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Tessellated Bone and Brass Inlay Coffee Table, Maitland Smith, 1980's

Creator: Maitland-Smith
Offered by: Habitat-Gallery

Description
This early Maitland-Smith tessellated horn table leans ever-so-playfully to the side, as if it’s engaging in a little architectural mischief—think Leaning Tower of Pisa, but make it chic. A stunning marriage of organic materials and modern design, this piece is for the collector who appreciates the beauty of imperfect perfection.

The entire surface is clad in thousands of meticulously arranged bone tiles, forming a textural masterpiece that practically begs to be touched. Near the base, a double brass pinstripe adds a tailored touch (because even the wabi-sabi aesthetic deserves a little polish). But the real showstopper? That mesmerizing tabletop. Concentric circles of dark and light bone, delicately separated by brass piping, create a bullseye effect—with the center marked by a warm caramel-colored bone inlay. It’s like the universe conspired to make a piece that’s equal parts art, craftsmanship, and conversation starter.

This table is super Wabi-sabi—this is the Japanese philosophy that finds beauty in imperfection, asymmetry, and natural materials. This table embodies that spirit perfectly. The organic shape, the raw elegance of the tessellated bone, the slight lean—this piece isn’t trying too hard, yet it effortlessly steals the show. It’s a love letter to nature’s irregularities, proving that the best designs aren’t always perfectly straight-laced.

Maitland-Smith was founded in 1979 by visionary designer Paul Maitland-Smith, the brand quickly gained a cult following for its intricate craftsmanship and obsession with luxe, natural materials—think horn, bone, shagreen, and brass. Early pieces, like this one, were handcrafted in the Philippines, making them rare finds in today’s market. If you’re after that mix of global influence, organic modernism, and heirloom-quality craftsmanship, Maitland-Smith delivers every time.

Where Does This Beauty Belong? Honestly? Anywhere. Picture it in a softly styled organic modern home, where neutral tones, natural textures, and sculptural furniture reign supreme. Or drop it into a wabi-sabi inspired space, where it can complement raw wood, stone, and imperfect ceramics. It’s the kind of piece that thrives in a minimalist-meets-luxe environment—because a coffee table this sculptural doesn’t need much to shine.

Statement-making, effortlessly cool, and a little rebellious—this Maitland-Smith coffee table isn’t just furniture, it’s functional art.

Please note, this table measures 36.5" in diameter, but due to its leaning nature will take up a larger almost 40" footprint.

More Information

Documentation:	Signed
Notes:	See Photos
Origin:	Philippines
Period:	1980-1999
Materials:	Horn, Brass, Wood
Condition:	Fair. There is a small chip on the bottom of the table to the horn where the table meets the floor, there is also some chipping along the outer edge of the table. not noticeable under casual observation.
Styles / Movements:	Modern, Contemporary, Mid Century
Incollect Reference #:	782790