With their curvaceous metal surfaces and shapes often resembling sheets of folded paper, Mathieu Matégot's inspiring furniture and lighting designs are easily recognizable and highly sought after by collectors. By working with perforated sheet metal and metal tubing, the Hungarian-born French architect, artist and designer — who is known by aficionados for his “rigitulle” technique — created tables, chairs and decorative objects that are celebrated works of French modernism and make a statement in any interior.
Matégot attended the Budapest School of Fine Arts and Architecture. He graduated in 1929 and traveled before settling in Paris in 1931, where he worked as a window dresser for department stores and as a set designer for cabaret halls.
In 1939, Matégot joined the French army in resistance to invading Nazi forces. He was soon captured and sent to work in a German factory. It was at this factory where Matégot became familiar with the materials and techniques that would inform and inspire his trademark rigitulle method.
After the war ended, Matégot opened a workshop in Paris and began to create handcrafted furniture that didn't conform to established styles of the time. Matégot explored merging traditional and non-traditional materials — he worked with formica, glass and natural materials such as rattan — and engaged in other forward-looking experiments. Matégot soon patented his career-defining rigitulle technique and material, which saw the designer working with metal tubing and perforated metal sheets and producing thin, airy folds into the metal as if he were manipulating fabric or paper.
Many of Matégot’s designs for table lamps, pendants, tables and more are reflective of the rigitulle technique, but the best-known work that exemplifies this process is his elegant three-legged Nagasaki chair, which he exhibited in 1954 at the Salon des Artistes Décorateurs. The original Nagasaki chair gave way to a collection that included a stool and an armchair. Matégot’s Nagasaki dining chair has been reissued by Gubi and is part of the permanent collection at the Vitra Design Museum, which is home to one of the world’s most important furniture collections.
Matégot created a range of smaller items for the home — serveware, side tables and magazine racks, each distinctive in their fluid and organic forms — but halted his career in design and moved to Angers in the early 1960s in order to turn to creating art. Today he is known for his abstract tapestries as well as his furnishings.
Find vintage Mathieu Matégot furniture on 1stDibs.
Original French Modernist Metal Tray "Rigituelle" by Mathieu Matégot, 1950s
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Metal tray. Designed and produced by Mathieu Matégot. Origin: France, 1950s. Original Mathieu Matégot tray "RIGITUELLE". made in the 1950s in...
Metal
Original French Modernist Metal Tray "Rigituelle" by Mathieu Matégot, 1950s
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Metal tray. Designed and produced by Mathieu Matégot. Origin: France, 1950s. Original Mathieu Matégot tray "RIGITUELLE". made in the 1950s in France. typical mategot style with ...
Metal
Mathieu Matégot Mid-Century Modern Wine Bottle Carrier, France, c.1955
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in London, GB
A very rare Mathieu Mategot wine bottle carrier. Visible signs of rust and paint loss but no structural issues. Could be refinished if one wanted to restore it. Sold as seen in origi...
Sheet Metal
Vintage French Mid-Century Modern Garden Tables by Mathieu Matégot
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A vintage pair of original French Mid-Century modern white metal garden tables by Mathieu Mategot, with perforated square tops and small shelv...
Metal
Rare pair of mid century two tier jardinieres by Mathieu Matégot
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Henley-on Thames, Oxfordshire
Set of four stackable planters by Mathieu Matégot (1910-2001) Metal and perforated lacquered sheet metal (rigitulle) Model created circa 1950 (priced for the set of 4) Bibliogr...
Steel
Round Black Metal Tray Designed by Mathieu Matégot, France, 1950s
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Den Haag, NL
Black metal tray designed by Mathieu Matégot. Manufactured by Ateliers Matégot, France, circa 1950. Lacquered perforated metal.
Metal
Mathieu Mategot Aubusson Tapestry
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in New York, NY
Mathieu Mategot abstract Aubusson Tapestry woven by Atelier Tabard Freres & Soeurs. Known as a French furniture designer he devoted his work full time to tapestries in the 1960s beco...
Wool
Mathieu Matégot 'Satellite' Outdoor Metal Pendant for Gubi in Cream
By Mathieu Matégot, Gubi
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mathieu Matégot 'Satellite' Outdoor Metal Pendant for Gubi in Cream Designed in 1953 by Matégot, this authorized re-edition by GUBI of Denmark meticulously reproduces his work with...
Metal
Clef de Sol étagère by Mathieu Matégot
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Henley-on Thames, Oxfordshire
Clef de Sol bookshelf Produced by Ateliers Matégot France, c.1955 White painted metal (later painted) documentation : - MONDINEU, Mathieu Mategot, éd. Jou...
