Jean Claude Dresse Coffee Table with Inlay of Marcasite and Stainless Steel

Jean Claude Dresse, coffee table, marcasite, lacquered wood, stainless steel, Belgium, 1970s

An extraordinary coffee table designed by Belgian artist Jean Claude Dresse in the 1970s, displaying high attention for detail and meticulous handiwork. The tabletop is intricately inlaid with the semi-precious stone marcasite, composed of numerous rounded and irregularly shaped pieces arranged in a stunning mosaic-like pattern. The marcasite’s metallic, gold-like shimmer varies subtly in tone and sheen with changes in light, adding a luxurious, luminous quality. These mineral elements are set against a deep black background, framing the stones in a refined manner. The stainless base features a robust, architecturally inspired structure defined by a rectilinear, angular design with distinct concave angles. On top, there is a signature inscribed, reading "Dresse".

Jean Claude Dresse (1946-) is a Belgian artist and designer. He graduated from the art academy in Charleroi. His background of being a visual artist is clearly visible in his furniture designs as he uses artistic techniques such as mosaic and etchings. His oeuvre embodies designs made of precious metals such as brass and copper. Together with his father Marcel, he was a prominent figure in the furniture business in the 1980s and belonged to the artistic Walloon School that focused on glamorous aesthetics. After he and his father were successful as designers Jean Claude embarked on a career as a visual artist. Dresse designed many furniture pieces on commission, which means that a large part of these items is custom-made.

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