Wengé, leather and glass coffee table in the manner of Percival Lafer 1970s

Wengé, leather and glass coffee table in the manner of Percival Lafer 1970s

About the item 

Beautifully sculpted coffee table in wengé wood frame with smoked glass top and leather plaque magazine holder.

Often misattributed to Percival Lafer, the table has clearly been inspired by the designs of Percival Lafer. In particular with the use of the leather plaque affixed to the frame by round sticks on each outer end.

However, in contrast to general Brazilian design, or the design of Lafer specifically, the frame doesn’t consist of Brazilian rosewood but of wengé wood. A wood that was often used in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany. Also, the wengé wood certainly has some similarities with Brazilian rosewood due to its pattern.

The exact provenance of this table is unknown, but it’s clear that the table bears a strong exotic look, and was likely constructed in the 70s.

There is a possibility that the table was indeed designed by Percival Lafer, as many of the original Lafer products found their way to Europe between 1970 and 1985 through an official importer in Germany (Hamburg). It’s possible that the design has been commissioned specifically by the German importer for the European market, perhaps with a local production (this would explain the use of wengé wood instead of Brazilian rosewood).

About its condition 

The coffee table is in good vintage condition with some faint scratches on the glass top on one side, and some light stains on the leather.