Known to some as “the alchemist of high minerals,” Ado Chale uses semi-precious stones, metals and organic materials like fossilized sequoia and redwoods in his marvelous tables and decorative objects. Over the course of his long career, the prolific Belgian designer, sculptor and decorator turned a passion for mineralogy and love for the natural world into elegant, sculptural furniture.
Born Adolphe Pelsener in Brussels in 1928, the designer learned cabinetry from his woodworker father and trained in ironwork at a young age under local blacksmiths. During a trip to Germany in the late 1950s, he became enamored with minerals, and turned his attention to creating seating, tables and other furnishings with a range of unconventional materials.
At the beginning of the 1960s, Pelsener changed his name to Ado Chale and opened a gallery in Brussels with his wife, a gemologist named Huguette Schaal. He began to create sophisticated mosaic inlays for tabletops using pyrite fragments. He worked with malachite and turquoise and also worked in metal, producing decorative objects and furniture like his iconic aluminum goutte d’eau coffee tables. Chale used epoxy resin to lend his tables an opulent sheen. His incorporation of exquisite natural materials like agate and petrified wood rendered his furniture unlike anything else. Chale’s work was soon in high demand — his clientele included the Belgian royal family and notable architects and designers like Alberto Pinto, Peter Marino and Jacques Grange.
In 1967, Chale’s designs were included in the Universal Exhibition in Montreal. In the decades since, he has continued to exhibit his work, including at the Bozar Centre for Fine Arts in Brussels in 2017.
On 1stDibs, find a range of vintage Ado Chale tables, lighting and more.
$16,807
Sphere by Ado Chale
By Ado Chale
Located in Uccle, BE
“Sphere”, bronze sculpture by Ado Chale. The bronze sphere features subtle undulations that add to its character and appeal. The smooth surface of the bronze catches the light, high...
Bronze
Lapis lazuli sphere
Located in London, GB
This captivating lapis lazuli sphere from Afghanistan features a deep, royal blue body accented with delicate veins of golden pyrite and soft white calcite. Place of origin: Afghani...
Crystal, Lapis Lazuli, Rock Crystal
Rose Quartz Sphere
Located in New York, NY
Rose Quartz Sphere, Measure : 6.5" Rose Quartz is a macro-crystalline mineral, naturally occurring as large intricate crystals. Rose Quartz differs from other Quartz due its pink co...
Rose Quartz
Pyrite crystal sphere
Located in London, GB
This beautiful pyrite sphere from Peru shines with a golden metallic surface and has crystals of different sizes all around it. Some parts of the sphere are open, allowing you to loo...
Crystal, Rock Crystal, Pyrite
Sand Big Sphere Vase Bubl by 101 Copenhagen
Located in Geneve, CH
Sand big sphere vase Bubl by 101 Copenhagen. Designed by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl. Dimensions: L 31,5 / W 14 / H 45 cm. Materials: Ceramic The Sphere collection celebrates unique silhouettes and textures that makes an impact with the decorative charm of sculptural art. Elegantly sculpted, each vase is finished in intricate ornate detailing. Inspired by ancient Chinese vases...
Ceramic
Vintage Regency Solid Glass Sphere
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Elevate your decor with the bold elegance of this Vintage Regency Solid Glass Sphere. Rich in deep ruby tones and expertly cut with striking geometric bands, this solid glass orb cap...
Glass
Large Jade Sphere
Located in New York, NY
This impressive polished Jade Sphere from Afghanistan is a true embodiment of natural beauty and expert craftsmanship. Measuring an impressive 16 inches in diameter and weighing appr...
Jade
Chevron Amethyst Sphere
Located in New York, NY
This 4.5" diameter Chevron Amethyst sphere highlights the bold contrast of rich purple Amethyst and striking white Quartz in dramatic zig-zag banding. Known for its eye-catching patt...
Amethyst
Malachite Sphere
Located in New York, NY
This exceptional hand-carved Malachite sphere showcases the stone’s signature swirling green banding, concentric bullseyes, and natural luster. Expertly hand-polished to a high sheen...