Metal, Steel
Gubi Tropique Outdoor Armchair in White Base with Fringes by Mathieu Matégot
By Mathieu Matégot, Gubi
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Created in the 1950s by the Hungarian-born French master of postwar design, Mathieu Matégot, the Tropique Collection of outdoor furniture captures the timeless glamour and exotic lux...
Stainless Steel
Round Black French Mid Century "Bellevue" Sofa Side Table by Mathieu Matégot
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Stockholm, SE
A rare round and decorative French mid century "Bellevue" side sofa table in black lacquered metal with a glass top designed by Mathieu Matégot and produced in France in 1950s. In go...
Metal
Nice magazine Rack by Mathieu Matégot
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Jolie porte revu en rigidulle et laiton par Mathieu Matégot vers 1950.
Metal, Brass
Mid-Century Modern Shelves by Mathieu Matégot, Metal, France, 1950
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Barcelona, ES
Shelves in the style of Mathieu Matégot Manufactured in France, circa 1950. In good condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina. Math...
Metal
$5,780
Fauteuil de jardin
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Paris, FR
Wrought iron chair, 6 available
Iron
Gubi Tropique Outdoor Armchair in Black Base with Fringes by Mathieu Matégot
By Gubi, Mathieu Matégot
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Created in the 1950s by the Hungarian-born French master of postwar design, Mathieu Matégot, the Tropique Collection of outdoor furniture captures the timeless glamour and exotic lux...
Stainless Steel
Mathieu Matégot Umbrella Stand, Mid-Century Modern, 1950s, France
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Biebergemund, Hessen
Simple and elegant midcentury umbrella stand designed by Mathieu Mategot and manufactured by Atelier Mategot in the 1950s. White lacquered perforated metal with brass handle. We fou...
Brass
Mathieu Matégot Baghdad Lamp
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Very rare Mathieu Matégot "Baghdad" lamp. Red perforated metal. Illuminates beautifully. Old welding and patina. Original European socket with new wiring for US. Great condition. Ma...
Metal, Brass
Original Mathieu Matégot "Java" Pendant in Red Lacquer, 1950s
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Paris, FR
This striking piece of design, the "Java" pendant by Mathieu Matégot in red, is a brilliant testament to the designer's mastery of form and material. Crafted in the 1950s, this piece...
Metal
Serving Tray by Mathieu Matégot
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Vlimmeren, BE
This white metal tray was designed by Mathieu Matégot in the 1950s. The metalwork displays the hallmarks of Matégot’s style. The metal sheet is accentuated by decorative perforation...
Metal
Pendant by Mathieu Matégot
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Long Island City, NY
A pendant designed my Mathieu Matégot, France, circa 1950s. Opal glass shade with clear textured glass diffuser and lacquered aluminum. Original paint. Marked on glass: Made in Fra...
Magazine Rack by Mathieu Matégot
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in New York, NY
Black magazine rack with perforated metal by Mathieu Matégot France, 1950s.
Metal
Mathieu Matégot 'Démon' Shelf for GUBI in American Walnut
By Gubi, Mathieu Matégot
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mathieu Matégot 'Démon' Shelf for GUBI in American Walnut. The Démon Shelf, or the Biblio-Démon in Matégot’s original 1954 sketches, was part of a “plan d’execution de la bibliothèq...
Metal
$4,204 / set
Pair of Mathieu Matégot Chairs
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Très élégante paire de chaises par Mathieu Matégot. Le métal a quelques usures du temps, manques de peintures.
Metal
Mathieu Mategot, Large Plant Pot, France 1950
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Catonvielle, FR
Mathieu Matégot, Large cache pot in expanded sheet metal lacquered white, France 1950. Listed at n° 37 in the monograph "Mathieu Mategot", edition Jousse entreprise. Original lacquer...
Metal
French Mid Century Side Console Table in Black Metal by Mathieu Matégot, 1950s
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare French black lacquered mid century half round console side table by Mathieu Matégot for Steph Simon Paris, 1950s. In good original condition with patina from age and use. Matche...
Metal
A Large Modernist Abstract Tapestry by Mathieu Mategot
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Atlanta, GA
A modernist wool woven tapestry designed by French artist and designer Mathieu Mategot (1910-2001) circa 1960s. The piece is signed with Matégot and monogrammed TMP fino (Manufactura...
Canvas, Wool
Extremely Rare Mid-Century Modern Table Lamp 'Java' by Mathieu Matégot 1950s
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in München, BY
Exceptional Mid-Century Modern table lamp "Java". Designed & manufactured by Mathieu Matégot, France, 1950s. Important design object for collector! Executed in black and white pai...
