentation and confirmation of edition or production details are important factors in appraisal. Collectors should verify attribution carefully, as Rashid's prolific output means both limited-edition and high-volume production pieces circulate in the secondary market.

## Appraisily data basis

Appraisily artist pages combine verified identity research from museum, library authority, and official sources with auction records, sale dates, realized prices, and comparable lots when available. For Karim Rashid, identity data is grounded in Getty ULAN, VIAF, Wikidata, the RKD, and the artist's official studio site. Market observations reference the Appraisily auction index of 199 recorded lots alongside publicly documented manufacturer collaborations.

## Sources

- Wikidata: https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q718039
- Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karim_Rashid
- Getty Vocabulary Program: https://vocab.getty.edu/page/ulan/500263369
- VIAF: https://viaf.org/viaf/268355/
- RKD - Netherlands Institute for Art History: https://rkd.nl/en/explore/artists/319703
- Karim Rashid: https://karimrashid.com/
- The Museum of Modern Art: https://www.moma.org/artists/27759