Malachite
Chinese papier-mâché golden sphere
Located in LA CELLERA DE TER, ES
Exclusively handcrafted piece. This sphere is created using the ancient Chinese papier-mâché technique – a millennia-old craft that eventually spread worldwide. Traditionally employe...
Gold Leaf
Sculptural Burlwood Decorative Sphere
Located in New York, NY
Sculptural vintage burlwood decorative sphere, 1970's, American craftsman made.
Burl
Nickel-Plated Armilary Sphere
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Nickel-plated armilary sphere, circa 1960.
Nickel
Malachite Sphere
Located in New York, NY
This exceptional hand-polished Malachite sphere is a mesmerizing work of natural art, showcasing the mineral’s striking banded patterns in vivid shades of green. The perfectly define...
Malachite
Suite of four “vide poche”in bronze by Ado Chale mi
By Ado Chale
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Rare serie of 4 “vide poche”in casted bronze made in late seventies by famous Belgian designer Ado Chale . Some patina and oxidation on the bronze. It can of course be cleaned and ev...
Bronze
Pocket Emptier by Ado Chale, Solid Cast Bronze
By Ado Chale
Located in Uccle, BE
Acquired in 1974 by the previous owners, this solid cast bronze pocket emptier has a pretty and charming patina. Signed with a diamond point “Chale...
Bronze
Ado Chale Signed Sculptural Cast Aluminum Vide-Poche, circa 1970, Belgium
By Ado Chale
Located in Brussels, BE
Nice sculptural Ado Chale bowl, designed circa 1970, Belgium. Cast and polished aluminum signed Chale on the inner rim. Dimensions: 16 cm W, 14 cm D, 5 cm H. Original vintage item. A...
Aluminum
Set of Three Cast Solid Bronze Trinket Bowls by Ado Chale, Belgium
By Ado Chale
Located in Uccle, BE
About this set of three cast solid bronze trinket bowls by Ado Chale Very nice set of three bowls or trinket bowls in cast bronze. Of different sizes, the three bowls form a very e...
Bronze
Ado Chale Signed Sculptural Gold Bronze Vide-Poche Vintage
By Ado Chale
Located in Brussels, BE
Nice sculptural Ado Chale bowl, designed circa 1970, Belgium. Cast and polished gold bronze, signed Ado Chale on the inner rim. Dimensions: 16 cm W, 14 cm D, 5 cm H. Original vintage...
Bronze
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H 1.97 in W 6.3 in D 5.52 in
Ado Chale Signed Sculptural Gold Bronze Vide-Poche, circa 1970, Belgium
By Ado Chale
Located in Brussels, BE
Nice sculptural Ado Chale bowl, circa 1970, Belgium. Cast and polished gold bronze, signed Ado Chale on the inner rim. Dimensions: 16 cm W, 14 cm D, 5 cm H. All purchases are cove...
Bronze
Bronze Ball by Ado Chale
By Ado Chale
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Cast iron bronze ball by Ado Chale.
Bronze
Ado Chale Signed Little Bronze Sculpture Paperweight
By Ado Chale
Located in Brussels, BE
Rare Ado Chale little bronze sculpture, circa 1985, Belgium. May be used as a paperweight. Polished and patinated bronze. Signed underside Ado Chale. Dimensions: 5 cm x 4 cm. Go...
Bronze
Bronze Ball by Ado Chale
By Ado Chale
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Cast iron bronze ball by Ado Chale.
Bronze
Pair of Tigers Eye Obelisks by Ado Chale
By Ado Chale
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of 1980s obelisk in tessellated jade precious stone from the Belgian artist Ado Chale.
Jade
1980s Ado Chale Obelisk
By Ado Chale
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
1980s Ado Chale Obelisk in Chalcedony stone.
Precious Stone
Bronze Sphere Sculpture by Ado Chale
By Ado Chale
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Bronze Sphere sculpture by the belgian artist Ado Chale.
Bronze