Maison De Coene Frères, Bar cabinet and writing desk in the “brutalist” style in black oak, ca 1970

This is a sculptural bar and writing desk traditionally described as a production of the De Coene Frères publishing house in Kortrijk, Belgium, circa 1970. It is made with great care, primarily in solid oak and veneer, blackened and satin varnished. The piece of furniture has a flap and two doors. The mosaic of solid oak elements constituting the decoration of these doors irresistibly brings to mind Cubism or ethnic and Primitive arts. This perhaps explains the current craze enjoyed by these creations, called Brutalist style. Moreover, for the time, the construction of these pieces of furniture is impeccable and very solid, as evidenced by the condition of this example after sixty years of use. This piece of furniture offered for sale is in magnificent original condition, both functionally and aesthetically. Signs of wear are minimal. The interior plays on the contrast with light oak. Here is a spectacular and practical piece of furniture whose design has become timeless. I also offer the matching sideboard for sale.