Minimalist Pedestals

The exquisite art of pietre dure is at its absolute finest in this spectacular pair of Russian ormolu and malachite plinths. True works of art of the Restauration period, these plinths each feature a matching pietre dure mosaic crafted of the finest stones, all chosen to create a sense of depth and dimensionality in the final work. Depicting an onyx vase with tulips, roses, daffodils, magnolia and other flowers, these pietre dure panels are among the finest examples of this ancient art we have seen. The pietre dure is complemented by malachite panels of the highest quality, exhibiting exceptional depth through its extraordinary cellular structure. Malachite is one of Russia’s most precious stones, and its presence in these plinths indicates commission and ownership by an individual of considerable status. Mounted in an excellent stepped ormolu base, these plinths originally served as bases for vases or candelabra. The overall execution and appearance of these plinths is very characteristic of the taste associated with the immensely wealthy collector Nicolas Demidoff. As early as 1806, Demidoff had commissioned the Parisian goldsmith Henri August to supply a guéridon; in 1819, he ordered famed French bronzier Pierre-Philippe Thomire to supply mounts for a massive malachite vase (now in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York), as well as a console table with legs in the form of Nike. Other commissions included a table given as a gift to Grand Duke Leopoldo II of Florence, now in the Pitti Palace. Demidoff eventually settled in Florence in 1822 and became Russian minister to the Tuscan Court. Elevated to the rank of Count of San Donato by the Grand Duke, he built a magnificent villa at San Donato on the site of lands formerly owned by the Medici. The villa was later inherited by Anatole, his son, Prince of San Donato, and there are records which confirm transactions he had with the Opificio delle Pietre Dure. The 19th century proved to be the golden age of Russian malachite. The stone became a sign of prestige and a token of wealth, so much so that Russian papers of the time wrote: "To afford having a big piece wrought in malachite is synonymous to owning diamonds." Year after year the Russian (Romanov) treasury paid increasingly unreasonable prices to hoard the best malachite, much of which went into Romanov palaces and extravagant objets d'art. The Hermitage Museum possesses a collection of over two hundred examples of this “palatial” malachite...

This mango wood pedestal was burnt multiple times and the finished with a clear coat to achieve its color. A strong and robust pedestal that is both beautiful on its own or displaying sculptures, vases or other items...

The ivory pedestal is (in my mind) the accompaniment to Sottsass' TARTAR Cubist-like sideboard --- a visual attempt to show each elevation/plain as though it were 3-D rather than a f...

Noviembre VI Side Table, Night Stand in Burned Oak Wood and Marble Top The Noviembre collection is inspired by the creative values of Constantin Brancusi, a Romanian sculptor considered one of the most influential artists of the twentieth century, who, through his highly simplified figures and free of all ornaments, sought to appeal intellect and senses, representing his vision of the true essence of things. Designed by Joel Escalona for BREUER STUDIO, Noviembre is a collection conformed by furniture such as tables, chest of drawers and dining chairs, as well as comfortable lounge chairs, console tables and sculptural bookshelves. VI Sexta — Noviembre Stool...

A wonderfully sculptural round side table. The table's neutral pigment makes it perfect for any space. It was crafted from a solid block of...

The Lola bedside by R & Y Augousti is an elegant piece with its subtle geometry. This bedside table is completely inlaid in cream parchment with discreet bronze-patina brass flat han...

A wonderfully sculptural side table. Its neutral pigment and subtle wood texture makes it perfect for any space. A uniquely sculptural and versatile piece. This table was crafted fro...

The Tomboy Bedside by R&Y Augousti is an elegant piece with its subtle geometry. This bedside table is completely inlaid in a mixture of cream parchment and gemelina wood veneer in t...

Cool tall pedestal lamp designed by Bill Curry for Design Line circa 1960's. The lamp has a rectangular green body, on a black plinth base, with origina...

This stylish yet adaptable piece can be used as a side table for the living room, a pedestal for artwork, a night stand for the bedroom, or as extra seating when entertaining. The ...

MDF surfaces and a Swedish pine solid wood sphere lacquered in dead matt petrol green colour. This compact low level piece elaborates the curved profiles of the series in three dimensions. made out of two intersecting half-moon surfaces encapsulating a sphere in their internal sides, the piece is conceived as a nightstand beside the wall or against a bed. The piece is made out of lacquered anti-scratch wooden planes...

Custom metal square plinth or pedestal with a rusted patina by Lee Stanton. Modern and minimalist in form, these stands have a warm yet industrial feel. A...