Postmodern Glass and Tessellated Stone Coffee Table (likely Mactan Stone)
Table (Subcategory: Coffee/Cocktail Table) · Postmodern / 1980s Retro-Regency · Likely Maitland-Smith, Magnussen-Ponte, or a similar high-end importer of Philippine-made stone furniture during the 1980s.
Type
Table (Subcategory: Coffee/Cocktail Table)
Style Period
Postmodern / 1980s Retro-Regency
Material
Thick tempered glass top, tessellated cream stone veneers (likely Mactan or Coral stone from the Philippines), and cast resin or metal ornamental detailing along the cracked-edge motif.
Age Estimate
Circa 1980-1995.
Dimensions
Height: 16-18 inches; Width: 48-54 inches; Depth: 24-30 inches. This follows the typical low-slung profile of 1980s cocktail tables.
Origin
Likely manufactured in the Philippines (specifically the Cebu region) for the American and European luxury export markets.
Designer/Maker
Likely Maitland-Smith, Magnussen-Ponte, or a similar high-end importer of Philippine-made stone furniture during the 1980s.
Value Estimate
$600 - $1,200 (Retail/Secondary market). Value increases if attributed to Maitland-Smith or if the glass is pristine and oversized.
Description
An iconic example of Postmodern luxury, this coffee table utilizes a sculptural 'tessellated' stone pedestal base to support a minimalist glass plane. The contrast between the organic, excavated look of the stone and the clean industrial lines of the glass top creates a 'Neo-Classical meets High-Tech' aesthetic typical of high-end Reagan-era interiors.
Key Features
Tessellated stone veneer, triangular sculptural pedestal, thick tempered glass top with rounded ends, and the signature 'cracked' or 'ruin-like' decorative crevice.
Color & Finish
Natural cream/ivory stone with a matte finish. The glass is clear with a polished pencil edge. Accents feature a rough-hewn, 'cracked' texture with silver or gray-toned inorganic patina.
Construction Method
The base features a plywood or fiberboard core clad in hand-laid thin stone tiles (tessellation). The glass is gravity-held on clear rubber bumpers or a recessed lip within the pedestal.
Joinery & Craftsmanship
Stone tiles are precision-cut and butt-joined to create a monolithic appearance. The 'shattered' or 'excavated' sculptural detail on the pedestal reflects stylized 80s artisan techniques.
Wood Grain & Species
None; however, the stone tiles exhibit natural porous coral patterns and mineral color variations characteristic of sedimented limestone.
Surface Treatment
The stone is smooth-honed on flat surfaces with intentional rough-casting or hand-carved 'erosion' effects on the decorative facets.
Upholstery Details
None (Glass and stone construction).
Hardware & Fittings
Hidden stabilizers within the pedestal; clear non-slip rubber pads between the stone base and glass surface.
Origin & Provenance
Likely manufactured in the Philippines (specifically the Cebu region) for the American and European luxury export markets.
Condition Notes
Very Good. Glass shows minor surface scratches consistent with age. Stone veneer appears intact with no significant chips to the brittle edges. Structure is sturdy.
Interesting Facts
Mactan stone furniture became a status symbol in the 80s because the stone was light enough to ship but looked like solid, heavy marble. The 'ruin' aesthetic was a reaction against the strict functionalism of earlier Modernism.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Miami Vice' or 'Hollywood Regency Revival' era of interior design, where opulence and theatricality returned to domestic furniture.
Similar Pieces
Often confused with solid travertine (which is much heavier) or poured concrete. Distinguishable by the visible fine lines where the stone tiles meet.
Care & Maintenance
Clean stone with pH-neutral cleaners; avoid acidic liquids (lemon, vinegar) which etch coral stone. Use glass cleaner for the top, ensuring it doesn't drip onto the porous stone base.
Value Estimate
$600 - $1,200 (Retail/Secondary market). Value increases if attributed to Maitland-Smith or if the glass is pristine and oversized.
Sustainability Notes
While using natural stone, the vintage nature of this piece makes it a sustainable 'circular economy' choice. Repairing the stone tiles can be difficult if deeply stained due to porosity.