"Swahili II" Cabinet by Michael Coffey, Designed 1990
View Similar Items
"Swahili II" Cabinet by Michael Coffey, Designed 1990
About the Item
- Creator:Michael Coffey (Artist)
- Dimensions:Height: 26 in (66.04 cm)Width: 94 in (238.76 cm)Depth: 32 in (81.28 cm)
- Style:Organic Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:2016
- Production Type:New & Custom(Re-Edition)
- Estimated Production Time:24-25 weeks
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Los Angeles, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU148425260163
Michael Coffey
While he may not be as well known as the designers who influenced him, master woodworker Michael Coffey creates tables, case pieces and other hand-carved furnishings that are wholly sculptural and characterized by striking, unexpected forms — they’re provocative statement pieces in any interior.
Born in 1928 in Bucks County, Pennsylvania — where like-minded designers Paul Evans, George Nakashima and Phillip Lloyd Powell shared a studio — Coffey loved working with his hands as a child. However, a sense of youthful idealism led him to pursue a master’s degree in social group work before he endeavored to design on a full-time basis. It wasn't until 1966, at the age of 38, that he started teaching himself woodworking. Coffey was inspired by innovative artisans in the furniture-making field such as Nakashima, Wharton Esherick and Wendell Castle, all of whom are credited as pioneers in the world of art furniture.
In 1972, Coffey earned his first major design commission in the form of a collection for Directional Furniture, a manufacturer that forged an enduring partnership with Paul Evans and a favorite brand of mid-century modern enthusiasts. He continued to collaborate with Directional, working in mahogany and rare Mozambique woods, and integrating abstract carving motifs in his cabinet fronts and table pedestals. Soon afterward, Coffey established a woodworking school and apprenticeships at his Vermont farm. In 1986, he moved to Massachusetts, and, in 1991, he founded a second woodworking school, this one much larger.
Coffey sold his successful Massachusetts school to his staff in 1997 in order to focus on his furniture, as his reputation and client base had grown considerably. His profile reached greater heights in 2003, when a rocking chair called Aphrodite that Coffey had designed more than two decades earlier sold at auction for nearly $50,000. The sale sparked the interest of buyers and collectors worldwide and resulted in a slew of new commissions. Today Coffey continues to make sculptural furniture with a team of woodworkers in his Massachusetts studio.
On 1stDibs, find vintage Michael Coffey tables, seating, bookcases and more.
- Michael Coffey, Ebbtide I, Wall-Mounted Cabinet, United States, 2020By Michael CoffeyLocated in New York, NYA sculptural cabinet carved in solid Mozambique. Coffey debuted this style of carving at Directional Furniture in New York, in 1972. In the 90’s he revived it, ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Cabinets
MaterialsWalnut
- Michael Coffey, "Titan" Monumental Bar Cabinet, United States, 1978By Michael CoffeyLocated in New York, NYThis sculptural cabinet is carved from solid, 4-inch thick Mahogany, and weighs 900 lbs. It is divided in two halves. One half is a door, which swings out on hidden hinges and concealed casters. The other half contains revolving shelves...Category
Late 20th Century American Dry Bars
MaterialsMahogany
- Sideboard Cabinet by Egli DesignBy Egle MieliauskieneLocated in London, GBSideboard cabinet by Egli design.Category
2010s Lithuanian Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
MaterialsWood, Hardwood, Lacquer
$9,282 / item - Storage Cabinet by Gordon Bunshaft, 1909-1990By Gordon BunshaftLocated in Mondorf les Bains, LUTeak chest of drawers and teak veneer, designed by Gordon Bunschaft and manufactured by De Coene for the Lambert bank, circa 1960. The dresser has seven drawers. A side lock locks al...Category
Mid-20th Century Belgian Credenzas
MaterialsWood
- Mid-Century Modern Petite Disc Cabinet by Michael van BeurenBy Michael van BeurenLocated in Mexico City, CDMXCirca 1970, we offer this Mid-Century Modern petite disc cabinet by Michael Van Beuren, made in mahogany plywood and brass details, includes VB original l...Category
Vintage 1970s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
MaterialsMahogany
- Mid-Century Modern Walnut Credenza by Kent CoffeyBy Kent-CoffeyLocated in Brooklyn, NYKent-Coffey walnut credenza with marble insert. Featuring brass knobs and vibrant walnut, this credenza is well constructed and in very good shape. Please confirm item location (N...Category
Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
MaterialsWalnut
$1,820 Sale Price30% Off