Vintage French Art Deco Period Iron Base and Tile Top Coffee Table, circa 1930

A vintage French Art Deco period iron base coffee table circa 1930 with a hand set tile top. The powerful impact of the forged iron base lies in its bold use of scale and reference to ironwork used during the Middle Ages. The upper and lower scrolled sections of flat iron are joined in the middle by a substantial iron bar with a ribbon design. The lower section ends in paw feet and the flat areas of iron are decorated with a scored pattern of lines and dots. The upper sections end with a bold scroll that encloses a large ring of iron with a ribbon twist motif. The iron frame that encloses the top is set with symmetrically spaced iron nail heads. The horizontal tile surface is particularly interesting as it is set with fired tiles with a pleasing wave pattern that all have a soft matte finish instead of a highly reflective glazed surface expected by most people. Arranged within these patterned tiles are six tiles with a milk chocolate colour in an asymmetric pattern. This slight irregularity energizes the table top in a modern way that is quite charming. This is a good example of utilizing old forms but bringing them up to date. Because of the durable materials employed to create this table it will be perfect in a room where heavy use is encouraged. This of course means children and pets and feet up on the table!