Hardwood brutalist side table, 1970
Description
Hardwood brutalist side table, Wood, Italy, 1970
This solid wood bench reflects the principles of Pierre Chapo’s structural clarity and craftsmanship. The aged mahogany-toned wood showcases a rich patina, emphasizing the material’s natural evolution over time. The design relies on precise joinery, with angled rectangular legs tapering subtly, creating a visual shift reminiscent of a hand-sharpened pencil. This transition from rectilinear to conical form enhances stability while maintaining a sculptural quality.
The construction follows a wabi-sabi philosophy, embracing imperfections and the organic wear of the material. The wood grain’s natural variations and surface distressing add depth, making each piece unique. The thick slab top, free of ornamentation, highlights the inherent beauty of the material.
Unlike traditional rustic furniture, this bench refines brutalist principles into a softer, more livable aesthetic. It belongs to a lineage of functionalist furniture that prioritizes structural honesty, similar to Chapo’s T14 tables or the work of Charlotte Perriand. The bench integrates into both minimalist and raw industrial interiors, bridging modernist purity with the warmth of natural aging.
One rarely discussed aspect of these tables is their adaptability across cultural contexts. While often associated with European modernism, similar forms appear in Japanese “chabudai” tables or Scandinavian folk furniture. This cross-cultural resonance underscores the universal appeal of essentialist design, where material and proportion define the piece.
Dimensions
Height: 24.81 in (63 cm)
Width: 70.87 in (180 cm)
Depth: 23.63 in (60 cm)
Design
1970
Manufacture
1970-1979
Material
Hardwood