Guy Lefevre Maison Jansen Mid-Century Modern Low Coffee Table

Name: Guy Lefevre Maison Jansen Mid-Century Modern Low Coffee Table
Brand: Maison Jansen
Price: 5500 USD
Availability: InStock

About the Item

A French Modernist low table / large cocktail table, attributed to designer Guy Lefèvre (French, 1933-2018) for luxurious Parisian design house Maison Jansen, circa 1970s, France, constructed of wood and resin, having a rectangular stepped top in black and gilt faux malachite like lacquer finishes, rising on square legs. Dimensions: (approx) 13" High, 55" Wide, 35.5" Deep Guy Lefèvre (1933-2018) was born in Madagascar and had a lifelong career as a stained glass maker. He moved his workshop to Saint-Denis in Paris, which is where he began working with Maison Jansen, designing several iconic lines. Born in Madagascar of Reunionese parents, Guy Lefèvre spent his entire career as a stained glass maker on islands in the Indian Ocean, including Madagascar, Reunion (a French department in the Indian Ocean) and Mauritius. After beginning his career in Antananarivo in the early 1960s, he moved to Reunion in 1967. His first workshop was located in the ramps of Saint-François, then in 1969, rue Mazagran in Saint-Denis. In Paris, he obtained the title of Maître Verrier at the Chambre Syndicale des Maître Verriers in 1972. In 1983, Guy Lefèvre moved near the former Éperon factory (Saint-Paul), then the property of Bourbon Sweets, who wished to create a craft village. His main activity was stained glass, but he developed a parallel production of sculptural objects. PROVENANCE / ACQUISITION: Property from a high-end downtown Austin, Texas condo Acquired from the highly reputable auction house Austin Auction Gallery, established 1983, Austin, Texas. Condition: Great original unrestored vintage condition. Strong, sturdy, and structurally sound. Presents well, with nicely aged patina. Wear consistent with age and use. Delivered cleaned, waxed, hand rubbed polished French patina finish, ready for immediate use!

Creator:

Maison Jansen (Maker)

Attributed to:

Guy Lefevre (Designer)

Dimensions:

Height: 13 in (33.02 cm)Width: 55 in (139.7 cm)Depth: 35.5 in (90.17 cm)

Style:

Mid-Century Modern (In the Style Of)

Materials and Techniques:

Resin,Wood,Gilt,Lacquered

Place of Origin:

France

Period:

Mid-20th Century

Date of Manufacture:

circa 1970s

Condition:

Wear consistent with age and use.

Seller Location:

Forney, TX

Reference Number:

1stDibs: LU5977232399132

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Shop All Maison Jansen

Maison Jansen

The Dutch-born Jean-Henri Jansen (1854–1928) was only in his mid-20s when he set up his Parisian design business in 1880. By the time he died, Maison Jansen had become the world’s first international decorating firm. Today, it is still regarded as one of the most notable firms and period furniture manufacturers in history, with its vintage floor lamps, tables, dressers and other furnishings remaining in demand.

Maison Jansen initially came to international prominence in 1883 when the young Jean-Henri Jansen traveled to Amsterdam to participate in the International Colonial Exposition, an event that featured presentations by 28 different nations and was attended by over a million visitors. There he exhibited as part of the French pavilion and won the silver medal. This led to two prominent new clients: King William III of the Netherlands and King Alfonso XII of Spain. Next was King Leopold II of Belgium for the interiors of the Château du Laeken, as well as commissions for Egypt’s King Farouk and Great Britain’s King Edward VII. Thanks to his participation in global expositions and fairs, Jansen expanded the renown of the firm so that its studios would reign in such major cities as London, New York, Buenos Aires, Cairo and many more.

Jansen was not only sought after for his taste but also for his custom period-inspired pieces. For example, in the Count and Countess de Revilla de Camargo’s Havana mansion, Jansen designed Louis XV–style furniture crafted from Cuban mahogany, enhancing Maison Jansen’s reputation as an expert maker. His custom furniture business was so successful that by 1900 he had opened his own atelier and employed around 700 artisans. In the 1960s, the firm, then led by Stéphane Boudin, worked with Jacqueline Kennedy on the refurbishment of rooms in the White House, including such spaces as the Queens’ Sitting Room, which featured bright blue fabric and neoclassical details.

Maison Jansen continued to produce furniture designs through the 20th century, responding to shifting tastes from Art Nouveau to Modern Regency. The atelier and studio officially closed its doors in 1989.

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