Metal
Gubi Tropique Outdoor Armchair in Black Base, Strip Blue by Mathieu Matégot
By Mathieu Matégot, Gubi
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Created in the 1950s by the Hungarian-born French master of postwar design, Mathieu Matégot, the Tropique Collection of outdoor furniture captures the timeless glamour and exotic lux...
Stainless Steel
Customizable Gubi Satellite Outdoor Pendant by Mathieu Mategot
By Mathieu Matégot, Gubi
Located in New York, NY
Building on the Satellite Collection of whimsical, modernist sculptural lamps, the Satellite Outdoor Pendant and Satellite Outdoor Floor Lamp are GUBI...
Aluminum
Gubi Copacabana Outdoor Lounge Chair in Black base and Lorkey, Mathieu Matégot
By Gubi, Mathieu Matégot
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Created in the 1950s by the Hungarian-born French master of postwar design, Mathieu Matégot, the Tropique Collection of outdoor furniture captures the timeless glamour and exotic lux...
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1950 Mathieu Matégot Trolley in Black Lacquered Metal
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Barcelona, ES
Trolley designed by Mathieu Matégot. Manufactured by Ateliers Matégot (France), circa 1950. Folded, perforated metal lacquered in black. In original condition, with minor wear consi...
Metal
Gubi Tropique Outdoor Armchair in Black Base, Limonata White by Mathieu Matégot
By Gubi, Mathieu Matégot
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Created in the 1950s by the Hungarian-born French master of postwar design, Mathieu Matégot, the Tropique Collection of outdoor furniture captures the timeless glamour and exotic lux...
Stainless Steel
Gubi Tropique Outdoor Armchair in Black Base with Fringes by Mathieu Matégot
By Gubi, Mathieu Matégot
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Created in the 1950s by the Hungarian-born French master of postwar design, Mathieu Matégot, the Tropique Collection of outdoor furniture captures the timeless glamour and exotic lux...
Stainless Steel
Gubi Tropique Outdoor Armchair in Black Base with Fringes by Mathieu Matégot
By Gubi, Mathieu Matégot
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Created in the 1950s by the Hungarian-born French master of postwar design, Mathieu Matégot, the Tropique Collection of outdoor furniture captures the timeless glamour and exotic lux...
Stainless Steel
Mathieu Matégot Mid-Century Modern Red Enameled Metal Plate, circa 1950
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Barcelona, ES
Enameled metal plate designed by Mathieu Matégot. Manufactured by Artimeta (Holland), circa 1950. Lacquered perforated metal, seem to be repainted many years ago. In good original c...
Metal
Mathieu Matégot 'Démon' 5-Shelf System for GUBI in American Walnut
By Gubi, Mathieu Matégot
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mathieu Matégot 'Démon' 5-Shelf System for GUBI in American Walnut. The Démon Shelf, or the Biblio-Démon in Matégot’s original 1954 sketches, was part of a “plan d’execution de la b...
Metal
Important French Mid-Century Modern 'Baghdad' Table Lamp by Mathieu Matégot
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in New York, NY
Rare French Mid-century table lamp or desk lamp in black enameled perforated metal by Mathieu Matégot. The piece has a unique sculptural form composed of series of non-linear angl...
Metal
Mathieu Matégot Coat Rack in Brass and Black for GUBI
By Gubi, Mathieu Matégot
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mathieu Matégot Coat Rack in Brass and Black for GUBI Designed in 1956 by Matégot, this is an authorized re-edition by GUBI of Denmark, who...
Brass
Mathieu Mategot for Artimeta magazine rack , 1950s
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Delft, NL
Mathieu Mategot for Artimeta magazine rack , 1950s
Metal
$8,408 / set
Rare pair of Mathieu Matégot chairs
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Mathieu MATEGOT (1910-2001) Paire de chaises, circa 1951, à assise et dossier en tôle perforée laquée noir, disposés sur une structure tubulaire formant un piètement tubulaire joint ...
Metal
Mathieu Matégot Enameled Metal Tray, circa 1950
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Barcelona, ES
Enameled metal tray designed by Mathieu Matégot. Manufactured by Ateliers Matégot (France), circa 1950. Lacquered perforated metal with original paint. In good original condition, w...
Metal
Mathieu Mategot Tripod Coffee Table / Magazine Rack
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Soho, London, GB
Occasional table with magazine rack by Mathieu Mategot (France circa 1955). The table is made in Mategot's iconic perforated sheet metal paired with a glass top.
Sheet Metal
Mathieu Matégot 'Démon' 5-Shelf System for GUBI in Oak
By Gubi, Mathieu Matégot
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mathieu Matégot 'Démon' 5-Shelf System for GUBI in Oak. The Démon Shelf, or the Biblio-Démon in Matégot’s original 1954 sketches, was part of a “plan d’execution de la bibliothèque," or his ideal model of an interior home library and study...
