Birdseye Maple Block Coffee Table, also known as a chunky low cocktail table
Table (Coffee Table) · Post-Modern / Contemporary (late 20th century, circa 1980s-1990s) · Likely custom-made, artisan-crafted, or produced by a high-end contemporary furniture studio specializing in exotic and figured domestic hardwoods.
Type
Table (Coffee Table)
Style Period
Post-Modern / Contemporary (late 20th century, circa 1980s-1990s)
Material
Birdseye maple wood veneer over a solid or engineered wood core, featuring a chunky monolithic block base construction.
Age Estimate
Circa 1980-2000 based on the chunky post-modern design proportions and the popularity of figured maple during the late twentieth-century revival periods.
Dimensions
Estimated dimensions: Height 16 inches, Width 48 inches, Depth 36 inches. This represents a wide, low-profile cocktail table footprint common for large conversational seating areas.
Origin
North American origin, indicated by the use of North American hard maple and the post-modern minimalist aesthetic popular in American interior design during the late 20th century.
Designer/Maker
Likely custom-made, artisan-crafted, or produced by a high-end contemporary furniture studio specializing in exotic and figured domestic hardwoods.
Value Estimate
Estimated market value ranges between $800 to $2,500 depending on the gallery provenance, exact dimensions, and the exceptional quality of the birdseye maple figuring.
Description
A striking statement coffee table defined by its heavy, chunky proportions and stunning birdseye maple surface. The piece features a soft, rounded rectangular top that overhangs a monolithic block base, creating a balanced sculpture-like presence in a room. The shimmering, dotted grain of the maple acts as the primary decorative element, celebrating organic texture within a clean, geometric silhouette.
Key Features
Expansive rounded rectangular top, chunky block pedestal base, prominent birdseye maple figuring, and a low-profile monolithic silhouette.
Color & Finish
Natural blonde/amber maple coloration with a satin varnish or lacquer finish, highlighting the distinctive birdseye figuring across the expansive flat surface.
Construction Method
Handcrafted or artisan-made with a heavy block-style pedestal base supporting a thick, rounded rectangular top. The edge profile of the top is heavily rounded and bull-nosed.
Joinery & Craftsmanship
High-quality joinery utilizing precision edge-banding and veneering techniques over a substantial stabilizing core, showcasing clean lines and expert wood selection.
Wood Grain & Species
Birdseye maple featuring a highly sought-after, dotted, swirling grain pattern created by local perturbations in the growing tree, giving it a shimmering, textured appearance.
Surface Treatment
Satin protective topcoat over natural wood, maintaining a smooth, tactile surface without heavy distressing.
Upholstery Details
Not applicable to this piece as it is entirely wooden.
Hardware & Fittings
Minimalist construction with a small visible wooden peg or fastener visible beneath the overhanging top edge, keeping visible metal hardware absent.
Origin & Provenance
North American origin, indicated by the use of North American hard maple and the post-modern minimalist aesthetic popular in American interior design during the late 20th century.
Condition Notes
Very Good condition. The surface shows minor expected wear appropriate for light use, with stable structural integrity and a well-maintained satin finish.
Interesting Facts
Birdseye maple is a rare abnormality in sugar maple trees where the wood grain resembles tiny swirling eyes, making it exceptionally prized by cabinetmakers and luthiers for centuries.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the late 20th-century interior design movement toward bold, sculptural, natural-material furniture that served as functional art in open-plan contemporary homes.
Similar Pieces
Waterfall coffee tables, Parsons tables, and thick slab cocktail tables. Distinguished primarily by the massive block pedestal base and the use of continuous figured veneer.
Care & Maintenance
Dust regularly with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid placing in direct sunlight to prevent ambering or fading of the maple. Use coasters to protect the satin finish from moisture and heat rings.
Value Estimate
Estimated market value ranges between $800 to $2,500 depending on the gallery provenance, exact dimensions, and the exceptional quality of the birdseye maple figuring.
Sustainability Notes
Constructed from durable hardwood veneer over a stable core, promoting longevity and heirloom preservation, though specific forestry certifications cannot be visually verified.