Metal
White Bowl by Mathieu Matégot
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Petite white Bowl by Mathieu Matégot — France, 1950's Woven Iron frame and newly painted in a brilliant white Perfect for fruit as photographed !
Iron
1950s umbrella stand by Mathieu Matégot, France
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Bastia Umbra, IT
1950s umbrella stand by Mathieu Matégot, France. Very elegant 1950s umbrella stand was designed by Designer Mathieu Matégot. The feature is a pastel green lacquered perforated wire ...
Brass
White French Mid Century Magazine Rack by Mathieu Matégot for Steph Simon, 1950s
By Mathieu Matégot, Steph Simon
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare French mid century magazine rack in white lacquered metal designed by Mathieu Matégot for Steph Simon in Paris France, 1950s. In good original condition. Dimensions: H: 14.57...
Metal
Mathieu Mategot Wrought Iron & Saint Gobain Glass Gueridon, France 1950's
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in New York, NY
Elegant wrought iron and glass center table with a Saint Gobain top, the base is a double-looped rod that gracefully connects to a sphere in the center. The model is a variation of t...
Wrought Iron
Mid Century Magazine Rack by Mathieu Matégot in White Painted Metal France 1950s
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare mid century white magazine rack designed by Mathieu Matégot produced in France during the 1950s. In good original condition. Dimensions: H: 14.57 in (37 cm) W: 15.75 in (40 cm...
Metal
Scarce ashtray by Mathieu Matégot
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Rare cendrier sur pied en laiton par Mathieu Matégot
Metal, Brass
Large Mathieu Matégot Bowl Dish in Original Condition
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Berlin, DE
Large Matégot dish bowl in original vintage condition.
Metal
Side table by Mathieu Matégot
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Jolie table d’appoint par Mathieu matégot vers 1950.
Metal, Brass
1950's Mathieu Mategot circular Planters, white lacquered Mesh, a Pair
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in London, Fitzrovia
A pair of Mid Century Mathieu Mategot circular planters, in white lacquered metal mesh, untouched, in original condition, circa 1950's.
Metal
Mathieu Matégot Enameled Metal Plate, Mid-Century Modern, France, 40cm
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Barcelona, ES
Enameled metal plate designed by Mathieu Matégot. Manufactured by Ateliers Matégot (France), circa 1950. Lacquered perforated metal with original paint and rattan details. In good o...
Metal
$880Sale Price|41% Off
Mategot Bar Trolley, France, 1950s
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Saarbruecken, DE
Mategot bar trolley, France, 1950s. Black metal base. Vinyl covered tabletop. Castors move prefect.
Metal
Mathieu Matégot 'Démon' Shelf for GUBI in Black Ash
By Gubi, Mathieu Matégot
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mathieu Matégot 'Démon' Shelf for GUBI in Black Ash. The Démon Shelf, or the Biblio-Démon in Matégot’s original 1954 sketches, was part of a “plan d’execution de la bibliothèque," o...
Metal
Mathieu Matégot 'Démon' 5-Shelf System for Gubi in Oak
By Gubi, Mathieu Matégot
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mathieu Matégot 'Démon' 5-Shelf System for GUBI in Oak. The Démon Shelf, or the Biblio-Démon in Matégot’s original 1954 sketches, was part of a “plan d’execution de la bibliothèque," or his ideal model of an interior home library and study...
Metal
Mathieu Matégot Brass and Black Metal French Harpers Magazine Rack, circa 1950
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Barcelona, ES
Magazine holder designed by Mathieu Matégot. Model Harpers. Manufactured by Ateliers Matégot (France) circa 1950. Folded, perforated metal lacquered in black and brass detail. In go...
Metal, Brass
$16,000 / set
Pair of Rare Bedside Tables by Mathieu Matégot
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in London, GB
A pair of black rigitule bedside table or originally telephone table. Manufactured by Les Ateliers Matégot, 1953, France. Original paint. Published in Patrick Favardin Book p6.
Steel
Large Mathieu Matégot 'Satellite' Pendant in Black for GUBI
By Gubi, Mathieu Matégot
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Large Mathieu Matégot 'Satellite' Pendant in Black for GUBI Designed in 1953 by Matégot, this authorized re-edition by GUBI of Denmark meticulously reproduces his work with scrupul...
Metal
Mathieu Mategot pierced metal tray c.1950’s
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in London, GB
Small French pierced metal tray by Mathieu Mategot. Minor paint loss and rust marks.
Metal